Africa

Africa: World News in Brief – Unprecedented Cholera Spike in Africa, Julian Assange Extradition Update, Locusts Compound Sudan Crisis

[ad_1] Cholera cases are surging globally, and there's been an unprecedented spike in Africa, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday. Dr. Fiona Braka from WHO's regional office in Brazzaville, Congo, said that eastern and southern Africa have been particularly badly affected. In just the first four weeks of the year, 10 African countries reported more than 26,000 cases and 700 deaths, which is nearly double the number reported last year over the same period. Zambia and Zimbabwe have […]

February 7, 2024 4

Africa

Africa: Defying Tradition, Championing Rights – UNFPA Sparks Change in Female Genital Mutilation Hotspots Across East Africa

[ad_1] "Is [female genital mutilation] religious?" Under a tree in the quiet village of Dalocha Woreda in Central Ethiopia region, Nuritu Sirbar, the Head of the Dalocha district Women and Children's Affairs Office, challenged community and religious leaders four years ago to justify a deeply ingrained tradition - female genital mutilation (FGM). The answers provided by the elders reflected a struggle between tradition and the growing realization of the severe health risks associated with FGM. They searched for justification in […]

February 7, 2024 3

Africa

Africa: Despite the Hazards, Ghana’s Illicit Waste Trade Is Booming

[ad_1] Ghana cannot recycle all its hazardous waste imports, but that hasn't curbed its role in the billion-dollar global business. Illicit waste trafficking generates around US$10 billion to US$12 billion worldwide every year, according to the Financial Action Task Force. Ghana plays a major role in this market, despite being unable to recycle all the hazardous waste it imports. Each year, around 150 000 tonnes of electronic waste are shipped to Ghana, legally and illegally. Both Western and Ghanaian companies […]

February 7, 2024 5

Africa

Africa: Long Road in a Short Time – Ending FGM Calls for Immediate Action

[ad_1] "A woman is a full circle; within her is the power to create, nurture, and transform." This African saying celebrates the multifaceted strength of women, recognizing their capabilities not only to give life but also to cultivate and change the world around them. The proverb reminds me of Nia, a courageous female genital mutilation (FGM) survivor from Tanzania, whose journey epitomizes the essence of this adage. Nia, once a voiceless victim of FGM, transformed into a force within her […]

February 7, 2024 4

Africa

Africa: DRC Misses Another Opportunity to Build a Democracy

[ad_1] After accusations of an 'electoral coup' in 2018, the country's December 2023 polls were equally lacking in legitimacy. Following President Félix Tshisekedi's contested victory in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's (DRC) December 2023 elections, democracy hangs in the balance. Amid allegations of irregularities and voter disenfranchisement, Tshisekedi's re-election underscores deep problems with the country's democratic fabric. The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) declared Tshisekedi the winner with over 70% of the votes. He was followed by Moïse Katumbi […]

February 7, 2024 3

Africa

Ghana: Journalists association blacklist lawmaker over attack

[ad_1] A Ghanaian lawmaker, Farouk Aliu Mahama has been blacklisted by the Ghana’s Journalists Association (GJA) for allegedly attacking a journalist. It’s the strongest statement yet by the association to protect journalists in the country following increasing attacks. Mr. Mahama and his entourage reportedly attacked Mohammed Aminu M. Alabira, who works for Accra-based Citi TV, while he was covering a political event involving the MP’s New Patriotic Party (NPP) in […]

February 7, 2024

Africa

Africa: AU Summit 2024 Nat’l Committee Finalizes Preparations

[ad_1] Committee for the African Union 44th Executive Council and 37th Ordinary Session of Heads of States announced that the preparation to receive AU guests has already finalized preparations. Speaking at a discussion organized about the preparation with its 35 member institutions yesterday, National Committee Chairperson, Foreign Affairs State Minister, Ambassador Birtukan Ayano said that preparations have been carried out in consideration to receive extra guests. "Hotels, roads, guest destinations as well as tourist areas are now ready to provide […]

February 7, 2024 4

Africa

Africa: Road to COP29 – Highest Climate Ambitions Needed to Decarbonize World

[ad_1] Nairobi — The road to COP29 has begun in earnest in the backdrop of a global climate report indicating that not only was 2023 the warmest year in a 174-year climate record, it was the warmest by far. Record-breaking temperatures, combined with El Niño, pushed vulnerable and poor nations in the Global South to the frontlines of extreme and severe weather events. It was a climatic carnage in Africa with fatal floods in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, […]

February 7, 2024 3

Africa

Africa: Landlocked Developing Countries Conference to Address Development

[ad_1] United Nations — Landlocked developing countries need greater support from the international community so that they are no longer left behind when it comes to progressing with the SDGs, says the UN High Representative of the Least Developed Countries. The Third UN Conference of Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) is set to be hosted in Kigali, Rwanda, in June. A preparatory committee for the conference has been established and convened its first meeting on Monday. The overarching theme of the […]

February 7, 2024 3