Latest news with #SICG
Scotsman
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Scotsman
New Sudanese organisation steps forward to support peace efforts
Dr Nasredeen Abdulbari | Supplied As Sudan plunges deeper into one of the worst conflicts in its modern history, a new group of Sudanese leaders and experts is stepping forward to push for peace, democracy and humanitarian support. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The Sudan International Contact Group (SICG), registered as a not-for-profit organisation in the United Kingdom with offices in London and Nairobi, has been launched by Sudanese expatriates, academics, former diplomats, and peacebuilders determined to respond to the worsening crisis. It will work to promote peace, democracy and stability in Sudan by facilitating dialogue, supporting humanitarian access and engaging with international partners. Founding members include Dr. Nasredeen Abdulbari, Sudan's former Minister of Justice, Dr Gony Mustafa A. Sharif, Adam Hassaballa Ahmed Mohamed, Mayada Mohamed and Amani Alsanosi. Together, they bring decades of combined experience in governance, law, human rights and conflict resolution. Speaking to reporters, SICG Deputy Chairman Dr Gony Mustafa Sharif said the group had been formed 'to ensure the Sudanese people's voice is heard, to encourage inclusive dialogue, and to support efforts that end violence and lay the groundwork for a just and lasting peace'. Sudanese people 'deserve a future based on democracy' The organisation's stated aims are to promote dialogue between warring Sudanese factions, push for greater international engagement in peace efforts and advocate for the protection of civilians caught in the crossfire. SICG members are already engaging with policymakers in the UK, Africa and beyond to co-ordinate humanitarian access and diplomatic efforts. Dr Nasredeen Abdulbari, who served as Justice Minister before Sudan's political collapse, said the group would serve as a critical bridge between Sudanese civil society and the international community. The Sudanese people deserve a future based on justice, dignity and democracy, Dr Nasredeen Abdulbari 'SICG was established to make sure the world listens to their aspirations, and to help craft a political settlement that ends cycles of conflict and oppression once and for all.' SICG has also warned against the actions of the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and its allies, accusing them of stalling negotiations and escalating violence. In its latest statement, the group said the conflict now threatens to engulf previously safer regions, including Port Sudan. Global support is critical Dr Gony Mustafa Sharif said the refusal of the SAF and its allies to negotiate 'is the reason for expanding the war to new areas'. Dr Gony Mustafa Sharif | Supplied He said: 'If this continues, more regions beyond Port Sudan will be dragged into the conflict.' As humanitarian conditions inside Sudan worsen, SICG says it will continue to push for immediate action to protect civilians and secure a political solution. Founded on the principle that Sudanese-led solutions are essential, but that global support is equally critical, SICG hopes its work can galvanise renewed international efforts to end Sudan's latest cycle of violence.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Counties to get emergency communications grants
Local counties will get state funding to improve their emergency communications. Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday announced that $55 million would be awarded to 57 counties and New York City to bolster the state's emergency response and communications systems through two grants — a $45 million grant under the State Interoperable Communications Formula Grant Program and a $10 million grant under the Public Safety Answering Point Grant Program. According to a news release from Hochul's office, both grant programs fall under the Statewide Interoperable Communications Grant program, which provides reimbursement of funding to eligible counties to improve their emergency communication systems, and allocate funding to further enhance public safety call-taking and dispatching abilities. The combined $55 million will fund upgrades to the state's public safety answering points and communications system. "Funding will assist counties as they buy new equipment, upgrade their technology and improve training, and will encourage the development of Next Generation 911 technologies," the release stated. Locally, Chenango County will get $494,618 under the SICG program and $165,794 under the PSAP program, Delaware County will get $667,382 under the SICG program and $165,193 under the PSAP program. Otsego County will get $715,946 under the SICG program and $173,737 under the PSAP program. Schoharie County will get County will get $475.133 under the SICG program and $114,623 under the PSAP program. 'Ensuring the safety of New Yorkers is my top priority, and a reliable emergency dispatch system is critical for getting first responders where they're needed — fast,' Hochul said. 'This additional funding will strengthen emergency communications across the state, helping counties upgrade technology, improve training and enhance their response capabilities. I remain committed to advancing public safety efforts year after year, ensuring every community has the resources it needs and deserves.'
