Month: September 2024

 Responding to reports that Lesotho Defence Forces (LDF) soldiers tortured at least four people and killed at least two others during the ongoing Operation Hard Fist to confiscate illegal firearms from gang members, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Khanyo Farise, said:  “These incidents are the latest in a series of grave allegations about the conduct of LDF soldiers. Torturing and unlawfully killing people can never […]

 The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development today commended the Office of the Public Protector (PPSA) for a comprehensive report on its systemic investigation into administrative deficiencies relating to gender-based violence (GBV) in the South African justice system. Committee Chairperson, Mr Xola Nqola, said the report’s quality is evident when members unilaterally commend the sterling work done across parties. The committee heard that the report focused on three key […]

 In recognition of the critical role that gender plays in the sustainability and success of small-scale fisheries, AU-IBAR, Mabuyi Development Planners, and he Blue Wild Coast Non-Profit Organization (South Africa) are hosting a two-day community workshop in East London, South Africa. The workshop, running from September 18-19, 2024, aims to develop a Gender Plan of Action for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in small-scale fisheries to support aquatic biodiversity conservation efforts […]

 ECOWAS is strengthening its social protection systems through a 5-day workshop in Abuja from 16th to 20th September 2024. The workshop, led by experts in collaboration with ILO, UNDP, UNICEF, and the African Union, aims to build a network of skilled social protection leaders across Africa. It follows a system-strengthening approach to enhance the design and efficiency of social systems. The workshop focuses on increasing the capacity of ECOWAS staff, […]

 Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi spoke by phone with President of the Union of Comoros, HE Azali Assoumani, to inquire about his health following the assassination attempt he endured. President El-Sisi condemned the heinous attempt on President Assoumani's life, emphasizing Egypt's solidarity and full support for the security and stability of the Comoros. President Assoumani expressed his deep appreciation for this kind gesture, confirming that Egypt's supportive stance demonstrates the […]

 The World Health Organization (WHO) in partnership with the Government of Japan supported the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) to conduct a three-day workshop in Swakopmund. Held from 09 – 11 September 2024, the workshop aimed to sensitize and orient the media on ethical reporting on health-related matters including promoting nutrition, emergency response reporting, addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC). A total of 15 journalists […]

 A week of collaboration and learning came to a close in Fiji, as key delegates from Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and Fiji gathered to explore new ways of financing the agricultural value chains for the kava and coconut industries. The Agricultural Financing Model Exhibition Tour, held from 5 to 9 August, was a transformative event, bringing together stakeholders to share insights, discuss challenges, and formulate strategic action plans. Organized by […]

  Ministers of Health of Cameroon, the Central African Republic and Chad have pledged to scale up efforts to eradicate Guinea-worm disease by 2030 in line with the road map to end neglected tropical diseases by the end of the decade. Meeting on 17 September 2024 at an international high-level meeting to advocate and mobilize resources for the eradication of Guinea-worm disease, the ministers signed the N'Djamena Declaration on interrupting the […]

 Parliament has paid tribute to Rebecca Cheptegei, a long-distance athlete and Uganda People’s Defence Force Sergeant who died after suffering severe burns after an arson attack by her lover on 01 September 2024 in Kenya. The tribute followed a motion presented by the State Minister for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang urging Parliament to honour Cheptegei's legacy. Ogwang described Cheptegei as a victim of gender-based violence (GBV) and condemned the cultural […]