UAE accredited Hafsa Al Ulama to Germany

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UAE accredited Hafsa Al Ulama to Germany

Monday, 8 June 2020, Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany: Federal President Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier received at Bellevue Palace the novel top Emirati envoy to Germany, HE Hafsa Abdulla Al Ulama..  

Prior to this ambassadorship, Al Ulama was the UAE Ambassador to the Federative Republic of Brazil. She had likewise served as the her country’s head of mission to Montenegro, and concurrently non-resident ambassador to Kosovo.

In addition, she acted as the Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Capital Group as well as having held significant positions in the Ministry of Economy and Planning and at Citibank UAE, where she became the first Emirati woman Vice President in the UAE.

HE Hafsa Abdalla Al Ulama, UAE to Germany.

Ambassador Hafsa Al Ulama holds a BA in Economics from San Diego State University as well as a MSc in Analysis, Design and Management of Information Systems from London School of Economics and Political Science.

For further information German Federal Presidency – accreditations: https://www.bundespraesident.de/SharedDocs/Termine/DE/Frank-Walter-Steinmeier/2020/06/200608-Botschafterakkreditierung.html?nn=9042544

Images courtesy of the UAE Embassy in Berlin 

Ali Kushayb is in ICC custody

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Ali Kushayb is in ICC custody

Today, 9 June 2020, Ali Muhammad Ali Abd–Al-Rahman (“Ali Kushayb”) is in the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC) after surrendering himself voluntarily in the Central African Republic on account of an ICC arrest warrant issued on 27 April 2007.

Mr Kushayb is suspected of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Darfur (Sudan). The initial appearance of Mr Kushayb before the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber II  will take place in due course.

ICC Registrar Mr Peter Lewis thanked the Minister of Justice Flavien M’Bata and the authorities of the Central African Republic, the French Republic, the Republic of Chad, as well as the leaders of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) and the authorities of the host State, the Netherlands, for their support to the Court and cooperation in the arrest, surrender and transfer of Mr. Kushayb to the Court.

Mr Kushayb, Sudanese national born approximately in 1957, was allegedly one of the most senior leaders in the tribal hierarchy in the Wadi Salih locality and member of the Popular Defence Forces (PDF) and allegedly commanded thousands of Janjaweed militia from on or about August 2003 until on or about March 2004.

He is alleged to have implemented the counter-insurgency strategy of the Government of Sudan that also resulted in the commission of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur, Sudan. Mr Kushayb is perceived to be the mediator between the leaders of the Janjaweed militia in Wadi Salih and the Government of Sudan. He is also alleged to have enlisted fighters, armed, funded and provided food and other supplies to the Janjaweed militia under his command, thereby intentionally contributing to the above-mentioned crimes.

Ali Kushayb is alleged to have personally participated in some of the attacks against civilians namely in the towns of Kodoom, Bindist, Mukjar and Arawala between August 2003 and March 2004, where the killing of civilians, rape, torture and other cruel treatments occurred, therefore he allegedly committed, jointly with others, the above-mentioned crimes.

On 27 April 2007, ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I issued two warrants of arrest, against Ali Kushayb and Ahmad Harun (not in ICC custody). Pre-Trial Chamber I considered that there are reasonable grounds to believe that, (i) from about August 2002, an armed conflict took place between the Government of Sudan including combatants from the Sudan People’s Armed Forces (the Sudanese Armed Forces) and the Popular Defence Force (PDF) along with the Janjaweed militia against organised rebel groups, including the Sudanese Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A) and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) in Darfur, Sudan; (ii) in 2003 and 2004, that the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Janjaweed militia, acting together as part of the counter-insurgency campaign, carried out several attacks, of a systematic or widespread nature, on the towns of Kodoom, Bindisi, Mukjar, Arawala and surrounding areas. In the above mentioned towns criminal acts were allegedly committed against civilians primarily from the Fur, Zaghawa and Masalit populations, such as murders of civilians, rapes and outrages upon the personal dignity of women and girls, persecution , forcible transfers, imprisonment or severe deprivation of liberty, and attacks intentionally directed against the above-mentioned populations. 

The warrant of arrest delivered on 27 April 2007 against Ali Kushayb lists 50 counts on the basis of his individual criminal responsibility including: 

–          Twenty-two counts of crimes against humanity (murder; deportation or forcible transfer of population; imprisonment or other severe deprivation of physical liberty in violation of fundamental rules of international law; torture ; persecution; rape; inhumane acts of inflicting serious bodily injury and suffering ); and

–          Twenty-eight counts of war crimes (murder, violence to life and person; outrage upon personal dignity in particular humiliating and degrading treatment; intentionally directing an attack against a civilian population; pillaging; rape; destroying or seizing the property).

Main picture of Ali Muhammad Ali Abd–Al-Rahman (“Ali Kushayb”) from Wikipedia.

Oman Investment Authority set up

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Oman Investment Authority set up

In the picture His Majesty The Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq Al Said.

Thursday, 4 June 2020, Sultanate of Oman: His Majesty The Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq Al Said announced the appointed of Abdulsalam Al Murshidi to lead the newly created Oman Investment Authority. The latter combines the country’s two wealth funds into one entity, which shall hold assets valued at about $17 billion.
All government companies, except Petroleum Development Oman and the nation’s international investments, shall fall under the novel authority’s umbrella. 

Abdulsalam Al Murshidi was previously executive president of the State General Reserve Fund. His new position comes with the rank of government minister, according to the Sultan’s decree. 

For further information: 
Oman Investment Authority: https://oia.gov.om

E- Farewell for Ambassador Marlene Bonnici hosted by the Coordinator of WAGroup in NL

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E- Farewell for Ambassador Marlene Bonnici hosted by the Coordinator of WAGroup in NL

On the occasion of the end of term of H.E. Mrs. Marlene Bonnici, Ambassador of Malta to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Women Ambassadors Group, organized an e-farewell for her on 25th of May at 4:00 p.m.

Female Ambassadors of 22 countries that included Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cuba, Czech, Finland, Gambia, Moldova, Palestine, Romania, Spain, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, UAE, Uruguay, Yemen and Zambia were present.

In the exchange of courtesies, both Ambassador Bonnici and the Coordinator of the Women Ambassadors Group, Ambassador Sahar Ghanem noted that during the past two years, the Maltese Ambassador has been a supportive and active member of the Group.

In her remarks, Ambassador Marlene Bonnici thanked her colleagues for the collaboration and friendship and emphasized the important role the Women Ambassadors Group plays in consolidating the visibility and connectivity of women ambassadors in the diplomatic realm in the Netherlands. On the other hand, Ambassadors present mentioned that Bonnici’s friendly nature, professionality, strength, and exuberance have positively impacted the dynamics of the group activities. Sharing her ideas and experiences with the group was fortifying, encouraging, and validating of the Group’s role in building a supportive network with each other as well as the outer world. 

This was one of the last few engagements for Ambassador Bonnici who ended her term as Ambassador of Malta to the Kingdom of the Netherlands on 28th May 2020 and soon she will be pursuing her duties in her new post in Berlin. All her colleagues expressed their best wishes for her and asserted that she will be missed, and her place will always stay empty.

President Agius briefs UN Security Council on progress of Mechanism’s work

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President Agius briefs UN Security Council on progress of Mechanism’s work

Arusha, The Hague, 8 June 2020 – The President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (Mechanism), Judge Carmel Agius, today presented the Mechanism’s sixteenth progress report to the United Nations Security Council (Council) by video-teleconference from The Hague.

President Agius commenced by reflecting on how the world has changed since his last address in December 2019, and how acutely he feels the weight of the responsibilities entrusted to him by the Council. He reported that, despite the challenges arising from the  COVID-19 pandemic, the Mechanism has remained operational and delivered results, including through fulfilling its reporting duties regarding the Council’s third review of the Mechanism, mitigating case-related disruptions, and making remarkable headway on fugitive-tracking efforts.

With regard to the Mechanism’s judicial workload, President Agius informed Member States that due to the impact of the pandemic, the Mladić appeal, Stanišić & Simatović retrial, and Turinabo et al. contempt case are now anticipated to conclude in the first part of 2021. Nevertheless, work is ongoing and all efforts are being made for these cases to be conducted and completed as expeditiously as possible.

Turning to the recent arrest of fugitive Mr. Félicien Kabuga, the President spoke of a ‘major breakthrough’, lauding the efforts of Prosecutor Serge Brammertz and his team and praising France and other Member States for their contribution to this great accomplishment. He further thanked those who assisted the Mechanism in confirming the death of another fugitive, Mr. Augustin Bizimana. Underscoring the importance of cooperation and trust, the President encouraged all Member States to ‘use this momentum to keep advancing the cause of international justice’.

President Agius further briefed the Council about key developments related to the enforcement of sentences. These include the issuance of a revised Practice Direction on the procedure for applications for pardon, commutation of sentence or early release, and steps taken to receive regular information from enforcement States on pandemic-related measures in prisons where convicted persons are serving their sentences. He expressed his sincere gratitude to enforcement States for their cooperation in this and other respects.

Recalling last year’s 25th commemoration of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and the upcoming 25th commemoration of the genocide in Srebrenica in July 2020, President Agius highlighted the dangers of endemic hatred, division, and denial. He called for a united approach against those who favour impunity over justice, stating: ’Though we know that not every pathogen causes a pandemic, we see every day that these destructive forces are becoming more virulent, and that the purveyors of hate feel emboldened. We must combat their version of events and offer our solidarity and support to all those who have suffered, and continue to suffer.‘ In this context, he urged all Member States to join the Mechanism in commemorating the genocide in Srebrenica next month.

Finally, the President paid tribute to the Mechanism’s ‘devoted Judges and staff, and indeed all those who contribute to the Mechanism’s work on a daily basis’, without whom none of the progress made would have been possible.

Kenya Set to Contribute its Wealth of Experience Into the Un Security Council

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Kenya Set to Contribute its Wealth of Experience Into the Un Security Council

By Ambassador Raychelle Omamo, SC,EGH, Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary.

In just under a month, Kenya will be on the ballot for one of the five vacant slots reserved for non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. Kenya’s bid follows a resounding endorsement by the African Union in August 2019; a reaffirmation of the trust the Union has in Kenya’s leadership to pursue the continent’s interests in the Council.

Kenya is renowned for many things: it is the archeological cradle of mankind; its galaxy of middle and long distance runners have dominated the world athletics scene for decades; and, its tourist attractions, that includes the great annual wildebeest migration, the Great Rift Valley, the Maasaii Mara, the expansive beaches and mountainous landscape, are, probably, unrivalled. In addition to these and many others is that the country stands out as a global thought leader and a champion for galvanizing regional and global consensus on matters of international concern.

Following its endorsement as African Union’s candidate, Kenya has run a campaign based on a “Ten Point Agenda”. The Agenda focuses on regional and global concerns that the country champions, namely: building bridges; peace keeping and support operations; regional peace and security; countering terrorism and prevention of extremism; women, peace and security; youth empowerment; humanitarian action; justice, human rights and democracy; environment and climate change; and, sustainable development goals.

The ‘building bridges’ agenda resonates at the domestic level in deepening our democratic credentials while securing the peace during political transitions and elections. This agenda is particularly relevant today as the world needs multilateral consensus the global COVID-19 pandemic and its adverse effects. President Uhuru Kenyatta who is the current President of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States and a member of the Bureau of African Union Heads of State and Government has been at the forefront engaging world leaders and institutions in proffering solutions for concerted response measures. During its tenure in the UNSC, Kenya will pursue an approach that ensures the achievement of world peace, security and sustainable development. 

Kenya has played a leading role in promoting inclusive and sustainable development in Africa and beyond. It co-facilitated with Ireland the post-2015 Development Agenda Process leading to adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Domestically, Kenya has made substantial progress towards the achievement of SDGs, also developed under its co-chairpersonship, recognizing that sustainable development and peace and security are mutually dependent. 

In Africa, Kenya is an anchor state and guarantor of regional peace and security. Kenya made immense contributions in the process leading to the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement also known as the “Naivasha Agreement” in 2005 between the Government of the Sudan the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement. It also played a key role in the Somali peace process and continues to support South Sudan and Somalia in their peace and state building efforts. Additionally, Kenya has taken part in peace missions across 40 countries and runs one of the largest and oldest peacekeeping training centers on the continent; the International Peace Support Training Center. Further, Kenya stands out as an excellent example for the progressive achievement of gender equality in peace keeping, having one of the highest percentage of female officers serving in peacekeeping missions. Kenya intends to vigorously pursue the promotion of the women, peace and security agenda during its tenure as non-permanent member of the UNSC.

Over the years, Kenya, which was home to the late Prof. Wangari Maathai – the first African Woman Nobel Peace Laureate- has a long and distinguished tradition in conservation and environmental protection. It is the first East African nation to establish a legal framework on climate change with laws against high carbon development and a ban on single-use plastic. Kenya will leverage on her experience and position as host country for the United Nations Environmental Programme to give a fresh momentum and support to the global environmental agenda.  

On humanitarian action, Kenya has demonstrated its commitment to standing for peace by providing a haven for over 600,000 refugees fleeing conflict and instability in Somalia, South Sudan and other parts of Africa and indeed further afield. By the same token, the 2010 Kenyan Constitution is one of the most transformative and progressive documents on the African continent based on its guarantees of basic human rights and the power it gives citizens to determine how they are to be led. 

One of the most significant threats to Kenya’s security has been terrorism and violent extremism. Apart from counter terrorism measures at the domestic level, Kenya has been an integral part of regional and global efforts particularly in putting in place punitive measures to dismantle terrorist networks wherever they are. Kenya will vigorously pursue this agenda in the Council with a view to creating an environment for the achievement of long-lasting and sustainable peace and development.  With this set of credentials, it is evident that Kenya has a wealth of experience that it would bring to bear as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

Luigi Di Maio on first meeting in Berlin

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Luigi Di Maio on first meeting in Berlin

Friday, 5 June 2020, Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany: For his very first visit abroad since the outbreak of the sanitary crisis in Europe, Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio undertook an official jaunt to Berlin wherein he made with his German counterpart Dr. Heiko Maas for an urgent meeting focusing on i) the reopening of borders without discrimination for Italians within the Schengen Area, ii) further measures to undertake in order to combat the spread of Covid-19 in Europe as well as the alarming situation in Libya, and the positions held in the matter by Italy and Germany. 

For further information 
Italian Foreign Ministry: https://www.esteri.it/mae/en/sala_stampa/archivionotizie/approfondimenti/missione-a-berlino-del-ministro-luigi-di-maio.html

Embassy of Italy to Germany (HE Ambassador Luigi Mattiolo): https://ambberlino.esteri.it/ambasciata_berlino/it/

Lessons for now and for later

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Lessons for now and for later

By Barend ter Haar.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has not yet peaked in most parts of the world, it is not too early to reflect on some of the mistakes made: denial, neglect of the weakest, lack of international cooperation and lack of diplomacy.

Lessons for now and for later 

While the COVID-19 pandemic has not yet peaked in most parts of the world, it is not too early to reflect on some of the mistakes made: denial, neglect of the weakest, lack of international cooperation and lack of diplomacy.

Denial

Precious time was lost because China initially denied evidence of the pandemic.[1] China corrected its mistake, but other governments, most notably that of Brazil, keep falling in the same hole.

Neglect of the weakest

Relatively many of the residents of nursing homes died, in all probability because of a lack of personal protective equipment such as masks. Another vulnerable group are migrant workers because governments often pay little attention to their poor living and working conditions. As a result they became a source of contamination in countries like Singapore and the Netherlands. 

Most of the weakest people, of course, live elsewhere in the world where they have no adequate access to healthy food, safe water and basic medical care. We will not be safe until they are safe too.

Lack of international cooperation

Protecting your own inhabitants from COVID-19, while leaving other people to fend for themselves is not only inhumane, but also a dangerous illusion. Surveillance and control of infectious diseases is impossible without global cooperation, while research and production of medical supplies on a national scale would be inefficient, if possible at all. Unfortunately, some politicians fool their voters by pretending that the fight against a virus can be won without international cooperation.[2]

Lack of diplomacy

Fighting a virus requires sophisticated diplomacy, because open exchange of scientific information has to be promoted while borders are closed for passenger transport, and international coordination of the supply of vital medical supplies has to be combined with national economic interests. On top of that, the role of the World Health Organisation (WHO) has to be supported and strengthened against the opposition of countries like the US and Brazil. 
Unfortunately, the Netherlands government was ill prepared for these diplomatic challenges, due to unwise savings on diplomacy and a lack of coordination between the ministries of Health and Foreign Affairs.[3]

Open questions

Most of these mistakes could have been avoided if governments would have been less short-sighted, but many questions remain. How, for example, to prevent that the damage caused by a lock-down is larger than the benefits? A recent study of the Dutch response to the pandemic in March and April of this year illustrates this problem. It is estimated that the Dutch policy has saved 13-21 thousand healthy life years, at the cost of 100 to 400 thousand healthy life years, that were lost because of the reduction in regular care.[4]

[1] See also: https://diplomatmagazine.eu/2020/03/01/the-similarity-between-nitrogen-and-the-coronavirus/

[2] See also: https://www.parool.nl/columns-opinie/verkleinen-mondiale-ongelijkheid-is-van-levensbelang-voor-nederland~bc562cc5/

[3] See also: https://diplomatmagazine.eu/2020/05/03/a-ministry-of-common-affairs/

[4] https://gupta-strategists.nl/storage/files/200521-COVID-goes-Cuckoo.pdf

An economic view on the Covid-19 pandemic

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An economic view on the Covid-19 pandemic

By Mohamed Naser Hamdan AL ZAABI, Director of The Trade Promotion Department, United Arab Emirates Ministry of Economy.

The coronavirus pandemic has sent the world into shock. Many economies have been challenged, important dates have been pushed back, and governments and healthcare systems are caught up in a suddenly panicked frenzy as they experience pressure to undo the harm caused by the virus.

The situation is dire and has created many new challenges that need to be addressed. If global powers use this time carefully, they may be able to reap many benefits from the situation that can benefit them later.

Trade and Coronavirus
Global trade has been negatively affected as a result of ports shutting down and road transportation being halted in most parts of the world. Some parts of the world have been more deeply affected than others.

Middle East – Many countries in the MENA REGION got affected of the coronavirus outbreak in the Middle East. As a result, the county’s borders have been sealed, and trade halted. For now, the coronavirus’s impact on North Africa has been negligible due to governments having swiftly taken the appropriate measures to contain viral transmission.

2020 Forecast Amid Covid-19 Crisis
Most countries have been tossed into an unavoidable economic crisis because of the pandemic, but many are determined to rise from the ashes as soon as possible. 

The African Continental Free Trade Area
The African Continental Free Trade Area was expected to launch on 1 July 2020 but has been delayed until 2021 due to the current situation. However, if African countries begin to reform themselves and participate in fair trade from now onwards, they could witness a massive economic improvement by the time 2021 rolls around, and the power of free trade comes into their hands.

The Way Forward
Countries are currently struggling to regain their footing and doing what it takes to make sure global trade does not collapse. Certain measures have been taken to promote trade, and lawmakers are considering easing restrictions and sanctions to benefit global economies.

Online Trading
Online trading has become the only resource for many retailers and has helped global economies stay afloat despite the crisis. Some countries are taking extra measures to make online trade easier. For example, Vietnam’s Trade Promotion Agency has begun to encourage locals to develop online marketing strategies to support their businesses. For now, it seems that online trade is the best way forward. 

Conclusion
While it seems like the virus has spared no one, it has affected some countries more than others. However, there is hope. If wealthier countries begin to support their poorer allies and aid them in trade, global economies could see a positive shift, and the world could start to move towards normalization. Online trading should also be encouraged and allowed to flourish to help the economy regain stability. 

References: https://www.ecfr.eu/article/commentary_infected_the_impact_of_the_coronavirus_on_the_middle_east_and_nohttps://theconversation.com/how-a-post-covid-19-revival-could-kickstart-africas-free-trade-area-138223
https://vietnamlawmagazine.vn/online-trade-promotion-activities-should-be-developed-due-to-covid-19-agency-27106.html

Ministery of Economy – UAE: https://www.economy.gov.ae/English/Pages/Default.aspx

A Note of Thanks & Farewell

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A Note of Thanks & Farewell

Brussels, OACPS Secretariat in Brussels, 28th February 2020. The Committee of Ambassadors bid farewell to the outgoing Secretary General Dr Gomes here in the picture with the Chairperson of the ACP Committee of Ambassadors, H.E. Mrs. Teneng Mba Jaiteh, Ambassador of Gambia.

From Dr. Patrick I. Gomes, former Secretary-General, African, Caribbean & Pacific Group of States.

My Appreciation and a Fond Farewell 

I am conveying these greetings from Trinidad & Tobago, where I now reside after having completed my tenure as Secretary-General of the ACP Group of States from 2015 to 2020. My apologies for not being able to have conveyed these greetings in person before my departure from Brussels.

During those years of my tenure, the modest achievements of our unique organisation of 79 developing countries from across the African continent, the Caribbean and Pacific would not have been possible without the admirable and consistent support and encouragement Your Excellencies and dear friends provided to me personally, as Secretary-General, to the Secretariat, its management and staff.

I am deeply grateful to have been the beneficiary of your dedication to the ACP Group of States and the sterling contributions you made, as at major policy-making events such as the Council of Ministers and more recently at the 9th Summit of Heads of State and Government in Nairobi, Kenya on 9-10 December 2019. 

The Summit’s resounding success and permanent Declaration with the accompanying Amendment of the Georgetown Agreement, the constitutive Act of the ACP Group, will constitute a great legacy to which your presence and contribution were of great significance.

As I convey these words of appreciation and gratitude, it is my strong conviction that your continuing commitment to the ACP Group, now officially designated the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), will remain unwavering and enable the organisation to further advance in its Vision and Mission for the sustainable and equitable development of the peoples and societies of Africa, the Caribbean and Pacific. 

While looking forward to our paths crossing in the not too distant future, I take this opportunity to wish you every success in all your present endeavours and deep satisfaction as you pursue substantial, sustainable and equitable benefits for your countries and families across Africa, the Caribbean and Pacific and that you remain safe in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.

________________

Dr. Patrick I. Gomes, former Secretary-General, African, Caribbean & Pacific Group of States. Email: pigomes@yahoo.com

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