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The funding will support various sectors, including pharmaceutical manufacturing, education, food and drug inspection, and technological advancements related to vaccine production.

EU Ambassador Belén Calvo Uyarra highlighted that this grant was initially pledged by the EU President in December 2023 during the inauguration of BioNTech’s facility in Kigali. The initiative aligns with Rwanda’s broader plan to become a key hub for vaccine production in Africa.

The grant will help expand cooperation in the availability and production of vaccines, medicines, and medical technologies, underscoring a deepening partnership between Rwanda and the EU.

The project will involve companies from several EU countries, including France, Sweden, Germany, and Belgium, focusing on research, capacity-building for healthcare workers, and enhancing the pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing supply chain.

Ambassador Uyarra emphasized the importance of this partnership in bolstering global preparedness, particularly after the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. The EU has also extended collaborations to other African countries, including Ghana, Senegal, and South Africa.

Dr. Yvan Butera, Rwanda’s State Minister for Health, expressed optimism about the project’s potential, noting that it would significantly enhance Rwanda’s ability to produce vaccines and medicines. He added that this initiative would not only benefit Rwanda but also contribute to improving healthcare across Africa and beyond.

Dr. Butera stressed the importance of building strong institutions through collaboration, highlighting that the project aims to address challenges in vaccine production by empowering professionals and institutions in the field.

As part of the initiative, the EU will provide specialized training and support for professionals in Rwanda’s health sector, with a focus on developing skills in advanced pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing.

There will also be close collaboration with technical and vocational schools to ensure that students are equipped with the necessary expertise for the industry.

In addition to enhancing production capabilities, the agreement will focus on strengthening Rwanda’s regulatory framework. The EU will work alongside the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA) to improve guidelines and regulations, with a specific focus on vaccine and medicine distribution.

Dr. Butera expressed confidence in the outcomes of this project, stating that it will bring tangible progress in Rwanda’s goal of becoming a hub in vaccine and medicine production.

Dr. Yvan Butera, Rwanda’s State Minister for Health witnessed the signing of the agreement.

Representatives from concerned parties in agroup photo after signing the grant agreement.

Sweden was also represented aat the ceremony.

Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-secures-over-frw60-billion-eu-grant-to-boost-manufacturing-of-health

One of the most notable outcomes was China’s pledge of approximately $50.7 billion in financial support for Africa over the next three years, aimed at fostering partnerships across various sectors.

As Africa accelerates its development, China’s remarkable rise from adversity to becoming a global economic powerhouse provides valuable lessons.

In 2023, China’s GDP reached $17.9 trillion, reflecting a staggering 223-fold increase since 1952, with an average annual growth rate of 7.9%. The per capita GDP rose to $12,700, nearing the global average—a significant leap from just $194 in 1980.

Over the past decade, China has driven more than 30% of global economic growth, improving living standards and lifting around 100 million people out of poverty while eradicating extreme poverty.

China’s non-interference policy and mutual respect for Africa make it an ideal partner in the continent’s modernization efforts.

Given the critical importance of healthcare to people’s well-being, the sector represents a vital area for advancement in Africa. China’s experience in improving wellbeing and its expertise in cutting-edge innovations offer ample opportunities for further cooperation to enhance healthcare access across the continent.

One of the most promising contributors to this shared vision is Chongqing Haifu Medical Technology Co. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of non-invasive ultrasound therapeutic systems.

Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Chongqing, Haifu specializes in treating malignant and benign tumors through High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) technology. This cutting-edge innovation has the potential to revolutionize healthcare in Africa, where access to advanced medical technologies remains limited.

Haifu, in collaboration with Chongqing Medical University and its affiliated hospitals, has developed a range of groundbreaking products.

With over 600 employees and more than 600 patents, Haifu has facilitated around 280,000 treatments worldwide. The flagship Haifu JC series—comprising the JC300, JC, and JC200 models—uses focused ultrasound to treat solid tumors, including uterine fibroids and cancers of the pancreas, liver, kidneys, bones, and soft tissues.

Haifu’s mission to minimize harm while curing diseases lies at the core of its dedication to non-invasive treatment methods.

HIFU operates by harnessing ultrasound’s ability to penetrate human skin and organs without harming surrounding structures. Ultrasound beams are generated externally and converted from mechanical to thermal energy. This energy is then focused on specific tumor areas within the body, enabling non-invasive alternatives to traditional surgery.

According to the management, this approach reduces recovery time and significantly improves patients’ quality of life.

Haifu’s contributions to medical science have garnered numerous national awards and international recognition. In 2005, Haifu established the National Engineering Research Center of Ultrasound Medicine, China’s only center of its kind for digital medical devices. The company’s systems, including the JC series, are now approved in 45 countries, including the UK, Russia, and Japan.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Haifu’s Global Telemedicine Service Platform completed over 4,600 ultrasound ablation procedures, demonstrating the technology’s resilience and global impact.

The company has introduced its systems in 33 countries, and its president, Wang Zhibiao, is optimistic about further expansion into Africa.

'I believe this technology will become more widespread in Africa over the next two years. It offers a cost-effective, non-invasive alternative to traditional surgeries, and I hope more African countries will adopt it,' Zhibiao remarked.

Haifu has already made inroads in Africa, introducing its systems in four countries including Egypt and South Africa.

The company has organized numerous training workshops to equip African doctors with the skills to use this life-saving technology effectively.

In Johannesburg and Cairo, around 20 doctors were trained in each session, and Haifu aims to train at least five percent of African doctors, thus increasing access to advanced medical technologies across the continent.

However, Zhibiao emphasized that government-to-government discussions are crucial for the widespread adoption of such life-saving technology in Africa. Currently, Haifu collaborates with 60 hospitals outside China and around 300 hospitals within China.

As China and Africa continue to deepen their cooperation, there is room for discussion to make Haifu’s innovative systems accessible in more African countries, which could mark a significant step toward improving healthcare outcomes and building a healthier future for the continent.

The President and Co-founder of Haifu Medical Technology, Zhibiao making introducing the Haifu Focused ultrasound system at the company’s headquarters in Chongqing Municipality.

Chongqing Haifu Medical Technology Co. Ltd. is headquartered in Chongqing.

The President and Co-founder of Haifu Medical Technology, Zhibiao emphasizes that government-to-government discussions are crucial for the widespread adoption of Haifu ultrasound system in Africa.

Haifu Medical Technology Co. Ltd. is a leading manufacturer of non-invasive ultrasound therapeutic systems.

Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/leveraging-sino-african-partnerships-haifu-medical-technology-s-potential-in

The post Russia Hits Energy Infrastructure Supporting Ukraine's Military-Industrial Complex appeared first on The Custom Reports.

Source : https://thecustomreports.com/russia-hits-energy-infrastructure-supporting-ukraines-military-industrial-complex/

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov explained Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to increase the size of Russia's Armed Forces by the large number of threats to the country and the West's hostile attitude.

'This was triggered by the multitude of threats existing for our country along our borders. This is triggered by an extremely hostile situation on western borders and instability on eastern borders,' the Kremlin official told journalists. According to him, the situation 'required taking appropriate measures.'

On Monday, Putin decreed to set the number of personnel in the armed forces at the level of 2,389,130 people, including 1,500,000 servicemen. In the previous decree on this matter, which the new document recognizes as invalid, this figure was 2,209,130 people, including 1,320,000 servicemen.

The post Size of Russian army increased due to threats to country — Kremlin appeared first on The Custom Reports.

Source : https://thecustomreports.com/size-of-russian-army-increased-due-to-threats-to-country-kremlin/

This ambition isn’t new. Rwanda’s Vision 2050 and the National Strategy for Transformation 2017—2024 have long set the stage for the country to emerge as a hub for financial services in Africa. As part of this broader vision, the Kigali International Financial Centre was established to transform the investment landscape across the country and to attract global capital and funds.

But why Rwanda? In a continent where Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa dominate fintech conversations, what makes Rwanda stand out? Despite facing significant challenges, Rwanda presents a compelling case study on how a focused national strategy and investment in technology can transform a country’s financial landscape.

Rwanda’s ability to innovate and adapt, coupled with its commitment to digital inclusion and progressive policies, has positioned it as a rising fintech hub that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Peace Aimee Niyibizi, World Bank Country Economist for Rwanda stated that, 'Rwanda’s economy showcased resilience and adaptability, achieving a robust growth rate in 2023, amidst a series of challenging external and domestic factors'.

Last year the country’s GDP was 8.2% – significantly higher than other countries including Nigeria (2.74%); Kenya (5%) and South Africa (0.6%). The growth can be attributed to agricultural modernization, industrial expansion, service sector growth, pro-business government policies, digital innovation and the rise of fintech.

Lily Umutesi Ngarambe, Yellow Card’s Country Manager for Rwanda, expresses her excitement about how fintechs are revolutionising the financial sector. 'Fintechs are blurring the boundaries of traditional financial firms and the financial sector.

This presents a paradigm shift that has various policy implications such as fostering beneficial innovation and competition, while managing the risks. In addition, it supports reviewing regulatory, supervisory, and oversight frameworks to ensure they remain fit for purpose and enable the authorities to foster a safe, efficient, and inclusive financial system.'

Rwanda’s transformation into a fintech powerhouse is the result of a deliberate and sustained effort to leverage technology for economic growth. From the Vision 2020 plan which aimed to transition the country into a knowledge-based economy, to the 2001 ICT Policy that laid the groundwork for digital innovation, Rwanda has been building the infrastructure necessary for a thriving fintech sector.

The government’s commitment is further exemplified by initiatives like the One Laptop Per Child program and the establishment of numerous tech hubs and innovation centres across Kigali.

In the broader context, fintechs like Yellow Card with innovative products like the Payments API and its on and off ramp Widget have been instrumental in opening up greater business financial opportunities to companies looking to do business in Africa.

So, while the big players in African fintech might be drawing the most attention, don’t lose sight of Rwanda. This small but mighty nation is poised to make significant strides in the fintech space—strides that could reshape not just its own economy, but the entire African continent’s financial landscape.

The author of this opinion is a Rwandan Senior Brand Communications Manager based in South Africa

Rutendo Nyamuda

Source : https://en.igihe.com/opinion/article/fintech-development-why-you-should-keep-an-eye-on-rwanda

China’s GDP in 2023 stood at 17.9 trillion USD, 223 times more than that of 1952. In a span of 70 years, our average annual growth rate of GDP has been 7.9%. Our GDP per capita in 2023 reached 12,700 USD, almost catching up with the world average while it was 194 USD in 1980, only accounting for one thirteenth of the world average.

Long being the world’s top country in terms of trade, manufacturing, commodity consumption and others, China has played an indispensable role as a robust engine for world economy. It has contributed more than 30% annually to world economic growth in the past decade.

Picture of Shanghai Pudong

Over the past 75 years, the lives of the Chinese people have undergone tremendous changes. About 100 million of Chinese population was lifted out of poverty in the past decade. Absolute poverty has been eradicated in China.

The average life expectancy increased from 35 years in 1949 to 78.6 years in 2023. With the world’s largest social security system in place, the Chinese people are enjoying a great sense of gain, happiness, and security.

In 2023, President Xi Jinping visited Xiangxi, Changsha in central China’s Hunan Province, and put forward the concept of 'targeted poverty alleviation'.

Why does China’s development matter to Rwanda?

On one hand, China is a force for peace and development. Since its founding, the People’s Republic of China has consistently pursued an independent foreign policy of peace, and adhered to the path of peaceful development. The Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, which are part of China’s efforts to build a community with a shared future for mankind, speak for themselves.

China will not follow the old path of some countries to achieve modernization through such means as war, colonization and plunder. China’s history of development testifies that peaceful development is a fully accessible path to modernization.

On the other hand, China and Rwanda enjoy a profound bond of brotherhood for 53 years.

The ruling parties, highly consistent in the concept of governing for the people, frequently exchange experiences on state governance. Our economic and trade cooperation are booming, with bilateral trade volume reaching US$550 million in 2023, and China’s import from Rwanda increased by 86.2% year-on-year.

Our collaboration in agriculture, ICT, infrastructure, health and many other fields is playing a crucial role in economic and social transformation of Rwanda. The Juncao program, which has trained 35,000 Rwanda farmers, is becoming a shining example of South-South cooperation.

Experts from China are introducing and teaching how to use Juncao grass to cultivate edible mushroom, which has benefited over 30000 farmers in Rwanda.

Our people-to-people friendship is cemented. This year, the City of Jinhua of Zhejiang Province, and the City of Musanze of Northern Province, became sister cities, the first ever pair of sister cities between our two countries. Not long ago, in this year’s Chinese Bridge Competition, a Rwandan student ranked global top 30. In the 9th African Vocational Skills Challenge, a Rwandan student who is studying in China, won the laurel.

Mbonimana Philimine from China-Africa (Rwanda) Applied Talents Joint Teaching Program, got the first prize in the Africa Technology Challenge (ATC) Season 9 in September 2024 in China.

A big year for China-Rwanda relations

In July this year, the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of CPC was held. At the session, the resolution to further deepen reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization was made. The session proposed more than 300 important reform measures, the target time of which coincides with Rwanda’s NST II. That provides a good opportunity for the synergy of the development strategies of our two countries.

From September 4th to 6th, the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was successfully convened in Beijing. At the summit, H.E. President Xi Jinping called on the leaders to jointly advance modernization that is just and equitable, that is open and win-win, that puts the people first, that features diversity and inclusiveness, that is eco-friendly, and that is underpinned by peace and security.

Furthermore, President Xi Jinping launched the “Ten Partnership Actions”, responding to the urgent needs of Africa’s economic and social development. Just name one among the many good proposals, China has decided to voluntarily and unilaterally open its market wider, giving Rwanda zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines, which will help turn China’s big market into Rwanda’s big opportunity.

H.E. President Paul Kagame attended the Summit, and co-chaired the high-level meeting on state governance. Leaders of our two countries met and officially elevated our bilateral relations to comprehensive strategic partnership. Both China and Rwanda regard each other as long-term, trustworthy and reliable good friends and partners, an important milestone in our relations.

The Summit of FOCAC was held in Beijing from September 4th to 6th.

The two countries issued the Joint Statement on the Implementation of the Three Global Initiatives. We emphasized mutual support on issues of core interests and major concern, a cornerstone of China-Rwanda relations. It serves as a good example for political mutual trust and strong commitments.

Among others, China firmly supports Rwanda in safeguarding national unity and fighting the spread of genocide ideology and hate speech in all their forms. Rwandan firmly adheres to the one-China principle, and supports all efforts by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification. Both sides are committed to jointly upholding highest human values of embracing diversity.

The two sides signed memorandums of understanding on implementation of Global Development Initiative, on ICT, etc., paving the way for practical cooperation in various fields.

China-Rwanda relations are now at their best in history. H.E. President Xi Jinping said, “roll up our sleeves and work hard”. At his inauguration ceremony, H.E.President Kagame said, this new mandate means the beginning of even more hard work.

President Xi Jinping met with President Paul Kagame during the Summit of FOCAC. The two leaders announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Let’s work together to implement the important consensus reached by leaders of the two countries.

Let’s work together to advance our cooperation in various fields, and inject new momentum into the comprehensive strategic partnership.

Let’s be a force for mutual support, for win-win cooperation, for mutual learning, and for peace.

Let’s join hands to create more benefits for the two peoples, and inject more stability and certainty into the world.

China and Rwanda enjoy a friendship higher than mountains. Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival, an occasion for reunion of family members, brothers and sisters. At this joyful moment, I’d like to extend my seasonal regards and best wishes to all Chinese, and Rwandan brothers and sisters who dedicate themselves to the long-standing friendship and cooperation, unity and prosperity between our two countries and two peoples.

The author, Wang Xuekun is the Chinese Ambassador to the Republic of Rwanda.

Source : https://en.igihe.com/opinion/article/a-new-starting-point-for-china-rwanda-brotherhood-in-the-new-era

According to the latest GDP figures announced on Monday, September 16, by the National Institute of Statistics (NISR) and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, the GDP is expected to grow by 6.6%, driven by the services and industrial sectors, as well as recovery in agricultural output.

Overall, in the second quarter, GDP increased by 9.8%, following a 9.7% growth in the first quarter of the year. By sector, agriculture grew by 7%, industry by 15%, and services by 10%.

In agriculture, subsistence crops increased by 8%, thanks to good performance in the first planting season of 2024. However, export crops decreased by 6% compared to the second quarter of 2023. NISR explains that one reason for the decline in agricultural exports is the reduced coffee output, as many coffee trees have aged, and there are now efforts to plant new ones.

In industry, construction contributed 18% to the growth, while manufacturing output rose by 17%. However, mining output dropped by 2% compared to the second quarter of 2023.

In the services sector, wholesale and retail trade grew by 10%, transportation increased by 9%, largely due to a 25% rise in air transport, hotel and restaurant services grew by 20%, ICT services increased by 33%, and insurance services grew by 10%

The Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yussuf Murangwa, stated that the announced figures show that Rwanda’s economy is performing well.

The Director General of the National Institute of Statistics, Ivan Murenzi, (right) during the announcement of the current GDP figures

Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-economy-grows-by-9-8-percent-in-second-quarter-of-2024

Twelve years ago, the so-called Arab Spring visited Libya, ending Muammar Gaddafi's rule and plunging the country into chaos, leaving it divided along tribal and regional lines. Gaddafi himself was murdered at the hands of Western-supported militias.

NATO's disguised military invasion of Libya

What started in February 2011 as a small and limited civilian demonstration against the Gaddafi government in Eastern Libya turned out to be Western-supported regime change endeavour involving military intervention by NATO disguised as 'protection of civilians.'

The UN Security Council was forced by the US, UK and France to adopt Resolution 1973, which opened the door for the use of force against Libya simply because Western powers wanted to depose Gaddafi in a blatant violation of the resolution itself. The rest is history.

Confused Libyans were told that democracy, prosperity, and freedom were just around the corner. However, once they turned that corner they discovered that Gaddafi may have disappeared but, in a way, he took Libya with him.

Years later, the country is at a stand-still with little progress towards freedom and stability. Many of its sovereign decisions are made by others, while armed militias dominate the country, acting as proxies for foreign powers.

Why Libyans feel their country is under occupation

Most Libyans feel that their country has lost its independence and fallen under a new form of occupation. Politicians can hardly decide on anything without foreign input. The same countries that destabilized Libya over a decade ago are impeding its progress now.

National sovereignty and independent domestic and foreign policies were the two important pillars of Gaddafi's rule. During his four decades as leader of the oil-rich North African state, he managed to make them part of the Libyan national identity. As a result, Libyans became wary of all kinds of foreign interference in their country's affairs, suspecting almost everything that comes from the West, in particular, Italy, the US, Britain and France. These four countries have played a sinister role in Libya's history, much of which is not forgotten. All of them stand accused of violating Libya's sovereignty.

Prior to the 2011 Western-forced regime change and the ensuing civil war, Libya used to celebrate four annual holidays, each marking a turning point in the country's proud history and reminding the younger generations of the importance of being an independent sovereign nation. Foreign dignitaries, sometimes even heads of states, attended these symbolic national events to further emphasize their importance.

Proud old Libya

For example, March 28 marks the expulsion of British forces who used to occupy a strategic airbase in Tobruk in Eastern Libya. In 1970, just six months after taking power, Gaddafi ordered all foreign troops to leave the country, or face a public uproar. On June 11 of the same year, American troops evacuated their huge military base just outside Tripoli. Wheelus Air Base, given its size and the services on offer was nicknamed 'Little America.' It had the largest military hospital outside the US, a multiplex cinema, a bowling alley and high school. At its peak, it sprawled over some 50 square km on the Mediterranean coast, from which Libyans were banned! Wheelus was home to about 15,000 military personnel and their families. Pilots had access to five shooting ranges in nearby Al-Wytia in the Libyan desert. Today, Wheelus has been turned into Mitiaga Airport.

Up until 2011, Libya also used to celebrate October 7 as the anniversary of the expulsion of some 20,000 Italian settlers in 1970. They were the civilian face of Italy's occupation of Libya starting in September 1911. At one point, they owned or controlled almost the entire trade of major commodities, repair shops, and small mills. In Eastern Libya, they owned the most fertile land on which Libyans were merely cheap laborers.  Many of them were paid in food and shelter instead of money, while the settlers owned handicraft workshops that employed local craftsmen but paid them a pittance.

What happened with the foreign military bases was repeated with both the banking and oil sectors. Before Gaddafi's 1969 revolution, the banking sector was dominated by the Italians and British. As of December 1970 all foreign banks were nationalized as per law Number 153 adopted that year. The same model was applied to the oil industry. First, all oil companies operating in the country were given Arabic names and in 1973 the new Oil Law was passed nationalizing most oil exploration, production, and exports.

The former regime made it its duty to remind Libyans of their proud history of fighting the colonial powers that have invaded their country, particularly the Italian colonization, which killed nearly half a million Libyans between 1911 and 1943, including the leader of the resistance, Omar Mukhtar, who was captured and hanged in 1931.

After years of pressure and negotiations, Libya managed to do what no other country has done: compel Italy to apologize for its colonial brutality and pay reparations. In 2008, Tripoli and Rome signed the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Partnership settling their colonial period grievances while setting anti-colonial example. Under the treaty, Rome committed to pay Tripoli half a billion dollars over a period of 25 years in the form of development projects including roads, hospital, railway network, educational scholarships for Libyan students and return of stolen artefacts.

The no longer proud new Libya

The new Libya is not keen to remember, let alone celebrate, either 'its distant or recent history,' says a Tripoli-based historian who wishes to remain anonymous. He added that 'history is an integral part of national personality' that is built over time through 'educating the young and informing the old' about their country's past. His colleague Milad, also fearful of revealing his surname for fear of reprisals, agrees, adding that 'one of the big legacies of the Gaddafi era was making Libyans proud of themselves through honoring past national events.'

Since October 2011, not a single national commemoration or celebration has been observed in the country. Even worse, Libya's politics, including election issues and economic affairs, are being managed by foreign countries or through their local proxies.

Libya today is home to more than some 20,000 foreign troops, mercenaries and armed groups supporting different local factions fighting for power and influence. To many Libyans, this is 'unimaginable,' said Ali Mahmoud from Tripoli University. Mahmoud wondered 'how could Libya become host to foreign troops decades after kicking them out?'

The majority of Libyans are unhappy with the presence of foreign forces at Libyan bases in Misrata, Benghazi, Al-Watya, southwest of Tripoli, and other locations. They see it as a form of occupation.

Feeling of hidden occupation

In the eyes of ordinary Libyans their country is indeed under indirect occupation both 'militarily and politically,' said Samia Al-Hussain (not her real name), a Benghazi-based lawyer. The planned 2021 elections were indefinitely postponed because the US and UK ambassadors did not want presidential elections with Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi, Muammar's son, as the frontrunner.

The younger Gaddafi still enjoys wide support across the country and, in 2021, was cleared by the courts to run for president after initially being banned. If elections had taken place, as planned in December 2021, he would have been the inevitable winner. To prevent such an eventuality, both the former UK ambassador, Caroline Hurndall, and her American counterpart, Richard Norland, publicly spoke against his nomination.

Faced with public anger, the parliament, as opposed to the Foreign Ministry, was forced to declare Hurndall persona non grata specifically because of her comments on the elections. Yet, in another indication of the hidden occupation, she never left the country until her term ended last October. Norland was not even reprimand by the Libyan Foreign Ministry as would have been the case in other countries. Why? Because he is America's ambassador.

Despite being in the anti-Gaddafi camp, Al-Hussain pointed at the recently exposed secret meeting between the now-fugitive former Foreign Minister, Najal al-Mangoush, and her Israeli counterpart in Rome last August. She asks: 'What Libyan interests would such normalization serve, and why would any Libyan official think of meeting a representative of the Zionist state, if not ordered from outside?' She added that Libya 'takes enormous pride' in having supported Palestinians throughout its history. Hundreds of Libyans volunteered to fight in the first Palestine war in 1948. Al-Hussain also feels that Libya's reaction to the Gaza war is 'less than what is expected' from a country where Palestine is a sacred cause. Most Libyans think that their country should do more despite the government donating some $50 million dollars in aid to Gaza.

Musbah Adokali, a law student in Bani Walid, a Gaddafi stronghold, thinks Libyan leaders are receiving orders from outside and acting against the will of the people. He points out what happened to Libyan citizen Abu Agila Mas'ud, who was kidnapped and taken to the US to face charges of participating in the bombing of Pan AM Flight 103 35 years ago. The student said 'this was done upon the orders of the US,' otherwise it would not have happened. 'If this is not occupation, I do not know what is,' Musbah concluded.

The post Gaddafi took the country with him: Why do Libyans feel occupied after being 'liberated'? appeared first on The Custom Reports.

Source : https://thecustomreports.com/gaddafi-took-the-country-with-him-why-do-libyans-feel-occupied-after-being-liberated/

Crises in Libya have been the norm for the last 13 years. They are unpredictable and can erupt at any time, over anything, no matter however ridiculous it is. Once a crisis appears, it has the potential to make the lives of ordinary people hell. Armed clashes could easily break out because of a squabble between two neighborhood militias in Tripoli. Such clashes quickly spiral into serious fighting, with Kalashnikovs being the weapon of choice.

Central Bank crisis

The latest predicament to hit the divided country involves the Central Bank of Libya (CBL), triggered by the decision to replace its governor, Sadiq al-Kabir, who has held the position since October 2011. On August 12, the country's three-member Presidential Council issued a decree replacing Al-Kabir as the CBL's head.

Libya has been split between two competing regions, western and eastern. The interim Government of National Unity (which the Presidential Council is part of), which was installed in 2021 as part of a UN-backed process to prepare for elections, is headquartered in Tripoli (western). The other, eastern administration is based in Benghazi, home to the nation's parliament, the House of Representatives (HoR). The CBL is split along the same political lines, but the one in Tripoli, headed by Al-Kabir, remains the only internationally recognized institution.

The irony here is that each side considers the other illegal or illegitimate while neither government has ever been voted in. The CBL funds both sides, even when they are fighting each other with guns and mortars rather than just words. In western Libya, the CBL is always under pressure to bankroll not only the governments but also various militias, whose existence depends on CBL money despite their criminal and disruptive role in the country.

According to all laws in force, especially the Libyan Political Agreement, signed in Morocco in 2015, which became the country's de facto constitution in the absence of one, the Presidential Council does not have the authority to appoint a governor. The parliament, in consultation with the Higher State Council, is the only institution authorized to take such a measure.

The parliament had voted twice before to replace Al-Kabir, first in 2014 and then again in 2018. In both cases, he ignored the resolutions and stayed at his job. Why should he obey the law if the entire country is a somewhat lawless jungle where laws are hardly ever enforced, let alone respected? Even Libya's top leaders selectively observe laws, making the case of the CBL a pretty common occurrence.

The parliament (often referred to as Benghazi-based, though its official seat is in Tobruk, while it has another meeting place in Benghazi), for instance, was elected in 2014 for a four-year term, yet a decade later, the same chamber is still around. Its counterpart, the Tripoli-based Higher Council of State, was elected in 2012 and still operates.

Why the CBL is important

Libya is a top African oil producer and the treasury gets most of its revenues from hydrocarbon exports. All wealth generated by oil and gas goes into the coffers of the CBL, which distributes it in accordance with government budgetary allocations for different sectors and services, including public sector salaries.

Moreover, the CBL is the only financial channel to the outside world, and considered the nerve center of the country's banking relations with the world, as all import-related transactions, for example, must be approved by it. Libya, nowadays, imports almost everything and its major export commodity remains oil and gas. Therefore, any disturbance to the CBL's inner working, leadership and management team or any politicization of its role exposes the country's financial transactions to danger, both internally and externally. For example, the bank is responsible for dispensing the monthly salaries of 2.2 million public sector employees.

Moreover, the institution, since 2011, has been increasingly politicized and this further complicates its role, making it a political tool in the hands of the governor, who may use it in domestic political wrangling by, for example, giving more money to one side or region at the expense of others.

Who said CBL governor should go

Besides overstaying his term of four years, Sadiq Al-Kabir has been operating the CBL without a board of directors as legally required. People hold him responsible for the dreadful banking system in the country, making it difficult to defend Al-Kabir's record as governor.

Banking in Libya is hard to rank as efficient in comparison to, for example, that of neighboring countries. Since 2011, when the country sank into its deepest-ever crisis as the NATO-backed uprising toppled and killed Muammar Gaddafi, all banks, private and public, have been suffering from liquidity problems: people and businesses cannot access their accounts and get enough cash simply because banks do not have any. The problem sometimes becomes chronic, and clients have to wait for months to be able to get the amount of cash they require.

The issue has become very serious since hardly any other form of electronic payments exists. ATM machines are scarce, even in the capital: there are only a few, located in banks themselves, not in shopping centers or gas stations where people need them. Many ATM machines do not work, and several kilometers outside Tripoli, there are none. People in rural areas, small towns and villages have yet to see one.

Cash is the preferred and trusted method of any transaction because the entire economy is built around cash payments. The economic cycle operates, mostly, on a cash basis, and paper checks, for example, are untrustworthy unless certified, which is another complicated process in itself.

Some of the blame belongs to dysfunctional politics in Libya. Lack of economic and political stability as well as security are also important factors affecting the functioning of the banking sector. However, the fact that Al-Kabir has kept his position for so long with almost no improvements in either CBL policies or in the wider banking system makes defending him a lost cause. Nevertheless, the bank governor should have been replaced in the legal way to avoid any negative repercussions for the CBL itself or the wider banking sector in the country.

Like any similar institution in any country, the CBL is supposed to be an independent organ responsible for financial and monetary policies, controlling inflation and managing the fluctuation of the local currency among others. It is not a political institution, and should not play any political role. Above all, the CBL's governor is appointed, removed and replaced by the legislative branch of government, not by the executive branch.

These general principles are emphasized in all relevant laws and political agreements that have served as the basis of governance in the country since 2011.

The bigger crisis Libya suffers from is actually deeper and more challenging to overcome since it has to do with the legitimacy and legality of entire state 'institutions' and the current politicians who lead them.

Foreign meddling

Needless to say, Libya's troubles started back in 2011, when Western countries ganged up, using their formidable military alliance, NATO, to destroy the country under the disguised UN Security Council resolution 1973, which authorized the use of force to, as falsely claimed, protect civilians against government forces. The real goal of what was marketed as 'humanitarian intervention' was to topple the government of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi, who was brutally murdered on October 20, 2011.

Libya has not only been politically divided but also socially fractured, and its own institutions have been hollowed out in a way that make them unable to function like they are supposed to. A hollowed institution, while still standing, can hardly carry out its duties, paralyzing the progress of the country. The roles of the armed forces and police have been taken over by armed militias and the security of the state itself has all but disappeared.

When Gaddafi was killed, the country descended into lawlessness and became an open field for foreign meddling; a competition between the same countries that destroyed it 13 years ago. While the UN mission in Libya is trying to bring the country together and organize elections for both president and a new parliament, the ambassadors of France, United Kingdom and the United States keep interfering in almost every detail, including the latest crisis surrounding the CBL.

For example, when the 2021 elections were agreed upon, the plan did not progress, thanks to internal disputes made worse by foreign meddling. Both the ambassadors of the UK and the US spoke publicly against the idea of Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi, Gaddafi's son, entering the presidential race despite a Libyan court giving him the green light to run. The parliament then felt so embarrassed by the UK ambassador's bold comments about the election it voted to declare her persona non grata.

On the day the decision to replace the CBL governor was published, Al-Kabir appeared alongside US special envoy Richard Norland on the US embassy's X account. The post carried both an explicit warning against removing the governor and an implicit threat of what to expect if he was removed.

Sovereignty-free country

The CBL crisis exposes deeper and more troubling long-term questions regarding both the legitimacy of all institutions and, more seriously, the sovereignty of the Libyan state itself.

The point is, all the institutions and politicians dominating the country now have lost their legitimacy since they have overstayed their mandates. However, no one is really serious about organizing national elections any time soon. Such a ballot means most politicians, particularly MPs and members of the Higher Council of State, are very likely to be voted out. Both governments in Tripoli and Benghazi will also disappear, and the country will have a president for the first time since independence in 1951.

Regardless of how the CBL crisis is solved, it is only the tip of the iceberg. The renewal of legitimacy through elections is a must, and it is long overdue. Most importantly, foreign meddling must stop, leaving only the UN mission (as it tries to solve the CBL problem) to intervene, and only when it must facilitate agreements. The CBL issue provides a unique chance to take the opportunity to settle all major disagreements hampering elections as soon as possible, such as setting up a new unified interim executive to take the country to voting day. Just as critically, all parties and politicians must accept the outcome of any elections as long as they are fair and transparent.

The post Why Western 'help' is fueling constant chaos in Libya appeared first on The Custom Reports.

Source : https://thecustomreports.com/why-western-help-is-fueling-constant-chaos-in-libya/

US tech giant Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, has banned several Russian news networks, including RT. Since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, Meta has been cooperating with a prohibition on RT imposed by the EU and other individual Western nations.

In a statement on Monday, the company said the deplatforming of the media outlets from its apps is due to 'foreign interference activity' and would be implemented globally over the next several days.

The US government sanctioned RT last week, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken claiming that the outlet is 'functioning as a de facto arm of [Russian] intelligence.'

Moscow has called the move an act of information warfare, which exposes America's inability to fairly compete with Russian media.

US officials have expressed frustration with RT's role in offering an alternative to Washington-backed narratives on international affairs.

'One of the reasons — not the only reason — why so much of the world has not been as fully supportive of Ukraine as you would think they would be, given that Russia has invaded Ukraine and violated rule number 1 of the international system — is because of the broad scope and reach of RT, where propaganda, disinformation, and lies is spread to millions if not billions around the world,' State Department spokesman Jamie Rubin told journalists on Friday, following Blinken's remarks.

RT Editor-in-Chief Margarita Simonyan joked that RT had learned from the Americans, rather than from Russian intelligence officers.

'Seriously? Did you run out of mirrors?' she asked, commenting on the American allegations.

Meta has faced legal issues in Russia after allowing exemptions in its rules forbidding hate speech.

Meta management ruled that Ukrainians were entitled to call for violence against Russians and to hail extreme nationalists fighting against Russia on its platforms. Moscow labeled Meta an extremist organization and banned Facebook and Instagram in Russia.

The post Meta bans RT appeared first on The Custom Reports.

Source : https://thecustomreports.com/meta-bans-rt/