The Dutch government’s efforts to combat discrimination in public services are fragmented and ineffective, according to a critical report from the State Commission Against Discrimination and Racism. In an advisory letter to parliament, the commission urged politicians and ministers to take a firm stand against racism and discrimination in their public statements and policymaking. It warned that discriminatory rhetoric by public officials reinforces perceptions that unequal treatment is acceptable, thereby undermining social cohesion. “Discriminatory behavior by government agencies damages the legal system, erodes trust, and harms the welfare of individuals and society,” the commission stated. The commission called for…
Author: Ohene Anochie
Ohene Anochie
Senior Reporter with AMN News Agency, known for his insightful journalism and in-depth coverage of current events.
Asta Skaisgirytė, chief foreign policy adviser to Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, has defended the Belarusian opposition’s use of the knight on horseback symbol, featured on mock passports, amid criticism from conservative politicians who claim it resembles Lithuanian symbols. The symbol, known as Vytis in Lithuania and Pahonia in Belarus, originates from the coat of arms of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Skaisgirytė emphasized that Belarusians have a historical right to use the symbol, noting its significance during the shared history of the Grand Duchy, which included present-day Belarus. “They have nothing else, to be honest. All their other symbols are…
Lithuanian importers of artificial intelligence (AI) chips have stated that newly announced US export controls will not significantly affect their operations. This follows Washington’s decision to exclude Lithuania from its list of AI chip partners, as part of a broader move to impose export restrictions on domestically produced AI chips used in Internet of Things (IoT) technology. The restrictions, targeting graphics processing units (GPUs) from major US companies such as Nvidia and AMD, will not impact 18 US partner countries, including several European nations like Germany, France, and the UK. However, Lithuania falls into a third category, where chip…
In a significant move to strengthen economic ties, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kenya have signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This historic deal marks the UAE’s first bilateral trade agreement with an African nation, reflecting its strategy to diversify its economy beyond oil. The CEPA aims to enhance trade and investment between the two countries, which have already seen substantial growth in their economic relationship. Non-oil trade between the UAE and Kenya surged to $3.1 billion in the first three quarters of 2024, a 29.1% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This growth underscores…
Egyptian football star Mohamed Salah is reportedly on the verge of shattering the world record for a football contract, with a massive offer from Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal club. The proposed deal, said to be close to $80 million for a two-season stint, could surpass Cristiano Ronaldo’s record-setting agreement. Salah, 32, is in the final season of his contract with Liverpool, raising speculation about his future with the club. If he does not renew his contract, the lucrative offer from Al-Hilal could be an enticing alternative, especially considering the reported salary is nearly double his current earnings at Liverpool. Salah’s potential…
Osu Castle, one of Ghana’s most iconic historical landmarks, is now a symbol of neglect as the poor maintenance culture continues to plague its preservation. Once a vibrant seat of government, the castle stands as a testament to Ghana’s colonial past and its journey to independence, but its current state reveals a grim reality of decay and disrepair. Built by the Danes in the 17th century and later serving as the residence of Ghana’s presidents until 2013, Osu Castle has long been a cornerstone of Ghanaian history. However, its historical significance is now overshadowed by crumbling walls, overgrown vegetation, and…
The High Court of Bukavu has commenced a highly anticipated trial involving three Chinese nationals accused of illegal mineral exploitation in Walungu, South Kivu. The defendants face multiple serious charges, including illicit mineral extraction, money laundering, illegal residency, fraud, pillaging of natural resources, and unlawful possession of mineral substances. This trial has attracted widespread attention, highlighting South Kivu’s ongoing struggle against illegal resource exploitation. Authorities have long condemned the environmental damage and river pollution linked to illicit gold mining, often implicating foreign nationals in these destructive practices. Thomas Chidibi, a lawyer at the Kinshasa Matete Bar Association, underscored the importance…
The Amazigh communities of North Africa are ushering in the year 2974 of their calendar, which traces its origins to 950 BCE, when King Sheshonq ascended to the throne in Egypt. This year’s Yennayer, marking the end of the agricultural year and the start of a new one, was celebrated on January 13. Derived from “yan” (first) and “ayur” (month), Yennayer coincides with the coldest weeks of winter and is a significant cultural event for the Amazigh, considered the original inhabitants of North Africa. The festivities, rooted in tradition, symbolize abundance and fertility, with a focus on communal meals and…
The Latvian Association of Professional Guides has expressed frustration over the continued presence of the Latvian Riflemen Monument in the Old Town of Riga, as reported by the Latvian Television program “4. studija” on January 12. The monument, which commemorates the Latvian Riflemen, has become a focal point in the ongoing debate about the removal of Soviet-era symbols. The controversy arises from a special law enacted to dismantle objects glorifying Soviet and Nazi regimes. While several such monuments have been demolished or relocated, the Latvian Riflemen Monument remains in place, leading to questions about its appropriateness. In a…
A Russian citizen has been detained by Latvian border guards after illegally crossing the state border in Liepna parish on Friday, January 10, according to a press release from the State Border Guard. The incident was prompted by surveillance camera images showing an individual moving from the border toward Latvia. Border guards swiftly responded to the alert and discovered the individual, who lacked valid identity documents. Criminal proceedings have been initiated against the individual for intentionally crossing the external state border illegally. Additionally, administrative proceedings are underway for failing to present documents confirming identity and the right to…
