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Soudan : plusieurs zones de la capitale Khartoum menacées de famine, selon le Programme Alimentaire Mondial (PAM)


Plusieurs zones situées au sud de la capitale soudanaise, Khartoum, sont au bord de la famine, a alerté mardi une agence humanitaire des Nations Unies, relevant que les besoins sur le terrain dépassent les ressources dans un contexte de manque de financement.

Le Programme alimentaire mondial (PAM) indique avoir atteint un million de personnes dans sept localités de Khartoum, après avoir eu accès à la capitale soudanaise.

Selon l’agence onusienne, cette dynamique doit se poursuivre. D’autant que « le niveau de faim, de dénuement et de désespoir constaté est grave et confirme le risque de famine dans ces régions », a déclaré par liaison vidéo depuis Port-Soudan, Laurent Bukera, Représentant du PAM au Soudan, lors d’un point de presse régulier de l’ONU à Genève.

Le conflit au Soudan entre l’armée et les paramilitaires des Forces de soutien rapide (FSR) a déplacé des millions de personnes et divisé le pays en zones de contrôle rivales. Fin mars, l’armée a pris le contrôle de la capitale aux mains des FSR, qui avaient bloqué l’accès de l’aide à la ville, après deux années de conflit dévastateur.

Course contre la montre

Selon le PAM, les besoins sont immenses dans la capitale soudanaise. « Nous avons assisté à des destructions massives, à un accès limité à l’eau, aux soins de santé et à l’électricité, ainsi qu’à une épidémie de choléra. Dans certaines parties de la ville, la vie reprend, mais de nombreux quartiers restent abandonnés, comme une ville fantôme ».

Si elles ont été en première ligne pour accueillir les personnes déplacées, les communautés hôtes sont maintenant à un point de rupture alors que l’on s’attend à des retours des déplacés dans des zones comme Khartoum. « Nous sommes très inquiets et il est urgent de répondre aux besoins alimentaires », a ajouté M. Bukera, soulignant qu’une action urgente est nécessaire pour rétablir les services de base et accélérer la reprise de l’aide.

« La saison des pluies commence maintenant, aggravant une situation déjà désastreuse. Dans le même temps, les attaques aveugles et inacceptables contre le personnel et les opérations humanitaires se multiplient », a fait valoir le Représentant du PAM.

4 millions de personnes reçoivent de l’aide

La semaine dernière, un convoi du PAM et de l’Unicef a été attaqué quelques heures avant d’atteindre le point culminant de la saison des pluies dans le nord du pays, à environ 80 km de la ville. Cinq personnes ont été tuées et de nombreux autres blessés, lors de l’attaque de ce convoi près de la ville d’El Koma, dans la région du Darfour.

Malgré ces défis logistiques et sécuritaires, le PAM réussit à venir en aide 4 millions de personnes par mois au Soudan, soit presque quatre fois plus qu’au début de l’année 2024.

L’objectif de l’agence onusienne est d’atteindre 7 millions de personnes par mois, en donnant la priorité aux personnes menacées par la faim ou à d’autres régions exposées à des risques extrêmes, telles que le Darfour, le Kordofan, les États d’Al Jazira et de Khartoum.

Réduction de l’aide

Toutefois ces progrès restent fragiles. En raison du manque de financement, les rations d’huile et de légumineuses ont été retirées de l’assortiment alimentaire fourni aux déplacés dans les États de Khartoum, du Nil Bleu, d’Al Jazira et de Sennar.

Les rations dans les zones menacées par la famine ont été réduites à 70 % de la ration standard du PAM (soit 2100 kilocalorie par jour) en avril. « Les suppléments pour les jeunes enfants, les femmes enceintes et les mères allaitantes sont hors de portée en raison d’un manque de ressources (…). Sans une aide urgente, nous ne pourrons pas fournir l’ensemble des produits dont les gens ont besoin à leur retour à Khartoum », a affirmé M. Bukera.

En l’absence de nouveaux financements dans les mois à venir, il faudra procéder à de nouvelles réductions de l’aide.

Le PAM fait face à un déficit de financement de 500 millions de dollars pour les six mois à venir. « La communauté internationale doit agir maintenant, en augmentant le financement pour arrêter la famine dans les zones les plus touchées », a insisté le Représentant du PAM au Soudan.

Distribué par APO Group pour UN News.

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Beni : acteurs judiciaires et agents de police formés aux techniques d’enquête criminelle


Une vingtaine d’agents de l’administration judiciaire militaire et civile de Beni et Butembo, ainsi que des policiers congolais, ont suivi du 26 mai au 5 juin 2025, au quartier général de la MONUSCO à Beni, deux formations simultanées. La première portait sur l’expertise balistique appliquée aux procès pénaux alors que la seconde était axée sur la cybercriminalité et les techniques d’enquête numérique.

Pendant dix jours, les apprenants – parmi lesquels des magistrats du parquet, des officiers de police judiciaire et des agents de police – ont suivi un programme complet de formation alliant exposés théoriques, ateliers pratiques, études de cas et échanges d’expériences. Les séances de formation étaient animées par des experts en balistique et investigation judiciaire de la section d’appui à la justice de la MONUSCO.

Selon les participants, cette formation leur a permis d’approfondir leurs compétences techniques et juridiques face à la criminalité liée aux armes à feu. Parmi eux, le commissaire Dieumerci Lomoyo Bongwalo, de la police nationale congolaise, qui reconnaît avoir découvert de nombreuses notions importantes liées à la criminalité.

Il a salué la qualité de la formation et déclaré qu’elle permettra d’améliorer ses compétences professionnelles et ainsi d’aider la justice à mieux répondre aux défis auxquels elle fait face, avec notamment le développement des nouvelles technologies.

« Nous avons beaucoup appris à propos des techniques, des méthodes, etc. Nous avons vu les différents types de balistique : il y a la balistique interne, la balistique extérieure et la balistique terminale. Tout cela, c’était nouveau pour nous. On a aussi vu comment ça se passe avec les armes, avec les différentes munitions. Tout cela a apporté un plus dans notre métier. Désormais, nous serons capables de mener des enquêtes en matière de balistique et de rédiger nos rapports pour qui de droit. Nous allons améliorer notre manière de travailler, parce que nous avons acquis de nouvelles connaissances », a-t-il affirmé.

A l’instar des autres participants, le commissaire Dieumerci Lomoyo Bongwalo a souhaité que la MONUSCO organise davantage de formations similaires pour aider les agents de l’administration judiciaire à approfondir leurs connaissances en criminalité et en conduite d’enquêtes. « Cela va vraiment nous aider. Ce sont des acquis pour la vie. On ne va plus les perdre. C’est un vrai gain », a souligné l’officier.

Distribué par APO Group pour Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).

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Beni : la Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO) célèbre la Journée mondiale de l’environnement en plantant des arbres dans une école


À Beni, dans la province du Nord-Kivu, la MONUSCO a célébré jeudi 5 juin la journée mondiale de l’environnement dans une école de la ville où une sensibilisation a été menée et des arbres plantés. Une « journée très importante », a commenté Adam Obatoki Salami, chef du sou-bureau intérimaire de la mission onusienne. 

Célébrée le 5 juin de chaque année depuis 1973, la Journée mondiale de l’environnement est la plus grande plateforme mondiale de sensibilisation du public à l’environnement et est célébrée par des millions de personnes à travers le monde.

Selon Adam Obatoki Salami, cette année, la journée a été l’occasion d’interpeller à une prise de conscience des méfaits et du danger des matériels plastiques qui polluent notre environnement. « Mettre fin à la pollution plastique mondiale » est le thème retenu cette année.

« C’est donc un appel à la responsabilisation de tout le monde afin qu’on puisse collectivement protéger notre environnement tout en luttant contre le danger de la pollution plastique. Le message que nous adressons à la population de Beni, c’est pour leur souligner que la MONUSCO premièrement est engagée à lutter contre la pollution plastique, à travailler pour un meilleur environnement et aussi à les sensibiliser et les appeler à tenir compte des aspects environnementaux dans leur vie de tous les jours. Pour cette journée, nous avons prévu plusieurs activités de sensibilisation dans la ville », note Adam Obatoki. 

Parmi ces activités, des arbres plantés à la base de la MONUSCO à Mavivi et à l’école primaire de Matembo et des rencontres de sensibilisation de la population à la protection de l’environnement.

Moïse Adirodu, chargé de l’administration et des finances à la coordination urbaine de l’environnement de la ville de Beni, estime que la MONUSCO est dans son rôle, et en parfaite synergie avec les autorités. « La MONUSCO joue un rôle actif dans la gestion de l’environnement. Elle met en œuvre des stratégies de gestion des déchets. Elle fournit des efforts pour réduire son empreinte carbone dans la sphère de prise de décision, une façon de concrétiser les objectifs de Rio de Janeiro. A travers ses gestes dans la ville de Béni, la MONUSCO devient un partenaire de taille de la coordination de l’environnement. Et je rappelle ici que quand le maire de la ville de Beni avait lancé les travaux communautaires, communément appelés Salongo, c’est la MONUSCO qui était à la première ceinture. Nous saluons donc ce genre de partenariat », se réjouit-il. 

Selon les Nations Unies, plus de 400 millions de tonnes de plastique sont produites chaque année dont la moitié est conçue pour n’être utilisée qu’une seule fois. Moins de 10 % de ce plastique est recyclé. On estime que 11 millions de tonnes de plastique finissent dans les lacs, les fleuves et les océans chaque année. Les rivières de Beni ne font pas exception.

Distribué par APO Group pour Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).

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Beni: Judicial Actors and Police Officers Trained in Criminal Investigation Techniques


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About twenty staff members from the military and civil judicial administration of Beni and Butembo, as well as Congolese police officers, attended two simultaneous training sessions from May 26 to June 5, 2025, at MONUSCO’s headquarters in Beni. The first focused on ballistic expertise applied to criminal trials, while the second centered on cybercrime and digital investigation techniques.

Over the ten days, the trainees—including public prosecutors, judicial police officers, and police agents—followed a comprehensive training program combining theoretical presentations, practical workshops, case studies, and experience sharing. The sessions were led by experts in ballistics and judicial investigation from MONUSCO’s Justice Support Section.

According to the participants, the training helped deepen their technical and legal skills in response to firearm-related crime. Among them was Commissioner Dieumerci Lomoyo Bongwalo of the Congolese National Police, who said he learned many important concepts related to criminality.

He praised the quality of the training, stating that it would enhance his professional skills and help the Congolese justice system better respond to challenges, particularly those arising from the development of new technologies.

“We learned a lot about techniques, methods, etc. We explored the different types of ballistics: internal ballistics, external ballistics, and terminal ballistics. All of this was new to us. We also learned how things work with firearms and different types of ammunition. This added real value to our profession. From now on, we’ll be able to conduct ballistic investigations and write reports for the appropriate authorities. We’re going to improve the way we work because we’ve gained new knowledge” he stated.

Like the other participants, Commissioner Dieumerci Lomoyo Bongwalo expressed hope that MONUSCO would organize more training sessions of this kind to help judicial administration agents deepen their understanding of criminality and investigative procedures.

“This will really help us. These are lifelong skills. We won’t lose them. It’s a real asset” the officer emphasized.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).

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Beni: Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO) Celebrates World Environment Day by Planting Trees in a School


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In Beni, North Kivu Province, MONUSCO celebrated World Environment Day on Thursday, June 5, by organizing an awareness campaign and planting trees at a local school. “It’s a very important day” said Adam Obatoki Salami, acting head of the UN mission’s sub-office.

Celebrated every year on June 5 since 1973, World Environment Day is the largest global platform for environmental public awareness, observed by millions of people around the world.

According to Adam Obatoki Salami, this year’s celebration was an opportunity to raise awareness about the harmful impact and dangers of plastic materials that pollute the environment. The theme chosen for this year is: “Beat Plastic Pollution.”.

“It’s a call for everyone to take responsibility so that we can collectively protect our environment and fight against the dangers of plastic pollution. Our message to the people of Beni is, first, that MONUSCO is committed to combating plastic pollution, working toward a better environment, and raising awareness so people consider environmental issues in their daily lives. We’ve planned several awareness activities throughout the city for this day.” noted Adam Obatoki.

Among these activities were tree planting events at MONUSCO’s Mavivi base and at Matembo Primary School, along with public awareness meetings on environmental protection.

Moïse Adirodu, Head of Administration and Finance at the environmental coordination office in Beni, believes MONUSCO is fulfilling its role in full cooperation with local authorities:

“MONUSCO plays an active role in environmental management. It implements waste management strategies and makes efforts to reduce its carbon footprint in its decision-making processes, in line with the objectives of the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit. Through its actions in the city of Beni, MONUSCO has become a key partner for our environmental coordination. I’d like to recall that when the mayor of Beni launched the community cleanup initiatives—commonly known as Salongo—MONUSCO was leading from the front. We truly appreciate this kind of partnership” he said.

According to the United Nations, more than 400 million tons of plastic are produced every year, half of which is designed for single use. Less than 10% of this plastic is recycled. An estimated 11 million tons of plastic end up in lakes, rivers, and oceans annually—and Beni’s rivers are no exception.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).

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President Ramaphosa urges caution, care and cooperation during severe winter conditions

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his sadness at the loss of multiple lives in incidents in the Eastern Cape that have been linked to severe weather conditions.

Six bodies were recovered near Mthatha and another near Tsolo in the Eastern Cape in incidents arising from flooding.

In the aftermath of another incident, three children have been rescued while a number of their fellow learners are missing after the vehicle in which they were travelling to school was swept away by floodwaters near Mthatha.

President Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the bereaved families, affected communities and Eastern Cape residents at large.

The President says these incidents and others that may unfold during winter highlights the need for South Africans to display caution, care and cooperation as the worst impacts of winter weather take effect across the country.

Residents, businesses, infrastructure and livestock and wildlife in various provinces are currently affected by the annual, seasonal impacts of winter conditions.

Some of these impacts have claimed lives and remain life-threatening and harmful to businesses and the livelihoods of workers.

President Ramaphosa’s thoughts are with citizens who are affected in diverse ways.

The President assures the nation that national, provincial and municipal authorities – including the National Disaster Management Centre – are giving the requisite attention to crises as they unfold.

President Ramaphosa said: “While government discharges its responsibilities and services to citizens, we welcome the support we see at times such as this from businesses, community- and faith-based organisations, charities and organisations such as the National Sea Rescue Institute.

“I thank everyone from all walks of life who are working to keep all of us safe and comfortable this winter.

“The devastation that comes with nature’s forces demands that we work together as best we can to bring relief to families and communities who need this the most.

“This is a time where we need to take care of ourselves in our homes and reach out to neighbours and friends who need help of any kind.

“We also need to exercise caution on our roads when travelling for work or leisure, or as we get out in nature where we may want to see such sights as snowfalls or flooded rivers.

“We must observe by-laws and regulations that exist to protect us in these conditions.

“We must pull together where disaster strikes and while none of us should evade accountability, we must put problem-solving and collaboration ahead of blame and conflict.

“Our beautiful country is a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable place for all of us for most of the year, but we cannot escape winter’s intensity and our own vulnerability.

“Let’s show our care for each other this winter and let ubuntu see us through to spring.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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President Museveni and the First Lady Renew their National Identity Cards


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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the First Lady also Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni have this afternoon participated in the ongoing mass registration and renewal exercise of the National Identity cards at State Lodge, Nakasero.

The project is being implemented by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) and the renewal exercise was efficiently conducted by a team from the authority, led by the Executive Director, Ms. Rosemary Kisembo.

The registration of citizens is regarded as a crucial component of national security, ensuring that every individual is accounted for within the nation’s identity framework. Enhanced biometric technology associated with these ID cards provides a reliable and unalterable means of establishing identity.

This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening national identity systems and fostering socio-economic transformation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Uganda.

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Mozambique: Spiralling hunger crisis and violence amid collapsing aid budgets


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In a visit to the neglected crisis raging in the north of Mozambique, Egeland described it as at a “critical tipping point,” sounding the alarm over skyrocketing violence, the devastation from multiple cyclones, and the near collapse of aid lifelines due to global funding cuts.  

“In a region suffering from daily atrocities and monthly disasters, I have seen the human toll caused by the global retreat of solidarity and funding. Climate shocks, increasing violence, and spiralling hunger are having a terrible impact on the population. They now stand at the edge of an abyss, with immense suffering ahead unless the world ends its neglect,” said Egeland.  

Armed attacks in Cabo Delgado surged by 155 per cent in March alone, with 52 atrocities resulting in 153 abductions and 39 killings. The violence has displaced over 1.4 million people to date, while more than 600,000 others who have returned home now face renewed insecurity and little to no assistance.  

Simultaneously, three consecutive cyclones—Chido, Dikeledi, and Jude—have battered Mozambique in just three months, affecting more than 1.4 million people, and destroying homes, schools, health centres and farmland across several provinces.  

The compounded crises have pushed nearly five million Mozambicans into critical levels of hunger, with over 900,000 facing emergency conditions—just one step below famine.   

“Hunger took hold in Mozambique the moment conflict did,” Egeland said. “Where bullets fly, crops wither, supply chains collapse, and families are left hungry.”  

In conflict-hit Cabo Delgado, farming and markets have collapsed; in Nampula and Zambezia, cyclone-damaged crops have left families struggling to survive.  

Fuel shortages, infrastructure damage, and insecurity are now paralysing aid operations across the country. Humanitarian agencies, including NRC, have been forced to reduce life-saving activities due to lack of funds and growing access challenges, including administrative and bureaucratic restrictions, attacks and ambushes on aid convoys.  

“In 2024, we reached over 125,000 people, but the scale of this crisis far outstrips our current capacity,” Egeland said. “We have been forced to drastically reduce our first line response—such as survival kits and shelters to people left homeless by the latest cyclone—because of the US funding cuts.”   

The World Food Programme has already halved its assistance, reaching only 520,000 people of the one million targeted in 2024. This year, the number of people receiving food aid is expected to plummet even further to just 250,000, despite the growing number of people in need.  

“Mothers I met told me they don’t know who they would turn to if we had to stop helping them,” Egeland said. “They’ve already had to cut down on their food, and their children are sleeping hungry. I want to be clear that, whatever happens, we are here to stay and deliver, and we must find a way to keep delivering in a world of chaos.   

“I call on governments and the private sector to urgently mobilise funding, guarantee safe access for aid workers, and commit to long-term support for the rights and dignity of displaced Mozambicans. Several governments and multinational corporations are in Mozambique for its natural resources, with little returns to the impoverished population.”  

NRC stresses the need for immediate and sustained international action to avert a full-scale famine, restore food security, and support the country’s fragile recovery. This includes urgent investment in agricultural recovery and fisheries support for coastal areas, nutrition for children, and protection for people forced to flee violence.  

“Turning our backs now is not an option—for the sake of millions facing starvation, and for our shared humanity,” Egeland said.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).

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Philippines and Angola Explore Tourism Cooperation in First Bilateral Business Forum


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The Philippine Embassy in Lisbon, together with the PH-Angola  Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIAF), and in coordination with the Philippine  Department of Tourism (DOT), Asian Institute of Management (AIM), Philippine  Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Angola’s Ministry of Tourism, and AIPEX,  successfully held the First Philippines-Angola Business Forum on Sustainable Tourism on 30 May 2025 via virtual platform. 

The Forum was held at the Philippine Honorary Consulate General’s Office in  Dipanda, Angola, under the leadership of Honorary Consul General Etienne Brechet,  with Honorary Consul Megan Brechet-Amamou as Forum host. 

With the theme “Sustainable Tourism: A Pathway to Economic and Cultural  Development,” the Forum brought together government officials, private sector  representatives, and tourism stakeholders from both countries to explore opportunities  for bilateral cooperation, tourism development, and sustainable investment, with  particular focus on promoting Namibe Province as an emerging tourism destination. 

The Philippine side shared its experiences in tourism policy development, post pandemic recovery efforts, sustainable tourism strategies, and private sector engagement. Presentations covered the Philippines’ legal and institutional  frameworks, ecotourism strategies, tourism infrastructure investments, and  approaches to ensuring that tourism development preserves cultural heritage and  ecological integrity. 

Angola’s delegation, led by Angola’s Ministry of Tourism and CCIAF, presented the tourism potential of Namibe province, identifying opportunities in eco- and adventure  tourism, resort development, and cultural tourism, and expressed keen interest in  building business partnerships with Philippine stakeholders. 

The Angolan side also conveyed their utmost appreciation for the comprehensive  presentations provided by the Philippine speakers and expressed a strong desire to  learn from the Philippines’ expertise in sustainable tourism development. 

The Forum concluded with mutual interest in pursuing reciprocal business missions, tourism training exchanges, and joint promotional efforts to advance sustainable  tourism cooperation between the Philippines and Angola.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines.

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Standing Committee on Appropriations Calls for Urgency in Dealing with Municipal Debt to Eskom


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The Standing Committee on Appropriations has urged Eskom to collaborate closely with the National Treasury and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs to ensure that there is full municipal cooperation in the implementation of the Distribution Agency Agreement (DAA) programme.

The power utility briefed the committee today regarding the Eskom Debt Relief Bill. The committee expressed deep concern over Eskom’s increasing debt levels and that the power utility continues its trajectory towards unsustainable indebtedness.

The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Mmusi Maimane said: “When we examine the various pieces of legislation under consideration by this committee, it is undeniable that Eskom remains a pivotal component. The state of Eskom’s liquidity, along with serious concerns raised by municipalities around debt servicing are critical factors, especially in light of the appropriations made to Eskom.”

Mr Maimane said he feared that Eskom will be heavily indebted despite being in receipt of the Eskom Debt Relief Bill. The committee further said the lack of urgency in addressing underperforming and financially distressed municipalities, many of which are unable to service their debts to Eskom, is a major contributor to Eskom’s debt burden.

The committee also highlighted that Eskom was not doing enough to curb the ‘ghost tokens’ in the pre-paid electricity segment and the failure to address it has contributed to significant revenue losses.

Furthermore, the committee recommended that the power utility needs to ensure that it deals decisively with acts of sabotage carried out by its own employees. The committee cautioned that that the power utility needs to begin exploring ways to harness its own energy sources and not rely on independent power producers as this process can easily be influenced by political forces.

The committee called on Eskom to urgently implement decisive reforms to address inefficiencies, improve governance, enhance revenue collection, and safeguard its infrastructure.

The committee will tomorrow, 11 June receive a briefing from the City of Johannesburg and the City of Mangaung Metropolitan Municipalities on the 2025 Division of Revenue Bill.

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