Weekly Highlight of WPS events on the African Continent from 1st to 5th February 2021

Crisis in Central African Republic

There has been a surge in violence in many Central African towns with reports of thousands of women and children newly displaced by the rise in violence. This violence erupted before the general elections scheduled to take place in February 2021.  According to UNICEF, the violence may lead to higher rates of malnutrition.

Further detail: https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/central-african-republic-surge-violence-and-displacement-threatens-thousands

What Justice Looks like

Dominic Ongwen of the Lords Resistance Army in Uganda has been prosecuted and sentenced to life by the International Criminal Court. He was charged with rape, forced marriage, torture, enslavement and multiple murders. Ongwen was part of a group that led a violent campaign across Uganda and neighbouring countries where they brutalized, raped, and murdered people. They were commendations in Uganda over the judgement as it demonstrates the possibility to seek justice against insurgent groups.

Further details: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/04/world/africa/uganda-ongwen-war-crimes.html

Women Feeing Burkina Faso Face Sexual Assault

The rising violence in Burkina Faso has left people displaced and women experiencing sexual violence by Islamic extremist group in the region on a large scale. The extremist group in Burkina Faso linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic state is reportedly responsible for an increase in sexual assault against women. 85% of the survivors of sexual violence are displaced women preyed upon when returning to collect belonging left behind or when carrying out domestic chores.

Further Details: https://wtop.com/africa/2021/02/women-fleeing-burkina-faso-violence-face-sexual-assault/

Conflict Displace thousands of Mozambique Citizens

Thousands of Mozambiquan nationals have been forcefully displaced from the north west province of Mozambique by Islamist militia. The people in this region are faced with extreme weather conditions, food insecurity, diseases and the failure from the government to secure its nationals. Access to health care is made impossible for these Mozambiquans as the militia groups have made it impossible for them to access health care facilities or go to school as these institutions are considered anti-Islamic.

Further details: https://news.sky.com/story/mozambique-conflict-why-have-500-000-people-been-forced-to-flee-their-homes-12209615

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