Category: Africa

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

witnessed the devastating effects of severe weather events and a lack of infrastructure on communities.

“Conflict, climate change, and soaring costs in South Sudan are causing some of the highest levels of hunger in the world,” said Ms. McCain.

She added that just handing out food is not the solution.  

“We must break the cycle and empower communities to plant the seeds of hope, opportunity, and economic development. With peace and stability, the potential of South Sudan is incredible,” she stressed.

The visit comes after a joint UN report on the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2023, which found that over 120 million more people are suffering chronic malnourishment since 2019.

Potential breadbasket of east Africa

South Sudan offers huge potential as a major food producing country, but years of conflict, compounded by climate change, poor infrastructure, low education and high unemployment, stymie any progress, according to FAO.

“South Sudan has the potential to be the breadbasket of East Africa, but the climate crisis, poor agriculture infrastructure, instability, and economic shocks continue to disrupt agricultural and livestock productivity and food availability,” said Mr. Qu, noting the importance of new funding.

“Investments and enabling policies that will improve on longer term food security, resilience and climate adaptation are urgently needed,” he added.

Massive investments needed

Collaboration among the three UN agencies and with the Government and other partners in the country have helped stave off famine in recent years and enabled farmers to increase their food production and incomes.  

However, scaled-up and sustained action is needed to respond to the ongoing hunger crisis, avoid further setbacks, and mitigate future crises, the agencies said.

“To do this we need to mobilize massive investments and implement best practices to combat food insecurity and adapt to climate change. This will also greatly improve rural employment. But we need to act now,” said Mr. Lario. 

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

“Farmers and agri-workers do not deserve the vile sentiments expressed in the song “Kill the Farmer, Kill the Boer which was so enthusiastically and irresponsibly sung of over the weekend,” said Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer.

“Our farmers work hard to produce food for our nation and ensure food security” added Minister Meyer.

Minister Meyer continued, “The contribution of the agricultural sector to the Western Cape economy is something that we are incredibly proud of and want to sustain and grow,” adding that the Western Cape agricultural industry increased by 32%, reaching R5.2 billion in 2021.

The Western Cape Government also at its core, believes in redress and the important role that government must play to champion and support aspiring farmers and agri-workers. As part of this redress initiative, the department completed an external land reform study to evaluate the performance of agricultural land reform projects that had been supported by the WCG during the period, 2014 – 2019. The study revealed a 72% success rate from 243 projects – the best result of any province.

Minister Meyer commented: “Through the support of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture,  Beverley Joseph, South Africa’s first black female hops farmer and owner of the 50.8-hectare farm,  Zelpy, has developed into a successful commercial hops farmer.

“Klein Goederust Franschhoek Boutique Winery, owned by the child of an agri – worker, Paul Siguqa, serves as another example”, said Meyer. “Located in Franschhoek, Klein Goederust has been transformed from its dilapidated state to a promising boutique wine farm.”

“The Western Cape is also the only agriculture department in South Africa which has a dedicated programme established to enhance the socio-economic conditions of agri -workers and their family members.  We do so, through the facilitation of training and development initiatives, to improve their quality of life.

“We are also the only department in the country that hosts an annual agri-worker competition to acknowledge the contribution of our agri-workers to the economy of the Western Cape.”

In the context where we are working so hard to support and build agri-business in the Western Cape and South Africa, the kind of rhetoric displayed over the weekend, severely damages the work to strengthen our social fabric.

“Farm attacks are a reality in South Africa. The increase in farm murders and attacks is a serious concern. It is, for this reason, the Western Cape has worked hard to implement the Provincial Rural Safety Plan, which requires the government to form partnerships with the South African Police Service, Neighbourhood and Farm Watches, the private sector and any other structure that can contribute towards making our rural communities safer.”

Minister Meyer Meyer also highlights that guided by the Western Cape Government’s focus areas of jobs, safety and dignity the Western Cape Department of Agriculture has done much to improve the lives of those working in the sector. “Our farmers, agri -workers and families deserve respect and dignity,” concluded Minister Meyer. 

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

The Econet Telcom Lesotho through the Higher Life Foundation bid farewell to three students who will be studying in the United States of America at the event held in Maseru on Tuesday.

The students are ‘Mapalo Esther Tlhonolofatso Makwaza, Katleho Pule, and Moliehi Seipati who will leave the Mountain Kingdom on August, 08.

They will pursue their studies at the University of Oklahoma, Swarthmore College in Philadelphia and Luther College respectively.

The Econet Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Dennis Plaatjies said Higher Life Foundation has been investing in human capital to build thriving individuals, communities and sustainable livelihoods for over 25 years and has impacted the lives of Basotho for 12 years.

He iterated that the foundation is currently focusing on four key pillars; Education Support, Leadership and Lifelong Development, Institutions (Children’s Homes) and Additional Opportunities for Higher Life Foundation Fellows.

He said the foundation is investing in a thriving Africa where every person finds their vocation and is empowered to develop their communities for economic prosperity.

“Over 1616 scholars have benefitted from Higher Life Foundation Lesotho scholarships since 2011 and we are extremely proud as Econet Telecom,” he stressed.

The Principal Secretary of Higher Education in the Ministry of Education and Training, Dr John Oliphant said he is impressed with ETL’s initiative of investing in the education of Basotho youth.

He noted that education is essential, saying these students will later contribute to the development of the country.

He therefore wished them well in their new journey, saying they are not only representing their families but also the Kingdom of Lesotho.

Speaking on behalf of the students,Katleho Pule said they achieved this through God.

Pule noted that Higher Life Foundation support is unmatched, noting that it has always been supportive from an early stage of their education.

She therefore expressed gratitude, to the Higher Life Foundation for helping them achieve their dreams.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

Briefing journalists at UN Headquarters in New York, Léonardo Santos Simão reiterated condemnation of the attempted overthrow of Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum on 26 July.

He also underscored support for efforts by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) aimed at restoring constitutional order and consolidating democratic gains in the country.

People deserve peace

“The unfolding crisis, if not addressed, will exacerbate the deteriorating security situation in the region. It will also negatively impact the development and lives of the population in a country where 4.3 million people need humanitarian assistance,” he said, speaking from Accra, Ghana.

He added that “Niger and the region do not need coups d’état. Populations deserve to enjoy peace, democratic governance and prosperity.”

As the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative, Mr. Simão heads the UN Office in West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS).

He was in Nigeria on Sunday to participate in the ECOWAS extraordinary summit on the crisis, where leaders took “decisive action commensurate with the gravity of the situation.”

ECOWAS takes action

The 15-member bloc of West African States issued a communiqué demanding that Niger’s democratically elected President be returned to power within a week.

Failing that, they would “take all measures necessary to restore constitutional order”, including use of force. ECOWAS also imposed financial sanctions on Niger and closed air and land borders with the country.

In response, the military governments in neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso said use of force in Niger would be a “declaration of war”, according to international media reports.

Mr. Simão had no comment on their statement but said he will travel to Mali’s capital, Bamako, on Wednesday “so I will have interaction with the authorities and maybe these matters can be raised.”

Hopes for resolution

He said ECOWAS “is trying to give time for a peaceful settlement to take place” and described the situation as “very fluid”.

Other diplomatic efforts are also underway, including a visit by the President of Chad who will meet with some of the “key personalities” in Niger, he added.

“ECOWAS, as far as I understand, is not for use of force. It is for negotiating a settlement of the situation,” he said.

Potential regional implication

The UN envoy expressed hope that military action will not be necessary but stressed that this would solely be the decision of ECOWAS and not the UN.

“What we value and support is that all means to find a peaceful solution for the problem should be used but recognize also that ECOWAS has the right to take other measures if they feel fit,” he said.

Mr. Simão was asked if he was concerned about any potential impact the Niger crisis could have on the wider region.

“My concern is that if measures are not taken, or the situation is not reversed, it is very likely the spread of terrorism in the region can increase,” he said. “But no one wants to see regional conflict happening.”

Guterres concerned over arrests

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep concern over reports of the arrest of several members of Niger’s Government.

“(He) urgently calls for the strict adherence to Niger’s international human rights obligations and the prompt restoration of constitutional order,” said UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq, speaking on Tuesday in New York.

Mr. Haq also said that the UN and humanitarian partners are committed to stay and continue to provide vital aid to the most vulnerable segments of the population.

“To ensure the continuation of this crucial assistance, it is imperative that all parties foster a conducive operating environment,” he added.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

ECOWAS Commission organized in Lome (Republic of Togo) a 3-day Regional Capacity Building Workshop for Law Enforcement Officials and Member States Counter Trafficking in Persons Focal Points on the Counter Trafficking in Persons Plus Approach.

The ECOWAS Commission, through the Department of Human Development and Social Affairs, with support from International Centre for Migration, Policy Development (ICMPD) organized a 3-day Regional Capacity Building Workshop for Law Enforcement Officials and Member States Counter Trafficking in Persons Focal Points on the Counter Trafficking in Persons Plus Approach from 19 to 21st July, in Lome Togo. The workshop was aimed at contributing to improved human security in the region by building capacities, coordination and providing strategic direction to Protection Officials and other relevant stakeholders in the fight against TIP and other related crimes against persons. There were 48 participants from ECOWAS Member States.

In her Opening Remarks, the Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, Dr. Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe, highlighted the complicated factors such as lack of Human Rights, economic disruptions, weak government, corruption amongst other factors that increase the rate of vulnerabilities within the West African Region thereby exposing persons and making them more susceptible to human trafficking.

During the three days, the Participants discussed about the multisectoral approach of collaboration and partnership amongst key stakeholders. The workshop ended with concrete outcomes and next steps with ECOWAS reiterating its commitment to support Member States to develop their National Crimes Against Persons Prevention (RCAPP) Policies, their Strategic Frameworks, advancing Witness and Victim Protection, Support and Assistance Systems, improved response systems to the subject of missing children/persons and investigations (Amber Alert Systems and U-report from Communities). Also, enhancing Joint Investigation on Cross Border Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and international cooperation and facilitating the link up and collaboration of Heads of relevant anti-TIP agencies in Member States with the West Africa Police Information System (WAPIS) Focal points to strengthen the coordination against trafficking in person and related offences in the region.

The Workshop was facilitated by the ECOWAS Division of Human Security and Civil Society with co-facilitation by a consultant supported by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) under the auspices of the Organized Crime in West Africa, Trafficking Response (OCWAR-T) Project.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

Chairman of the Political Parties’ Regulations Commission, PPRC, Abdulai M. Bangura Esq. and staff, have officially presented their annual report for 2021-2022 to His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio.

Mr. Bangura used the opportunity, on behalf of his commission and commissioners, to congratulate the President on his resounding victory in the June 2023 elections, describing the conduct and processes as largely free, fair and violence-free.

He said in accordance with Section 20 of the Act of 2022, their report covered a wide range of topics, including the legal reforms at the Commission, adding that with support from the government, they were able to repeal and replace the PPRC Act of 2002 as part of a wider recommendation made by the 2018 elections observer missions in Sierra Leone.

The Chairman described 2021–2022 as a relatively peaceful political year with minimal intra and inter-party disputes, despite the prevalence of hate speeches, political intolerance, intimidation, and tribal profiling by certain political actors.

Lawyer Bangura said key among the amendments to the old Act was the name change from Political Parties’ Registration Commission to Political Parties’ Regulation Commission.

“The intent was to capture all of what we do, including registration, overseeing activities, monitoring lower-level elections and supervising the repeal and replacement of intra-party constitutions.

“As Commission, we followed the 2023 elections campaign trail nationwide, and from our findings and observations, it was the most peaceful in the country’s political history,” he said.

He commended all political parties for their peaceful conduct in the June elections while extending their gratitude to President Bio for his intense support for the Commission and the demonstration of his commitment to enhancing state institutions.

President Julius Maada Bio, while accepting the annual report, said it’s a pleasure to have the chairman and staff of the PPRC at State House, noting that “I want to congratulate you for the job you are doing, especially for the review of the Act, which has given you more powers.”

He said the new Act would enable the Commission to intervene in intra and inter-party disputes, pointing out that political parties would not be in court all the time because the new Act has reposed more trust and confidence in the Commission.

“I also want to confirm that we are aware of the fact that the Commission performs a very important role in the politics of our country, with lots of bearing on peace, the consolidation of our democratic gains, and also assisting in maintaining the culture of democracy.

“That is why I personally consider your task to be huge and difficult, taking into consideration how toxic we can be as a nation during the general elections,” the President revealed and called on the Chairman and other commissioners in the commission to maintain the high standard they had set themselves.

He closed by encouraging them to continue to work even harder, especially now that their impartiality in dealing with political issues was becoming very important.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

Advisor to Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari affirmed that the air bridge designated for humanitarian aid to the sisterly Republic of Sudan will resume its activity tomorrow (Wednesday), where the twelfth plane will take off from the bridge towards Port Sudan, carrying various relief materials as part of the state’s efforts to support the Sudanese people and help them overcome their current ordeal.

On the Qatari aid to Ukraine, Dr. Al Ansari explained, in the media briefing organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, that the State of Qatar has pledged $100 million for humanitarian assistance, rehabilitation of health and education infrastructure, provision of potable water and humanitarian services, as well as allocating 50 university scholarships for Ukrainian students to study in Qatar. Qatar has also contributed $20 million to support the Ukrainian grain export initiative.

He pointed out that many countries announced their assistance to Ukraine to avoid the repercussions of the war there, and that working committees were formed to determine how to benefit from this aid and spend it in a way that serves the Ukrainian people after assessing the situation there, noting that the State of Qatar has excellent experience and expertise in supporting education in conflict areas through the Education Above All Foundation, which has had a major role in educating more than 11 million children around the world.

Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that during the visit of HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani to Ukraine, and his meeting with HE President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and a number of officials there, Qatar’s firm position on the importance of respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders was emphasized, in addition to the need to abide by the United Nations Charter and international law, including obligations under the Charter to settle international disputes by peaceful means, and the need to protect and spare children the repercussions of war.

Dr. Al Ansari also reviewed the activities of the Ministry and its officials, their external participation, and their meetings and contacts with regional and international officials, including the participation of the State of Qatar in the Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) which was convened Monday via video conferencing on the recurrent incidences of desecrating and burning of the Holy Qur’an in Sweden and Denmark, and the memorandum submitted by the State of Qatar during the sessions of the International Court of Justice to provide an advisory opinion on the legal consequences resulting from the Israeli policies and practices applied in the occupied Palestinian territories, especially Jerusalem, in which it condemned in the strongest terms the ongoing and illegal Israeli occupation of Palestine.

He also touched on the statements in which the State of Qatar expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the attack that targeted the Jalle Siyad military academy in Mogadishu, Somalia, and resulted in killing and injuring several people. It also followed with concern the current developments in the Republic of Niger, calling on all parties to avoid escalation, give priority to the voice of wisdom, and pursue dialogue to overcome the crisis in the country. Qatar also expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the explosion that took place in Bajaur District, northwest Pakistan, resulting in deaths and injuries.