Category: Africa Press Organisation – English

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) provided 50 traditional-looking boats with hunting equipment to the women of Sorko, a local community making a living from fishing in Niger.

The Niger River is one of the most important resources sustaining the economies of the Western Sub-Saharan countries that it passes. Giving life to agriculture and livestock activities, the river is the source of food and income for thousands of people with the fish population it houses.

The river, which is one of the longest streams in the continent with a length of over 4.000 km and plays a decisive role in the demographic formation of the Sub-Saharan countries, is home to a significant culture in Mali, Niger, and Nigeria.

The Fulani, Zarma, and Haussa communities living in villages along the river are known as “Sorko (River People)” or “Bozo” and are also important in the oral culture of these countries.

Sorko’s culture, which is often cited in historical sources, maintains its existence today with an integrated approach to the modern world.

Living in settled villages along the Niger river and making a living from fishing, Sorkos continue their social and commercial existence within the National Fishing Association of Niger.

Using traditional hunting methods, The Sorko community has difficulties in hunting down full capacity and preserving the products they hunt for a long time due to the lack of equipment and infrastructure.

Women come into prominence in river fishing, as is the case in almost all areas of agriculture and livestock. Sorko women, who work in fields during the day, get fish by pulling out the traps they set in the evenings early in the mornings.

Boat and market support was provided to the fisherwomen of Sorko community

In the city of Niamey alone, there are more than 100 fishers organized under a total of 25 regional branches within 5 districts.  A significant part of these members is comprised of women.

TİKA provided a total of 50 boats, 2 for each region, manufactured in traditional style and equipped with hunting equipment (nets, fishing lines, baits, etc.) to the fisherwomen of the Sorko community in 25 regions operating under Niamey.

3 fisherwomen are expected to take advantage of each boat at a time, while scores of families are expected to benefit from it in a broad perspective. In line with this, the number of people who make use of the boats is anticipated to reach thousands.

TİKA also built a boutique fish market where fishers across Niamey could gather their hunted products at a central location, preserve them for a long time, and wholesale market them to retailers and the public.

Freezers and display counters were provided

A total of 6 big freezers and display counters, that can be used by fishers based in 5 districts and the federation, were provided to the 60-square-meter fish market built in the 2nd fishing port of Niamey by sticking to the traditional architecture.

More than 1000 fishermen who work in the region and their families as well as the fisherwomen will be able to benefit from the Market which is a first in Niamey.

In the country where fishers display the products they hunt on riversides and counters set up disorganizedly in inner cities, it serves as the first market in which fishers are allowed to market their products at one spot where they can preserve them with cold storage technologies.

The built marketplace and boats were delivered with a ceremony

The marketplace built for fishers and the traditional boats were delivered to the Fishing Federation of Niger with an official ceremony attended by a large number of participants.

The ceremony was held with the participation of the Minister of Environment and Fight Against Desertification, Garama Saratou Rabiou Inoussa; Türkiye’s Ambassador to Niamey, Özgür Çınar; TİKA’s Coordinator in Niamey, Tanju Polat; the President of the City Modernization Agency of Niger Moctar Mamoudou; the President of the Rural Platform of Niger, Djibo Bagna; the President of the Fishing Federation, Ousmane Zakari; General Directors of the Ministry of Environment and Fight Against Desertification, and members of the press as well as hundreds of fishers in the region.

Speaking at the ceremony, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Niamey, Çınar stated that the opportunities TİKA provided are for the improvement of the working conditions of fishers, and that it will increase the production and sales capacities of the fishers in Niamey. Ambassador Çınar, in his speech, emphasized the nature of relations between the two countries and reported that Türkiye’s support will increasingly continue.

The President of the Fishing Federation, Zakari, thanked TİKA for supporting the fishers of Niger through the market and equipment opportunities and leaving a meaningful legacy for the next fishers.

The project aims to provide a sales center where Sorkos, particularly women, can directly contact consumers and retailers, support the animal trading capacity of the country, increase savings opportunities by preventing yield loss, and support the increase in fish supply.

The market built as a part of the project is also planned to serve as a boutique open-air fish restaurant where people can consume fresh fish.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

FSD Africa Investments, in partnership with InfraCredit, have invested £10m into a first-of-its-kind risk-sharing backstop facility, designed to unlock local currency funding for sustainable infrastructure development in Nigeria.

The Risk Sharing Backstop Facility (RSBF) will address the challenge of low credit enhancement by mobilising local institutional investment via bonds into viable early-stage or green-field climate-aligned infrastructure projects.

By increasing the accessibility of finance for climate-aligned infrastructure projects, the facility will help Nigeria accelerate social and economic development, green economic transition as well as deliver on climate goals.

Backed by the UK International Development through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), FSD Africa Investments (FSDAi) is pleased to be undertaking this £10m investment in partnership with InfraCredit – an established player in the sustainable infrastructure financing space.

InfraCredit’s current investments and project pipeline demonstrates the breadth and variety of projects this facility will support, with projects ranging from distributed renewable energy services for urban residences, to commercial and industrial renewable projects, edge-certified green housing and e-mobility infrastructure.

The RSBF will raise funding in series, initially from FSDAi, and eventually from other funders – aiming to reach a total capital base of up to US$50m.This investment therefore aligns with one of FSD Africa’s primary objectives – developing capital markets by tackling blockages in the system.

UK Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, said: “This investment further demonstrates the UK’s commitment and contribution to Nigeria’s transition to clean energy and builds on decades of UK leadership in mobilising support for climate-related infrastructure challenges. Just like the successes of British International Investment (BII) and our Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), I am optimistic that InfraCredit will continue to grow and mobilise even more private sector capital to invest in better, greener infrastructure.”

Chief Investment Officer, FSD Africa Investments, FSD Africa, Anne-Marie Chidzero, said: “FSDAi’s partnership with InfraCredit on the bridge-to-bond facility introduces a derisking financing solution to mobilise short and medium-term local institutional investment into critically needed infrastructure projects that are currently considered un-bankable without alternative credit enhancement. Moreover, as Africa’s economies struggle to mobilise capital to develop key climate mitigation and sustainable power generation projects, this facility comes as a timely and much-needed intervention for Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape.”

Chief Executive Officer, InfraCredit, Chinua Azubike, said: “I am delighted to work with FSD Africa Investments on an innovative facility which will support much needed, but underfinanced projects realise their ultimate goals and purpose.”

Smart use of catalytic capital can dramatically increase the role of private capital and local intermediaries in investing in Nigeria’s sustainable infrastructure space and help the country develop responses to the significant challenges which confront it from the deteriorating environment and ecology to an unstable energy mix and severe social inequality.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

In response to the ongoing cholera outbreak that has affected the nation since October 2022, the Ministry of Health has taken decisive action by initiating a comprehensive Oral Cholera Vaccination (OCV) campaign.

During a media and stakeholders meeting held today in Nairobi, Ms. Mary Muriuki, the Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, emphasized the urgency of intervention as the cholera situation continues to escalate.

As of 18th July 2023, the country has reported a staggering 11,181 cholera cases and 196 fatalities in 26 counties. The Case Fatality Rate (CFR) stands at 1.7%, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the critical need for prompt action.

The successful first round of vaccination conducted in February 2023 saw 2.2 million people above the age of 1 vaccinated in Nairobi, Garissa, Tana River, and Wajir, resulting in a significant reduction in cholera cases in those areas.

Building on this progress, the International Coordinating Group (ICG) has provided the Ministry of Health with 1,533,199 doses of the Oral Cholera Vaccine for the upcoming campaign.

Set to commence on 3rd August 2023, the vaccination drive will focus on the eight most-affected counties, including Homa Bay (Suba South), Kajiado (Kajiado East), Marsabit (Moyale), Nairobi (Kamukunji and Embakasi Central), Wajir (Wajir North), Mandera (Mandera East), Machakos, and Garissa.

Ms. Muriuki emphasized the importance of additional preventive and promotive interventions to complement vaccination efforts.

The Ministry of Health has strengthened coordination activities, water, sanitation, and hygiene efforts, risk communication networks, community engagement, patient case management, and laboratory confirmation of cases in collaboration with county governments, line ministries, and partners.

The Principal Secretary represented by Dr. Sultani Matendechero called upon all citizens to actively participate in the fight against cholera by adhering to essential public health measures and supporting the vaccination campaign. She also highlighted the crucial role of the media in raising awareness and educating the public about cholera prevention.

The Ministry of Health’s announcement signifies a significant step forward in the battle against cholera, with hopes of curbing the outbreak and creating a safer and healthier future for all Kenyans.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

The five countries of MIKTA, such as Mexico, Indonesia, Türkiye, and Australia held the Batik and Wire Jewelry in cooperation with North West Province Government, South Africa (27-28/7) at Sun City Convention Center, Rustenburg.

The training which was held within the framework of Indonesia’s chairmanship in the intra-regional forum for middle-power countries, raised the theme of inclusive economic recovery as one of Indonesia’s chairmanship priorities in 2023.

The cooperation between MIKTA and North West Province was done by recruiting 50 training participants from the province who came from vulnerable groups economically affected after the Covid-19 pandemic, consisting of women, youth and disabled.

The participants of the two-day training for both batik and jewelry appeared highly enthusiastic, as conveyed by Ellen Modi, one of the local designers who participated. “As a participant, we are very happy with this activity which gave us new insights about Batik. This is a chance for us to develop our design skills, especially in Batik”.

The training activities involved Indonesian instructor, Venny Afwany Alamsyah from Batik House Indonesia and were witnessed by officials of embassies from every MIKTA country in Pretoria, South Africa, namely Republic of Korea Ambassador, Chull-joo Park; Türkiye Ambassador, Ayşegül Kandaş; and Australia Ambassador, Tegan Brink, and Chargé d’Affaires ad Interim of the Embassy of Mexico, Elía del Carmen Sosa Nishizaki; KUAI Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) Pretoria, Victor J. Sambuaga. These officials also had the opportunity to try making batik on the sidelines of the activity.

To represent his colleagues, the heads of representatives of MIKTA country members, Victor J. Sambuaga, the Indonesian Embassy in Pretoria welcomed the activities initiated by both parties, MIKTA and North West Province. “This is clear evidence of MIKTA country members’ contributions as international entities toward accreditation areas, such as South Africa, especially in North West Province. These kinds of activities can hopefully impact the development of small and medium enterprises which of course we all hope together could push the community’s economic growth, especially in the North West Province.

In line with Sambuaga, Thabo Mabe, Chief Director of the North West Province Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation expressed his belief that this activity, which is also a form of cultural exchange for the two countries will produce good results for the beneficiary communities. “We warmly welcome this activity, especially since it will be advantageous for women, youth, and the disabled. The goal is to empower the community through capacity building which is expected to create jobs for the community.”

As it is known, Indonesia has set 3 priorities for its chairmanship in 2023, consist of Strengthening Multilateralism, Inclusive Economic Recovery, and Digital Transformation. The echoes of Indonesia’s chairmanship began since continuing as chairman of the MIKTA forum from Türkiye since March 2023.

The event was concluded with a recorded message from high-ranking Indonesian officials, the Director General for Multilateral Affairs of the Indonesian Foreign Ministry, Tri Tharyat, and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Africa, Y.M. Candith Mashego-Dlamini.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

4-year-old Chimma Adam’s body is swollen, and it appears that his health is rapidly declining. As a result, he cannot play like other small children his age because of this.

While on his daily rounds within one of the IDP (internally displaced persons) camps in Bama, Modu Gana Kanumbu, a volunteer community mobiliser (VCM) noticed Chimma’s frail state and realized this was a serious case that needed attention.  

Fana, the child’s mother, told Modu that the boy had fallen ill and had generalized body edema; she claimed to have taken him to three different health centers, but he had not received any medical attention. Modu then brought the sick child to the camp’s UNICEF-supported facility. 

On arrival at the facility, Chimma received first aid before being transported immediately to a stabilization facility maintained by the IRC at the general hospital in Bama. Over a week passed while he was confined in the hospital’s intensive care unit, Chimma began to gradually get better. The unexpected change in her child’s circumstances made Fana delighted. 

Without Modu, we would have lost Chimma” said Fana. “I am glad I listened to him and also agreed to take my child to the health facility. I see a great improvement in my son. We got food as well

Fana is one of the few women in the IDP camp who heeds Modu’s counsel about getting medical attention quickly and the significance of providing children with nutrition and life-saving immunizations. 

For 55-year-old Modu, who also is an IDP, his daily schedule includes active case search, defaulters tracking, polio mobilization, KHHP compound meeting, and community discourse every morning in the camp. “As a father myself, I can relate to the concerns and hardships that families in the camp are experiencing. I therefore keep an eye out for the children, especially when I see they are undernourished”. 

Boko Haram invaded Budumuri, Modu’s hometown in Borno, northeast of Nigeria, which is 27 kilometers from Bama. After being kept as a prisoner for two years by the boko haram, he was able to escape and after volunteering as a first responder for two years, he was chosen as a VCM. He underwent a transition to a VCM when UNICEF intervention entered the IDP camp and is currently undergoing another transfer to a CHIPS (Community Health Influencers Promoters and Services) agent because of his dedication and diligence.

In the GSSSS (Government Senior Science Secondary School) IDP camp in Bama, which is home to over 100,000 IDPs, majority of whom are women and children, who make up 45% of the total, KFW Germany, supports the UNICEF facility. 

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

The Bahamian Government welcomes the Government of Kenya’s decision to answer the Haitian Government’s request for security support with a commitment of 1,000 police officers to lead a multinational force. For our part, The Bahamas has committed 150 persons to support the multi-national force once authorized by the United Nations Security Council. We now urge the passing of a UN Security Council Resolution in support of this force.

The Bahamas looks forward to working with Kenya and other partners in Haiti to assist in efforts to bring about peace and stability. We appreciate that this is, as the Kenyan Foreign Minister Alfred Mutua stated, a decision to, “[stand] with persons of African descent across the world, including those in the Caribbean, and aligns with the African Union’s diaspora policy and our own commitment to Pan Africanism.” We also look forward to cooperating with hemispheric partners including the United States and Canada.

The Bahamas will continue to support the CARICOM led Eminent Persons Group, which includes former Prime Ministers Perry Christie, Dr Kenny Anthony of St Lucia, and Bruce Golding of Jamaica, and the Organization of American States’ Haiti Working Group chaired by Trinidad and Tobago. These regional and Diasporic approaches to addressing insecurity caused by gang violence are critical to creating a safe space to foster political consensus and to restore democratic order.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

From July 31st to August 4th, 2023, experts have gathered for the Resilient African Feed and Fodder Systems (RAFFS) Project’s Expert Workshop. Staff and specialists from the AU-IBAR RAFFS Project are getting together to improve the assessment conceptual framework, data collecting, and analysis tools for a study of feed and fodder actors in six African Union Member States (Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia, Uganda, Zimbabwe).

The objective of the survey will be to assess the effects of Triple Cs: Climate-related challenges (Drought/Floods), Covid-19, and Conflict (Russia – Ukraine) on African Feed and Fodder Systems.  

By the end of the workshop, a number of outputs are expected, notably:

(i)    The draft RAFFS Assessment Framework, Data Collection Tools and Analytical Framework
(ii)    Draft Literature Review and List of References
(iii)    Guidelines for the Approach to Scheduling and Collection of Data in the Member States
(iv)    Draft Call for Proposals for Coordinated Emergency Response Actions in the selected Member States
(v)    Materials for Introducing the Assessment to Hon. Ministers in Charge of Livestock and other identified respondents

Feeding constitutes the primary input in livestock production, accounting for more than 60% of the production costs.The primary focus of this assessment is on the factors of access, availability, price trends, and emergency measures implemented to mitigate shortages and improve access to feed and fodder. Additionally, this assessment examines the impact of these measures on the availability of livestock-sourced foods.

The RAFFS Project is initiated by AU-IBAR and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The project aims to make a significant contribution to food security and nutrition in Africa by ensuring that Africa’s livestock sector continues to provide a sustainable source of food, livelihoods and income for millions of people. The project will run for three years from December 2022 to December 2025 and will address the adverse effects of the recent global triple C crises: Covid-19, climate shocks, and the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

Details of the assessment will be communicated in due course.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

On 31 July 2023, H.E. Mr. Puttaporn Ewtoksan, Ambassador of Thailand to Egypt, inaugurated Sport Day of Thai students 2023, organized by Thai Students’ Association in Cairo under the Royal Patronage, at Nadi Madina Nasr Al-Riadi.

The Sport Day aims to encourage students to spend their free time during the school holiday by playing sports and exercise which enhance their overall health and wellness. In addition, the sport activities also help promote unity and closeness among students from different clubs.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

Parliament has taken note of media reports alleging that the delay in the timeframes for rubble removal in the fire-gutted buildings will impact the completion deadline of the rebuilding project, set for November 2025. These allegations are entirely unfounded. Parliament emphatically stresses that there are no significant risks of delays in delivering these essential upgrades within the specified timeframes. We are resolute in our commitment to completing the projects as scheduled and providing an improved working environment for Members of Parliament and staff.

While a month’s delay in the rubble removal process is not uncommon for projects of this nature, it will not have a material effect on the original set timeframes. Infrastructure development projects often involve unforeseen challenges, necessitating a process of discovery and detailed investigations as project stages unfold. Such factors may potentially impact time, cost, or the final scope of work.

The delay in the rubble removal was caused by serious structural and biological risks, including low oxygen levels and suspicion of the presence of bio-fumes, as well as unexpected stormwater ingress. Ensuring the health and safety of everyone involved in the project is paramount, and these necessary interventions were implemented to address identified risks and prevent potential injuries or fatalities. The responsible project team could not, in good conscience and professional ethics, overlook such significant risks to human life in the pursuit of avoiding media criticism.

However, we assure the public that these regulatory and precautionary measures will not significantly impact our objective of repairing and upgrading the Old Assembly and the New Wing, aligning with stakeholder expectations.

Substantial progress has already been made on the project, including demarcating safe access routes by engineers and safety specialists, asset verification, and the appointment of a contractor for assets, debris, and rubble removal. Additionally, a temporary roof has been constructed over the Old Assembly Building to replace the one destroyed by the fire.

The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), as the project implementation agent, has successfully appointed professional teams for the work in both the Old & New Assembly buildings. These teams will collaborate on a cloud-based platform, enabling efficient production of concept designs and final drawings for contractors, thereby shortening construction timeframes. They will also oversee extensive structural rebuilding and analysis, as well as decision-making on reconstruction methodologies. Stakeholder consultations and inter-agency collaboration, including external and independent reviews, will ensure the prudent allocation of funds and optimal outcomes for Parliament as an institution.

It is important to note that the rubble removal contract has been strategically planned to run concurrently with the technical design stages. This approach ensures that the restoration and reconstruction projects can progress efficiently without delays.

In addition to the work on the Old Assembly and New Wing buildings, we have prioritized addressing the immediate workspace needs of our Members of Parliament and staff at the 90 Plein Street building during the rebuilding process. The project, which began on July 17, 2023, is currently approximately 40% complete. Our aim is to ensure that the work of parliamentarians is not adversely affected during this rebuilding phase. The significant progress achieved demonstrates our commitment to expediting our infrastructure delivery program.

To mitigate potential risks, we have implemented stringent monitoring and accountability measures. Transparency and open communication remain integral to our approach. In this regard, we have regularly provided updates to all stakeholders, including political parties in parliament, to keep everyone informed and engaged throughout the process.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

The Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff (CCDS) of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will meet in Abuja from August 2nd to 4th, 2023 on the political situation in the Republic of Niger.

The CCDS is meeting following the decision of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government at their Extraordinary Session held on the 30th of July 2023 in Abuja, Nigeria.