Category: English

Source: APO – Report:

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As conflict intensifies between rival militaries in Sudan, the UN humanitarian wing (OCHA) expressed alarm on Monday over mounting civilian casualties and worsening humanitarian conditions across the country.

It has now been 842 days since conflict between troops from the military government and their former allies-turned-rivals in the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces erupted in Sudan, turning the country into the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.  

Heavy fighting continues in North Darfur State, with multiple civilian casualties reported in recent days – most notably during clashes in the state capital, El Fasher, on 1 and 2 August – following earlier violence between armed groups near the Abu Shouk camp for displaced people, which currently hosts 25,000 residents.

Starvation threat

One year after famine was confirmed in Zamzam camp on the outskirts of El Fasher, the city remains under siege, with no food aid deliveries entering by road, leaving residents of the regional capital increasingly facing starvation.  

Prices of food items such as sorghum and wheat are more than four times higher than elsewhere in the country, while many families are unable to afford even the most basic items.  

“Limited cash assistance continues, but it is nowhere near enough to meet rising needs,” said Deputy UN Spokesperson Farhan Haq on Monday during the daily briefing in New York.  

Cholera menace continues

Meanwhile, cholera continues to spread across Darfur, with nearly 1,200 cases reported – around 300 of them children – in the locality of Tawila since late June.  

In South Darfur, health authorities have reported more than 1,100 suspected cases and 64 deaths since late May, as “shortages of medical supplies, clean water and sanitation services are severely hampering the humanitarian response,” said Mr. Haq.  

The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warns that the lives of more than 640,000 under-fives are at heightened risk of violence, disease and hunger in the region.

Compounded crisis

In Blue Nile State, floods in Ed Damazine displaced more than 100 people and destroyed at least 200 tents at Al-Karama camp on 1 August, further compounding the challenges facing people who fled their homes due to conflict.  

Meanwhile, in Khartoum State, the presence of deadly landmines in multiple locations adds a dangerous new layer to the threats already faced daily by civilians.  

As OCHA’s Director of Operations, Edem Wosornu, visits Sudan this week to assess the humanitarian situation, the agency has called for sustained and expanded humanitarian access along with greater international support for the most vulnerable. 

– on behalf of UN News.

Source: APO

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Shiga Digital (https://Shiga.io), a fast-growing fintech company focused on blockchain-based financial applications, is redefining how pan-African businesses access and interact with modern financial services while unlocking the transformative potential of blockchain finance to empower Africa’s economic growth. 

Shiga Digital has recently been awarded the prestigious DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) Innovation License, marking a significant regulatory milestone that underscores the company’s commitment to operating within a robust and well-respected regulatory framework. The additional license, overseen by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), provides Shiga Digital with enhanced credibility and regulatory certainty as it continues to expand its blockchain-based financial services across Africa. 

The DIFC Innovation License positions Shiga Digital within one of the world’s leading financial centers, offering access to a sophisticated ecosystem of banks, asset managers, and financial service providers while operating under a clear regulatory framework specifically designed for virtual assets and blockchain technology. This achievement reinforces the company’s dedication to compliance and building trust with stakeholders across the continent. 

Shiga Digital’s platform was built specifically for African businesses seeking alternatives to legacy financial systems. By integrating blockchain-based tools, the company simplifies payments, enables faster cross-border trade, offers treasury management solutions, and provides transparent access to stable, secure digital finance. As a professional partner, Shiga Digital makes it easy for companies to start using blockchain technology, removing the traditional barriers that have made it difficult for businesses to leverage these powerful tools without an intermediary. 

The blockchain enables remarkable efficiency in critical business areas including payment processing, cross-border transactions, treasury operations, and financial reporting. However, in its current state, without an intermediary like Shiga Digital, it remains very difficult for most businesses to effectively leverage blockchain technology. This is precisely why Shiga Digital’s solutions have become the go-to choice for forward-thinking African companies. 

Shiga Digital’s capabilities were recently further boosted by a significant investment and formation of a strategic partnership with Tether, the largest company in the digital asset industry. This move signals growing international confidence in Africa’s fintech potential and Shiga Digital’s innovative approach to making blockchain finance accessible across the continent. 

The company is now uniquely positioned to help grow blockchain adoption among both customers and regulators alike, thanks to its deep understanding of African markets, regulatory compliance expertise, and commitment to building locally relevant solutions. By partnering with licensed financial transmitters in each of its markets, Shiga Digital ensures its services are fully compliant and aligned with applicable regulatory requirements, fostering trust and confidence among stakeholders. 

“Africa is on the cusp of a financial transformation, and at Tether, we believe in being more than just observers; we are active enablers,” said Paolo Ardoino, Chief Executive Officer at Tether. “Our strategic alliance with Shiga Digital is rooted in a shared belief that access to stable, secure, and scalable financial tools should not be a privilege, but a right. This partnership represents a long-term commitment to equipping African businesses with the technology and infrastructure needed to thrive in an increasingly digital global economy. Together, we are unlocking new pathways for growth and innovation and helping to shape a more inclusive financial future for the continent.” 

“At Shiga Digital, we’re not just developing technology, we’re building the infrastructure that will power Africa’s financial future,” added Abiola Shogbeni, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Shiga Digital. “Our mission is to level the financial playing field by equipping African businesses with blockchain tools that are intuitive, reliable, and locally relevant. We’ve experienced firsthand how seamless financial services can be in developed markets, and our goal is to make that a reality on the African continent as well. The opportunity before us is immense, blockchain finance has the power to empower Africa in unprecedented ways, and we’re working tirelessly to enable this transformation for our customers.” 

“What sets Shiga Digital apart is not just what we’re building, but why and how we’re building it – blockchain-based technology that makes digital finance accessible and relevant to African businesses,” said Dami Etomi, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Shiga Digital. “Our partnership with Tether is more than financial backing; it’s a strategic alliance rooted in a shared commitment to empowering the future of digital finance in Africa. The DIFC Innovation License further validates our approach and commitment to regulatory excellence. Together, we’re co-creating solutions and scaling impact to ensure African businesses are not only included but thrive in the global digital economy.” 

The company’s end-to-end platform, available via https://Shiga.io, offers businesses a reliable alternative to traditional banking systems, enabling seamless cross-border trade, simplifying stablecoin payments, providing comprehensive treasury management capabilities, and offering access to secure digital asset investments. By combining global technical standards with local insights, Shiga Digital’s unique perspective enables the fintech to deliver intuitive and effective tools specifically designed for businesses across the African continent which can be accessed via web application and will soon be available via mobile app for iOS and Android devices. 

Aligning with its vision of a world where financial freedom is not a privilege but a fundamental right, Shiga Digital’s innovative solutions are empowering African businesses with cutting-edge digital financial tools that harness the full potential of blockchain technology to drive economic growth and prosperity across the continent. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Shiga Digital.

Contact: 
Daniel Okechukwu 
+2348067499714 
daniel@shiga.io 

About Shiga Digital:
Shiga Digital is an international fintech company specialising in the development of cutting-edge applications utilising blockchain and AI technology. The company is dedicated to bridging the gap between traditional finance and blockchain, enabling users to access blockchain-powered financial services from anywhere, at any time. Founded in 2021, Shiga Digital provides innovative solutions to clients in over 15 countries worldwide, making digital finance more accessible and efficient for both businesses and individuals through professional partnership and expert guidance in blockchain adoption. 

If you are a business looking to understand more about how you can start to securely leverage blockchain technology, you can speak to us at product@shiga.io or contact us through the form at https://apo-opa.co/45lFgJW

Source: APO

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As Sudan humanitarian crisis deepens with escalating famine and conflict, women and girls are the bearing the brunt. A new report, Gender Snapshot: Women, Food Insecurity, and Famine Risk in Sudan, reveals that female-headed households face triple the risk of severe food insecurity compared to male-headed families. 

According to the Snapshot, 75 per cent of female-headed households cannot meet the basic food needs and severe food insecurity has nearly doubled in one year. Just 1.9 of them are food secure, versus 5.9 of male-headed households. The report also shows that 73 per cent of women nationally do not meet minimum dietary diversity, endangering maternal and child health.

This crisis is driven by systemic gender inequalities, compounded by conflict and displacement. s more women are left to head households—often due to the death or disappearance of male relatives—they face the steepest barriers to food, income, and aid. 

“With conditions now at near famine thresholds in several regions in the country, it is not just a food crisis, but a gender emergency caused by a failure of gender-responsive action”, says Salvator Nkurunziza, UN Women Representative in Sudan. “Women and girls are bearing the brunt of severe food insecurity, with fewer resources, less access to aid, and greater exposure to risk.”

Across Sudan, women-led organizations (WLOs) are operating food kitchens, delivering meals, and supporting displaced families — often without adequate funding. One WLO operating in eight states has been forced to shut down over half its kitchens due to lack of resources.

“Women are not only victims of conflict; they are also powerful agents of change,” continued Salvator Nkurunziza. “Women-led organizations are reaching last-mile communities and saving lives yet remain underfunded and excluded from key decision-making.”

As the humanitarian crisis in Sudan continues to escalate, UN Women is intensifying its support through partnerships with WLOs, providing critical incubation and mentorship to grassroots women’s groups, ensuring their active participation in humanitarian response efforts.

UN Women urgently calls humanitarian actors and donors to:

• Prioritize female-headed households and at-risk groups, including pregnant and breastfeeding women and adolescent girls, in all food assistance.
• Fund and elevate women-led food support initiatives with flexible, direct, and predictable financing and integrate women-led organizations into decision-making at all levels of the humanitarian response.
• Link food assistance to protection and recovery, including GBV mitigation and women’s livelihoods.

UN Women reaffirms its solidarity with the people of Sudan and calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities. UN Women urges parties to return to the negotiating table and engage in inclusive peace dialogue to restore stability and uphold human rights.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women – Africa.

Source: APO

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When the white tent appears at the edge of Bougweni, it feels like relief after a long drought. For Sitty Ahamadi, moving joyfully and smiling while at the clinic, “The place has opened my eyes. I now know that I can choose when to have a child, think about my health, and my children’s future. I feel stronger, freer.”

At 26, Sitty was expecting for the third time. On her first visit to the mobile clinic, she was exhausted but curious. Alongside other women from her village, she entered a large tent pitched under the shade of the trees. Inside, she says she discovered much more than care. She discovered a space for listening, respect, and learning. She found another world. Women in scrubs spoke to her gently, patiently explaining things.

“I learned things I didn’t know before,” she says. “Like how you can prepare for breastfeeding during pregnancy, or the right way to position your baby when feeding.”

For Sitty, this was transformative. The clinic also introduced her to family planning, an unspoken subject in her community. For the first time, she understood that birth spacing was not only possible, but her right. It was a way to protect her health, regain her strength between pregnancies, and give her children the attention they deserved.

Breaking the distance barrier

The mobile clinic on the island of Anjouan has been in use since 2020. Funded by UNFPA, the space is a much-needed safe haven for pregnant women. From the Village of Bougweni, the nearest hospital, Sima Health Center, is 10 kilometers away, a hard distance for a pregnant woman to reach on foot. 

“Sometimes, after a late period, you think you might be pregnant, but the journey, especially when you have to travel miles, makes you less likely to want to go to the doctor. Sometimes you don’t even have enough taxi fares. Then you get to a point where you think you’re just waiting for the birth,” explains Hanati Sidi, 37. Hanati is expecting her fourth child and shares the relief and happiness of having a clinic that’s close.

Consistency is key

The regular arrival of the mobile clinic, with the support of UNFPA, breaks this isolation. With UNFPA’s innovation and deployment of the mobile clinic, the rhythm of life for women in Bougweni has changed. Because the Mobile Clinic not only treats but also directs and encourages pregnant women to go to the hospital to prevent preventable maternal deaths.

“I wish she would come more often. I won’t hide it from you, when she comes here to Bougweni, everyone is happy. It’s like when it’s the dry season and you see the rain fall. Currently, I’m waiting for the clinic to check my vaccinations and be up to date,” Sitty explains.

The clinic provides essential healthcare services, including medication, personalized advice, and a compassionate ear. It embodies a humanistic approach, reaching out to those isolated by distance and lack of resources, assuring them they are not alone.

As a result, women like Sitty and Hanati are better informed and more empowered. While the mobile clinic is only a part of our interventions and actions, it paves the way for prevention, fosters autonomy, and restores dignity.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UNFPA – East and Southern Africa.

Source: APO

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 “It’s difficult to say how people feel. We all long for the violent outbreaks to stop but people also fear not being able to defend themselves if the worst happens.” 

At Manyang Kuel market, Alook Deng Akok has witnessed the conflicting sentiments of her customers about the disarmament campaign initiated by the new governor across Warrap State. 

Haunted by persistent cattle raids and outbreaks of violence, the mother of five recently resettled from Tonj to Kuajok where she is selling vegetables to support her family.

“Things feel safe here, but the situation is very different if you leave the surroundings of Kuajok. There is no safety outside,” she says.

For her, resettling has been easier because her husband is a Kuajok resident, which means they have shelter and the means to sustain themselves economically, albeit facing challenges due to slow business. 

For many others, their living experience is very different.

Following the return of hundreds of South Sudanese refugees over the years, Kuajok residents report a severe lack of accommodation, sanitation, food and clean drinking water.

“We don’t know how to support new community members as even long-term residents of are lacking the basic means to survive,” explains Alook. “What we need most is for the random violence to stop across Warrap State.” 

The government believes that disarming communities will decrease violence. However, these very weapons have also served as a deterrent and means of self-defense. It is difficult to get the balance right. 

Many traditional chiefs have not been supportive of the initiative, fearing they will be held responsible if the campaign leads to their communities suffering from further violence without the ability to protect themselves. 

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in Kuajok is supporting efforts to improve security across the state by increasing daily and long-distance peacekeeping patrols. 

Alternating daily between over 72 local schools, markets, police stations and health care facilities, they aim to provide a protective presence while also gathering insights about the needs of local communities.

“This country lies, first and foremost, in the hands of its people, so we try to dedicate as much time as possible to hear directly from them about how to best support their communities,” explains UNMISS Kuajok Patrol Leader Augustine Michael. 

For Alook, what matters most right now is achieving peace, through any means possible, not just for her family but all communities across South Sudan.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).