Category: Africa

Since the outbreak of crises in Libya in 2012, then in Mali and the entire central Sahel, as well as the proliferation of Boko Haram in the countries of the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel region has been facing enormous security challenges that are aggravated by political, geopolitical, socio-economic, and environmental factors. The deterioration of the security situation is aggravated by highly porous borders, attacks by non-state armed groups as well as inter-community conflicts that have had and continue to have negative impacts on communities and force millions of people to be displaced. But also this situation has generated a major crisis of governance and lack of confidence in the governments of the affected countries having led to a wave of coups d’état and political transitions in : Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso and Chad.  The crisis in the Sahel prevails in a context where women were already subject to several forms of violence and discrimination underpinned by socio-cultural barriers deeply rooted in tradition. 

Against this backdrop, women are actively working for peace. They have organized themselves into associations at local, national, and regional levels to influence peace and to advocate for the advancement of their rights. But their efforts face several challenges, mainly organizational and lack of funding. It is in this context that UN Women has developed and is implementing since 2023 a program aimed at strengthening the capacities of women’s organizations for peace in the Sahel. Funded by the Government of  Netherlands, the program plans to support 103 organizations applying a comprehensive approach combining institutional, technical and advocacy support and partnership. 

Building on the commitments of UNSCR 1325, 2024 marked a pivotal shift toward strengthening local women’s organizations and positioning them as key actors for inclusive peace. At the core of the initiative, lies a powerful bet on grassroots transformation. A total of 103 women-led peace organizations received tailored support spanning institutional diagnostics, technical training, coaching, and access to equipment. Twelve organizations now operate from fully equipped, staffed offices, and five have successfully mobilized new funding based on project proposals developed with the program’s guidance.  Fifteen organizations began designing income-generating initiatives to secure independent funding streams. 

“The project transformed our structure. We revised our policies, gained visibility, and secured international funding.”
– Young women leader, APSJ Mauritania

Beyond capacity building, the program invested in coalition building and advocacy. A mapping of peace-focused women’s organizations was completed in all five countries, laying the foundation for connected national networks and an emerging regional alliance. Virtual convenings and a digital platform piloted in Mali are facilitating knowledge exchange and cross-border solidarity. The 103 organizations are now informally networked across countries, forming the backbone of a regional movement of women peacebuilders in the Sahel.

A cohort of 170 women leaders across the five countries received in-depth training in advocacy strategy, messaging, and influence. Women’s organizations developed national advocacy plans with concrete actions, strategic targets, and implementation roadmaps. The execution of those plans has already begun through targeted lobbying and partner engagement. So many successful advocacy initiatives have been conducted. For example, a National Women’s Dialogue was organized in Niger after the July 2023 coup, uniting 44 women’s groups to define priorities for inclusive transition. Those priorities were presented to the government and some of them considered in the transition roadmap. 

In all the five countries, women hold quarterly citizen dialogues  to reflect on solutions for durable peace and their inclusion in peace processes.

With a dedicated visual identity “Sahel Women’s Leadership for Peace” the initiative rolled out communications campaigns targeted millions of people across all countries. Public debates, radio programs, and digital storytelling amplified the voices and priorities of women peacebuilders, while increasing public awareness of the WPS agenda.

With this innovative approach, UNWOMEN is catalyzing deep shifts in the peace infrastructure of the region. From grassroots organizations gaining legitimacy and funding, to regional coalitions taking shape and national advocacy plans being rolled out, women are now repositioned as peace leaders. The initiative is not just building capacity, it is reshaping systems. And as these women organize, influence, and lead, they are redefining what inclusive peace looks like in some of the region’s most fragile contexts. Even though the region is still in crisis, there is hope that this women’s movement will contribute to the stabilization of the region.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women – Africa.

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The Chairperson of the AU Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, received H.E. Charles Karamba, Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to Ethiopia & Permanent Representative to the African Union.

They exchanged views on regional peace and security, with a focus on the situations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Somalia.

The Chairperson welcomed the collaborative efforts of the EAC and SADC in de-escalating tensions in Eastern DRC and acknowledged progress towards a peace agreement.

The Chairperson & Amb. Karamba reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the implementation of the South Sudan peace agreement. On peacekeeping on the continent, they underscored the importance of sustainable peacekeeping financing, with UNSC Resolution 2719 providing a key framework for predictable support.

Ambassador Karamba expressed appreciation for the Chairperson’s early visit to Kigali and reiterated Rwanda’s continued support for his leadership.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

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On June 13, commencing at 5:15 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Dileita Mohamed Dileita, President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Djibouti.

1. At the outset, Minister Iwaya welcomed President Dileita’s visit to Japan, and stated that Djibouti, located along with the important sea lanes linking Europe and Asia, is a strategically important partner in promoting a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)’, and that it is a pleasure to witness the steady deepening of cooperation between the two countries in the field of maritime security.
2. Referring to the good relations between the two countries and his own special attachment toward Japan, President Dileita expressed his appreciation and gratitude for Japan’s development cooperation in various fields and for the Self-Defense Force (SDF) facility in Djibouti, and explained the strategic importance of Djibouti.
3. The two sides also exchanged views on issues, including regional situation in Africa and in East Asia such as their policies toward North Korea including on the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue, and concurred to further strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation in regional and international arena, with a view to the TICAD 9 to be held in August and Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

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With the severe cholera outbreak in Angola, residents are understandably alarmed. “What can we do to avoid getting sick?” asked Maesso Damião, a resident of Zaire Province, to World Health Organization (WHO) public health experts who recently visited the province. The team responded with simple advice on food hygiene, water treatment, and seeking early medical treatment. “This information can save our lives,” said Damião. 

In Angola, more than 25,000 cases and almost 800 deaths have been reported since the beginning of 2025 when the outbreak was declared. In Zaire Province, nearly 174 cases have been reported, with a very high case fatality rate of 5.7% as of 13 June 2025. Considering that 1% is the benchmark to indicate early and adequate treatment, the urgency to control the cholera outbreak is clear.

During its week-long visit to Zaire, the multidisciplinary WHO team visited the municipalities of Soyo, Nzeto, and M’banza Kongo, where cholera has affected vulnerable communities, including fisherfolk and informal traders. The team’s assessment revealed the challenges facing the response: treatment centres without adequate beds, shortages of materials, underreporting of cases, lack of sanitation, and difficulties in preparing chlorine solutions. 

The WHO team supported the improvement of the quality of care and biosafety (safe working practices when handling infectious agents) in four cholera treatment centres, the improvement of water safety, and distributed essential supplies and safe drinking water. They also trained 140 health professionals in epidemiological surveillance, clinical management, and infection prevention and control. 

“WHO’s support has enabled us to ensure crucial conditions to contain the outbreak, highlighting the importance of community involvement in disease prevention. This will allow us to adopt crucial measures for the future, prevent diseases and save lives,” said Zaire’s Provincial Health Director, Dr João Bernardo.

Collaboration with community leaders is essential to strengthen the response at the local level. More than 700 people took part in awareness-raising sessions at churches, beaches, and town squares. 

“Cholera is not only a medical emergency, but also an emergency of sanitation, treated water, information, dignity, and social justice. We must continue to work together to eliminate cholera and protect the population,” says Dr Raquel Medialdea-Carrera, WHO epidemiologist from WHO’s Pandemic hub in Berlin and a member of the WHO team currently working on the ground in Angola. 

Dr Indrajit Hazarika, WHO Representative in Angola, reinforced the importance of this integrated approach: “While the cholera outbreak is a cause for great concern, it also represents a critical opportunity for us to strengthen cooperation and the health systems and build more robust emergency preparedness. Our common goal is a healthier and more resilient Angola, and to that end, we hope we can count on everyone’s support.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Angola.

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President Wavel Ramkalawan visited the Paradise Arena at Roche Caiman earlier this week to assess preparations for the upcoming International Boxing Tournament being organised by Tides Seychelles.

Set to be hosted on home soil later this month, the highly anticipated event will welcome boxers from across the Indian Ocean and beyond, further establishing Seychelles as a growing hub for regional sporting competitions.

During his visit, the President had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Colvin Beaudouin representative of Tides Seychelles, as well as Mr. Ameer Afif from Hunt, Deltel & Co Ltd—the main sponsor of the event. The President also interacted with several local boxers and their coaches Mr Jerry Legras and Roland Raforme, commending their discipline, perseverance and dedication to the sport.

President Ramkalawan expressed his appreciation for the initiative undertaken by Tides Seychelles and praised the collaborative effort between private sponsors, local organisers, and the boxing community in promoting youth engagement and sporting excellence in Seychelles.

“The boxing ring is not just a platform for physical strength, but a symbol of discipline, respect and unity. I am proud to see our youth so determined and focused. Seychelles is proud of you,” said the President.

He further encouraged the young athletes to continue striving for greatness, reminding them that representing Seychelles on an international stage is both a privilege and a powerful opportunity.

The International Boxing Tournament promises to be a thrilling event on the nation’s sporting calendar and will serve as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the country.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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The Seychelles Trading Corporation (STC) marked a major milestone in the nation’s drive for food security on Friday morning with the official inauguration of its state-of-the-art cold storage facility at Bois de Rose. The ceremony was led by President Wavel Ramkalawan, joined by First Lady Mrs. Linda Ramkalawan and Vice President Ahmed Afif, and heralded a significant upgrade in the country’s food preservation and supply capabilities.

Entirely financed by STC at a cost of SCR 110 million, the new facility is the corporation’s most substantial infrastructure investment to date. Purpose-built to store fruits, vegetables, and meat products, it is designed to maintain robust food reserves while ensuring adherence to high standards of quality and safety for the Seychellois population.

The inauguration featured a symbolic unveiling of a commemorative plaque and a ribbon-cutting ceremony carried out by President Ramkalawan, Vice President Afif, STC Chief Executive Officer Mr. Ashik Hassan, and STC Board Chairman Mr. Imtiaz Umarji. The occasion underscored the government’s steadfast commitment to upgrading critical infrastructure in support of national food security.

“It is with great honour that we have managed to build this facility, demonstrating that STC has invested in something truly beneficial for our nation,” said President Ramkalawan in his keynote address. He highlighted the government’s broader vision of enhancing food systems resilience, noting that such infrastructure plays a vital role in achieving the country’s sustainable development goals.

STC CEO Mr. Ashik Hassan echoed the President’s sentiments, extending thanks to all stakeholders involved in the project. “This modern facility represents a significant milestone in modernizing our services through high-end technology that is both energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable,” he stated. Mr. Hassan also stressed the facility’s strategic importance in reinforcing STC’s operational effectiveness and its mission to support national food security. Outfitted with advanced refrigeration systems that meet international standards, the facility is poised to elevate Seychelles’ standing in regional food storage and distribution capabilities.

STC Board Chairman Mr. Imtiaz Umarji emphasized that the facility’s value extends well beyond its physical structure. “This facility is not just a building—it is critical infrastructure essential to ensuring food security by delivering fresh, quality products to every household at affordable prices,” he explained. “For our citizens, this represents reduced prices and decreased wastage, reflecting our collective effort to achieve greater self-sufficiency amid global market volatility.”

The ceremony concluded with a guided tour of the facility, offering dignitaries and invited guests an opportunity to witness firsthand the sophisticated technology and logistics operations that will serve the nation for years to come.

The event also featured vibrant cultural performances, including patriotic recitals and musical tributes, in celebration of this landmark national achievement.

This development aligns closely with the government’s broader strategic priorities: to fortify national food security, promote economic resilience, and advance sustainable development across all sectors. The cold storage facility is expected to significantly enhance Seychelles’ ability to manage food reserves efficiently, stabilize prices, and minimize food waste.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Mr Ian Cameron, welcomes the service enhancement initiatives announced by the Minister of Police, Mr Senzo Mchunu, and the National Commissioner. Many of the interventions announced can create the necessary ripple effect needed to combat crime.

The capacitation of both the detectives and crime intelligence units, albeit still far from the capacity needed, is a welcomed intervention as it will ensure that crime is prevented before it happens and is effectively investigated once it has occurred. “Since the establishment of the 7th Parliament, the committee has been at pains to highlight the severe shortages within these critical components. While the 4 000 new detectives and 300 new intelligence operatives is welcomed, the number must be increased over time,” Mr Cameron said.

Furthermore, the prioritisation of the 30 high-contact crime police stations (stations that experience high levels of contact crimes, such as murder, attempted murder, rape, GBVF and assault cases in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape and the Eastern Cape) is also a welcome intervention. The committee has always called for an increased focus on the top 30 stations because a reduction in crime rate in those stations will improve the national picture.

The 10111 call centre is a lifeline for victims of crime and the challenges facing the centre has been a major point of concern for the committee. The recruitment of 575 call centre operators will ensure that the system functions optimally for 24 hour, seven days a week. A system without a functional means of communication between the South African Police Service and the people is bound to expose the victims and the Chairperson highlighted his hope that the new recruits will positively contribute to enhancing this intervention. Similarly, the Chairperson welcomed the intention by the SAPS to augment the technological capabilities within the centre to ensure that response times are improved.

Furthermore, the prioritisation of budgets for vehicles must be welcomed in the context that it will ensure stations are able to respond timeously to incidents of crime and improve police visibility. “On a daily basis we encounter members of the community with the same complaint that when they approach the SAPS they are informed of lack of vehicles to respond to incidents of crime. The decision to prioritise police stations and police visibility units will ensure the necessary visibility to prevent crimes,” Mr Cameron emphasised.

The welfare of committed SAPS members has also been a priority area for the committee. The new measures announced by the National Commissioner, from scarce skills allowance to rank progression, will serve as a necessary incentive for the SAPS to continue serving this great country.

The high police-to-population ration was also a concern for the committee, and the recruitment of a further 5 500 officers will assist in reducing the ratio. It is important that there are enough and well-trained officers proportional to the population growth.

The committee has always maintained that crime is not only a police issue but requires a society-wide approach to combat. In line with this, the partnership with Business Against Crime South Africa to enhance technological interventions in crime fighting must be encouraged. As the SAPS look for ways to integrate and optimise their existing technologies, the Chairperson has urged them to engage the private sector so as to widen the scope for more solutions.

The Chairperson noted the splitting of the Visible Policing Division into Visible Policing and Operational Response Services. Also, the splitting of Detective Services and Forensic Services. The promised operational effectiveness will be monitored over time, but the Chairperson has urged that the split should not be cosmetic but geared to deliver enhanced services.
The additional capacity for the Forensic Science Laboratory must also be commended in the context of the importance of scientific evidence in convicting criminals.

Meanwhile, the committee has always called for effective consequence management against rogue police officers who are inclined to participate in criminal activity. “We welcome the dismissal of 392 criminals dressed in police uniform. Effective consequence management is needed to ensure that anyone that is inclined to act in contravention of the law must be surgically removed from the service,” Mr Cameron emphasised.

In line with this call, the Chairperson called on the SAPS management to ensure effective consequence management against Major-General Philani Lushaba who was arrested this morning. “The arrest of Major General Lushaba highlights the need for fit-for-purpose police officer at all levels. While the criminal case continues, the SAPS internal disciplinary process must kick in with urgency,” Mr Cameron concluded.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.