Category: Africa

Posted on

Call to make use of National Dialogue platform 

Source: Government of South Africa

With the country today hosting the first National Convention that will lay the groundwork and set the agenda for the National Dialogue, South Africans are being urged to make use of the “historic” opportunity it provides.

“It is my hope that South Africans will grab the opportunity to make the National Dialogue as inclusive, as radical, as thoroughgoing as possible so that we do not miss this historic opportunity,” Deputy Chairperson of the National Planning Commission (NPC), Professor Tinyiko Maluleke told SAnews ahead of the first day of the convention taking place at the University of South Africa (UNISA) Main Campus in Pretoria.

The NPC is an independent advisory body and think tank appointed by the President.  The Commission is the custodian of South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP): Vision 2030. 

The two-day convention, which will conclude on Saturday, 16 August, is being held under the theme: “Uniting Voices, Shaping the Nation.”

The views, concerns and proposals that will emerge from the conversation will be brought together at a second National Convention that will be held at a later stage with the expectation being that the second convention will finalise a compact that outlines a new social compact for the development of our country.

In June, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the appointment of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) to guide and “champion” the dialogue with Professor Maluleke being one of two co-chairs of the group of 31 which President Ramaphosa described as “leading figures in our society, reflecting the great diversity of our nation, with a proven commitment to the advancement of social cohesion and nation-building.”

In an interview with SAnews, Professor Maluleke said the country is at a crossroad with challenges such as unemployment and gender-based violence.

“We have had an elections process last year that has sent back the political parties ruling or non-ruling back to the drawing board. We have [a] high unemployment rate; we have problems of gender-based violence. [The] levels of trust in government and in formal structures have gone very low and people are cynical about everything. 

“We have reached a point where we doubt whether the democratic instruments we have are still fit for purpose to carry us forward as a country and that’s why we need a National Dialogue,” said Maluleke.

Speaking ahead of the group’s inaugural meeting last month, the President said the convention would be a representative gathering bringing together government, political parties, civil society, business, labour, traditional leaders, religious leaders, cultural workers, sports organisations, women, youth and community voices, among others.

Why talk?

Maluleke said he was cognisant that some South Africans are of the view that dialogue is not a necessity.

“I’ve heard people who say why talk because we know what the problems are. I think that is very presumptuous half the time, because this idea that we know the problems of our people is the idea that has brought us to this moment of a conundrum where a select elite group of people – whether politicians, leaders of different types of organisations presume that they know that they alone can speak on behalf of people,” he explained.

He further explained that this is a form of disdain.

“It is a kind of disdain for people; [it says] don’t talk to the people, talk to us. But how can you know what it feels like to live in a house where sewage is running inside your living room?” he remarked.

“This presumption that we know and therefore we should just move on is actually dangerous and in some ways disdainful of the people of South Africa. I think that the people of South Africa want to dialogue because they want to be heard and they want to be part of the solutions to the problems that we face,” he explained.

Serving South Africa 

He further added that the EPG is made up of individuals dedicated to serving South Africa inc.
“The group is of course a group of volunteers. None of whom and all of whom are not on the payroll of government or anyone. We all have our jobs; we simply are volunteering to serve our country,” he said.

Asked about what it is like to be a part of the EPG, Maluleke said it was an honour and privilege. This as the inaugural meeting between President Ramaphosa and members of the EPG was held on 11 July 2025.

Maluleke co-chairs the group alongside former Minister and constitutional negotiator, Roelf Meyer, with the two deputy-chairs being former Member of Parliament (MP) Lindiwe Mazibuko and award-winning rocket scientist, Siyabulela Xuza.

“I am hugely surprised and honoured to be standing next to your Brigalia Bam’ s [former Electoral Commission Chairperson]; your John Kani’s [award-winning actor]; your Barbara Masekela [poet, educator and stalwart] and dynamic younger South Africans like Lindiwe Mazibuko and Nompendulo Mkhatshwa [student activist and former MP].

Readiness 

Meanwhile, Deputy President Paul Mashatile this week convened the National Dialogue Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) to receive a report on the state of readiness ahead of the first convention.
The Deputy President chairs the IMC, which comprises government departments to coordinate the government’s contribution towards the National Convention and the National Dialogue. 

The report, which was presented by the Chairperson of the Convention Organising Committee, Boichoko Ditlhake, and National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) Executive Director, Makhukhu Mampuru, provided a comprehensive update on the work done and assured the Deputy President that all is on track for the convention.

“The IMC noted the decision by some Foundations to pull out of the preparations for the National Convention and requested that the Deputy President engage these Foundations in the process towards this inclusive dialogue,” said the Presidency in a statement on Thursday.

Earlier this week, Ditlhake said the convention would be a citizen-led process while adding that provision has been made for 1000 delegates at the sessions.

This first National Convention is the kick-off of the process and spirit of the 12-month National Dialogue. 

President Ramaphosa is set to deliver the keynote address today and a session on the setting of expectations and a plenary panel is expected to be held.

According to a draft programme, the second day of the convention is expected to include a plenary involving the consolidation of a report from dialogue labs. –SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Presidency media briefing by the Presidential Spokesperson

Source: President of South Africa –

PUBLIC PROGRAMME OF THE PRESIDENT 

FIRST NATIONAL CONVENTION OF THE NATIONAL DIALOGUE

As South Africa begins the process of a National Dialogue – a long term process to rebuild trust, address deepest challenges, and shape a shared future, President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday, 15 August 2025 lead the government delegation and officially open the First National Convention, an agenda-setting and a road map process to chart a way-forward for an all inclusive and citizens-led dialogue.

The First National Convention will be held from 15-16 August 2025 at the University of South Africa, ZK Matthews Great Hall, in Pretoria.

The convention will bring together about 1 000 delegates representing the diversity of the South African nation from government, political parties, civil society, business, labour, traditional leaders, religious leaders, cultural workers, sports organisations, women, youth, community voices, among others.

The National Dialogue will kick-off with the 1st National Convention and end with a 2nd National Convention to consolidate the outcomes through a Peoples Compact with commitments for citizens, sectors, government, business, labour, civil society, families to heal and rebuild our nation. 

The National Dialogue is aimed at re-energising community and citizen agency. The ward-based and citizen-initiated dialogues will develop Community Action Plans and Sectoral Compacts for sustained people-led development, mutual accountability, strengthening of civil society and deepening democracy. 

The National Dialogue Roadmap envisages an inclusive, intergenerational, citizen-led process of dialogue, that reaches every corner of our land, and all sectors. The National Dialogue is a process of learning by doing, sharing, problem-solving and listening to each other as we co-create the Peoples Compact.

The President appointed the Eminent Persons Group drawn from across all sectors of society to develop a concrete plan to ensure the dialogue is inclusive, transparent and truly reflective of the voices of all South Africans.

He also appointed an Inter-Ministerial Committee under the Chairship of the Deputy President Paul Mashatile to coordinate government’s contribution to the National Dialogue.

Following the Convention, the dialogue process will unfold in phases through extensive sectoral engagements and community dialogues across rural and urban areas, to ensure participatory process and contribution by all citizens to directly shape the agenda and outcomes of the National Dialogue. 

The National Dialogue will address critical challenges on:

•⁠  ⁠Poverty, Inequality and hunger
•⁠  ⁠Economic transformation and job creation
•⁠  ⁠Social cohesion and nation building
•⁠  ⁠Gender-based violence and safety
•⁠  ⁠Governance, accountability, and particularly democracy
•⁠  ⁠Land reform and food security.

The National Dialogue also presents an opportunity to forge a National Compact that outlines clear commitments and responsibilities for various stakeholders.

17 AUGUST 2025 45TH ORDINARY SADC SUMMIT OF HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT

President Cyril Ramaphosa will attend the Southern African Development Community (SADC) 45th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government on 17 August 2025 at the Ivato Conference Center in Antananarivo, Republic of Madagascar. 

The summit is a historic moment for Madagascar, following the country’s membership of SADC in August 2005.

Hosted under the theme, “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC,” the Summit will focus on accelerating regional integration through key pillars: strengthening industrial capacity and regional value chains, modernising agriculture, and promoting an inclusive energy transition, all aimed at building a resilient, sustainable, and cohesive SADC region.

During the Summit, His Excellency Mr. Andry Rajoelina, President of the Republic of Madagascar, will officially assume the SADC Chairpersonship, succeeding His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe.

The Summit will review progress on the implementation of the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030, consider the report from the Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, and review achievements under the 44th Summit theme: “Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustained Economic Growth and Development towards an Industrialised SADC.”

South Africa will also formally accept it’s Chairship of SADC for 2026-2027.

20 AUGUST 2025 TOKYO INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT

President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead South Africa’s High Level delegation participation to the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Japan. 

The 9th TICAD Summit will convene in Yokohama from 20–22 August 2025 under the theme “People, Planet, and Prosperity in a Changing World.”

Launched by Japan in 1993, the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD is co-hosted with the UN, UNDP, World Bank, and African Union Commission and has become a premier forum for African development.

Grounded in African ownership and international partnership, TICAD has steadily evolved from conflict prevention and human security (TICAD I–III) to economic transformation, innovation, and universal health coverage (UHC) (TICAD VI–VIII).

The President will address a South Africa- Japan Business Engagement in Yokohama. Bilateral trade between Japan and South Africa had been expanding since the establishment of full diplomatic relations in 1992. Japan is one of the major investors in the South African economy and has a presence in South Africa of 273 companies, sustaining over 200 000 local jobs. TICAD 9 will gather over 20 African heads of state and government, senior AU, UN, World Bank, and AfDB leadership, philanthropic actors, and bilateral partners including the G7, G20, and BRICS.

GENERAL RUDZANI MAPHANYWA VISIT TO IRAN

The South African Defence Force (SANDF) is enabled by bilateral and multilateral frameworks to forge ties with other military forces around the world. 

The exchange of knowledge and the strengthening of professional military to military cooperation is encouraged within our system of government, this includes joint training drills with other countries, cooperation on peacekeeping and rescue mission during natural disasters.

However, senior military officers do not engage outside of their military purview and they do not represent the country on foreign policy matters neither are they delegated to perform such functions.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Posted on

Soudan: 40 morts en une semaine lors de la pire épidémie de choléra des dernières années

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Au Soudan, la population, déjà affaiblie par la guerre qui dure depuis plus de deux ans, est confrontée à la pire épidémie de choléra que le pays ait connu depuis des années. Déclarée il y a un an par le ministère de la Santé, l’épidémie avait déjà causé plus de 2 470 décès et près de 99 700 cas suspects le 11 août 2025. Rien que dans la région du Darfour, les équipes de Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) ont traité plus de 2 300 patients atteints de choléra en un mois et enregistré 40 décès au cours de la semaine dernière, dans des établissements gérés par le ministère de la Santé. 

Dans tout le Darfour, le choléra touche des populations déjà confrontées à de graves pénuries d’eau, rendant impossible le respect des mesures d’hygiène essentielles, telles que le lavage de la vaisselle et des aliments. La situation est particulièrement critique à Tawila, dans l’État du Darfour du Nord, où 380 000 personnes ont fui les combats qui se poursuivent autour de la ville assiégée d’El Fasher, selon les Nations unies. Le centre de traitement du choléra de l’hôpital de Tawila, doté officiellement de 130 lits, a accueilli 400 patients durant la première semaine d’août. Face à la saturation de l’établissement, le personnel a installé des matelas à même le sol pour répondre à l’urgence.  

À Tawila, les habitants survivent avec une moyenne de seulement trois litres d’eau par jour, moins de la moitié du seuil minimum d’urgence fixé par l’OMS à 7,5 litres par personne pour boire, cuisiner et se laver. Alors que les cas de choléra continuent d’augmenter et que les ressources s’épuisent, la mise en place urgente de services d’approvisionnement en eau potable et d’assainissement est essentielle pour prévenir de nouveaux décès. 

« Dans les camps de déplacés et de réfugiés, les familles n’ont souvent d’autre choix que de boire de l’eau contaminée, ce qui entraîne de nombreux cas de choléra », explique Sylvain Penicaud, coordinateur de projet MSF à Tawila. « Il y a deux semaines, un corps a été retrouvé dans un puits situé à l’intérieur d’un des camps. Le corps a été retiré et deux jours plus tard, les habitants ont dû se résoudre à boire à nouveau l’eau de ce puits. » 

À environ 100 kilomètres de Tawila, un premier cas de choléra a été signalé à Golo, dans l’État du Darfour-Central, le 13 juillet. MSF a ensuite ouvert un centre de traitement du choléra de 73 lits à l’hôpital de Golo. Ce centre a rapidement été submergé, accueillant 137 patients pour la seule journée du 3 août. Cinq points de réhydratation orale ont été mis en place autour de Golo, afin de prévenir l’aggravation de l’état des patients. Malgré ces efforts, nos équipes constatent une propagation rapide de l’épidémie. Début août, le choléra a atteint Zalingei et Rokero, dans l’État du Darfour-central, ainsi que Sortony, dans l’État du Darfour du Nord. 

Les fortes pluies aggravent la crise en contaminant l’eau et en endommageant les systèmes d’égouts. Le nombre de cas continue d’augmenter dans l’État du Darfour du Sud, où MSF, en coordination avec le ministère de la Santé, a augmenté la capacité du centre de traitement du choléra de Nyala à 80 lits. Sur place, les équipes attendent des vaccins et font face à une grave pénurie de comprimés pour purifier l’eau. 

« Les centres de santé sont débordés », explique Samia Dahab, résidente du camp de déplacés d’Otash à Nyala. « Certaines zones ont de l’eau, d’autres ont des points d’eau qui sont éloignés ou à sec. Une partie de l’eau est salée, et nous la buvons sans la faire bouillir, sans savoir si elle est réellement potable. » 

Alors que les populations fuient les combats, le choléra continue de se propager au Soudan ainsi que dans les pays voisins, le Tchad et le Soudan du Sud. À Damazin, dans l’État du Nil Bleu, MSF et le ministère de la Santé ont augmenté la capacité du centre de traitement du choléra de l’hôpital local de 50 à 250 lits en juillet, afin de faire face à l’afflux de rapatriés en provenance du Soudan du Sud. Dans ce centre, les équipes de MSF constatent une combinaison mortelle de choléra et de malnutrition. Entre le 3 et le 9 août, six patients décédés souffraient à la fois de choléra et de malnutrition aiguë. 

« La situation est plus qu’urgente », déclare Tuna Turkmen, chef de mission de MSF au Soudan. « L’épidémie ne se limite plus aux camps de déplacés : elle s’étend désormais à de nombreuses localités dans les États du Darfour et au-delà. » 

« La réponse internationale doit reposer sur des actions d’urgence coordonnées pour fournir des soins, améliorer l’accès à l’eau potable et aux services d’assainissement, et déployer des campagnes de vaccination contre le choléra dans les zones touchées, à un rythme adapté à l’urgence de la situation », poursuit Tuna Turkmen. « Chaque jour de retard coûte des vies. MSF est prête à collaborer avec le ministère de la Santé, l’UNICEF et l’OMS pour lancer des campagnes de vaccination de masse dans tout le Darfour. » 

Distribué par APO Group pour Médecins sans frontières (MSF).

Posted on

Le Président Ndayishimiye présente solennellement le nouveau Gouverneur de Butanyerera et l’Administrateur de Ngozi

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le Chef de l’État burundais, Son Excellence Évariste Ndayishimiye, a procédé ce 14 août 2025, au stade Agasaka, à la présentation officielle du nouveau Gouverneur de la province de Butanyerera, le Général de Brigade Victor Segasago ainsi que de l’Administrateur communal de Ngozi, M. Dominique Ndikuryayo.

Dans son allocution, le Président de la République s’est félicité de bons leaders issus des élections de 2025 et a exprimé sa satisfaction quant aux initiatives déjà entreprises par les autorités provinciales pour générer des devises étrangères et impulser le développement. Il a salué les progrès déjà accomplis par la population de Butanyerera et l’a encouragée à poursuivre sur cette lancée.

Le Chef de l’État a exhorté les nouveaux responsables à demeurer des serviteurs exemplaires de la population, à assurer une coordination efficace des services provinciaux, à effectuer des visites régulières dans toutes les communes afin d’écouter les préoccupations des citoyens et d’apporter des solutions concrètes.

Il a également appelé la population à travailler avec ardeur, à protéger l’environnement, à mieux exploiter les eaux de pluie et à suivre attentivement les orientations de leurs dirigeants.

Prenant la parole à leur tour, le Gouverneur Victor Segasago et l’Administrateur Dominique Ndikuryayo ont exprimé leur profonde gratitude pour la confiance placée en eux par le Président et la population. Ils ont assuré qu’ils ne ménageront aucun effort pour servir avec dévouement les citoyens et œuvrer pour l’amélioration durable de leur bien-être.

Signalons que les cérémonies de présentation solennelle de ces leaders se sont déroulées devant une foule nombreuse venue des quatre coins de la province.

Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République du Burundi.

Posted on

Primeira-Ministra empossa novos dirigentes de instituicoes publicas

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Baixar .tipo

A Primeira-Ministra, empossou, na tarde desta quarta-feira, cinco novos quadros da Função Pública, com destaque para os presidentes do Conselho de Administração da ProAzul, da Administração Nacional de Estradas (ANE) e da Agência Metropolitana de Transportes. 

Benvinda Levi exigiu da empossada “entrega abnegada ao serviço do povo” e resultados concretos, afastando a margem para desculpas.  

“Caros empossados, é a vossa responsabilidade assegurar o cumprimento da missão das instituições para as quais foram nomeados, promovendo um ambiente de harmonia e colaboração interinstitucional. Neste processo, deverão privilegiar o trabalho em equipa, promovendo valores como inclusão, integridade e transparência em todos os processos, respeitando e fazendo respeitar a lei e os procedimentos estabelecidos”, afirmou.

O novo presidente do Conselho de Administração da ANE, Paulo Fumane, garantiu que vai trabalhar para que a transitabilidade no país atinja o nível desejado. 

“É verdade que trabalhei no sector do Estado há alguns anos, mas acabei de tomar posse e preciso de sentar com os colegas e, dentro das minhas competências, recolher toda a informação necessária. Temos de encontrar soluções para a N1, que é a espinha dorsal do país, e que deve ter padrão e qualidade de primeiro nível, garantindo comodidade e segurança no transporte de pessoas e bens”, disse.

Por sua vez, o novo presidente do Fundo de Desenvolvimento da Economia Azul (ProAzul), Osvaldo Petersburgo, prometeu imprimir uma nova dinâmica ao sector. 

“Vamos encorajar e galvanizar a área marinha e aquática, promover o turismo e desenvolver a extensa costa moçambicana, sempre respeitando as orientações e a visão do Presidente da República e do Conselho de Ministros”, assegurou.

O recém-nomeado presidente da Agência Metropolitana de Transportes de Maputo, Fernando Andela, afirmou estar empenhado em melhorar a mobilidade urbana. 

“Temos a responsabilidade de garantir a implementação do projecto de BRT, avaliado em mais de 250 milhões de dólares, para além de iniciativas envolvendo automotoras, comboios e autocarros de grande capacidade, conhecidos como ‘Papabichas’”, referiu.

Para o Secretariado Técnico de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional, foi empossada como secretária executiva adjunta Carla Mosse Lázaro, que quer acelerar o combate à desnutrição crónica. 

“Com a criação do grupo técnico a nível de base, vamos melhorar a planificação, redistribuir parceiros pelos diferentes distritos e comunidades e reforçar a monitoria e avaliação das acções”, explicou.

Na mesma cerimónia, foi ainda empossada Emília Fumo como directora-adjunta do Instituto Nacional de Saúde.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Portal do Governo de Moçambique.

Posted on

Home Affairs Chairperson Calls for Prosecution Against Those Responsible for Germiston Department of Home Affairs (DHA) Fire

Source: APO


.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs, Mr Mosa Chabane, has learned with despair of the fire at the Department of Home Affairs’ Germiston office. Mr Chabane called for a speedy investigation that will lead to prosecution, as the damage is not only infrastructural but will impact negatively on users’ ability to access home affairs services.

“The burning of public infrastructure during a protest is regressive and robs citizens of accessing the necessary services from the DHA. This trend also puts more pressure on an already stretched fiscus as more resources would have to be found to establish a new office,” Mr Chabane said.

The South African Police Service must move with speed to investigate and arrest whoever is involved in the incident. “The South African Constitution recognises and protects the right to protest, but that must be done within the confines of the law. The lawlessness that resulted in the burning of the DHA office must not be tolerated,” Mr Chabane emphasised.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson welcomed the swift action by the DHA in making available mobile trucks to ensure that innocent clients are not deprived of DHA services while investigations are underway. In addition, the activation of additional nearby offices will ensure that citizens who rely on the Germiston offices are not adversely affected.

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

Posted on

Absence of Synergy on Diplomatic Messaging May Harm South Africa’s Potential, International Relations (IR) Committee Chair

Source: APO


.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Supra Mahumapelo, has called on all government departments and officials to let the President give guidance on matters related to diplomacy and the US.

Mr Mahumapelo said diplomatic relations is a complex terrain and needs to be monitored by people who are authorised at all times. It appears, he said, that everyone has an opinion on how the government and South Africa should relate with the world, owing to the much-publicised diplomatic challenges in South Africa’s relationship with the US and the steep 30% US tariff increases imposed on South Africa, along with a host of other countries.

Mr Mahumapelo said the committee believes that the government must be given space to consider how it will rebuild lasting relationships with the US that will be beneficial to South Africans and Americans alike.

He added that it would be preferable if South Africa’s special-envoy designate to the US leads in South Africa’s response to any new trade packages. “This will also enable for diplomatic negotiations between Pretoria and Washington, which is in the interest of all our citizens. We believe that South Africa remains the gateway to the markets in sub-Saharan Africa. It therefore is a diplomatic and trade channel that the US cannot contemplate to lose.”

Mr Mahumapelo also noted what he called the unfortunate utterances attributed to the General of the South African National Defence Force relating to South Africa’s relations with Iran. “We believe our ambassador in the Middle East needed to have given guidance and approval on what had been widely reported, but the country requires no permission or endorsement on who it deals with at diplomatic level,” said Mr Mahumapelo.

He said the absence of synergy in diplomacy may ruin South Africa’s potential in an era of unstable geo-political relations.

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

Posted on

War fuels cholera outbreak across Sudan with Médecins sans frontières (MSF) seeing over 2,300 patients and 40 dead in one week

Source: APO


.

  • The worst cholera outbreak Sudan has had in years is currently spreading, fuelled by the ongoing conflict.
  • People are now grappling with the outbreak on top of the all out war they have experienced over two years.
  • In Darfur region alone, MSF teams saw over 2,300 cholera patients, and 40 deaths, in the last week alone.

On top of an all out war, people in Sudan are now experiencing the worst cholera outbreak the country has seen in years. First declared by the Ministry of Health one year ago, there has since been 99,700 suspected cases and more than 2,470 related deaths, as of 11 August. In Darfur region alone, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams treated over 2,300 patients and recorded 40 deaths in the past week for cholera, at facilities run by the Ministry of Health.

Across Darfur, cholera is hitting people who already struggled with water shortages that made it impossible to follow essential hygiene measures, such as washing dishes and food. The situation is most extreme in Tawila, North Darfur state, where 380,000 people have fled to escape ongoing fighting around the city of El Fasher, according to the United Nations.

By the end of July, after one month of responding, MSF teams treated over 2,300 cholera patients in collaboration with the Ministry of Health in Tawila. The cholera treatment centre at Tawila Hospital, officially equipped with 130 beds, had to accommodate 400 patients during the first week of August, overwhelming the facility and forcing staff to add extra mattresses on the floor to cope.

In Tawila, people survive with an average of just three litres of water per day, which is less than half the emergency minimum threshold of 7.5 litres needed per person per day for drinking, cooking, and hygiene, as stipulated by the WHO. As cholera cases rise and resources run out, clean water and sanitation services are urgently needed to prevent more deaths.  

“In displacement and refugee camps, families often have no choice but to drink from contaminated sources and many contract cholera,” says Sylvain Penicaud, MSF project coordinator in Tawila. “Just two weeks ago, a body was found in a well inside one of the camps. It was removed, but within two days, people were forced to drink from that same water again.”

About 100 kilometres from Tawila, cholera was reported in Golo, Central Darfur state, on 13 July. MSF opened a 73-bed cholera treatment centre in Golo hospital. This centre was quickly overwhelmed, with 137 patients arriving on 3 August alone. Five oral rehydration points were set up around Golo to manage mild cases and prevent deterioration, but our teams see that the outbreak is still spreading fast. In early August, cholera reached Zalingei and Rokero in Central Darfur state, and Sortony in North Darfur state.

Heavy rains are worsening the crisis by contaminating water and damaging sewage systems. Cases are continuing to rise in South Darfur state, as well, where MSF, in coordination with the Ministry of Health, has expanded the cholera treatment centre in Nyala to 80 beds. There, the response is waiting for vaccines and facing a severe shortage of water purification tablets.

“The health centres are full,” says Samia Dahab, a resident of Otash displacement camp in Nyala. “Some areas have water, others have kiosks that are far or empty. Some water is salty, and we drink it unboiled, unsure if it’s safe.” 

As people move around to flee fighting, cholera is spreading further, in Sudan and into neighbouring Chad and South Sudan. In Damazin, Blue Nile state, Sudan, MSF and the Ministry of Health expanded the Damazin hospital cholera treatment centre from 50 to 250 beds in July to cope with an influx of returnees from South Sudan. At this centre, our teams are seeing a deadly combination of cholera and malnutrition. Between 3 and 9 August, six cholera patients who died were also suffering from acute malnutrition.

“The situation is beyond urgent,” says Tuna Turkmen, MSF’s head of mission in Sudan. “The outbreak is spreading well beyond displacement camps now, into multiple localities across Darfur states and beyond.”

“The international response must have an outbreak emergency coordination mechanism able to provide healthcare, improve water and sanitation services, and begin cholera vaccination campaigns in affected areas at a pace that matches the urgency this catastrophic situation requires,” says Turkmen. “Every day of delay costs lives. MSF stands ready to collaborate with the Ministry of Health, UNICEF, and WHO to launch mass vaccination campaigns across Darfur. Survivors of war must not be left to die from a preventable disease.” 

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

Posted on

United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)’s iconic Africa Hall wins international architecture award

Source: APO


.

The iconic Africa Hall has won its first 2025 International Architecture Award, given by The Chicago Athenaeum – Museum of Architecture and Design; and The European Centre for Architecture Art, Design and Urban Studies – in the restoration/renovation category.

Originally designed by Arturo Mezzèdimi, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa officially opened in 1961, but over 50 years later, the building required significant intervention that would ultimately lead to a decade-long investment to restore the building.

“The modernist masterpiece was tasked with the aspirational goal of bringing unity to Africa – on behalf of our heritage team, it was a privilege to restore this cultural landmark. Thank you to the jury for recognising the project, and congratulations to all involved in the awards program,” Architectus Conrad Gargett, representatives say on the company’s LinkedIn page. The company also acknowledged Rory Gardiner, a specialised visual artist and a photographer of architecture, interiors and landscape, often commissioned to capture prestigious architectural sites around the world. His specialised approach to taking the images of Africa Hall has been key to Africa Hall’s global appeal among architects, historians and visual artists.

ECA congratulates Architectus Conrad Gargett for submitting the renovation project for an award and recognises the important role of the Africa Hall Project Team Lead, Antonio Baio, for upholding the vision of retaining Africa Hall’s authenticity in the course of the renovation works over 5 years. 

“I’m delighted to share with all this recognition we got for a great achievement. I had the honor to lead the team that made it possible, and the pleasure to share nine years with such a great group of colleagues and partners. Sincerely proud of us, a wonderful example of teamwork. My best wishes to ECA colleagues who are now taking it over and making it serve the African People, to whom this marvellous piece of architecture and art was dedicated,” says Antonio Baio.

The restoration of this monument to Africa’s History would not have been possible without the steering role played by the ECA leadership and the former Deputy Executive Secretary Antonio Pedro, the Africa Hall Advisory Board members, contracted personnel, the Government of Ethiopia and staff across the entire ECA and the UN system, who played their part in many unique and unsung ways. This iconic building also holds significant historical restored artworks, such as those by #AfeworkTekle and #NenneSanguinetiPoggi.

Now in its 20th year, The International Architectural Awards are the oldest and most prestigious distinguished global building awards program that honors new and cutting-edge design worldwide. This annual programme also promotes international architecture and design to a worldwide public audience and is supported by the online magazine Global Design News.

According to Ioannis Karalias, Architect and Museum Vice President at the Chicago Athenaeum, this year, the Museum received a record number of projects for new buildings, landscape architecture, and urban planning projects from the most important international firms practising globally. 

An international jury composed of several distinguished designers worked remotely and selected over 250 Awards and Honorable Mentions from a shortlist of over 1,200 submitted projects. 

A full list of winning projects for 2025 can also be viewed soon at the Museum’s websites at www.chi-athenaeum.org and internationalarchitectureawards.com or at www.europeanarch.eu.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).

Posted on

Bambouti : Un réseau local pour signaler les actes d’exploitation et d’abus sexuels

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Mise en place par la MINUSCA en juin 2025 à Bambouti, dans la préfecture du Haut-Mbomou, ce réseau de signalement vise à lutter contre les actes d’exploitation et d’abus sexuels pouvant impliquer les Casques bleus, afin de renforcer la prévention et d’encourager la dénonciation de ces actes.

Cette initiative s’inscrit dans le cadre de la mise en œuvre de la politique de « Tolérance zéro » du Secrétaire général de l’ONU.

Le réseau a pour mission de signaler à l’Équipe de déontologie et de discipline de la MINUSCA toutes les inconduites pouvant impliquer les Casques bleus.

« Nous sommes satisfaits. Nous pensons qu’avec leur engagement et leur motivation, ils vont contribuer à la Mission de CDT », a indiqué Neil Audrey Samafou, Chargée de la conduite et discipline de la MINUSCA.

Rufin Mbikomboli, l’un des participants, se réjouit de la mise en place de ce réseau dans sa localité. « Beaucoup de choses peuvent nous échapper, mais avec la mise en place de ce réseau de signalement, nous pourrons signaler tous les actes d’inconduite, d’exploitation ou d’abus sexuels commis par le personnel de la MINUSCA ici à Bambouti, qu’il soit civil ou militaire. On m’a également appris comment signaler les cas via le numéro vert 4044 », a-t-il déclaré.

La mise en place de ce réseau a permis aux participants d’être mieux outillés pour le signalement des incidents liés aux actes d’exploitation et d’abus sexuels.

Rappelons que, depuis plusieurs années, la ville de Bambouti avait été désertée par ses habitants, qui avaient fui les conflits armés pour se réfugier au Sud-Soudan. Cependant, grâce au déploiement récent de la Force de la MINUSCA dans la région, en mai 2024, la paix revient progressivement.

Distribué par APO Group pour United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).