Category: Africa

Source: APO

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UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Thursday denounced the crackdown on dissent in Uganda, alongside a gradual erosion of the rule of law, increased military involvement in civilian institutions, and shrinking civic space – all of which are creating a climate of fear throughout the country.

“I am appalled that the authorities are increasingly targeting any form of dissent, and deepening restrictions on the fundamental freedoms of all those living in Uganda,” said Türk. “Those who dare to speak out are silenced.”

Since the general elections on 15 January 2026, repression has increased against all those perceived to oppose the Government. According to information received by the UN Human Rights Office, since the elections, at least 50 opposition leaders and supporters, five human rights defenders and five journalists have been subjected to human rights violations. These include instances of enforced disappearance, torture and ill-treatment, and arbitrary arrest or detention based on legal provisions which do not comply with international human rights law.

In addition, 10 leading civil society organisations have been suspended since January 2026, while others have been closely scrutinised and, at times, subjected to harassment.

The Office has also received information about increased military involvement in functions ordinarily carried out by civilian institutions. Some media outlets have been forced to close temporarily.

In May 2026, the Protection of Sovereignty Act was enacted, imposing extensive restrictions on international funding and foreign engagement with civil society organisations. The legislation includes severe penalties, including prison sentences of up to 10 years for violations.

“The actions of the authorities are creating a climate of fear that is increasing self-censorship, further stifling public debate and deepening polarisation,” said Türk.

“I call on the Government to abide by its obligations under international human rights law, the African Charter and the Ugandan Constitution to ensure a vibrant civil society where everyone can freely express their views and participate in public affairs,” he added.

The UN Human Rights Chief urged the Government to uphold the separation of powers and the rule of law, including by preventing military interference in civil institutions.

He also encouraged the leveraging of economic opportunities from the country’s resources and renewed international financial support to tackle structural issues and create a human rights-centred economy that upholds the fundamental rights of the Ugandan people.

The High Commissioner emphasised that his Office remains committed to supporting Uganda in preserving and reinvigorating respect for human rights.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Source: APO

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• The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the seventh review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement and the second review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement, allowing the authorities to draw the equivalent of about $1.8 billion.
• Egypt’s economy has remained resilient to spillovers from the war in the Middle East, supported by the authorities’ timely and decisive policy response, including exchange rate flexibility, fuel price adjustments, and measures to contain budget spending.
• An appropriately tight monetary policy, continued fiscal discipline, and decisive implementation of the state ownership policy and divestment agenda will be essential to preserve macroeconomic stability and strengthen resilience.

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the seventh review under the 48-month Extended Arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the second review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement for the Arab Republic of Egypt. Completion of the reviews allows the authorities to immediately draw the equivalent of SDR 1.11 billion (about US$1.5 billion) under the EFF and SDR 200 million (about US$272 million) under the RSF, bringing total purchases and disbursements under the two arrangements to about SDR 5.4 billion (about US$7.3 billion).

Egypt has faced the implications of the war in the Middle East in a stronger macroeconomic position than during previous episodes of external stress, with robust growth, inflation on a downward trend and rising gross international reserves. The economic impact of the war in the Middle East on the Egyptian economy has remained relatively contained, reflecting the authorities’ timely and decisive policy actions, including exchange rate flexibility, energy price adjustments, and measures to contain budget spending.

Economic activity has continued to recover, with real GDP growth reaching 5 percent in the third quarter of FY2025/26, bringing growth over the first nine months of the fiscal year to 5.2 percent. This performance is expected to help keep growth in FY 2025/26 at about 4.6 percent, only 0.1 percentage points lower than at the time of the 5 th and 6 th Reviews.

Headline inflation declined steadily until March 2026, when it increased to 15.2 percent—about 1.4 percentage points above staff expectations—mainly due to exchange rate depreciation and higher energy prices. Headline inflation subsequently eased to 14.3 percent in June, while core inflation rose to 14.3 percent, with IMF estimates indicating seasonally adjusted month-on-month core inflation remaining elevated at 1.5 percent.

The current account came under pressure in March following higher oil and gas prices. However, record remittance inflows, robust tourism receipts and a gradual recovery in Suez Canal revenues helped contain the impact, with the current account deficit estimated at 4.5 percent of GDP in FY 2025/26. Oil hedging contracts and long-term gas supply agreements further cushioned the impact of higher energy prices. Gross international reserves remained strong, reaching 119 percent of the ARA metric by end-June, including through recent purchases by the central bank amid renewed inflows.

Fiscal performance has remained strong. By end-March 2026, both the primary balance and tax revenue targets had been exceeded, reflecting strong revenue mobilization and expenditure containment efforts. At the same time, the authorities have made progress in reducing GFNs, which declined by 5 percent of GDP in FY2025/26. The tax-to-GDP ratio is projected to rise by 1.2 percentage points in FY 2025/26, while continued revenue mobilization is expected to increase the primary surplus from 4.8 percent of GDP in FY2025/26 to 5 percent of GDP in FY2026/27.

Progress on structural reforms has been uneven. The recently adopted State Ownership Policy (SOP) remains an important step towards strengthening the state ownership framework. The authorities have also taken steps to improve the business environment and enhance competition, including by streamlining customs clearance and tax administration procedures. However, efforts to reduce the state’s role in the economy and create greater space for private sector investment, including through the divestment program, have progressed more slowly than anticipated and need to be accelerated. The authorities have recently finalized the Gabal El Zeit deal, alongside MoF sales of shares in selected publicly traded companies, bringing divestment proceeds to around $520 million.

Heightened uncertainty continues to weigh on the near-term outlook. The lagged effects of the war—including weaker investment, higher input costs, and persistent uncertainty—are projected to moderate growth to 4.4 percent in FY2026/27. Inflation is expected to rise to 16.7 percent in the second half of 2026, reflecting higher energy prices, exchange rate depreciation, and unfavorable base effects, with convergence to the CBE’s inflation target range delayed by about one year. The current account deficit is projected to narrow, driven by an improving trade balance as oil prices normalize, together with a larger services surplus and strong remittance inflows. Gross international reserves are expected to remain broadly in line with previous projections and well above 100 percent of the ARA metric.

Substantial downside risks remain. A renewed escalation of regional tensions could weigh on growth, raise global inflationary pressures, tighten financial conditions, and put additional pressure on the fiscal and external positions. Domestic risks include difficulties in sustaining tight policies amid rising social pressures, elevated rollover and refinancing needs, and slower-than-expected progress in reducing the state’s role in the economy. On the upside, a renewal of the US-Iran ceasefire agreement may help lower energy prices and improve investor sentiment. A recovery in Suez canal activity and accelerated implementation of structural reforms could also help boost growth and foster private sector development.

Following the Executive Board discussion, Mr. Nigel Clarke, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, made the following statement:

“Egypt entered the period of the war in the Middle East from a solid macroeconomic position, reflecting substantial progress in restoring stability and rebuilding buffers under the Fund-supported program. A timely and proactive coordinated policy response—including exchange rate flexibility, energy price adjustments, and targeted support—helped contain the impact of the shock.

“However, important vulnerabilities remain, reflecting elevated public debt, large gross financing needs, and a sizable state footprint. Continued fiscal discipline and accelerating structural reforms, notably decisive implementation of the State-Ownership Policy and divestment agenda, will be essential to preserve macroeconomic stability and strengthen resilience.

“An appropriately tight monetary stance, supported by clear communication, is important to anchor expectations, return inflation to target, and reinforce the credibility of the inflation-targeting framework. Maintaining exchange rate flexibility while continuing to build reserves remains important to absorb shocks and strengthen buffers.

“The authorities’ commitment to prudent fiscal discipline is welcome. Continued fiscal consolidation and stronger revenue mobilization—including through a broader tax base—remain essential to strengthen debt sustainability and rebuild fiscal buffers. The announced resumption of the automatic fuel pricing mechanism is important to reduce untargeted energy subsidies and advance toward energy cost recovery. Strengthening public financial management and mitigating fiscal risks, including those arising from SOEs and EGPC, remain critical.

“Sustained primary surpluses, voluntary liability management operations, and maturity extension remain key to reducing gross financing needs and rollover risks. Priorities include continuing to reduce reliance on short-term and non-market financing, limiting the use of one-off measures, broadening the investor base, mobilizing concessional financing, and strengthening debt management.

“Continued vigilance is needed to safeguard financial stability. The banking sector remains sound, and stronger contingency planning would enhance resilience to downside risks. The completion of governance diagnostics of state-owned banks is welcome, and timely implementation of corrective actions should strengthen risk management.

“Progress on structural reforms has been uneven. More decisive implementation of structural reforms is needed to support private sector-led growth and strengthen resilience. Accelerating divestment, implementing the State Ownership Policy, and strengthening SOE governance will be critical to reducing the state’s footprint and improving competitive neutrality. Continued reforms to the business climate, trade facilitation, and competition policy will help attract investment and boost productivity, while sustained progress on macro-critical climate reforms will further strengthen resilience and support sustainable long-term growth.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Source: APO

The Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth has described Uganda’s open and transparent response to health crises like HIV/AIDS and Ebola as a patriotic necessity aimed at protecting the international community.

The Speaker made these remarks while meeting the Chairperson of the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group on Global Health, Dr Beccy Cooper who paid a courtesy call on him on Thursday, 30 July 2026.

Oboth said that the government intentionally chose to speak about its medical challenges even when it had the right to keep silent to protect its economic interests. 

He added that this was done to develop effective management strategies and safeguard the world from the spread of infectious diseases.

“It was not about economics, it was about health,” the Speaker emphasized adding that, Uganda’s proactive stance helped the nation develop the necessary strategies to handle significant medical challenges.

Dr. Cooper expressed the UK government’s gratitude, describing Uganda’s achievements in the health sector as outstanding.

She remarked that because infectious diseases do not respect international borders, the United Kingdom directly benefits from Uganda’s leadership and health initiatives within the region.

The Minister of State for Health in Charge of Primary Health Care, Hon. Charles Ayume thanked the UK government for its continued support in training and capacity building for health workers, particularly during the COVID-19 and Ebola outbreaks.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

Source: APO

More than one in five pregnant and breastfeeding women screened by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in the eastern Chadian border town of Adré during the first six months of 2026 were acutely malnourished. Three-quarters of them belonged to host communities excluded from local food distributions, due to rigid aid rules which limit access strictly to registered refugees amid critical funding shortfalls.

MSF is calling on international donors to fund Chad’s 2026 response plans and to explicitly include host communities in food and nutrition assistance. Amid crippling funding cuts, MSF stresses that Chadian authorities and UNHCR, the UN’s refugee agency, must guarantee that food, water, and health services meet emergency standards for both refugees and host communities before proceeding with any further relocations to Metché and Arkoum.

Since the war in Sudan began, more than 930,000 Sudanese refugees have crossed into Chad, over 80 per cent of them women and children; more than 700,000 have crossed through Adré alone. Since April 2023, UNHCR and Chadian authorities have relocated 646,216 people from border transit sites inland, with 45,321 of those occurring since January 2026 under the accelerated programme. 

“Having survived months of relentless violence, refugees arrive in Adré physically shattered, malnourished and deeply traumatised, only to be met with a brutal new reality, finding themselves in areas where host communities are already living in poverty and humanitarian actors remain scarce,” says Léa Ledru, MSF Project Coordinator in Adré. “Relocation does not resolve this: it simply moves the refugee population from one under-resourced host community’s doorstep to another’s.”

Between January and June 2026, MSF screened 5,785 lactating and pregnant women in Adré; 1,225, or 21.2%, were moderately or severely malnourished (GAM), significantly above the 15% emergency threshold that defines a critical humanitarian crisis. This includes 937 women (16.2%) with moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) and 288 (5%) with severe acute malnutrition (SAM), drastically elevating risks of miscarriage, obstetric haemorrhage, and premature birth. 

No organisation provides structured treatment for malnourished women; responses are limited to sporadic distributions of fortified flour blends whenever supplies are available. Meanwhile, child malnutrition admissions at the MSF-supported Adré health centre rose 30% between January and April 2026 compared with the same period in 2025.

Financial constraints triggered stockouts of World Food Programme (WFP) supplies for treating MAM in May and June, disrupting care for moderately malnourished children and pregnant and lactating women. Stock delivered at the end of June is projected to run out in September, with no clarity on further donations.

Pipelines to treat acute malnutrition also remain severely strained; only two-thirds of annual therapeutic food needs are covered, forcing humanitarian organisations to ration treatment to 10 packets per child weekly, instead of 14. While this stretches stock into early 2027, full clinical doses of therapeutic food would exhaust supplies by November 2026. Meanwhile, host communities remain excluded from general food distributions in Adré, even as soaring local markets push basic essentials out of reach. For example, the cost of a 20-litre container of cooking oil has skyrocketed from 12,000 CFA francs (US$21) to 20,000 CFA francs ($35).

The funding gap is not abstract: chronic underfunding has forced WFP to prioritise, covering food assistance in Adré and Metché since January 2026 through bi-monthly cash transfers portioned to last only 30 of every 60 days. Even that reduced amount runs out this month, putting the ration at risk of stopping for refugees too.

More than 10,000 refugees from Adré are expected to arrive in Metché camp before the end of September, adding to the 43,300 refugees and host community members already living there. Meanwhile, MSF and Action Contre la Faim (ACF) remain the sole healthcare providers in the camp. In addition, teams are receiving malnourished children from Arkoum and Allacha amid fading support, driving paediatric admissions at the MSF-supported hospital up 75 per cent, from 382 in the first half of 2025 to 670 in the same period of 2026. 

Water availability sits at just 8 litres per person daily, well below the 20-litre emergency minimum, forcing families to drink directly from unsafe water sources. Consequently, diarrhoea cases surged from 634 in the first half of 2025 to 1,044 in 2026. 

In camps lacking safe water and latrines, waterborne disease spreads rapidly among refugees and host communities alike, both already weakened by hunger. With the rainy season underway, these gaps echo the conditions behind last year’s cholera outbreak, which killed 167 people among 2,979 cases between July and December 2025.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).

Source: APO

President Dr Patrick Herminie promised that technology would be central to his vision for Seychelles’ future. Last week, that vision reached directly into the country’s classrooms, with Cabinet’s approval of the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education Framework 2026 – 2030, a landmark policy that will transform how AI is introduced and used across the country’s education system.

The Framework, developed by the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development with technical support from the World Bank, provides the first comprehensive national roadmap for integrating Artificial Intelligence into teaching, learning, educational leadership, and school administration. It represents one of the most significant education reforms in recent years and places Seychelles among a growing number of countries developing national policies for the responsible use of AI in education.

The approval gives practical expression to a promise the President made from his earliest days in office. Shortly after assuming office, President Herminie declared:

“Our goal is to transform Seychelles over the next five years, with a strong focus on science, technology, and artificial intelligence.”

The newly approved Framework translates that vision into a practical implementation plan for every state school in the country and adds to a growing list of technology commitments the Administration has delivered since taking office, building on other technology initiatives undertaken by the Government, including the expansion of national connectivity through Starlink, likewise described by the Government as an election pledge fulfilled. For a President who has made innovation a defining theme of his agenda, the Framework is proof that the pledge extends beyond infrastructure and into the classroom, where it will shape the next generation of Seychellois learners.

Putting Teachers at the Centre of AI

Unlike many discussions around AI that focus primarily on technology, the Seychelles Framework places teachers firmly at the centre of the digital transformation.

It recognises that AI should enhance, not replace, the professional judgement, creativity, and expertise of educators.

To achieve this, the Framework introduces a comprehensive teacher development programme, including a four-level National Teacher AI Competency Framework, a mandatory AI micro-credential for all teachers, and the establishment of an AI Champion in every school to support colleagues in integrating AI into teaching and learning.

By investing in teacher capacity, the Ministry aims to ensure that educators are confident, competent, and equipped to use AI responsibly to improve learning outcomes, a commitment that speaks directly to the teachers who have long asked for support, not replacement, in a changing profession.

Preparing Learners for an AI-Driven Future

For learners, the Framework introduces a progressive approach to AI literacy from primary through secondary education.

Rather than creating a new standalone subject, AI concepts will be integrated across the existing curriculum, enabling learners to develop digital, critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and ethical decision-making skills that are increasingly essential in the modern world.

The Framework also reinforces Seychelles’ transition towards competency-based education by using AI to support personalised learning, formative assessment, and differentiated instruction, ensuring that every learner receives the support needed to achieve their full potential, a direct answer to families who want assurance that no child will be left behind as the country modernises.

Building Public Confidence Through Responsible AI

A defining feature of the Framework is its strong emphasis on ethics, transparency, and learner protection.

Recognising the opportunities and risks associated with AI, the policy establishes robust safeguards relating to data privacy, child protection, academic integrity, cybersecurity, and responsible procurement.

Importantly, high-stakes decisions, including final grading, certification, and student placement, will remain under human oversight during the initial phases of implementation.

This human-centred approach reflects the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that technological innovation strengthens, rather than diminishes, the role of educators and the trust of parents and communities, the same trust the Administration has sought to build with every promise it has set out to keep.

Turning Policy into Practice

The National Artificial Intelligence in Education Framework is not simply a policy statement; it is already being translated into concrete action.

Earlier this year, the Ministry, in partnership with the Commonwealth of Learning, conducted a national workshop on Digital Competencies for Teachers, equipping educators with practical skills in the use of Artificial Intelligence and Open Educational Resources (OER) to design digital content, create engaging lesson plans, and enhance classroom practice.

The Ministry is also implementing two innovative AI pilot projects in collaboration with the World Bank.

The AI Teacher Coach Programme supports Primary 5 and Primary 6 teachers across six schools by providing AI-assisted guidance to strengthen lesson planning, classroom practice, and professional development.

At the same time, the AI Student Tutor Programme is providing personalised learning support to Secondary 3 learners in Mathematics and Geography across four schools, demonstrating how AI can be used to improve learner engagement and achievement while maintaining teacher oversight.

These initiatives will become integral components of the national Framework as implementation progresses, giving the President’s promise a head start before the ink on the policy itself has even dried.

A Coordinated National Approach

To oversee implementation, the Framework establishes a National AI in Education Steering Committee, which will coordinate policy implementation, approve AI tools for use in schools, monitor progress, and ensure compliance with national standards relating to ethics, quality assurance, and data protection.

The Committee will also maintain nationally approved and prohibited AI tools lists, ensuring that schools adopt technologies that are safe, effective, and aligned with educational objectives.

Investing in the Future

Minister for Education and Human Resource Development Ambassador David Pierre described the Framework as an investment in Seychelles’ people as much as in technology.

“In embracing Artificial Intelligence with wisdom, responsibility, and vision, Seychelles is not only shaping the future of its education system but also investing in the limitless potential of its people.”

As Artificial Intelligence continues to reshape societies and economies around the world, Seychelles is positioning itself not as a passive observer but as an active participant in shaping how these technologies can improve education.

The approval of the National Artificial Intelligence in Education Framework marks the beginning of a new chapter, one in which innovation is guided by ethics, technology is driven by purpose, and every teacher, learner and parent can see, in a policy now taking effect in their own schools, a presidential promise being kept, giving teachers, learners and parents confidence that Seychelles is embracing Artificial Intelligence in a responsible, ethical and purposeful way.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

The ECOWAS Commission, through its Small Arms Division, in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of The Gambia, successfully organized an In-Country Training for National Focal Persons on the Exemption Procedure to the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Their Ammunition and Other Related Materials in Banjul, the Gambia from the 8th to 10th of July, 2026.

The three-day capacity-building activity brought together representatives from key national institutions involved in arms transfer management, including the Armed Forces, Police, Immigration, Customs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Intelligence Service, the Forest Guards and other relevant stakeholders. The training was designed to strengthen national capacities for the effective implementation of the ECOWAS Exemption Procedure and enhance inter-agency coordination in the control of lawful arms transfers.

The training provided participants with a comprehensive review of the national legal frameworks governing transfers of arms, the principles and procedures governing the ECOWAS Exemption Certificate, and practical guidance on the preparation and processing of exemption applications. Participants also exchanged national experiences on arms transfer management, examined operational challenges, participated in an inter-agency panel discussion, and undertook simulation exercises on the application and utilization of the standardized Forms A and B for exemption requests and delivery reporting.

In her opening remarks, H.E. Miatta Lily French, ECOWAS Resident Representative to The Gambia, underscored the strategic importance of the training in strengthening regional peace and security. She highlighted that “the exemption procedure is much more than an administrative requirement. Rather, It is a confidence-building mechanism among ECOWAS Member States promoting transparency in arms acquisitions, strengthening mutual accountability, facilitating information exchange and reinforcing collective security throughout the ECOWAS region.” She further emphasized that effective implementation of the ECOWAS Convention requires a genuine whole-of-government approach built on trust, information sharing and coordinated decision-making among national institutions.

The training forms part of the ECOWAS Commission’s continued efforts to support Member States in strengthening the implementation of the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons through technical assistance, policy development and institutional capacity-building.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO

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 “We want a health system that listens to young people now, not later,” said Dr Muhammad Jafar, a young medical doctor with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, as he addressed participants at the United Nations building in Abuja.

His message set the tone for a consultation that brought together 230 participants from youth-led groups, early-career health professionals, students, young innovators, young people from internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, out-of-school adolescents and people with disabilities from national and sub-national levels. Participants gathered to help shape the World Health Organization (WHO) African Regional Strategic Plan 2026–2030 and Vision 2035.

Africa has the world’s youngest population, with more than 60% of people under 25 . Nigeria reflects this trend, with nearly 70% of its population under 35 

These demographics highlight why youth perspectives are critical to health planning and align with Nigeria’s priorities on universal health coverage, primary health care, adolescent health and disability inclusion. The consultation brought together participants from 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including persons with disabilities and representatives from IDP communities.

Many participants described barriers affecting their health and well-being. Hellen Beyioku Alase of the Deaf Women Aloud Initiative explained that communication remains a major challenge for Deaf young people. She said access to sign language interpretation and accessible health information remains limited, creating barriers to equitable access to health services.

Adama Ali, a young woman from an internally displaced persons camp, described how flooding disrupted access to health services in her community. She said the experience reinforced the importance of resilient health systems that continue serving communities during emergencies. She expressed hope for a future in which girls can continue their education, stay healthy and live safely.

Young health care workers also highlighted challenges faced during emergencies. One participant, Omoboriowo Damilola Isaac, said, “Involve us in decision-making, invest in our ideas and empower us to lead lasting change.”

These experiences illustrate issues that statistics alone cannot capture. They also point to potential innovative solutions. Participants called for health systems that are accessible, inclusive, climate-resilient and responsive to the needs of young people. They emphasized the importance of being involved in decision-making processes rather than remaining observers.

The consultation was led by Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Youth Development and WHO. The event engaged young people and generated feasible recommendations for consideration in the WHO regional planning process.

WHO supported the consultation as part of its commitment to ensuring that young people contribute to shaping health policies and priorities that affect their health and well-being. The consultation also provided a platform for diverse groups of young people to share experiences and propose solutions to health challenges affecting their communities. Additional support included mentorship programmes, continuous meaningful youth engagement, partnerships and efforts to achieve measurable improvements in the well-being of young people across the region.

Dr Pavel Ursu, WHO Representative in Nigeria, represented by Officer in Charge Dr Alex Chimbaru, reminded participants that young people are not only beneficiaries of health policies but also partners in shaping Africa’s health future.

“Youth perspectives are indispensable to achieving WHO’s vision of a healthier Africa and to advancing national priorities towards Universal Health Coverage, health security, and resilient health systems,” said Dr Ursu

The United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mr Mohamed Malick Fall, represented by Ms. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, reinforced the message of inclusion, noting that decisions affecting young people should involve young people themselves.

The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, who was represented by Essien Emmanuel, encouraged participants to remain engaged, describing young people as partners, innovators and leaders in transforming health across Africa.

WHO teams shared key priority areas of work with the Government of Nigeria across all levels, including health systems strengthening, disease prevention and control, emergency preparedness and response, the polio eradication programme, maternal, child and adolescent health, digital innovation and community engagement. This work aligns with national priorities and supports the Regional Director’s vision, building a Healthier Africa, Together 

Participants recommended intensified efforts and stronger support for mental health, improved access to sexual and reproductive health services, investment in digital tools developed by young innovators, climate-resilient health systems and expanded training opportunities for young health workers. They also called for more disability-inclusive services and infrastructure.

Several participants said the consultation created opportunities for meaningful dialogue. Ibok Emediong Michael, a registered nurse from Abuja, said the event provided a space where young people could openly discuss their experiences and priorities. Another participant, Abdulazeez Ameerah Eleojo, said that when young people are given a seat at the table, they help protect the future of health, not just shape it.

The insights gathered in Abuja will contribute to regional discussions and inform deliberations at the Regional Committee in 2026. Success will depend on collaboration among governments, WHO, civil society, academia and young people.

Nigeria’s health system continues to adapt to demographic change, climate pressures and emerging health challenges. Participants called for continued investment in youth participation, inclusive health services and innovation.

As Yusuf Abdullahi from Gombe State, north-eastern Nigeria, said at the close of the consultation, “A plan for young people without young people is a plan about young people, not a plan with young people.”

Young people across Africa are calling on leaders to work with them to shape the future of health.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.

Source: APO

Peacekeepers from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan contingent serving with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) carried out a complex rescue operation on Thursday, July 30, evacuating two survivors of a private cargo plane crash from Walikale Territory in North Kivu to Beni. The mission also recovered and transported the body of the co-pilot, who died in the accident.

The aircraft, operated by Tracep Congo Aviation, crashed on July 24, 2026, in a remote forested area that was difficult to access. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation.

A challenging rescue mission

The operation involved seven members of MONUSCO’s Jordanian Aviation Unit, including doctors, security officers, pilots, and other aircrew members.

Lieutenant Colonel Yousef Dararjeh, who took part in the mission, described the challenges the team faced in locating the survivors.

“It was a difficult mission that lasted nearly five hours in total. We departed from Beni at around 9:00 a.m. local time on Thursday and returned shortly before 1:00 p.m. The flight itself was uneventful despite changing weather conditions. We had received coordinates indicating the location of the wreckage, but unfortunately they were inaccurate. We had to rely on other methods to locate the survivors, who were approximately eight kilometers from the crash site, deep in the forest and more than 200 kilometers from Beni-Mavivi Airport,” he explained.

Upon arriving at the scene, MONUSCO rescuers found the body of one crew member and two survivors whose medical condition required immediate attention.

Crash cccurred shortly after takeoff

According to information provided by both the airline and the Régie des Voies Aériennes (RVA), the aircraft departed from Beni-Mavivi Airport on Friday, July 24, at 12:36 p.m. local time, bound for Kachungu, in Shabunda Territory, South Kivu. It was carrying three people on board along with approximately two tonnes of cargo.

A few minutes after takeoff, the pilot reportedly informed another aircraft operating in the area of an engine failure. He then attempted to divert to Walikale Airfield before radio communications were lost.

Following the aircraft’s disappearance, several search operations were launched with the support of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and reconnaissance teams deployed on the ground.

On July 26, search teams located survivors in the Buruko area, near the crash site. Later, on July 29, a team of volunteers reached the wreckage and confirmed the presence of the co-pilot’s body.

The search was conducted in an isolated region characterized by dense forest, rugged terrain, and an almost complete absence of road infrastructure.

A family finally able to mourn

For the family of the deceased co-pilot, MONUSCO’s intervention brought an end to several days of uncertainty.

“We are grateful for MONUSCO’s assistance. We did not know how we would recover our son’s body. The company kept assuring us that it would do everything possible to bring him home, while we continued to provide information to support the search efforts. We thank MONUSCO for this humanitarian gesture. Now we can finally begin the mourning process,” said a member of the co-pilot’s family.

The management of Tracep Congo Aviation also expressed its appreciation to the Jordanian peacekeepers for carrying out the operation in what was described as an extremely dangerous area.

“We can only thank MONUSCO for this remarkable gesture. We had no idea how we would transport the body from Buruko to Beni, as the area is covered by dense forest, with no roads or trails, and is known to be dangerous because of the presence of armed groups,” said Olivier Upenji Chombe, the company’s General Manager.

A mission dedicated to saving lives

For the Jordanian peacekeepers, the operation reflects MONUSCO’s ongoing commitment to assisting local communities and protecting human life in challenging environments.

“As both a pilot and a peacekeeper, I am proud to have taken part in this rescue mission. We were able to save two lives and reunite the survivors with their families. During the return flight, our medical team provided them with emergency care to stabilize their condition before they were transferred to a medical facility in Beni,” said Lieutenant Colonel Yousef Dararjeh.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).