World
Starving Madagascan villagers eat clay to stay alive
In the drought-ravaged south of Madagascar, people are filling their bellies with white clay mixed with tamarind to cope with famine.
“We call it survival soil because it allows the acidic taste of tamarind to seep into our mouths, which staves off hunger,” said Doday Fandilava Noelisona, a 35-year-old farmer in the village of Fenoaivo.
These days we no longer look for food to live on, but for ways to fill the empty stomachs,” said the father of six.
The staple food in the arid region is usually cactus fruit.
Rows of prickly green succulents surround villages, serving both as perimeter fences and food pantries.
But after more than a year without rain, even the cacti have stopped producing fruit.
The rare sight of their wilted skin attests to the gruelling conditions prevailing in the region, around 100 kilometres (62 miles) west of the city of Fort-Dauphin.
In Fenoaivo, villagers dread a repeat of a terrible drought that killed hundreds in the 1990s.
We called it the era of scattered skeletons because they were all over the roads. People no longer had enough energy to bury the remains of their brothers and sisters,” recalled Avianay Idamy, 42.
To prevent a similar misfortune befalling his family, Idamy started eking out a living by selling firewood and charcoal.
The father of nine acknowledged the trade was “not the most sensible” for the environment, but said it allowed him to buy food for his family.
Usually I cultivate alluvial land on river banks, but there is no ran and nothing grows,” Idamy told AFP.
“I had also invested my savings in livestock to sell if needed but bandits stole everything from us this year, even our kitchen utensils,” he added.
Idamy sells his charcoal for the equivalent of 30 US cents (25 euro centimes) a bag, just enough for his family to eat cassava once a day.
Like their neighbours, they swallow clay mixed with tamarind between meals.
Nine people starved to death in the nearby village of Ankilomarovahetsy in September, about 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) away.
“Eight children and a mother,” said 65-year-old Rafanampy, the community leader, who did not give his surname.
Resident Samba Vaha, 26, lost her one-year-old child Manovondahy.
“My son died after two days of illness, I couldn’t take him to see a doctor,” she said.
Children have particularly struggled to digest the clay and tamarind mixture, “which causes belly swelling,” explained Theodore Mbainaissem, local head of the World Food Program (WFP).
Half of the population in the southern region of the Indian Ocean island — 1.5 million people — is currently in need of emergency food aid, according to WFP.
Around 31 million euros ($37.6 million) are urgently needed to feed the hungry.
A few kilometres (miles) away in the town of Beraketa, global charity Action Against Hunger (ACF) has set up shop in coordination with the WFP.
“Child malnutrition here is cyclical,” and this year it started earlier in October instead of January, said ACF’s head of nutrition, Annick Rakotoanosy.
The centre attends to around 50 severely malnourished children — swollen bellies and lean legs — and 100 other patients each week.
The children are at risk of death, especially if malnutrition is complicated by diarrhoea, respiratory infections or malaria.
While droughts are not uncommon in the area, this dry spell has been compounded by climate impact.
“For three years in some communities, two in others, there has been no rain,” said the WFP’s Mbainaissem.
Mounting insecurity and livestock thefts have exacerbated poverty and complicated humanitarian relief efforts.
“The whole north of Amboasary (district), for example, is deprived of it,” Mbainaissem deplored.
Madagascar’s government has deployed the military to distribute food and first aid in the area.
Early in October, President Andry Rajoelina, his wife and son doled out rations in villages.
Without emergency food assistance, “we are facing disaster”, Mbainaissem warned. Now even tamarind is starting to become scarce.
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Source: News365
Nigeria was once hailed as one of Africa’s strongest and greatest nations, but recent years have seen a troubling decline marked by economic downturn, rising insecurity, and deteriorating international standing. The hardships faced by citizens have become unbearable, with many struggling to survive. It is in this context that the youth, the backbone of our nation, are stepping forward to demand change.
To the vibrant and passionate youths of Nigeria, your right to protest is enshrined in our constitution. It is a powerful tool for expressing dissent and demanding accountability. However, it is crucial to remember that the effectiveness of your message is amplified when delivered peacefully. Vandalizing property and engaging in violence not only undermines the legitimacy of your cause but also puts innocent lives at risk.
Peaceful protest is not a sign of weakness; it is a testament to your strength and maturity. It shows that you are capable of demanding change without resorting to destruction. Let us honor the legacy of past leaders who fought for our rights with dignity and respect for human life.
A Call to the Government and Political Leaders
To our government and political leaders, the voices of the people are crying out for change. It is your duty to listen and act. The grievances being expressed are not new; they reflect years of neglect and mismanagement. The time for empty promises is over. Concrete actions are needed to address the economic challenges, improve security, and restore Nigeria’s standing on the global stage.
The youths of Nigeria are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the leaders of today. They deserve a government that listens to their concerns and works tirelessly to create a better future for all. Engaging in open dialogue and taking decisive steps to address the issues at hand will not only alleviate the current crisis but also rebuild the trust between the government and the people.
As the protests is on, let us all remember that our common goal is to build a better Nigeria. This can only be achieved through peaceful and constructive actions. To the youths, march with purpose and resolve, knowing that your peaceful stance speaks volumes. To the government and political leaders, hear the cries of your people and take meaningful steps to make things right.
Source: vanguardngr
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called for transparency, accountability and the elimination of unnecessary expenditures to cut down on the cost of governance in the country. Akpabio made the call on Monday at a one-day dialogue on the cost of governance in Nigeria organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, NILDS, in Abuja.
Akpabio, who was represented by Sen. Agom Jarigbe (PDP-Rivers) highlighted the possible factors contributing to the high cost of governance in the country.He said the size of the country’s bureaucracy, the escalating public service wage bills, the overhead costs of appointed public officials, and the salaries and allowances of elected officials are major factors.
According to him, the running of government institutions among other substantial components contributed to weighing down the economy and hindering development efforts. Let us hold ourselves accountable and take responsibility for the betterment of our nation. We have to ensure that our government operates efficiently and effectively, serving the needs of the people and fostering sustainable development,” he said.
The president of the senate emphasized the need to streamline bureaucracy, eliminate unnecessary expenditures, and ensured transparency and accountability at all levels of governance. We must invest in our human capital, empowering our public officials with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive progress.
“And we must foster a culture of innovation and creativity, where new ideas can flourish and transform our nation,” he said.Akpabio urged all Nigerians to remain united, become agents of change and be committed to making sacrifices for the nation. He said that the 10th Assembly was ready to partner with all stakeholders to do everything within its constitutional powers to make Nigeria for all citizens.
Source: pmnewsnigeria
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The clergyman noted that bad leaders were intentionally making life miserable for Nigerians. Read more
A Chinese national who was arrested yesterday at the Harare magistrate court on allegations of smuggling more than 100 tonnes of Cynide has claimed to be a diplomat.
Li Song who is facing several allegations that include money laundering, extenalisation, theft and attempted murder has been released by the National Prosecuting Authority to the amusement of the complainants who have a solid evidence against her.
According to the source who attended the vetting process Li Song claimed to be a diplomat who is immune from arrest in the country and the members of Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission went to the Chinese embassy to verify her claim..
According to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission officers Somg was taken to Avondale police station cells for verification.
The notorious Chinese national has been implicated in various offences in the country and is also suspected to be one of the suspect in the poisoning of elephants with Cynide in the country.
Song is accused of externalizing more than US$11 million to an offshore bank account and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is a complainant in the case.
Song was arrested at the Harare magistrates court by members of Zacc and is expected to appear in court today.
According to the source Li improtedd more than 100 tonnes of Cynide but was later found with 40 tonnes which was stores at different places in a bid to use it in court to obstruct the course of justice.
Li was recently summons to appear in court on May 21 on allegations of externalization and moneylaundering which Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is the complainant.
She is accused of externalizing US$11 million through the central bank after manufacturing invoices to get forex at the bank’s auction system.
The Chinese national who is also referred as a defacto ambassador of China is also facing allegations of attempting to kill her business partner Franesco Marconati who is the owner of Eagle Italian Leather and Shoes.