Top stories from DAWNS Digest.
Mali Soldiers Accused of Summary Executions
Troubling news of crimes against humanity perpetrated by France’s erstwhile allies. “Mali’s army sealed off the central town of Sevare to journalists on Wednesday following allegations by residents and human rights groups that government soldiers had executed Tuaregs and Arabs accused of collaborating with Islamist rebels. The allegations, which have been denied by the Malian army, threatened to cast a shadow over a French-led operation to drive Islamist fighters allied to al Qaeda from northern Mali. They also pointed to a risk the internationally backed military campaign could trigger further racially motivated killings in Mali’s desert north, home to complex mix of ethnic groups.” (Reuters http://reut.rs/YomtbC)
Massive Flooding in Mozambique
Evacuations are underway in the south of Mozambique following floods that put more than 50,000 in danger. The Mozambican authorities raced to evacuate tens of thousands of residents from the flood-drenched south of the country on Wednesday before a fresh swell of water hits. The first phase of the emergency operation kicked into gear, with teams using 10 rescue boats to move 30,000 people from the worst-hit areas around the district of Chokwe. ‘The scenario is critical. The population is being evacuated where necessary,” said Rute Nhamucho of Mozambique’s national water directorate. Up to 55,000 people are thought to be in the danger zone, although some may be able to move of their own accord.’” (AFP http://bit.ly/WgedaF)
UK NGO’s Launch ‘If’ Campaign Ahead of G8 Meeting
100 UK NGOs have come together under a new campaign to end global hunger ahead of the G8 meeting in the UK. It is similar to the 2005 Make Poverty History campaign that also coincided with the UK holding the G8 presidency. “[T]his time, organisers are pushing for more radical change. Although pegged around hunger and malnutrition, the campaign focuses more on addressing the underlying causes of hunger, such as “land grabs”, tax avoidance and a lack of transparency over investments in poor countries.” (Guardian http://bit.ly/WgPUtf)