Hello everyone! Welcome to another roundup of some top stories from last week.
We reacted to the fresh claim that Nigeria is still paying for petroleum subsidy, the Niger mine collapse, and a government official’s call on Nigerians to stop ‘shouting’ over economic hardship. We also responded to Burkina Faso’s human rights concerns, Congo’s failure to respect environmental rights, and helping children with special needs.
Subsidy Payments: Who Is Deceiving Nigerians?
According to a draft report of the Accelerated Stabilisation and Advancement Plan (ASAP) presented to President Tinubu by the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, fuel subsidy is projected to gulp about N5.4 trillion in 2024.
President Tinubu and his team should provide transparent information on funds saved from fuel subsidy removal and urgently respond to claims that the government has resumed fuel subsidy payments. Read more
Niger Mine Collapse: Implementing Safety Regulations
Following the devastating rockslide that buried over 50 miners in a gold mining site in the Farin Doki area of Niger State, north-central Nigeria, it is necessary for the government to enforce safety regulations in mining operations. The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development should strengthen mining regulations and safety protocols, enforcement of mandatory safety training for miners, regular inspections of mining sites, and implementation of advanced safety measures and equipment to prevent such disasters in the future. Read more
Economic Hardship: How Would Akume Feel if Someone Held His Neck Tightly without Letting Go?
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, advising Nigerians to stop ‘shouting’ over economic hardship is unfortunate. President Bola Tinubu should urgently respond to the shout of Nigerians by coming up with policies that would affect the lives of the masses positively because until then, the masses will keep ‘shouting’. Read more
Burkina Faso: Government Must Ensure Transparent, Just Arrests
Arbitrary arrests in Burkina Faso have been a significant human rights concern, worsened by the country’s ongoing security crisis and political instability. Lawyer, Guy Hervé Kam, was rearrested and transferred to the custody of the gendarmerie on 29 May, and then remanded in a military prison on new charges of conspiracy against the state. We call for the immediate release of Kam and Zoungrana, as we urge the government to adhere to legal standards and ensure that arrests are conducted transparently and justly. Read more
Congo: Government’s Failure to Respect Environmental Rights Unacceptable
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has continued to face significant challenges in balancing economic development with environmental conservation because the authorities have failed to ensure that big industries respect human environmental rights. A new report titled In the Shadow of Industries in the Republic of Congo has revealed the potential impact of oil spills and smoke emissions on the health and socio-economic situation of local communities. The Congolese government must strengthen regulatory bodies, combat corruption, and prioritise sustainable development practices that respect both human and environmental rights. Read more
Burkina Faso: Neglected Crisis Demands Urgent Response
The displacement crisis in Burkina Faso remains the world’s most neglected, with fears that it could worsen in the coming days if urgent assistance is not received. We call on the international humanitarian community to assist in meeting up with the huge response budget deficit that continues to leave millions in urgent need of aid. Read more
Egypt: Imprisonment of Opposition Leaders Undemocratic
The imprisonment of opposition leaders in Egypt has been a significant issue in the country’s political landscape, and this worrisome trend needs to stop. Ahmed Tantawy, a well-known leader of the political opposition, was arrested by Egyptian authorities on 27 May, 2024, after an appeals court upheld a one-year sentence against him and nearly two dozen of his supporters. The Egyptian government should review the case against Tantawy right away, and free him and the people who supported him. Read more
South Africa: Helping Children with Special Needs
The education department in the Western Cape, South Africa, must do more to help children with disabilities. Many parents are still struggling to get spots for their children at special needs schools, and they believe that the education department is not doing enough to help them, according to a report by Groundup. The government of South Africa and the Western Cape Department of Education, in particular, should allocate more resources to develop infrastructure and support services that can accommodate special needs learners within both specialised and mainstream schools. Read more
Congo: End Violence against Women, Children
The news that women and children are severely impacted by the violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) demands an urgent humanitarian response. Over 1,000 grave human rights violations against children in the three eastern provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu during the first quarter of 2024 have been verified by the United Nations (UN). The parties to this conflict should to put an end to serious abuses against children and for the authorities to hold those responsible for their actions accountable. Read more
That is the roundup of some stories that made headlines last week. More headlines are available on Development Diaries or dev_diaries on IG and X, and development diaries on Facebook.
