Humanitarian Crisis

U.S. Aid Freeze Disrupts Humanitarian Efforts in DRC

A U.S. pause on foreign aid has severely impacted humanitarian operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Washington previously funded 70% of relief efforts, Reuters reports. The U.N.'s top humanitarian official in the DRC, Bruno Lemarquis, says that in 2024, the U.N. humanitarian response plan received $1.3 billion, with $910 million from the U.S. Since U.S. President Donald Trump imposed the aid freeze last month, several programs have been […]

12 February, 2025

World

Trump: no US troops will be involved in Gaza rebuild plan

US president Donald Trump says no US troops would be needed to rebuild Gaza, an effort he said would only happen after the fighting ends. His Secretary of State has called the President's proposal "very generous", even though it has drawn international condemnation. Nick Harper reports from Washington.

7 February, 2025

Africa

“Goma Call for Peace” Demands Ceasefire in DRC

The Goma Call for Peace has been launched to demand an immediate ceasefire and protection for civilians in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Anglican bishop of Goma, Martin Gordon, highlighted the immense suffering following the M23 rebels taking control of the city, which has resulted in over 900 deaths. Gordon calls for an end to the fighting, withdrawal of foreign forces, and renewed peace talks between Rwanda and the DRC:

6 February, 2025

Africa

UN Warns of Humanitarian Crisis in DRC

The United Nations aid agency has raised alarm over the worsening humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, urging immediate intervention. Intense fighting in and around Goma has left food and water supplies critically low. Meanwhile, France plans to introduce a draft resolution at the UN Security Council this week, calling for Rwanda to withdraw its troops from the country.

4 February, 2025

World

UN Chief Urges Israel to Reverse Ban on UN Relief Agency

UN General-Secretary Antonio Guterres has urged Israel to reverse its decision to ban the UN Relief and Works Agency responsible for Palestinians from operating in Jerusalem. In a letter to the Israeli government, he warned that restricting the agency’s activities would severely impact humanitarian aid in the occupied Palestinian territories. Israel’s Parliament passed legislation in October, effective immediately. The agency's Phillippe Lazzarini says the ban will have dire consequences: […]

31 January, 2025

Africa

SADC Condemns M23 Attack on Mission in DRC

SADC has condemned the 22 January 2025 attack on its mission in the DRC by the rebel group M23, citing its threat to regional peace and the DRC’s sovereignty. In a statmet issued this past weekend, the organization urged the international community to join in denouncing the aggression and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting peace and stability in the region. The attack, which targeted SAMIDRC in Goma, forced millions […]

27 January, 2025

South Africa

South Africa welcomes temporary ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas

South Africa has welcomed the temporary ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas, saying this is a crucial first step toward ending the severe humanitarian crisis faced by the 2.3-million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The ceasefire, which will come into effect on Sunday, will include the release of 33 hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. Minister of International Relations and Cooperation’s spokesperson, Chrispin Phiri, says […]

16 January, 2025

World

More than one million now displaced in Haiti

The United Nations reports that the number of people in Haiti who have fled their homes has risen threefold in the last year. According to the UN's International Organization for Migration latest data some one million people are now displaced with more than half being children. Armed gangs continue to control most of the capital, Port-au-Prince following an outbreak of violence last year. Jody Jacobs reports from the United […]

15 January, 2025

World

UN Human Rights Commissioner Criticizes Israeli Strikes on Hospitals at UN Security Council

The United Nations Security Council has been warned of the dire consequences of Israel's military operations in Gaza on the Palestinian healthcare system. Mitch McCann reports from New York.

6 January, 2025