Metro

UN says ISIS becoming weaker in Africa but African countries know better

Published

2 years ago

April 6, 2022

A new report released by the United Nations Security Council has revealed that the threat of ISIS terror group and its several affiliates in African countries are becoming weaker, as more fighters are being killed or have deserted the groups.

In the report, the UN credited the decline to the “deaths of leading ISIS terrorists and the desertion of thousands of fighters from the group,” with the belief that this has left it in a “weakened” position.

The report which was released on Tuesday, was compiled by the UN body’s Counter-terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (Cted), after meetings with more than 50 representatives of African civil society organisations in 15 member states, according to the Council.

“The report was conducted to increase understanding of the impact of ISIS-affiliated groups in Africa and identify gaps in the way nations are tackling them.

“Roundtable participants emphasised that ISIS-affiliated groups were currently in a crucial period.

“The relatively recent deaths of Abu Musab Al Barnawi of ISWAP (IS West Africa Province), Abubakar Shekau of Boko Haram and Adnan Abu Walid Al Sahrawi of ISGS (IS in the Greater Sahara), and the desertion of thousands of individuals from the groups’ ranks, signalled a possible weakening of ISIS-affiliated groups in parts of Africa,” the report said.

However, the African nations that are at the receiving end of the terrorists incursions, especially countries like Nigeria, Niger Republic, Chad, Mali, Burkina Faso and others in the Sahel region, have other stories to tell.

With ISIS suffering territorial losses in Syria and Iraq, it has moved into Africa and made the continent a huge target, establishing branches in several nations.

A number of ISIS and their affiliated groups in Africa have continued to launch deadly and co-ordinated attacks, capturing strategic territories, massively recruiting followers using anti-government propaganda, conscripting child soldiers and abducting women and girls in the process.

The frequency of ISIS attacks on the continent has led to serious casualties across the continent with the people facing unprecedented terrorist threats.

Related Topics:Featured ISIS Terrorism United Nations

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Metro

Sign language interpreter, Kunda, seeks inclusivity in media rights agenda

Published

9 hours ago

April 23, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

An inclusive society is crucial for a nation’s human and economic development in the modern era.

In this edition of Project Aliyense, we feature Paul Kunda, widely recognized as the face of sign language interpretation on national television, serving the deaf community.

Kunda, a dedicated sign language interpreter and educator with over four years of experience, sheds light on the significance of media freedom.

“As a sign language interpreter at Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) and a teacher by profession, I advocate for media freedom,” he said.

Kunda emphasised the importance of the Access to Information (ATI) Act, recently assented to by President Hakainde Hichilema, which empowered citizens to demand information freely.

He stressed the need for unhindered access to information to foster a civil and prosperous society.

Regarding digital rights, Kunda highlighted their critical role for the deaf community, given the transformative impact of digital platforms, especially when mainstream media access is limited.

“As a representative of the deaf community, I believe digital rights should be inclusive. Everyone, including persons with disabilities, should enjoy these rights through various devices to express themselves and participate in national discourse,” he asserted.

He also called for the recognition of sign language as the eighth national language, aligning with United Nations conventions that mandate sign language interpreters at all events to promote inclusivity.

This story is sponsored content from Zambia Monitor’s Project Aliyense.

Metro

Sign language interpreter, Kunda, seeks inclusivity in media rights agenda (video)

Published

10 hours ago

April 23, 2024

Ifeoluwa Dada

An inclusive society is crucial for a nation’s human and economic development in the modern era.

In this edition of Project Aliyense, we feature Paul Kunda, widely recognized as the face of sign language interpretation on national television, serving the deaf community.

Kunda, a dedicated sign language interpreter and educator with over four years of experience, sheds light on the significance of media freedom.

“As a sign language interpreter at Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) and a teacher by profession, I advocate for media freedom,” he said.

Kunda emphasised the importance of the Access to Information (ATI) Act, recently assented to by President Hakainde Hichilema, which empowered citizens to demand information freely.

He stressed the need for unhindered access to information to foster a civil and prosperous society.

Regarding digital rights, Kunda highlighted their critical role for the deaf community, given the transformative impact of digital platforms, especially when mainstream media access is limited.

This story is sponsored content from Zambia Monitor’s Project Aliyense.