In Nigeria, vulnerable populations, especially those in underserved communities, remain at high risk of infectious diseases, including Lassa fever—an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus. Endemic in Nigeria, Lassa fever continues to affect thousands annually, with the dry season (December–April) being the peak transmission period. In 2024, the disease has been particularly severe, with 1,059 confirmed cases reported across 28 states, resulting in 175 deaths (16.6% case […]

 In a working group meeting on Monday, UNSMIL brought together Libyan institutions, civil society organizations from across the country, and international counterparts to discuss the challenges and opportunities in supporting disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) efforts in Libya. The session reaffirmed the commitment and role of UNSMIL and the international community in supporting Libya's peace process. The Mission currently focuses on fostering unity, facilitate dialogue, and bolster collaboration among all […]

 The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes a contribution of US$ 5.1 million from the Government of Japan to support 37,000 climate-affected smallholder farmers across five districts in Zimbabwe. The three-year project will enhance food security and resilience for smallholder farmers by establishing water-based infrastructure, developing value chains, and strengthening agricultural extension service capacity. “Under this project, small-scale farmers will be supported in growing sesame seeds to practice market-oriented […]

 President Cyril Ramaphosa has requested the National Assembly to consider afresh the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Amendment (RICA) Bill out of concern by the President that the draft law may be vulnerable to constitutional challenge. The President has conveyed his concern in writing to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thoko Didiza, and has brought this referral to the attention of relevant Ministers. […]

 More than 13 000 laboratory-confirmed mpox cases have been reported in the African region since the start of 2024, as of 17 November. Three countries – Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda - account for approximately 97% of all reported cases so far this year. From reinforcing outbreak control measures including health worker training, to the delivery of medical supplies and equipment, and to the development of vaccine […]

 In Sub-Saharan Africa, approximately 105 million adults are unbanked and lack proper identification documents (http://apo-opa.co/4fZNzyr) [1]. Over 350 million adults in Africa live on a cash-only basis (http://apo-opa.co/3Z2xBg6), without access to financial accounts, credit cards, or lending facilities. Digital currency systems could prove to be key in improving financial inclusion and opening up new opportunities to large underbanked communities in many African countries. Universal Digital Payments Network (UDPN) (https://apo-opa.co/4g0POSt), the world’s […]

 A historic moment unfolded at the Accra International Conference Centre on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, as 524 members of the African diaspora were officially granted Ghanaian citizenship. This event, the third of its kind under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s administration, celebrated the enduring bond between Ghana and its global diaspora. The ceremony is part of an ongoing initiative that began with the “Year of Return” in 2019, commemorating 400 […]

 Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan, accompanied by First Lady Linda Ramkalawan, received a warm reception upon landing at Accra’s Kotoka International Airport for his inaugural official visit to Ghana. The visit coincides with the 100th Anniversary celebrations of King Prempeh I’s return from exile in Seychelles, underscoring historical ties between the two nations. Welcoming President Ramkalawan and his delegation was Ghana’s Minister of State for Public Enterprises, Honourable Joseph Cudjoe. Joining […]

 Today, 20 November 2024, Trial Chamber X of the International Criminal Court (www.ICC-CPI.int) ("ICC" or "Court") sentenced Al Hassan Ag Abdoul Aziz Ag Mohamed Ag Mahmoud to 10 years of imprisonment following the Trial Judgment (https://apo-opa.co/4i1xWsr) in which the Chamber found him guilty of some of the charges brought against him of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed between early May 2012 and 29 January 2013 in Timbuktu, northern Mali. […]