Menstruation Stigma and the Need for Advocacy
A coalition of NGOs in Cameroon recently made a call to the Government to take leadership in improving sanitary pad availability through subsidy. This call has been raised as most girls can afford sanitary pads which have led to mockery on the part of other students and teachers. The absence of adequate sanitation facilities in schools and public spaces has led to stigma on women which can then reduce access to education for girls.
Further Details: https://www.voanews.com/africa/world-menstrual-health-day-cameroon-ngos-seek-free-kits-battle-stigma
School Abduction in Nigeria now a norm
There are increasing reports that suggest that the abduction of school children in Northern Nigeria has continued at an alarming rate. These kidnappings by armed groups for ransom have disrupted the educational system of children especially girl children. In Bauchi, an unknown armed gang abducted a child from an Islamic school, and these abductions in the state have increased to over 700 abductions since December 2020. This is a violation of the rights of children to have an education.
Further Details: https://www.voanews.com/africa/gunmen-abduct-students-school-north-central-nigeria
Central Africa Republic Conflict escalating
The crisis in the CAR has escalated since its elections in December 2020. Thousands of people have been displaced and killed through roadside mines and bombs in the course of the conflict. This has become a new phenomenon in the country. The escalation in tensions may lead to increased challenges as well as difficulty in recovery for women and girls who are disproportionately affected by conflict in the country.
Further Details: https://www.voanews.com/africa/bomb-kills-2-car-police-officers-3-russian-paramilitaries
ICC Urges Sudan to Hand over Suspects
The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court ((ICC)) concluded her 5-day visit to Sudan urging the Sudan government to hand over the perpetrators of the conflict in 2019. Fatou Bensouda commended the bravery of the communities that were affected by the conflict. The government arrested former President Al Bashir over his involvement in the conflict and the ICC has charged Al Bashir with war crimes and genocide for allegedly masterminding the attacks on Darfur. These crimes included rape and mass killings of over 300 thousand people and displacement of over 2.7 million people.
Further Details: https://www.voanews.com/africa/icc-prosecutor-urges-sudan-hand-over-darfur-suspects
Killings in Eastern Congo
Attacks in villages in the Eastern area of Congo have claimed the lives of 55 people. The Allied Democratic Force and the Islamist armed groups have been blamed for these killings. In a statement by the United Nations, the attacks have been labeled the worst night of violence the area has seen in four years. A state of emergency has been declared by President.[‘A1]
Further Details: https://www.voanews.com/africa/least-55-killed-eastern-congo-massacres-un-says
Goma Volcanic Eruption.
The current issue of natural phenomenon facing the DRC has left 350000 people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. In addition to the volcanic eruption, Goma has been a region that has been in conflict over the years. Aid agencies have warned that the people of Goma are at risk of cholera which is endemic in the region and this easily spread in areas with poor hygiene.
Further Details: https://www.voanews.com/africa/350000-victims-goma-volcanic-eruption-urgently-need-aid-un-says
Cameroon Women Appeal to UN Security Council
Cameroon women activists and opposition members have appealed to the UNSC to play its role in ensuring human rights are respected by the state and the state releases political prisoners as well as negotiate cease-fire with armed groups. The women made the plea in a meeting held to discuss possible measures to curb the surging attack of Boko Haram and the Cameroon Separatist movement. This act is demonstrative of the role women groups continue to play in raising awareness and engaging in peace processes in their communities.
Further Details: https://www.voanews.com/africa/cameroon-women-appeal-un-security-council-discuss-escalating-crises
Kebbi State Attacks in Nigeria
Eighty-eight people have been reported killed in an attack by armed bandits in Kebbi State, Nigeria. The perpetrators swept through eight villages killing these people. Reports emerging state that gunmen have ramped up attacks in communities, as well as mass kidnapping of students in the region leaving citizens in fear and leading to a humanitarian crisis.
Further Details: https://www.voanews.com/africa/attackers-kill-88-people-northwest-nigeria
[‘A1]Add the name of the president
