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African Govts Under Fire for Sending Large Delegations to COP28
Several African governments are facing heat over their decision to send large delegations to the COP28 climate conference in Dubai, with critics slamming the move as a display of financial insensitivity amidst rising living costs.
The UN attendance list revealed that Nigeria sent a whopping 1,411 delegates, followed by Morocco with 823 and Kenya with 765. This sparked outrage, with many questioning the rationale behind such sizeable delegations when citizens were struggling to make ends meet.
However, the accused nations hit back, claiming that the numbers are inflated and don’t reflect the true picture. Representatives from Nigeria and Kenya clarified that a significant portion of their listed delegates were not funded by public coffers. They belonged to various media outlets, civil society organizations, and private institutions, eager to contribute their expertise to the crucial climate discussions.
Furthermore, both countries emphasized that not all listed delegates were physically present at the conference. Some participated remotely, minimizing costs and maximizing inclusivity.
Nigeria, in particular, defended its hefty delegation size by highlighting its role as Africa’s economic and demographic powerhouse. “As the continent’s biggest country, economy, and stakeholder in climate action, it’s natural for Nigeria to have a larger presence than others,” stated an advisor to President Bola Tinubu.
Kenya echoed a similar sentiment, with State House spokesperson Hussein Mohammed dismissing the inflated numbers as mere registrations, not actual attendees. He clarified that the government only officially sponsored 51 delegates, while the rest were backed by independent organizations.
Tanzania joined the chorus, issuing a statement that over 90% of their delegates were privately funded.
Namibian President Hage Geingob also faced public backlash after including his four children in the delegation for the COP28 climate summit in Dubai. The controversy arose when a post by the Namibian Presidency on social media confirmed the participation of the President’s children – Kayla Elago, Nino Kalondo, Dangos Geingos, and Nangula Geingob – among six family members traveling to Dubai.
Namibians took to social media to criticize the President for allegedly misusing public funds to sponsor his children’s trip, questioning their role at COP28. “Why would they be included in the delegates list if they aren’t part of it?” one citizen commented.
Namibian politician Inna Hengari called for a comprehensive report to be presented in parliament, criticizing the State for funding the President’s family while denying funding for an MP and Parliamentary official to attend the summit.
In response to the public outcry, President Geingob’s office issued a statement clarifying that his children’s trip was not state-funded, without providing details about the payment arrangements. “President Geingob and Madame Geingos (first lady) paid for the flights and accommodation expenses of their children,” the statement read.
COP28 Cut Short: Tanzania Leader Rushes Home After Landslides Kill 57
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan Tuesday 5th cut short her attendance at COP28 in Dubai as her nation grappled with the devastating aftermath of landslides triggered by heavy weekend rains. The disaster had by Tuesday claimed 57 lives, with over 80 injured and thousands displaced.
President Suluhu’s spokesperson, Zuhura Yunus, released a statement Monday evening announcing the decision: “President Samia, who has been in Dubai for COP28, has decided to cut short her trip and return to the country as soon as possible to deal with the situation closely.”
The landslides, concentrated around the hillside town of Katesh, 300 kilometers north of the capital Dodoma, have wreaked havoc. Vehicles have been swept away, buildings reduced to rubble, and essential infrastructure like roads, power lines, and communication networks severely damaged. Images shared by news agencies paint a grim picture, with debris from homes, including furniture, scattered across streets, symbolizing the utter disruption caused by the natural disaster.
Over 5,600 people have been directly affected by the landslides, losing loved ones, homes, and livelihoods. In response, President Suluhu has pledged government support, ordering the covering of funeral expenses for the deceased, hospital bills for the injured, and temporary housing for those left homeless.
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