Tag: UN Africa News

“Technology and innovation were being embraced across the continent, and progress had been made in unity and economic integration”, Secretary-General António Guterres added.   Moreover, the entry into force of the African Continental Free Trade Area promised “a strong boost” in trade between nations.  A stunning reversal  However, the prolonged pandemic has taken a sizable toll on economic activity and pushed… Read More

Stephanie Williams, Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the UN’s mission in Libya, UNSMIL, outlined recent developments including a nationwide ceasefire agreed last month and the start of political dialogue last week in neighbouring Tunisia.  “After many years of oppression, division, chaos, misery and conflict, Libyans are coming together for the sake of Libya, for the sake… Read More

“Many of the refugees left behind children, and parents. They did not have time to assemble their families and leave together”, said Babacar Cissé, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan. “They arrived at the camps after having walked for several days, exhausted and with nothing. Seeing families and children sleeping in the open was heartbreaking”. Many of the… Read More

There are several site visits planned for this leg of the mission, but most meetings will be held virtually, in line with COVID-19 protocols. On her first day in Niger, Ms. Mohammed met by video conference with President Mahamadou Issoufou, whose term expires at the end of the year. Corniche de Yantala is a district by the river where many… Read More

The UN’s humanitarian coordinator in Sudan, Babacar Cisse, together with the heads of the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, the World Food Programme (WFP), the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), were there to assess the situation in refugee camps.  Tigray is located in northern Ethiopia and the clashes broke out earlier this month following the reported takeover… Read More

David Shearer, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan, warned of increased risk of conflict with the start of the dry season, in December-January, as people start moving towards sources of water for their cattle.  “I think we can anticipate increased tensions”, he said at a press conference on Tuesday, explaining that losses of cattle in floods earlier this… Read More

Chatting with them at the James Town Café, she was inspired by their thoughts and experiences, and delighted to see how they inspire hope in each other, despite the challenges they face: “When you are alone, look left and look right, and see that the community is there for you”, she said.   She encouraged them to strive to reach their… Read More

More than 27,000 have now crossed into Sudan through crossing points in Kassala and Gedaref states, as well as a new location further south at Aderafi, where Ethiopian refugees started crossing over the weekend, according to UNHCR.  The scale of the influx is the worst that part of the country has seen in over 20 years, according to the agency. … Read More

The five-year programme, announced on Tuesday, aims to improve maternal and newborn health in some of the communities with the highest mortality rates in Eastern and Southern Africa.  It will start in Ethiopia, Eritrea and Kenya, and later expand to other countries in the region.  “Investing in the health of women and children is a smart investment”, said Mohamed M. Malick Fall, the Regional Director for UNICEF.  “Indeed, investing… Read More

The five-year programme, announced on Tuesday, aims to improve maternal and newborn health in some of the communities with the highest mortality rates in Eastern and Southern Africa.  It will start in Ethiopia, Eritrea and Kenya, and later expand to other countries in the region.  “Investing in the health of women and children is a smart investment”, said Mohamed M. Malick Fall, the Regional Director for UNICEF.  “Indeed, investing… Read More