Somalia at the brink of a Humanitarian Crisis
The issues of drought, shrinking water, and the lack of fertile soils are fuelling tension between clans and creating large-scale displacement between clans in Somalia. The pandemic is also claiming lives and ending the livelihoods of citizens especially women coupled with the political instability that has pushed the already fragile nation into a humanitarian catastrophe. Women have not been able to earn a living because of the pandemic and life has become increasingly difficult for women of Somalia.
Further Details: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/aug/23/nothing-to-eat-somalia-hit-by-triple-threat-of-climate-crisis-covid-and-conflict
Women Rights to own Lands in Africa is still in question
Rights to land are not equitably distributed even though land serves as a foundation for security, shelter, income, and potential gender-equitable livelihood. Less than 10 percent of the land on the African continent is owned by women though between 70 to 90 percent of the wealth in Africa is generated through the land. Though countries promote the equitable distribution of land in Africa, women are not considered to be rightful owners of communal land and struggle with the multitude of struggles to gain access to land.
Further Details: https://msmagazine.com/2021/08/23/women-land-property-rights-africa-icrw/
Egypt Organizes Training on Conflict Resolution, Mediation for African Diplomats.
The Cairo International Centre for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Peacebuilding organized a virtual training for 20 diplomats from African Countries. The course dealt with different concepts of conflict resolution with a focus on and the importance of women in peace-making and mediation efforts. The necessary tools needed to achieve it successfully, in addition to contemporary issues in peace-making such as the impact of the use of information technology was also a part of the agenda. This comes at a time where women groups and CSO and have consistently pushed for women’s inclusion in mediation processes. Further Details: https://dailynewsegypt.com/2021/08/21/egypt-organises-training-on-conflict-resolution-mediationfor-african-diplomats/
Cameroon Military Raids Separatist Held Enclaves.
The Cameroon military has killed seven generals of the separatist movement in Cameroon. The military says it has recovered 70 vehicles used by the separatist movement and freed civilians mostly women and children held hostage by separatists and some of the separatist fighters were arrested. The WPS agenda speaks to the protection of women in times of conflict and in peacetime. It is safe to say the government of Cameroon is headed in the right direction.
Further Details: https://www.voanews.com/africa/cameroon-military-raids-separatist-held-roads-kill-seven-self-proclaimed-separatist-generals
Suicide bombing in Mogadishu, Somalia Kills Civilians
Al-Qaida linked group Al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing targeted at a tea shop in northern Mogadishu. The ongoing conflict in Somalia between AL-Shabab and the government in a bid to topple the government and establish its own rule has impacted the lives of women and girls. Women have been caught in the crossfire and have claimed the lives of most women.
Further Details: https://www.voanews.com/africa/mogadishu-suicide-bombing-kills-2-injures-5
Scores Killed in Violence in Oromia Region of Ethiopia
Reports from the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission have emerged stating the killings of 210 people caught in a crossfire of ethnic violence in the Oromia region of Ethiopia. Reports suggest that gunmen affiliated with the Oromo Liberation Army were seen arriving on the 18th into the region where the killings occurred. Ethnic-based reprisal attacks have been carried out by residents killing 60 people. These attacks have forced women and children to flee to safety.
Further Details: https://www.voanews.com/africa/more-210-killed-violence-western-ethiopia
Nigeria and Cameroon form Joint Taskforce to fight Separatist Movement
The call for secession has destabilized Cameroon and Nigeria and impacted the lives of civilians especially women and girls who have experienced abuse at the hands of separatist forces and government forces in Cameroon. The Nigerian government has agreed to join forces with the government of Cameroon to fight these movements in both countries.
Further Details: https://www.voanews.com/africa/cameroon-nigeria-announce-effort-jointly-fight-separatists
