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Artists Condemn UK Riots And Anti-Muslim Hate Speech Amidst Worst Unrest Since 2011

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Artists Condemn UK Riots And Anti-Muslim Hate Speech Amidst Worst Unrest Since 2011

The UK has witnessed its worst rioting since 2011, with violent clashes erupting in the aftermath of a mass stabbing that killed three young girls during a Taylor Swiftthemed event in Southport, near Liverpool. The anti-immigration protests, fueled by false rumors on social media, have been widely condemned by artists such as Massive Attack, Kneecap, Nova Twins, and Nadine Shah.

Rioters threw bricks and chanted anti-Islamic slurs, with skirmishes breaking out in cities including Liverpool, Manchester, Bristol, and Belfast in Northern Ireland. Several mosques, including ones in Sunderland and Southport, have been attacked, leading to hundreds of Islamic centers upping their security amid safety fears.

The protests were fueled by false rumors on social media about the background of British-born 17-year-old suspect Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, who is accused of killing six, seven, and nine-year-old girls, and injuring another 10 people in the knife attack. The false claim, promoted by EDL founder Tommy Robinson, stated that the suspect was a Muslim asylum seeker who recently arrived in the UK by boat, when in fact he was born in Wales to Rwandan parents.

The far-right has taken advantage of the stabbing attack to tap into concerns about the scale of immigration in the UK. Anti-fascist demonstrators have held counter-rallies in many cities, including Leeds, where they shouted “Nazi scum off our streets”, as the far-right protesters chanted, “You’re not English any more”.

BJ Harrington of the National Police Chiefs’ Council said in a statement on Sunday that 147 people have been arrested since last night in connection with violence and that he expects the number to rise in the coming days.

In response to the riots, Massive Attack posted a statement on X written by the Runnymede Trust, a race equality think tank: “This violent racism has long been simmering under the surface. What is happening is the direct result of years of normalised racism and Islamophobia, enabled by politicians and the British media. As far-right mobs threaten mosques, intimidate and harass people, and throw Nazi salutes, we offer our utmost solidarity to people of colour, and Muslim communities in particular.”

The statement also pointed out that Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper “fail to centre Muslim people, or call out racism for what it is”, adding: “What we are seeing unfold is more than ‘thuggery’, it is violent racism.”

“This is an inevitable outcome of years of state-sponsored Islamophobia and racism, where Muslims, people of colour, and migrants are scapegoated as a distraction from decades of economic hardship and political failings.”

The Runnymede Trust demanded that political leadership “recognises that challenging the far right is not simply a question of tackling online misinformation, or increased police surveillance. Instead, we urgently need our leaders to challenge the conditions that embolden the far right. These scenes should be unimaginable in 2024.”

West Belfast rappers Kneecap responded to the recent anti-immigration demonstration in Belfast by posting a quote by civil rights activist Bernadette Devlin, captioning the photo: “And if you know your history…. smash all fascists”.

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Diaspora

Diaspora Watch – Vol. 38

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Diaspora Watch Unveils 38th Edition: Get ready for the most anticipated edition yet!

Print on Demand & FREE Digital View: https://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/3030359?__r=1069759

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Diaspora Watch is proud to present its 38th edition, packed with the latest news, trends, and analysis from around the world.

Our cover headlines are buzzing with hot topics: the mass trial of opposition figures in Tunisia, the UK government’s refusal to pay Rwanda over a canceled migrant deal, and Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress, outlining his vision for a second term.

But that’s not all – we’re also diving into the world of sports, with a special feature on Nigeria’s first Super Bowl winner, Moro Ojomo, who received a hero’s welcome at Aso Villa. And, meet the 35-year-old Nigerian man who’s making waves with his incredible talent for building helicopters and guns from rubber!

In our lifestyle section, we’re exploring the devastating consequences of procrastination and how to overcome it. Plus, find out why Nigerian celebrities are caught up in Lamborghini fever!

As always, Diaspora Watch is your premier source for compelling stories, analysis, and perspectives that matter to Africans everywhere.

So, grab your copy now and stay informed, inspired, and connected to the global African community!

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Diaspora

Diaspora Watch – Vol. 37

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Diaspora Watch Magazine - Vol. 37 (Feb. 24 - March 2, 2025)

We are excited to announce the release of the 37th edition of Diaspora Watch, a publication that delves into the most pressing issues affecting the diaspora community. In this latest edition, we embark on a journey to uncover the truth, seek justice, and navigate the intricacies of our increasingly interconnected world.

Print on Demand & FREE Digital View: https://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/3030188?__r=1069759

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The Nigeria-Biafra Civil War is a critical issue that we explore in depth. Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, is demanding a public apology and ₦10 trillion in compensation from President Bola Tinubu for the atrocities committed against the Igbo people during the Nigeria-Biafra Civil War. This demand comes on the heels of former military leader General Ibrahim Babangida’s revelation that the 1966 coup was not an Igbo-led conspiracy, as previously alleged.

We also analyze the implications of the US 2025 Visa Waiver Programme, exploring its effects on global mobility, economic development, and national security. The programme allows citizens of 40 eligible countries to travel to the US without a visa, raising important questions about the impact on diaspora communities.

Nigeria’s economic reforms are another key issue that we examine. Critics argue that these reforms disproportionately affect the poor, and we explore alternative solutions that prioritize economic justice and equality.

Climate change is a pressing global issue, and we highlight the urgent need for collective action, sustainable solutions, and global cooperation. Grenada’s Prime Minister has made a passionate plea for climate change partnership at the CARICOM meeting, emphasizing the devastating impacts of climate change on the Caribbean region.

Finland’s seasonal work permit applications are also explored, providing opportunities for foreign workers to contribute to the country’s economy. We delve into the details of the programme, its benefits, and the requirements for eligibility.

Furthermore, we celebrate Ayra Starr’s milestone achievement as the first African female artist to win the Best International Act award at the MOBO Awards. This achievement highlights the significance of African representation in the global music industry.

In this edition of Diaspora Watch, we tackle the tough issues, celebrate the triumphs, and explore the complexities of our global village.

Join us on this journey as we strive to inform, educate, and inspire. Get your copy of Diaspora Watch Publication 37 today! Available in print and digital formats. Subscribe now and stay informed about the issues that matter most to the diaspora community.

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Diaspora

America First” Policy Puts Global Health Progress In Jeopardy

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The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has suspended health contracts worldwide, leaving critical healthcare programs and assistance in jeopardy.

The decision, part of a review aimed at aligning
foreign aid with the Trump administration’s “America First” policy, has resulted in the termination of more than 90% of global health
programs, including those addressing HIV, malaria, maternal health, and other vital services.

The sudden and widespread cuts have sparked
widespread concern among health experts and organizations, who warn that the move will have devastating consequences for millions of people worldwide.

“The US funding cuts are dismantling the system. HIV treatment is crumbling. TB services are collapsing… Lives are on the line,” said International AIDS Society President Beatriz Grinsztejn, whose organization is not directly affected by the cuts.

In South Africa, several of the largest US-funded HIV/AIDS programs have been informed that their funding will not resume, leaving vulnerable groups, including LGBT+ individuals and sex workers, without access to critical healthcare services.

A major global non-profit working on malaria and maternal and newborn health has also had most of its contracts cancelled.

The US State Department has remained tight-lipped about the criteria used for the terminations, and it remains unclear how many organizations worldwide have been affected.

However, documents reviewed by Reuters confirm that UNAIDS, the UN agency dedicated to tackling HIV and AIDS, has had its contract with USAID cancelled.

The move has sparked widespread criticism, with many arguing that the cuts will undermine global health progress and put millions of lives at risk.

“This is a devastating blow to global health efforts,” said a spokesperson for the Global Health Council. “The US has long been a leader in global health, and these cuts will have far-reaching consequences for some of
the world’s most vulnerable populations.”

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