Five dead, 22 injured after Israel strike UN food distribution centre in southern Gaza
Nidal al-Mughrabi, Bassam and Masoud |Israel said on Wednesday that its airstrike on a UN food distribution centre in southern Gaza killed a Hamas commander who had been targeted but Palestinian health officials said it also killed four more people including a UN worker. There was no immediate confirmation from Hamas that he was a member of the group now battling against Israeli forces in Gaza. Earlier, the main UN agency for Palestinians (UNRWA) said one of its facilities had been hit in Rafah, an area in southern Gaza where more than half of Gaza’s 2.3 million population is sheltering. At least one UNRWA staff member was among the five killed and 22 others were injured, the agency said and the facility’s coordinates had been shared with the Israeli military. Hamas has denied Israel’s accusations and says Israel is using famine to pressure the Palestinian population.
Source:GNN Liberia
March 14, 2024 09:27 UTC
Russian oil tankers abandon Liberian and Marshall Islands flags due to U.S. sanctions
Russian oil tankers have stopped operating under the flags of Liberia and the Marshall Islands in response to the United States’ stricter enforcement of sanctions related to vessels registered under these flags, Reuters reported on March 6. The move impacts numerous Russian tankers, which have lost the ability to utilize these flags over recent weeks. It highlights the ties between the U.S. and the companies managing the ships under the Liberian and Marshall Islands flags, which are headquartered in Virginia, USA, and fall under American sanctions jurisdiction. The previous extensive use of these flags posed a potential long-term vulnerability for Russia’s oil fleet, according to energy and sanctions experts. Even after changing flags outside of U.S. jurisdiction, the tankers would remain liable for any sanctions violations.
Source:GNN Liberia
March 13, 2024 14:28 UTC
More accountable development cooperation is necessary for efforts to improve human security and inclusivity at all levels, UNDP HDR finds
Among other exciting questions, the report seeks to address the following: 1) What is the state of human development? This report opens a new trilogy of human development reports that will explore further the layers of uncertainty identified in the latest HDR: how to address polarization (2023-24), shape our shared digital future to advance human development (2025), and marshal human aspirations to navigate the Anthropocene (2026). The human development approach argues that genuine development should seek to expand the richness of lives not just the economy. The first Human Development Report was released in 1990 and it began with the powerful idea: that “People are the real wealth of nations”. The Human Development Report has made it possible to fundamentally reconsider the individual’s place in development, including the impact of direct intervention by humankind into nature.
Source:GNN Liberia
March 13, 2024 14:16 UTC
Liberia: “The Power and Potential Women Hold”
“Today I am brave enough to stand among people to talk,” Fofana said in her remarks at the International Women’s Day official celebration. Mama Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, women are praying may God bless her and give her good health.”Popularly known as the “Iron Lady”, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf served from 2006 to 2018. According to Kartumu Boakai, the First Lady of Liberia, the theme is a call to action to invest more in women. “As we reflect on the sacrifices and triumphs of women throughout history, we are reminded of the power and potential that women hold within themselves,” she said in her keynote address. Why International Women’s DayMarch 8, was declared by the United Nations (UN) as the International Women's Day to celebrate how far women have come in society, politics, and economics.
Source:Daily Observer
March 12, 2024 11:28 UTC
Liberia: ITC Identifies Buyer for Liberian Coffee
The International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Farmers Union Network of Liberia (FUNL), a local partner, have linked Liberian coffee farmers with a local exporter to give attractive prices to farmers for their coffee beans. The local coffee farmers are beneficiaries of the ACP Business Friendly Coffee Project of Liberia which is implemented by the ITC and FUNL with support from the EU. But, the ACP coffee project in the country is intending to change that narrative. Coffee cooperatives engaged during the tour include Salayeae Coffee Farmers Cooperative , Zorzor Coffee Farmers Cooperative, Voinjama Coffee Farmers Cooperative, and the Garmue Coffee Farmers Cooperative and among others. Meanwhile, the National Project Coordinator of the ACP Business Coffee project in Liberia, Emmis Varney told the farmers that the project remains focused on working with them.
Source:Daily Observer
March 11, 2024 16:51 UTC
Who won the most Oscars for 2024?
Joel Cholo Brooks is a Liberian journalist who previously worked for several international news outlets including the BBC African Service. He is the CEO of the Global News Network which publishes two local weeklies, The Star and The GNN-Liberia Newspapers. He is a member of the Press Union Of Liberia (PUL) since 1986, and several other international organizations of journalists, and is currently contributing to the South Africa Broadcasting Corporation as Liberia Correspondent.
Source:GNN Liberia
March 11, 2024 12:27 UTC
Appoint, Not Disappoint
Due to this experience, the people of Liberia have concluded that Liberia is headed in the wrong direction (Afrobarometer, 2022). The new direction of the the new State regime is the wrong direction. It is the wrong direction because it promotes corruption and poverty. The right direction calls for the use of awareness raising for helping to solve the problems non-violently, through the Rule of Law. The right direction calls for relevant action like the action taken to remove almost all of the Legislators who wanted to be re-elected.
Source:Daily Observer
March 11, 2024 09:15 UTC
Women O Women!
During the Induction Program for the present leadership of the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL), the women leadership argued for thirty per cent representation of women in the National Legislature of Liberia. In their vote seeking posture, some men were even pushing for fifty per cent representation for women. Although women in Liberia and some men are pushing for more women to get into the National Legislature, it violates the Constitution of Liberia to have women in the Legislature engaging in poverty generation just as the male Legislators. We have the slogan of the women of Liberia: Women O Women. Women O Women.
Source:Daily Observer
March 11, 2024 09:15 UTC
Death toll from Indonesia flash floods, landslides jumps to 21
ANKARA – The death toll from flash floods and landslides on Indonesia’s Sumatra island has risen to 21, with tens of thousands of people fleeing to temporary government shelters, officials said on Sunday. According to Yusrizal, seven bodies were recovered in the village of Koto XI Tarusan, while another three were found in two neighboring villages, bringing the total number of deaths to 21. “Relief efforts for the dead and missing were hampered by power outages, blocked roads covered in thick mud and debris,” Yusrizal said. The agency said at least two villagers were injured, while more than 80,000 people have fled to temporary government shelters. Flash floods and landslides are common in Indonesia, where millions live near floodplains, particularly during the rainy season.
Source:GNN Liberia
March 10, 2024 16:35 UTC
A Threat To Concession Companies’ Assets …Citizens Speak Out On Withdrawal Of Armed Guards
Some citizens of Liberia have spoken out against government’s plan to withdraw armed guards from concession companies’ facilities across the country describing the move as a major threat to the assets of companies operating in the country. In response to his communication, the House is said to be currently deliberating the prospect of urging the Executive branch to withdraw security forces from all mining company’s facilities in Liberia. Mohammed Donsu, a commercial driver who lives in one of the concession areas said taking away armed guards from these companies will leave the companies vulnerable as there will be no one to protect their assets and could cause serious impediment for the operations of these companies. This the citizens said will scare away investors mostly those contemplating in coming to invest in the country as concession companies love to work in a peaceful and friendly environment where their assets will be protected by the government. The Government shall provide armed guards as needed, which expense shall be borne by the Company.”Visited 42 times, 17 visit(s) today
Source:GNN Liberia
March 10, 2024 16:15 UTC
Gola Konneh Citizens Distanced themselves from Staged Protest by Job Seekers Against Bea Mountain
Citizens of Gola Konneh District, in Grand Cape Mount County have firmly distanced themselves from a staged protest action against Bea Mountain Mining Corporation by those they term as job seekers. “Gola Konneh District is concerned, and is calling on the Government of Liberia to launch a speedy intervention into the matter, as those involved in the protest are not indigenous. They are not citizens of Gola Konneh District where 99.9% of the Bea Mountain Mining Corporation currently operates,” they emphasize in a unified tone. According to the Gola Konneh Citizens, those protesting against the company are job seekers who do not even have a property in the concession area. Meanwhile, the Gola Konneh Citizens have expressed sincere gratitude to the Management of Bea Mountain Mining Corporation for its continuous developmental activities for the citizens of Gola Konneh District.
Source:GNN Liberia
March 09, 2024 05:12 UTC
Liberia: Amara Konneh, Samuel Tweah and Janga Kowo Weigh In on GAC Audit Report Vis-à-vis Government’s Consolidated Accounts Balances
In the GAC’s opinion, with the outstanding cheques factored in, while the Government of Liberia’s book balance stood at US$43,243,823.77, the reconciled cash balance totaled US$6,918,142.97, representing the Government’s cash position. Therefore, the reconciled Cash balance was US$6,918,142.97. Outstanding Cheques Vs. CommitmentsIn an attempt to provide some nuance to the GAC Report, the former Comptroller General, Janga Kowo, emphasized the importance of context in understanding the GAC findings. Kowo asserts that the GAC report does not challenge the accuracy of the actual cash balance reported by the previous government as of January 17, 2024. Did President Weah say anything about Government obligations?
Source:Front Page Africa
March 08, 2024 16:42 UTC
The fight for women’s rights over the past fifty years is a story of progress
Women’s rights were finally recognised as fundamental and universal human rights. In both developed and developing countries, a backlash against women’s rights, including their sexual and reproductive rights, is stalling and even reversing progress. We must also urgently support women’s rights organizations fighting against stereotypes, battling to make women’s and girls’ voices heard, and challenging traditions and cultural norms. But it takes investment to give schoolgirls the same opportunities as schoolboys. It takes investment to provide the childcare that enables caregivers, who are mainly mothers, to do paid work outside the home.
Source:GNN Liberia
March 08, 2024 16:27 UTC
Former President Weah Mourns the Passing of Former Representative Johnson Gwaikolo, Describing It as a Loss to Liberia
Paynesville — Liberia’s former President George Weah has expressed profound sadness over the demise of former District #9 Representative of Nimba County, Johnson Gwaikolo, emphasizing that his passing is a significant loss to Liberia. His loss is deeply felt by the nation,” President Weah shared during his visit to the late statesman’s home in Paynesville. Former Liberian leader, along with several former government officials, visited the home of the late Gwaikolo on Thursday, March 7, 2024, acknowledging his seniority within the Coalition for Democratic Change. We had planned to meet, but unfortunately, I received the news of his passing while I was returning home,” former President Weah expressed. Outside of the Legislature, the late Gwaikolo served as Deputy Minister of Public Works during the administration of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and as President of the United Methodist University (UMU).
Source:Front Page Africa
March 08, 2024 12:44 UTC
19-year-old charged with murder of 6, including 4 children, in Canada
By Aleem Agha and Ellie Kaufman |A 19-year-old Sri Lankan national has been arrested and charged with the alleged murders of six people, including four children, in Ottawa, Canada, Ottawa police said at a press conference Thursday. Frank Desouza, believed to be studying in Canada, has been charged with six counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder, Ottawa police said. Ottawa police were called to the crime scene at about 11 p.m. local time on Wednesday. “The family were newcomers to Canada and are originally from Sri Lanka,” Ferguson said. This is the focus of our homicide unit as a diligently investigate this tragic crime,” Ferguson said.
Source:GNN Liberia
March 08, 2024 09:59 UTC