Category: English

Abuk Buol is a survivor in every sense of the word.

The 39-year-old endured horrific sexual violence, brutality and was forced from her home in Bor during the civil war that ravaged South Sudan.

“I struggled to cope with what happened,” she says. “Every time I saw a man, I felt scared, and I experienced long-lasting psychological distress.”

Today, she personifies strength and resilience.

Reunited with her family back home, the mother of six, is working to secure justice for the horrors that she and so many others endured and to rebuild her life.

“In 2018, I received training from the United Nations in tailoring and local soap-making. This empowered me to make soap and sell it to restaurants. Eventually, I was able to support my family.”

Abuk was among 60 participants at workshop in Juba focused on building on an existing project that seeks to ensure the socio-economic empowerment of survivors of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV).

The project delivers survivor-centered services in Jonglei, Unity, Western Equatoria and Juba, including medical care, psychosocial support, legal aid, and livelihood assistance, through referrals to specialised Family Protection or One Stop Centers. Supported by UNFPA, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, and the International Trade Centre, it also supports survivors in speaking out and supporting others. 

“The project has really helped survivors because, before we trained them how to be open, they could not really express their story in front of people, but now they are capable to talk about what happened to them and to advise others who have experienced sexual violence,” says Anna Reagan Tut from Rural Development Action Aid.

The objective of the workshop was to learn about the challenges in accessing services and reintegrating into society, share best practices, and strengthen coordination and partnerships. Most of all, it was to amplify the voices of the survivors.

“Their courage in seeking healing and justice is nothing short of inspiring,” says Sheila Keetharuth, Senior Women’s Protection Advisor at the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. “Each survivor’s story is a testament of their unyielding spirit and the importance of standing together against sexual violence in conflict.”

The workshop also provided an opportunity for partners to discuss the steps taken to prevent and respond to persistent sexual violence as well as to explore new measures.

 “As we know, conflict-related sexual violence is pervasive and is underreported in South Sudan,” says Esther Ikere Eluzai, Undersecretary Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare. “A lot of effort has been made to address this problem within communities and society more generally. But challenges remain, and I this project has been at the center of this response.”

The workshop aims to improve future projects and secure new commitments from national and international stakeholders to sustain support for CRSV survivors, as well as to encourage policy reform in South Sudan.

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

From June 25 to 28, 2025, in Abuja (Nigeria), Afreximbank (the African Export-Import Bank), a leading financial institution on the continent, will hold its 32nd Annual Meetings. This high-profile event will be broadcast live and in full on all AFRICA24 platforms (www.Africa24TV.com).

This prestigious gathering will bring together Heads of State, top global decision-makers, ministers, leaders of financial institutions, private sector stakeholders, experts, and entrepreneurs to engage in dialogue on major issues related to intra-African trade financing, industrialization, the AfCFTA, South-South partnerships, and the structural transformation of the continent.

In a global context marked by profound economic and geopolitical shifts, Afreximbank’s Annual Meetings provide Africa with a unique strategic platform to strengthen its economic sovereignty and boost continental cooperation.

360° Multilingual and Digital Audiovisual Coverage

To make the decisions and discussions shaping the future of African trade accessible to all, the AFRICA24 Group is deploying an exceptional editorial system featuring:

• Live broadcasts of plenary sessions, panels, and official speeches
• Exclusive interviews with key political and economic decision-makers present in Abuja
• Immersive reports on continental trends and innovations led by African stakeholders
• In-depth analysis of key issues from top experts
• Exclusive digital content available on MyAfrica24, the first HD streaming platform dedicated to Africa (available on Google Play)

Tune in on myafrica24 app (Google Play), AFRICA24 in French (Channel 170), and AFRICA24 English (Channel 176) on the Canal+Afrique bouquet.

With the AFRICA24 Group: Together, Let’s Transform Africa 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of AFRICA24 Group.

Contact:
Communications Department – AFRICA24 Group
Gaëlle Stella Oyono
Email: onana@africa24tv.com
Phone: +237 694 90 99 88

Social Media:
@ africa24tv
Website: www.Africa24TV.com

Since the outbreak of crises in Libya in 2012, then in Mali and the entire central Sahel, as well as the proliferation of Boko Haram in the countries of the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel region has been facing enormous security challenges that are aggravated by political, geopolitical, socio-economic, and environmental factors. The deterioration of the security situation is aggravated by highly porous borders, attacks by non-state armed groups as well as inter-community conflicts that have had and continue to have negative impacts on communities and force millions of people to be displaced. But also this situation has generated a major crisis of governance and lack of confidence in the governments of the affected countries having led to a wave of coups d’état and political transitions in : Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso and Chad.  The crisis in the Sahel prevails in a context where women were already subject to several forms of violence and discrimination underpinned by socio-cultural barriers deeply rooted in tradition. 

Against this backdrop, women are actively working for peace. They have organized themselves into associations at local, national, and regional levels to influence peace and to advocate for the advancement of their rights. But their efforts face several challenges, mainly organizational and lack of funding. It is in this context that UN Women has developed and is implementing since 2023 a program aimed at strengthening the capacities of women’s organizations for peace in the Sahel. Funded by the Government of  Netherlands, the program plans to support 103 organizations applying a comprehensive approach combining institutional, technical and advocacy support and partnership. 

Building on the commitments of UNSCR 1325, 2024 marked a pivotal shift toward strengthening local women’s organizations and positioning them as key actors for inclusive peace. At the core of the initiative, lies a powerful bet on grassroots transformation. A total of 103 women-led peace organizations received tailored support spanning institutional diagnostics, technical training, coaching, and access to equipment. Twelve organizations now operate from fully equipped, staffed offices, and five have successfully mobilized new funding based on project proposals developed with the program’s guidance.  Fifteen organizations began designing income-generating initiatives to secure independent funding streams. 

“The project transformed our structure. We revised our policies, gained visibility, and secured international funding.”
– Young women leader, APSJ Mauritania

Beyond capacity building, the program invested in coalition building and advocacy. A mapping of peace-focused women’s organizations was completed in all five countries, laying the foundation for connected national networks and an emerging regional alliance. Virtual convenings and a digital platform piloted in Mali are facilitating knowledge exchange and cross-border solidarity. The 103 organizations are now informally networked across countries, forming the backbone of a regional movement of women peacebuilders in the Sahel.

A cohort of 170 women leaders across the five countries received in-depth training in advocacy strategy, messaging, and influence. Women’s organizations developed national advocacy plans with concrete actions, strategic targets, and implementation roadmaps. The execution of those plans has already begun through targeted lobbying and partner engagement. So many successful advocacy initiatives have been conducted. For example, a National Women’s Dialogue was organized in Niger after the July 2023 coup, uniting 44 women’s groups to define priorities for inclusive transition. Those priorities were presented to the government and some of them considered in the transition roadmap. 

In all the five countries, women hold quarterly citizen dialogues  to reflect on solutions for durable peace and their inclusion in peace processes.

With a dedicated visual identity “Sahel Women’s Leadership for Peace” the initiative rolled out communications campaigns targeted millions of people across all countries. Public debates, radio programs, and digital storytelling amplified the voices and priorities of women peacebuilders, while increasing public awareness of the WPS agenda.

With this innovative approach, UNWOMEN is catalyzing deep shifts in the peace infrastructure of the region. From grassroots organizations gaining legitimacy and funding, to regional coalitions taking shape and national advocacy plans being rolled out, women are now repositioned as peace leaders. The initiative is not just building capacity, it is reshaping systems. And as these women organize, influence, and lead, they are redefining what inclusive peace looks like in some of the region’s most fragile contexts. Even though the region is still in crisis, there is hope that this women’s movement will contribute to the stabilization of the region.

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

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The Chairperson of the AU Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, received H.E. Charles Karamba, Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to Ethiopia & Permanent Representative to the African Union.

They exchanged views on regional peace and security, with a focus on the situations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Somalia.

The Chairperson welcomed the collaborative efforts of the EAC and SADC in de-escalating tensions in Eastern DRC and acknowledged progress towards a peace agreement.

The Chairperson & Amb. Karamba reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the implementation of the South Sudan peace agreement. On peacekeeping on the continent, they underscored the importance of sustainable peacekeeping financing, with UNSC Resolution 2719 providing a key framework for predictable support.

Ambassador Karamba expressed appreciation for the Chairperson’s early visit to Kigali and reiterated Rwanda’s continued support for his leadership.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

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On June 13, commencing at 5:15 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Dileita Mohamed Dileita, President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Djibouti.

1. At the outset, Minister Iwaya welcomed President Dileita’s visit to Japan, and stated that Djibouti, located along with the important sea lanes linking Europe and Asia, is a strategically important partner in promoting a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)’, and that it is a pleasure to witness the steady deepening of cooperation between the two countries in the field of maritime security.
2. Referring to the good relations between the two countries and his own special attachment toward Japan, President Dileita expressed his appreciation and gratitude for Japan’s development cooperation in various fields and for the Self-Defense Force (SDF) facility in Djibouti, and explained the strategic importance of Djibouti.
3. The two sides also exchanged views on issues, including regional situation in Africa and in East Asia such as their policies toward North Korea including on the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue, and concurred to further strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation in regional and international arena, with a view to the TICAD 9 to be held in August and Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

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With the severe cholera outbreak in Angola, residents are understandably alarmed. “What can we do to avoid getting sick?” asked Maesso Damião, a resident of Zaire Province, to World Health Organization (WHO) public health experts who recently visited the province. The team responded with simple advice on food hygiene, water treatment, and seeking early medical treatment. “This information can save our lives,” said Damião. 

In Angola, more than 25,000 cases and almost 800 deaths have been reported since the beginning of 2025 when the outbreak was declared. In Zaire Province, nearly 174 cases have been reported, with a very high case fatality rate of 5.7% as of 13 June 2025. Considering that 1% is the benchmark to indicate early and adequate treatment, the urgency to control the cholera outbreak is clear.

During its week-long visit to Zaire, the multidisciplinary WHO team visited the municipalities of Soyo, Nzeto, and M’banza Kongo, where cholera has affected vulnerable communities, including fisherfolk and informal traders. The team’s assessment revealed the challenges facing the response: treatment centres without adequate beds, shortages of materials, underreporting of cases, lack of sanitation, and difficulties in preparing chlorine solutions. 

The WHO team supported the improvement of the quality of care and biosafety (safe working practices when handling infectious agents) in four cholera treatment centres, the improvement of water safety, and distributed essential supplies and safe drinking water. They also trained 140 health professionals in epidemiological surveillance, clinical management, and infection prevention and control. 

“WHO’s support has enabled us to ensure crucial conditions to contain the outbreak, highlighting the importance of community involvement in disease prevention. This will allow us to adopt crucial measures for the future, prevent diseases and save lives,” said Zaire’s Provincial Health Director, Dr João Bernardo.

Collaboration with community leaders is essential to strengthen the response at the local level. More than 700 people took part in awareness-raising sessions at churches, beaches, and town squares. 

“Cholera is not only a medical emergency, but also an emergency of sanitation, treated water, information, dignity, and social justice. We must continue to work together to eliminate cholera and protect the population,” says Dr Raquel Medialdea-Carrera, WHO epidemiologist from WHO’s Pandemic hub in Berlin and a member of the WHO team currently working on the ground in Angola. 

Dr Indrajit Hazarika, WHO Representative in Angola, reinforced the importance of this integrated approach: “While the cholera outbreak is a cause for great concern, it also represents a critical opportunity for us to strengthen cooperation and the health systems and build more robust emergency preparedness. Our common goal is a healthier and more resilient Angola, and to that end, we hope we can count on everyone’s support.”

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

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President Wavel Ramkalawan visited the Paradise Arena at Roche Caiman earlier this week to assess preparations for the upcoming International Boxing Tournament being organised by Tides Seychelles.

Set to be hosted on home soil later this month, the highly anticipated event will welcome boxers from across the Indian Ocean and beyond, further establishing Seychelles as a growing hub for regional sporting competitions.

During his visit, the President had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Colvin Beaudouin representative of Tides Seychelles, as well as Mr. Ameer Afif from Hunt, Deltel & Co Ltd—the main sponsor of the event. The President also interacted with several local boxers and their coaches Mr Jerry Legras and Roland Raforme, commending their discipline, perseverance and dedication to the sport.

President Ramkalawan expressed his appreciation for the initiative undertaken by Tides Seychelles and praised the collaborative effort between private sponsors, local organisers, and the boxing community in promoting youth engagement and sporting excellence in Seychelles.

“The boxing ring is not just a platform for physical strength, but a symbol of discipline, respect and unity. I am proud to see our youth so determined and focused. Seychelles is proud of you,” said the President.

He further encouraged the young athletes to continue striving for greatness, reminding them that representing Seychelles on an international stage is both a privilege and a powerful opportunity.

The International Boxing Tournament promises to be a thrilling event on the nation’s sporting calendar and will serve as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the country.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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The Seychelles Trading Corporation (STC) marked a major milestone in the nation’s drive for food security on Friday morning with the official inauguration of its state-of-the-art cold storage facility at Bois de Rose. The ceremony was led by President Wavel Ramkalawan, joined by First Lady Mrs. Linda Ramkalawan and Vice President Ahmed Afif, and heralded a significant upgrade in the country’s food preservation and supply capabilities.

Entirely financed by STC at a cost of SCR 110 million, the new facility is the corporation’s most substantial infrastructure investment to date. Purpose-built to store fruits, vegetables, and meat products, it is designed to maintain robust food reserves while ensuring adherence to high standards of quality and safety for the Seychellois population.

The inauguration featured a symbolic unveiling of a commemorative plaque and a ribbon-cutting ceremony carried out by President Ramkalawan, Vice President Afif, STC Chief Executive Officer Mr. Ashik Hassan, and STC Board Chairman Mr. Imtiaz Umarji. The occasion underscored the government’s steadfast commitment to upgrading critical infrastructure in support of national food security.

“It is with great honour that we have managed to build this facility, demonstrating that STC has invested in something truly beneficial for our nation,” said President Ramkalawan in his keynote address. He highlighted the government’s broader vision of enhancing food systems resilience, noting that such infrastructure plays a vital role in achieving the country’s sustainable development goals.

STC CEO Mr. Ashik Hassan echoed the President’s sentiments, extending thanks to all stakeholders involved in the project. “This modern facility represents a significant milestone in modernizing our services through high-end technology that is both energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable,” he stated. Mr. Hassan also stressed the facility’s strategic importance in reinforcing STC’s operational effectiveness and its mission to support national food security. Outfitted with advanced refrigeration systems that meet international standards, the facility is poised to elevate Seychelles’ standing in regional food storage and distribution capabilities.

STC Board Chairman Mr. Imtiaz Umarji emphasized that the facility’s value extends well beyond its physical structure. “This facility is not just a building—it is critical infrastructure essential to ensuring food security by delivering fresh, quality products to every household at affordable prices,” he explained. “For our citizens, this represents reduced prices and decreased wastage, reflecting our collective effort to achieve greater self-sufficiency amid global market volatility.”

The ceremony concluded with a guided tour of the facility, offering dignitaries and invited guests an opportunity to witness firsthand the sophisticated technology and logistics operations that will serve the nation for years to come.

The event also featured vibrant cultural performances, including patriotic recitals and musical tributes, in celebration of this landmark national achievement.

This development aligns closely with the government’s broader strategic priorities: to fortify national food security, promote economic resilience, and advance sustainable development across all sectors. The cold storage facility is expected to significantly enhance Seychelles’ ability to manage food reserves efficiently, stabilize prices, and minimize food waste.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.