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“Pior epidemia de ebola da história recente” avança na República Democrática do Congo (RD Congo) e acende alerta

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Infecções dobram a cada semana nos pontos mais críticos; forças internacionais e agências da ONU intensificam conscientização em escolas, além do envio de kits de higienização; combate diário visa garantir acesso seguro às comunidades e salvar vidas no maior e mais letal surto do vírus que o país já enfrentou. 

Nesta segunda-feira, a Organização Mundial da Saúde, OMS, revelou que a atual epidemia de ebola na República Democrática do Congo, RD Congo, apresenta um cenário arrasador.

Superando os números da crise vivenciada entre 2018 e 2020, o 17º surto do vírus no país já registra 2.325 mortos e 4.945 casos confirmados, superando os 2.299 óbitos registrados na epidemia historicamente conhecida como a mais fatal.

Capacidade de resposta das equipes no limite 

A cada semana, o número de novas infecções dobra nas regiões mais afetadas. A velocidade da transmissão supera a capacidade de resposta das equipes em campo.

No terreno, uma operação de grande escala foi acionada na tentativa de deter a propagação para evitar uma catástrofe ainda maior.

Equipes humanitárias atuam em parceria com o governo para reforçar frentes vitais, que vão da vigilância epidemiológica e tratamento de pacientes a sepultamentos seguros e busca ativa de casos nas comunidades. 

Recursos de emergência internacionais foram mobilizados para viabilizar insumos médicos, treinamentos e equipamentos de proteção aos profissionais de saúde no epicentro do surto. 

Construção de um futuro sustentável

Conforme declarado recentemente à ONU News, a representante da OMS na RD Congo, Anne Ancia, disse que a contenção da epidemia e a construção de um futuro sustentável só serão possíveis com a união de esforços com a população.

“Conter essa disseminação é muito mais importante, porque a disseminação no início era em Ituri e Kivu de Norte, e agora já passou para outras províncias. E significa mais trabalho, mais pessoas e mais pessoas a terem o risco de avaliar a doença. Então, realmente, o trabalho é de conter a epidemia e, com o movimento das pessoas, que é muito importante. E o acesso a algumas zonas que têm uma segurança difícil, então são muito difíceis de acessar, conter essa epidemia é difícil.”

Além da profunda e silenciosa crise humanitária, o impacto da epidemia vai muito além dos diagnósticos de ebola.

Queda drástica nos partos hospitalares

O medo da contaminação tem afastado a população dos centros de saúde. Na província de Ituri e em outras regiões, serviços básicos entraram em colapso.

Entre os exemplos estão as taxas de vacinação infantil e de partos hospitalares, que despencaram mais de 40%, colocando centenas de mães e crianças em risco e sobrecarregando o sistema de saúde.

Para deter o alastramento, agências da ONU e forças internacionais seguem intensificando ações de sensibilização em escolas e garantindo a distribuição contínua de suprimentos de higiene e proteção.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para UN News.

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Moçambique: Perito da Organização das Nações Unidas (ONU) apela à proteção de civis no contraterrorismo

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Especialista de direitos humanos defende abordagem multifacetada, capaz de combater o extremismo, reforçar instituições públicas e garantir segurança; continuidade do envolvimento internacional é essencial para apoiar os esforços nacionais de prevenção do terrorismo.

Esta segunda-feira, um especialista independente*em direitos humanos apelou ao reforço dos esforços para proteger os civis moçambicanos e abordar as causas profundas do conflito contra grupos terroristas.

O relator especial, Ben Saul, manifestou solidariedade para com o povo e as autoridades face às ameaças terroristas persistentes, reconhecendo ainda a necessidade de averiguar as condições propícias ao terrorismo no país.

Balanço de nove anos de violência

Em comunicado, o especialista destaca a necessidade de uma resposta coordenada entre o governo e parceiros internacionais, capaz de intensificar o combate ao extremismo. 

A atuação deve ainda reforçar as instituições públicas e garantir a segurança e o desenvolvimento das comunidades afetadas no norte do país.

Apesar das limitações em segurança e fundos, Saul considera que Moçambique pode mobilizar mais recursos para responder às necessidades humanitárias de milhares de deslocados internos, através de reformas económicas e de governação.

O relator especial manifestou profunda preocupação com as violações cometidas durante o conflito, em particular contra mulheres e crianças. Ele citou relatos de homicídios, mutilações, recrutamento forçado e violência sexual e baseada no género, atribuídos aos grupos não-estatais.

Impunidade generalizada

O perito alertou para o estado de “impunidade generalizada” no que respeita às violações graves dos direitos humanos cometidas pelas forças de segurança, desde o início do conflito em 2017.

Ele avisa que a impunidade corrói a confiança entre as comunidades e as autoridades, enfraquecendo os esforços de combate eficaz ao terrorismo.

Neste sentido, Ben Saul apelou para que fossem reforçadas a supervisão independente, a responsabilização efetiva e a proteção dos civis e o respeito pelos direitos humanos.

Financiamento internacional é essencial 

O especialista notou que as medidas de combate ao terrorismo e as restrições ao espaço cívico estão a limitar a cobertura mediática do conflito, criando um “efeito dissuasor” sobre o trabalho humanitário e de defesa dos direitos humanos no país.

Perante os cortes no financiamento da assistência global, Ben Saul apelou a os parceiros internacionais para que mantivessem o apoio político e financeiro a Moçambique em “momento particularmente crítico”.

O perito realça que a o envolvimento internacional contínuo é essencial para apoiar os esforços nacionais de prevenção e combate ao terrorismo, garantindo simultaneamente a proteção dos direitos humanos..

*Relatores especiais são independentes da ONU e não recebem salário pelo seu trabalho.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para UN News.

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Ebola outbreak becomes deadliest in Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DR Congo) history

Source: APO – Report:

According to local authorities, the disease has killed 2,325 people, surpassing the 2,299 deaths recorded in the DRC’s 2018-2020 outbreak, which was previously the country’s deadliest.

The outbreak, declared by national authorities on 15 May, became the country’s largest in terms of total confirmed cases in late July. There are currently 4,945 confirmed cases, the latest data shows.

A total of 730 patients remain in isolation or in the hospital and 1,040 people have recovered from the disease, and the fatality rate has risen to 46 per cent, according to Government data.

The current outbreak remains eclipsed only by West Africa’s 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak, which saw 28,616 cases and 11,310 deaths, according to WHO, but the Bundibugyo outbreak is taking lives at a much faster rate.

Vaccine trials are underway in the UK and Canada as the Bundibugyo strain has no approved treatment.

Inadequate health infrastructure, ongoing conflict at the epicentre of the outbreak and distrust of medical authorities have all hindered efforts to help as WHO warns the outbreak is “outpacing the response.”

Neighbours on high alert

The UN and its global health partners are working to prevent the spread of Ebola to neighboring countries such as South Sudan and the Central African Republic.

In early June, WHO and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention launched a response plan to improve emergency coordination, disease surveillance, laboratory testing, infection prevention and control, clinical care, community engagement, research, logistics, and support for essential health services across the continent.

The UN’s humanitarian aid office, OCHA, has allocated $54.5 million to accelerate the response in the DRC, help prepare neighboring countries for the disease’s possible spread and work with local communities to build trust in the public health response.

In the Central African Republic, the UN’s peacekeeping mission, MINUSCA, is working with multiple UN agencies to assist local authorities with technical assistance, surveillance and preparedness measures, communication and community awareness activities, as well as capacity building, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told reporters on Monday.

“Our peacekeeping colleagues in the country have been providing technical and logistical assistance, including the transportation of health experts throughout the CAR and the delivery of essential equipment and supplies,” Mr. Dujarric said.

‘Major scale-up’ underway

WHO spokesperson Tarik Jašarević told UN News the agency has initiated a “major scale-up in every aspect of the response” to Ebola. 

On Friday, WHO convened a meeting in Bangui between representatives from the Central African Republic, DRC, Republic of the Congo, South Sudan and Uganda. 

The countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in disease surveillance and pandemic preparedness.

WHO said last week that it hopes to reverse the fast-moving spread of Ebola within three months by bringing transmission under control.

The agency said support is still needed “for all areas of the response.”

“Responders need safe access to communities, and the resources to end this outbreak and save lives,” WHO said.

– on behalf of UN News.

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Sergeant Balie turns pain into a pursuit of justice

Source: Government of South Africa

Sergeant Balie turns pain into a pursuit of justice

For Sergeant Felicity Balie, investigating crimes against women and children is more than a job – it is a calling shaped by what she witnessed growing up.

The 42-year-old investigator attached to the Paarl Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit is among the women in blue being recognised by the South African Police Service (SAPS) as part of its national Women’s Month campaign: “Women Leading the Reset Agenda”.

The campaign celebrates the dedication, resilience and professionalism of female police officers who protect women, children and other vulnerable groups while advancing the SAPS Reset Agenda through ethical leadership, accountability, professionalism, compassion and service excellence.

Balie joined SAPS in 2006 and has spent two decades serving her community. In 2012, she was appointed to the FCS Unit, where she developed extensive experience investigating crimes against women and children. Her commitment and consistent performance saw her promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2019.

For Balie, the work is deeply personal.

Growing up in a poor community, she witnessed children suffering and women experiencing domestic violence. Those experiences fuelled her determination to help people facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

“I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives and help in times of need. Be that light in that dark tunnel,” she said.

That commitment was recently put into action in a case that resulted in a conviction in the Malmesbury Regional Court.

The case involved three child victims who had suffered prolonged abuse. Following a detailed investigation and court proceedings that placed the victims’ experiences and the impact of the crimes before the court, the accused was sentenced to life imprisonment on three counts of rape.

For Balie, the outcome was about more than securing a conviction. It was about giving a family the opportunity to begin closing a painful chapter.

“I felt relieved, happy and grateful to God,” she said, recalling the day judgment was delivered.

“Just knowing that this family can finally close this chapter makes every challenge worthwhile.”

For her, seeing victims move from trauma towards healing is one of the most rewarding aspects of the job.

“To watch the trauma of one day be transformed into a beautiful story, of closure and a return to normal life for my victims, is the best feeling. That keeps me going,” she said.

Balie’s commitment to her work is balanced with her responsibilities at home. As a wife and mother of two, she acknowledges the demands of combining a career in policing with family life, but says her family continues to support her dedication to serving the community.

Women’s Month has a particular significance for Balie, who believes working with victims of gender-based violence requires more than investigative skills.

“It requires passion, patience and compassion,” she said.

Her message to victims is simple: they are not alone.

“What happened to you was not because of what you did, said or even initiated. There is help out there. You don’t need to go through this alone,” she said.

After 20 years in SAPS, including more than a decade in the FCS environment, Balie continues to use her position to give a voice to those who may struggle to speak for themselves.

Through her work, she remains committed to helping victims navigate the difficult road towards justice and healing – one case at a time. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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International Monetary Fund (IMF) Staff to Visit Senegal

Source: APO


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An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team, led by Mercedes Vera Martin, Mission Chief for Senegal, will visit Dakar from August 19 to September 1. During the visit, the staff team and authorities will continue discussions toward reaching a shared understanding of the policies and reforms that could be supported by an IMF lending arrangement.

The IMF remains firmly committed to helping Senegal safeguard macroeconomic stability and foster sustainable and inclusive growth.

IMF staff will also engage with other stakeholders during the visit.

Ms. Vera Martin will issue a statement at the end of the visit.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Monetary Fund (IMF).

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Holds Telephone Conversation with Kuwaiti Minister of Foreign Affairs

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, August 17, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani and HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the sisterly State of Kuwait Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmed Al Sabah held a phone call and discussed bilateral cooperation between the two countries and the means to enhance it, as well as the latest regional developments, particularly diplomatic efforts and joint coordination to de-escalate and enhance security and stability in the region.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed during the call the importance for all parties to adhere to dialogue and diplomacy, implement what was agreed in the Memorandum of Understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, maintaining the region’s security and protecting the gains made, and enhancing regional stability.

His Excellency renewed the State of Qatar’s full support for all efforts aiming at de-escalation and reaching a comprehensive agreement that achieves sustainable peace in the region. 

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Minister of State for International Cooperation Meets UK Minister of State for Development

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, August 17, 2026

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met on Monday via videoconference with HE UK Minister of State for International Development Kirsty McNeill.

The two ministers reviewed bilateral cooperation and discussed ways to further develop it, as well as several other issues of mutual interest.

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West African Power Pool’s Secretary General Received in Audience by Benin’s Minister Delegate for External Resource Mobilization and Debt

Source: APO

The meeting provided an opportunity for the Secretary General to present WAPP, its mandate, and its role in the development and integration of the electricity sector in West Africa. He also provided an update on the progress of the West African Regional Electricity Market, with particular emphasis on the imminent launch of Phase 2, dedicated to the Day-Ahead Market (DAM).

This new phase is expected to contribute to strengthening cross-border electricity trade, optimizing the use of available energy resources across the region, and creating new opportunities for the various market participants.

Discussions also focused on the potential economic benefits for Benin, particularly through the financial flows and foreign-currency transactions that will be generated by the operation of the regional market. In this regard, the Secretary General sought the Minister’s support in facilitating, in compliance with the applicable regulations, the international foreign-currency transactions required for the smooth functioning of the market. Having previously served at the headquarters of the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) in Dakar, the Minister is well placed to support the forthcoming operationalization of the Market Clearing Bank, with which WAPP signed an agreement on the 13th of July, 2026.

This audience reflects WAPP’s commitment to strengthening its cooperation with the Beninese authorities and consolidating the conditions necessary for the successful implementation of the Regional Electricity Market, in support of deeper energy integration across West Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

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Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) New Chief Representative Pays Courtesy Visit to West African Power Pool (WAPP)

Source: APO


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The Secretary General of the West African Power Pool (WAPP), Mr. Abdoulaye DIA, received Mr. SHIBATA Kazunao, the newly appointed Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, during a courtesy visit to the WAPP Headquarters in Abomey-Calavi, Benin.

The meeting provided an opportunity for both officials to discuss WAPP’s mandate, the progress achieved in the regional power integration process, as well as the valuable support that JICA has been providing to the institution over the years. They also exchanged views on prospects for further strengthening the partnership between WAPP and JICA.

Following the meeting, Mr. SHIBATA Kazunao attended a working session during which he was presented with an overview of WAPP. The presentation highlighted the institution’s mandate, key achievements, ongoing strategic projects, and its vision for advancing the West African Regional Electricity Market.

The visit continued at the WAPP Information and Coordination Centre (ICC), a key hub for the supervision, coordination, and operation of the regional power system.

The JICA Resident Representative toured the ICC control room, where he was briefed on the technical and operational systems established to ensure the reliable, secure and coordinated operation of the interconnected West African power grid. He also visited the ICC market room, which will host the Day-Ahead Market operations as part of the progressive operationalisation of the Regional Electricity Market.

The courtesy visit reflects the strong relationship between WAPP and JICA and reaffirms their shared commitment to further strengthening cooperation in support of regional energy infrastructure development and the integration of the West African Regional Electricity Market

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

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West African Power Pool (WAPP) Secretary General Pays a Working Visit to Beninese Power Production Company (SBPE)

Source: APO

The Secretary General of the West African Power Pool (WAPP), Mr Abdoulaye DIA, paid a working visit to the Beninese Power Production Company (SBPE) as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation between WAPP and national stakeholders in the electricity sector.

The WAPP Secretary General, accompanied by members of his Management Committee, responded to a request from Mr. Laurent TOSSOU, the new Director General of SBPE, for support with the digitalization process, which has been fully implemented at WAPP since the beginning of 2025.

The technical and strategic meeting focused primarily on preparing SBPE for more structured participation in the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Market, as well as on the modernisation and digitalisation of its operational, administrative and digital processes.

The discussions enabled the two institutions to examine several priority issues, including the synchronisation of the regional power system, payment and transaction-security mechanisms, data reliability, real-time monitoring, contractual arrangements and capacity building. Particular attention was also given to the development of integrated digital tools, the dematerialisation of procedures, electronic archiving, and the improvement of management and maintenance systems.

The meeting also helped align SBPE’s ambitions with the technical, commercial, financial and regulatory requirements of the regional market. In this regard, WAPP could support the company through training programmes, technical immersion sessions at the Information and Coordination Centre, and the provision of operational guidelines.

At the end of the meeting, the two parties agreed to strengthen their follow-up mechanism, designate focal points and prepare a roadmap for SBPE’s participation in the Regional Electricity Market. This cooperation will contribute to improving SBPE’s performance and consolidating the integration of the West African power system.

As a reminder, the recently appointed Director General of SBPE previously served as Chairman of the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERERA), where he worked closely with the WAPP Secretary General on the establishment of the Regional Electricity Market.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

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