Women and the Security Crisis in the Lake Chad Basin
Growing insecurity in the Lake Chad Basin has hampered on the lives and livelihood of women causing them plunge more into poverty. In addition, with the growing treats from insurgents, the Lake Chad is shrinking as a result of climate change which has made it even more difficult for women to have access to water. Leaders across the Lake Chad Basin has met to discuss the growing humanitarian condition and the conflict situation, and how the revitalization of inter basin water transfer can restore livelihood and curb insecurity.
Further Details: https://issafrica.org/iss-today/security-crisis-in-lake-chad-basin-erodes-womens-livelihoods
Violence in Cameroon
Cameroon Unity Day has been disrupted by violence in the English-speaking part of Cameroon. The conflict has intensified over the past month and eyewitnesses have reported indiscriminate killings of anglophone Cameroonians by the Cameroon troops and the conflict has created an opportunity for looting and setting back people into poverty. Continued violence in Cameroon impedes the full implementation of the WPS Agenda in Africa as the conflict creates unsafe spaces and challenges for women.
Further Details: https://www.voanews.com/africa/cameroon-unity-day-marred-violence-separatist-regions
Kenya appoints First Female Chief Justice
President Uhuru Kenyatta has appointed the first female Chief Justice of the Appeal Court, Judge Martha Koome. No women have ever reached this position in Kenya and it a milestone for the nation as it strives to push forward the WPS agenda in Kenya. With the appointment, one of the major arms of government is mostly led by women.
Further Details: https://www.voanews.com/africa/kenyas-president-names-countrys-first-female-chief-justice
Violence worsening in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Reports have emerged of a surge in attacks by armed militias and inter communal violence in Eastern DRC which has claimed over 300 lives since the beginning of the year. The President has declared a state of emergency over the situation in Eastern provinces of North Kivu and Ituri. The situation has caused a displacement crisis of more than 1.6 million in Ituri and 2.8 million people are in need of emergency assistance.
Further Details: https://www.voanews.com/africa/congo-declares-state-siege-over-eastern-bloodshed
Trafficking of Women into Burkina Faso
The growth of the Burkina Faso mining industry has created avenue for women to be trafficked into the country under the pretence of working in the mining industry. Many women have been sold into prostitution by their traffickers under the pretence of them relocating to work and support their families. Burkina Faso is struggling with traffickers within its borders and also, it’s a transfer point for trafficking women into other countries.
Further Details: https://www.voanews.com/africa/growth-burkina-faso-gold-mining-fuels-human-trafficking
Sudan and Gender Equality
Good news as Sudan minister’s council ratifies United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Though men in the Sudan council have declined to endorse the notion that women are equal to men in political and social levels and have equal rights in marriage. Women right groups have criticized these reservations and as it contravenes the goal of the convention. The WPS agenda speaks to gender equality between men and women and equal opportunities for women. With these reservations, women cannot attain full gender parity in Sudan.
Further Details: https://www.voanews.com/africa/sudan-ratifies-womens-rights-convention-exceptions
