Latest news with #Mauritania
BBC News
13 hours ago
- BBC News
French trial exposes human trafficking among champagne workers
Aged between 16 and 65 at the time, the 48 men and nine women came from Mali, Mauritania, Ivory Coast and Senegal. Many are attending Thursday's trial. "They shouted at us in Russian and crammed us into this broken-down house, with mattresses on the floor," Kanouitié Djakariayou, 44, told La Croix newspaper. "There was no clean water, and the only food was a bowl of rice and rotten sandwiches. "I never thought the people who made champagne would put us up in a place which even animals would not accept." "What we lived through there was truly terrible. We were traumatised by the experience. And we have had no psychological support, because when you have no papers, you have no rights either," Doumbia Mamadou, 45, told the local newspaper L'Union. Tipped off a week later by a local resident, labour inspectors visited the scene and documented conditions which "were a serious breach of the occupants' safety, health and dignity," in the words of state prosecutor Annick Browne. The prosecution says living and eating areas were outside, unprotected from the elements; toilets were filthy; showers were inadequate with only intermittent hot water; and the electrics were a safety hazard. In addition the migrants were working ten hours a day with only 30 minutes for lunch, having been transported to the vineyards squatting in the back of trucks. They had no written contract, and the pay they received bore "no relation to the work performed," according to the prosecution. "The accused had a total disregard for human dignity," said Maxime Cessieux, who represents some of the migrants. The 44 year-old female suspect, named Svetlana G., ran a recruitment agency called Anavim, which specialised in finding labour for the wine industry. The two others were her associates. In addition to the charge of human trafficking, the woman is also accused of undeclared labour, employing foreigners without permits, inadequate pay, and lodging vulnerable people in unfit conditions. All three face jail terms of up to seven years and large fines if they are convicted. The case has raised questions about the extent of worker exploitation in the €6bn (£5.1bn) champagne industry. With every grape having to be picked by hand, producers rely on some 120,000 seasonal labourers every autumn, many of whom are recruited via agencies. In 2023 six grape pickers died from suspected heatstroke during the harvest in the Champagne and Beaujolais regions - and in recent years there have been two other criminal cases in which agents have been found guilty of maltreatment of migrant vendangeurs. Trade unions have said some champagne houses hide behind middlemen, and they want the law changed so that producers can lose the "champagne" label if they are found to have used illegal labour – even indirectly. "It should not be possible to harvest the grapes of champagne using human misery," said Jose Blanco of the CGT union. But the main body representing champagne producers – the Comité Champagne -- said mistreatment of workers happened very rarely and when discovered was immediately stopped. The Comité is represented at the trial as a civil plaintiff, in recognition of the "damage done to the brand" by these "unacceptable practices."
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
OPEC Fund Development Forum 2025 concludes with new commitments to accelerate global development impact
Highlights: Announcement of over US$1 billion new financing: OPEC Fund signs US$362 million new loan agreements during the Forum and announces approval of US$720 million in new financing in the second Quarter A Country Partnership Framework agreement with Rwanda earmarks US$300 million financing in the next three years At the high-level Mauritania roundtable hosted by the OPEC Fund, the Arab Coordination Group (ACG) announced a pledge of US$2 billion financing over the next 5 years to support Mauritania's development priorities. The fourth OPEC Fund Development Forum concluded today with a strong slate of new commitments, loan agreements and strategic partnerships to advance inclusive transition and sustainable development. The Forum brought together more than 700 global leaders, including government representatives, development institutions and private sector stakeholders, under the theme 'A Transition That Empowers Our Tomorrow'. The OPEC Fund announced some US$720 million in new financing to support development efforts across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and saw the signing of US$362 million in new loan agreements. A new Trade Finance Initiative is set to secure vital supplies and help close trade-related liquidity gaps in partner countries. OPEC Fund President Abdulhamid Alkhalifa said: 'The OPEC Fund Development Forum reflects our conviction that partnerships must deliver results. Today we achieved tangible progress – with new signings, new partnerships and new approaches to help our partner countries turn ambition into action. Whether in energy, infrastructure, agriculture or finance, we are responding with solutions that make a difference.' As part of its Small Island Developing States (SIDS) initiative, the OPEC Fund signed cooperation agreements with Grenada, and the Solomon Islands, expanding support for climate resilience and sustainable infrastructure. Deepening Country Partnerships for Long-term Impact New country-level agreements and cooperation frameworks include: A US$212 million loan agreement with Oman to finance the Khasab-Daba-Lima Road Project (Sultan Faisal bin Turki Road), improving local and regional connectivity, as well as a Country Partnership Framework (CPF) to strengthen cooperation over the next five years. A US$25 million loan agreement with Cameroon to strengthen the Rice Value Chain Development Project, supporting smallholder farmers and strengthening food security in vulnerable regions, in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) and the Kuwait Fund. A CPF with Rwanda to allocate up to US$300 million in financing for 2025 – 2028, supporting the country's development priorities, including quality infrastructure, improved essential basic services and the promotion of entrepreneurship and the private sector. Other country partnership agreements included: Azerbaijan to support infrastructure, energy transition and sustainable development; Botswana to support infrastructure, renewable energy, innovation and digital transformation, as well as private sector export-led growth over the next three years; Grenada to build resilience through sustainable development initiatives; Kyrgyz Republic to increase cooperation in transport, water supply and sanitation, energy, agriculture and banking sectors; and Solomon Islands to expand engagement and increase cooperation including in the private sector. Scaling up Private Sector Support The OPEC Fund continues to prioritize private sector-led growth with targeted financing to financial institutions across Africa: In Côte d'Ivoire, a €30 million loan agreement with Coris Bank International Côte d'Ivoire and a €35 million loan agreement with NSIA Banque will facilitate access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A US$40 million loan agreement with the East African Development Bank (EADB) will boost economic investments across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda, strengthening regional integration and inclusive growth. New Trade Finance Initiative At the Forum the OPEC Fund also announced a new Trade Finance Initiative to boost trade resilience in partner countries by facilitating access to essential imports, closing liquidity gaps and strengthening resilience to external shocks in vulnerable economies. Advancing global cooperation The Forum also featured new agreements to deepen multilateral cooperation: A new cooperation agreement with the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) will strengthen collaboration in infrastructure, energy and human development projects across the Latin America and Caribbean region. The OPEC Fund and the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) formalized a cooperation agreement to coordinate efforts on climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable food systems. A cooperation agreement with the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA) will support training programs to promote institutional transparency and anti-corruption capacity building in partner countries. Ahead of the Forum, the OPEC Fund hosted the Annual Meeting of the Heads of Institutions of the Arab Coordination Group (ACG). Delegates participated in a high-level roundtable with the President of Mauritania, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani to strengthen development collaboration and mobilize investment flows to Mauritania. The roundtable resulted in an ACG joint pledge of US$2 billion financing over the next five years. This will be directed to vital sectors, including energy, water, transportation and digital infrastructure to stimulate economic growth. A dedicated Arab Donors Roundtable on the Sahel addressed strategies to mobilize greater support for the region's urgent challenges. It was organized by the Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CLISS) and sponsored by the OPEC Fund's partner institution, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA). About the OPEC Fund The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) is the only globally mandated development institution that provides financing from member countries to non-member countries exclusively. The organization works in cooperation with developing country partners and the international development community to stimulate economic growth and social progress in low- and middle-income countries around the world. The OPEC Fund was established in 1976 with a distinct purpose: to drive development, strengthen communities and empower people. Our work is people-centered, focusing on financing projects that meet essential needs, such as food, energy, infrastructure, employment (particularly relating to MSMEs), clean water and sanitation, healthcare and education. To date, the OPEC Fund has committed more than US$29 billion to development projects in over 125 countries with an estimated total project cost of more than US$200 billion. The OPEC Fund is rated AA+/Outlook Stable by Fitch and S&P Global Ratings. Our vision is a world where sustainable development is a reality for all.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Mauritania roundtable raises US$2 billion pledge from the Arab Coordination Group in development funding
Mauritania's national development program will see a strong boost with a US$2 billion pledge made by the Arab Coordination Group (ACG) ( at a high-level roundtable held in Vienna, Austria. The event was chaired by the President of Mauritania, Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, and was hosted by the OPEC Fund for International Development in the framework of the Annual Meeting of the ACG Heads of Institutions. OPEC Fund President Abdulhamid Alkhalifa said: 'We are strongly committed to play an active role in the implementation and success of Mauritania's ambitious development program. With our pledge we are mobilizing our collective capabilities to translate ambition into action and bring about positive change in the lives of the people of our partner country Mauritania.' Speaking on behalf of the Arab Coordination Group, the President of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), H.E Dr. Muhammed Al Jasser, said: 'Our funding will be directed to vital priority sectors, including energy, water, transportation and digital infrastructure, in order to stimulate economic growth and achieve comprehensive and sustainable development in the country.' The pledge followed an opening address by President El Ghazouani who reaffirmed Mauritania's commitment to institutional reform, enhanced transparency and improved governance. He noted that these efforts, combined with macroeconomic stability and modernized public administration, are laying the foundation for long-term, inclusive growth. The President also underscored the country's ambition to become a competitive investment destination through streamlined investment procedures and strengthened national security. During the roundtable, the government of Mauritania presented a portfolio of priority investment projects. Among them was an initiative to hybridize thermal power plants and enhance existing hybrid facilities with advanced energy storage solutions. Two strategic water infrastructure projects were also featured: one at the Taraf Al-Mahroud site and another in the Karakoro Basin. In the transport sector, the rehabilitation of the Nouakchott–Nouadhibou and Rosso–Boghé corridors was highlighted as vital to improving trade and connectivity. The ACG pledge will cover the period 2025-2030. Delivery will be 'closely coordinated with the government and international partners,' IsDB President Al Jasser announced. The roundtable preceded the OPEC Fund Development Forum on June 17, where Mauritania's President El Ghazouani will deliver an opening address as guest of honor. OPEC Fund President Alkhalifa underscored the institution's commitment to supporting Mauritania. During a visit to the country in January he signed a Country Partnership Framework Agreement for the period 2025-2027. Under this strategic cooperation, the OPEC Fund will focus on key sectors such as renewable energy, water, food security, transport and clean cooking. The President said: 'To be successful, development needs to attract investment. To be sustainable, however, development also needs to generate tangible results for the people. The government's strategy prudently links both.' The Arab Coordination Group is the world's second-largest development finance group, united around shared values of South-South cooperation and solidarity. Last year, the ACG extended US$19.6 billion collectively to fund nearly 650 operations in more than 90 countries. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Arab Coordination Group (ACG). About the Arab Coordination Group (ACG): The Arab Coordination Group (ACG) is a strategic alliance that provides a coordinated response to development finance. Since its establishment in 1975, ACG has been instrumental in developing economies and communities for a better future, providing more than 13,000 development loans to over 160 countries around the globe. Comprising ten development funds, ACG is the second-largest group of development finance institutions in the world and works across the globe to support developing nations and create a lasting, positive impact. The Group comprises the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, the Arab Gulf Programme for Development, the Arab Monetary Fund, the Islamic Development Bank, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, the OPEC Fund for International Development, the Qatar Fund for Development and the Saudi Fund for Development.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
ACG pledges $2bln in development funding for Mauritania
Arab Coordination Group (ACG), an alliance comprising ten development funds from Arab world, has pledged $2 billion in development funding for Mauritania in Northwest Africa. The pledge was made at a high-level roundtable held in Vienna, Austria, chaired by the President of Mauritania, Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, and hosted by the OPEC Fund for International Development, according to a press statement issued by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). Speaking on behalf of the Arab Coordination Group, the President of IsDB Muhammed Al Jasser, said the funding will be directed to vital priority sectors, including energy, water, transportation and digital infrastructure over a five year period from 2025 to 2030. The portfolio of projects presented by the Mauritanian government at the round table included 'an initiative to hybridise thermal power plants and enhance existing hybrid facilities with advanced energy storage solutions'; strategic water infrastructure projects at Taraf Al-Mahroud and Karakoro Basin and rehabilitation of the Nouakchott–Nouadhibou and Rosso–Boghé corridors. Last year, the ACG extended $19.6 billion collectively to fund nearly 650 operations in more than 90 countries. The Group comprises Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, the Arab Gulf Programme for Development, the Arab Monetary Fund, the Islamic Development Bank, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, the OPEC Fund for International Development, the Qatar Fund for Development and the Saudi Fund for Development. (Writing by SA Kader; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Mauritania roundtable raises $2bln pledge from the Arab Coordination Group in development funding
Vienna: Mauritania's national development program will see a strong boost with a US$2 billion pledge made by the Arab Coordination Group (ACG) at a high-level roundtable held in Vienna, Austria. The event was chaired by the President of Mauritania, Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, and was hosted by the OPEC Fund for International Development in the framework of the Annual Meeting of the ACG Heads of Institutions. OPEC Fund President Abdulhamid Alkhalifa said: 'We are strongly committed to play an active role in the implementation and success of Mauritania's ambitious development program. With our pledge we are mobilizing our collective capabilities to translate ambition into action and bring about positive change in the lives of the people of our partner country Mauritania.' Speaking on behalf of the Arab Coordination Group, the President of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), H.E Dr. Muhammed Al Jasser, said: 'Our funding will be directed to vital priority sectors, including energy, water, transportation and digital infrastructure, in order to stimulate economic growth and achieve comprehensive and sustainable development in the country.' The pledge followed an opening address by President El Ghazouani who reaffirmed Mauritania's commitment to institutional reform, enhanced transparency and improved governance. He noted that these efforts, combined with macroeconomic stability and modernized public administration, are laying the foundation for long-term, inclusive growth. The President also underscored the country's ambition to become a competitive investment destination through streamlined investment procedures and strengthened national security. During the roundtable, the government of Mauritania presented a portfolio of priority investment projects. Among them was an initiative to hybridize thermal power plants and enhance existing hybrid facilities with advanced energy storage solutions. Two strategic water infrastructure projects were also featured: one at the Taraf Al-Mahroud site and another in the Karakoro Basin. In the transport sector, the rehabilitation of the Nouakchott–Nouadhibou and Rosso–Boghé corridors was highlighted as vital to improving trade and connectivity. The ACG pledge will cover the period 2025-2030. Delivery will be 'closely coordinated with the government and international partners,' IsDB President Al Jasser announced. The roundtable preceded the OPEC Fund Development Forum on June 17, where Mauritania's President El Ghazouani will deliver an opening address as guest of honor. OPEC Fund President Alkhalifa underscored the institution's commitment to supporting Mauritania. During a visit to the country in January he signed a Country Partnership Framework Agreement for the period 2025-2027. Under this strategic cooperation, the OPEC Fund will focus on key sectors such as renewable energy, water, food security, transport and clean cooking. The President said: 'To be successful, development needs to attract investment. To be sustainable, however, development also needs to generate tangible results for the people. The government's strategy prudently links both.' The Arab Coordination Group is the world's second-largest development finance group, united around shared values of South-South cooperation and solidarity. Last year, the ACG extended US$19.6 billion collectively to fund nearly 650 operations in more than 90 countries. About the Arab Coordination Group (ACG) The Arab Coordination Group (ACG) is a strategic alliance that provides a coordinated response to development finance. Since its establishment in 1975, ACG has been instrumental in developing economies and communities for a better future, providing more than 13,000 development loans to over 160 countries around the globe. Comprising ten development funds, ACG is the second-largest group of development finance institutions in the world and works across the globe to support developing nations and create a lasting, positive impact. The Group comprises the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, the Arab Gulf Programme for Development, the Arab Monetary Fund, the Islamic Development Bank, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, the OPEC Fund for International Development, the Qatar Fund for Development and the Saudi Fund for Development.
