In the labyrinth of British politics, a new narrative is taking shape. The UK government intends to terminate contracts with 50 hotels currently housing asylum seekers by the end of January, a move that threatens to offload the £8m daily cost onto already strained local councils. This decision emerges as part of the government's broader efforts to tackle illegal migration and reduce the cost associated with processing and housing asylum seekers.

A Controversial Strategy

The government's decision to vacate these hotels comes amidst a 20% decrease in small boat crossings compared to the previous year. The strategy is two-fold: to return these establishments to their intended community use and to ease pressures on local services. But the plan is not without its detractors. Critics argue it will merely shift the burden onto local councils, already grappling with financial strain and housing shortages.

The Local Government Association (LGA), the national voice of local government in the UK, has warned that councils may have to house these asylum seekers in the very hotels the government is vacating. They call for additional funding and consultation in these decisions, underscoring the need for local authorities to be adequately equipped to accommodate these individuals. (Read Also: UK Government Report Warns of AI’s Potential Role in Terrorist Attacks)

Unveiling the Government's Plan

The government's plan involves relocating asylum seekers to other parts of the UK's asylum estate, including disused military sites and the Bibby Stockholm barge. This move is part of a wider strategy to reduce the backlog of asylum claims, and it comes hand-in-hand with the implementation of the Illegal Migration Act, designed to detain and promptly remove individuals entering the UK illegally.

Yet, the use of hotels for asylum seekers has been a contentious issue in the UK, with critics arguing it has not only impacted local tourism but also inflamed local tensions. The number of asylum seekers landing on the south coast of England has skyrocketed to over 45,000 last year, marking a staggering 500% increase in just two years. The government's plan to terminate hotel contracts is an attempt to address these challenges and lighten the financial load on taxpayers. (Read Also: The Rising Specter of Destitution Haunts the UK: A Deep Dive into the Crisis)

Balancing Act: Cost and Responsibility  

The government's approach – to end contracts with hotels and provide alternative accommodations – is a delicate balancing act. As commendable as the efforts to address illegal migration and reduce the cost of processing and housing asylum seekers are, it is imperative to remember the human element in this equation. Asylum seekers are individuals who have a legal right to basic housing while awaiting a decision on their application.

They require suitable accommodations, and their welfare and rights must be safeguarded. Therefore, the government should engage in open dialogue with local authorities and stakeholders to ensure that the changes in accommodation arrangements do not result in negative consequences for asylum seekers or local communities. A comprehensive and collaborative approach could strike the right balance between managing the cost and fulfilling the UK's obligations to protect the welfare of vulnerable individuals seeking refuge.  By Nimrah Khatoon, BNN

NAIROBI, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations said on Tuesday that Kenya's food security situation is improving as the drought caused by four consecutive failed rain seasons eases.

Carla Mucavi, the FAO representative to Kenya, told Xinhua in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi that the food insecure population has reduced from 4.8 million to an estimated 1.5 million people, mostly in the arid and semi-arid counties.

"Rainfall in the arid areas has improved vegetation for livestock, and this has reduced the effects of drought," Mucavi said on the sidelines of an event during which the Mikoko Pamoja coastal community was awarded the UN in Kenya Person of the Year 2023 for forest protection efforts.

Mucavi said the onset of the October-December rains is expected to further improve the food security situation in the country as farmers will record enhanced harvests.

She revealed that the FAO has partnered with the Kenyan government and donors to boost the resilience of communities affected by drought. These interventions include providing animal feed, conducting livestock vaccinations, and offering cash transfers to pastoralists to increase food security. - Xinhua

Rwanda has sent humanitarian aid to Gaza, displaying solidarity with Palestinian civilians hurt in the war between Israeli and the militant group Hamas.

A Rwandair Cargo plane carrying 16 tons of medicine, food, and water, touched down in Jordan en route to Gaza on a Friday. 

The assistance is expected to reach Gaza through Egypt due to an Israeli blockade preventing direct aid deliveries directly from Jordan.

On Friday the UN said it had brokered a deal for the initial 20 trucks of aid to enter Gaza through the Rafah crossing from Egypt, becoming the first such delivery since the war began on October 7.

"The Government of Rwanda, through the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization acting on behalf of the Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, has provided humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people in Gaza," Yolande Makolo, Rwanda Government Spokesperson, told The EastAfrican.

"The donation in support of the international relief effort underway was received in Amman on Friday, the 20th, and consists of 16 tons of foodstuff, including fortified food for children, medicines, and medical consumables." 

She also reiterated "the need for de-escalation to protect the lives of innocent civilians." 

The death toll in Gaza has risen to 4,137 following an Israeli rocket bombardment on Gaza, according to the Gaza health ministry, while the UN says that the humanitarian situation has reached "catastrophic levels." 

When Hamas, the militant group that governs Gaza Strip, attacked Israel on October 7 and killed 1,400 people, including children and women, Rwanda condemned the attack and sent condolences to Israel.

The militants also captured 120 hostages, some of whom have been released.

"Rwanda extends its deepest condolences and sympathy to the Government and the People of Israel following the terror attacks in Israeli territory on October 7, 2023, leading to the loss of many lives, numerous injuries, and the abduction of hostages," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on October 8. 

"Rwanda condemns this act of terror, particularly the targeting of innocent civilians. The current situation is worrying and requires urgent de-escalation."

On Friday, Rwanda's State Minister for Regional Cooperation James Kabarebe met with Israeli Ambassador Einat Weiss to discuss "further strengthening of cooperation between the two countries".

The escalating conflict between Gaza and Israel, which has claimed thousands of lives, has divided African nations, with some supporting Israel and others expressing support for Palestine. 

The most vocal support for Palestine was voiced by South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, who reiterated "South Africa's solidarity with the Palestinian people" while wearing the keffiyeh, a symbol of Palestinian nationalism. 

Uganda's President, Yoweri Museveni, condemned "the practice of targeting civilians and non-combatants by the belligerents" and called for a two-state solution. "The outbreak of renewed violence in Israel-Palestine is regrettable. Why don't the two sides implement the two-state solution?" he questioned. 

Kenya's William Ruto condemned the attacks on Israel by Hamas and reiterated support for Israel. "Kenya joins the rest of the world in solidarity with the State of Israel and unequivocally condemns terrorism and attacks on innocent civilians in the country," Ruto said." - IVAN R. MUGISHA, The EastAfrican