Latest news with #NileRiver
Arab News
2 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Firms led by US military veterans deliver aid in Africa and Gaza, alarming humanitarian groups
SOUTH SUDAN: Swooping low over the banks of a Nile River tributary, an aid flight run by retired American military officers released a stream of food-stuffed sacks over a town emptied by fighting in South Sudan, a country wracked by conflict. Last week's air drop was the latest in a controversial development: private contracting firms led by former US intelligence officers and military veterans delivering aid to some of the world's deadliest conflict zones, in operations organized with governments that are combatants in the conflicts. The moves are roiling the global aid community, which warns of a more militarized, politicized and profit-seeking trend that could allow governments or combatants to use life-saving aid to control hungry civilian populations and advance war aims. In South Sudan and Gaza, two for-profit US companies led by American national security veterans are delivering aid in operations backed by the South Sudanese and Israeli governments. The American contractors say they're putting their security, logistics and intelligence skills to work in relief operations. Fogbow, the US company that carried out last week's air drops over South Sudan, says it aims to be a 'humanitarian' force. 'We've worked for careers, collectively, in conflict zones. And we know how to essentially make very difficult situations work,' said Fogbow President Michael Mulroy, a retired CIA officer and former senior defense official in the first Trump administration, speaking on the airport tarmac in Juba, South Sudan's capital. But the UN and many leading non-profit groups say US contracting firms are stepping into aid distribution with little transparency or humanitarian experience, and, crucially, without commitment to humanitarian principles of neutrality and operational independence in war zones. 'What we've learned over the years of successes and failures is there's a difference between a logistics operation and a security operation, and a humanitarian operation,' said Scott Paul, a director at Oxfam America. ''Truck and chuck' doesn't help people,' Paul said. 'It puts people at risk.' 'We don't want to replace any entity' Fogbow took journalists up in a cargo plane to watch their team drop 16 tons of beans, corn and salt for South Sudan's Upper Nile state town of Nasir. Residents fled homes there after fighting erupted in March between the government and opposition groups. Mulroy acknowledged the controversy over Fogbow's aid drops, which he said were paid for by the South Sudanese government. But, he maintained: 'We don't want to replace any entity' in aid work. Shared roots in Gaza and US intelligence Fogbow was in the spotlight last year for its proposal to use barges to bring aid to Gaza, where Israeli restrictions were blocking overland deliveries. The United States focused instead on a US military effort to land aid via a temporary pier. Since then, Fogbow has carried out aid drops in Sudan and South Sudan, east African nations where wars have created some of the world's gravest humanitarian crises. Fogbow says ex-humanitarian officials are also involved, including former UN World Food Program head David Beasley, who is a senior adviser. Operating in Gaza, meanwhile, Safe Reach Solutions, led by a former CIA officer and other retired US security officers, has partnered with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US-backed nonprofit that Israel says is the linchpin of a new aid system to wrest control from the UN, which Israel says has been infiltrated by Hamas, and other humanitarian groups. Starting in late May, the American-led operation in Gaza has distributed food at fixed sites in southern Gaza, in line with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's stated plan to use aid to concentrate the territory's more than 2 million people in the south, freeing Israel to fight Hamas elsewhere. Aid workers fear it's a step toward another of Netanyahu's public goals, removing Palestinians from Gaza in 'voluntary' migrations. Since then, several hundred Palestinians have been killed and hundreds more wounded in near daily shootings as they tried to reach aid sites, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Witnesses say Israeli troops regularly fire heavy barrages toward the crowds in an attempt to control them. The Israeli military has denied firing on civilians. It says it fired warning shots in several instances, and fired directly at a few 'suspects' who ignored warnings and approached its forces. It's unclear who is funding the new operation in Gaza. No donor has come forward, and the US says it's not funding it. In response to criticism over its Gaza aid deliveries, Safe Reach Solutions said it has former aid workers on its team with 'decades of experience in the world's most complex environments' who bring 'expertise to the table, along with logisticians and other experts.' South Sudan's people ask: Who's getting our aid drops? Last week's air drop over South Sudan went without incident, despite fighting nearby. A white cross marked the drop zone. Only a few people could be seen. Fogbow contractors said there were more newly returned townspeople on previous drops. Fogbow acknowledges glitches in mastering aid drops, including one last year in Sudan's South Kordofan region that ended up with too-thinly-wrapped grain sacks split open on the ground. After gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has struggled to emerge from a civil war that killed nearly 400,000 people. Rights groups say its government is one of the world's most corrupt, and until now has invested little in quelling the dire humanitarian crisis. South Sudan said it engaged Fogbow for air drops partly because of the Trump administration's deep cuts in US Agency for International Development funding. Humanitarian Minister Albino Akol Atak said the drops will expand to help people in need throughout the country. But two South Sudanese groups question the government's motives. 'We don't want to see a humanitarian space being abused by military actors ... under the cover of a food drop,' said Edmund Yakani, head of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization, a local civil society group. Asked about suspicions the aid drops were helping South Sudan's military aims, Fogbow's Mulroy said the group has worked with the UN World Food Program to make sure 'this aid is going to civilians.' 'If it wasn't going to civilians, we would hope that we would get that feedback, and we would cease and desist,' Mulroy said. In a statement, WFP country director Mary-Ellen McGroarty said: 'WFP is not involved in the planning, targeting or distribution of food air-dropped' by Fogbow on behalf of South Sudan's government, citing humanitarian principles. A 'business-driven model' Longtime humanitarian leaders and analysts are troubled by what they see as a teaming up of warring governments and for-profit contractors in aid distribution. When one side in a conflict decides where and how aid is handed out, and who gets it, 'it will always result in some communities getting preferential treatment,' said Jan Egeland, executive director of the Norwegian Refugee Council. Sometimes, that set-up will advance strategic aims, as with Netanyahu's plans to move Gaza's civilians south, Egeland said. The involvement of soldiers and security workers, he added, can make it too 'intimidating' for some in need to even try to get aid. Until now, Western donors always understood those risks, Egeland said. But pointing to the Trump administration's backing of the new aid system in Gaza, he asked: 'Why does the US ... want to support what they have resisted with every other war zone for two generations?' Mark Millar, who has advised the UN and Britain on humanitarian matters in South Sudan and elsewhere, said involving private military contractors risks undermining the distinction between humanitarian assistance and armed conflict. Private military contractors 'have even less sympathy for a humanitarian perspective that complicates their business-driven model,' he said. 'And once let loose, they seem to be even less accountable.'
The Independent
3 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Firms led by US military veterans deliver aid in Africa and Gaza, alarming humanitarian groups
Swooping low over the banks of a Nile River tributary, an aid flight run by retired American military officers released a stream of food-stuffed sacks over a town emptied by fighting in South Sudan, a country wracked by conflict. Last week's air drop was the latest in a controversial development — private contracting firms led by former U.S. intelligence officers and military veterans delivering aid to some of the world's deadliest conflict zones, in operations organized with governments that are combatants in the conflicts. The moves are roiling the global aid community, which warns of a more militarized, politicized and profit-seeking trend that could allow governments or combatants to use life-saving aid to control hungry civilian populations and advance war aims. In South Sudan and Gaza, two for-profit U.S. companies led by American national security veterans are delivering aid in operations backed by the South Sudanese and Israeli governments. The American contractors say they're putting their security, logistics and intelligence skills to work in relief operations. Fogbow, the U.S. company that carried out last week's air drops over South Sudan, says it aims to be a 'humanitarian' force. 'We've worked for careers, collectively, in conflict zones. And we know how to essentially make very difficult situations work,' said Fogbow President Michael Mulroy, a retired CIA officer and former senior defense official in the first Trump administration, speaking on the airport tarmac in Juba, South Sudan's capital. But the U.N. and many leading non-profit groups say U.S. contracting firms are stepping into aid distribution with little transparency or humanitarian experience, and, crucially, without commitment to humanitarian principles of neutrality and operational independence in war zones. 'What we've learned over the years of successes and failures is there's a difference between a logistics operation and a security operation, and a humanitarian operation,' said Scott Paul, a director at Oxfam America. ''Truck and chuck' doesn't help people,' Paul said. 'It puts people at risk.' 'We don't want to replace any entity' Fogbow took journalists up in a cargo plane to watch their team drop 16 tons of beans, corn and salt for South Sudan's Upper Nile state town of Nasir. Residents fled homes there after fighting erupted in March between the government and opposition groups. Mulroy acknowledged the controversy over Fogbow's aid drops, which he said were paid for by the South Sudanese government. But, he maintained: 'We don't want to replace any entity' in aid work. Shared roots in Gaza and U.S. intelligence Fogbow was in the spotlight last year for its proposal to use barges to bring aid to Gaza, where Israeli restrictions were blocking overland deliveries. The United States focused instead on a U.S. military effort to land aid via a temporary pier. Since then, Fogbow has carried out aid drops in Sudan and South Sudan, east African nations where wars have created some of the world's gravest humanitarian crises. Fogbow says ex-humanitarian officials are also involved, including former U.N. World Food Program head David Beasley, who is a senior adviser. Operating in Gaza, meanwhile, Safe Reach Solutions, led by a former CIA officer and other retired U.S. security officers, has partnered with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a U.S.-backed nonprofit that Israel says is the linchpin of a new aid system to wrest control from the U.N., which Israel says has been infiltrated by Hamas, and other humanitarian groups. Starting in late May, the American-led operation in Gaza has distributed food at fixed sites in southern Gaza, in line with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's stated plan to use aid to concentrate the territory's more than 2 million people in the south, freeing Israel to fight Hamas elsewhere. Aid workers fear it's a step toward another of Netanyahu's public goals, removing Palestinians from Gaza in 'voluntary' migrations. Since then, several hundred Palestinians have been killed and hundreds more wounded in near daily shootings as they tried to reach aid sites, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Witnesses say Israeli troops regularly fire heavy barrages toward the crowds in an attempt to control them. The Israeli military has denied firing on civilians. It says it fired warning shots in several instances, and fired directly at a few 'suspects' who ignored warnings and approached its forces. It's unclear who is funding the new operation in Gaza. No donor has come forward, and the U.S. says it's not funding it. In response to criticism over its Gaza aid deliveries, Safe Reach Solutions said it has former aid workers on its team with 'decades of experience in the world's most complex environments' who bring "expertise to the table, along with logisticians and other experts.' South Sudan's people ask: Who's gett ing our aid drops? Last week's air drop over South Sudan went without incident, despite fighting nearby. A white cross marked the drop zone. Only a few people could be seen. Fogbow contractors said there were more newly returned townspeople on previous drops. Fogbow acknowledges glitches in mastering aid drops, including one last year in Sudan's South Kordofan region that ended up with too-thinly-wrapped grain sacks split open on the ground. After gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has struggled to emerge from a civil war that killed nearly 400,000 people. Rights groups say its government is one of the world's most corrupt, and until now has invested little in quelling the dire humanitarian crisis. South Sudan said it engaged Fogbow for air drops partly because of the Trump administration's deep cuts in U.S. Agency for International Development funding. Humanitarian Minister Albino Akol Atak said the drops will expand to help people in need throughout the country. But two South Sudanese groups question the government's motives. 'We don't want to see a humanitarian space being abused by military actors ... under the cover of a food drop," said Edmund Yakani, head of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization, a local civil society group. Asked about suspicions the aid drops were helping South Sudan's military aims, Fogbow's Mulroy said the group has worked with the U.N. World Food Program to make sure 'this aid is going to civilians.' 'If it wasn't going to civilians, we would hope that we would get that feedback, and we would cease and desist,' Mulroy said. In a statement, WFP country director Mary-Ellen McGroarty said: 'WFP is not involved in the planning, targeting or distribution of food air-dropped' by Fogbow on behalf of South Sudan's government, citing humanitarian principles. A 'business-driven model' Longtime humanitarian leaders and analysts are troubled by what they see as a teaming up of warring governments and for-profit contractors in aid distribution. When one side in a conflict decides where and how aid is handed out, and who gets it, 'it will always result in some communities getting preferential treatment,' said Jan Egeland, executive director of the Norwegian Refugee Council. Sometimes, that set-up will advance strategic aims, as with Netanyahu's plans to move Gaza's civilians south, Egeland said. The involvement of soldiers and security workers, he added, can make it too 'intimidating' for some in need to even try to get aid. Until now, Western donors always understood those risks, Egeland said. But pointing to the Trump administration's backing of the new aid system in Gaza, he asked: 'Why does the U.S. ... want to support what they have resisted with every other war zone for two generations?' Mark Millar, who has advised the U.N. and Britain on humanitarian matters in South Sudan and elsewhere, said involving private military contractors risks undermining the distinction between humanitarian assistance and armed conflict. Private military contractors 'have even less sympathy for a humanitarian perspective that complicates their business-driven model," he said. 'And once let loose, they seem to be even less accountable.' ___ Knickmeyer reported from Washington. Mednick reported from Tel Aviv, Israel. ___ The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at
Zawya
10-06-2025
- Climate
- Zawya
United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Peacekeepers conduct lifesaving flooding measures
'Every day is about survival.' This stark message captures the urgency of the dire situation as the heavy rains begin to fall in Bentiu where vast parts of the landscape are already submerged by catastrophic floods that devastated the area five years ago. Lieutenant Colonel Jamal Haroon is one of a team of engineering peacekeepers from Pakistan, serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, who are responsible for maintaining a vast network of dykes protecting 300,000 people from the 4,500 square kilometers of stagnant waters that threaten their lives and livelihoods on a daily basis. 'We are constantly on alert to ensure that the dykes hold as well as working to strengthen them ahead of the rainy season when we know the waters will rise yet again,' he says. His colleague, Major Hilmi Munsif, Chief of Operations for the Pakistani Engineering Contingent, stresses the fragility of the situation. 'Bentiu and its surroundings are a very low-lying area. If we take the example of a bowl, you could consider Bentiu the bottom of the bowl. So, every rainfall that is coming from the Nile River or the south, ends up accumulating in this location.' Every week, the peacekeepers conduct extensive boat patrols to measure the water levels, which helps them with contingency planning. The data collected shows the 'bottom of the bowl' is under increasing threat. The 738mm of accumulated rainfall last year caused water levels to rise more than half a meter. This year, they expect accumulated rainfall will reach 1100mm, an increase of more than 50 percent. This prediction prompted the engineers to further raise the dyke levels by 1.5 meters to prevent a disastrous overflow. While measuring water levels might seem like a mundane activity for peacekeepers, it is the reason that residents in Bentiu, including the thousands of families living in a displacement camp, are safe. 'Life before the floods was better. When displaced families came here, they had the ability to go and collect firewood in the bush and forests. Now, things have changed,' shares camp leader, Solomon Yain. However, turning the threat of the floodwaters into an opportunity, these resilient residents have found new ways to survive, building canoes that allow them to go fishing and reach far into the flooded areas to find firewood to dry and sell at the local market. This can-do attitude is much needed in the dire conditions, as is the support of many partners. 'A collective effort by the State, communities, humanitarian agencies, UNMISS and other partners is vital to dealing with this unexpected and unfortunate situation. Our hope is that we will all continue to work together to mitigate and respond,' says UNMISS' Acting Head of the Bentiu Field Office, Denis Fuh Chenwi. Failure to do so may lead to another tragic escalation of the already urgent situation. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Telegraph
08-06-2025
- Telegraph
Five essential things to know before you board a TUI River Cruises ship
River cruises are the newest venture for travel giant TUI, which officially entered the sector in August 2021 with the launch of the 155-passenger TUI Maya following an 18-month delay due to the Covid pandemic. The adult-only ship was soon joined by sisters TUI Skyla and TUI Isla, who collectively sail some of Europe's leading waterways. In winter 2024, TUI River Cruises expanded geographically and launched its first Nile River ship: TUI Al Horeya (Arabic for freedom). This inaugural Nile ship proved so popular that a second, TUI Al Bahareya, is due to debut in Egypt towards the end of 2025. Yet regardless of which TUI River Cruises ship you set sail on, you can be sure they have Brits in mind; kettles and Twinings tea bags can be found in every cabin, while shore experiences can be pre-purchased in sterling. Onboard, a fun and sociable vibe prevails: the amiable and talented entertainment team lead quizzes, trivia contests, and Motown Moves sessions. They also perform West End hits, pop classics, and rock and roll anthems and host silent discos and stargazing sessions. Expect local guest acts, too – on my recent TUI Nile River cruise, energetic belly dancers, Egyptian whirling dervishes and traditional Nubian acts all performed on board. What's even better is how much is included in the cost of your river cruise: all entertainment, drinks, meals, gratuities, unlimited internet access, and even a return flight. All you'll need to put your hand in your pocket for are select shore excursions, spa treatments, and shop purchases. This transparency makes the line a great option for anyone looking to explore Europe and Egypt without breaking the bank. 1. Where does TUI River Cruises sail? In Europe, TUI Isla, Skyla and Maya sail the Rhine, with its billowing vineyards and dramatic cliffs, and the Danube, which strings together some of Europe's most majestic cities and sights such as Budapest's Parliament building and the lavish palaces of Vienna. Stops on a Rhine cruise could include Strasbourg, where you can wander the Roman streets and admire the half-timbered houses, Cologne, to sample the city's signature Kölsch beer, and the quaint town of Rudesheim, home to the quirky Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum with its unique collection of automated musical instruments. In addition, TUI Isla offers itineraries on the Main, which meanders out from the east of the Rhine and through the middle of Germany, the Moselle, a must for wine lovers, and the beautiful Belgian and Dutch waterways. Summer 2025 marks the start of sailings along Portugal's Douro River onboard TUI Alma. The line's first new-build river ship will offer seven-night round-trip sailings from Porto calling at Entre-os-Rios, Peso de Regua, Vega de Terron and Barca d'Alva. Yet another new European ship, TUI Ria, is scheduled to launch in summer 2026 and will also sail on the Rhine and Moselle. Egypt also features on the agenda with an unforgettable cruise along the Nile. The group's first Nile ship, TUI Al Horeya, operates a seven-night Legends of the Nile voyage; a round-trip sailing from Luxor that calls at Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Sister ship, Tui Bahareya, is slated to debut on the Nile in November 2025 and will offer two round-trip routes from Luxor: the Legends of the Nile cruise and a seven-night Ancient Gods and Famous Pharaohs itinerary. Both sailings will take you to Egypt's most famous historic sites, including the Valley of the Kings, Aswan and the Temple of Horus. Two Egyptologists will also be on board to reveal the stories that lie behind the extraordinary temples and tombs. 2. Who does TUI River Cruises appeal to? The line has gone out of its way to attract British passengers with flights (on TUI Airways) offered from a number of UK airports. As TUI River Cruises ships are strictly adults-only, they fit the bill for couples and groups of friends seeking a relaxed and informal sailing. Solo travellers aren't neglected either: each ship has been fitted with a handful of single cabins and those going it alone can meet up with like-minded travellers at mealtimes and social events. All told, you might embark on a river cruise as a single traveller, but you certainly won't end up alone. You'll find plenty of first-time river cruisers on board too. These are typically guests who have travelled with TUI before, be it on a package holiday or an ocean voyage with sister line Marella Cruises, and fancy experimenting on a new type of holiday with a company they feel comfortable with. With absolutely everything included in the fare, TUI River Cruises is also a great option for cost-conscious travellers who want to get away without worrying about extra fees. 3. The fleet TUI Skyla, TUI Isla, TUI Maya (151, 155, and 155 passengers respectively) Sails to: Danube, Rhine. TUI Isla also sails the Dutch & Belgian waterways, Main and Moselle The trio of adult-only vessels share a light and breezy aesthetic, with each ship featuring two restaurants and two bars as well as a wellness area and activity area on the top deck. Cabins span several categories, ranging from singles to suites. TUI Al Horeya (145 passengers) W inter 2024 marked the debut of TUI Al Horeya on the Nile. The freshly refurbished ship features 72 river-facing cabins, the lion's share of which have French balconies. Spacious public spaces include the third-floor Observatory lounge – head here for enlightening lectures and film showings during the day, and cabaret and trivia contests at night – two restaurants, a small gym, and a top deck with an inviting pool, hot tubs, sun loungers and a shaded bar seating area. TUI Alma (123 passengers) Sails to: Douro Meaning 'soul' in Portuguese, TUI Alma – the line's first brand-new ship – will cruise along Portugal's River Douro when it launches in 2025. Expect 62 river-facing staterooms situated across three of the four passenger decks, plus a shallow pool with seating areas, main restaurant and Portuguese-inspired al fresco dining space. TUI Bahareya (136 passengers) Sails to: Nile TUI Bahareya will be the sixth ship to join the fleet when it launches towards the end of 2025. The name means 'belongs to the river' in Arabic and the ship will accommodate 136 passengers in 68 cabins, including standard French balcony cabins and superior cabins. While the real attraction of any Nile cruise lies on dry land, TUI Bahareya will have plenty to keep guests entertained, from an open-air pool to a massage tent and an entertainment area. TUI Ria (190 passengers) Sails to: Rhine, Moselle This will be the largest ship in the fleet when it launches in summer 2026 and the big talking point is the onboard pool that will double as a restaurant: in the evening, the pool floor will rise to close off the water, transforming the space into a secondary dining venue and entertainment area. It will even have a retractable roof, allowing guests to take a dip whatever the weather. In addition, there will be a choice of restaurants, lounges and entertainment spaces. 4. Loyalty scheme None officially, but the line says that it does try to offer repeat guests 'access to things like exclusive offers and events' as a thank you for their loyalty. 5. Access for guests with disabilities Wheelchairs cannot be used on board, so TUI River Cruises says that if you're unable to walk unaided up and down flights of stairs, then a cruise with them may not be suitable for you. It's worth contacting the Assisted Travel Team (0203 451 2688) before booking a cruise if you have specific needs.
Zawya
02-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt pens $20bln deal to launch Jirian City in Sheikh Zayed
Arab Finance: Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly witnessed the signing of a partnership and development agreement to launch the environmentally friendly city in Sheikh Zayed, Jirian City, with total cost and investment returns estimated at approximately EGP 1.5 trillion, the Egyptian cabinet announced on June 1st. Inked at the government headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, the agreement forms a strategic alliance between Future of Egypt and prominent real estate developers Palm Hills, Mountain View, and Nations of Sky. Covering an area of around 6.8 million square meters, the city includes more than 20,000 residential units, along with about one million square meters designated for administrative, commercial, and service activities. Facilities at the new city include shopping malls, international hotels, universities, a hospital, a media city, and world-class sports clubs. Significantly, water bodies will constitute approximately 20% of the city's layout, complemented by green spaces covering around 30%, ensuring environmental sustainability and a distinctive living environment. Jirian will also leverage three irrigation sources, including a branch of the Nile River extending from Rasheed and passing centrally through the city. Prime Minister Madbouly emphasized the significance of Jirian City, describing it as a qualitative leap in the future of smart, environmentally friendly cities and highlighting its role in advancing sustainable urban development. © 2020-2023 Arab Finance For Information Technology. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
