Category: Africa Press Organisation – English

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

On 29 July 2023, 223 young men from the 23 ALPHA group who hail from every corner of the province, graduated from the Chrysalis Academy. 

In delivering the keynote address, Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Mr Reagen Allen said “Witnessing both the graduates and their families brimming with pride brought me immense joy. The continued investment in our young people, particularly those from the most vulnerable communities is paramount if we are to empower and develop them. This will assist in ensuring that the continued cycle of disenfranchised youth who might want to pursue a life of drug abuse and crime is dismantled. Dr Meyer and her entire team at Chrysalis should be proud of the continued work done in helping young people discover and reach their potential. These graduates now have a responsibility to showcase and share their Chrysalis experience and assist other youngsters by directing them away from a path that will only be harmful.”

The academy, which targets young people aged 18-25, has to date seen more than 10 400 graduates of their three-month development and empowerment course. 

During the various phases of the course, students received training in Basic Cookery, Office Administration, Security Training, Peace Officiating, Welding, Office Administration and Electrical Circuitry. This training is complimented with some personal development and life skills subjects focusing on Personal Mastery, Emotional Intelligence, Leadership, Diversity and Conflict Management. 

The purpose of the Chrysalis Academy is to serve as a platform for youth to deepen their resilience and unleash their potential through physical, mental, emotional and spiritual development. This enables them to be role models and agents of positive change and inspires them to achieve future goals.

Following the graduation on Saturday, the graduates will be enrolled into a 12-month work placement programme with various safety partners through the Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety.

Graduation day for Chrysalis participants is not only a celebration of successfully completing the programme but also a new lease on life through the opportunities they have already taken hold of and those that await them after graduation.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

The main objective was to review and validate the draft study report and guidelines on civilian possession and licensing of arms based on the obligations imposed by article 14 of the ECOWAS Convention on SALW, Their Ammunition and Other Related Materials. A study was commissioned to examine national practices in relation to authorizations, permits and licensing of civilians bearing arms currently in place in each member states. The study generated pertinent evidenced – based data that needed to be verified, reviewed and validated by governmental experts.

This meeting attracted relevant government experts with requisite experiences in law, law enforcement and arms control and it was preceded by independent experts meeting that took place in April 2023 in Abuja.  Thus, this meeting was to further expose the documents to additional scrutiny as well as to secure the national ownership of the entire process.

It was in this regard, that the consultants, FABA Consulting, provided presentations of the outcomes of the study as well as the proposed guidelines for civilian possession licensing template. Participants included representatives from the National Commissions of SALW (NATCOMs), security experts from various Police Forces across the region and technical partners

At the opening ceremony, four statements were delivered by representatives of Nigeria Police Force (NPF), European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, ECOWAS Commission, as well as the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW). In his opening remarks, Commissioner of Police, Salman Dogo the representative of the NPF extended a warm welcome to all the delegates, expressing his sincere wishes for a successful and fruitful deliberation.

The EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, represented by Ms Celine Lhoste reaffirmed the commitment of EU to continually support ECOWAS in its efforts to prevent and manage security threats in the region. The EU acknowledged that the region has been facing conflicts that challenge the legitimacy of its Member States, impeding sustainable development. Concerns were raised about activities of criminal groups, conflicts and other social deprivations arising from misuse of arms in communities. To address these challenges, the EU underscored the OCWAR-T project as portent tool in support of ECOWAS and region at large and hence, the outcome of the study report on civilian possession of arms which aims to operationalize article 14 of the ECOWAS Convention.

In his submission, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security represented by Mr. Ahoba Piex Joseph, welcomed delegates to the meeting and stressed the importance of validating the guideline to enhance systematic monitoring of civilians possessing weapons.  He pointed out that the draft regional guidelines symbolize the region’s collective commitment to combat organized crime and trafficking, fostering peace and security. He urged all delegates to approach the discussions with an open mind, cooperation, and determination to find practical and effective solutions.

Before declaring the meeting opened, the representative of NCCSALW, Commissioner of Police, A.N. Thomas, highlighted on the widespread challenges of SALW proliferation in the region, emphasizing its connections to trans-national organized crime. He noted that the meeting serves as a valuable platform to collaboratively develop frameworks, statutory regulations, and policy directives to combat the issue of SALW effectively. He acknowledged and commended ECOWAS for patronizing indigenous home – grown African resources with the selection of FABA Consulting firm for this very important study

Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Resident Representative of the ECOWAS in the Gambia, Her Excellency Mrs. Miatta Lily French, who was represented by Mr. Claude Kondor, stated that ECOWAS has been at the forefront in the search of sustainable peace and security within its Member States.  “Without peace and security, development and economic integration of the entire region will be very difficult to achieve”, he stated.

Mr. Kondor revealed that various protocols have been articulated and adopted to address the numerous security challenges that transformed the ECOWAS region into an epicenter of warlords and conflict entrepreneurs – including the 1999 Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security; the Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance of 2001; the 2008 ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework and other key documents.

He highlighted that the objectives and expected outcomes of the In-Mission training are appropriate in equipping staff officers to carry out the correct operational procedures relevant to their roles and to ensure that Operating Procedures of both ECOWAS Headquarters and the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) Mission Headquarters are harmonized, standardized, and documented to simplify information flow and provide sufficient access for staff officers.

The meeting concluded with closing statements, expressing appreciation to all participants for the quality of their inputs and for adopting the study report and the guidelines/templates.

This training was organized by the ECOWAS Commission through the OCWAR-T project, which is co- funded by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

President Bola Tinubu has sent his heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the judicial arm of government over the death of Justice Chima Centus Nweze and Justice Peter Hoommuk Mallong, two prominent members of the bench.

President Tinubu said the death of Supreme Court Justice Nweze and that of Justice Mallong of the Federal High Court almost at the same time at a time the Judiciary is in need of more competent, erudite and learned members of the bench is painful.

The Supreme Court Justice who died at the age of 64 was appointed to the bench of the apex court in 2014 by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The President also expressed his condolences to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariowoola, and Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, over the demise of their colleagues.

“I extend my condolences to the families of our two departed eminent jurists, Supreme Court Justice Chima Centus Nweze and Federal High Court Justice, Peter Mallong.

“I’m saddened by these two unfortunate deaths at the same time. These transitions diminished our judiciary, robbing that important arm of government of capable, erudite and learned justices at a time we need more honourable, capable men and women to be in charge of the courts.

“I also send my condolences to the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chief Judge of Federal High Court on their departed colleagues. May God grant the families of the deceased the comfort and fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss of their loved ones. May their co-workers in the temple of justice find strength and grace.”

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

On her maiden visit to Kismayo, the Head of United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), Assistant-Secretary General Ms. Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, reiterated UNSOS’ commitment to providing effective and responsible logistics support to ATMIS and SSF as its contribution to the overall strengthening of peace and security in the Horn of Africa nation.   

“I am confident that with team spirit, and commitment, we will be able to make it. Let us remember that the yardstick of whatever we do, would be the resilience of the Somali people once we have left,” said Ms. Kacyira.  

“Let us go the extra mile to ensure that we can deliver the best of our ability to contribute to the training, capacity building and in every possible way to ensure that we have a lasting, sustainable, peaceful, safe and vibrant Somalia because they (Somali’s) truly deserve it,” she added.   

The Head of UNSOS made the remarks during a meeting with the UN and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) personnel based in Kismayo, Jubaland’s administrative capital.

She was accompanied by the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef and senior UNSOS and ATMIS officials.

The delegation was received by Jubaland State’s Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Abdirahman Abdi Ahmed and other local administration officials.

The Head of UNSOS also noted that the UN logistical support body is coordinating with all stakeholders to facilitate the second phase of the withdrawal of 3000 ATMIS troops from Somalia at the end of September.   

“We are cognizant that the threat is still real, and therefore, we just want to ensure that as the drawdown continues, we ensure that peace and security is upheld,” she said. 

UNSOS played a key role in facilitating the success of the first phase of the drawdown of 2000 troops and the handover of six Forward Operating Bases to the Somali Security Forces (SSF) in June.

To ensure continuity, UNSOS handed over several equipment and facilities to the SSF including water treatment plants, generators, solar panels, and accommodation units. The UN body also facilitated the movement of personnel and repatriation of troops.  

Recalling the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ visit to Somalia in April this year, Ms. Kacyira urged the international community to continue supporting the country’s stabilisation efforts and help combat the devastating effects of climate change on livelihoods.

UNSOS is mandated by the UN Security Council to provide logistical support to both SSF and ATMIS uniformed and civilian personnel working in various parts of the country.

Ambassador Souef who also addressed the UN and ATMIS personnel, commended the global body and international partners for their role in creating a secure environment, that has enabled Somali people to take ownership and re-establish governance in the country.    

“Today Somalia has made great progress, and that progress is due to your commitment, input, and support in terms of securing the country and conducting operations against Al-Shabaab. Today, people in Somalia can live safely,” noted Ambassador Souef.  

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

In view of the situation in Niamey, the violence that took place against our embassy the day before yesterday, and the closure of airspace which has left our compatriots unable to leave the country by their own means, France is preparing the evacuation of its nationals and those European nationals who would like to leave the country.

The evacuation will begin today.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

Officials from Mulago Specialised Women and Neo-natal Hospital are tasked to explain why they were issued with letters of credit from Bank of Uganda worth Shs4.07 billion despite the closure of the financial year.

While interfacing with the officials on Monday, 31 July 2023, Members of Parliament on the Public Accounts Committee (Central Government) wondered why the letters of credit were issued on 22 July 2022 after the closure of 2021/2022 Financial Year.

The officials led by the Executive Director, Dr. Evelyn Nabunya appeared before the committee to respond to audit queries raised by the Auditor General.

According to the Auditor General, the letters of credit were issued for the procurement of specialised medical equipment (shs3.4 billion), an ambulance (shs390 million) and a pick-up vehicle (shs208.9 million).

Hon. Xavier Kyooma (NRM, Ibanda County North) observed that the money budgeted for vehicles was released but not all the vehicles were bought in the year under query.

“If money has been budgeted for and it is not spent, it is supposed to be sent back to the Consolidated Fund. Why did you have to get these letters of credit if you had not spent the money by the end of the financial year?” Kyooma asked.

Mubiru Muhammad, the Principal Hospital Administrator said the letters of credit were issued since the procurement process was ongoing by the time the financial year closed.

“The procurement process for these items had not been completed by the yearend and at the time of audit. The money for these purchases was transferred to Bank of Uganda to be paid when the items were delivered,” Mubiru said.

Nabunya said that there were procurement delays for the vehicles, due to changes in specifications required by the hospital.

“We initially planned for an ambulance that had a small capacity but we discovered that it would not meet the specialised service needs offered by the hospital. We then applied for new approval of an ambulance that was of a higher capacity,” she said.

Nabunya added that funds were not enough to purchase the vehicles in the year under audit due to increased prices attributed to Covid-19.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) strongly condemns the military takeover and subsequent arrest of senior ministers in Niger, recognizing this action as a direct attack on African democracy. For African nations to grow, develop and thrive, there needs to be stable, democratic processes in place, and the recent coup has not only restricted progress but directly infringes upon the rights of the people of Niger.

Last week, Niger’s democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown by a military group in a coup, with the junta suspending the constitution and installing a non-elected General in his place. This week, the country saw the arrest of high-level senior government officials including Niger’s Minister of Petroleum, Energy and Renewable Energies Mahamane Sani Mahamadou. In respect of democracy and of Niger’s development, the AEC calls for the immediate release of Minister Mahamadou as well as the other government officials.

Representing the voice of the African energy sector, the AEC is a strong advocate for the investment and development of Africa’s energy resources – recognizing these resources to underpin the economic development of the continent. For Niger, a relatively small yet resource-rich market in its own right, attracting investment has been a top priority of the democratically-elected government, with efforts to establish an enabling environment, bolster electrification and industrialization seeing major projects being launched and economic development progressing. The country has been positioning itself as a top investment destination while consolidating its role in global uranium, oil and mineral markets worldwide.

However, these efforts have been directly restricted with the recent illegal, military seizure of power. Following the coup, large-scale investments have been cancelled, regional nations and financiers have imposed sanctions and supply chains have been cut off, creating significant challenges for the people of Niger. The illegal overthrow of the democratically-elected government has not only disrupted the rule of law, the respect of democracy and the will of the people, but has created unwarranted challenges for the very people the junta claims to represent. To find Niger set-back by a military group who do not respect democracy is a tragedy.

“We call for the immediate release of the former minister and the current minister. For the military junta to arrest them is out of order and we need to condemn it. They need to be released immediately.” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC, adding that, “we need to move from strong men to building strong institutions that will create an enabling environment for energy growth, fight energy poverty and a just transition. Dictatorships are not the way to go”.

The AEC represents a strong advocate for Niger’s development, and through platforms such as the African Energy Week conference, has worked collaboratively with the Nigerien government to usher in a new era of economic prosperity for the country. However, the military intervention, in addition to threatening the democratic process, is telling those who fight for the country and its development that their work and commitment has been in vain. Individuals such as Minister Mahamadou have been fierce advocates for development, and his recent arrest should be condemned and reversed immediately.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

NEMA South East Zonal Office conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the windstorm/flood disaster in Ihiala LGA, Anambra State. The team led by Ifeyinwa Onyia evaluated the damage, condition of affected individuals, and made recommendations.

Hon Kingsley Obi, the Deputy Local Government Chairman, expressed gratitude for the Federal Government’s attention to the incident, which caused the river to overflow, damaging farmlands and houses, and tragically resulting in the death of an eleven-year-old child.

The NEMA team leader empathized with the affected people and urged them to participate in disaster risk reduction practices.

The findings showed that buildings, farmlands, and agricultural products were affected, with 2,989 households and 642 individuals displaced across the three communities. NEMA’s relief support is eagerly anticipated to alleviate their hardship.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous conducted a three-day mission in Rwanda, where she represented the UN Secretary General at the Women Deliver 2023 conference in Kigali, and met with government officials, civil society, women’s rights activists and partners to strengthen collaboration and mobilize greater action for gender equality and women’s empowerment in Rwanda and at the global scale.  Notable meetings included those with the President of the Republic of Rwanda, H.E. Paul Kagame and subsequent meetings with the Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Prof. Jeanette Bayisinge and other members of the National Gender Machinery. 

The Women Deliver conference, convened around the theme ”Space, Solidarity and Solutions”, witnessed participation from over 6,000 stakeholders and advocates dedicated to advancing gender equality, making it one of the largest multi-sectoral gatherings of its kind. At the opening ceremony, Rwandan President  H.E. Paul Kagame, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to gender equality, and urged stakeholders to take innovative and urgent measures to accelerate progress.  

As a country, Rwanda ranks among the highest globally on the achievement of gender parity, particularly in women’s political participation, with nearly two-thirds of parliamentary seats and 55 per cent of cabinet positions currently held by women. The Government of Rwanda has further demonstrated its commitment by co-leading the “Generation Equality” Action Coalition on Technology and Innovation, pledging to close the digital gender divide by 2026. 

“Change is difficult and does not happen overnight, but together, with sustained effort, we can make a decisive difference,” said President Kagame.  

Delivering remarks on behalf of the UN Secretary General, Ms. Bahous called upon Women Deliver participants and activists worldwide to stand steadfast amidst current challenges and recent regressions on women’s rights, and to unite to drive collective action for gender equality as the world looks forward to important summits such as the SDG Summit and the Summit of the Future. 

Ms. Bahous further underscored UN Women’s dedication to collaborating with all stakeholders and empowering youth movements as key agents of change: “As multilateral organizations, government and the private sector, it is our duty and responsibility to create space for (youth) voices to be heard, and share the power we are privileged to hold,” she said. Read the full speech.

In a meeting with President Paul Kagame on the sidelines of the Women Deliver conference, Ms. Bahous commended the strong achievements Rwanda has made on advancing women’s rights and gender equality, and expressed gratitude to the country for hosting the global community of gender champions at the Women Deliver conference this year.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

Reacting to the arrests of President Mohamed Bazoum, Interior Minister Hama Amadou Souley and other political leaders, Habibatou Gologo, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for West and Central Africa, said: 

Amnesty International is calling on the new authorities in Niger to release not only President Mohamed Bazoum and his family, but also the Minister of the Interior and all others who have been arbitrarily arrested and detained since 26 July.

“The Niger authorities must urgently protect and respect human rights. No one should be arrested and detained without a legal basis.

“The new arrest of the Oil Minister, Sani Mahamadou, the President of the Parti nigérien pour la démocratie et le socialisme, Foumakoye Gado, and his chief of staff, Karsani Bachirou, on 30 July, shows that arbitrary arrests are continuing. They must be released immediately.”

Background

On 26 July, Niger’s presidential guard, led by General Abdourahmane Tchiani, staged a coup and arrested President Mohamed Bazoum. In a message broadcast on national TV, Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane declared that they had overthrown President Mohamed Bazoum, suspended Niger’s Constitution and created the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP).

Negotiations are underway between the coup plotters and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) envoy regarding the rehabilitation of President Bazoum, who is still being held by the presidential guard.

Amnesty International recalls that anyone arrested has the right to know the reasons for their arrest, to have access to a lawyer, to be brought before a judge within a reasonable time and to challenge the legality of their detention.