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The crown still holds soft power in Commonwealth

The Commonwealth of Nations is different from the Commonwealth Realms where the King will be the Head of State of 14 countries or Realms, including Canada, Australia and Jamaica, which are also constitutional monarchies…reports Asian Lite News

Britain’s Charles III was officially proclaimed king in a ceremony on Saturday, a day after he vowed in his first speech to mourning subjects that he would emulate his “darling mama”, Queen Elizabeth II.

The 73-year-old automatically became monarch upon the queen’s death Thursday, but an Accession Council ceremony at St James’s Palace early Saturday is a constitutional formality to recognise his sovereignty. The new king also named his elder son and next heir Prince William, 40, as the new Prince of Wales, while expressing love for his younger son Harry and daughter-in-law Meghan.

The King has a formal role as ‘Head of Nation’ and ‘bound to respect the nonpartisan obligations of monarchy, enshrined in custom and practice.’ According to the Royal Family’s official site, the monarch “has to remain strictly neutral with respect to political matters”.

Though, the King’s powers are largely symbol and ceremonial, here are some of the soft powers which the British monarch enjoys.

The British monarch has to be neutral with respect to political matters. Similarly Queen Elizabeth II, rarely made her political views public.

However, she was actively involved in diplomatic activities of the Commonwealth and other countries and often played a role in mending soured ties. During an attempt by Britain to invade the Suez Canal, the monarch made multiple visits after the attempt to strengthen ties with the United States.

The British monarch has to be neutral with respect to political matters. Similarly Queen Elizabeth II, rarely made her political views public.

However, she was actively involved in diplomatic activities of the Commonwealth and other countries and often played a role in mending soured ties. During an attempt by Britain to invade the Suez Canal, the monarch made multiple visits after the attempt to strengthen ties with the United States.

Charles III will have the ceremonial power to appoint the Prime Minister who enjoys the majority support of the members of the UK parliament. After the election, when the leader of a party wins, the Head of State invites them to the Buckingham Palace to form the government.

In case political parties fail to achieve majority, the King appoints the individual most likely to have the confidence of the House of Commons. He also formally dissolves a government before a general election.

The King delivers the opening remarks every year when the Parliament commences with the State Opening Ceremony. King Charles has already addressed the Parliament this year in May, on his mother’s behalf when she had health issues.

The new King is also be the head of the Commonwealth of Nations, an association which is a product of the erstwhile British empire. It consists of 56 independent nations with a population of 2.4 billion.

The Commonwealth of Nations is different from the Commonwealth Realms where the King will be the Head of State of 14 countries or Realms, including Canada, Australia and Jamaica, which are also constitutional monarchies.

The monarch’s role of heading the Commonwealth is not hereditary but honorary. The leaders of these countries met at a conference in 2018 to agree that the role would be given to Charles when he becomes the sovereign.

As a head of state, the monarch undertakes constitutional and representational duties which have developed over one thousand years of history.

The Monarch has a less formal role as ‘Head of Nation’, where he/she acts as a focus for national identity, unity and pride; gives a sense of stability and continuity; officially recognises success and excellence; and supports the ideal of voluntary service.

The monarch has the power to appoint lords to sit in parliament, but this is only exercised on the advice of government ministers. The monarch also personally confers knighthoods, which are given to those who have made a notable contribution to British society, in any walk of life. The government provides the monarch with a list of nominees each year for approval for public honours.

Though Charles’ role as head of state is symbolic, experts say there will be little change in the Commonwealth realms.

However, Others say that the royal succession could strengthen existing republican movements in the Commonwealth realms. Jamaica’s prime minister had already announced that the country intends to leave the monarchy. The leaders of Belize and of Antigua and Barbuda have signalled similar intentions.

Similarly in Canada, the support for a break with the monarchy remains a minority view, but one that has been growing sharply.

ALSO READ: Arab world bids farewell to Queen

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-Top News Asia News

Chinese naval base in Cambodia sparks concerns

military medical staff airlifted by eight large transport planes of the air force of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) arrive at Tianhe International Airport in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Feb. 2, 2020. (Photo by Long Deyong/Xinhua/IANS) Release Date & Time: 2020-02-02 15:32

The launch of the project at the Ream Naval Base, which Cambodian officials said will use aid from China to renovate the port, comes amid Western concerns…reports Asian Lite News

Aiming to establish control and authority over global politics, China’s upcoming naval base in Cambodia could be the latest example of establishing and fulfilling Beijing’s hegemonic interests in Southeast Asia.

Both China and Cambodia took the first steps on a Beijing-funded upgrade of the Ream Naval Base in the southern part of the country.

The launch of the project at the Ream Naval Base, which Cambodian officials said will use aid from China to renovate the port, comes amid Western concerns that Beijing is seeking a military outpost at the Gulf of Thailand facility, CNN reported.

Jakarta Post reported that the key factors behind China’s choice of Cambodia are the political background of good relations with the non-democratic Hun Sen regime in Cambodia, as well as suitable economic background for Chinese investment and businesses.

The historical background also favours China as the country has border issues with Vietnam- Beijing’s rival in the South China Sea conflict, the Jakarta Post added.

With this, the relations between Cambodia and the United States has also contributed to Chinese concentration to its influence. A recent example of the affected ties of Cambodia-US relations is is the cancellation of the “Angkor Sentinel” joint military exercise in January 2017 by Cambodia, followed by the dissolution of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) in late 2017.

Cambodia-Vietnam relations were also affected due to Chinese intervention, as per The Jakarta Post.

China is Cambodia’s largest source of imports, accounting for 31 per cent of total imports in 2020. On the other hand, the US is Cambodia’s largest export source, accounting for 25.2 per cent of all exports in the same year, as per The Jakarta Post.

Cambodia’s deterioration in relations with the US, and further economic sanctions, and export restrictions by Washington will cause the Cambodian economy to crumble, which in turn further strengthens the control of Chinese investing parties over the resources of Cambodia and under the pretext of securing the Chinese investment more and more bases will come up in Cambodia to further fuel the tensions in the South China Sea and crush the sovereignty of ASEAN countries, the report added. (ANI)

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-Top News Africa News

Tourism bounces back in South Africa

Sisulu attributed the improvement in tourism performance to the relaxation of the travel restrictions following the decline in the Covid-19 figures….reports Asian Lite News

South Africa’s total arrivals in the first six months of 2022 hit 2,285,746, up 147 per cent when compared to the same period last year, said Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu.

Sisulu told reporters that arrivals from the African continent increased by 109 per cent as compared to the same period in 2021, with Zimbabwe accounting for most arrivals to South Africa, followed by Mozambique and Lesotho, reports Xinhua news agency.

The US contributed 128,991 arrivals, and Europe 356,352.

“In the first half of the year, Europe was the best performing region, despite security concerns mounting due to the war in Ukraine. The Americas are the second-best performing region, this market is slowly making its way back to pre-pandemic levels, performing at minus 40 per cent below 2019 levels.

South Africa likely to experience fourth wave of Covid-19

“Recovery in Asia and the Pacific is much slower, due to border closures and strict travel policies,” said Sisulu, noting the African air transport markets brought in 1,634,244 arrivals.

She said domestic tourism saw 15.2 million domestic trips during the period under review, which is more than the pre-Covid period.

Sisulu attributed the improvement in tourism performance to the relaxation of the travel restrictions following the decline in the Covid-19 figures.

She said the future of tourism looks bright with bookings done for next year.

“The future for our tourism and hospitality sector looks even brighter. In August, forward bookings increased by 328 per cent (85,960). Between August to October, there was an impressive 287 per cent (187,667) increase in bookings.

“For August to January 2023, there was a 227 per cent (294,220) increase in bookings. This is a new emerging trend, as we are seeing that international tourists are now booking further in advance for their future travel,” Sisulu said.

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Africa News India News Woman

10 Emirati women reach Kilimanjaro peak

Upon their arrival at the peak, the women hoisted the UAE flag, after a challenging six-day journey…reports Asian Lite News

Ten Emirati women have completed the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, located in northeastern Tanzania, with a height of 5,895 metres above sea level, as part of a trip organised by Majalis Abu Dhabi to celebrate Emirati Women’s Day.

Upon their arrival at the peak, the women hoisted the UAE flag, after a challenging six-day journey.

This trip serves as a testament to strong will of Emirati women and their ability to overcome various challenges. It also aims to spread positive values, such as teamwork, determination and fearlessness in achieving goals, among women.

ALSO READ-New incentives for Emirati SMEs unveiled

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-Top News Africa News

WFP seeks $418 mn to ramp up aid in Horn of Africa

WFP added that the severe drought across the Horn of Africa is expected to continue in the coming months, with a fifth poor rainy season forecast later this year…reports Asian Lite News

The World Food Programme (WFP) has said that nearly $418 million are urgently needed over the next six months to scale up assistance in the Horn of Africa as levels of hunger soar after back-to-back droughts and the threat of famine looms.

WFP added that the severe drought across the Horn of Africa is expected to continue in the coming months, with a fifth poor rainy season forecast later this year.

“There is still no end in sight to this drought crisis, so we must get the resources needed to save lives and stop people plunging into catastrophic levels of hunger and starvation,” WFP Executive Director David Beasley said in a statement issued in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.

Since the start of the year, nine million more people have slipped into severe food insecurity across Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia, leaving 22 million people struggling to find enough food to eat, the UN agency said.

Beasley on Thursday wrapped up a visit to drought-ravaged Somalia, where more than seven million people — close to half the nation’s population — are acutely food insecure and 213,000 are already facing famine-like conditions.

The Executive Director visited the southern city of Bardhere and met families, including malnourished children and their mothers who were forced to leave their homes and travel long distances through conflict-wracked areas in search of humanitarian assistance.

“People here have been waiting years for rain, but they cannot wait any longer for life-saving food assistance. The world needs to act now to protect the most vulnerable communities from the threat of widespread famine in the Horn of Africa,” said Beasley.

WFP said that it’s tripling the number of people reached with life-saving food assistance in the Bardhere area, which hosts thousands of people driven from their homes by drought and conflict.

During the 2016/17 drought in the Horn of Africa, WFP said, a catastrophe was avoided through early action, noting that humanitarian assistance was scaled up before there was widespread hunger, saving lives and averting a devastating famine.

The Executive Director said WFP is targeting 8.5 million people across the Horn of Africa, up from 6.3 million at the start of the year.

WFP at the start of 2022 warned that 13 million people in the Horn of Africa were facing acute food insecurity due to the drought.

By mid-year, with the fourth consecutive failure of rains, that number increased to 20 million and now, the number is projected to rise again to at least 22 million by September.

“This number will continue to climb, and the severity of hunger will deepen if the next rainy season (October to December) fails and the most vulnerable people do not receive humanitarian relief. Needs will remain high into 2023 and famine is now a serious risk, particularly in Somalia,” WFP added.

Famine feared in 8 areas of Somalia

With more than 200,000 people already in catastrophic food insecurity, famine is feared by September in Somalia, a UN spokesman said.

Due to the Horn of Africa drought, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) believes that there will be famine in eight areas of the country within two months, Xinhua news agency quoted Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, as saying to reporters.

The level of food insecurity has been the worst since 2017 and is not expected to improve for a year.

“Our humanitarian colleagues warn that more than 7 million people are already impacted by the severe drought, up from nearly 6 million in May,” Dujarric said.

“More than 800,000 have left their homes in search of food, water and pasture.”

Antonio welcomes recent establishment of AU transition mission in Somalia

He said that at least 200 children have died of malnutrition and disease since January and an estimated 1.5 million children under the age of 5 face acute malnutrition.

“Late last month, our partners launched the Drought Response and Famine Prevention Plan to provide life-saving assistance and prevent famine in Somalia,” the spokesman said.

“The plan calls for nearly $1 billion to reach 6.4 million people through the end of the year.”

Separately, the Humanitarian Response Plan for Somalia, which calls for $1.46 billion to help 5.5 million people, is only 30 per cent funded, he said.

Almost 4 million people have received assistance since January.

“We need greater resources to meet growing needs and avert famine,” Dujarric said.

ALSO READ-People of African origin join I-Day celebrations in Hyderabad

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Africa News India News

People of African origin join I-Day celebrations in Hyderabad

Reddy added that since the early days of his career, he had been treating patients from various African nations…reports Asian Lite News

About 100 men and women of African origin, settled or living temporarily in Hyderabad, participated in India’s Independence Day celebrations on Monday.

They saluted the Tricolor at a ceremony organised by Amor Hospitals, a prominent multi-specialty healthcare provider in the city.

“The spirit of India and the values we possess, makes us Indians dear to people from around the world. As India celebrates its 75th Independence Day, I am happy, our friends of African lineage have decided to share our joy by participating in the festivities,” said Kishore Reddy, Managing Director at Amor Hospitals.

Reddy added that since the early days of his career, he had been treating patients from various African nations.

“Today, by taking part in these celebrations, these people have demonstrated the bond they have with India, and the trust they impose on the Indian healthcare system,” he said.

To celebrate India’s 75 years of Independence and pay tribute to all those who fought and sacrificed their lives during the freedom struggle, Amor Hospitals’ family has extended its complete support to the various programmes started by the government on this occasion, like ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’.

A tricolor was unfurled atop the hospital building for the past three days, and the management has requested and encouraged every doctor, nursing, and support staff members to display the Indian flag at their respective homes.

ALSO READ-UAE calls for active engagement with African partners

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Blinken kicks off Africa tour to counter Russian influence

Blinken (Picture Credits: Twitter/Blinken)

Blinken and Pandor will “discuss ongoing and recent developments relating to the global geopolitical situation,” a South African government statement said…reports Asian Lite News

Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in South Africa on Sunday, kicking off a three-nation tour of Africa.

His visit comes as the West and Russia vie for support from African countries over the war in Ukraine.

South Africa has maintained a neutral stance on the war and has refrained from joining Western countries in publicly condemning Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine.

What is on Blinken’s agenda?

On Sunday, Blinken visited the Hector Pieterson memorial in Soweto township, which commemorates the 170 school students killed during an anti-apartheid uprising in 1976.

The secretary of state is expected to hold talks with his South African counterpart, Naledi Pandor, on Monday, before outlining the United States’ strategies for sub-Saharan Africa in a major policy speech at the University of Pretoria.

Blinken and Pandor will “discuss ongoing and recent developments relating to the global geopolitical situation,” a South African government statement said.

Africa has been hard-hit by the coronavirus pandemic as well as rising food and fuel prices triggered by Moscow’s war on Ukraine.

Blinken is also scheduled to visit Congo and Rwanda later in the week. It is his second trip to the continent since his appointment early last year and follows recent Africa tours by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and French President Emmanuel Macron.

ALSO READ-India among our closest partners, says Blinken

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-Top News UAE News

Ethiopian delegation explores Dubai’s digital economy

The visiting delegation included representatives of the Ministry of Innovation and Technology in Ethiopia and executives from Perago Information Systems PLC…reports Asian Lite News

Dubai Chambers organised a visit for a delegation from Ethiopia recently, welcoming 10 notable decision-makers from the public and private sectors.

The delegation was headed by Ewnetu Abera, CEO of Perago Information Systems PLC, the company mandated with implementing the .gov initiative for the Federal Government of Ethiopia.

The delegates sought to explore Dubai’s success in digital services, discuss the prospects of establishing potential business partnerships, and sign agreements that would support the Digital Ethiopia 2025 Strategy, in addition to exchanging knowledge and expertise.

The visiting delegation included representatives of the Ministry of Innovation and Technology in Ethiopia and executives from Perago Information Systems PLC.

The delegation held eight meetings with representatives from Dubai Chambers, Digital Dubai, and several companies, including OnTime, Value Grid, Digital Falcon, and World1Media, to discuss opportunities for establishing partnerships and collaborations.

The delegation met with Khalid Al-Jarwan, Executive Director of Dubai Chamber for Digital Economy, who introduced them to the evolution of the digital economy in the Emirate of Dubai, as well as the chamber’s efforts to fulfil the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to promote the emirate as a world capital of digital economy and a leading destination for international digital companies.

Al-Jarwan stressed the importance of partnerships and collaborative efforts, highlighting Dubai’s competitive advantages to digital start-ups looking to expand globally.

Ethiopia is a leading digital start-up market in Africa and an important economic partner for the Emirate of Dubai, Al-Jarwan explained.

The delegates noted that Dubai and its public and private sectors had accumulated extensive experience that can help Ethiopia achieve the objectives of its Digital Ethiopia 2025 Strategy.

Omar Khan, Director of International Offices at Dubai International Chamber, said that organising this delegation comes at a time when efforts are being made across the board to advance Dubai’s position as a global business destination, and a hub for international expertise in customer service and digital transformation. He noted that the visit has opened doors wide for future collaborations.

The visiting delegation toured the Membership and Documentation department at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, where they met with its Director Abdulla Al-Theeb and explored the smart services offered to members.

Al-Theeb highlighted the principles that the chamber’s customer service and digital transformation systems rely on, pointing out that customer happiness is a top priority that requires continuous investment to provide exceptional solutions for customers to complete their transactions easily and conveniently, saving them time and effort.

Ewnetu Abera said, “The experience exchange programme organised by Dubai Chambers allowed us to explore the digital technologies driving a new level of growth. We have also benefitted from the meetings we held with private sector companies, including start-ups and established corporations, to discuss opportunities for collaboration in the Ethiopian market. In addition, we will be working closely with Dubai Chambers to turn these meetings and discussions into productive business opportunities.”

ALSO READ: UAE signs peace treaty with ASEAN

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Africa News

Africa a new destination for Islamic Financial Institutions

This system has multi-fold benefits which concentrate on the balanced wealth distribution. He also threw light on the need of Islamic banking and financial services…reports Asian Lite News

Africa is emerging for Islamic Finance and a new destination for Islamic Financial Institutions which will open new avenue for the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the region, it was stated by Muhammad Zubair Mughal, Chief Executive Officer of AlHuda Centre of Islamic Banking and Economics (CIBE) during the inaugural ceremony of African Islamic Banking and Takaful Summit was held in association with Centre for Islamic Finance, Compliance and Advice and sponsored by Imaan Finance, CRDB Bank Plc, PBZ Bank LTD, Craft Silicon, Technology Associates – Tanzania, Zanzibar Insurance Corporation, InvoiceMate, BSV-Blockchain, , Association of Tanzania Insurers (ATI) – Tanzania, National Insurance Authority, Somaliland, NBC, Imaan Newspaper, Imaan Radio, Imaan TV and IFING-MEDIA. He said that, Tanzanian Islamic Banking and Takaful market is very imminent and seems promising.

The summit was inaugurated by Mr. Muhammad Zubair, Chief Executive Officer, AlHuda CIBE FZ LLE, Dubai- U.A.E. He welcomed all the guests of honors, speakers and participants for attending this emerging phenomenon conference, one of new of its kind in the region. He said that Islamic banking and finance is the ultimate financial solution due to its viability and sustainability. This system has multi-fold benefits which concentrate on the balanced wealth distribution. He also threw light on the need of Islamic banking and financial services.

He further said that several new Islamic financial institutions are ready to start their operations in the market. Various Islamic window operations are also going to start their operations for the development of the economy to strengthen the growth of the market and to uplift the living standards of the public in the region. A few of the banks are also coming into the markets with stand-alone branches for Islamic banking operation. Insurance industry is also participating with zeal and zest and Takaful operations are also going to be operated in the insurance market.

The Guest of Honors includes H.E. Mohamed Himid Mbaye Former Deputy Governor, Bank of Tanzania, Immediate Past Chairman CIFCA, H.E. Prof. Florens D. A. M. Luoga Governor, Bank of Tanzania, H.E. Mrs. Khadija. I. Said Deputy Commissioner of Insurance, Insurance Regulatory Authority (TIRA), Tanzania, Dr. Ally Hussein Laay Chairman of the Board of Directors, CRDB Bank Plc, Tanzania, Mr. Khamis Suleiman     Chairman, Association of Tanzania Insurers, Tanzania were with Mr. Muhammad Zubair at inaugural ceremony and appreciated AlHuda CIBE FZ LLE, Dubai- U.A.E. activities for the development of Islamic banking and finance in Africa and especially in Tanzania. They mentioned that Tanzania and Africa have enriched the future for Islamic banking and finance and many banks are dealing with Islamic banking products in the country and the region. They pertinently mentioned that AlHuda CIBE is playing its role for the promotion of a globally accepted alternative financial solution which is the only hope of financial stability. They also mentioned that there is absence of a specific legal and regulatory framework to govern the Islamic finance industry which should be addressed timely. It not only will promote the Islamic banking and financial services but also enhance the economic growth of the region.

Other speakers and distinguished guests include Mr. Issa Mohammad Sheikh- CIFCA- Coordinator, AlHuda CIBE Shariah Advisor, Tanzania, Mr. Mohamed shakeel salyani (PhD)- Head of Islamic Banking Division, Craft Silicon, Kenya, Mr. Rashid Rashid- Head of Islamic Banking, CRDB Bank PLC, Tanzania, Mr. Asim Hameed- Shariah Board Member, IMAAN Finance Ltd. Tanzania, Mr. Muhammad Salman Anjum- Head of BSV Hub & CEO ,InvoiceMate, UAE, and Prof. Dr. Mohammed Hafidh Khalfan addressed the session on Islamic Banking, Finance, FinTech & Sukuk. Dr. Ndikumana Sudi- Chief Executive Officer/Chairman, Health Maintenance Organization (HMO-Africa), Burundi, Mr. Muhammad Zubair- Managing Director, AlHuda CIBE FZ LLE – U.A.E, Dr. Huda A. Yussuf- Chairman Board of Trustees, Zanzibar Social Security Fund, Tanzania, Dr. Juma Shaban Chibololo- Lecturer, Faculty of Islamic Studies-MUMand Mr. Sunusi Saleh Dan-Alhaji addressed the session on Takaful (Islamic Insurance) and Islamic Capital Market.

Furthermore, Dr. Abdalla Y. Tego-Lecturer Muslim University of Morogoro, Dr. Kassim Nurdin Hussein- Chairman, Awqaf Tanzania, Mr. Salum Awadh- CEO, SSC Capital, Founder, Shirkah Invest, Tanzania and Prof. Mussa Assad have spoken to the Development of Islamic Finance in East Africa session.

Finally, H.E. Mtemi. Dr. Salum Ahmed Kihemba, PhD – Chief Executive Officer, Legal Finance and Administrative Affairs, NA Prints Plc, Tanzania, Dr. Abdalla Ussi Hamad- Director, Institute of Islamic banking and Finance, Zanzibar University, Zanzibar, Mr. Abdirahman Mohamed Anas- Head of Internal Audit, Premier Bank, Somalia and Mr. Yassir Masoud Salim- Secretary General, Hay’atul Ulamaa, Tanzania, concluded the session on Waqf, Zakka &Islamic Microfinance.

Two days’ post event specialized training workshops on “Practical and Operational Aspects of Takaful ” will be held on 27th – 28th July, 2022 at Johari Rotana, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

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Africa News

‘Killing of soldiers Congo may be war crime’

Kassim Diagne, the Deputy Special Representative of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for the Congo mission said they will get to the bottom of the investigation, reports Arul Louis

The killing of the two Border Security Force (BSF) personnel involved with the UN peacekeeping operations in Congo may be a ‘war crime’, the UN Security Council has declared, backing an assertion by the Acting Head of the mission there, who also said the world body will spare no efforts to find those responsible for the killings.

Issuing a strong condemnation of the attacks on UN peacekeepers in Congo, the Security Council in a press statement on Wednesday “underlined that deliberate attacks targeting peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law” and asked the Congolese authorities “to swiftly investigate these attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice”.

Kassim Diagne, the Deputy Special Representative of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for the Congo mission, told reporters, “We will not leave any stone unturned to get to the bottom of the investigation.”

“This was clearly an act of hostility against our troops and, as you know, this may be a war crime,” he said while speaking from Kinshasa, the Congo state capital, through a video link to reporters at the UN headquarters in New York.

A declaration for revitalising peacekeeping that was unveiled by Guterres in 2017 and endorsed by India said that violence against UN personnel “may constitute war crimes” and it has been reiterated by the Security Council several times.

BSF Head Constables, Sanwala Ram Vishnoi and Shishupal Singh, died in the attack on peacekeepers in Butembo in North Kivu on Tuesday.

A Moroccan Army peacekeeper was also killed in the attack carried out by a mob that Diagne added had been infiltrated by gangs and armed groups.

He said that the bodies of the peacekeepers were being transferred to Beni, a bigger town in north-eastern Congo, with an airport.

“We’re looking at arrangements for these remains to go back quickly to their families in India and Morocco,” he added.

The BSF personnel were serving in the police component of the UN Organisation Stabilisation Mission in Congo, which is known as MONUSCO based on the initials of its name in French.

There were 139 police — many of them women — and 1,888 military personnel from India with MONUSCO.

With the killing of the two BSF personnel, the number of Indians killed in peacekeeping operations rises to 177.

MONUSCO was set up by the Security Council in 2010, succeeding an earlier mission created in 1999, to bring stability to the civil strife-torn country and end the free reign that some militias and rebel groups have in some parts of the country.

Diagne said that the situation was “increasingly under control” after two days of unrest, but the UN will “remain extremely vigilant and extremely cautious, because this situation may develop further”.

He added that gangs and armed groups that had infiltrated the protests by some Congolese were responsible for firing on the peacekeepers.

“That’s the group that we agreed with the government that we need to look (at), identify those who are involved and make sure that they go to justice,” he said.

“I wouldn’t even call them protesters, I would say looters and criminals,” he added, describing the looting of supplies from the UN facilities and the vandalism seen on social media.

News reports from Congo said that the protests had been organised by a group within the ruling party, the Union for Democracy and Social Progress, complaining about the UN’s inability to stop the attacks by rebel groups on civilians and the government.

One of the demands of the protesters was that the UN should withdraw from the country.

Diagne said that the UN was in communication with peaceful protesters and pointed out that the UN operation was in the process of transition and had pulled out in various places under the Security Council’s decisions leaving it now only in two areas.

Many people in Congo, on the other hand, were against the MONUSCO withdrawals fearing the return of armed militias preying on the people.

He denied reports that 50 people had been killed in Congo riots and the claim by some reporters that UN forces had fired at protesters.

Congo’s Interior Minister, Daniel Aselo Okito had said that only 15 people, including peacekeepers, had died in the riots, Diagne added.

He said that the UN wanted a thorough forensic investigation in cooperation with the Congolese government as it would show that the bullets that hit the protesters were not from the peacekeepers’ armoury.

The UN forces had fired warning shots in the air, but there “would have been a disaster because there were thousands of people, you know, climbing the walls getting into the compound,” he added.

The UN operations in Congo are among the deadliest for peacekeepers.

Since the first operation in the 1960s soon after the country gained independence from Belgium, 650 peacekeepers have died in three operations.

Of them, 246 were with MONUSCO, 161 with MONUC set up in 1999, and 243 with the operation in the 1960s.

Nineteen Indians have died serving MONUSCO and 13 with the operation before that called MONUC.

In addition, 39 Indian peacekeepers died in the UN operations there in the 1960s.

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