Nigeria: Nigeria’s Consumer Protection Agency Speaks On Increase in Price of Sachet Water

The price of sachet water has gone up across the country in recent times. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on Friday described the increase in the price of sachet water in the country as unacceptable and unfair. The FCCPC acting Executive Vice-Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Adamu Abdullahi, disclosed this while speaking at an

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East Africa: IGAD Urges Swift Action to Avert Red Sea Ecological Crisis

The Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has expressed apprehension regarding the imminent ecological catastrophe arising from the sinking of the Rubymar off the coast of Yemen. Loaded with over 21,000 tonnes of ammonium phosphate fertiliser and fuel–an equivalent of 200 tonnes of oil–the Rubymar’s leakage poses an acute risk to marine life, coral reefs, and

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Egypt: EU Deal With Egypt Rewards Authoritarianism, Betrays ‘Eu Values’

Migration Control Obsession Ignores Abuses, Entrenches Oppression The European Union is about to reward Egypt’s autocratic leader, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, for preventing migrants’ departures towards Europe. Visiting Cairo on March 17, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, along with the Prime Ministers of Italy, Greece, and Belgium, will officially upgrade the EU-Egypt relations to

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Internet disruption hits West and Central Africa, Netblocks and Cloudflare data shows

In this Sunday, Feb. 11, 2018, photo, Eritrean migrant Yohannes Tesfagabr, one of the tens   –   Copyright © africanews Stephen Wandera/Copyright 2018 The AP. All rights reserved. Last updated: 53 minutes ago internet security A major internet outage struck West and Central Africa on Thursday, as reported by the internet observatory Netblocks, which cited information

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Nigeria: Kaduna Students

Kidnappers of the Kaduna school children have contacted a spokesman for the families of the hostages, demanding a total of 1 billion naira ($620,432) for the release of the students. According to Reuters, the kidnappers also vowed to kill the students and staff in 20 days if their demand is not met. On the 7th

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Cameroon: Cameroon Homes and Plantations Destroyed By Seawater

Yaounde — Cameroon officials have declared a humanitarian emergency after encroaching waters from the Atlantic Ocean destroyed several hundred homes, buildings and plantations along Cameroon’s coast. Waves pound walls and houses constructed on the shores of Bekumu, a southern Cameroon village located in Ndian, an administrative unit along parts of Cameroon’s 400-kilometer coast on the

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Cameroon: Govt deems opposition groups as “illegal’, issues warning ahead election

The Cameroonian government has described two political groups seeking to create opposition coalitions as illegal. A statement from the Territorial Administration Minister Paul Atanga Nji on Tuesday named “The Political Alliance for Change (APC) and the Alliance for Political Transition in Cameroon (ATP) and described them as no political parties under the law. The statement

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Man United: Ratcliffe has already cost nearly $44 billion

Old Trafford Stadium before the English Premier League football match between Manchester   –   Copyright © africanews Scott Heppell/Copyright 2023 The AP. All rights reserved. Last updated: 23 hours ago United Kingdom Jim Ratcliffe’s minority investment in Manchester United has already cost the club $43.78 million, according to financial figures released on Tuesday. Manchester United’s latest

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Mozambique: ICRC Calls On Respect for Civilians, Ramps Up Support to Mozambique Red Cross Response to a New Wave of Displacements in Cabo Delgado

Nearly 100,000 people, more than half of them children, have been displaced in one month due to an escalation of armed violence in Cabo Delgado province of Mozambique. The new wave of displacements is taking place against the backdrop of a protracted cholera outbreak, heightening the risk of infectious diseases for displaced families and host

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Sudan: Statement By Unicef Executive Director Catherine Russell On Children in Sudan At Risk of Famine

New York — “The brutal war in Sudan is pushing the country toward famine and a catastrophic loss of life, especially among children. In what is now the world’s largest child displacement crisis, severe malnutrition among young children is intensifying beyond the worst projections, and there are outbreaks of cholera, measles and malaria. “There is

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Ethiopia: U.S. Commits to Build Ethiopian Women Entrepreneurs’ Capacity

The United States has expressed its commitment to offer worldwide networking opportunities and training to Ethiopian women entrepreneurs that are aimed at enhancing their entrepreneurial capacities. In a statement sent to The Ethiopian Herald, the U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia has pledged to give capacity-building training and global networking opportunities for Ethiopian women entrepreneurs to assist

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West Africa: Ecowas Engaging Third Parties to Resolve Dispute With Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has said it is involving third parties to resolve its differences with three “important members” – Mali, Burkina-Faso and Niger – who have indicated their interest in leaving the bloc. The ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Amb Abdel-Fatau Musah, disclosed this on Friday during

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Nigeria: An Arduous Journey for Pregnant Women to Access Healthcare in Northwest Nigeria

In the bustling emergency ward of the maternity department at Jahun General Hospital, northwest Nigeria, the rhythm of activity beats with urgency and determination, like a pulse in the air. In this hospital, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) collaborates with the Jigawa state Ministry of Health to provide comprehensive emergency obstetrics, newborn care and care for

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South Africa: Four in Court Over Disappearance of 6-Year-Old Joshlin Smith

Four in Court Over Disappearance of 6-Year-Old Joshlin Smith Four people, including the mother of 6-year-old Joshlin Smith, appeared in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court in connection with the child’s disappearance from the Middelpos informal settlement in Diazville, Saldanha Bay, on February 19, reports News24. The accused, facing charges of human trafficking for exploitation and kidnapping

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Seychelles: Seychelles Planning to Lift Moratorium On Increasing Tourism Accomodation On La Digue

Seychelles’ tourism authorities are looking into the possibility of lifting the existing moratorium on building new tourism establishments on La Digue Island, the third most populated of the island nation, said a top tourism official. Following a recent meeting with the island’s inhabitants, the principal secretary for tourism, Sherin Francis, said that the authorities were

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Ghana: Finance ministry warns country stands to lose $3.8B over controversial anti-LGBTQ bill

Speaker of Ghana Parliament Alban Sumana Bagbin speaks at the Parliament House in Accra, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024.   –   Copyright © africanews AP Photo Last updated: 14 hours ago Ghana Ghana’s finance ministry has warned the country stands to lose a substantial amount of financing from international banks estimated at USD$3.8 billion over the next

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Zimbabwe: Statement by National Security Council Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on U.S. Sanctions on Zimbabwean Individuals and Entities

In Zimbabwe we continue to witness gross abuses of political, economic, and human rights.  The targeting of civil society and severe restrictions on political activity have stifled fundamental freedoms, while key actors, including government leaders, have siphoned off public resources for personal gains.  These illicit activities support and contribute to a global criminal network of

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US imposes sanctions on Zimbabwe’s president, first lady and 9 top officials

Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa takes his oath, during his inauguration ceremony at the National Sports Stadium in the capital, Harare, Monday, Sept. 4 2023.   –   Copyright © africanews Tsvangirayi Mukwazh/AP Last updated: 2 hours ago USA The U.S. on Monday imposed sanctions on Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, the Vice President

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Uganda: Mpuuga

The former leader of the opposition in Parliament, Matthias Mpuuga, has affirmed his admiration and backing for his party president, Robert ‘Bobi Wine’ Kyagulanyi. However, Mpuuga voiced concerns that Kyagulanyi’s actions might be inhibiting the growth of the National Unity Platform (NUP), a party only founded in the runup to the 2021 general elections. “We

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Ghana: Ghana’s New Anti-Homosexuality Bill Violates Everyone’s Rights, Not Just LGBTIQ+ People

Ghana’s new anti-homosexuality bill infringes several rights and freedoms, not only of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) people but of heterosexuals too. The bill has been in the works since 2021 when it was tabled in parliament as a private member’s bill. The objective of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values

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Tanzania: Ali Hassan Mwinyi

Ali Hassan Mwinyi, Tanzania’s second president who has died aged 98, pushed through tough economic and political reforms that transformed the East Africa nation from socialism to an open economy and a multi-party democracy. He was president from 1985 to 1995. He did all of this in the shadow of Julius Nyerere who had led

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Haitian PM in Kenya to discuss UN mission, both nations ink deal to deploy police officers

Haiti’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry after giving a public lecture at the United States International University (USIU) in Nairobi, Kenya, Friday March. 1, 2024.   –   Copyright © africanews Andrew Kasuku/Copyright 2023 The AP. All rights reserved Last updated: 6 hours ago Kenya Haiti’s prime minister is in Kenya to discuss a controversial deployment plan as

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Liberia: Former President Weah Denied Access to Airport VIP Lounge

Monrovia — The Chairman of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) legislative caucus Senator Nathaniel McGill has called on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to with immediate effect commission an investigation into the alleged recent humiliation of former President George Manneh Weah at the Roberts International Airport (RIA) in Margibi County. Senator McGill is representing

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Senegal: Amnesty law passed by cabinet

The cabinet of Senegal has approved an amnesty law during its session on Wednesday evening. This decision follows the proposal made last Monday during the inauguration of a national dialogue spearheaded by President Macky Sall. The dialogue aimed to address the ongoing crisis in the country triggered by the postponement of the presidential election, announced

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Kenya: Weatherman Warns of Heavy Rainfall and High Temperatures Across Kenya

Nairobi — The Meteorological Department has forecasted heavy rainfall in several regions of Kenya. This includes Western, South Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin, Central Highlands, Southeastern Lowlands, and Northwestern, with a probability of occurrence ranging from 33 to 60 per cent. Authorities have cautioned that these rains may lead to flash floods in certain areas

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Senegal President proposes general amnesty amidst political tensions

Senegal’s President Macky Sall attends the conference “Investing together, for a new alliance between Africa and Europe”, in Paris on Feb. 16, 2022.   –   Copyright © africanews Sarah Meyssonnier/Copyright 2022 The AP. All rights reserved By Africanews Last updated: 5 hours ago Senegal Senegal’s President Macky Sall announced plans for a general amnesty for political

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Namibia: Geingob Laid to Rest

President Hage Geingob, Namibia’s third president who died on 4 February, was buried at Heroes’ Acre on the outskirts of Windhoek on Sunday, 25 February. Geingob died shortly after his cancer diagnosis was made public on 17 January. The late president is survived by his wife Monica Geingos, eight children, two siblings and grandchildren. Geingos

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Africa: The AU Took Important Action On Cybersecurity At Its 2024 Summit

Leading member states continue to delay ratification of the Malabo convention, limiting harmonized African policymaking on cybersecurity. Africa witnessed a spate of cyberattacks in 2023, against African Union Commission (AUC) systems, Kenyan government data systems, and Nigerian election infrastructure among others. The attacks seem to have served as a wake-up call for the AU, driving

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Cote d’Ivoire: Ivory Coast: Presidential pardon -Soro concerned

Dakar — Cote d’Ivoire President Alassane Ouattara granted presidential pardons to 51 civilians and military staff convicted of offenses committed during the post-electoral crises and for endangering state security, including General Dogbo Blé Brunot and Koné Kamaraté Souleymane said Soul To Soul. The latter was Guillaume Kigbafori Soro’s head of protocol when he was Prime

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Kenya scraps entry fee for South Africans and other foreign nationals

Kenya has waived entry fees for passport holders from South Africa and six other countries, following widespread criticism of the recently introduced $30 fee. The move aims to boost tourism and attract business travellers. Previously, all foreign passport holders were subject to visa requirements, but the government’s decision sparked backlash for potentially increasing travel costs

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Kenya: Antibiotic Use On Kenya’s Dairy Farms Is Putting Consumers and Animals At Risk

Farmers often use antibiotics to keep their livestock healthy. They’re sometimes used as “quick fixes”, to avoid more costly management measures like regular disinfection, waste management, routine vaccination or provision of clean drinking water. Animal husbandry now accounts for about two thirds of the global consumption of antibiotics. As livestock and fish production grows, by

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Somalia announces deal with Turkey to deter Ethiopia’s access to sea through a breakaway region

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud exchange gifts in the capital Mogadishu, 25 January 2015   –   Copyright © africanews Farah Abdi Warsameh/AP Last updated: 2 hours ago Somalia Somalia announced on Wednesday a defense deal with Turkey that includes support for the Horn of Africa nation’s sea assets and appears

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Senegal: Breaking the Election Deadlock

The Constitutional Council’s decision to overturn the postponement of presidential polls could provide a way out of the crisis. Opposition members from the Yewwi Askanwi parliamentary group have successfully challenged President Macky Sall’s attempt to delay the country’s elections. Several political prisoners were also released yesterday in response to domestic and international pressure. Sall’s decision

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Rwanda: Genocide

The International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) will close its Kigali field office on August 31 after almost 30 years of operations in the country. The information was shared by the mechanism’s registrar Aboubacar Tambadou during a press conference in Kigali, on Thursday, February 15. Tambadou noted that the decision was informed by the

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Senegalese citizens rally against presidential election postponement

The protest coincided with the Constitutional Council’s rejection of a law proposing the postponement of the presidential election, a decision welcomed by the demonstrators.   –   Copyright © africanews AP Photo Last updated: 9 hours ago Senegal Senegalese citizens took to the streets to protest against the potential extension of President Macky Sall’s term beyond April

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Liberia: UP Supporters Demand Forensic Audit

By Ramsey N Singbeh, Jr. Some Unity Party (UP) supporters in Margibi County are demanding a forensic investigation to clear their doubts about the usage of US$5,000 provided for each district to celebrate President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s inauguration. The UP partisans comprising Motorcyclists and Auxiliaries for Transparency and Accountability (MUPPCMATA) are making claims of alleged

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Nigeria: Experts Seek Robust Implementation of Health Sector Renewal Initiative

The initiative, launched by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, in December is part of the government’s strategy to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030. Experts in Nigeria’s health sector have called for coordinated efforts in the implementation of the recently developed Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHISRII). The

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Nigeria: Hardship

Abuja — President Bola Tinubu is currently meeting with governors and some security chiefs at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja, over the current hardships in the country. It was reliably gathered that President Tinubu summoned the meeting in view of the economic hardship in the country as well as the recent upsurge of insecurity

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Senegal: 3 Dead, 60 Injured, at Least 271 Arrested, Journalists Assaulted During Protests

Nairobi — Senegal’s authorities should immediately open independent investigations into violence during protests on February 9 and 10, 2024, over delayed elections, Human Rights Watch said today. At least two young men and a 16-year-old boy died, while scores have been injured and at least 271 arrested. Demonstrations broke out in Dakar, the country’s capital

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Sudan: Communications Blackout

Port Sudan — El Sudani announced the gradual restoration of telecommunication and internet networks “to all cities of Sudan without exception” yesterday. The Sudatel terrestrial fibre optic network was also reportedly restored in large parts of the country. Sources of Radio Dabanga in several cities and towns confirmed that El Sudani networks were back up

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South Africa: Mpumalanga Delays Building of School for Learners With Disabilities

School was promised over 10 years ago Disabled People South Africa (DPSA) has called on the Mpumalanga Department of Education to speed up construction of the province’s first residential high school for learners with disabilities. Education MEC Reginah Mhaule promised in her 2012-3 budget speech that construction of the school, in the Mbombela muncipality, would

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West Africa: Nigeria Experiencing Stalled Per Capita Growth, Poverty, Food Insecurity

Advises complete phase out of fuel, electricity subsidies Following a detailed assessment, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said Nigeria is experiencing stalled per-capita growth, high poverty levels and significant food insecurity amid efforts by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to implement crucial structural reforms. This was part of the conclusion of the IMF’s Executive Board

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UK plan to send asylum-seekers to Rwanda incompatible with human rights, parliamentary watchdog says

The British government’s plan to send some asylum-seekers on a one-way trip to Rwanda is “fundamentally incompatible” with the U.K.’s human rights obligations, a parliamentary rights watchdog said Monday, as the contentious bill returned for debate in the House of Lords. Parliament’s unelected upper chamber is scrutinizing a bill designed to overcome the U.K. Supreme

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Nigeria: How the Lack of Trust Stifles Nigeria’s Economic Potential

The journey to rebuilding trust will not be easy. It requires sustained effort, unwavering commitment, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable realities. Rebuilding trust is not a one-dimensional task but a collective endeavour that requires commitment from the government, businesses, and civil society. As we strive to navigate the challenges of the global economy, restoring

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Southern Africa: U.S., Zambia, AFC Host Pgi Forum to Strengthen Investment in Lobito Corridor

His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, Amos Hochstein, Senior Advisor to President Biden, and Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) convened the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) Lobito Corridor Private Sector Investor Forum in Lusaka today. This is the first PGI Investor Forum outside

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Senegal: Tension mounts in Dakar as clashes erupt amid political unrest

Demonstrators protest President Macky Sall’s decision to postpone the Feb. 25 vote, in Dakar, Senegal, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024.   –   Copyright © africanews Stefan Kleinowitz/Copyright 2020 The AP. All rights reserved. Last updated: 11 hours ago Senegal The streets of Dakar, Senegal, became a battleground on Friday (Feb. 09) as simmering political tensions boiled over

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West Africa: Mali, Niger and Burkina Say They Don’t Feel Bound By One-Year Period to Leave Ecowas Ahead of Meeting

Mali reaffirmed its exit “without delay” from West African bloc Ecowas, saying it was not bound by the organisation’s one-year timeframe for withdrawal. A few hours later, Burkina Faso and Niger also said they intend to leave immediately. Bamako’s military government announced its withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) on 28

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Middle East conflict hits Africa and analysts examine impacts of African States’ exit from ECOWAS

The Middle East conflict, fueled by Houthi rebels disrupting Red Sea shipping routes, is casting a long economic shadow over Africa. As rising prices and supply chain disruptions grip nations already reeling from the pandemic, the urgency to de-escalate becomes paramount.  The following report explores the economic domino effect on African economies. Hafed Al-Ghwell, a Senior

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Africa: COP 10

Tobacco continues to affect the entire planet. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of smokers is estimated at 1.1 billion smokers in 2025 if recent trends continue. The WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), during its tenth Conference of the Parties (COP 10), is currently examining in Panama the implementation of

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Africa: Nigeria Stuns South Africa

Two penalty goals sent this encounter into penalties, where South Africa-based Nigerian goalkeeper Nwabali made two saves to send Nigeria into Sunday’s final. A cagey encounter between two past AFCON champions, Nigeria and South Africa, was settled on penalties after 90 minutes and extra time ended 1-1. William Troost Ekong scored for Nigeria in the

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UNHCR chief visits displaced families in Sudan amid escalating conflict

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, embarked on a poignant journey through Sudan, where he met with families torn apart by the devastating conflict ravaging the nation. Displaced from their homes and livelihoods by the ongoing turmoil, these families are enduring unimaginable hardships in displacement camps scattered across the country. With conflict engulfing

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Africa: Putting Survivors at the Forefront of the Global Movement to End Female Genital Mutilation

Joint Statement by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, OHCHR High Commissioner Volker Türk, UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation “ Today, on the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation

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Senegalese frustrated as parliament backs postponement of Feb. 25 election

Illustration purposes: A demonstrator waves a national flag during a protest in Dakar, Senegal,May 12, 2023.   –   Copyright © africanews Leo Correa/Copyright 2023 The AP. All rights reserved. Senegal Senegal’s parliament backed late Monday (Feb. 05) the postpone****ment of the February 25 election and the extension of the mandate of president Macky Sall which was

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Africa: COP 10

A large group of premium tobacco producers and workers from a few tobacco growers’ countries, Colombia, Panama, Honduras and Nicaragua, have protested on February 5th in front of the Panama Convention Centre where the tenth Conference of the Parties (COP) of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), is currently taking place.

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Zimbabwe’s ruling party secures supermajority in Parliament

Zimbabwe’s ruling Zany-PF emerged winner of Saturday’s (Feb.03) by-elections held in Mashonaland East province. The party secured significant victories in several key constituencies, including Seke and Goromonzi South, and even achieved a clean sweep in the Marondera district. When general elections were last held ZANU-PF was 10 seats short of the two-thirds majority in parliament

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