Category: Africa

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Africa’s Infrastructure Leaders to Meet in Nairobi as ConstructAfrica Summit 2026 Targets the Next Phase of the Continent’s Built Environment

Source: APO

Africa’s infrastructure opportunity is growing, but so is the need for capital, innovation and stronger project delivery. Against this backdrop, ConstructAfrica Summit & Awards 2026 (https://Summit.ConstructAfrica.com/) will bring together the people financing, developing, building and shaping the continent’s infrastructure from 26–28 November 2026 at the JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi, Kenya.

Held under the theme “Constructing Africa’s Future Through Collaboration, Innovation & Excellence,” the three-day Summit will explore the forces shaping Africa’s built environment, including infrastructure development, sustainable construction, digital transformation, smart cities and project delivery.

More importantly, the Summit is designed to bring together government decision-makers, infrastructure investors, developers, contractors, engineers, consultants, financiers, technology companies, and project owners looking to understand where the market is heading and identify opportunities to collaborate.

For delegates, the value extends beyond conference sessions. The Summit offers an opportunity to meet potential clients and partners, engage investors and policymakers, discover emerging technologies, gain insight into major infrastructure projects and build relationships across African markets.

Registration for ConstructAfrica Summit & Awards 2026 is now open (https://apo-opa.co/3VRbk7a), with early-bird rates available until 26 October 2026. Organisations registering three or more delegates receive a 10% discount.

Confirmed speakers include Hon. Ndiritu Muriithi, Chairman, Kenya Revenue Authority; Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Nigeria; Dhruv Jog, Managing Director, Advent Construction Ltd, Tanzania; Dr. Nelson Ogunshakin, OBE, Chairman, ConstructAfrica Industry Advisory Board; Prof. Dr Khumbulani Mpofu, Vice-Chancellor, Solusi University, Zimbabwe; and Dr. Olubukola Tokede, Founder, African LCA Society and Senior Lecturer at Deakin University, Australia.

The Summit will also host the ConstructAfrica Excellence Awards on 27 November, recognising outstanding projects, organisations and professionals contributing to Africa’s construction and infrastructure sectors. Categories include Africa Infrastructure Project of the Year, Innovation in Construction Technology, Excellence in Green & Sustainable Design, Innovation in Infrastructure Funding & Finance, Contractor of the Year, Consultant of the Year and Client of the Year.

Organisations with eligible projects completed in Africa within the last three years can submit an Excellence Award nomination (https://apo-opa.co/3VRbk7a). Nominations close 12 October 2026.

Companies across construction, infrastructure, engineering, finance, technology, energy, and real estate can also participate as sponsors, exhibitors, or strategic partners, with opportunities to increase visibility, demonstrate expertise, and engage senior decision-makers. Explore sponsorship and partnership opportunities (https://apo-opa.co/470m9Gx).

For those shaping Africa’s infrastructure future, ConstructAfrica Summit & Awards 2026 offers a platform to meet the market, understand the opportunity, and build the partnerships needed to deliver it.

Register for the Summit (https://apo-opa.co/3VRbk7a)
Submit an Excellence Award Nomination (https://apo-opa.co/4zhtrl4)
Explore Sponsorship & Partnership Opportunities (https://apo-opa.co/470m9Gx)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of ConstructAfrica.

For Group ticket bookings: tolulope.abiodun@constructafrica.com

For Sponsorships/Partnerships: sponsorships@constructafrica.com

For General Enquiries: hello@constructafrica.com

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Water constraints become a defining economic and infrastructure risk

Source: APO

Water resources, when left unchecked, are a constraint on economic growth, public health and social stability. For utilities, municipalities, industry and investors, the implications extend beyond resource availability to infrastructure performance, revenue, financing and long-term operational continuity.

These issues are examined in ESI Africa’s Water Security & Infrastructure Industry Insights Volume, published in partnership with Conlog and the STS Association. ESI Africa, a long-standing media brand within VUKA Group, brings together analysis of the pressures changing how water is managed, financed and valued.

Download the Water Security & Infrastructure Volume (https://apo-opa.co/4dr8xYs)

From water crisis to system risk

The volume examines water security through operational, environmental and financial lenses. Its content considers whether the hydrological chain is breaking, how intensive water users are exposed to risk and how demand from data centres is adding another dimension to competition for available resources.

It also addresses:

  • the connection between non-revenue water and blended finance,
  • the influence of tariff politics on water security, and
  • the role metering can play in improving how existing supplies are managed.

Together, these subjects point to a central industry concern. New supply and large infrastructure projects remain necessary, but stronger management of existing resources, networks and revenue is equally significant.

The volume’s argument is grounded in the principle that the smartest litre may be the one already available within the system.

Technology must support service outcomes

Smart infrastructure can improve visibility, measurement and operational decision-making, but technology must be linked to service delivery and climate resilience.

The ESI Africa webinar Smart infrastructure for climate resilient water service develops this theme by considering how infrastructure and digital capabilities can support more robust water services.

Watch Smart infrastructure for climate resilient water service (https://apo-opa.co/4jHVVjs)

Agro-industrial futures: Scaling alternative water solutions in agriculture examines alternative approaches for a sector in which water availability is closely linked to production and food security.

Watch Agro-industrial futures on-demand (https://apo-opa.co/4hK0F5r)

Water resilience for private sector business: The business case for water security considers why organisations need to treat water as an operational and commercial concern.

Watch the business case for water security (https://apo-opa.co/4j3VUGn)

Taking the discussion from analysis to implementation

Water Security Africa provides an in-person continuation of the discussion. The Johannesburg platform focuses on industrial water resilience, while Water Security Africa at Enlit Africa brings water and energy stakeholders together at the CTICC in Cape Town from 11 to 13 May 2027.

Explore Water Security Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4hQiDDv)

Projects will also play a central role in improving water security. The Project & Investment Network, in partnership with the African Infrastructure Elites: Projects and People annual print magazine, connects project owners with investors, financiers and solution providers around opportunities that require capital, partnerships and support to move towards implementation.

Submit a project to the Project & Investment Network (https://apo-opa.co/4e0ia0n)

Continuing the water security conversation

The next Water Security & Infrastructure Volume 2027 will continue examining the infrastructure, policy, technology and investment decisions affecting the sector.

The volume’s content is relevant to public and private stakeholders because water risk cuts across municipal services, agriculture, mining, manufacturing, data infrastructure, public health and wider economic development.

Future progress will depend on linking resource management with accountable operations, viable projects and the capital required to deliver them.  

Join the Water Security & Infrastructure Volume 2027 waiting list (https://apo-opa.co/3TFdPcb)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

About ESI Africa:
ESI Africa is a leading multimedia platform serving Africa’s power, energy, water, transport and utility sectors. Through industry analysis, interviews, webinars, special reports and multimedia content, ESI Africa connects sector professionals with the people, projects, technologies and developments shaping infrastructure across the continent. ESI Africa forms part of VUKA Group. www.ESI-Africa.com

About VUKA Group:
VUKA Group connects people and organisations to information and each other, creating business opportunities across key industries in Africa. Through events, digital platforms, media and targeted industry networks, VUKA Group brings together decision-makers, innovators, investors and industry stakeholders. www.WeAreVuka.com

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Gauteng launches new digital platform to process transport operating licences

Source: Government of South Africa

Gauteng launches new digital platform to process transport operating licences

The newly launched digital platform to process transport operating licences will reduce unnecessary administrative delays and make services more accessible to operators, says Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela. 

The Gauteng Public Transport Regulatory Information System (GPTRIS) is a digitally enhanced system aimed at improving access and regulatory compliance, enhancing operational efficiency, and improving transparency and governance.

It also addresses longstanding challenges in the operating licence value chain, including delays associated with information technology infrastructure and administrative processes. 

“Our objective is to build a licensing system that is faster, more transparent and responsive, while ensuring that every application continues to be assessed against the applicable legislative and regulatory requirements,” the MEC said on Tuesday.

She said the GPTRIS aims to ensure regulatory compliance by standardising compliance checks and supporting adherence to legislative prescripts, including the 60-day turnaround time for submitted operating licence applications and the processing of over-the-counter applications.

Fully implemented, the GPTRIS will provide a self-service functionality, enabling applicants to submit applications and track progress from any location. This functionality will greatly help eliminate long queues.

“It will further provide an integrated payment facility for secure and immediate digital payment options, improve process automation and streamline workflows to reduce processing times and the administrative burden associated with paper-based processes.

“Transparency and governance will be strengthened through real-time application tracking and improved management of licensing information. Purification of records, including route information, will contribute towards improved data accuracy and transparency,” the Department of Roads and Transport said.

For the e-hailing sector, the launch represents an important step forward in strengthening the interface between operators and the provincial regulatory system, whilst enhancing compliance and regulatory oversight.

This follows the official recognition of e-hailing services as legal public transport under the National Land Transport Amendment (NLTA) Act and Regulations in 2025. 

The launch is part of the department’s broader digital transformation agenda to leverage technology to address administrative inefficiencies, improve client experience and strengthen the management of operating licence applications.

The department said it is also a testament to its commitment to building a modern, efficient, transparent and accessible public transport regulatory environment. – SAnews.gov.za

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Public servants to be trained on water quality management

Source: Government of South Africa

Public servants to be trained on water quality management

The National School of Government (NSG) and the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA) have launched a four-day course for public servants on Water Resources Management and Water Quality Management in Pretoria. 

The programme is designed to address the challenges in state capacity related to water management that President Cyril Ramaphosa mentioned in February of this year. 

The course is being implemented as part of the cooperation agreement signed by the NSG and RANEPA in November 2025. 

The agreement provides for collaboration in scientific and educational development, including short-term training programmes for public servants, the exchange of scientific materials and publications, faculty visits, joint conferences and research projects. 

The programme brings together experts from RANEPA and leading Russian scientific institutions, including specialists with experience in monitoring water resources, managing pollution, hydrological science, geoinformation technologies and mathematical modelling. 

It also creates an opportunity for South African practitioners to share their experiences and challenges. 

Speaking at the launch of the NSG–RANEPA Water and Environmental Security Programme, Acting Principal of the National School of Government, Phindile Mkwanazi, said the programme represents an important step in translating international cooperation and technical knowledge into practical public-sector capability.

Mkwanazi said the NSG welcomes the opportunity to expose South African public servants to international expertise while ensuring that such knowledge is adapted to the country’s own developmental and institutional context. 

“International cooperation is most valuable when it strengthens our ability to address our own challenges. The NSG’s role is to ensure that the knowledge shared through this programme is translated into practical learning that officials can apply in their respective institutions and spheres of government,” she said.

According to Mkwanazi, the NSG is particularly focused on ensuring that the programme’s benefits extend beyond the participating officials. 

“We want this engagement to contribute to sustained institutional learning. The knowledge gained must ultimately support better planning, better-informed decisions and improved service delivery, particularly for communities that depend on reliable and safe water services,” she said.

Mkwanazi said the NSG would continue to work with its partners to strengthen the capabilities of public servants across the three spheres of government, with a particular focus on officials involved in water services and related areas of public administration.

Also speaking at the launch, the CEO of the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agency (MISA), Mapatani Kgomo, said sustainable water services depended on capable municipalities, strong governance and project lifecycle funding. 

Kgomo said the contribution of MISA was to assist municipalities in moving from recurring crisis response to long-term infrastructure reliability. – SAnews.gov.za

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Second suspect in Dube matter to appear in court

Source: Government of South Africa

Second suspect in Dube matter to appear in court

A second suspect arrested in connection with the murder of 44-year-old Monicca Dube, an Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party member, is expected to appear in the Cullinan Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 7 October.

The 39-year-old suspect was arrested by the Gauteng Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) in connection with Dube’s.

The former EFF Tshwane Region 2 Secretary was shot and killed in the presence of her family members on 13 June 2026 at her home in Wallmansthal.

READ | Gauteng Political Killings Task Team arrests suspect in Dube murder

“Following an intelligence-driven investigation, investigators positively linked another suspect, a 39-year-old male. The suspect was arrested on Tuesday evening by the PKTT,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement on Tuesday.

The suspect will appear in court on a charge of murder.

This arrest follows the earlier arrest of Sipho Mahlangu in July 2026. Mahlangu has made several appearances before the Cullinan Magistrate’s Court and remains in police custody. – SAnews.gov.za

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Kenya Confirms First Imported Case of Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease

Source: APO


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The Ministry of Health has confirmed Kenya’s first imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease in a Kenyan citizen who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The patient fell ill about a month ago and received treatment at several hospitals in the DRC. He travelled by road to Kampala before boarding Jambo Jet flight 8523 to Nairobi, arriving on Saturday, 3 October, at 1:10 p.m.

After arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, he was taken to Nairobi Hospital, where he was isolated and assessed. He was later transferred to the hospital’s East Wing Isolation Facility. His symptoms included fever, chills, fatigue, muscle pain, painful swallowing, a sore throat and bleeding under the skin at injection sites.

Following assessment of his symptoms and travel history, a sample was collected for testing. The National Virology Reference Laboratory and the Kenya Medical Research Institute independently confirmed Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease.

The patient received supportive treatment but has since died. The Ministry has conveyed its condolences to his family and friends. Arrangements for a safe and dignified burial are underway in line with Ebola burial protocols.

The Ministry has identified 28 contacts, including family members and health workers who attended to the patient. It is also tracing 23 passengers and four crew members who travelled on the same flight. Quarantine arrangements are underway for people considered to be at risk.

Kenya has maintained a heightened alert for Ebola since the outbreak began in May 2026. As of 6 October, health authorities had screened 652,584 travellers and tested 267 samples across five laboratories: the National Virology Reference Laboratory, Kenya Medical Research Institute laboratories in Nairobi and Kisumu, and mobile laboratories at the Busia and Lwakhakha border points. One sample has tested positive.

A total of 4,971 health workers at national and sub-national levels have received training in Ebola prevention and management. The Ministry has also notified the World Health Organization in line with the International Health Regulations.

Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale, EGH, reassured the public that systems are in place to respond and urged Kenyans not to panic. He encouraged frequent handwashing or use of alcohol-based hand rubs, avoiding close contact with sick people arriving from countries reporting active Ebola transmission, and seeking care at a recognised health facility if unwell. Members of the public should also report anyone who is unwell to the nearest health facility.

Health workers have been urged to remain vigilant and consistently apply infection prevention and control measures. The public is encouraged to follow official Ministry of Health channels and call the toll-free 719 health information line for updates. The Ministry will continue to provide information as it becomes available.

The Cabinet Secretary was joined at the briefing by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga; Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Ms Mary Muthoni; Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth, World Health Organization Country Director Dr Neema Kimambo; Nairobi Hospital Chief Executive Officer Mr Felix Osano; Kenya Red Cross Society Secretary General Dr Ahmed Idris; and Ministry departmental and divisional heads.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.

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Bianchi Gold Deal Signals Broadening Investor Base in South Sudan’s Oil Sector Ahead of South Sudan Oil & Power (SSOP) 2026

Source: APO


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A strategic investment memorandum signed between South Sudan’s Ministry of Petroleum and UAE-based Bianchi Gold Trading Investment Company is highlighting the country’s efforts to attract new international partners as it seeks to expand investment across its oil and gas sector ahead of South Sudan Oil & Power (SSOP) 2026.

Signed in Juba on July 8, the MoU establishes cooperation between the Ministry and Bianchi Gold across petroleum exploration and development, oil and gas infrastructure, refining, storage and distribution, feasibility studies and capacity building. The partnership is intended to mobilize financial and technical resources to support the development and modernization of South Sudan’s petroleum industry.

The agreement comes as South Sudan seeks to expand investment beyond its existing producing assets and attract partners capable of bringing capital, technology and expertise to new developments. The country currently has 14 open concession blocks spanning the A, B, C, D and E areas, building on the five blocks offered in South Sudan’s first-ever oil licensing round in 2021.

The opportunity extends beyond exploration and production. Cooperation covering refining, storage and distribution could support the development of domestic and midstream infrastructure, while technical studies and capacity building could help strengthen local capabilities and service provision across the sector.

South Sudan’s resource base provides a substantial platform for this investment drive. SSOP 2026 highlights 3.5 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, with nearly 90% described as untapped, and the government targeting production of 230,000 barrels per day in the short term and 450,000 barrels per day over the longer term.

Against this backdrop, the Bianchi partnership offers a timely example of the type of international investment and technical collaboration South Sudan is seeking to attract. The country’s seventh South Sudan Oil & Power (SSOP) conference, taking place in Juba on November 24–25, will bring together government, investors, financiers, project developers and technology providers to advance partnerships across upstream oil and gas, refining, midstream infrastructure and power.

For South Sudan, the focus now is on converting its resource base into production, infrastructure and wider economic value. As SSOP 2026 approaches, partnerships such as the Bianchi MoU underscore the country’s drive to attract the capital, technology and expertise needed to advance that next phase of development.

To register for South Sudan Oil & Power 2026 in Juba on November 24–25, visit: https://SouthSudanOilPower.com/

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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South Sudan Oil & Power (SSOP) 2026 to Showcase Investment Opportunities Across South Sudan’s Energy Sector

Source: APO


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The upcoming South Sudan Oil & Power (SSOP) conference, taking place November 24–25 in Juba, will bring together government representatives, investors, financiers, operators and technology providers to explore investment opportunities across South Sudan’s evolving energy sector.

Held under the theme “Resource Renaissance – Energy-Fueled Growth for a New Generation,” SSOP 2026 will feature strategic discussions, project showcases and networking opportunities focused on unlocking investment across oil and gas, refining, midstream infrastructure, power and emerging energy projects. The conference is being held in official partnership with South Sudan’s Ministry of Petroleum.

Upstream opportunities will feature prominently, spanning mature producing assets, brownfield development and exploration. South Sudan’s Ministry of Petroleum currently lists 14 open blocks for investors: A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, B1, B4, C1, C2, D1, D2, E1 and E2. Five of these – A1, A4, B1, E2 and D1 – have been offered in the country’s first licensing round.

The licensing opportunities sit alongside efforts to increase recovery from existing fields. South Sudan’s Ministry of Petroleum currently reports national production of around 170,000 barrels per day, while SSOP 2026 highlights a government target of 230,000 bpd in the short term and 450,000 bpd over the longer term.

Recent production gains underline the potential within the existing asset base. Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC), which operates Blocks 1, 2 and 4, reported production of more than 60,000 bpd earlier this year, prompting a government target for the consortium to reach 75,000 bpd by the end of 2026.

Downstream development represents another area of potential investment. The Ministry of Petroleum has a pipeline of refinery projects including the Jemeza Commercial Refinery, Akon Refinery, Bantiu Refinery, Thiangrial Refinery and Trinity Refinery.

More immediately, the ministry has outlined plans involving Superior Process Engineering Company for 60,000 bpd of new refining capacity. Under the proposal, an initial 30,000-bpd refinery would be developed at Tharjiath in Unity State, followed by a further 30,000 bpd, with Thiangrial in Upper Nile and Pagak also identified as potential refinery locations. The projects are intended to increase domestic fuel production and reduce reliance on imports.

Midstream infrastructure is also emerging as a focus for new investment. In July, the Ministry of Petroleum signed a memorandum of understanding with Bianchi Gold Trading Investment Company covering potential cooperation in petroleum exploration and development, oil and gas infrastructure, refineries, storage and distribution facilities, technical and feasibility studies and capacity building.

For South Sudan, expanding infrastructure is closely tied to the wider objective of increasing the value generated from its hydrocarbon resources. The country holds an estimated 3.5 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, according to SSOP 2026, with nearly 90% described as untapped. The government is seeking investment and technical partnerships to develop those resources while strengthening refining, storage, distribution and related energy infrastructure.

Against this backdrop, SSOP 2026 will provide a platform for investors and industry participants to engage directly with the government and companies advancing projects across South Sudan’s energy value chain. Discussions will cover new financing models, market access, strategic partnerships, technology deployment and opportunities for private-sector participation.

Returning for its seventh edition, the conference will take place in Juba on November 24–25, bringing together the stakeholders involved in South Sudan’s next phase of oil and energy development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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De la Somalie au Soudan, Organisation des Nations Unies (ONU) et Union Africaine (UA) veulent muscler leur front commun pour la paix

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

De la Somalie au Soudan, en passant par la République démocratique du Congo (RDC) et la Corne de l’Afrique, l’ONU et l’Union africaine (UA) veulent donner un nouveau souffle à leur partenariat pour la paix. Au Conseil de sécurité, les deux organisations ont appelé mardi à passer des cadres et des engagements à une action plus rapide sur le terrain.

La mesure de ce partenariat est en définitive son « impact » sur la vie des personnes touchées par les conflits et l’insécurité, ont déclaré le représentant spécial du Secrétaire général de l’ONU auprès de l’UA, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, et le commissaire de l’UA aux affaires politiques, à la paix et à la sécurité, Bankole Adeoye, devant les membres du Conseil de sécurité. 

Pour M. Onanga-Anyanga, l’ampleur et la complexité des crises actuelles exigent « un partenariat plus fort », capable d’anticiper les crises, de s’attaquer aux facteurs qui les alimentent et de transformer les engagements communs en une action « rapide, prévisible et responsable ».

L’un des principaux tests de cette coopération se joue dans les opérations de soutien à la paix. 

La Somalie, laboratoire du partenariat

La Somalie constitue aujourd’hui l’un des exemples les plus concrets de cette coopération. La Mission de soutien et de stabilisation de l’Union africaine en Somalie (AUSSOM) assure des responsabilités sécuritaires sur le terrain avec le soutien des Nations Unies.

Selon M. Adeoye, l’AUSSOM « tient le terrain qu’aucune autre force ne peut tenir aujourd’hui », tandis que le Bureau de soutien de l’ONU en Somalie (UNSOS) fournit notamment la logistique, les évacuations médicales et l’aviation nécessaires à son fonctionnement. Les deux organisations coordonnent également le transfert progressif des responsabilités de sécurité aux institutions somaliennes.

Cette coopération est toutefois confrontée à un défi majeur : la perspective de la fin du soutien de l’ONU après 2026. L’Union africaine plaide pour une transition « ordonnée et séquencée », afin que les forces de sécurité somaliennes puissent reprendre les zones concernées à mesure qu’elles sont en mesure de les sécuriser.

Vers des opérations africaines mieux préparées

Au-delà de la Somalie, l’ONU et l’UA travaillent à renforcer les capacités de la Force africaine en attente (FAA), force internationale de maintien de la paix composée d’unités militaires, de police et de civils pour intervenir en cas de crise sur le continent africain.

Un autre chantier important concerne la mise en œuvre de la résolution 2719 du Conseil de sécurité, adoptée en 2023. Celle-ci prévoit un cadre pour le financement des opérations de soutien à la paix conduites par l’UA et autorisées par le Conseil.

Un exercice conjoint de simulation est actuellement en préparation. Il doit permettre de tester, dans un scénario fictif, les modalités de déploiement d’une opération dirigée par l’UA, de clarifier les rôles des deux organisations et d’identifier d’éventuelles lacunes avant une première mise en œuvre opérationnelle.

« Le cadre est prêt à être utilisé », a affirmé M. Adeoye, appelant le Conseil de sécurité à profiter de l’examen prévu de la résolution pour déterminer comment celle-ci pourrait être appliquée pour la première fois.

Une coopération qui dépasse les opérations de paix

Le partenariat entre l’ONU et l’Union africaine (UA) va bien au-delà des opérations de paix. Les deux organisations renforcent leur action commune dans la prévention des conflits, la médiation, les droits humains, le développement et la résilience climatique.

En mai, à Addis-Abeba, leurs dirigeants ont réaffirmé trois cadres communs portant sur la paix et la sécurité, le développement durable et les droits humains. Cette coopération s’appuie sur des mécanismes de coordination renforcés, notamment le Groupe de travail conjoint sur la paix et la sécurité et des consultations régulières avec les organisations régionales.

Sur le terrain, l’ONU et l’UA coordonnent leurs efforts au Soudan, où elles œuvrent à favoriser un règlement politique. En RDC, les processus de Washington, Doha et de l’UA sont largement alignés, tandis que la mission de paix des Nations Unies (MONUSCO) contribue au suivi du cessez-le-feu. Dans la Corne de l’Afrique et au Soudan du Sud, les deux organisations soutiennent également les efforts de diplomatie préventive.

Prévenir plutôt que gérer les crises

Pour Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, l’évolution des conflits africains impose de dépasser une approche limitée à la gestion des crises. La prévention, le dialogue, la réforme du secteur de la sécurité et la participation des femmes et des jeunes doivent être intégrés à l’ensemble du cycle des conflits.

L’ONU et l’UA coopèrent ainsi à la mise en œuvre de la résolution 1325 sur les femmes, la paix et la sécurité. Une mission de haut niveau menée au Mali en août a notamment réuni plus de 200 femmes dans un forum régional consacré à leur participation aux efforts de paix.

Les deux organisations poursuivent enfin leur coordination au plus haut niveau. Le 11e séminaire conjoint informel et la 20e réunion consultative annuelle entre leurs deux Conseils de sécurité et de paix sont prévus à New York les 22 et 23 octobre. L’objectif affiché est de passer davantage de la consultation à l’alignement et à l’action commune.

Distribué par APO Group pour UN News.

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À Djibouti, les routes de l’exil se croisent dans les deux sens

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

D’un côté, des milliers de personnes fuient les combats au Yémen en traversant la mer Rouge en direction de l’Afrique. De l’autre, des migrants, principalement éthiopiens, continuent de prendre la direction inverse dans l’espoir de gagner les pays du Golfe. Pris entre ces flux contraires, Djibouti voit s’accumuler sur ses routes et dans son désert des milliers de personnes bloquées.

A Obock, sur la côte nord de Djibouti, les routes de l’exil se croisent désormais dans les deux sens. Depuis trois semaines, plus de 3 700 réfugiés ont débarqué sur les côtes djiboutiennes après avoir fui les combats au Yémen. Dans le même temps, des milliers de migrants venus d’Ethiopie continuent de traverser le pays dans la direction opposée, avec l’intention de franchir à leur tour la mer Rouge pour rejoindre le Yémen, puis, espèrent-ils, l’Arabie saoudite ou d’autres pays du Golfe.

Cette circulation à contre-courant place le petit Etat de la Corne de l’Afrique au centre de plusieurs crises qui se superposent. « Djibouti est confronté à des mouvements dans les deux directions », a résumé, mardi, Alexandre Coissac, chef de mission de l’Organisation internationale pour les migrations (OIM) dans le pays, lors d’un point de presse des Nations Unies à Genève. « Des personnes fuyant le Yémen arrivent comme réfugiés, des migrants continuent de se rendre vers le Yémen et d’autres migrants reviennent ».

Depuis le 10 septembre, l’OIM a ainsi recensé plus de 20 000 mouvements de migrants entrant à Djibouti depuis l’Ethiopie. Dans l’autre sens, 539 Éthiopiens revenus du Yémen ont atteint le territoire djiboutien pendant la même période. Entre le 20 et le 30 septembre seulement, plus de 3 000 migrants bloqués ont été repérés le long des routes migratoires du pays. Déshydratation, épuisement, manque d’eau et de nourriture : ceux qui restent immobilisés dans les zones désertiques sont particulièrement vulnérables.

Une guerre qui ne tarit pas les départs

Le paradoxe est d’autant plus saisissant que le Yémen, longtemps pays de transit sur la route du Golfe, connaît depuis septembre une nouvelle flambée de sa guerre civile. Après plusieurs années d’accalmie relative à la suite de la trêve négociée par l’ONU en 2022, les combats ont repris avec violence entre les rebelles houthistes, soutenus par l’Iran, et les forces du gouvernement internationalement reconnu, appuyées par l’Arabie saoudite. Les affrontements se sont notamment concentrés autour de Taëz et sur la côte de la mer Rouge, à proximité du détroit stratégique de Bab Al-Mandab.

Lundi, les forces gouvernementales y ont lancé une nouvelle offensive, soutenue par l’aviation saoudienne, pour reprendre plusieurs positions aux houthistes. Selon l’ONU, la dernière escalade a désormais déplacé près de 174 000 personnes à l’intérieur du Yémen.

Pourtant, le danger ne suffit pas à interrompre la migration dans l’autre sens. La « route de l’Est », qui relie la Corne de l’Afrique au Yémen puis aux Etats du Golfe, demeure l’un des corridors migratoires les plus fréquentés et les plus dangereux au monde. Au premier trimestre 2026, l’OIM avait déjà enregistré 152 700 mouvements sur cet axe, en hausse de 8 % sur un an. L’agence onusienne anticipait le maintien de flux importants, alimentés notamment par les difficultés économiques, l’insécurité alimentaire, l’endettement des ménages et le manque de perspectives dans les pays de départ.

Le plus frappant, selon Alexandre Coissac, est que nombre des migrants rencontrés par l’OIM semblent mal mesurer l’ampleur de la dégradation au Yémen. « Ils entendent dire qu’il y a un conflit au Yémen, mais n’ont pas les détails de ce qui se passe actuellement dans le pays », a-t-il expliqué. L’agence tente de les informer du fait que des Yéménites empruntent précisément en sens inverse la mer qu’ils s’apprêtent à traverser. Mais, selon le responsable, leur détermination reste intacte, d’autant plus que leur destination finale n’est pas le Yémen, mais le Golfe.

Des itinéraires toujours plus difficiles à suivre

Ceux qui poursuivent leur route s’exposent pourtant à une succession de dangers. En 2025, 922 morts ou disparitions avaient été recensés sur la route de l’Est, presque deux fois plus qu’en 2024, ce qui en avait fait l’année la plus meurtrière enregistrée par l’OIM depuis le lancement de son dispositif de suivi en 2014. Au seul premier trimestre 2026, 94 nouveaux morts ou disparus avaient été signalés, dont 61 à Djibouti.

L’OIM distribue eau et nourriture aux personnes qu’elle parvient à atteindre et accueille dans ses centres de transit celles qui demandent une aide au retour volontaire. Mais elle fait état de besoins croissants en soins médicaux et en services de protection, ainsi qu’en kits d’hygiène destinés notamment aux femmes et aux filles.

A ces besoins s’ajoutent désormais ceux des réfugiés arrivant du Yémen. A la mi-septembre, les Nations Unies avertissaient déjà que les nouvelles arrivées risquaient de dépasser les capacités d’accueil du pays. La plupart débarquent autour d’Obock, où les infrastructures et les communautés locales sont elles-mêmes sous pression.

Les autorités djiboutiennes ont jusqu’ici « réagi rapidement », a souligné M. Coissac. Mais, dans un pays d’un peu plus d’un million d’habitants, l’équation se complique à mesure que les traversées se poursuivent. Sur les deux rives de la mer Rouge, les trajectoires se répondent désormais avec une ironie tragique. Certains risquent leur vie pour quitter une guerre que d’autres sont encore prêts à traverser afin d’atteindre, plus loin, la promesse d’une vie meilleure.

Distribué par APO Group pour UN News.

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