Latest news with #Ba
DW
11 hours ago
- Politics
- DW
UNHCR reports record displacement in West and Central Africa – DW – 06/20/2025
Nearly 13 million people have been uprooted from their homes in West and Central Africa. The UN Refugee Agency blames migration trends and conflict for creating a "perfect storm" of mass displacement. About 12.7 million forcibly displaced and stateless people are in West and Central Africa, according to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). "From conflict to climate shocks, protection risks are rising — particularly for women and children, who represent 80% of the the forcibly displaced," said Abdouraouf Gnon-Konde, the UNHCR's regional bureau director for West and Central Africa. Gnon-Konde said the UN's data also showed that displaced people are "returning home in increasing numbers where conditions allow." Nigeria, Burkina Faso and Cameroon are home to about 80% of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the region. Drought, flooding, and chronic violence and insecurity have forced people to seek shelter in other regions within their countries. According to the United Nations, more than 194,200 internally displaced persons returned to their homes in Mali from April through January 2025, and 64,700 in the Central African Republic UN-sponsored voluntary returns Chad is providing refuge to almost 780,000 people who have fled Sudan's civil war, with another 250,000 expected to arrive by the end of the year. The country also hosts large numbers of refugees from the Central African Republic to the south and Niger to the west. Each group of displaced people faces unique dangers, and Chad is struggling to host all of them. The United Nations has been sponsoring voluntary returns to countries of origin within West Africa. Eleven thousand refugees returned to countries such as Nigeria, the Central African Republic and Mali from January through April 2025. "Humanitarian crises are, first of all, political crises," Alpha Seydi Ba, a UNHCR spokesperson based in Dakar, Senegal, told DW. "Unless we are able to make peace, there won't be a situation where the returns are possible." Ba said repatriations were carried out whenever and wherever possible and on a voluntary basis. As a result, the UNHCR says resettlement departures rose by 34% in 2024 (4,000 individuals). Repatriation often means relative safety has been achieved in refugees' home countries Image: Elena Lauriola/UNHCR "I think it's always good news when people are able to go back home," Ba said. "Exile, it's not a choice. Being a refugee is not a choice, when someone leaves their home and everything behind." "We're seeing those people returning and rebuilding," Ba said. "I think it's one of the best things that can happen in the humanitarian person in his career." 'Migrants become stranded' Though repatriation efforts have yielded some positive results, the UN's regional resettlement quota has been reduced by 64% in 2025. To complicate matters, the UNHCR's regional budget overall has been reduced by 50% between 2024 and 2025. "Our operations are very severely impacted," Ba said. "Meaning less food, less shelter, less health care, less clean water, less gender-based protection, which makes overall protection systems or displaced people more fragile," Ba added. "That's why the UNHCR in the region is at a tipping point." "The number of migrants, be it internally displaced people or migrants, is increasing," Luisa de Freitas, who leads the Regional Data Hub in Dakar for the International Organization for Migration (IOM), told DW. "We are seeing that, overall, more and more people are on the move." Though many people move to foreign countries because of climate disasters, armed conflict or instability, the IOM reports that economic needs are also a key driver of migration. Chad 'opened the doors to all the refugees from Sudan' To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video "Over 70% to 72% of the individuals that we survey at our flow monitoring points in 2024 were there because of labor or economic reasons," de Freitas said. De Freitas said migration routes had become increasingly dangerous as EU nations and their partners within Africa have sought to stem the flow of migration to Europe. However, this has not deterred migrants from attempting to do so. "People move when they feel they have no other option," de Freitas said. "They will take routes that are less and less traveled. So what is happening is that a lot of these migrants become stranded." New strategies needed Simply putting up barriers or investing in forced removals of migrants is not the solution. Instead, de Freitas advised European nations to adopt a different approach that fosters and incentivizes regular migration, benefiting both home and destination countries. "Spain has just launched two initiatives: one to regularize migrants per year, and they've also launched system where Senegalese can apply for temporary travel visas to go and work in Spain," de Freitas said. Many EU countries desperately need workers in sectors such as agriculture, she added. "Circular migration allows migration on a temporary basis to address labor shortages in destination countries, while providing migrants with access to employment and education opportunities. "Basically, try to make migration a win-win situation for both ends," de Freitas said. Edited by: Chrispin Mwakideu
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Shoppers go wild for new must-have TK Maxx ‘Ibiza bags' as they say their cards are at the ready
Read on for the top fashion trends of the year BAG IT UP Shoppers go wild for new must-have TK Maxx 'Ibiza bags' as they say their cards are at the ready Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WHETHER you're off on holiday or have a summer wedding coming up, there's always an excuse to buy a new bag. And it seems TK Maxx is the place to go as fashion fans are drooling over their delicate beaded bags. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Shoppers go wild for new must-have TK Maxx Ibiza bags Credit: Tiktok/@tkmaxx 4 These delicate beaded bags are perfect for a beach club or a fancy dinner Credit: Tiktok/@tkmaxx 4 There are multiple colours to pick from, if you can find them Credit: Tiktok/@tkmaxx Recently, the discount store took to social media announcing they had a new collection of the bags available to buy in stores across the UK. These beaded numbers have since been dubbed the 'Ibiza bag' on social media by fashion fans. The term has been coined as the micro bags are the perfect luxury accessory to dress up any outfit, whether you're out clubbing or at a beach club. And there's plenty to pick from in TK Maxx, which shared the new designs online. Many are from the brand Mirasol, which is stocked in the shops and is handcrafted in India. The first bag they showed was a tiny red bag decorated in sequins, beads and tassels. Also on offer was a white floral beaded bucket-bag style as well as a more party-friendly red sequin bag. They also had two new green beaded bags on offer, as well as a slightly large pink woven bag with silver sequins. "They're back! Don't miss THE perfect summer bag," wrote TK Maxx. The bags vary in price but many of the cheaper options start at just £19.99 4 The price of the bags starts at just £19.99 Credit: TK Maxx Primark is selling the perfect beach bag for your summer holiday - it's lightweight, waterproof and shoppers can't get enough of the sparkles As with all TK Maxx finds, the availability of designs will differ from store to store, so you'll want to head out soon if there's a particular one you are after. The clip shared on the TK Maxx TikTok account went viral with over 2 million views. Comments on social media featuring the bags from TK Maxx prove just how popular they have become. One person wrote: "Take my card." Hottest fashion trends of 2025 Fabulous' Fashion Editor Clemmie Fieldsend shares the biggest trends from the high street. The East/West Bag Baguette bags have had a good run, after returning from the 1990s' shoulders of Sarah Jessica Parker to modern-day fashion icons, like Hailey Bieber. In 2025, the East/West bag is a similar but elongated shape and has long, thin straps that are easy to throw over your shoulder. They've been on runway models' arms at nearly ever designer show - think Burberry, Givenchy and Bottega Veneta - and are hitting the high street now, too. Powder pink Bright fuchsia pink had its day after the release of Barbie in 2023 and now the more polished and expensive-looking pale shade is taking over for 2025. Pantone may say that it's the year of Mocha Mousse, but the catwalks say otherwise! From Prada to Erdem, the subtle look was all over the spring/summer catwalks, worn head-to-toe or on its own. If the sugary shade is too girly for you, then look to sharp suiting for a androgynous take on the colour. The shell jacket The '80s classic is back, but with a sleek and minimal new twist for 2025. We all know we're likely to see rain for most of spring, so your practical coat of choice should be a cagoule jacket. Depop revealed one of its big trend predictions for this year is retro sportswear, with surges already seen in '80s windbreakers'. Seen everywhere from the stylish streets of Copenhagen to the Miu Miu catwalk, now mums who have an emergency raincoat crumpled underneath their pushchair are very much in fashion! The turn-up jeans While the shape of jeans remains the same for this year and barrel-legs will still be everywhere, the way we're styling them is different. This season, transform your wide-leg, baggy denims into turn-ups. For this look, size doesn't matter, so while deep turn-ups are a hit from jean trend-leaders Citizens of Humanity, a slight fold is still just as good - but only as it's just one single fold. Peep-toe shoe Get your pedicures booked in sharpish, as this season your toes are the main event. After a long hiatus, the peep-toe has been welcomed back into the fashion fold, with brands like Hermes, Miu Miu and Tory Burch showing plain and embellished footwear in this style. From mules to pumps and clogs (yes, clogs will be around too!), there are lots of different styles that are set to sweep the high street. Sheer blouses See-through looks have always lived on the catwalk, but have rarely filtered into everyday life - until now. Designers Ralph Lauren and Tom Ford loved sheer looks on their S/S '25 catwalks and M&S even had sellout success with its black sheer pencil skirt last season. Expect to see more sheer looks lining supermarket aisles and high street shops in the form of skirts, tops and frocks. Another commented: 'They are stunning." "Just got mine - they're stunning!" penned a third. Meanwhile a fourth said: "I'm RUNNING." "Unreal,' claimed a fifth. Someone else added: 'I need."
The Market Online
3 days ago
- Business
- The Market Online
Alpha Ba Highlights Stock Picks from Canada to Latin America
In a recent appearance on The Expert Exchange, Alpha BA, Chief Investment Officer at Pillow Investment Partners, shared his top investment ideas, highlighting both Canadian and international companies he believes offer strong long-term potential in today's economic climate. Watch the above video for a closer look at trending topic in the global market Ba opened by revisiting a previous pick, Latin American e-commerce giant Mercado Libre, which has surged 50% since he last flagged it. 'We still like it,' he said. 'The company continues to grow around 35% annually, and we're paying 45 times earnings for that. With rising consumer wealth in Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, and deepening commercial ties with China, we believe Mercado Libre still has a long runway.' Turning his focus to Canada, Alpha spotlighted Constellation Software, calling it one of the best ideas 'right in our backyard.' He praised its acquisition-driven strategy in the vertical market software (VMS) space, noting that the company has acquired roughly 1,000 businesses over the past decade while maintaining a 20 per cent return on invested capital. 'This is a $10 billion revenue company operating in a $60 billion addressable market. We expect 25 per cent to 30 per cent annual EPS growth over the next three years,' Ba explained. Another Canadian standout is AtkinsRéalis (formerly SNC-Lavalin), which Alpha described as 'very well-positioned' in the nuclear energy sector. 'It's trading at 30 times earnings with 45 per cent to 50 per cent expected EPS growth,' he said. 'As nuclear becomes a more important part of the clean energy mix globally, we think this business—its highest-margin segment—will receive greater market appreciation.' On the global stage, Alpha emphasized that his firm doesn't take a top-down approach by country but instead focuses on individual quality businesses. Among them: Ferrari in Italy, which he called a luxury brand with unmatched exclusivity and pricing power. 'They produce just 15,000 cars a year, and their return on equity is close to 40 per cent . The stock is expensive—but rightly so.' He also reiterated his firm's continued support for TSMC in Asia, citing its dominance in the global semiconductor supply chain. Wrapping up the conversation, Alpha underscored his team's commitment to long-term, fundamentals-driven investing. 'We're looking for disciplined companies with pricing power, strong returns on capital, and durable growth—regardless of where they're based.' Previously Ba gave a global market update in the the trade war disruption Be sure to stay up to date on all the latest stock market news at Join the discussion: Find out what everybody's saying about public companies and more by checking out Stockhouse's stock forums and message boards. The material provided in this article is for information only and should not be treated as investment advice. For full disclaimer information, please click here.
Borneo Post
12-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Plateau roses from northwest China blossom onto global stage
Kushui rosesin Kushui Town of Yongdeng County, Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province on May 8, 2025. – Xinhua photo LANZHOU (June 13): Nestled in the barren Loess Plateau, the small town of Kushui in northwest China's Gansu Province bursts into a sea of vibrant roses every mid-May. Kushui Town in Yongdeng County is one of China's leading rose-producing regions, with a cultivation history dating back more than two centuries. 'The Kushui rose requires low-intense labor, being highly resistant to drought and cold, which makes it perfectly adapted to thrive here,' said Xu Dahong, deputy director of the county's rose research institute, adding that the flourishing rose industry has played a vital role in boosting the local economy. As a selenium-rich variety, Kushui roses boast a higher oil-extraction rate than many other types. The precious essential oil has become a coveted ingredient in global cosmetics, perfumes and food products. It has not only been incorporated into numerous domestic cosmetic brands but also exported to countries including Japan, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Australia, France and the United States. 'Our distillation techniques, enhanced by digital controls, guarantee world-class quality standards,' said Ba Cunli, head of a local rose essential oil manufacturer. Ba's company sells rose-infused skincare products primarily through e-commerce channels, with online sales accounting for 70 per cent of total revenue. Where ancient traditions meet modern innovation, Kushui roses – once preserved in salt – now flourish through cold storage technology, enabling year-round production, according to Ba. Flower cakes with edible roses inside in a workshop of a company in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province on May 8, 2025. – Xinhua photo Beyond essential oil extraction, the roses find a wide application as food flavoring and form the foundation of an increasingly diversified product line. 'The sweet, nutrient-rich petals are rich in anthocyanins and vitamin C,' said Shi Xiaochang, founder of a local rose-processing company. With annual revenue exceeding 20 million yuan (about US$2.77 million), Shi's firm has developed more than 100 rose-based products, including beverages, flower cakes, wine and tea – helping boost the incomes of nearly 2,000 local households. Today, Kushui Town cultivates roses across 21,000 mu (about 1,400 hectares) of land, with average yields reaching 400 kg per mu, and has 27 rose processing enterprises, according to Ye Chenglong, Party secretary of Kushui Town. Expanding to the entire county, rose plantations now cover 101,600 mu. Annual production of fresh roses reaches 28 million kg, yielding 1,200 kg of essential oil, 2.6 million kg of dried flower buds, and 1,500 tonnes of rose jam – with the output value of the entire rose industrial chain reaching 2.8 billion yuan. A local woman picks Kushui roses in Kushui Town of Yongdeng County, Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province on May 8, 2025. – Xinhua photo Yet this ambitious town continues pursuing higher-yield, longer-blooming rose varieties in a bid to strengthen the rose industry and further increase farmers' incomes. 'We are striving to create a flagship product that will enhance the popularity of Kushui rose and reinforce the entire industrial chain,' Ye added. – Xinhua China Kushui Loess Plateau ROSE Xinhua
Epoch Times
10-06-2025
- Epoch Times
Chinese Bank Scandal Victims Attacked by Security While Petitioning Over Frozen Accounts, Source Says
Victims of a years-long banking scandal in central China were violently attacked by security personnel last week while petitioning authorities over their frozen savings, according to a protester who shared what he witnessed at the scene with the Chinese-language edition of The Epoch Times. The crisis began in April 2022, when several rural banks in Henan Province collapsed, affecting approximately 400,000 depositors. Protester Xiao Mei, who used a pseudonym out of fear of retaliation by authorities, recently told The Epoch Times that on May 28, a group of account holders—including Ba Zhongjun and his wife, whose family was among the most affected—traveled to Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan Province, hoping to appeal directly to a central government inspection team. According to Xiao, they were intercepted in the Jinshui district by black-clad security personnel, who beat several of them in broad daylight. Xiao said Ba's wife and another woman were surrounded and assaulted by more than a dozen men, who also seized their phones. Ba's wife sustained an arm injury. 'The entire scene was chaotic,' Xiao said. Two days later, plainclothes police and security agents forcibly entered the hotel room where Ba was staying with his wife, their 6-year-old son, and his mother-in-law. According to a source familiar with the incident, Ba was restrained, and his phone was confiscated. Ba, his wife, child, and mother-in-law were then forced into a vehicle and taken back to Shanghai, where the couple work as migrant laborers. Related Stories 7/12/2022 6/23/2022 'The police weren't dressed in uniform—they were trying to avoid recognition,' the source, who used the pseudonym Yu Ming, told The Epoch Times. 'The child was so terrified he didn't dare to say a word.' Despite multiple rounds of promised repayments and ongoing investigations since 2022, many victims have seen little resolution. Protests in Zhengzhou and other cities have been met with Yu described the Ba family's situation as 'tragic.' Their 2 million yuan in savings—earned over decades by four elderly parents working as farmers—was suddenly frozen by the bank. Ba's mother is seriously ill and requires medical treatment, while both Ba and his wife are unemployed and struggling to support their son, who has just started primary school, Yu said. Recently, Ba's wife had an abortion because the family could not afford to raise a second child. 'Their family is on the brink of ruin,' Yu said. Authorities have repeatedly pressured depositors to sign settlement agreements, but according to Yu, some legal experts warn that these documents could waive the depositors' rights to further legal action. 'These so-called settlements are traps,' Yu said. 'Once you sign, it's considered an admission of guilt. It's extremely risky even if you later try to sue the bank.' As a result, most depositors have refused to sign, he said. The agreements contain clauses barring petitioners from invoking China's Contract Law or any legal grounds for defending their rights, according to legal experts Yu consulted. 'Ordinary people can't understand these legal tricks,' Yu said. 'They're full of provisions that hurt depositors.' Authorities have also employed harsh tactics—including detention, criminal charges, and extended prison sentences—to pressure victims and their families into backing down, according to Yu. 'They show wives and mothers videos of their loved ones suffering in detention,' Yu said. 'Of course, they break down and beg them to sign. It's ruthless.' Despite the ongoing repression, Yu said the victims are 'resilient and determined.' 'For over three years, they've fought for the return of their life savings—money they need to feed their families,' he said. 'If they don't get their money back, they'll keep fighting to the end.'
