₦airaland Forum

[size=18pt]DIS IS ANOTHER WAY TO SAY WE ARE GOING TO UNLEASH AIDS, WAR AND VARIOUS OTHER POPULATION GROWTH RAPID KILLER IN NIGERIA ,BECOS WITHOUT PEOPLE NO DEVELOPMENT AND NO DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA IS GOOD NEWS FOR OUR ECONOMY AND RESOURCES CONTROL, BECOS THERE WILL BE NO COMPETITION FOR RESOURCES LIKE WE ARE EXPERIENCING WITH CHINA, INDIA, BRAZIL ETC. [/size]

[size=18pt]hahaha!  All dis bru ha ha becos Aunty Ngozi decided to address three big corruption cases. Now dey are trying all possible best to mar her reputation and blackmail her to drop the cases or even force her out of Office.

Loser have failed, like they failed to prevent her return to Nigeria. Those three big corruption cases will be executed.[/size]

I said it before and will reiterate, BOKO HARAM and sympathizer's will have no were to hide and can't run fast enough.

From Laolu Akande, New York

Sets New Strategies To Black Out Terror Communication

As the global community marks the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks on the United States, President Barack Obama has ordered a communications campaign against terrorists groups abroad in countries like Nigeria, where terrorist activities are increasingly feared and elsewhere where they have found roots.


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Besides, the US government also announced that its Terrorist Finance Tracking Program has been made available to Nigeria among other countries, which have suffered one terror attack or the other in recent times.

A statement from the US Treasury Department over the weekend, as the US government marks one decade after 9/11, said the Terrorist Finance Tracking Program (TFTP) was initiated in 2001 "to identify, track and pursue terrorists and their networks."

According to the US government, "the TFTP has since provided thousands of valuable leads to US agencies and other governments that have aided in the prevention or investigation of many of the most visible and violent terrorist attacks and attempted attacks of the past decade."

Citing Nigeria as a recent beneficiary of the program, the US Treasury Department said, "for example, TFTP-derived information has played an important role in the investigation of the October 2010 Nigerian Independence Day car bombings in Abuja, Nigeria. The TFTP has provided crucial information that has been used to identify persons linked to these attacks."

It is believed that the federal government, based on the TFTP, has gathered critical information about activities and supporters of violent groups in the country.

US government sources said the program is continuously available to the federal government to help it in its renewed fight against terrorism, which the US President Barack Obama fears is now seeking to gain roots in African nations like Nigeria.

It would be recalled that after the recent bombing of the United Nations offices in Abuja, the US and the UN have joined the federal government in the probe, especially with the active involvement of FBI agents.

Similarly, over the weekend, President Obama issued an executive order creating a temporary US organisation to counter the propaganda of Al Qaida, its affiliates and other terror groups abroad, including in African countries.

According to the order, released by the White House on Friday, "the United States is committed to

actively countering the actions and ideologies of Al Qa'ida, its affiliates and adherents, other terrorist organizations, and violent extremists overseas that threaten the interests and national security of the United States."

The order noted that "these efforts take many forms, but all contain a communications element and some use of communications strategies directed to audiences outside the United States to counter the ideology and activities of such organizations. These communications strategies focus not only on the violent actions and human costs of terrorism, but also on narratives that can positively influence those who may be susceptible to radicalization and recruitment by terrorist organizations."

Once the temporary organisation is in place, it is believed that its activities will reach countries like Nigeria through the US Embassy in the country as the new campaign would be coordinated by the US State Department to which all American embassies abroad report.

The order also added that, "under the direction of the Secretary of State, a "Center for Strategic Counterterrorism Communications" has now been established.

The Center through the US Department of State "shall coordinate, orient, and inform Government-wide public communications activities directed at audiences abroad and targeted against violent extremists and terrorist organizations, especially Al Qa'ida and its affiliates and adherents, with the goal of using communication tools to reduce radicalization by terrorists and extremist violence and terrorism."

According to a statement from the US Treasury department, "in the decade since 9/11, the United States government has undertaken an unprecedented effort to unmask and choke off Al Qa'ida's financial support networks."

Adding that the Treasury Department is not alone in the fight, the statement said, "this is truly a whole-of-government effort, involving our colleagues in the State, Justice and Defense departments, the Intelligence Community, and the law enforcement community."

Equally the US government says it has been working "closely with the UN, which has established an extensive legal framework for combating terrorist financing on a global level. We work closely with dozens of countries to stem the flow of funds to terrorists."

Ozioma Ubabukoh

Ozioma Ubabukoh writes that the failing health of the most respected leader of All Progressives Grand Alliance, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, may be the albatross of the party.


Ojukwu and Umeh

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It is no longer news that the All Progressives Grand Alliance did not fare well in the last general elections. The only succour that probably came the way of the party was that it succeeded in clinching the governorship seat in Imo State and it won a sizeable number of seats into the Imo and Anambra state houses of assembly. Its representatives from Imo State also succeeded in winning some seats into the National Assembly.

This minimal achievement came in the absence of the party's leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu. Though Ojukwu is still not available in the political scene because of his deteriorating health condition, some die-hard APGA fans have kept the argument that if not for his absence; the party would have fared better than it did at the 2011 general elections.

The question on the lips of many however is, "what if the ailing ex-Biafra warlord insists on not returning to Nigeria from his London hospital bed, what will happen to the party?"

The responses that have emanated from the lips of a few party men have been somewhat that of hope and an unwavering belief that Ojukwu would return home soon and play the role of rebuilding what seems a depleted party. The responses have also brought to memory the phenomenon of the man called Dim, also known as Ikemba Nnewi, and his relevance in the political annals of Nigeria.

For the APGA National Chairman, Mr. Victor Umeh, Ojukwu's absence in the last general election was a terrible blow to the party. Umeh told SUNDAY PUNCH that Ojukwu had been the pillar of support to his leadership of the APGA.

"He is a man that submits to superior logic. Anything that stresses this party, I will sit down and discuss those things with him. If he goes through my argument and reason, and he finds them to be superior, he approves. In addition, when he approves, he throws his might behind me. So his absence has actually weighed me down," Umeh reminisced.

Recently when Ojukwu's intervention was required in settling an internal party matter, the latter was no way in sight. Umeh said it was because there was nobody in the party who could call people to order more than Ojukwu.

According to him, Ojukwu is somebody who will say something and anyone who tries to disrespect him would only end up bringing some untoward consequences to himself.

Umeh said, "During electioneering we were able to do our best because the messages remained the same. I have gone round with Ojukwu several times and in our campaigns, I merely replicated the messages he would have given to our people or people who listen to APGA. The message remains the same.

"What is absent is his father figure. When people want to attack this party, his voice would have resonated and kept people at bay. Nevertheless, we are satisfied that in 2011 elections, despite his absence, the party experienced increased fortune. Our prayer is that he recovers quickly.

"However, I can tell you that the name of Ojukwu associated with APGA is not something you cannot reduce to only when he is alive. Even if Ojukwu is no more, but that he was the leader of APGA will continue to make our people attached to APGA. Nothing will remove the philosophy behind his demand on our people to follow APGA as a political vehicle for them; nothing will change it, both in life and death.

"When he was not around during the campaigns, our people still identified with APGA - the party he decreed that our people should follow. They will continue to vote APGA. I can tell you, it is not because Ojukwu has been enforcing the clarion call for our people to continue to support APGA; the vision of the party for our people, for example, would remain sacrosanct."

However, the APGA Ebonyi State governorship candidate in the last election, Dr. Emmanuel Onwe, thinks differently from Umeh. Onwe posits that the party should look beyond Ojukwu.

His argument stems from the belief that without a Bola Tinubu, the Action Congress of Nigeria would still make inroads into other parts of the country in future elections. Onwe also suggests that Umeh should take a leave from Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, whom he says has positioned the state in such a way that when he finishes his second term in March 2014, the state would still move the way it has been proposed by the current administration to go.

"What if Ojukwu doesn't return, does it mean the subtle crisis in the party would claim it. The leadership should take the bull by the horn and reposition the party for future elections. We should think beyond Ojukwu. He has played his part. What we should be discussing right now is how to adopt the ACN method and at least win elections in the South-East zone with ease and style," Onwe said.

A cross section of other party chieftains SUNDAY PUNCH spoke to also expressed divergent views over what the prolonged absence of Ojukwu portends for the party. http://odili.net/news/source/2011/sep/11/825.html

http://odili.net/news/source/2011/sep/11/606.html


Sunday, September 11, 2011

The Senate AdhocCommittee on Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) has said that Rivers State was now on the path of transformation under the Governor Chibuike Amaechi-led administration.



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Chairman of the Committee, Senator Ahmed Lawan, stated this Friday, when he and other members of the committee paid a courtesy call on the governor at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

Senator Lawan, who said the team was in Rivers State to carry out a first-hand assessment of government-owned privatised firms, rated Governor Amaechi's developmental achievements high.

"Rivers State has witnessed tremendous progress. In fact, from a distance, I have always admired what you have been able to achieve in Rivers. We want to see a replication of this kind of tremendous progress across the country."

The Senator, representing Yobe North, called on the Federal Government to latch on to the developmental strides in Rivers State in order to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.

He informed the governor that the visit was sequel to a motion on the floor of the Senate in July to investigate the circumstances surrounding the controversial sale of some government-owned firms by the BPE, from 1999.

The Senate Adhoc Committee chairman noted that once the committee concluded its investigations, it would submit its report as he expressed the wish that their recommendations would inject efficiency in the companies and impact positively on the economy.

He thanked the governor for the warm reception and support given to them by the government and people of the state during their two-day visit.

Speaking, Governor Amaechi expressed appreciation to the committee for finding time to visit him, stating that their assignment was sensitive and crucial to the development of the country.

"Whatever you find, the national interest should be uppermost in your mind," he said.

The governor advised that efforts should be made to encourage investors, not to drive them away.

He also enjoined the members of the country's upper legislative chamber to ensure that they make laws that would ensure the proper utilisation of the nation's assets as he promised to assist them to perform the task before them.

@ Jason, absolutely agree dat Delta State needs attention along side Rivers State, Calabar and even Bayelsa and Ondo. These places are crucial coastal point of entry for goods. Too much of everything in Lagos.

Ijaw already have a home state dat is Bayelsa State. No doubt that Ijaw has presence in Delta and River States respectively, but River State has less than 5% ijaw population and no land just mangrove.

Much of wat people include as ijaw are mixed with igbo and the languages are dis-similar. Hence, der can't be an Ijaw State coming out of rivers but all Rivers state indigence should be given an opportunity to Govern the state.

Ijaws are no threat to Igbo's, kalabari and others in Rivers State and vice versa. All the madness are coming from ogogoro drinkers and cannot be taken seriously.

Written by Chris Agbambu and Okey Muogbo, Abuja
Friday, September 9, 2011

THE armed forces are in possession of intelligence report that the Boko Haram sect plans to bomb the Defence Headquarters, popularly called "Boat House."



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Towards this end, the military has put additional security measures in place in order to forestall such an incident.

Informed sources in the military disclosed to the Nigerian Tribune that the armed forces are not taking any chances about the threat, as movement is now restricted within the Defence Headquarters complex.

Nigerian Tribune gathered that the Director of Intelligence in the Army, Navy and Air Force headquarters are now coordinating security arrangements at the Defence Headquarters and supervised by a Major-General from the headquarters.

The source revealed that anybody coming to the Defence Headquarters complex must be on appointment from a senior military officer or else no entry for such a visitor.

Also, the road by the gate of the Defence Headquarters has been blocked with military vehicles, with fierce-looking armed soldiers manning it.

The source added that the military high command had consequently advised military officers within the complex to mind the type of visitors they invite into the complex.

Nigerian Tribune gathered that additional security equipment to check vehicles and visitors have been acquired by the armed forces and have already been put to use.

A top source at the Defence Headquarters told the Nigerian Tribune that "the military is the last hope of every Nigerian, and once this place is targeted, then the country is in trouble and that is why additional security measures are being put in place."

Only one entrance is designated for the service chiefs and senior military officers into the Defence Headquarters which no private car is allowed to use.

The source disclosed that the Boko Haram sect was boasting that since they had succeeded in bombing the Police Headquarters and the United Nations building, there was nothing preventing them from bombing the Defence Headquarters.

Also, the exit gate at the Police Headquarters, which has been under lock since the bombing of the place three months ago, has been blocked with an armoured vehicle to prevent anyone launching an attack from there, just as it was done in the UN House bombing where the bomber drove through a disused entrance.

'Boko Haram'll not disintegrate Nigeria'

The presidential adviser on Niger Delta Affairs and chief executive officer of the Amnesty Programme, Honourable Kingsley Kuku, in Abuja, on Thursday, said the activities of the Islamic group, Boko Haram, would not lead to the break up of Nigeria.

Speaking on the implementation of the amnesty programme in the first 100 days of the present administration, Kuku said the crisis would be resolved without disintegrating the country.

He recalled that the country had gone through similar, if not greater challenges since independence, from which it emerged even stronger.

Kuku said God had been kind to Nigeria in the past, adding that he did not expect the Boko Haram insurgency to destroy the country.

On the achievements of the amnesty office, Kuku said, "I wish to report to Nigerians that in the first 100 days of the Jonathan administration, the amnesty programme for ex-militants in the Niger Delta recorded profound successes; and, as a result, peace, safety, security and development are being consolidated in the Niger Delta."

According to him, 19,000 of the total enrolled number of 20,192 in the first phase of the programme had been fully demobilised, having undertaken non-violence transformational training at the demobilisation camp, located in Obubra, Cross River State.

The final batch of 1,192, according to him, would be demobilised this month, bringing to an end, the demobilisation component of the first phase of the programme.

Kuku reiterated that the amnesty programme did not have a third phase, adding that youths who recently claimed to have surrendered their arms to security agencies would not be accepted into the programme.

He accused unnamed security men of colluding with the agitators in accepting arms from them after the amnesty had closed, instead of them treating those people as criminals in possession of arms.

Illegal immigrants: Customs boss summons state comptrollers

The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mrs Rose Uzoma, on Thursday, read the Riot Act to the state comptrollers of immigration and other top officers of the service for allowing illegal immigrants into the country and constituting a security risk to the nation.

Mrs Uzoma, who summoned the state comptrollers of immigration service to an emergency meeting in Abuja, on the growing insecurity in the country, was worried that intelligence reports had pointed to the fact that some of the people involved in the recent bomb blasts in Nigeria were foreigners.

She urged the comptrollers to sit up, stressing that the immigration service remained the first line security agent in the country and that efforts must be made to secure the borders.

Uzoma said the government was not unaware of logistic challenges being faced by the service but said efforts were being made to address some of these operational challenges.

"I didn't call you here today for us to bemoan the lack of logistics we have. I invited all of you to sensitise you to the present challenges once more and to remind you of our duties.

"The situation today is such that, this is not the time to ask what Nigeria can do for you. This is not the time for us to bemoan budgetary insufficiency.

"This is the time for patriotism and display of rare courage and professionalism. This is the time to justify all the investment Nigerian government has made in all of you. This is the time to put to test all the trainings you have received. You just have to ignore the fact that you don't have enough and make maximum use of what you have to secure our borders and the nation," the Comptroller-General said.

Mrs Uzoma, who emphasised that she would no longer tolerate excuses from any of the state comptrollers where there were noticeable lapses, particularly blamed the security lapses being experienced on the officers in charge of the northern states.

.

JAYNE AUGOYE

In a new report, the World Health Organisation says deaths of newborns in Nigeria is still alarming, writes JAYNE AUGOYE


Happy Baby

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A new study by the World Health Organisation reveals that there is a decline in deaths of newborns around the world - but Africa and Nigeria in particular has recorded the highest death rates for infants. The study, which spanned 20 years, was published in the medical journal, PLoS Medicine Today on August 31, 2011.

It involved all the 193 WHO member states and was conducted by researchers from the organisation, Save the Children's Saving Newborn Lives Programme and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Deaths of newborn refer to the ones that occur in the first four weeks of life (neonatal period). It accounts for 41 per cent of all child deaths before the age of five.

In past researches, the United Nations had hinted that 53,000 women in Nigeria die annually of pregnancy-related illnesses, making the maternal mortality rate one of the highest in the world. Doctors and youth counsellors in Nigeria are also quick to say that teenage mothers are more at risk because of poverty, lack of access to health care and a culture that does not permit discussing sex education freely.

But findings of the new study also show that 99 per cent of new born deaths occur in developing countries partly as a result of their large population. Emphatically, it says that more than half of these deaths occur in India, Nigeria, Pakistan, China and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

As a result, Nigeria, the world's seventh most populous country, now ranks second in newborn deaths up from the fifth position it occupied in 1990. This report says this is due to an increase in the total number of births.

Africa has also had the slowest progress of any region in the world with a reduction of one per cent per year.

The first week of life is known to be the riskiest for new borns and yet WHO says many countries are just introducing postnatal care programmes to reach mothers and babies at this critical period.

Shedding light on causes of neonatal deaths, WHO Assistant Director for Family, Women's and Children's Health, Dr Flavia Bustreo, says, "Newborn survival is being left behind despite well-documented, cost effective solutions to prevent these deaths. Neonatal mortality has declined in all world regions. Progress has been slowest in the regions with high NMRs. Global health programmes need to address neonatal deaths more effectively if Millennium Development Goal 4 (two-thirds reduction in child mortality) is to be achieved."

Of the 15 countries with more than 39 neonatal deaths per 1000 live births, 12 were from Africa-Angola, Burundi, Chad, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, and Sierra Leone). Afghanistan, Pakistan and Somalia also had high neonatal death rates, according to report.

WHO says going by the current progress rate, it would take Africa more than 150 years to meet up with the U.S or U.K newborn survival rates.

The estimated figures in the study are based on more data than ever, as well as extensive consultations with relevant institutions in the sampled countries.

"This study shows in stark terms that where babies are born dramatically influences their chances of survival, and that especially in Africa too many mothers experience the heartbreak of losing their baby. Millions of babies should not be dying when there are proven, cost effective interventions to prevent the leading causes of newborn death," says the co-author of the study Dr.Joy Lawn.

The research findings also show that newborn deaths decreased from 4.6 million in 1990 to 3.3 million in 2009 and fell at a slightly faster rate since 2000. WHO attributes these declining rates to investment in healthcare and children in the last decade when the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were set.

They also addd that this proactive action contributed to more rapid progress for the survival of mothers(2.3 per cent per year) and children under the age of five (2.1 per cent per year) than newborns'(1.7% per year).

In 2000, world leaders set a target of reducing child mortality to one-third of its 1990 level by 2015 as Millennium Development Goal 4 (MDG4). This goal, together with seven others, is designed to help improve the social, economic, and health conditions in the world's poorest countries. In recent years, progress towards reducing child mortality has accelerated but remains insufficient to achieve MDG4.

Included in the MDGs targets are reducing by two-thirds, between 1990 and 2015, the under-five mortality rate, reducing by three quarters the maternal mortality ratio and achieving universal access to reproductive health.

The international health body lists the major causes of neonatal deaths in the world as follows: preterm delivery (29%), asphyxia (23%) and severe infections, such as sepsis and pneumonia (25%).

Simple interventions such as improved hygiene at birth and advice on breastfeeding can substantially reduce neonatal deaths while existing interventions can prevent two-thirds or more of these deaths if they reach those in need.

Every year, more than eight million children die before their fifth birthday. Most of these deaths occur in developing countries and most are caused by preventable or treatable diseases.

WHO notes that in many developed countries, child mortality rates can be calculated directly from vital civil registration data i.e. records of all births and deaths. But many developing countries still lack vital registration systems; hence, child mortality is estimated using data collected in household surveys such as the Demographic and Health Surveys (a project that helps developing countries collect data on health and population trends).

In this study, however, the researchers estimate annual national NMRs (the number of neonatal deaths per 1,000 live births) and numbers of neonatal deaths for the past 20 years using the available data.

The researchers employed civil registration systems, household surveys, and other sources to compile a database of deaths among neonates and children under five years old for 193 countries between 1990 and 2009. They estimated NMRs for 38 countries from reliable vital registration data and developed a statistical model to estimate NMRs for the remaining 155 countries (in which 92% of global live births occurred). http://odili.net/news/source/2011/sep/8/816.html

Inec Bars New Parties From 2012 Elections


John Alechenu, Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission has foreclosed the registration of new political parties before the governorship elections in some states.


INEC Chairman , Prof. Attahiru Jega

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Governorship polls are scheduled to hold in Kogi State in December 2011 and in Cross River, Bayelsa, Sokoto, Adamawa, Ekiti, Rivers and Ondo states in 2012.

INEC made this position known on Wednesday amid speculations that recently de-registered political parties might seek to re-enter the political turf using new names.

The Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Kayode Idowu, told our correspondent in Abuja, that while the electoral body was not interested in disenfranchising any individual or group, it was determined to adhere strictly to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act.

He said, "Don't forget that we have issued a notice of elections which entails the sequence of activities which require that any party that will partake in the election would have participated and filled those sequences of activities.

"Any party that comes up at the point at which it could not have fulfilled that sequence of activities cannot possibly be eligible for elections.

"For instance, if you notice that collection of forms starts by the 15th of September, any party that will participate in that election ought to collect the forms by the September 15. The last day for the conduct of primaries in Kogi State is September 22,2011.

"So, any party that will participate in the December 3 election in Kogi State must have conducted its primaries by September 22.

"Any organisation that registers as a political party but is not able to have conducted primaries by September 22 cannot be eligible for the election.

"There are other sequence of activities like commencement of campaigns, submission of forms CF01, CFO2 is there and all that."

Idowu also admitted that the issue of substitution of candidates by political parties after primaries would remain controversial for as long as relevant sections of the Electoral Act were not amended.

While Section 31 (1) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) stipulates that "every political party shall, not later than 60 days before the date appointed for a general election under the provisions of this bill, submit to the Commission in the prescribed forms, the list of candidates the party proposes to sponsor at the elections, provides that INEC shall not reject or disqualify candidates for any reason whatsoever."

The commission is quarrelling with this provision based on what it said was in contravention of powers granted it by section 87.

Section 87 of the Act stipulates the process through which a candidate can be said to have emerged.

INEC is empowered to monitor the process and recognise a candidate who emerges through proper procedure. http://odili.net/news/source/2011/sep/8/814.html

Beaf:
@OP

I have contributed http://www.afrosciencecommunity.com

Today, you are here asking daft questions about what people have done for the country, but you and a few other dark and wicked souls claimed here on NL, that http://www.afrosciencecommunity.com is a fraud. God alone has his punishment for people like you.

The problem with Nigeria is wicked Nigerians like you. Luckily, people like you give those who mean to help the strength to succeed and the website is being rebuilt from scratch again with zest and zeal. It will be launched in the next couple of months.

https://afrosciencecommunity.com/Images/frontSpash.jpg

Die if you like.

Don't mind tribal disease people, dat are cursed to drag themselves down. Dey also tried their witchcraft with Philip Emeagwali but failed becos who God has blessed no man can curse.

Spare us the War on Terror talk becos we have long awaited the return of the master to claim his price.

https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-746402.0.html

^^ Very SAD!!
http://punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art20110901132193


Reports out of Libya say that rebels of the National Transition Council are killing black Africans

Daily Telegraph reports that the victims include Nigerians, black Libyans and other citizens of sub-Saharan African.

It was said that no fewer than 20 black men were found dead outside Col Gaddafi’s compound after Libyan rebels captured Tripoli. Their hands were tied behind their backs and some of them had been shot in the head.

On the road south out of Tripoli, about 200 black people were also said to be hiding in a small encampment made of two small outbuildings shielded by a small wall and a metal door. Most of them were also Nigerians, some were Ghanaian.

Amnesty International said it was told that between one third and half of those detained were from sub-Saharan Africa.

“An Amnesty International delegation visiting the Central Tripoli Hospital witnessed three Thuwwar revolutionaries, as the opposition fighters are commonly known, dragging a black patient from the western town of Tawargha from his bed and detaining him.

“The Thuwwar said the man would be taken to Misrata for questioning. Two other black Libyans receiving treatment in the hospital for gunshot wounds were warned by the anti-Gaddafi forces that their turn was coming,” a statement by the group statement said.

Sydney Morning Herald reports that the ousted Libyan leader employed nationals from different Africans nations as part of a special protection force.

Scores of black men were arrested during the battle for the Col Gaddafi stronghold of Abu Salim in Tripoli. According to reports, some migrants were said to be stranded near a seaside resort, others had fled the city.

However, Associated Press reports that the African Union Chairman, Jean Ping said the Libyan rebels may be indiscriminately killing black people because they have confused innocent migrant workers with mercenaries.

‘’The National Transitional Council seems to confuse black people with mercenaries,’’ Ping, said.

He added that this could be a reason the African Union had not recognised the opposition forces as Libya’s interim government. “One third of the population is black. They are killing people, normal workers, mistreating them,’’ he said.

However, Amnesty official, Claudio Cordone was quoted as saying: “We have to fear for what may be happening to detainees out of the sight of independent observers. Many risk reprisals as a result of allegations that Gaddafi forces used African mercenaries during the conflict.

“Amnesty welcomed calls by the NTC for its supporters to treat captives with dignity and to avoid revenge attacks. But the council must do more to ensure that their fighters do not abuse detainees, especially the most vulnerable ones such as black Libyans and sub-Saharan Africans.

Also Ping urged the new government should say something to condemn the killings. He said, ‘’We want to see a signal that the African workers will be evacuated.’’

Richard Sollom, deputy director of Physicians for Human Rights, who completed a fact-finding mission in Misrata in June also said, “Fighters engaging in abuses should be immediately removed from active duty, pending investigation. All crimes, no matter who committed them, should be investigated and those responsible brought to justice.”

Sollom said his Boston group knew of about 500 Darfuris who are desperately trying to get out of Libya, adding, “They very much fear for their lives because of the colour of their skin.”