Weekly Highlight of WPS on the Continent 5th to 9th April 2021

Boko Haram Victims Freed by African Troops

An African Troop comprising of Nigerian, Chadian and Cameroonians have freed almost 60 people comprising of civilians and former combatants from Boko Haram. These captives comprise mostly of women and children with fresh scars while some had amputated body parts. The released victims were rushed to disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration centres in Northern Cameroon.

Further Details: https://www.voanews.com/africa/african-troops-free-dozens-boko-haram-victims

Southern African Leaders Respond to Crises in Mozambique

The crippling and rising insurgency attacks in the northern part of Mozambique has raised concerns amongst the Southern African Leaders who have decided to explore regional efforts to bring to an end the attacks on the civilian population as the attacks is also endangering the nation’s gas reserves. Six leaders from Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe met to discuss and proffer solutions. An immediate technical deployment to Mozambique has been called for ahead of another high-level meeting end of April.

Further Details: https://www.voanews.com/africa/southern-african-leaders-step-response-mozambique-insurgency

Climate Change Action in Africa

Considering the effects of climate change in Africa, African leaders met to push the global community to intensify their fight against climate change in Africa as this making the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic severe. A correlation between climate change and the pandemic was made in the videoconference which brought together African Leaders and Heads of Organization stating that the vulnerabilities of the health sector is exacerbated as a result of the impact of climate change which has been seen to greatly affects women.

Further Details:  https://www.voanews.com/africa/african-leaders-push-strong-action-climate-change

Tribal Clashes in West Darfur

The tribal conflict in West Darfur has claimed 87 lives and left hundreds injured with need for immediate medical attention and the conflict requiring urgent humanitarian and medical attention as hospitals in the capital of Darfur are understaffed and working under power blackout, lack of water for proper sanitary conditions and shortage of drugs in the hospitals.

The conflict has caused severe damage to hospitals through grenade attacks which has incapacitated hospitals.

Further Details:https://www.voanews.com/africa/west-darfur-tribal-clash-death-toll-rises-87

8 Year jail Term for Rape Perpetuator

The controversial case of a wealthy Egyptian student at the American University of Cairo who was accused of attempted rape and other sexual misconduct of minors has ended with the student sentenced to 8 years in prison by an Egyptian court. He was charged with blackmail as he was accused of pressuring women into sending intimate picture of themselves and later blackmailing the women.

 Further Details: https://www.voanews.com/middle-east/former-student-elite-egyptian-university-gets-8-more-years-metoo-case

Acute Hunger Recorded in the DR Congo

A record-breaking number of 27.3 million people (One-third of the population) have been recorded by the World Food Program to be facing acute hunger in the Democratic Republic of Congo. An analysis done by WPS into the causes of hunger says that the key causes are largely man made resulting from conflict that has continued in the Central African nation. The World Food program has stated that the country is worst hit by the current crisis as the pandemic has led to a near-collapse of the economy. 

Further Details: https://www.voanews.com/africa/record-number-people-dr-congo-face-acute-hunger

Presidential Election in Benin Republic Amid Violence

The Republic of Benin once known for peace has been rocked by conflict over the current president seeking re-lection into the highest office of the country. Protest turned violent in various cities and report of the killings of civilians by government security forces have been reported. The opposition parties have claimed that the elections have been rigged in favour of the current president.

Further details: https://www.voanews.com/africa/benin-holds-presidential-election-after-week-violence

Norwegian Refugee Council Facilities Burnt in Northeast Nigeria

The frequent targeting of Aid Workers in Northeaster Nigeria is jeopardising the work of the relief agencies working to provide support to the needs of people in the region. The Norwegian Refugee Council has reported recent targeting of their facility for the insurgent groups. This report surfaced as a result of their office being set ablaze by the insurgent group and raising concerns of safety of their workers.

Further Details:  https://www.voanews.com/africa/aid-group-facilities-attacked-set-ablaze-northeast-nigeria

Related Posts
Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.