Spike in Sexual Violence in Cameroon Anglophone Crisis
Cases of sexual defilement in Cameroon by uniformed security agents has increased in the past weeks as a result of the ongoing conflict in the region. Over 500 cases of sexual assault have been reported in the first quarter of 2021 and in 2020, 4300 cases were recorded. As with many conflicts, women and girls are disproportionately affected as conflict exposes the vulnerabilities of the systems failure to protect women and girl which opens up avenues for them to be preyed upon.
Further Details: https://www.dw.com/en/sexual-violence-rampant-as-cameroons-anglophone-crisis-intensifies/a-57581115
Intercommunal Conflict in Sudan
The report of the UN Head of Mission in Sudan stated that despite the progress made by Sudan towards a peaceful transitional of government, continued conflict and violence against women and girls have threatened the countries peace and stability. He further stated that there is need for accountability particularly for crimes against women and girl and the need for more women participation in the transitional legislative council.
Further Details: https://reliefweb.int/report/sudan/amid-sudan-s-transition-process-intercommunal-conflict-violence-against-women
South Africa Department of Women and Gender out of Touch with realities of Women
Opposition MPs have slammed the Minister of Women and Gender of South Africa Maite Nkoana Mashabane for not doing enough about the increasing levels of GBV in the country noting the ministry has not done much to eradicate this shadow pandemic. The MPs stated that no adequate policies have been driven by the department to end Violence against women rather lives of more women are at risk and the government has failed to implement interventions to end GBV.
Further Details: https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/you-are-out-of-touch-minister-opposition-mps-slam-department-of-women-over-gbv-response-20210519
Ethiopian Government Prosecutes Soldiers for Rape
The Government of Ethiopia has finally prosecuted 3 soldiers of rape and pressed charges against 28 others suspected in killing civilians. This is long overdue as calls against violation of the rights of women have been made to the Ethiopian government since the onset of the conflict in the Tigray region. Also, 25 soldiers were charged with rape and other forms of sexual violence.
Further Details: https://www.voanews.com/africa/ethiopia-convicts-3-troops-rape-charges-28-killings
Tanzania Deporting Displaced Mozambicans
UNHCR has called on the Government of Tanzania to accommodate Mozambican refugees that are seeking asylum in Tanzania as a result of the ongoing conflict in the country. Many women and children have been affected by the conflict in Mozambique and have fled into Tanzania for safety but have been forcefully deported back to Mozambique. This contravenes the pillars of the WPS agenda which expects the protection on women.
Further Details: https://www.voanews.com/africa/unhcr-calls-tanzania-stop-deporting-mozambican-asylum-seekers
Africa hosts highest number of displaced people
The International Displacement Monitoring Centre reports the number of people displace inside their countries. In their report, North Africa and Sub Saharan Africa and the Middle East constituted 90% of the population of displaced people. More often than not, Women are more affected by conflict and displacements which sets them back as they face challenges in securing a decent livelihood and lack the right resources that meet their specific needs. These displacements reinforce pre-existing discriminations and social economic disadvantages against women.
Further Details: https://www.voanews.com/africa/record-55-million-people-displaced-last-year
