Martin Griffiths visited Port Sudan as the UN is calling for a ceasefire in the country. Reuters
Martin Griffiths visited Port Sudan as the UN is calling for a ceasefire in the country. Reuters
Martin Griffiths visited Port Sudan as the UN is calling for a ceasefire in the country. Reuters
Martin Griffiths visited Port Sudan as the UN is calling for a ceasefire in the country. Reuters

UN's Martin Griffiths warns of 'tragedy of global relevance' in Sudan


Tim Stickings
  • English
  • Arabic

The crisis in Sudan has "all the makings of a tragedy of global relevance", the UN's humanitarian relief boss said after visiting the country.

Martin Griffiths said attempts to broker a ceasefire in Sudan had stumbled over the "existential fact that those at war are keen to keep going".

Mr Griffiths said he has asked the warring parties for assurances that aid workers can travel in Sudan and that humanitarian planes will not be shot down.

"It's not as if we're asking for the moon," he said after visiting Port Sudan.

The UN has warned of a humanitarian disaster as fighting between Sudan's regular army and a paramilitary force continues. Many countries have evacuated their citizens from the country.

Mr Griffiths said he wanted to meet the warring generals "in the next day or so" to arrange for humanitarian aid.

Asked on BBC Radio 4's Today programme whether the two camps saw it as a "fight to the finish", he said: "We all worry about that."

The "tales of traumatic atrocity" that people have seen in Khartoum and Darfur "are pretty unparalleled ... that’s appalling, that will lead to a generational problem of reconciliation", he said.

"The second, I think, really deeply concerning aspect is the speed with which it’s going viral. The way in which all these efforts to get national or local or temporary ceasefires have all stumbled, presumably over the rigid existential fact that those at war are keen to keep going.

"It’s got all the makings of a tragedy of global relevance and global significance and that’s why this is an opportunity for the international community to show that we care about Africa."

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Uefa Champions League final:

Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports

If you go...

Fly from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Chiang Mai in Thailand, via Bangkok, before taking a five-hour bus ride across the Laos border to Huay Xai. The land border crossing at Huay Xai is a well-trodden route, meaning entry is swift, though travellers should be aware of visa requirements for both countries.

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

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The specs

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Tips from the expert

Dobromir Radichkov, chief data officer at dubizzle and Bayut, offers a few tips for UAE residents looking to earn some cash from pre-loved items.

  1. Sellers should focus on providing high-quality used goods at attractive prices to buyers.
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Opening fixtures:
Friday, Oct 5

8pm: Kabul Zwanan v Paktia Panthers

Saturday, Oct 6
4pm: Nangarhar Leopards v Kandahar Knights
8pm: Kabul Zwanan v Balkh Legends

Tickets
Tickets can be bought online at https://www.q-tickets.com/apl/eventlist and at the ticket office at the stadium.

TV info
The tournament will be broadcast live in the UAE on OSN Sports.

The biog

Age: 59

From: Giza Governorate, Egypt

Family: A daughter, two sons and wife

Favourite tree: Ghaf

Runner up favourite tree: Frankincense 

Favourite place on Sir Bani Yas Island: “I love all of Sir Bani Yas. Every spot of Sir Bani Yas, I love it.”

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Why your domicile status is important

Your UK residence status is assessed using the statutory residence test. While your residence status – ie where you live - is assessed every year, your domicile status is assessed over your lifetime.

Your domicile of origin generally comes from your parents and if your parents were not married, then it is decided by your father. Your domicile is generally the country your father considered his permanent home when you were born. 

UK residents who have their permanent home ("domicile") outside the UK may not have to pay UK tax on foreign income. For example, they do not pay tax on foreign income or gains if they are less than £2,000 in the tax year and do not transfer that gain to a UK bank account.

A UK-domiciled person, however, is liable for UK tax on their worldwide income and gains when they are resident in the UK.

The specs

Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder MHEV

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Transmission: eight-speed automatic

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Company profile

Date started: January, 2014

Founders: Mike Dawson, Varuna Singh, and Benita Rowe

Based: Dubai

Sector: Education technology

Size: Five employees

Investment: $100,000 from the ExpoLive Innovation Grant programme in 2018 and an initial $30,000 pre-seed investment from the Turn8 Accelerator in 2014. Most of the projects are government funded.

Partners/incubators: Turn8 Accelerator; In5 Innovation Centre; Expo Live Innovation Impact Grant Programme; Dubai Future Accelerators; FHI 360; VSO and Consult and Coach for a Cause (C3)

Updated: May 04, 2023, 8:27 AM`