UK, Canada PMs wish Muslims on a "different Eid" amidst COVID-19 pandemic
Says, You’ve shown us the best of what it means to serve your community
As Muslims across the world celebrate one of their two Eids, Eid-ul-Adha, the British and Canadian Prime Ministers shared video messages through their official social media handles, to wish Eid Mubarak to Muslims across the globe.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, in a video shared on his official Facebook timeline, wished Eid Mubarak to Muslims in the UK and around the world. The video was shared with the caption “I want to wish Muslims here in the UK and around the world the very best for Eid al-Adha.”
In the video, Boris noted that “The past few months haven’t been easy for anyone. For British Muslims, first, they had to observe Ramadhan, normally such a social month, under lockdown, and then many wanting to perform Hajj had their hopes dashed because of the restrictions relating to the Coronavirus”.
He went on to add that he was thankful to the Muslims of the UK for the sacrifices they’ve made and drives such as food donation and others to look after those in need, during the grave pandemic crisis.
He also added that Muslims working on the frontline of the pandemic at times losing their own lives while also lauding the efforts of Muslims working in other key sectors including the police, teaching among others.
He also urged the Muslims to continue their excellent work and help the government in their fight against the pandemic.
In a similar video, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau elaborated on how he joined a Muslim family in their Eid celebrations and made Eid cards for their friends and relatives.
In the caption of the video, he wrote “Muslims in Canada and around the world celebrate Eid al-Adha. Usually, families and their loved ones come together to pray, share a meal, and express their gratitude for life's blessings. Unfortunately, as we continue to fight against COVID-19, Muslim families must celebrate differently. It is therefore important to find new ways to celebrate while respecting health guidelines. This week I joined the Chowdhury family to make Eid cards for their friends and relatives. Happy Eid al-Adha to all. Eid Mubarak!”
In another video, Justin Trudeau noted that it can be distressing for Muslims to not take part in Hajj especially for those who had planned it for the first time this year. He noted that it was important to take precautionary measures to keep communities safe.
He further said that the Muslims have put into practice the values of Eid-ul-Adha of generosity and sacrifice right from the start of COVID-19.
“Whether you were supporting a local charity of being there for your neighbors, you’ve stepped up to make sure the most vulnerable have food to eat, and our essential workers have the supplies they need. You’ve shown us the best of what it means to serve your community” he said in the video.
He further added that his government will always be by their side as they work together to build a more inclusive Canada. He concluded the video by advising people to follow COVID-19 norms.
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At least 200 dead in Congo coltan mine collapse, authorities say, as rebels dispute toll
Goma (Congo) (AP): A mine collapse on Tuesday at a major coltan mining site in eastern Congo left at least 200 dead, according to Congolese authorities, a number disputed by the rebel group that controls the mine.
The collapse took place on Tuesday at the Rubaya mines, which are controlled by the M23 rebels, according to a press release from the Ministry of Mines on Wednesday.
Fanny Kaj, a senior official in the M23 rebel group, which controls the mines, disputed the figure and said that the collapse was caused by “bombings” and only five people had been killed.
“I can confirm that what people are publishing is not true. There was no landslide; there were bombings, and the death toll isn't what people are saying. It's simply about five people who died,” Kaj said.
Ibrahim Taluseke, a miner at the site, said that he had helped to recover over 200 bodies from the area.
“We are afraid, but these are lives that are in danger,” said Taluseke. “The owners of the pits do not accept that the exact number of deaths be revealed.”
Rubaya lies in the heart of eastern Congo, a mineral-rich part of the Central African nation which for decades has been ripped apart by violence from government forces and different armed groups, including the Rwanda-backed M23, whose recent resurgence has escalated the conflict, worsening an already acute humanitarian crisis.
Congo is a major supplier of coltan, a black metallic ore that contains the rare metal tantalum, a key component in the production of smartphones, computers and aircraft engines.
The country produced about 40 per cent of the world's coltan in 2023, according to the US Geological Survey, with Australia, Canada and Brazil being other big suppliers. Over 15 per cent of the world's supply of tantalum comes from Rubaya's mines.
In May 2024, M23 seized the town and took control of its mines. According to a UN report, since seizing Rubaya, the rebels have imposed taxes on the trade and transport of coltan, generating at least USD 800,000 a month.
Eastern Congo has been in and out of crisis for decades. Various conflicts have created one of the world's largest humanitarian crises, with more than 7 million people displaced, including more than 300,000 who have fled their homes since December.
In June, the Congolese and Rwandan governments signed a peace deal brokered by the US and negotiations continue between rebels and Congo. However, fighting continues on several fronts in eastern Congo, continuing to claim numerous civilian and military casualties.
The deal between Congo and Rwanda also opens up access to critical minerals for the US government and American companies.
A similar collapse last month killed over 200.
