Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has announced plans to visit Israel on Tuesday, with the primary aim of engaging in discussions aimed at averting a further escalation of tensions in the region following Iran’s recent attack. Baerbock emphasized the critical importance of collaborative efforts to promote de-escalation and stabilize the volatile situation in the Middle East. Addressing reporters in Berlin alongside her Jordanian counterpart, Ayman Safadi, Minister Baerbock underscored the need for collective action and cooperation among nations to mitigate tensions and foster peace in the region. The visit comes amid heightened concerns over the potential for further conflict and…
Thirteen individuals linked to a Serbian gang, known as El Tetouani, have been apprehended by the Office for Combating Illicit Trafficking of Migrants (OLTIM) for their involvement in organizing a migrant smuggling network between the Maghreb and France via the Balkan route. The arrests were made on Tuesday, April 9, following an investigation initiated by the National Jurisdiction responsible for combating organized crime (Junalco) in 2022. The operation, which targeted the El Tetouani gang, named after the Moroccan city of Tetouan, the leader’s hometown, aimed to dismantle a sophisticated smuggling network facilitating the illegal migration of individuals from North Africa…
Recent revelations from Home Office documents have shed light on the substantial financial implications of the United Kingdom’s proposed asylum project in Rwanda, estimating a cost exceeding 5 billion euros over five years. This figure, which was made public amid parliamentary deliberations, underscores the magnitude of the initiative, which aims to accommodate and expel asylum seekers from the UK to Rwanda. According to the documents, the Rwandan project is projected to cost nearly 5 billion pounds sterling for the expulsion and accommodation of 30,000 asylum seekers over the initial five-year period. This comprehensive estimate encompasses various expenses, including accommodation, food,…
Over the weekend, several hundred migrants attempted to cross the English Channel, with 103 individuals rescued by French navy boats en route to the English coast. Despite the dangers involved, migrants continue to embark on perilous journeys in search of refuge, prompting concerns from humanitarian organizations. Data from the British Home Office revealed that between Friday and Sunday, April 14, English authorities detected 214 migrants in the Channel, underscoring the persistent challenges posed by irregular migration in the region. French maritime authorities conducted rescue operations off the coast of Grand Fort Philippe (North), saving 103 individuals, including 67 on Sunday…
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s forthcoming visit to Tunisia sparks a remote diplomatic confrontation with Tunisian President Kaïs Saïed. Scheduled for Wednesday, Meloni’s visit underscores her emphasis on immigration issues and urges Tunisia to curb migrant departures, which is particularly significant given Tunisia’s status as a major departure point for migrants to the European Union. In response, President Saïed asserts Tunisia’s sovereignty, emphasizing that his nation will not succumb to external dictates regarding border control and migration management. Rejecting the notion of Tunisia as a mere transit country or a destination for illegal migrants, Saïed reaffirms Tunisia’s commitment to independent…
Italy’s plan to establish migrant centers in Albania faces delays, with completion now expected in November 2024, contrary to initial promises of an earlier opening. According to a Ministry of Defense document obtained by La Repubblica, the construction timeline necessitates 233 days of work from March 23, pushing the inauguration to the fall. The official announcement contradicts previous assurances from the Italian government, which had pledged to open the centers by May 20, 2024. Construction is already underway in Gjadër, northern Albania, where heavy machinery has been deployed to prepare a former military camp to accommodate migrants awaiting asylum processing.…
Cyprus, facing an unprecedented surge in migrant arrivals, has taken the drastic step of halting asylum applications from Syrian nationals. President Nikos Christodoulides announced via social media, citing the need to address the overwhelming influx of refugees from war-torn Syria. The decision to suspend the processing of asylum requests from Syrian individuals comes amidst a backdrop of escalating arrivals, particularly from regions devastated by conflict. President Christodoulides did not specify the duration of the suspension, leaving many questions unanswered regarding the future of asylum seekers already on the island and those contemplating the perilous journey across the Mediterranean. One of…
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has hailed the effectiveness of the government’s comprehensive migration strategy, highlighting significant achievements in border security and migrant integration initiatives. Faeser’s remarks come amidst a dynamic landscape shaped by evolving migration policies and ongoing challenges. Minister Faeser reveals that Germany has taken robust measures to combat illegal migration since October, resulting in the apprehension of 708 suspected smugglers and the interception of 17,600 migrants at the border. This concerted effort underscores Germany’s commitment to upholding border integrity while addressing the complex realities of migration. Furthermore, Faeser points to a notable decline in asylum applications, indicating…
Greek authorities have released data indicating a significant downturn in the number of asylum seekers arriving irregularly from Turkey in March. According to official statements published on April 8, 2,231 migrants reached Greece from Turkey during the month, marking a notable decrease of approximately 42 percent compared to the previous month. This decline follows a broader trend, with arrivals plummeting by over 80 percent since September 2023. Notably, the reported figures exclude arrivals from eastern Libya, a point emphasized by the migration ministry. In March, arrivals from this region totaled 333, down from 528 in February. The downward trend is…
In a tragic incident off the southeastern coast of Spain, the bodies of four women believed to be migrants from North Africa, were discovered on a rubber dinghy. Coastguards spotted the boat early Friday morning, and marine rescue services towed it ashore. The Spanish authorities are conducting autopsies to determine the cause of death. No other individuals were found on board the boat. The discovery comes amidst a notable increase in migration to Spain, particularly to the Canary Islands. According to figures from the Spanish Interior Ministry, 15,351 migrants arrived in Spain via various routes in the first three months…