Category: English

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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The ambush took place on Friday along the Birao-Am Dafock axis in the volatile Vakaga Prefecture, in northeastern CAR, close to the border with conflict-hit Sudan.

According to the stabilization mission, MINUSCA, the patrol was targeted by “unidentified armed elements” in the locality of Am-Sissia.

Attack may be a war crime

In a statement released by his Spokesperson on Sunday, Secretary-General António Guterres extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved families, as well as to the Government and people of Zambia, and wished a swift recovery to the injured soldier.

He stressed that attacks against UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law and urged the Central African authorities “to spare no effort in identifying the perpetrators of this tragedy so that they can be brought to justice swiftly”.

This marks the third fatal attack against MINUSCA peacekeeping patrols since the start of 2025.

In March, a Kenyan peacekeeper was killed in the Haut-Mbomou prefecture, and a month earlier, a Tunisian ‘blue helmet’ lost his life in the north. Earlier this week, two Nepalese peacekeepers were injured during an assault in the southwest.

Valentine Rugwabiza, head of the UN mission, decried the “multiplication of attacks against peacekeepers” and echoed the call for justice, urging the authorities to act decisively against those responsible.

Since its deployment in 2014, MINUSCA has suffered significant losses, with around 150 peacekeepers paying the ultimate price.

The 17,000-strong force was established to help stabilise CAR, a country wracked by decades of political instability, armed conflict, and humanitarian crises.

According to a February report by the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), worsening insecurity across parts of the country has forced MINUSCA to step up patrols in several regions, including areas near the border with Sudan where violence and displacement have surged in recent months amid the brutal civil war between rival militaries there.

The Secretary-General reaffirmed the UN’s solidarity with the people and Government of CAR, underlining the world body’s continued commitment to peace and stability in the region.

– on behalf of UN News.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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The number of children reporting sexual assault after fleeing into Burundi to escape violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has more than tripled this year with aid cuts dramatically reducing the support available, said Save the Children.

Between January and June this year, Save the Children staff in Burundi recorded over 478 cases of gender-based violence (GBV) including over 172 against children, most of them rape cases, which was a 249% increase from a year ago.

More than one million people have been displaced by violence in DRC this year as the conflict dramatically escalated, including over 41,000 who have fled to Burundi, according to the UN.

More than 65% of the GBV cases managed by Save the Children involve rape, along with psychological abuse and physical violence, the aid agency said, with horrifying stories of children being raped together with their parents and mothers being raped in front of their children.

However, major cuts to aid supporting refugees from the DRC have curtailed the ability of humanitarian agencies to help the thousands of children housed in reception centres on arrival and refugee sites, putting their safety and wellbeing at risk. Normally survivors of gender-based violence would receive dignity and hygiene items including diapers, pads, underpants and soap, however the aid cuts mean not everyone is now receiving these essential items, said Save the Children.

Due to the conflict, more than 500 children have arrived this year separated from their families, with about 300 unaccompanied children requiring services to trace their families and reunite them.

Save the Children staff in Burundi said children who have faced sexual violence are in dire need of psychological support to overcome the trauma and are at risk of low self-esteem, self-blame, isolation, stigmatization and discrimination without help.

Rita*, a 16-year-old girl living in a refugee camp in eastern Burundi, told Save the Children: “Before arriving in Burundi, my mother, my siblings and I spent several days hiding in the mountains near our village. Some days we would return home from the bushes when the sound of gunfire went down but go back to the forest in the evening. One evening we decided to stay in the house and that’s when it happened. Armed men entered our house and raped me, my sister and my mother. We then decided to flee the next day. It is very hard to look my mother in eye after what happened but also very difficult for our mother to talk to us about it.”

Nadege Nizigama, Save the Children’s Child Protection and GBV case worker for Burundi, said:  

“I speak to children who have faced various forms of abuse including rape and forced marriages. At the moment, I have two girls and one boy who are undergoing psychosocial support after experiencing rape while fleeing the conflict earlier this year. For the last few months, I have heard horrifying stories of children being raped together with their parents and mothers being raped in front of their children. No child should be subjected to this kind of violence. We are doing our best to provide all the support we can to help the children overcome their trauma but more needs to be done to restore the children’s wellbeing and strengthen their resilience.”

Geoffrey Kirenga, Save the Children’s Head of Mission in Burundi, said:

“Conflict related sexual violence has long been used as a tool of war to intimidate and terrorise civilians. The impact on children is devastating, and my team witness this daily. Save the Children’s work in Burundi reveals critical child protection concerns and survivors need to receive medical care and protection. 

“Tragically we know the number of cases we have registered is just a drop in the ocean.  Children and community members often don’t report cases of severe violations because of fear of being victimized. It’s a tragic situation.

“The impact of aid cuts is huge, considering the degree of vulnerability of our beneficiaries. Most of the families we are supporting have faced psychological trauma due to conflict and many left their homes with nothing. The funding gaps we’re now facing could force us to close down programmes that are a lifeline to children and families in dire need. We are calling on the international community not to abandon these children at a time when they need them most.”

Save the Children has been working in Burundi since 2016 providing services in child protection, prevention and response to gender-based violence, health, child right governance and education. We have a team in Burundi assisting thousands of displaced children and their families.

– on behalf of Save the Children.

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Ugandan troops serving with the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) have recaptured strategic villages of Sabiid and Anole from Al Shabaab.

This win came during a three-day joint operation code-named ‘Operation Silent Storm’, aimed at liberating areas under Al-Shabaab control in the Lower Shabelle region.

Several Al-Shabaab fighters were neutralised during a prolonged siege of their hideouts in various parts of the villages. The forces also seized a substantial amount of ammunition from fleeing militants, clearing Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted in communities and supply routes. 

“I commend the brave efforts of our gallant AUSSOM Ugandan troops and the Somali National Army in degrading Al-Shabaab. AUSSOM is fully committed to implementing the Somali Transition Plan, which will culminate in the transfer of security responsibilities to the Somali Security Forces,” said AUSSOM Force Commander, Lieutenant General Sam Kavuma, following the successful operation.

Sector One Commander Brigadier General Joseph Ssemwanga emphasised that joint operations will continue in Lower Shabelle until Al-Shabaab threats are effectively addressed.

“Sabiid-Anole has become a strategic location since March, where terrorists plan deadly attacks, conceal ammunition, including vehicles for Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs), and establish illegal checkpoints to extort locals,” said Brig. Gen. Ssemwanga.

Major General Sahal Abdullahi Omar, Commander of the Somali National Army’s Land Forces, also confirmed that ‘Operation Silent Storm’ successfully dismantled Al-Shabaab’s presence in the two villages.

AUSSOM and SNA Forces are currently securing the recaptured villages and clearing remaining pockets of Al-Shabaab terrorists in Lower Shabelle’s Afgooye district. The operation aims to degrade and eliminate terrorists from Lower Shabelle and neighbouring areas.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

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The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has extended warm congratulations to His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, on his election as Chair of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The election of President Bio took place during the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority held in Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria. In his congratulatory message, President Boakai hailed the selection of President Bio as a testament to his steadfast leadership, dedication to democratic governance, and commitment to the collective progress of the West African sub-region. President Boakai commended President Bio’s efforts in fostering peace, security, and stability in Sierra Leone, as well as his active engagement in promoting regional cooperation. He expressed strong confidence that, under President Bio’s stewardship, ECOWAS will be well positioned to address pressing challenges such as insecurity, economic integration, youth unemployment, and climate resilience, while strengthening democratic institutions and good governance.

President Boakai reaffirmed Liberia’s unwavering commitment to the ideals and objectives of ECOWAS and pledged his government’s continued collaboration in advancing the shared vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated West Africa. “As a close neighbor and sister republic,” President Boakai stated, “Liberia stands in full solidarity with the Government and People of Sierra Leone, and we look forward to working closely with President Bio in his new role to foster unity, development, and the well-being of all ECOWAS citizens.” The Liberian leader extended best wishes to President Bio for a successful tenure and assured him of Liberia’s support as he assumes this vital regional responsibility.

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

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President John Dramani Mahama has announced a significant investment of 1 billion Ghana cedis towards retooling our vital security services. This commitment underscores his dedication to ensuring the safety and security of all Ghanaians.

Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS): Recognising the urgent need for updated equipment, new fire tenders will be acquired to replace ageing and broken-down vehicles, some nearly a decade old. “We understand the frustrations of our citizens when the Fire Service arrives late, and this initiative aims to equip them to respond more effectively to emergencies”, the president noted.

Ghana Police Service: To better combat armed robbery, the Police Service will receive armoured vehicles to ensure the safety of officers during patrols. “We must provide our brave officers with the necessary tools to confront criminals effectively”, he added.

Immigration & Prisons Services: Acknowledging the mobility challenges faced by the Immigration and Prisons Services, new vehicles will be allocated to improve their operational capacity and enhance public safety.

President Mahama also acknowledged security personnel’s difficult working conditions and called for public understanding and support as his government works to build a safer country.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the support of UN Women Liberia, will host a high-level event on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in observance of the International Day of Women in Diplomacy. The event will take place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Monrovia. Established by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution 76/269 in 2022, the International Day of Women in Diplomacy is observed annually on June 24. This day recognizes the critical contributions of women to diplomacy, international affairs, and peacebuilding, from grassroots activism to global negotiations. It also shines a spotlight on the persistent barriers that hinder women’s equal participation and leadership in diplomatic spaces.

Despite gradual progress, women remain significantly underrepresented in diplomatic leadership worldwide. As of 2024, only 21% of ambassadors globally are women, with Africa accounting for 20%, up just slightly from 19% in 2023. These statistics reflect slow but ongoing efforts toward gender parity in diplomacy. In Liberia, women represent 43.9% of the Ministry’s home office staff and 37.3% of foreign mission staff. However, they remain underrepresented in leadership roles, holding only 27.1% of home office leadership positions and 40.1% of decision-making roles in foreign missions. These figures demonstrate the urgent need for targeted reforms to advance gender-balanced leadership across the diplomatic service. In April 2025, the UN Human Rights Council adopted Resolution 58/15 on Women, Diplomacy and Human Rights, led by Morocco, Chile, Mexico, and Spain and co-sponsored by more than 95 Member States. The resolution calls for systemic reforms to eliminate discrimination in diplomatic spaces and reaffirms the global commitment to women’s full, equal, and meaningful participation in diplomacy.

Liberia has a proud legacy of women’s leadership in diplomacy and peacebuilding. From former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first elected female head of state, to Nobel Laureate Leymah Gbowee, Liberian women have long shaped the country’s diplomatic and peacebuilding efforts. Community-based mechanisms such as Peace Huts further highlight Liberia’s grassroots innovations in women-led diplomacy. Liberia is also among the growing number of countries advancing a Feminist Foreign Policy (FFP). A member of the FFP+ Group at the United Nations, Liberia reaffirmed its commitment to gender-responsive diplomacy at the 78th UN General Assembly and again at the 2025 African Union Summit. These efforts align with Liberia’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (NAP-WPS) and global frameworks such as UNSCR 1325 and HRC Resolution 58/15.

The June 24th event presents a strategic opportunity to:

• Celebrate the contributions of Liberian women to diplomacy and peacebuilding;
• Disseminate and contextualize HRC Resolution 58/15 within Liberia’s policy landscape;
• Reaffirm Liberia’s leadership in advancing gender-equitable diplomacy.

Objectives of the Event

1. Raise national awareness of the International Day of Women in Diplomacy and its alignment with Liberia’s foreign policy and gender equality goals.
2. Recognize and celebrate the achievements of Liberian women in formal and informal diplomatic spaces (Track I, II, and III).
3. Disseminate HRC Resolution 58/15 and explore its relevance to Liberia’s Feminist Foreign Policy.
4. Facilitate dialogue among stakeholders on institutional reforms, mentorship, and pathways to expand women’s leadership in diplomacy.
5. Generate actionable recommendations for creating enabling environments for women across Liberia’s foreign service.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs invites stakeholders from across government, civil society, academia, diplomatic missions, and development partners to join this important occasion in honoring and advancing the role of women in diplomacy.

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