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Mali : hausse des violences sexuelles dans les sites de déplacés et les zones de conflit Fonds des Nations Unies pour la population (UNFPA)


Alors que « l’instabilité persistante de la sécurité et les déplacements forcés » se poursuivent dans certaines localités des régions du centre et du nord du Mali, les femmes sont de plus en plus exposées à des risques accrus de violence sexiste, a alerté une agence de l’ONU.

Détaillant les résultats d’une enquête menée en mai dernier, l’agence des Nations Unies chargée des questions de santé sexuelle et reproductive (UNFPA) fait état « d’une hausse des cas de violences sexuelles dans les sites de déplacés internes et les zones de conflit ». Le rapport cite des cas « d’exploitation sexuelle, de harcèlement et de mariage forcé ».

Cette vulnérabilité intervient dans un contexte « humanitaire critique » dans certaines localités du Sahel central, en particulier pour les femmes exposées à des risques accrus de violences sexuelles, mais aussi « privées d’un accès adéquat aux services de santé sexuelle et reproductive (SSR).

Selon l’agence onusienne, le mois de mai 2025 a été marqué par une intensification de la violence armée, notamment dans les régions de Tombouctou, Gao, Mopti et Ménaka, avec une recrudescence des attaques des groupes armés. Ces violences ont provoqué de nouveaux déplacements massifs.

L’accès aux services de santé est extrêmement limité

Le nombre de personnes déplacées internes a presque atteint le cap des 380.000, contre 330.000 en mai 2024, soit une hausse de près de 15 %. « Les femmes et les filles sont au cœur de ces vulnérabilités et sont affectées de manière disproportionnée par cette insécurité et la crise humanitaire », a indiqué l’UNFPA.

Sur les 6,4 millions de personnes ayant besoin d’une aide humanitaire, plus de la moitié sont des femmes et des filles, dont beaucoup vivent dans des zones où l’accès à la protection et aux services de santé est extrêmement limité, selon l’agence.

Or actuellement, moins d’un quart des établissements de santé dans les régions touchées par la crise fournissent des soins de santé sexuelle et reproductive complets ou un soutien aux survivants de la violence liée au sexe.

Près de la moitié des services spécialisés dans ce domaine restent fermés à l’échelle nationale. Les régions les plus affectées sont Gao (76%), Ménaka (77%), Mopti (56%), Tombouctou (80%).

Sur le terrain, les équipes de l’UNFPA continuent d’intensifier leur réponse humanitaire, en soutenant 86 établissements de santé, six espaces sécurisés pour les femmes et les filles, et sept centres à guichet unique dans les régions les plus touchées du centre et du nord (Ségou, Mopti, Gao, Tombouctou, Ménaka).

Déficit de financement « colossal »

Au cours du seul mois de mai, les équipes sanitaires mobiles ont fourni des services de santé sexuelle et reproductive et de lutte contre la violence liée au sexe à près de 3.000 personnes dans les camps de déplacés dont 80 % de femmes et de jeunes filles.

Les sage-femmes ont fourni des soins prénatals, postnatals et d’accouchement, tandis que des kits de dignité et des fournitures de santé reproductive ont été distribués dans les zones touchées par les inondations et les conflits.

Dans tout le Mali, près de 900.000 femmes et filles sont ciblées pour les services de santé reproductive ou les programmes de lutte contre la violence sexuelle.

Cependant, la réponse reste gravement sous-financée. Sur l’Appel de fonds de cette année d’un montant de 16,5 millions de dollars américain, l’UNFPA n’a reçu que 2,9 millions. Les équipes de l’agence font donc face à un « déficit colossal de 13,5 millions de dollars » pour aider des milliers de femmes et de filles dans le besoin.

Or « sans un financement supplémentaire urgent », l’ampleur et la durabilité des programmes de lutte contre les violences sexuelles et des services de santé reproductive sont menacées au Mali.

Distribué par APO Group pour UN News.

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Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento aprova empréstimo de 2,5 mil milhões de rands à cidade de Joanesburgo para o desenvolvimento de infraestruturas urbanas essenciais

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O Conselho de Administração do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (www.AfDB.org) aprovou um empréstimo corporativo de 2,5 mil milhões de ZAR (aproximadamente 139 milhões de dólares) à Municipalidade Metropolitana da Cidade de Joanesburgo, marcando o primeiro empréstimo direto do Banco a uma entidade subnacional em África. 

A transação financiará projetos de infraestrutura essenciais nos setores de eletricidade, água, saneamento e gestão de resíduos sólidos, beneficiando diretamente mais de 6 milhões de residentes nesta cidade da África do Sul. 

A aprovação marca um momento transformador para o financiamento municipal em toda a África, colocando em prática pela primeira vez as Diretrizes para Financiamento Subnacional do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento. O financiamento apoiará exclusivamente a infraestrutura de serviços comerciais que gera receita, garantindo o pagamento sustentável da dívida, ao mesmo tempo que aborda desafios urgentes na prestação de serviços. 

“Esta transação histórica, liderada pelo Departamento de Infraestrutura e Desenvolvimento Urbano do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento, em coordenação com o Departamento de Água e Saneamento e o Departamento de Energia, sinaliza uma nova era na forma como o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento pode empoderar as cidades”, disse o vice-presidente do Banco para o Setor Privado, Infraestrutura e Industrialização, Solomon Quaynor. “Ao financiar diretamente Joanesburgo, estamos a desbloquear um modelo escalável para empréstimos subnacionais que permite a entrega de infraestruturas multissetoriais e posiciona o Banco como um parceiro de confiança na promoção do desenvolvimento urbano sustentável e inclusivo em toda a África”, acrescentou. 

O empréstimo financiará mais de 100 projetos cuidadosamente selecionados em quatro setores vitais: modernização das redes de distribuição, instalação de contadores inteligentes, expansão da capacidade de energia renovável e ligação de 3.200 novos agregados familiares à rede; reabilitação de condutas antigas, modernização das instalações de tratamento e redução das perdas de água, de 46% para 37%; e melhoria da conformidade dos aterros, expansão das instalações de reciclagem e melhoria dos serviços de recolha de resíduos. 

“Esta transação histórica demonstra o compromisso do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento em apoiar cidades com boa capacidade de crédito como motores do crescimento económico”, afirmou o Diretor-Geral do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento para a África Austral, Kennedy Mbekeani. “Joanesburgo não é apenas a maior cidade da África do Sul – contribui com 16% para o PIB do país e serve como porta de entrada para o investimento em todo o continente. Ao reforçar a sua infraestrutura de base, estamos a investir no futuro urbano de África”, apontou. 

A cidade de Joanesburgo enfrenta desafios significativos em termos de infraestruturas, com perdas anuais de eletricidade de 30% nos últimos três anos e perdas de água de 46,1%. O projeto deverá criar 2.869 postos de trabalho durante a construção e melhorar substancialmente a fiabilidade dos serviços para milhões de residentes. 

Está a ser solicitada uma subvenção adicional de 1,5 milhões de dólares através do Fundo de Desenvolvimento Urbano e Municipal do Banco para apoiar reformas municipais, governação e iniciativas de planeamento resiliente às alterações climáticas. 

Para além das melhorias nas infraestruturas, o projeto trará benefícios socioeconómicos significativos: 

  • 592 empregos equivalentes a tempo inteiro, com 14% reservados para mulheres e 23% para jovens. 
  • A redução das interrupções no fornecimento de eletricidade e água aumentará a produtividade em 65% do consumo de eletricidade e 5% do consumo de água pela indústria. 
  • Melhoria dos serviços básicos gratuitos para 160 mil famílias carenciadas.  
  • 500 milhões de ZAR em contratos destinados a pequenas e médias empresas, com 40% reservados para empresas detidas por mulheres e 50% para jovens empreendedores. 

O Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento incluiu salvaguardas abrangentes no projeto para garantir um acompanhamento e supervisão robustos, o cumprimento da transparência e uma gestão financeira sólida ao longo de todo o ciclo de vida do empréstimo. 

Esta transação estabelece um modelo replicável para o financiamento de cidades com capacidade de crédito em toda a África, onde a rápida urbanização exige investimentos maciços em infraestruturas. Até 2050, espera-se que dois em cada três africanos residam em centros urbanos, tornando o financiamento sustentável das cidades crucial para o desenvolvimento do continente. 

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contacto para os media: 
Emeka Anuforo
Departamento de Comunicação e Relações Externas
media@afdb.org

Sobre o Grupo do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento:
O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento é a principal instituição financeira de desenvolvimento em África. Inclui três entidades distintas: o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (AfDB), o Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento (ADF) e o Fundo Fiduciário da Nigéria (NTF). Presente no terreno em 41 países africanos, com uma representação externa no Japão, o Banco contribui para o desenvolvimento económico e o progresso social dos seus 54 Estados-membros. Mais informações em www.AfDB.org/pt

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World Bank Group Appoints New Division Director for Mozambique, Madagascar, Mauritius, Comoros and Seychelles


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The World Bank Group has appointed Fily Sissoko as the new Division Director for Mozambique, Madagascar, Mauritius, Comoros, and Seychelles, effective today. He succeeds Idah Pswarayi-Riddihough, who held the position for the past four and a half years.

In this new role, Mr. Sissoko will lead the World Bank Group’s engagement with government counterparts, development partners, and other stakeholders, advancing initiatives aligned with national priorities and the World Bank’s vision of a world free of poverty on a livable planet.

An Ivorian national, Mr. Sissoko brings over 23 years of development experience across Africa, East Asia, South Asia, and the Pacific. Most recently, he served as the World Bank Country Manager for Togo, based in Lome. Prior to that, he was  the manager for the Governance Global Practice for the East Asia and Pacific region. He began his career at the World Bank in 2002 as a Financial Management Specialist in Dakar, Senegal, and has since held several leadership roles in financial management.

Based in Maputo, Mr. Sissoko will oversee a portfolio of 63 projects totaling $8.5 billion in commitments across the five countries. This support spans key sectors including education, energy, health, social protection, infrastructure, agriculture, governance, and private sector development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.

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Every five seconds, a child is displaced, injured, or killed in the Middle East and North Africa’s conflicts


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At least 12.2 million children have reportedly been killed, maimed or displaced in conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in less than 2 years, the equivalent of one child displaced every five seconds, and one child killed or maimed every fifteen minutes.

Reports indicate over 12 million children have been displaced, more than 40,000 maimed, and almost 20,000 killed.

“A child’s life is being turned upside down the equivalent of every five seconds due to the conflicts in the region,” said UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa Edouard Beigbeder. “Already, half of the region’s 220 million children live in conflict-affected countries. We cannot allow this number to rise. Ending hostilities – for the sake of children – is not optional; it is an urgent necessity, a moral obligation, and it is the only path to a better future.”

Today, nearly 110 million children in MENA live in countries affected by conflict. Violence continues to disrupt nearly every aspect of their lives. Homes, schools, and health facilities are being destroyed. Children are regularly exposed to life-threatening situations, extreme distress, and displacement, stripped of safety and often left with psychological scars that can last a lifetime.

In 2025, UNICEF estimates that 45 million children across the region will require humanitarian assistance due to continued life-threatening risks and vulnerabilities, up from 32 million in 2020 – a 41 per cent increase in just five years.

Meanwhile, UNICEF is experiencing major funding shortfalls across its operations in the MENA region. For instance, as of May, Syria faces a 78 per cent funding gap, the State of Palestine a 68 per cent gap for their 2025 appeals, and our regional programmes are under increasing financial strain.

Looking ahead, the outlook remains bleak. By 2026*, UNICEF’s funding in MENA is projected to decline by 20 to 25 per cent, potentially resulting in a loss of up to US$370 million – jeopardizing life-saving programmes across the region, including treatment for severe malnutrition, safe water production in conflict zones, and vaccinations against deadly diseases.

“As the plight of children in the region worsens, the resources to respond are becoming sparser,” said Beigbeder. “Conflicts must stop. International advocacy to resolve these crises must intensify. And support for vulnerable children must increase, not decline.”

UNICEF urges all parties to conflict in the region to end hostilities and uphold international law, including international humanitarian law and human rights law. Member States with influence over parties to conflict must use their leverage to advocate for peace and the protection of children and the essential infrastructure they rely on for survival.

UNICEF also urges donors to maintain or increase their support for children and calls on new donors to stand with the region’s most vulnerable children.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UNICEF, Middle East and North Africa.

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Africa: Coalition commits to Action Plan to increase private investment mobilization for developing countries by end of 2027


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A coalition of governments, international development partners and private sector groups including the UN Capital Development Fund, UN Economic Commission for Africa, African Union Commission, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Global Investors for Sustainable Development (GISD) Alliance, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Norway Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and Norad, Switzerland SECO and Convergence Blended Finance, are announcing the development of an Action Plan to increase mobilize private sector capital at scale in developing countries.

The Action Plan, announced at the Fourth Financing for Development Conference (FFD4) in Seville, Spain, seeks to tackle poverty, economic growth and climate risks by deploying public sector resources through blended finance to mobilize private investment in underserved markets, which, over the last decade, has remained weak even as global wealth has ballooned. The Action Plan will include a dedicated Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Africa-focused track to advance context-specific blended finance approaches and support scalable investment opportunities in key sectors.

FFD4 is a once-in-a-decade gathering of development partners seeking to build a renewed global financing framework to urgently unlock greater volumes of capital to close the financing gap of developing countries. Government-sourced Official Development Assistance (ODA) declined last year by over 7% compared with 2023, according to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), one of the co-proposers of the Action Plan.

“The world has the resources – the money we need – to eradicate poverty and ensure every person can live a life free from poverty. Much of those resources lie with the private sector in the world’s most developed nations and they will likely remain there until the real and perceived risks that act as a barrier to investment in underserved markets are tackled head-on,” said Pradeep Kurukulasuriya, Executive Secretary of the UN Capital Development Fund, which provides catalytic and blended finance solutions for underserved markets.

“Blended finance models that are tailored to country needs have the potential to de-risk markets, plug the international development finance gap and transform the lives of hundreds of millions of people living in the world’s underserved markets and Least Developed Countries,” Mr Kurukulasuriya added.

“Bridging Africa’s investment gap demands bold, coordinated action. This Action Plan marks a turning point, a practical blueprint to shift global capital toward sustainable development in countries that need it most. The UN Economic Commission for Africa is committed to ensuring that Africa is not only part of the conversation, but central to the solution” added Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary, UN Economic Commission for Africa.

“As traditional streams of overseas development assistance dry up, more people than ever are talking about the promise of blended finance,” shared Joan Larrea, Chief Executive Office of Convergence. “At FFD4, with this joint proposal, we have made a significant step towards making that promise a reality.”

“Norway is proud to collaborate with this global coalition on developing the Action Plan to mobilize private investment for sustainable development. Addressing the financing gaps in Least Developed Countries and underserved markets is critical to tackling poverty, hunger, and climate challenges. By leveraging blended finance and fostering innovative partnerships, we aim to contribute to transformative change and create a foundation for equitable and inclusive growth,” said Åsmund Aukrust, Norway’s Minister of Development.

“Mobilization of private capital for financing sustainable development is an integral part of Finland’s foreign and development policy”, says Ville Tavio, Finland’s Minister for Foreign Trade and Development. “Financing for Development Conference will increase the clarity and formality of private capital mobilization as part of the financing sustainable development for the next decade. We believe that developing a common action plan and standardizing the proven blended finance models will help us scale up private capital mobilization to deliver on the commitments agreed here in Seville.”

While global assets have doubled to $482 trillion over the last decade, private sector investment to and within low- and middle-income countries has remained stubbornly weak. Only 5% of those global assets are invested in developing countries, excluding China, according to the Financial Stability Board, an international body that monitors the global financial system. Of that 5%, only a tiny proportion reaches the most underserved markets and the world’s 44 Least Developed Countries, which are collectively home to some 880 million people.

The world stands at a crossroads for financing sustainable development with an estimated annual financing gap of $4 trillion – up from $2.5 trillion pre-pandemic. The OECD reports that all “official development finance” activity mobilized an average of $57 billion in private investment annually over the last five years – just 1% of the $6-7 trillion needed each year if the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are to be met.

At the same time, domestic financial resources in developing countries are insufficient and cross-border private investment flows from developed to developing countries has been low over the past decade.

Blended finance has the potential to transform private investment flows and positively contribute to the FfD4 Outcome Document mobilization objectives and to the SDGs.

Signatories of the Joint Initiative have committed to develop an “effective, efficient, fair and practical action plan” through the remainder of 2025 and into 2026 to identify how to use a blend of public sector and philanthropic resources to mobilize and crowd-in larger amounts of private sector finance for development results at scale.

The Action Plan will describe practical measures to mobilize private investment using standardized and replicable blended finance models tailored to country contexts, with an emphasis on alignment with national priorities and global development goals with the following measurable results:

  • At least 16 OECD DAC countries will agree to or endorse the Action Plan by March 31, 2026.

  • At least 27 African countries and 27 non-African developing countries will also endorse the Action Plan by the same date.

  • At least 16 developed and 54 developing countries will commit to implementing the plan starting June 30, 2026.

The Action Plan is one of a series being submitted to conference organisers that seek to turn the objectives outlined in the FFD4 outcome document into a pathway for action.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).

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Ambassador Chen Mingjian Attended the 4th China-Tanzania Job Fair

On June 28, Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania H.E.Chen Mingjian and Minister of Prime Minister’s Office(Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disability) Hon. Ridhiwani Jakaya Kikwete attended The 4th China-Tanzania Job Fair together. Over 100 Chinese enterprises participated in the job fair, offering about 1000 job opportunities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United Republic of Tanzania.

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African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson met with the Prime Minister of Spain H.E. Pedro Sanchez on the margins of the #FfD4 conference in Seville


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AU Commission Chair H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf met with the Prime Minister of Spain H.E. Pedro Sánchez on the margins of the #FfD4 conference in Seville & reaffirm the AU–Spain partnership. He thanked Spain for hosting #FfD4 in Seville and welcomed the opportunity to advocate for reforms to tackle systemic global financial inequalities.

The Chair underscored Africa’s commitment to cooperation under the AU–Spain MoU: peace & security, maritime governance, Agenda 2063, & migration. He called for joint action on conflict prevention, orderly migration, & stronger Africa-EU ties.

He urged Spain to support Africa’s call for a fairer global financial architecture, – stronger trade in key sectors: auto, medtech, textiles, & tourism.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón welcomed AU’s strong participation at #FFD4Sevilla & assured that Spain will support Africa’s priorities within the multilateral framework of the AU-EU cooperation and the UN system.

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

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The Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) Launches “My Africa, My Future” Civil Society Compendium to amplify Civil Society Organization (CSO) justice and reparations initiatives


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The Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) of the African Union (AU) has officially launched the “My Africa, My Future” Civil Society Compendium—a groundbreaking initiative aimed at showcasing the powerful role civil society organizations (CSOs) across Africa and the diaspora play in advancing justice and reparations.

The Compendium is part of ECOSOCC’s commitment to strengthening the African Union’s connection with its people and is aligned with the AU’s 2025 Theme of the Year, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.”

The ‘My Africa My Future Compendium’ (MAMF) was conceived 25th May 2025, as part of the Africa Day commemoration. The Compendium represents ECOSOCC’s commitment to make civil society visible, valued, and heard. This initiative creates a space for civil society to tell its own stories, share its solutions, and shape continental and global policy conversations from the grassroots.

As a digital and physical repository of civic excellence, My Africa, My Future will catalogue a wide range of impactful CSO-led initiatives, encourage interregional learning, and build a legacy of civil society action that will inform Africa’s development for years to come.

“With ‘My Africa, My Future,’ we are not only documenting action, but we are also acknowledging and elevating the indispensable role of civil society in shaping Africa’s future,” said William Carew, ECOSOCC’s Head of Secretariat. “This Compendium is a platform for recognition, and above all, for solidarity. It’s time the world hears the collective voice of African civil society on justice and reparations—clear, united, and unstoppable.”

The initiative invites CSOs from across Africa and the global African diaspora to submit their work, with a focus on projects that champion justice and reparative action. Selected contributions will be featured in the inaugural edition of the Compendium and serve as inspiration for replication, scaling, and policy alignment.

Through this initiative, ECOSOCC aims to:

  • Spotlight diverse CSO-led initiatives aligned with the AU 2025 Theme of the Year;
  • Promote interregional learning by sharing replicable models and strategies;
  • Build a lasting archive of civil society contributions across Africa and the diaspora;
  • Amplify the collective impact of CSOs, activists, researchers, and communities under ECOSOCC.

In the exercise of its mandate of connecting the African Union, ECOSOCC champions numerous initiatives throughout the year; be it through advocacy or awareness raising, ECOSOCC has always been at the forefront of bringing AU policies and programmes at the grassroots.

As a result of these engagements, many CSOs have reported, quite sporadically though, to ECOSOCC about their very laudable programs to support the AU’s Agenda 2063 but most importantly, the annual AU Theme of the Year.

Join the Movement. Shape the Narrative. Share Your Impact.

To contribute to the “My Africa, My Future” Compendium, CSOs are encouraged to visit https://ecosocc.au.int/en/mamf/call and submit their initiatives for inclusion.

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

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Morocco: His Majesty the King Congratulates Somali President on National Day


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His Majesty King Mohammed VI sent a message of congratulations to the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud, on the occasion of his country’s National Day.

In this message, His Majesty the King conveys to President Sheikh Mahmoud His warm congratulations and extends to the brotherly Somali people His best wishes for continued progress and prosperity, in peace and stability.

The Sovereign takes this opportunity to reaffirm His firm determination to work, in close cooperation with the Somali President, to strengthen the fraternal ties between Morocco and Somalia, at the service of the interests of the two brotherly peoples.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.

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Morocco: His Majesty the King Congratulates Burundi’s President on Independence Day


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His Majesty King Mohammed VI sent a congratulatory message to the President of the Republic of Burundi, Evariste Ndayishimiye, on the occasion of his country’s 63rd anniversary of independence.

In this message, the Sovereign extends His warmest congratulations and best wishes to President Evariste Ndayishimiye as well as the entire Burundian people.

His Majesty the King praised the strengthening momentum of close cooperation between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Burundi, reaffirming His determination to work with His Excellency to further enhance it at both the bilateral and continental levels.

The Sovereign also expressed His hope that the deep bonds of friendship, solidarity, and mutual resteem between the two countries will continue to grow.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.