Allies providing Sudan’s warring parties with weapons are ‘enabling the slaughter,’ UN official says

Allies providing Sudan’s warring parties with weapons are ‘enabling the slaughter,’ UN official says
Last month, the RSF rampaged through the province of Gezira, attacking towns and villages, killing dozens of people and raping women and girls, according to the UN and local groups. (AP)
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Updated 13 November 2024
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Allies providing Sudan’s warring parties with weapons are ‘enabling the slaughter,’ UN official says

Allies providing Sudan’s warring parties with weapons are ‘enabling the slaughter,’ UN official says
  • Last month, the RSF rampaged through the province of Gezira, attacking towns and villages, killing dozens of people and raping women and girls, according to the UN and local groups

GENEVA: The UN political chief accused allies of Sudan’s warring military and paramilitary forces on Tuesday of “enabling the slaughter” that has killed more than 24,000 people and created the world’s worst displacement crisis.
“This is unconscionable,” Rosemary DiCarlo told the UN Security Council. “It is illegal, and it must end.”
She didn’t name the countries funding and providing weapons to Sudan’s military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, but she said they have a responsibility to press both sides to work for a negotiated settlement of the war.
Sudan plunged into conflict in mid-April 2023, when long-simmering tensions between its military and paramilitary leaders broke out in the capital, Khartoum, and spread to other regions, including western Darfur, which was wracked by bloodshed and atrocities in 2003. The UN recently warned that the country has been pushed to the brink of famine.
Last month, the RSF rampaged through the province of Gezira, attacking towns and villages, killing dozens of people and raping women and girls, according to the UN and local groups.
DiCarlo told the council that nongovernmental organizations say those attacks have been marked by “some of the most extreme violence in the last 18 months.”
She strongly condemned the RSF’s continuing attacks against civilians and said the UN is also “appalled by the attacks against civilians perpetrated by forces affiliated with the Sudanese Armed Forces in the Khartoum area.”
DiCarlo said it is long past time for the rival forces to come to the negotiating table, but she said both sides seem convinced they can win on the battlefield, and this is being fueled by outside support and weapons.
“As the end of the rainy season approaches, the parties continue to escalate their military operations, recruit new fighters and intensify their attacks,” she said. “This is possible thanks to considerable external support, including a steady flow of weapons into the country.”
Sudan has accused the United Arab Emirates of arming the RSF, which the UAE vehemently denies. The RSF has also reportedly received support from Russia’s Wagner mercenary group. And UN experts said in a report earlier this year that the RSF received support from Arab-allied communities and new military supply lines running through Chad, Libya and South Sudan.
As for the government, Gen. Abdel Fattah Burhan, who led a military takeover of Sudan in 2021, is a close ally of neighboring Egypt and its president, former army chief Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi. In February, Sudan’s foreign minister held talks in Tehran with his Iranian counterpart amid unconfirmed reports of drone purchases for government forces.
DiCarlo called for stepped up international action to protect civilians and promote talks.
She said UN special envoy for Sudan Ramtane Lamamra “is considering the next phase of his engagement with the warring parties, including another round of ‘proximity talks’ focused on commitments related to the protection of civilians.”
Sudan’s military boycotted proximity talks in Geneva, Switzerland, in July aimed at spurring humanitarian aid and starting peace talks despite international pleas that it take part. The RSF sent a delegation to Geneva.
DiCarlo said Lamamra will travel to Sudan and other places in the region in the coming weeks to meet key stakeholders to discuss a new attempt at talks.
Ramesh Rajasingham, coordination director in the UN humanitarian office, told the council the “shocking atrocities” in Gezira and fighting in West Darfur and North Darfur are causing more people to flee.
Since April 2023, more than 11 million people have fled their homes, with 3 million crossing into neighboring countries, he said. Last month, 58,000 people from the two Darfur states crossed into neighboring Chad, which is now hosting more than 710,000 refugees, he said.
Rajasingham said fighting continues to intensify around North Darfur’s capital, El Fasher — the only capital in Darfur that the RSF doesn’t hold. In July, hunger experts confirmed famine conditions in the Zamzam displacement camp nearby.
Rajasingham said a recent nutrition screening in the camp found about 34 percent of children malnourished including 10 percent who are severely malnourished.
“And we are now seeing troubling indications that deepening food insecurity is spreading to other areas, with reports in recent weeks of particularly alarming levels of hunger in South Kordofan,” he said.
“I just cannot put strongly enough how serious this situation is,” Rajasingham said, urging the international community to take immediate action.


UAE’s Thani Al-Qemzi eyes big finish in Sharjah as Wyatt and Andersson chase title

UAE’s Thani Al-Qemzi eyes big finish in Sharjah as Wyatt and Andersson chase title
Updated 8 min 21 sec ago
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UAE’s Thani Al-Qemzi eyes big finish in Sharjah as Wyatt and Andersson chase title

UAE’s Thani Al-Qemzi eyes big finish in Sharjah as Wyatt and Andersson chase title
  • Veteran Team Abu Dhabi driver returns to career starting point with sights already set on new chapter in powerboating

ABU DHABI: Team Abu Dhabi’s Thani Al-Qemzi is already looking forward to opening another chapter in his illustrious career as the Grand Prix of Sharjah brings the 2024 UIM F1H2O World Championship to a tense conclusion at the weekend.

For Al-Qemzi, Sharjah’s renowned Khalid Lagoon is where it all began in November 2000, when he made his debut in the flagship international series of single-seater inshore circuit powerboat racing.

On that occasion, his race ended prematurely in retirement. But in the 24 years since, he has built a reputation as one of the toughest and most enduring competitors in the F1H2O World Championship.

He has been world championship runner-up twice, finished third on six occasions, helped Team Abu Dhabi to a fifth consecutive world team crown two years ago, and still commands enormous respect at the top level.

On Sunday, Al-Qemzi will be starting his 158th Grand Prix, as defending champion Jonas Andersson and Sharjah Team rookie Rusty Wyatt go head-to-head in the title showdown.

While Al-Qemzi returns to action in Sharjah holding 11th place in what has been a difficult season for Team Abu Dhabi, he is determined to add to his career record of Grand Prix victories. If not at the weekend, then next season.

Joining forces again with Sweden’s Erik Stark, who returns to Team Abu Dhabi for a second spell in 2025, Al-Qemzi wants to get back to his best alongside last season’s world championship runner-up.

“The first priority is to find a big finish to the season in Sharjah,” says the veteran Emirati driver, who is once more partnered with cousin Rashed Al-Qemzi, the five-time F2 world title winner, at the weekend.

“It’s a long time since I started my first race there, and so much has happened in between. It’s always been a special place for me, and I look forward to racing on Khalid Lagoon again.

“Next season, it’s up to Erik and myself to push each other to get the results we’re capable of, and hopefully take Team Abu Dhabi back to the top.”

Starting his final Grand Prix for Victory Team in fourth place, before his move to Team Abu Dhabi, Stark will be looking to reproduce the form that took him to victory in the Grand Prix of Binh Dinh-Vietnam back in March.

2024 UIM F1H2O World Championship standings

1. Jonas Andersson (SWE) 99

2. Rusty Wyatt (CAN) 96pts

3. Peter Morin (FRA) 79.5

4. Erik Stark (SWE) 77.5

5. Bartek Marszalek (POL) 64

6. Sami Selio (FIN) 52

7. Marit Stromoy (NOR) 43

8. Stefan Arand (EST) 34.5

9. Ben Jelf (GB) 30.5

9. Ferdinand Zandbergen (NED) 30.5

11. Thani Al-Qemzi (UAE) 27.5


Ethara CEO ‘excited’ as Abu Dhabi Grand Prix concludes Formula 1’s longest season

Ethara CEO ‘excited’ as Abu Dhabi Grand Prix concludes Formula 1’s longest season
Updated 11 min 38 sec ago
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Ethara CEO ‘excited’ as Abu Dhabi Grand Prix concludes Formula 1’s longest season

Ethara CEO ‘excited’ as Abu Dhabi Grand Prix concludes Formula 1’s longest season
  • Saif Al-Noaimi speaks to Arab News about the 2024 season, the race at Yas Marina Circuit and other sporting events in the UAE capital

ABU DHABI: Max Verstappen may have clinched his fourth consecutive drivers title a few weeks ago, but as Abu Dhabi prepares to host the finale of Formula 1’s longest season yet, two teams are still in with chance of winning the World Constructors’ Championship.

In the driver and team championships, the 2024 F1 season ended being far more gripping than the early races of the campaign had suggested as the Dutchman and Red Bull went about obliterating their rivals.

Saif Al-Noaimi, CEO of Ethara, organizers of the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, was at Yas Marina Circuit when Formula 1 witnessed arguably its greatest championship finale. Verstappen’s last lap overtake of Lewis Hamilton three years ago has become known among fans, simply, as ”Abu Dhabi 21.”

He believes a renewed sense of competitiveness after a few years of complete Red Bull dominance, is welcome.

“It has been a very exciting season,” Al-Noaimi said. “Max Verstappen dominated the first half, but then (McLaren’s) Lando Norris, and even Oscar Piastri, and the two Ferraris caught up quite a bit in the second half. Brazil was a surprise. Max really dominated in that race and delivered an amazing result.”

Three weeks later, Verstappen won his fourth consecutive World Drivers’ Championship after a fifth-place finish in the Las Vegas Grand Prix. 

“But it is also exciting to see the fight for the Constructors' Championship,” Al-Noaimi said. “McLaren leading, they haven’t won since 1998, Ferrari in second, they haven’t won it since 2008. So they’re going to be fighting really hard to finish on top.

“It’s been a long season. This is the longest in history, Abu Dhabi will be the 24th race.”

Al-Noaimi is impressed by the changes that teams have made throughout the season that have allowed for this thrilling end.

“It’s showing the evolution of the cars from the beginning of the season and how teams are quickly catching up towards the second half of the season. So it’s good to see that innovation, and how quickly some of the teams have been able to catch up in the second half of the season — 2025 is going to be an interesting one. And obviously 2026, with the new rules, is going to shuffle all the cards.

“You have some exciting developments with Adrian Newey’s move (to Aston Martin). We have Hamilton ending his Mercedes era in Abu Dhabi this year, next year going to Ferrari. So there’re a lot of moving parts, exciting things.”

Al-Noaimi also highlighted the fact four rookies will be introduced to the grid next season, a development that means there are no seats for more seasoned drivers such as Mick Schumacher and the popular Daniel Ricciardo.

“It’s a very competitive sport,” he said. “You have a chance to get it right and deliver and you have, in some cases, a few races to prove yourself, otherwise, you’re moved on. I mean, Daniel Ricciardo is an amazing driver, amazing personality. I think he did so much for the sport, he brought in completely new audiences. It’s unfortunate to see him being dropped in the middle of a season and not towards the end of the season. But he had to make way for someone else to be given an opportunity.”

For Al-Noaimi, preparations for the season-ending events started months ago, and it is not just the Formula 1 action that he has to oversee, but all events throughout Abu Dhabi GP race week.

“It’s actually a full week of activities this year. On the ground, some new products that we’re launching, some innovation in the overall experience for our customers. We have redeveloped the Paddock Club this year.”

The changes to the Paddock Club include a completely upgraded rooftop, allowing 360-degree views of the track; an increased capacity;  and a totally new premium customer journey.

These developments come on the back of host of additions last year, such as new viewing platforms Deck on 2, Horizon 360 and Trackside Terrace. This year there is the new Garden on Yas at the W Hotel.

Demand for tickets, Al-Noaimi said, continues, both among tourists and UAE residents.

“We actually sold out of many products as early as June, including circuit grandstands, and that’s six months before the event.

“Since then, we’ve tried to find new ways for people to come and enjoy the action. We didn’t want them to get disappointed, so we had one-day tickets come up in that period. But demand is unprecedented.”

“Last year, we had 170,000 attendees over the weekend, about 70 percent coming from outside the UAE,” he added. “That’s huge for supporting Abu Dhabi’s tourism strategy. And this year we expect similar or larger attendance numbers.”

Another aspect of the event that Al-Noaimi is proud of is the sustainability across the entire weekend.

“Sustainability is essential in our planning for the event. When we’re starting to plan for the event early on, we always view it from a sustainability lens.

“Last year was the biggest year we’ve had in terms of the footprint of the event and the scale of the event and the number of attendees. However, we had a reduction in our carbon footprint despite that significantly larger event. And that’s a result of all the different sustainability initiatives we’ve had over the last few years starting to show results.”

While the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix remains the crown jewel of Ethara’s calendar, and one of the biggest sporting weekends in the region, Abu Dhabi has become home to several other global events in recent years.

“Right now our flagship events are Formula 1, NBA Games and UFC,” Al-Noaimi said. “And then, expanding on the partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism, we were involved last year with delivering Abu Dhabi Art, which took place over a few months across multiple locations in Abu Dhabi. This year, we are also involved in the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial with the Department of Culture and Tourism.”

For those visiting from abroad, the F1 ticket comes with a lot of benefits, Al-Noaimi said.

“It’s truly a full week of activities for an Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holder. On Wednesday, you can upgrade and get a ticket to the World Supercross at Etihad Arena. Throughout that period, you have access, with ‘Yas All In’ pass, to one of the amazing theme parks we have on Yas Island, access to the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island, access to Qasr Al-Watan in Abu Dhabi, as well as a few other tourist destinations.”

But there is little doubt where all eyes will be this weekend, at Yas Marina Circuit.

“From Thursday, you have the pitlane walk, you have the first of the Yasalam after-race concerts happening in Etihad Park. And then you have the entire activities. Obviously the Formula 1 race, but also the support races, Formula 2, we have a Formula 4 Middle East Trophy Round, and Formula 1 Academy for the first time coming to Abu Dhabi as well.”

In two of these support races young local drivers will take to the track.

“We’re fortunate to have three Emiratis racing at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend in front of the same crowd that’s here to watch the Formula One,” said Al-Noaimi. “Amna and Hamda (Al-Qubaisi) are participating at the highest level of the F1 Academy. It’s the first time we bring that to Abu Dhabi. So it’s a proud moment for us to see them race in front of their home crowds.

“Rashid Al-Dhaheri returns for the F4 Trophy Round as well. He just stepped up to Formula Regional. He’s performing extremely well. Last season he took part in Formula 4 UAE. He also did Formula 4 Italy. And he’s participating in a few rounds in Europe and Southeast Asia. He's been doing amazingly well.”


Pakistan stocks smash record 105,000 mark on rate cut hopes

Pakistan stocks smash record 105,000 mark on rate cut hopes
Updated 17 min 42 sec ago
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Pakistan stocks smash record 105,000 mark on rate cut hopes

Pakistan stocks smash record 105,000 mark on rate cut hopes
  • State Bank has already slashed interest rates by 700 basis points in four consecutive meetings since June
  • Poll by Topline Securities says 71 percent participants expect central bank will announce rate cut of 200bps

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani stocks continued their record-breaking streak on Wednesday, crossing the 105,000 point mark for the first time on the back of investor confidence of a significant interest rate cut by the central bank at the next monetary policy meeting on Dec. 16.

The Pakistan Stock Exchange’s (PSX) benchmark KSE-100 Index climbed 914.49 points, or 0.87%, to hit a new intraday high of 105,473.56. Wednesday’s session follows Tuesday’s impressive gains, with the market closing at 104,559.07, adding 1,284 points.

The State Bank has already slashed interest rates by 700 basis points (bps) in four consecutive meetings since June, bringing the rate to 15%.

According to a poll conducted by Topline Securities, 71 % of participants expect the central bank will announce a minimum rate cut of 200bps.

“Out of the 71 percent, 63 percent expect the interest rate to be cut by 200bps, 30 percent expect a cut of 250bps, and 7.0 percent anticipate a cut of more than 250bps,” the poll said.

Market analysts credit the rally in stocks to improving macroeconomic indicators, strong trade performance, and the anticipation of further monetary easing.

Pakistan’s annual consumer inflation slowed to 4.9% in November, lower than the government’s forecast and the lowest in nearly six years. This is down from 38% last year.

Trade data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics also supports positive investor sentiment as the trade deficit narrowed by 7.39% during the first five months (July-November) of the current fiscal year, standing at $8.651 billion, compared to $9.341 billion during the same period last year.

Exports rose by 12.57% to hit $13.69 billion, while imports increased by 3.90% to $22.342 billion during this period. November’s trade deficit narrowed even further, dropping by 18.60% year-on-year to $1.589 billion compared to $1.952 billion in November 2023.


Pakistan recall fast bowler Mohammad Abbas after 3 years for test matches in South Africa

Pakistan recall fast bowler Mohammad Abbas after 3 years for test matches in South Africa
Updated 13 min 29 sec ago
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Pakistan recall fast bowler Mohammad Abbas after 3 years for test matches in South Africa

Pakistan recall fast bowler Mohammad Abbas after 3 years for test matches in South Africa
  • Abbas has taken 90 wickets in 25 test matches but hasn’t played red-ball cricket for Pakistan since the Jamaica test in 2021
  • He has been in impressive form of late, picking up 31 wickets in five premier domestic four-day tournament matches

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan recalled fast bowler Mohammad Abbas after three years for test matches while Shaheen Shah Afridi will play only white-ball cricket in South Africa.
Abbas has taken 90 wickets in 25 test matches but hasn’t played red-ball cricket for Pakistan since the Jamaica test in 2021. He has been in impressive form of late, picking up 31 wickets in five premier domestic four-day tournament matches.
“Shaheen Shah Afridi’s exclusion from the test squad is a strategic decision to ensure he remains physically and mentally fresh for the Champions Trophy,” selection committee member Aaqib Javed said in a statement on Wednesday.
Naseem Shah, who missed the last two home test matches against England, Khurram Shahzad and left-armer Mir Hamza are the pace bowlers named to the test squad.
Pakistan begins its tour of South Africa next Tuesday with three T20s, followed by three ODIs and two test matches at Centurion and Cape Town.
“We have adopted a horses for courses policy to ensure all three squads are well-balanced and capable of performing strongly in South Africa,” said Javed, who was also appointed interim white-ball coach ahead of Pakistan’s tour to Zimbabwe.
“Our focus in ODIs is to continue building momentum ahead of the Champions Trophy, while the T20 series provides a platform to blend experience with emerging talent.”
Off-spinner Sajid Khan missed out on the test team despite claiming 19 wickets in the last two test matches against England at Multan and Rawalpindi. Noman Ali, who picked up 20 wickets in those two memorable victories for Pakistan, won the selectors’ nod ahead of Sajid.
“Leaving out Sajid Khan, despite his stellar performances against England, was an extremely tough and difficult decision,” Javed said. “However, considering the pace-friendly conditions at Centurion and in Cape Town, we opted for Mohammad Abbas instead, who is an outstanding exponent of seam bowling.”
Former all format captain Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha were named to all three squads.
The selectors have kept faith in youngster Sufiyan Muqeem for T20s and ODIs after the left-arm wrist spinner claimed eight wickets in two T20s against Zimbabwe. Sufiyan also recorded Pakistan’s best-ever T20 figures of five wickets for three runs at Bulawayo on Tuesday that routed Zimbabwe for its lowest T20 score of 57 all out.
Squads:
Tests: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel, Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Haseebullah Khan, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha.
ODIs: Mohammad Rizwan, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan.
T20s: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Jahandad Khan, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan.


COP16: Over $12bn pledged for drought resilience and land restoration on 2nd day

COP16: Over $12bn pledged for drought resilience and land restoration on 2nd day
Updated 32 min 42 sec ago
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COP16: Over $12bn pledged for drought resilience and land restoration on 2nd day

COP16: Over $12bn pledged for drought resilience and land restoration on 2nd day

RIYADH: More than $12 billion has been pledged for drought resilience, land restoration, and combating land degradation at the 16th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. 

The Arab Coordination Group contributed an additional $10 billion to address desertification, land degradation, and drought, according to a press release.  

This follows the launch of the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership, with $1 billion each from the OPEC Fund and Islamic Development Bank, and $150 million from Saudi Arabia.  

The pledges were made during the Ministerial Dialogue on Finance, a key segment of COP16 focused on unlocking public and private sector funding. 

“With over $12 billion pledged for major land restoration and drought resilience initiatives in just the first two days, COP16 in Riyadh is already proving a landmark moment in the fight against drought,” said Osama Faqeeha, deputy minister for Environment, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and advisor to the UNCCD COP16 Presidency.  

“I hope this is just the beginning, and over the coming days and weeks, we see further contributions from international private and public sector partners, that further amplify the impact of vital drought resilience and land restoration initiatives,” Faqeeha added. 

He also called for the redirection of Official Development Assistance funds to address land degradation and drought. “As shown by the UNCCD’s latest report, there is a dire need for additional international funding,” Faqeeha added. 

Speaking on behalf of the Arab Coordination Group, Muhammad Al-Jasser, chairman of the Islamic Development Bank Group, said: “Recognizing the critical role of finance in advancing these efforts, we commit to allocate up to $10 billion in financing approvals by 2030. These funds will target global land restoration, desertification prevention, and nature positive development projects aligned with the objectives of the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership.” 

The UNCCD’s latest financial needs assessment report revealed that $355 billion annually is required from 2025 to 2030 to meet land restoration targets, but only $77 billion in investments are projected.  

On the second day of COP16 in Riyadh, the UNCCD released its financial needs assessment report, which also highlighted the private sector’s limited involvement. It contributes just 6 percent of global funding, despite the potential to generate up to $1.8 trillion annually from restoring over one billion hectares of land. 

As COP16 progresses, there is growing pressure for international stakeholders to close the financing gap and accelerate efforts to combat land degradation and boost drought resilience.