Connect with us

News

Taliban reject claims of ‘summary killings’ of ex-security forces

Published

on

File photo: Taliban fighters stand guard near the venue of an open-air rally in a field on the outskirts of Kabul on October 3, 2021. Hoshang Hashimi / AFP

Afghanistan’s Taliban government on Sunday rejected condemnation by Western nations over dozens of alleged “summary killings” of former security force personnel documented by rights groups since the Islamists returned to power.

The US, other Western nations, and allies on Saturday said they were “deeply concerned” by allegations by Human Rights Watch and others that point to “serious human rights abuses”.

Alleged summary killings and enforced disappearances “contradict” an amnesty declared by the Taliban for former security force personnel after the Islamists defeated a Western-backed regime and retook control of the country in mid-August, the State Department said.

The European Union, Australia, Britain, Japan, and others also put their names to the statement.

But the Taliban’s Interior Ministry on Sunday rejected both the Western rebuke and rights groups’ allegations.

“These reports and claims are not based on evidences,” spokesman Qari Sayed Khosti said in a video statement released by the Taliban. “We reject such claims.”

“We have some cases where some former ANDSF members were killed but they have been killed because of personal rivalries and enmities,” he said, referring to the now-defunct Afghan National Defence and Security Forces.

Many ex-regime security personnel “who had martyred hundreds of mujahideen and civilians are living peacefully” in the country on the basis of the general amnesty the Taliban granted, he added.

‘Used Screenings To Execute’

HRW on November 30 released a report that it says documents the summary execution or enforced disappearance of 47 former members of the ANDSF, other military personnel, police, and intelligence agents “who had surrendered to or were apprehended by Taliban forces” from mid-August through October.

The Taliban’s return came some 20 years after they were driven out by US forces who toppled a government that earned outrage for its brutal treatment of women, failure to uphold human rights, and harsh interpretation of Islam.

Today’s Taliban leaders, keen to gain international respectability, have pledged their regime will be different.

But in its report, HRW said Taliban leaders have directed surrendering security forces to register with authorities in order to be screened for ties to certain military or special forces units and to receive a letter guaranteeing their safety.

“The Taliban have used these screenings to detain and summarily execute or forcibly disappear individuals within days of their registration, leaving their bodies for their relatives or communities to find,” HRW said.

Calling for an investigation into these incidents, the joint statement released by the State Department said: “We will continue to measure the Taliban by their actions.”

“We underline that the alleged actions constitute serious human rights abuses and contradict the Taliban’s announced amnesty,” the US-led group of nations said, as they called on Afghanistan’s new rulers to ensure the amnesty is enforced and “upheld across the country and throughout their ranks.”

The Taliban demanded that the claims be backed by evidence.

“If they have documents and evidences they should share it with us,” Khosti said, adding that falsely “tagging personal enmities” onto actions by the Taliban authorities “is unjust”.

Washington held talks with Taliban officials earlier this week, the second round of discussions since US forces left the country at the end of August.

At the talks, in Doha, US officials urged the hardline Islamist group to provide access to education for women and girls across the country.

It also “expressed deep concern regarding allegations of human rights abuses”, a US spokesman said.

Cut off from billions of dollars in aid provided to the previous regime, Afghanistan’s new rulers — designated Specially Designated Global Terrorists by the US  — are grappling with an insurgency by a division of the Islamic State and are struggling to feed millions of people as Winter descends.

Comments

News

‘Today, we celebrate Olubadan Ladoja’s wisdom, service at 82’ – Oseni

Published

on

Oyo South Senatorial Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Aderemi Oseni has congratulated the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on his 82nd birthday.

Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, in a statement issued by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, on Friday, described Oba Ladoja as an elder statesman whose years in public service had left a mark on Oyo State.

According to the lawmaker, Olubadan ‘s birthday is an opportunity to celebrate his long years of service and his contributions to the development of Ibadan and the state.

He said, “I warmly congratulate Kabiyesi, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on his 82nd birthday. Eighty-two years is no small achievement. Beyond the celebration, it is a time to appreciate a life of service, experience and commitment to the people.

“Kabiyesi has served in different capacities and has remained an important figure in the history of Oyo State. Today, we celebrate his wisdom, experience and contributions to Ibadanland.”

The APC chieftain said the monarch ascension to the throne of Olubadan had added another dimension to his years of service to the people.

He said the traditional institution remained central to the history and identity of Ibadanland.

“Leadership comes with responsibility, and Kabiyesi has taken on this responsibility at a very important stage of his life.

“As he clocks 82, I pray that God will continue to give him good health, wisdom and the strength to serve his people. I wish Kabiyesi many more years in good health and peace. May his reign continue to bring unity and progress to Ibadanland,” Oseni said.

Continue Reading

News

Oyebanji gives security agencies 100 vehicles for state police take-off

Published

on

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Monday handed over 100 operational vehicles to security agencies in the state to strengthen patrols, improve response to distress calls and support the eventual take-off of the state police.

The vehicles were presented to the heads of the various security agencies at a ceremony held at the Osuntokun Pavilion, Government House Grounds, Ado-Ekiti.

Oyebanji said the intervention was part of his administration’s sustained efforts to strengthen the state’s security architecture and protect the lives and property of residents.

According to him, the vehicles are expected to enhance the mobility of security personnel, increase visibility across communities and improve their ability to respond swiftly to emergencies.

The governor said the latest intervention was coming about two years after his administration distributed patrol vehicles, Armoured Personnel Carriers, bulletproof vests, helmets and other security equipment to security agencies in the state.

He said, “Lined up here are 100 units of security vehicles, primarily for operations and mobility of your personnel and the eventual take-off of the state police outfit.”

Oyebanji added that the state government would continue to provide financial and logistical support to security agencies, including its regular monthly assistance and efforts to strengthen state-owned security institutions.

The governor charged the security agencies to make effective use of the vehicles, warning against poor maintenance and unprofessional conduct.

He said the additional vehicles should translate into more frequent patrols, greater security presence, faster response to distress calls and improved operational efficiency.

Oyebanji also urged security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and make better use of surveillance technology available in the state.

He stressed the need for closer cooperation among the agencies, saying no security formation could effectively tackle emerging threats by operating in isolation.

The governor said the security agencies must remain vigilant as the state moves into a period of increased political activities and preparations for the 2027 elections.

“As we move towards our inauguration ceremony next month and elections in another four months to come, all hands must be on deck to ensure that Ekiti State continues to remain safe and secure,” he said.

Oyebanji commended the security agencies for their sacrifices and collaboration, which he said had contributed to the peace being enjoyed in the state.

He said his administration remained committed to ensuring that Ekiti retained its reputation as one of the country’s safest states.

The governor also called on residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing useful information and cooperating with them to safeguard their communities.

Continue Reading

News

Oseni celebrates Oluremi Tinubu at 66, hails commitment to Nigeria

Published

on

Oyo South Senatorial Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and  lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has congratulated the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on her 66th birthday, describing her as a woman whose years in public service have been defined by compassion and commitment to the Nigerian people.

Oseni, in a statement issued by his Media Aide, Idowu Ayodele, on Monday and made available to journalists said the birthday was an opportunity to recognise the First Lady’s contribution to public life and her efforts to improve the lives of women, children and other vulnerable Nigerians.

The lawmaker said Tinubu’s experience in public service, spanning her years as First Lady of Lagos State, her tenure in the Senate and her present role as First Lady of Nigeria, had placed her in a position to understand the needs of people at different levels of society.

He noted that the demands of public office went beyond occupying a position, stressing that the real test was the ability to use such a position to make a difference in the lives of the people.

The APC chieftain said this was particularly important in Nigeria, where the challenges confronting families and communities required leaders to remain close to the people and responsive to their needs.

“Today is more than a celebration of age. It is also an opportunity to appreciate a life that has been devoted, in different capacities, to public service and the wellbeing of others.

“Senator Oluremi Tinubu has spent many years in public service, and I believe her commitment to women, children and vulnerable Nigerians deserves recognition.

“As we celebrate her at 66, I pray that God will continue to grant her the wisdom, strength and good health required to keep contributing to the development of our country,” Oseni said.

The Chairman of the House Committee on FERMA also commended the First Lady’s interventions through the Renewed Hope Initiative, particularly programmes focused on education, healthcare, social welfare and economic empowerment.

He said initiatives aimed at supporting ordinary Nigerians were important to the country’s development, adding that government at every level must continue to look beyond policies and programmes to their actual impact on people’s lives.

Oseni stressed the need for Nigerians to put the interest of the country above ethnic, religious and political differences.

According to him, national development can only be sustained when citizens and leaders alike recognise their shared responsibility to build a country where every Nigerian has a sense of belonging.

“Whatever our differences may be, Nigeria remains our common home. We must continue to promote those things that bring us together and give hope to our people.

“The responsibility of building a better Nigeria belongs to all of us. Government has its role, but citizens, community leaders and other stakeholders also have important roles to play,” he said.

The lawmaker prayed for the continued good health and wellbeing of the First Lady, wishing her more years of service, fulfilment and impact.

He also expressed hope that her birthday would mark the beginning of another productive chapter in her life and public service.

“On behalf of my family, my constituents and the people of Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, I wish our First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, a happy 66th birthday.

“May God continue to preserve her and grant her many more years in good health and peace. May her service to humanity and Nigeria continue to yield positive results,” Oseni added.

Continue Reading

Trending