Category: Africa

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President Ramaphosa hails G20 declaration as victory for multilateralism

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called the G20 Johannesburg Leaders’ Declaration a significant confirmation of the value of multilateralism and the necessity of dialogue.

G20 leaders yesterday adopted a declaration on the climate crisis and other global challenges at the very start of their summit, breaking with long-standing tradition. 

Despite weeks of tough negotiations and the absence of the United States, South Africa succeeded in securing a consensus firmly on its own terms.

“Today, we have adopted the leaders’ declaration of the G20 South Africa Summit, in which we outline the far-reaching actions on which we have agreed to build a better, more equal and sustainable world,” the President said at the G20 leaders’ reception last night.

The G20 declaration commits major economies to tackling global inequality, reforming international financial systems to ease debt pressures on developing countries, and boosting inclusive growth with a strong focus on Africa and the broader Global South. 

It also emphasises climate action, renewable energy transitions, and strengthened multilateral cooperation to advance peace, sustainability, and development worldwide.

The President expressed appreciation to all participating countries for their contributions to the final agreement.

“As South Africa, we have sought to place Africa’s development firmly on the agenda of the G20. We have done so not only because this is the first time the G20 is being held in Africa, but because Africa’s success is so important to progress and prosperity across the globe. 

“While our challenges are many, our capacity to confront them is great. As we share this meal, let us remember why the G20 exists – to bring nations together, to bridge divides, and to forge solutions that none of us could achieve alone.” 

He contemplated the journey taken and leaders collaborating to reaffirm the G20’s role as a platform for constructive dialogue and meaningful international cooperation.

“In South Africa, we speak of the spirit of Ubuntu. It teaches us that progress is not a solitary pursuit but a shared endeavour. That our strength lies in our shared humanity. This spirit has guided our Presidency.” 

President Ramaphosa emphasised that this spirit is strengthened by their support, collaboration, and shared commitment to creating a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world.

“For this, I extend my deepest appreciation to each of you and your countries. Throughout the year, we have worked to advance areas central to global well-being…

“We have discussed how we can make the world a place where the aspirations of all people to a decent life, lived in peace and with dignity, may be realised.”

The commander-in-chief of the country also expressed gratitude to all the sponsors who have partnered willingly with the South African government to ensure the successful hosting of the G20 Leaders’ Summit.

“As the leaders of the G20 and guest countries, let us continue to walk this path together, guided by empathy, strengthened by cooperation and united by the responsibility we have towards this generation and the many to follow.

“As South Africa hands over the Presidency of the G20, we do so with confidence that the partnerships forged this year will continue to guide the work ahead.” 

He took the time to once again thank the attendees for their friendship, dedication and continued support. – SAnews.gov.za

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Opening remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the IBSA Leaders’ Dialogue

Source: President of South Africa –

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
Distinguished delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen

It is an honour to welcome you to South Africa and to this IBSA Leaders’ Meeting.

The world in which we live is changing rapidly and dramatically.

It is clear that the countries of IBSA are ready to be part of global change and to work for a better future.

India, Brazil and South Africa are not merely participating in global economic governance, but are working to shape the global agenda. 

IBSA stands out as a testament to the durability of principled and constructive cooperation.

Our grouping affirms that diversity is not a fault line but a source of strength.

It reminds us that collaboration among equals is indispensable to global peace, prosperity and stability.

Our cooperation is grounded in the daily realities of our people.

Together, we must champion ambitious reform of the global governance institutions.

We must reinvigorate commitments to climate action and deepen cooperation on just energy transitions.

We must safeguard food and health security, and ensure that the benefits of technological progress are shared equitably.

We must position ourselves as co-architects of a more representative and responsive multilateral system.

The structural fault in the global economy – the growing gap between the rich and the poor and deepening poverty and underdevelopment – can only effectively be addressed through a new paradigm of inclusive economic growth.

Through initiatives like the IBSA Fund, we continue to demonstrate the practical value of our association, particularly in the assistance provided for those most in need.

I am therefore delighted that we will be signing a collaboration agreement on foundational learning as a follow up of the agreement that has been signed by the three IBSA Education Ministers.

South Africa wishes that, as IBSA, we revitalise our interactions and renew our determination to advance our founding goals.

I hope that we will soon hold our Leaders’ Summit on a mutually-agreed date.

We have always been proud of the frankness of our discussions, our appetite for reflection and our continuous quest for lasting solutions to the economic and social challenges that confront all of us.

As South Africa assumes the chair of IBSA, these are the qualities which we intend to sustain and to enhance.

As we gather under the G20 Presidency theme of “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”, let us recall that IBSA is more than a forum for dialogue.

IBSA is a catalyst for global transformation.

Together, we represent not only the aspirations of our own citizens, but the hopes of a Global South that seeks dignity, respect and partnership in shaping the future.

I thank you.

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Africa’s hidden stillbirth crisis: new report exposes major policy and data gaps

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Mary Kinney, Senior Lecturer with the Global Surgery Division, University of Cape Town

Nearly one million babies are stillborn in Africa every year. Behind every stillbirth is a mother, a family and a story left untold. Most of these are preventable, many unrecorded, and too often invisible. Each number hides a moment of heartbreak, and every uncounted loss represents a missed opportunity to learn and to act.

As a public health researcher specialising in maternal and newborn health, I have spent the past two decades working on strengthening health systems and quality of care across Africa. My research has focused on understanding how health systems can prevent stillbirths and provide respectful, people-centred care for women and newborns. Most recently, I was part of the team that led a new report called Improving Stillbirth Data Recording, Collection and Reporting in Africa. It is the first continent-wide assessment of how African countries record and use stillbirth data.

The study, conducted jointly by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the University of Cape Town, the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and the United Nations Children’s Fund, surveyed all 55 African Union member states between 2022 and 2024, with 33 countries responding.

The burden of stillbirths in Africa is staggering. Africa accounts for half of all stillbirths globally, with nearly eight times higher rates than in Europe. Even stillbirths that happen in health facilities may never make it into official statistics despite every maternity registry documenting this birth outcome.

Part of the challenge is that there are multiple data systems for capturing births and deaths, including stillbirths, like routine health information systems, civil registration and other surveillance systems. But these systems often don’t speak to each other either within countries or between countries. This data gap hides both the true burden and the preventable causes.

Despite advances in several countries to prevent stillbirths, large gaps remain, especially on data systems. Only a handful of African countries routinely report stillbirth data to the UN, and many rely on outdated or incomplete records. Without reliable, comparable data, countries cannot fully understand where and why stillbirths occur or which interventions save lives.

Strengthening stillbirth data is not just about numbers; it is about visibility, accountability and change. When countries count every stillbirth and use the data for health system improvement, they can strengthen care at birth for mothers and newborns and give every child a fair start in life.

Findings

The report was based on a regional survey of ministries of health. This was followed by document reviews and expert consultations to assess national systems, policies and practices for stillbirth reporting and review.

The report reveals that 60% of African countries have national and sub-national committees responsible for collecting and using stillbirth data, which produce national reports to respective health ministries. But data use remains limited. Capacity gaps, fragmented systems and insufficient funding prevents many countries from translating information into action.

To guide investment and accountability, the report categorises countries into three readiness levels:

  1. Mature systems needing strengthening, such as Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. These countries have consistent data flows but need more analysis and use.

  2. Partial systems requiring support, where reporting mechanisms exist but are not systematically implemented, like Ghana, Malawi and Tanzania.

  3. Foundational systems still being built, including fragile or conflict-affected countries like South Sudan and Somalia. Here, policies and structures for data collection and use remain absent.

The findings show both progress and persistent gaps. Two-thirds of African countries now include stillbirths in their national health strategies, and more than half have set reduction targets. Nearly all countries report that they routinely record stillbirths through their health sectors using standard forms and definitions, yet these definitions vary widely. Most systems depend on data reported from health facilities. But the lack of integration between health, civil registration and other data systems means that countless losses never enter national statistics.

For example, if a woman delivers at home alone in Mozambique and the baby is stillborn, the loss is only known to the family and community. Without a facility register entry or civil registration notification, the death never reaches district or national statistics. Even when a stillbirth occurs in a health centre, the health worker may log it in a facility register but not report it to the civil registration system. This means the loss of the baby remains invisible in official data.

What this means

Stillbirths are a sensitive measure of how health systems are performing. They reflect whether women can access timely, quality care during pregnancy and at birth. But unlike maternal deaths, which are often a benchmark for health system strength, stillbirths remain largely absent from accountability frameworks.

Their causes, like untreated infections, complications during labour, or delays in accessing emergency caesarean sections, are often preventable. The same interventions that prevent a stillbirth also reduce maternal deaths. These improve newborn survival, and lay the foundation for better health and development outcomes in early childhood.

Accurate data on stillbirths can guide clinical care and direct scarce resources to where they are needed most. When data systems are strong, leaders can identify where and why stillbirths occur, track progress and make informed decisions to prevent future tragedies.

The analysis also highlights promising signs of momentum. Over two-thirds of countries now reference stillbirths in national health plans, an important marker of growing political attention. Several countries are moving from isolated data collection to more coordinated, system-wide approaches. This progress shows that change is possible when stillbirths are integrated into national health information systems and supported by investment in workforce capacity, supervision and data quality.

What’s needed

Africa has the knowledge, evidence and experience to make change happen.

The report calls for harmonised definitions, national targets and stronger connections and data use between the different data sources within and across African countries. Above all, it calls for collective leadership and investment to turn information into impact, so that every stillbirth is counted, every death review leads to learning and no parent grieves alone.

The author acknowledges and appreciates the partners involved in developing the report and the support from the Global Surgery Division at UCT.

– Africa’s hidden stillbirth crisis: new report exposes major policy and data gaps
– https://theconversation.com/africas-hidden-stillbirth-crisis-new-report-exposes-major-policy-and-data-gaps-268901

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High-rise living in Nairobi’s Pipeline estate is stressful – how men and women cope

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Mario Schmidt, Associate Researcher, Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology

Within sight of Kenya’s main international airport in Nairobi’s east, Pipeline residential estate stands out like a sore thumb. Composed almost entirely of tightly packed high-rise tenement flats, the estate has been described by the media as an urban planning nightmare. They point to its garbage problem, its waterlogged and frequently impassable streets, and the effect of dense living conditions on children’s health.

Pipeline’s transformation started roughly two decades ago. High-rise apartment blocks were a response to demand for low-cost rental housing in the rapidly urbanising capital. Individual private developers gradually converted the area, roughly 2km², into a dense, high-rise residential district. On average each block of flats hosts 200 or 300 tenants.

Pipeline is an example of how private sector developers can contribute to solving Nairobi’s housing crisis. But it’s also an example of how unregulated and poorly planned housing construction can have a negative impact on the social, economic and psychological well-being of households.

Pipeline is not the only tenement district in Nairobi. But it is one of the densest neighbourhoods in the city of over 4 million. The quality of buildings varies, but there are similarities:

  • rental flats mainly comprise single rooms with shared ablutions

  • unit design gives little attention to lighting, air circulation, or open space

  • tenants are forced into unfavourable rental relationships, where delays or default in payments can lead to water or electricity cuts.

The flats in Pipeline are almost exclusively inhabited by rural-urban migrants. They are attracted here by cheap accommodation and the promise of modernity. The flats have running water, tiled floors, individual electric meters and formal rental agreements.

We are researchers who study urban development, urban migration, and urban communities. Our fieldwork research sought to understand how the physical and social spaces created in neighbourhoods like Pipeline shape the experience of stress and pressure among men and women. We also looked at the strategies they apply to cope or reduce social, economic and romantic pressure.

Pipeline is a marked improvement from the options provided in Nairobi’s traditional informal settlements. Still, most basic services in the area are intermittent, or privatised. This is because the unplanned densification has outpaced the capacity of public infrastructure and services. This forces residents to pay for education, health, water, recreation and other services.

Read more: Nairobi’s slum residents pay a high price for low quality services

Many of these tenants are unemployed, or employed in low-wage industrial work, precarious gig work, or domestic work.

We found that men and women experience and try to cope with stress in diverse ways. Both men and women located the cause of their distress within their marital home. But the meanings and reactions to that stress diverged sharply in the migrant household.

We found that migrant men tend to experience stress in the form of pressure and migrant women in the form of tiredness.

Previous evidence points to the different ways in which stress is experienced based on biological differences between men and women. However, we propose that the tight coupling between men and pressure and between women and tiredness is the result of the expectation that men will be breadwinners. This drives men towards action and prevents women from expressing a will towards action.

Fieldwork and findings

We discovered our shared interest in studying Nairobi’s high-rise estates during a workshop on urban Nairobi.

Mario had carried out longitudinal ethnographic work with rural–urban migrants in Pipeline. His two-year-long fieldwork mostly took place in near-exclusively male spaces, such as gyms, barber shops and bars. Roughly 50 in-depth qualitative interviews revealed how men navigated urban lives that were increasingly defined by stress, pressure and exhaustion.

Miriam’s research focused on how Nairobi’s privately developed low-cost tenement precincts created environments of everyday urban dysfunction.

After the first meeting, we concluded that it would be beneficial to get a deeper understanding of women’s experiences of stress. This would help us to understand men’s and women’s experiences of stress and pressure. It would also enable us to compare how these different groups managed and coped with stress.

We designed a semi-structured questionnaire and conducted interviews with a dozen female residents. The interviewees spanned single and married women, members of a financial self-help group (chama), female neighbours who usually spent time together on balconies, a sex worker, and an entrepreneur who owned a hair salon.

Comparing the two sets of interviews provides ethnographic support for our hypothesis, which is that men and women tend to experience different types of stress: masculine “pressure” and feminine “tiredness”.

Masculine pressure is defined as an experience that provokes action. The pressure is intrinsically attached to the cause of stress and driven by the hope that overcoming it will promise social validation linked to the male provider model.

The male interviewees tended to engage in outward-oriented strategies to overcome this pressure. These include social drinking, extramarital affairs, or violent reaffirmations of gender identity. In this way, the form and design of Pipeline offered plentiful avenues for commercialised, stress-reducing activities.

Read more: How elites and corruption have played havoc with Nairobi’s housing

In contrast, feminine tiredness emerged as an experience that inhibited action. Female respondents were constrained from aggressive responses, lest they risk being branded immoral or losing vital male financial support.

Married women, or single parents, found themselves largely confined to the small apartments. Their inward-oriented coping strategies were sometimes identified as “doing nothing” or watching TV, or performing household tasks. This passive endurance of stress was also seen as a means to “persevere” (Kiswahili: kuvumulia). In some cases, women used intermediate semi-private spaces, such as balconies, chamas or church, to connect with neighbours.

Taken together, these responses and expectations structure the modes by which male and female migrants react to or attempt to mitigate or relieve stress. This stress is not only caused by poverty but by expectations of middle-class success, ideals of romantic family life and economic progression.

Conclusions

As yet, there are no policies or programmes that seek to reverse the complex challenges created through neighbourhoods like Pipeline. Kenya’s national affordable housing programme is focused on home-ownership solutions. However, with over 90% of the city’s population renting their dwellings, and 87% renting from private individuals, Nairobi needs a better solution for rental housing.

Read more: Kenya’s push for affordable housing is creating opportunities despite barriers

This could be through redevelopment and area-based upgrading, expansion of basic social and community services, incentives for private developers to incrementally upgrade their housing stock, rental and tenant protection legislation, and support for sustainable, communal, and cooperative housing alternatives spearheaded by citizens themselves.

– High-rise living in Nairobi’s Pipeline estate is stressful – how men and women cope
– https://theconversation.com/high-rise-living-in-nairobis-pipeline-estate-is-stressful-how-men-and-women-cope-265499

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Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the G20 Leaders’ Reception on the occasion of the G20 Leaders’ Summit

Source: President of South Africa –

Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government, 
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is an honour and privilege to welcome you all.

As South Africa’s G20 Presidency nears its close, we reflect on the journey we have travelled together to give meaning to the principles of solidarity, equality and sustainability.

We have worked together to reaffirm the role of the G20 as a forum of constructive dialogue and meaningful international cooperation. 

In South Africa we speak of the spirit of Ubuntu.

It teaches us that progress is not a solitary pursuit but a shared endeavour. 

That our strength lies in our shared humanity.

This spirit has guided our Presidency.

It has been reinforced by your support, your collaboration and your shared commitment to a more just, inclusive and sustainable world.

For this, I extend my deepest appreciation to each of you and your countries.

Across the year, we have worked to advance areas that are central to global well-being.

We have deliberated on measures to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, to reduce inequality and to advance debt sustainability.

We have discussed how we can make the world a place where the aspirations of all people to a decent life, lived in peace and with dignity, may be realised.

Today, we have adopted the Leaders’ Declaration of the G20 South Africa Summit, in which we outline the far-reaching actions on which we have agreed to build a better, more equal and sustainable world.

The Leaders’ Declaration is a profound affirmation of the value of multilateralism and the importance of dialogue.

We extend our appreciation for the constructive contribution that all countries have made towards this common vision.

As South Africa, we have sought to place Africa’s development firmly on the agenda of the G20.

We have done so not only because this is the first time the G20 is being held in Africa, but because Africa’s success is so important to progress and prosperity across the globe. 

While our challenges are many, our capacity to confront them is great.

As we share this meal, let us remember why the G20 exists – to bring nations together, to bridge divides, and to forge solutions that none of us could achieve alone.

Allow me to thank all the sponsors who have partnered so willingly with the South African government to ensure the successful hosting of the G20 Leaders’ Summit. We express a special appreciation to Naspers for provision of the luncheon and the dinner we are enjoying.

As the leaders of the G20 and Guest Countries, let us continue to walk this path together, guided by empathy, strengthened by cooperation and united by the responsibility we have towards this generation and the many to follow.

As South Africa hands over the Presidency of the G20, we do so with confidence that the partnerships forged this year will continue to guide the work ahead.

I thank you once again for your friendship, your dedication and your continued support.

May this evening deepen the fellowship that has sustained us and inspire renewed purpose as we look to the future. 

I thank you.

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Remarks by His Excellency, Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Paul Mashatile at the Compact with Africa G20 Leaders’ Summit

Source: President of South Africa –

Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government, 
Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany,
President of the World Bank, Ajay Banga,
Distinguished Ministers and Central Bank Governors,
Heads of International Organisations,
Distinguished Guests,

It is my honour to welcome you to this G20 Compact with Africa event on economic growth and jobs.

This event allows us to reflect on the progress that has beenachieved through the Compact with Africa, and to discuss the promise of its next phase, known as Compact with Africa 2.0.

The Compact aims to deepen investment, create jobs and build sustainable prosperity through stronger partnerships with the private sector. 

Since its establishment during Germany’s G20 Presidency in 2017, the Compact with Africa has made steady progress.

It has supported participating countries in implementing ambitious reforms and mobilising investment.

It has strengthened dialogue between governments, private investors and international partners.

We welcome the increased interest by African countries in joining the initiative. This underscores its relevance and value. 

This year, we have made revitalising the Compact with Africa a central priority, with a focus on expanding membership through enhanced visibility within the G20 and across theAfrican continent.

Over the course of 2025, and in close collaboration with the German Federal Government, we convened a series of high-level events to showcase and profile the Compact.

These included a Ministerial Dialogue held on the margins of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting in July.

This was followed by a Ministerial Outreach on the margins of the 8th African Union Specialised Committee on Finance in October.

The Ministerial Outreach was an important platform to inform AU Member States about the benefits and achievements of the Compact. 

The last high-level event was convened on the margins of the 2025 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund.

Supported by the World Bank, this event marked the official launch of the new Multi-Donor Trust Fund, designed to support the next phase of reforms and investment within the Compact with Africa framework.

We welcome Germany’s commitment to provide the initial contribution of 10 million Euros towards this new instrument. 

Today’s dialogue reaffirms the importance of strong cooperation between the G20 and Africa, underscoring the vital role of the private sector in driving growth, creating jobs and promoting shared prosperity.

I trust that through this engagement, we will strengthen the Compact as a key channel for partnership, reform support and increased private sector involvement. 

We are confident that it will continue to unlock investment and help build resilient, inclusive economies across the continent.

In closing, I would like to thank the German Federal Government for its steadfast leadership of this initiative since its inception.

I acknowledge our valued partners – the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank Group, the African Development Bank, the African Center for Economic Transformation and the African Union – for their continued support. 

Lastly, we recognise the Compact countries for their efforts in reforming their economies and ensuring that investment flows into Africa.

Let us move forward with renewed partnerships and newinvestments.

Let us work together to secure growth, jobs and shared prosperity for all Africans.

I now invite Chancellor Merz to deliver his remarks.

I thank you.

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Statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the G20 Leaders Summit Session: A Resilient World

Source: President of South Africa –

Your Excellencies,    
Heads of States and Government of the G20 Members and Invited Countries,
Heads of International Organisations, 
Foreign Ministers in attendance,
Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Welcome to Session Two of today’s programme, which focuses on the role of the G20 in building a more resilient world 

As a global community, we are faced by several formidable and related issues: poverty, unemployment, food insecurity, inequality, environmental degradation and climate change. 

The complexity of these challenges calls for enhanced reforms and collective action.

Resilience is not merely about recovery after a disaster or crisis. 

It is about foresight and shared responsibility for sustainable development. 

A resilient world can only be achieved through inclusive economic growth, strengthening global partnerships and reforming international institutions.

It means we must prepared.

We must, as a matter of urgency, integrate disaster risk reduction into macroeconomic policies, climate financing and sustainable infrastructure development. 

We must ensure that vulnerable countries and communities have equitable access to technologies, finance and the capacity to anticipate and withstand future shocks.

As we look ahead, South Africa believes our collective efforts should focus on three imperatives:

First, we must strengthen global early warning systems. 

For many countries, this means scaling up investment in data, technology and capacity to reach the most vulnerable communities.

Second, we must mobilise innovative financing for resilience. 

The G20 should champion accessible, predictable and equitable disaster risk financing instruments. We need to pool risk, mobilise anticipatory funding and forge public-private partnerships.

Third, we must mainstream disaster risk reduction into all sectors of economic planning, from energy and infrastructure to agriculture and urban development.

Sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth requires that we take measures to address the severe imbalance in vulnerability to the increasing effects of climate change.

Those countries most affected by severe weather events are often those that bear the least responsibility for climate change.

This threatens to further deepen inequality between and within countries.

Developing economies need resources and technical partnerships for effective adaptation and resilience. 

We need to make good on our commitments to fund loss and damage caused by climate change.

As 2025 marks the tenth anniversary of the Paris Agreement, we recognise its historic contribution to fostering universal climate action.

And yet global temperatures continue to climb.

We have no choice but to fully and effectively implement the Paris Agreement and its temperature goal.

In doing so, we must hold fast to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. 

Just transition pathways are key enablers for climate action. 

These should encompass a whole of economy and whole of society approach.

Just transitions must support efforts to eradicate poverty and promote human rights, workers’ rights and gender equality. They must foster meaningful social and economic opportunities.

In the face of persistent hunger and escalating climate pressures, we face a sobering reality: according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation, as many as 720 million people are experiencing hunger worldwide. 

Excessive food price volatility continues to undermine purchasing power, especially for low-income communities.

We applaud the G20 for continuously keeping food security at the centre of its developmental agenda. 

South Africa made food security one of the priorities of our G20 Presidency, building on the excellent work of previous presidencies, including the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty established under the Brazilian Presidency.

Platforms such as the Agriculture Working Group, Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists and the Food Security Task Force have delivered outcomes that underscore the importance of building inclusive, diverse, resilient and sustainable food systems.

Since it was formed, at a time of crisis, the G20 and the world has had to confront several crises.

Unless we act now to build resilience and sustainability, the crises we face tomorrow will be more devastating, more damaging and more lasting.

I thank you. 
 

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Eritrea: Effort to strengthen women’s organization

Source: APO


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At an activity assessment meeting conducted in Barentu from 17 to 19 November, it was reported that encouraging efforts have been exerted to strengthen women’s organizations in the Gash Barka Region.

According to reports presented by heads of the National Union of Eritrean Women branches in the sub-zones, commendable activities have been carried out to ensure maternity and child health, promote the use of maternity waiting rooms, enhance the participation of females in education and health, as well as strengthen their contribution in development programs.

Indicating that the vocational trainings being organized are significantly contributing to empowering women, the reports further called for reinforced participation on the part of partners in the effort to eradicate harmful practices, including female genital mutilation and underage marriages.

Ms. Yihdega Yohannes, head of the union branch in the region, said that encouraging activities have been carried out in collaboration with partners, noting that the use of educational and health facilities by women is growing from time to time. She also stated that more efforts are expected to enhance the economic capacity of women.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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Eritrea: Seminar focusing on enhancing documentation activities

Source: APO


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The Research and Documentation Center of the PFDJ conducted a seminar for employees of various government institutions engaged in documentation activities, with a view to reviewing strengths and challenges they face in their daily documentation work.

Mr. Tesfay Keleta, head of research at the PFDJ central office, said that the objective of the seminar was to conduct a preliminary study on documents recorded in the form of photographs, audio, and written materials, and to remind those engaged in documentation to be diligent and serious in their daily activities.

At the event, research papers were presented focusing on the administration and conservation of documents and other issues related to the documentation process.

Ms. Azieb Tewolde, head of the Research and Documentation Center, on her part, gave a briefing on the efforts the center is exerting to safeguard documents from damage and the challenges they have been facing.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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Nigeria: Schools should be ‘sanctuaries not targets’ says deputy United Nations (UN) chief following latest mass abduction

Source: APO


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The UN Deputy Secretary-General voiced deep alarm on Saturday over the latest mass abduction from a school in Nigeria, calling for the immediate release of those taken.

It was originally reported that 215 pupils had been kidnapped from St.  Mary’s School in Papiri, Niger state, early on Friday morning – but the figure was revised upwards to 303 students and 12 teachers, according to The Christian Association of Nigeria.

The association’s chair who reportedly visited the school on Friday said that more than 80 students had been captured after trying to escape during the abduction by armed assailants. The students were both male and female, aged 10 to 18.

Second mass abduction this week

The number snatched from the Catholic school in the centre of the country exceeds the 276 girls abducted during the infamous Chibok incident of 2014 and is the latest in a series of mass abductions – including earlier this week when 25 pupils were taken from a school in Kebbi state.

No group has yet claimed responsibility and authorities have deployed security forces to try and locate the students and their captors. Niger state has reportedly closed all schools until further notice.

Perpetrators must be held accountable

UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed – a former environment minister in Nigeria – said in a social media post that schools should be “sanctuaries for education, not targets…We must protect schools and hold perpetrators accountable.”

The UN’s top official in the country, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mohamed Fall, posted that news of yet another mass abduction was heartbreaking, coming just days after the kidnappings in Kebbi.

He passed on his sympathies to the families of those taken and their communities, adding that all efforts must be made to ensure their safe return of students and staff.

“It’s time to fully implement the Safe School Principle,” he said, which was launched at the First International Conference on Safe Schools in Oslo, Norway, in 2015. Nigeria was among the nations who endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration that year.

Stand with the victims

UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, said this week it is continuing to work closely with government partners, civil society and communities, to strengthen child protection systems in line with the declaration that no child should be put at risk while pursuing an education.

The UN culture, education and science agency’s (UNESCO) office in Nigeria also condemned Friday’s latest mass abduction, saying that schools must never be targets.

“We stand with the victims, their families and the Government of Nigeria and call for the immediate release of all abducted children,” the agency said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.