Category: Africa

Source: APO

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Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) appeals for civilians’ lives to be spared in El Fasher, the capital of Sudan’s North Darfur state, after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced their full take over the city is under way. People must be allowed to flee to safer areas.

Given the ethnic-based violence spiking across Darfur for over two years, and the large-scale massacres committed in Zamzam camp for internally displaced people when it was taken by the RSF and their allies last April, we are deeply alarmed that this could happen again in El Fasher.

While MSF was forced to leave El Fasher in August 2024, our medical teams are currently working 60 kilometres away in Tawila. There, we admitted dozens of patients coming from El Fasher to the town’s overwhelmed hospital earlier today. During the night of 26 to 27 October, around 1,000 people from El Fasher arrived by truck at the entrance of Tawila, where we set up a health post to provide emergency care and refer patients in the most critical condition directly to the hospital. So far today, about 300 people were treated at the health post and 130 sent to the emergency room of the hospital, including 15 requiring lifesaving surgery.

For now, many more people appear to remain trapped in and around El Fasher and we stand ready to respond to more displaced and injured people arriving in Tawila.

Last week, over 1,300 people fleeing El Fasher arrived by truck in Tawila on 18 and 19 October, adding to the large numbers of forcibly displaced people already in Tawila. Amongst these new arrivals, MSF screened 165 children under five years old, and found that 75% were acutely malnourished, including 26% severely.

This shocking rate of malnutrition is a testament to the horror unfolding in El Fasher, where famine has been spreading as the RSF have been attacking and besieging the area for more than 500 days, preventing food and aid from reaching starving people at all costs. With soaring prices, community kitchens shutting down, shelled and depleted markets, and humanitarian aid blocked, people have had almost no access to food.

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

Source: APO

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Nigeria is taking significant steps to strengthen its national response to mpox by updating its clinical management guidelines, improving referral and data systems, and expanding public awareness to prevent community transmission.

Mpox remains a public health threat in Nigeria, with ongoing transmission since 2017. In 2024, 189 confirmed cases were reported nationwide. By 19 October 2025, there were 389 confirmed cases and six deaths across 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The continued transmission of mpox emphasises the need for updated guidance, early detection, and community awareness.

Reviewing outdated Mpox guidelines, developing national home-based care protocol

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), in collaboration with World Health Organisation (WHO) and funded by the World Bank, led a national workshop to review the 2019 mpox case management and infection prevention and control (IPC) guidelines. 

The review became necessary as the previous version (2019) did not reflect the new WHO recommendations, evolving clinical evidence or available antiviral therapies.

Participants included clinicians, infectious disease experts, IPC focal persons, epidemiologists, health educators, state health officials, and implementing partners from the most affected states. 

A key outcome of the workshop was the development of Nigeria’s first national home-based care and isolation protocol for mpox, designed to strengthen linkages between home-based and facility care, and reduce unnecessary hospitalisations, and lower the financial burden on families.

“Our priority is to ensure that mpox patients receive safe and timely care using evidence-based protocols,” said Dr Odianosen Ehiakhamen, a participant from NCDC. “By strengthening referral systems, improving data reporting, and standardising home-based care, we will reduce the risk of community transmission and maintain resilience in our health system.”

WHO is supporting the process by sharing global best practices and technical expertise to guide national adaptation and strengthen implementation.

“Updating Nigeria’s mpox guidelines reflects Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening clinical preparedness and home-based care,” said Dr Joshua Ofoli, WHO Case Management & IPC Technical Officer. “The revised framework aims to safeguard healthcare workers, enhance patient care, improve patient outcomes, and boost outbreak response capabilities at every level of the health system.”

“By clarifying case management procedures, the updated guidelines will support health workers to deliver safer care and improve coordination between community and facility levels,” said Professor Dimie Ogoina, Infectious Disease Expert. “Standardised home-based care, if properly implemented, will benefit patients and strengthen health system efficiency.”

Strengthening referral pathways and data systems

A Disease Surveillance Officer from Bayelsa, Diemebonso Oyaba, welcomed the document review. He said the updated guidelines will include referral mechanisms to improve home-based care and ensure safe referrals to health facilities if symptoms worsen. 

“The process also integrates digital reporting tools to improve surveillance, ensure timely data flow, and strengthen accountability across facility and community levels”.

Improved data linkages enable faster public health decisions, early alerts, and targeted responses in high-risk LGAs. The guidelines define roles for community health workers and surveillance officers in early referral and follow-up.

Community awareness and sensitisation campaigns

In addition to updating national guidelines, Nigeria is enhancing mpox awareness and risk communication in communities across 15 most at-risk states. Collaborating with NCDC, WHO has trained 570 frontline health workers, distributed mpox IPC and triage tools, and launched community-based surveillance initiatives.

The campaign targets high-risk LGAs via house visits, radio, market activities, town halls, and leader collaborations. It emphasises symptoms, prevention, and reporting suspected cases.

The Kaduna State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA) and the WHO, led community sensitisation activities across Chikun Local Government Area (LGA) to promote early health-seeking behaviour and prevent the spread of mpox.

“I used to think mpox was only a rumour,” said Aisha Suleiman, a vegetable seller at Sabon Market in Chikun LGA. “Now I understand the symptoms, that the disease is preventable and treatable, and I can educate others in my community. I will tell people not to hide when they notice any signs of infection.”

Next steps

Nigeria’s multi-tiered approach—combining updates in clinical guidance, bolstering health systems, and community engagement—is expected to improve mpox prevention and control. WHO and its health partners continue to support the Government of Nigeria in strengthening surveillance, improving case management, and driving risk communication at national and subnational levels.

In the long term, extensive collaboration among government bodies, health professionals, health partners, and communities will be crucial to achieving this goal.

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

Source: APO

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The agency has received reports of summary executions of civilians trying to escape what was the last Sudanese military government stronghold of El Fasher – with indications of ethnic motivations for killings – and of former combatants who have put down their weapons, which is prohibited under humanitarian law.

“The risk of further large-scale, ethnically motivated violations and atrocities in El Fasher is mounting by the day,” warned UN human rights chief Volker Türk.

‘Urgent and concrete action’

“Urgent and concrete action needs to be taken to ensure the protection of civilians in El Fasher and safe passage for those trying to reach relative safety.”

The alarming reports come as the humanitarian situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate since the outbreak of the conflict in 2023. With more than 12 million people displaced or stateless and over 24 million hungry, Sudan’s crisis is considered to be one of the world’s most severe.

Hundreds of people have reportedly been detained while trying to flee, including a journalist, OHCHR said. There were also reports of numerous civilian deaths, including local humanitarian volunteers, due to heavy artillery shelling last week.

‘External interference’

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres told reporters while in Southeast Asia on Monday that the development marked a “terrible escalation” to the conflict, stressing that it was time for the international community to call out countries which are interfering in the war and “providing weapons” to the warring parties, urging them to agree a ceasefire.

Mr. Guterres noted that the problem is not only the fighting between the army and the RSF, but also the growing “external interference” that undermines prospects for a ceasefire and a political solution.

Malnourished and traumatised

“Civilians escaping, fleeing El Fasher are often held for ransom along the road, part of the road being controlled by militia,” said Denise Brown, UN humanitarian coordinator for Sudan, at Monday’s press briefing.

She said humanitarian organizations have been receiving adults and children who are “dehydrated, malnourished, some injured and all traumatised.”

According to reports received by the OHCHR, five men were executed by the RSF for attempting to bring food supplies into the city, which has been under a blockade by the RSF militia – vying for power during a brutal civil war with the military – for 18 months.

Ms. Brown said that some of the RSF’s victims were supposedly accused of supporting the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), and that the information received suggests dozens of civilians have been killed.

She highlighted that the dire funding situation, only 27 per cent of the ask, has not allowed the UN to response to the needs of people who are ‘traumatised, raped and starving.’

Humanitarian workers at risk

Nearly 130 aid workers have been killed since the conflict erupted in April 2023, and there have been reports of volunteers being killed in El Fasher, Ms. Brown said.

“These people are the backbone of the humanitarian response in the most difficult areas and they are also protected under international humanitarian law,” she added.

Mr. Türk reiterated that the RSF commanders have an obligation under international law to protect civilians and ensure the safe passage of humanitarian assistance.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

Source: APO

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The Vice President of the Republic of India, His Excellency Hon. Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, paid a courtesy call on His Excellency Dr. Patrick Herminie, President of the Republic of Seychelles, on Monday morning, following his inauguration as the 6th President of Seychelles.

President Herminie extended a warm welcome to the distinguished dignitary and expressed his sincere gratitude for his presence at this historic inauguration ceremony.

During the meeting, Vice President Radhakrishnan conveyed congratulatory messages from His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, and extended an invitation for President Herminie to undertake an official visit to India. He expressed his great honour in being present in Seychelles on this momentous occasion. In response, President Herminie requested that his best wishes be conveyed to Prime Minister Modi.

The discussions underscored the deep-rooted friendship and enduring bilateral relations between India and Seychelles. Both parties expressed their satisfaction with the strength of the partnership and reaffirmed their mutual commitment to further enhance cooperation across multiple sectors. Key areas of focus included maritime security, digitalization, healthcare, and capacity building. The two leaders emphasized that these sectors represent shared priorities and mutual benefit, laying the foundation for an even stronger partnership in the years ahead.

Following his visit with President Herminie, H.E Hon. Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-President Elect, Mr. Sebastien Pillay.

Also present at the meeting were Ambassador Ian Madeleine, Principal Secretary of Foreign Affairs; Ms. Lindy Ernesta, Director of Bilateral Affairs; Mr. James Carpin, Third Secretary, Bilateral Affairs; His Excellency Mr. Rohit Rathish, High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Seychelles; Shri Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary; Shri Puneet Agrawal, Additional Secretary (IOR), Ministry of External Affairs; Ms. V. Lalithalakshmi; and Shri Chandrasekar S, Private Secretary to the Vice President of India.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

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The conviction and sentencing of Mali’s former Prime Minister Moussa Mara to two years in prison, one of which is mandatory, and a fine of 500,000 CFA francs (762 euro), including 1 symbolic franc to the Malian state on charges of discrediting the state among others is a travesty of justice, Amnesty International said, as it called for authorities to immediately release him and other prisoners held solely for their political beliefs.

“Moussa Mara’s conviction and sentencing illustrate the authorities’ persistent disregard for Mali’s human rights obligations under the country’s constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civic and Political Rights to which Mali is a state party,” said Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa.

“Instead of muzzling critics, the authorities must stop their escalating repression of peaceful dissent and authoritarian practices, and immediately release those currently being detained solely for voicing their opinion. Authorities must uphold and ensure the human rights of everyone in the country including to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly.”

Moussa Mara, who was Prime Minister from April 2014 to January 2015 and president of the opposition party Yéléma, was arrested on 1 August and accused of ‘discrediting the state’, ‘inciting a breach of public order’ and ‘opposition to legitimate authority’.

His arrest came after he posted a tweet on 4 July, expressing his solidarity with several imprisoned activists and politicians. In his tweet, referring to the “night”, he vowed to fight “by all means to make [the sun appear]”.

Recent cases of arbitrary detentions and enforced disappearances

Numerous journalists and activists have been targeted in the crackdown on perceived critical voices in Mali.

On 8 May 2025, El Béchir Thiam, a journalist and member of Mara’s Yéléma party, was abducted by hooded men claiming to be intelligence agents. This happened a day after he publicly criticized the transitional parliament’s decision to give the military government, another five-year term in power. Thiam’s fates and whereabouts were unknown at that point, as the authorities failed to acknowledge or disclose any information about his detention. On 17 July, his wife filed a formal complaint for abduction. On 26 September, he was released and allowed to return home.

Clément Dembélé, an anti-corruption activist, was arrested in November 2023 as he and his organization, the Platform against corruption and unemployment, were about to hold a press conference to denounce recurring power outages. Dembélé was accused of making death threats against Assimi Goïta, the head of state, and his family. In April 2025, an investigative judge dismissed the charges against Dembélé and called for his release. Despite this ruling, he remains in arbitrary detention.

In August and September 2025, the UN Independent expert on Mali denounced El Béchir Thiam’s enforced disappearance and Clément Dembélé’s arbitrary arrest, and called for their release.

“The authorities’ use of arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances and abuse of the criminal justice system to silence peaceful dissent in Mali must stop. Authorities must ensure respect for the right to a fair trial and uphold the rule of law,” said Marceau Sivieude.

Other critical voices silenced since 2023

Rokiatou Doumbia, also known as “Rose Vie Chère” or “Tantie Rose”, was arrested in March 2023 for denouncing the worsening insecurity and cost of living crisis since the military takeover. She was charged with ‘inciting revolt’, ‘discrediting the state’ and ‘criminal conspiracy’, and sentenced to one year in prison in August 2023. Although she has served her initial sentence, she is still being arbitrarily detained.

In March 2023, radio broadcaster and activist Mohamed Youssouf Bathily, known as “Ras Bath”, was arrested after he had described the death in detention of former Prime Minister, Soumeylou Boubeye Maïga, as an ‘assassination’. He was convicted on appeal in August 2023 and sentenced to 18 months in prison for ‘simulating an offence’, or accusing the state of committing an offence. Although he served his sentence, Ras Bath was again charged with ‘criminal conspiracy’, ‘discrediting the state’, and ‘regionalist, racial and religious offences’, for the same events and remains in pre-trial detention.

In September 2023, activist and member of the National Transitional Council Adama Diarra, known as “Ben le Cerveau” was arrested after he called for the return to civilian constitutional rule. He was charged with ‘discrediting the state’ and sentenced to two years in prison. In February 2025, a request filed by his lawyers for provisional release was dismissed, and Diarra remains in arbitrary detention.

Issa Kaou N’Djim, another former member of the National Transitional Council, was convicted and sentenced to a two-year prison term after he dismissed in November 2024 the veracity of a declaration by the Burkinabè authorities of a coup plot. N’Djim was arrested after a complaint by the Burkinabè authorities and charged with ‘public offense to a foreign head of state’.

Background

Mali has been governed by military-led authorities since the coup against President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta in 2020. The transition, which was supposed to last 18 months, has been extended thrice beyond its term. In April 2025, the government announced the dissolution of all political parties and the extension of the transition to another five-year period.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Amnesty International.

Source: APO – Report:

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The sound of drums echoed throughout Yambio as communities gathered to celebrate, their songs, dances, and laughter weaving together a powerful message of unity.

This spirit-filled Yambio witnessed the official handover of the Traditional Hub—a new center for dialogue, cultural exchange, and reconciliation, established with support from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

The facility, overseen by the Azande Kingdom, is a meeting place for elders, women, and youth to plan for a better future.

“Not long ago, we were divided by hatred, but now we are united in love, promising real transformation,” said Hellen Madiga, a resident of Yambio.

Hellen’s words capture a broader truth in Western Equatoria: reconciliation starts when people come together to speak and listen.

The hub offers a safe space for mediation and dialogue, fostering understanding and cultural activities to strengthen community ties.

“We hope to address cultural issues and resolve tribal conflicts by empowering community leaders, women, and youth to rise above political differences for the benefit of their communities,” said Odeta James from a local civil society organization.

Around the center, freshly planted trees stretch toward the sky, each carrying a story of hope and renewal.

“The trees symbolize unity and stability, reflecting our shared roots and our commitment to stand together,” explains Tadio Mario, the Prime Minister of the Azande Kingdom.

Rudolf Esombi Effange, a Civil Affairs Officer for UNMISS, described the initiative as a vital step toward peace and development in Western Equatoria State.

“This effort aims to help communities live in peace and collaborate on shared challenges,” he stated.

– on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Source: APO – Report:

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The Central Region branch of the National Teachers Association has provided capacity-upgrading training to teachers focusing on addressing student challenges. The training was offered to 289 teachers ranging from kindergarten to high school level.

Mr. Daniel Mengisteab, Head of the Association’s regional branch, said that the training, which involved teachers from seven sub-zones, aimed to strengthen their teaching methodologies, particularly in identifying and responding to students’ needs and expectations.

In related news, a four-month training on artifact production has been provided to 93 women in the Anseba sub-zone. The training, organized by the National Union of Eritrean Women branch in the region, included 50 women from Hamelmalo and 43 women from Habero sub-zones.

Ms. Tirhas Nerayo, Head of Social Services and Projects at the Union branch, said that providing vocational training to women plays a significant role in improving the livelihoods of women and their families. She called on the trainees to apply the knowledge they gained to enhance their economic conditions and commended their dedication during the program.

The administrators of the sub-zones emphasized the importance of the training in improving the livelihoods of women and called for its sustainability.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO – Report:

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The Eritrean Pharmaceutical Association has announced that it will conduct promotional activities from 27 October to 2 November under the theme “When You Ponder About Health, Remember the Pharmaceutical Experts.”

According to Mr. Amanuel Arron, Vice President of the Association, the promotional activities, aimed at ensuring the safe use of medicines, will be conducted through national media outlets, social media platforms, and seminars.

Mr. Amanuel further noted that the activities, organized in connection with the National Medicines Safety Week, will address topics such as the safe use of medicines during pregnancy and childbirth, the effects of medicines on workers with chronic diseases, the role of youth in the safe use of medicines, and the control of side effects of HIV/AIDS medicines.

He added that the objective of the National Medicines Safety Week is to provide professional guidance, enhance public understanding of proper medicine use, discourage the use of unprescribed medicines and self-medication, promote correct storage and disposal of expired medicines, and discourage the use of medicines for cosmetic purposes. He also called on the public to actively participate in the effort.

The Eritrean Pharmaceutical Association, established in 1992, currently has about 400 members. Its objectives include developing guidelines related to the pharmaceutical profession, improving healthcare services at the national level, enhancing public awareness on the safe use of medicines, and building professional relationships with national and international associations to exchange experiences.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO – Report:

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At a ceremony organized on 25 October, nineteen administrative areas in the Molqui sub-zone declared themselves free from female genital mutilation (FGM). The ceremony was attended by Ms. Leul Gebreab, Minister of Labor and Social Welfare; Ambassador Mahmud Ali Hirui, Governor of the Gash Barka Region; and Ambassador Mahmud Ali Jabra, Secretary of the PFDJ in the region.

Indicating that a task force has been established with a view to enhancing public understanding of female genital mutilation and its consequences, Mr. Zeray Berhe, Administrator of the sub-zone, said that as a result of the ongoing efforts, 61 villages in the sub-zone have declared themselves free from the harmful practice.

Mr. Tesfagebriel Gebreselasie, Acting Head of the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare branch in the sub-zone, stated that efforts to eradicate female genital mutilation and other harmful practices have been ongoing since 2007. He further noted that the initiative has been carried out in collaboration with the Ministries of Labor and Social Welfare and Health, as well as the National Union of Eritrean Women and the areas administrations in the sub-zone.

Participants of the ceremony expressed their readiness to remain vigilant to ensure that the harmful practice does not resurface.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.