Scores Killed in Niger Armed Attack
The Lake Chad Basin has been marred by terrorist attacks for a long time now. It has been reported that about a 100-terrorist attacked Tchoma Bangou village in the Southwest region near the Mali border. Over the years, this border has been targeted by jihadist groups which have led to a state of emergency since 2017. Time and time again we have seen the negative impact of conflict on women and girls which is why the WPS Agenda speaks to the protection of women at all times.
Further Details: https://www.voanews.com/africa/49-killed-niger-armed-attack
UN Calls for Urgent Pull out of Eritrean Troops from Tigray
On Tuesday the 13th of July 2021, the United Nations Human Rights Council passed a resolution demanding the immediate pullout from the region. The conflict has claimed the lives of 2 million people and displaced many and plunged about 400 thousand people into famine. The resolution was passed as a result of the alleged role Eritrea has played in escalating the conflict. This conflict has extended over what it was thought would come to an end immediately and women have been caught in the crossfire.
Further Details: https://www.voanews.com/africa/un-calls-swift-pullout-eritrean-troops-tigray
Women Standing Up in Somalia to Occupy Leadership Positions
Following the complex dynamics of the conflict in Somalia which has not come to an end irrespective of the measures that have been put in place in the past by its male presidents, has led to women standing up to demand the mantle of leadership be given to them. Lawmaker Fawzia Haji Adam has announced her candidacy for the highest office in Somalia. This is a welcome development as resolution 1325 advocates for more women to participate in leadership positions.
Further Details: https://www.voanews.com/africa/somalias-only-female-presidential-candidate-says-time-women-lead
The Government of Cameroon Says Separatist Disguise as Military
The Cameroonian government has reported that separatist rebels have devised new means of achieving their aim of being an independent country. There have been killings of government troops and disguising in the military uniforms to commit atrocities. Constant attacks on women have intensified which and human rights instruments such as CEDAW in times of emergency and armed conflict, the CEDAW Committee expects States Parties ‘to adopt strategies and take measures addressed to the particular needs of women and most of the WPS resolutions to refer to CEDAW.
Further Details: https://www.voanews.com/africa/cameroon-says-separatists-disguised-military-kill-loot
Update on Tigray Conflict
Rebel Forces Launch New Attacks in Tigray
The rebel forces involved in the ongoing conflict in the Tigray region has launched a new offensive in the region 2 weeks after the government declared a cease-fire. The conflict in the region has exposed women and girls to severe human rights abuses which have made them vulnerable. Resolution 1325 speaks to conflict prevention and specific protection of rights and needs of women and girls in times of conflict and post-conflict settings.
Further Details: https://www.voanews.com/africa/rebel-forces-launch-new-offensive-ethiopias-tigray-region
Fear of Tigray Conflict Shifting into An Ethnic Conflict
Observers such as Aid agencies, local media have reported that the war in the Tigray region seems to be escalating as more youths are being recruited to fight which will cost more lives and escalate abuses on women and girls. Observers have stated that Oromia and Sidama regions are mobilizing attacks on Tigrayan forces which is beginning to create fear that the conflict may escalate into an ethnic crisis knowing the ethnic tensions that the country has been facing.
Further Details: https://www.voanews.com/africa/observers-worry-tigray-fighting-shifting-ethnic-conflict
Increased Kidnapping in North-East Nigeria
The increased attacks and kidnapping by bandits in Northeast Nigeria have left citizens in fear and constant panic. These bandits increasingly target schools especially boarding schools kidnapping girls and boys for ransom. The constant kidnapping of children from schools is threatening the rights of children particularly the right of the girl child to education and threatening the collapse of the Nigerian education system.
Further Details: https://www.voanews.com/africa/gunmen-kidnap-dozens-villagers-northwestern-nigeria
Democratic Republic of Congo Conflict Persist
The UN refugee agency has reported a series of attacks in Eastern DRC which has displaced over 20 thousand civilians as they are fleeing for their lives. This has led President Felix Tshisekedi to declare a state of emergency as more than 100 armed groups are terrorizing communities in the region. These insistent attacks continue to make women more vulnerable to violence and abuse from all sides.
Further Details: https://www.voanews.com/africa/thousands-flee-attacks-armed-groups-eastern-drc
