Category Archives: Africa

South Sudan Chapter of African Union Master Plan Roadmap “Practical Steps To Silencing The Guns By 2020”

. . SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT . .

An article by Khamis Comas Lokudu from Gurtong

The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) on Monday [October 16] launched the Economic Social and Cultural Council South Sudan Chapter(ECOSOCC). The Economic, Social and Cultural Council is an advisory organ to the African Union composed of civil society organizations (CSOs). The principle of the ECOSOCC is for the civil society to organize itself to work in partnership with the African Union. Its mandate includes contributing through advice, effective translation of the AU’s objectives, principles and policies into concrete programmes, as well as evaluating those programmes.

The objective of the chapter is to empower South Sudan civil society organization on the implementation of AU-ECOSOCC action plan for implementation of AU agenda on silencing the guns by 2020.

According to Richard Ssewakiryanga, the Executive Director of a Ugandan National NGO and Presiding Officer – African Union – Economic, Social and Cultural Council, said in his presentation that, the Aspiration 4 of Agenda 2063 which is the African Union’s strategic framework for socio-economic transformation of the continent over the next five decades, highlights the need for dialogue-centred conflict prevention, as well as the management and resolution of existing conflicts, with a view to silencing the guns in the continent by the year 2020.

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Question related to this article:

Can the African Union help bring a culture of peace to Africa?

Can peace be achieved in South Sudan?

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Mr Richard Ssewakiryanga added that the agenda 2063 provides that in order to achieve sustainable conflict prevention and resolution, a culture of peace and tolerance must be cultivated and nurtured in children and youth, among others, through peace education.

Ssewakiryanga furthermore explained that in its first ten years implementation plan, agenda 2063 stresses the imperative of ending all wars, civil conflicts, gender-based violence and violent conflicts as part of Africa’s collective efforts to silence the guns in the continent by 2020.

The Organization of African Union/ African Union, (OAU/AU) 50th Anniversary Solemn Declaration, adopted by the AU Heads of States¬ and government in Addis Ababa on 26th May 2013 expressed determination to achieve the goal of a conflict-free Africa, to make peace a reality for all and to rid the continent of wars, civil conflicts, human rights violations, humanitarian disasters and violent conflicts.

The Heads of States pledged not to leave the burden of conflicts to the next generation of Africans but assume to end all wars in Africa by 2020 according to Mr Richard.

Africa, Mideast, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT,

Africa: International Day of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

A survey by CPNN

The following 72 events in 26 African countries include those listed in Google during the week of September 21-28 under the key words “International day of peace” and “Journée internationale de la paix.” The events also includes some listed on the event map for the International Day of Peace and on the facebook pages for the global feast and the International Cities of Peace as well as partiipants in One Day One Choir and Montessori schools singing for peace. See the page of events in the Arab States for those in North Africa.

Release of doves at the end of the International Day of Peace at the Françoise Dolto school in Saint Pierre, Reunion.

Here are excerpts from the articles.

NATITINGOU, BENIN: The Peace and Education Association (APE-Benin) celebrated this Saturday, in the presence of the mayor of Natitingou Antoine N’da, the 2018 edition of the International Day of peace, under the theme “The right to peace: 70 years after the Universal Declaration of Human Rights”. Referring to the UN resolution, the president of the Peace and Education Association (APE-Benin) Rachidi Adam reminded the audience composed mainly of young, that the culture of peace is a set of values, attitudes, behaviors and lifestyles that reject violence and prevent conflict by attacking their roots through dialogue and negotiation between individuals, groups and states.

BUJUMBURA, BURUNDI: CIAD Burundi, a non-governmental organization includes as one of its objectives to establish a Culture of Peace in Burundi through the establishment of spaces for dialogue, exchange and reflection on mechanisms for consolidating peace and social cohesion. On Friday, September 21, 2018 at noon, a tent will be erected in Bujumbura to collect your signatures in the Guestbook of Peace in Burundi.

NGAOUNDÉRÉ, CAMEROON: Placed this year under the theme “the right to peace”, the international day of peace edition 2018 gave the opportunity to the men of God to raise prayers for peace in Cameroon. The related events organized in Ngaoundéré by the Association of Women and Girls of Adamaoua (AFFADA) was chaired by the governor of the region. Representatives of the political parties, the MRC, the UNDP and the CPDM also gave voice to a peaceful Cameroon before, during and after the presidential elections of 07 October. The governor said he was touched by the theme of this celebration and the timing of the 2018 edition, because it reminds the leaders of political parties in the presidential race in the region to be moderate in their speeches in order to avoid hate messages. The release of the doves, synonymous with peace, put an end to the celebration.

DOUALA, CAMEROON; A peace song recorded by four of Cameroon’s top artists entitled Stand For Peace was released on this day. Cameroon as well as other countries in Africa are experiencing serious political crises and through this song, the artists preach a message of peace.

BANGUI, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: The Minister of Labor, Employment, Vocational Training and Social Protection, Jean-Christophe Nguinza, chaired, Friday, September 21, 2018 in Bangui, the festivities marking the International Day of Peace, coupled with the ceremony of the inauguration of the building of the Kokoro Secondary Council, a work of the school-building of the youth of the basic communities 3rd and 6th arrondissements as well as Bimbo.

KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO (DR CONGO): On the sidelines of the celebration of the International Day of Peace, a Capacity Building Workshop for Peace Journalists and Human Rights Actors was organized in collaboration with Monusco, the National Press Union in Congo (Unpc) and the Bureau of Agencies. United Nations systems on human rights. The Coordinator of the Association of Congolese Journalists for Peace (Ajcp), Ms. Christiane Ekambo KiengiMrs said that the peace reporter is a preventive journalist compared to the journalist of conflict or war. Unpc President Kasonga Tshilunde announced training workshops for journalists on the eve of the elections.

GOMA, NORTH KIVU, DR CONGO: The women of North Kivu met in Goma this Friday, September 21, 2018 as part of the commemoration of the International Day of Peace For more than five hours, these women shared their experiences and discussed around the theme chosen at the global level “The right to peace, 70 years after the declaration of human rights” and unanimously expressed the wish to see the North Kivu province recover peace. They also blasted the fact that their province has become the stronghold of massive displacement of the population fleeing clashes between the Congolese army and the armed groups in different corners of the province.

GOMA, NORTH KIVU, DR CONGO:
On the International Day of Peace, activists of the citizens’ movements organized a march to demand peace and the holding of credible elections in the country. The march of the citizen movements, including the Struggle for Change (LUCHA), started from the President Entrance to the provincial governorate, to the Himbi museum where they read their memorandum before being dispersed by the police. “We want free, credible and fair elections. We are asking the governor to bring us peace because he is the representative of Kinshasa power here. We also demand that voting machines be pruned from the electoral process. The next elections must lead us to peace and not to war. And to get there, we have to go in a scheme that suits all stakeholders, “said one of the protesters.

NYANGEZI, DR CONGO: On this international day for peace, Congolese Females Action for Promoting Rights and Development (COFAPRI) organized activities for the city of peace in Nyangezi, DRC. Women, men and children joined discussions on ways they can move toward peace in their homes and in their communities. They also prayed and asked everyone reading this message to pray just for five seconds for our country the DR Congo to have peace one day. They also send lots of blessings to anyone involved in peace activities no matter who they are, where they are and in whatever way they are doing so. God bless all the Cities of Peace all over the world.

LUBUMBASHI, DR CONGO:: John Mukhuta and the Lubumbashi City of Peace group in Katanga held an excellent Peace Day event. John has worked tirelessly over the last decade to take care of orphans, promote women’s rights, and bring his community to a new level of safety and health. This event highlights the group’s year-long effort, as sanctioned by local government and dignitaries, as well as the local U.N. peacekeeping force.

MAMBASA, DR CONGO: On the occasion of the World Day of Peace we will organize on Sunday, September 23, a concert for peace in Mambasa the 160th international city of peace,

LIBREVILLE, GABON: The Executive Bureau of the Panafrican Women’s Network for the Culture of Peace celebrated Friday in Libreville, the International Day of Peace. “Our peace project is about making every woman, of goodwill, living in this country, a development partner who lives and lives in a specific province and that it helps to make attractive,” said the president of the Network, Victory Lasseni Duboze. Also in the context of election news, “The political game allows the confrontation of ideas but no fighting that leads to divisions and rejection by each other,” she pleaded.

LIBREVILLE, GABON: On the occasion of the International Day of Peace,the United Nations System organized, from 21 to 22 September, a series of activities aimed at nurturing young people on the notion of peace. The stadium of the national gendarmerie of the Gros-Bouquet camp, in the 1st district of Libreville, served as a framework for the events in which children in difficulty (from several reception centers), associations of women and young people … have communicated with other young people around the theme of this 10th edition namely “le droit.” The different agencies took the opportunity to showcase and explain to the public what they are doing to contribute to a world without violence.

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Question for this article

What has happened this year (2018) for the International Day of Peace?

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SANKORE, BRONG AHAFO REGION, GHANA:: Peace march includedmembers of a Peace Committee, students, market women, business owners and other concerned individuals and groups to demand for their right to peace which they have not enjoyed for almost decade due to incessant violent political rivalry between members of the two major Ghanaian political parties in their community. The programme was climaxed with a symposium to be attended by the Interior Minister, Members of Parliament, Security agencies, UNDP Country Office rep, traditional and political party leaders and others.

MATHARE, NAIROBI, KENYA: The event for the International Day of Peace included classroom activities,group discussions and sports.

MONROVIA, LIBERIA During the celebration of the International Day of Peace, we paraded from the Sports Commission to the Monrovia City Hall, Monrovia, Liberia.  We also had an indoor program at the end of the parade. 
My message to everyone is to love peace, speak peace, live peace, do peace, sustain and maintain peace and dream peace always.

NEW MATADI FANTI, LIBERIA Peace Talk brought together Youths and community stakeholders to discuss the importance of maintaining peace. This event will be held in New Matadi Fanti town community in Sinkor.

ANTANANARIVO, MADAGASCAR: The FIMPA, an association that works for the protection of the consumer, organized an exchange-sharing session around democracy, perceived as the main instrument of peace. For this association, the day today also part in celebrating the 70 th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). For them, talking about peace and democracy in an electoral context is relevant, because it calls for a peaceful electoral process.

LILONGWE, MALAWI Malawi joined the rest of the world in commemorating the International Day of Peace in Lilongwe on 20th September 2018 under the theme Right to Peace. In partnership with the Malawi Government, Chancellor College, and other stakeholders, the United Nations converged high-level and community women in politics, business, faith, public service, uniform, academia and law to discuss their contributions to peace in their communities.

BAMAKO, MALI: On 21 September, the African Youth Network for Populations and Development, AfriYAN Mali, in collaboration with the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) revived the International Day of Peace through a three-day workshop aimed at strengthening the capacities of young people and women on issues of peace. AFriYAN, the African Youth Network for Peoples and Development was created in December 2005 in Lusaka. This network aims to promote and increase youth participation in Africa’s development by strengthening their leadership and advocacy capacity. It is present in all African states.

TIMBUKTU AND GOUZOUREY, MALI: As part of the International Day of Peace 2018, MINUSMA organized several activities in different regions of Mali to celebrate this day together.   MINUSMA is the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Mission for Stabilization in Mali. In Timbuktu, they organized a conference-debate on the theme ” Right to Peace  ” and a friendly football match. In Bouzourey, the meeting involved the Mayor of the commune, traditional leaders, local authorities and young people of the locality. The day ended with a football match between two villages in Gouzourey commune: the Bagoundje team and the Wabaria team.

SEGOU, MALI: Celebrating also the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, during this International Day of Peace several activities were organized including a conference debate, a caravan and an evening for peace. These festivities were organized by the Federation of UNESCO Clubs. The program was broadcast in Ségou by Studio Tamani.

ILORIN, NIGERIA: In Ilorin, Nigeria: City of Peace, Dr. Adimula Ruth Abiola presented the Global Peace Index at her University.

LAGOS, NIGERIA: Video of celebration of the Global Feast in Lagos

IBADAN, NIGERIAThe 2018 International Peace Day was celebrated by many activities which include Church Service, Jummat Prayer, Peace Walk, Award to Peace Makers in the Society and the Peace day Celebration.

IBADAN AND KUBWA, ABUJA, NIGERIA: Global feasts were held in these two cities as well as others in Nigeria.

SAINT-PIERRE, REUNION: The program of the International Day of Peace in Saint-Pierre included a peace march with the College of the Bamboo Line, an intervention of the National Police at the Jean-Paul Sartre school for a moment of awareness about harassment and dangerous games, the planting of an olive tree at the Françoise Dolto kindergarten as well as a release of doves, a musical show with René-Paul and Paël Gigan, the distribution of an artificial white flower to the children and a exhibit about peace performed with Firmin Sinama Pongolle.

KIGALI, RWANDA Never Again Rwanda in partnership with the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission and other peace actors marked the International Day of Peace at the Parliamentary building in Rwanda. The national local theme for this year is “Critical thinking for peace”, which stems from the need to strengthen capacities of youth and citizens to gain understanding in reflective thinking and creativity in addressing peace challenges in their communities. The event attracted participants from youth, governmental officials and CSOs representatives.

DODOMA REGION, TANZANIA: The commemoration of the International Day Of Peace and the 70 years of Universal Declaration Of the Human Rights took place in the Dodoma region of Tanzania.

HARARE, ZIMBABWE: The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum (the Forum), which has worked with many victims of organised violence and torture since 1998, led the peace day commemorations in Harare under the theme, “The Right to Peace: Building a just, inclusive and accountable Zimbabwe.” This year’s commemorations are organised in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights), Theatre in the Park, Renewal Fellowship and Youth Empowerment for Transformation Trust (YETT). The commemorations reflect the diverse groups that are all key for building sustainable peace. Bringing together young leaders, civil society and church leaders, the commemorations give Zimbabwe an opportunity to explore inclusive strategies for building a just, inclusive and accountable Zimbabwe. Part of the attractions will also feature a theatre production on Heal the Wounds by Rooftop Promotions.

In addition to the above events, One Day One Choir lists participating choirs for the International Day of Peace in :
Angola (LUSAKA)
Burundi
Cameroon (YAOUNDE)
Democratic Republic of Congo (KINSHASA and other cities)
Ghana (ACCRA)
Kenya (NAIROBI, MOMBASA)
Liberia (MONROVIA)
Malawi
Namibia
Nigeria
Senegal (DAKAR)
Sierra Leone (CONAKRY)
South Africa (CAPETOWN, JOHANNESBURG, SWAZILAN, ZULULAND. EAST LONDON)
Tanzania (DAR ES SALAAM)
Uganda (KAMPALA)
Zambia (LUSAKA),
Zimbabwe (HARARE)

And the map of Montessori schools singing for peace on the International Day of Peace includes schools in:

Botswana (TLOKWENG)
Ghana (ACCRA)
Kenya (NAIROBI)
Namibia (3 schools)
Seychelles (Bel Air Victoria)
South Africa (DURBAN, CAPETOWN, PORT ELIZABETH, OUDTSHOORN, MQANDULI, MPUMALANGA, HARBEESPOORT,, JOHANNESBURG, PRETORIA, ROODEPOORT)
Zimbabwe (MATABELELAND)

Africa, FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

Togo: Catholic Church urges media to serve dialogue, peace and reconciliation

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

An article from Togo Presse (translated by CPNN)

Some 50 journalists from Catholic media and secular media from the seven dioceses of Togo took part, on Tuesday and Wednesday (21-22 August), in CESAL, in Lomé-Tokoin, in a training workshop on the theme: “The media at the service of dialogue, reconciliation and peace”. The project is in the hands of the Catholic Episcopal Council for Social Communications (CENCCS), in partnership with the World Catholic Association for Communication (SIGNIS), the Propaganda Fide, with the sponsorship of the Conference of Bishops of Togo (CET) ). It aims to strengthen the capacity of media professionals to contribute to the success of inter-Togolese dialogue, national reconciliation and the consolidation of social peace.


Emmanuel Mawusi, clarifies the objectives of the workshop

The essential functions of a media is to inform, educate and entertain. As such, in a process of dialogue and reconciliation, as is the case in Togo, which is going through a momentous moment in its history, the media must be mediators between the protagonists of the crisis. But it is clear that the Togolese press, for the most part, ignores this role, preferring to play the game of politics. It is therefore to remind them of this role of awakeners of conscience that the Catholic Episcopal Council for Social Communications (CENCCS) initiated, for the pastoral agents of the sector of Catholic media and secular media of the seven dioceses of Togo , a workshop on the theme: “Media for Dialogue, Reconciliation and Peace”.

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Click here for the original version in French)

Question(s) related to this article:

African journalism and the Culture of Peace, A model for the rest of the world?

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For two days, seasoned speakers spoke on several sub-themes namely “Dialogue in the management of a political crisis: the case of Togo”, “Reconciliation in traditional and contemporary societies”, “Promotion of culture of peace: the role of the media professionals “, “The role of the media in a process of dialogue and reconciliation”and “Exchanges on the use of traditional and contemporary techniques of production of media content in favor of ‘peace journalism”.

“We want that, starting from here, we can act as we should with great circumspection by using the words and doing the right thing to really help the Togolese to reconcile, to know how to manage the moments of crisis. Words have strength. By speech or a statement, people can be manipulated based on what is said. So, as media professionals, we hold the very crux of the crisis in this country. When there is a crisis without dialogue, we go to the impasse. We are here to teach Togolese to stay together while being on various sides,” said Rev. Emmanuel Mawusi, Secretary General of CENCCS.

For Daniel Lawson Drakey, one of the communicators, the journalist, as an educator and awakener of conscience, must make a difference. The journalist should be at the disposal of the population wherever there is an issue without taking a stand. “It’s about not throwing oil on the fire. Today we have the impression that journalists have become political actors. They speak in the place of the politician. This makes us no longer understand the role of the media within the populations. Combat journalism has had its day. Today, everyone is talking about the development of our states. When a journalist engages politically, he loses credibility. But if it becomes independent, the people find in it a credibility and they listen to it,

Africa, FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

Morocco and Senegal promote gender equality through media

. . WOMEN’S EQUALITY . .

An article from Devdiscourse

The first traveling workshop of the project ” Prevent violence and promote gender equality through the media in Morocco and Senegal ” was held from 16 to 18 August 2018 in Thiès (Dakar-Senegal). An activity that allowed the various participating journalists to build their capacity in the mastery of the concept of gender, human rights issues and their consideration in the collection and processing of information.


©UNESCO/Théodora Samba Taliane

The project “Preventing violence and promoting gender equality through the media in Morocco and Senegal”, funded by Spain under the International Program for the Development of Communication (IPDC), has as its main objective to empower beneficiaries to promote gender equality and combat the reporting and spread of hate speech in the media while promoting a better strategic approach to the use of digital.

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Click here for the version in French)

Question related to this article:

Protecting women and girls against violence, Is progress being made?

African journalism and the Culture of Peace, A model for the rest of the world?

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The project is implemented in Senegal with the support of partners at the national level such as the Ministry of Communication, Telecommunications, Posts and the Digital Economy, the Senegalese National Commission for UNESCO (COMNAT), the Union of Associative and Community Radios of Senegal (URAC), 

A series of four itinerant workshops are planned to be held throughout Senegal. It is in this context that the first event was organized. The workshop, which was held on August 16, 17, 18, welcomed nearly 40 participants, members of the community radios as well as the online press, located in the region of Dakar and Thiès.

For three days they were trained on the concepts of human rights, gender and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW); and in journalistic techniques, on the notions of ethics and deontology in the treatment of information. 

At the end of the training sessions, the participants were asked to make radio and written productions, respecting the notions of gender, ethical and ethical according to the knowledge acquired. These productions will be monitored throughout the implementation of the project for dissemination to local communities. 

This workshop was an opportunity, especially for members of the online press, to participate for the first time in an activity dealing with gender issues, demonstrating clearly that the need for strengthening on these themes is essential, and this at all scales. The next traveling workshops will be held in Kaolack (September), St. Louis (October) and Kolda (November).

Promoting a culture of peace and gender equality is central to UNESCO’s mission. This project is part of the Organization’s drive to strengthen peace and non-violence through the media with a focus on building their capacity to advance ethical, objective and quality journalism.

Africa, Uncategorized, WOMEN'S EQUALITY

Eritrea hosts peace meeting between Ethiopia govt and Tigray ‘rebels’

. .DISARMAMENT & SECURITY. .

An article by Abdur Rahman Alfa Shaban for Africa News

Eritrea on Tuesday [28 August] hosted reconciliation meeting between the Ethiopian government and a rebel group belonging to the far north Tigray region.  

According to Information Minister Yemane Meskel, representatives from Addis Ababa led by the Director of the National Intelligence and Security Service met with a delegation of the Tigray People’s Democratic Movement, TPDM.

Whiles the Ethiopian intelligence chief led the government team, the TPDM was led by its chairman Mokonen Tesfay.

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Question for this article:

Can peace be achieved between Ethiopia and Eritrea?

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This is a continuation reconciliation efforts led by Asmara between Addis Ababa, Ethiopian regional governments and rebel groups that have been based in Eritrea.

So far, Asmara has been the venue of meetings between Ethiopia and rebel groups from the Oromia and Amhara regions.

On August 16, representatives of the Amhara Region and the Amhara Democratic Forces Movement, (ADFM), signed a Reconciliation Agreement in Asmara today. The Agreement provided for the ADFM to pursue its political activities in Ethiopia through peaceful means.

In early August, Ethiopia and the Oromo Liberation Front, OLF signed a Reconciliation Agreement.The deal was reached between President of the Oromo Region, Mr. Lemma Mergesa & OLF Chairman, Mr. Dawd Ibsa.

It provided for i) termination of hostilities; ii) that the OLF will conduct its political activities in Ethiopia through peaceful means. The two sides also agreed: (iii) to establish a Joint Committee to implement the agreement. Foreign Minister Workneh Gebeyehu participated in the meeting.

Africa, DISARMAMENT & SECURITY

Ethio-Eritrean thaw heading for democratic Horn and stronger IGAD

. .DISARMAMENT & SECURITY. .

An article by Yosef Ketema in The Ethiopian Herald

The recent  and landmark  rapprochement  of Ethiopia and Eritrea will play crucial role in  bringing about genuine  and home-grown democracy as well as strengthening the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Scholars say.    

For Addis Ababa University African Political Studies lecturer Tewodros Mebratu,  Ethiopia’s  ongoing political reforms and the rapid  thaw between Ethiopia and Eritrea  after  two decades of no peace-no war situation, have several positive spillover effects in  the  Horn of  Africa and beyond.

He says : “During the past two decades, many countries in East Africa, Middle East and others used to be in diplomatic dilemma as they could  not confidently  decide with whom they could forge warmer ties with either Ethiopia and Eritrea.” 

He, moreover, says because of the two countries’ hostile relations, insurgent groups and terrorists had been taking advantages of the situation  in carrying out various terrorist acts in the region. 

“Also regional organizations like IGAD had  been accustomed to lack of consistency in  decision -making  on various  regional and international  matters.

And this in turn has played big role in weakening IGAD’s influence on  building sustainable peace and economic partnership with other regional players, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and The Southern African Development Community (SADC) which  are relatively successful in reinforcing peace and stability as well as cooperation among their members,” he  points out.

He, therefore, notes that the thawing of the relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea will benefit both countries economically, socially and politically as their priorities are definitely  going to  be realizing peace, regional cooperation and prosperity.

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Question for this article:

Can peace be achieved between Ethiopia and Eritrea?

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“Hopefully, the ending of the state of war between these two  countries will give impetus   to Eritrea  in a bid to  put into action  its  homegrown  democracy as  the country’s existential  security  risk has been removed for good.” 

Regarding the rejoining  of Eritrea  to IGAD, he says it will strengthen this regional organization’s activities  towards ensuring peace and  stability  in South Sudan and Somalia, which have been  the headache of  the Horn region for a long time.

“So long as IGAD member states work in unison against poverty, corruption and foreign intervention, IGAD will get the chance and capacity to positively intervene in issues like South Sudan and can reinforce stability for the region’s habitants,” Tewodros  notes.

Humanitarian Expert Mulualem Getachew, who works for the  International Organizations Affairs division at the  Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for his part says : “The  Ethio-Eritrea Stalemate that lasted for nearly two decades had created havoc in  the efforts of  strengthening   IGAD’s role in  bringing economic integration among  member states. Plus these two countries’ rivalry  used to have great impacts against settling the conflicts in South Sudan and Somalia.”

He therefore says that from now on, it will be  easier for IGAD to mobilize its community and to solve burning issues like South Sudan’s case and channel its full effort in bringing sustainable development in the Horn region.  

If the current  promising political reforms in Ethiopia move  at a good pace , the Horn  region  will have bright future of democratization, he says adding : “Now, we can unequivocally say  that the right time has  come to fight terrorism.”

He  also  underscores  that  it was  difficult and  impossible to dismantle terrorism during  the past  two decades as Eritrea remained passive  in fighting terrorism.

Therefore, both Tewodros and Mulalem indicate the current political situations in Ethiopia and Eritrea have brought great opportunities for East African countries and IGAD  in line with  ensuring genuine  democracy, holding  similar stands on various regional and international agendas and speeding  up the ongoing  political as well as economic integration of the region.

Africa, DISARMAMENT & SECURITY

Eritreans and Ethiopians in Khartoum rally in support of peace deal

. .DISARMAMENT & SECURITY. .

An article from Shabait: Eritrea Ministry of Information

Eritreans and Ethiopians in Khartoum and its environs have jointly expressed support for the joint peace and friendship agreement signed by Eritrea and Ethiopia on 9 July in Asmara.

At the rally that was organized by the communities of Eritrea and Ethiopia on 3 August, thousands of citizens of both countries expressed support to the historic agreement reached between President Isaias Afwerki and Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed to normalize relation and they pledged to play due part for its success.

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Question for this article:

Can peace be achieved between Ethiopia and Eritrea?

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Speaking at the event, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, Charge d’Affairs at the Eritrean Embassy in Sudan, noting that the agreement the two countries reached will help make up years of lost opportunities of cooperation and partnership, reminded all citizens to play due part to that effect.

Expressing his conviction that the peace deal the two leaders reached without the involvement of a third party will ensue sustainable solution, the Charge d’Affairs at the Embassy of Ethiopia in Sudan, Mr. Amsalu Hatie said that the peaceful rally both Eritreans and Ethiopians in Khartoum have conducted in support of the peace deal attests to the desire of the two peoples for peace and cooperation.

Besides the rally, the communities of Eritrea and Ethiopia in Khartoum and its environs have handed over Letter of Support to the Charge d’Affairs of both countries’ Embassies expressing their support to the peace and friendship agreement.


Africa, DISARMAMENT & SECURITY

After escaping 35 years of slavery, this black Mauritanian woman is running for office

…. HUMAN RIGHTS ….

An article from Face2face Africa

A former slave in Mauritania has put her name on the ballot for the elections in September.

Habi Mint Rabah became a slave when she was just five years old and was only released in 2008.

Habi Mint Rabah became a slave when she was just five years old and was only released in 2008.

“I became a slave at the age of five. Every day I had to take care of the flock. Every night I was raped by my master. I always believed, without really understanding, that it was normal, “she said.

As a slave, she hauled water, did the cooking, and sometimes slept next to the goats on the sand.

“I carried the water on my back. I ate the leftover food. If they left nothing, I had nothing to eat. I was sleeping wherever I could find a place – sometimes in the sand, with the goats.”

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Question related to this article:

What is the state of human rights in the world today?

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Her owners  would even deny her the chance to pray, telling her that she did not deserve to because her soul was inferior.

She was able to escape slavery thanks to her brother Bilal Ould Rabah who freed himself and alerted the anti-slavery movement IRA and human rights group, who mobilised her release after 35 years in bondage.

“Even if sometimes I don’t have anything to eat, at least I have my freedom now. My freedom is the most important thing. I’m like another person now. I’m the master of my own life,” she said after she was released.

Rabah is one of the black women in Mauritania who have been enslaved by their light-skin country people.

The country is considered the slave-capital of Africa and the practice is still ongoing. The government has denied the existence of slavery  amid pressure from the United Nations and other rights groups.

Rights groups have also been under attack for protesting slavery, with the government accusing them of colluding  with the West to destabilise the country.

Rabah is vying for a parliamentary seat under the Sawap-Ira coalition.

According to the president of IRA, Biram Dah Abeid, Rabah is the perfect candidate for a number of reasons:

“[She’s] a victim of slavery that has been liberated. She is in our ranks, militant, and it is she who will bring the contradiction to the dominant slavery group, in the future Mauritanian Parliament,” he said.

This will be the first time for the abolitionist group to participate in elections after it registered as a political party.

(Thank you to Janet Hudgins, the CPNN reporter for this article.)

Africa, HUMAN RIGHTS, Mideast,

USA and Nigeria: The Right to Water

…. HUMAN RIGHTS ….

Information from Corporate Accountability

The government in Lagos, Nigeria is considering at least five water privatization projects. In response 23 members of the U.S. Congressional Black Caucus and Congressional Progressive Caucus issued a powerful statement in solidarity with the Our Water, Our Right campaign, which is leading the movement to keep water affordable and accessible in Lagos. The statement highlighted the perils of water privatization and connected the dots between struggles in the Detroit, Flint, Pittsburgh, and Lagos, Nigeria.


Akinbode Mathew Oluwafemi

Here is their letter:

To Mr. Akinbode Oluwafemi
Environmental Rights Action / Friends of the Earth Nigeria
Lagos, Nigeria

Dear Akinbode Oluwafemi and members of the “Our Water, Our Right” Coalition,

We. members of the Congressional Black Caucus and Congressional Progressive Caucus signed below, continue to stand with you and our brothers and sisters in communities across the United States, the African continent, and the world as we struggle together to achieve the universal human right to clean, safe drinking water.

Thank you for bringing to our attention developments since our 2015 communication about the situation in Lagos, Nigeria, where a mere fraction ofthe city’s roughly 21 million people have regular access to safe water. Water is a fundamental human right and building block upon which individual and collective economic prosperity relies. When people cannot access or afford clean water, the impact on their health and livelihoods is devastating. As you know all too well, these circumstances force families to make painful economic choices.

Unfortunately, water access is a problem that transcends national boundaries. In the U.S. city of Detroit, low-income residents continue to experience inhumane water shutoffs, a development that has drawn the concern of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights to Water and Sanitation. In Flint, nearly 100,000 people are still dealing with the effects of being poisoned by contaminated water, and are demanding infrastructure repair and health services.

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Question related to this article:

Is the right to water a basic human right?

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In Pittsburgh, people are facing elevated lead levels and working to ensure their water is safe, affordable and publicly-controlled. In both Pittsburgh and Flint, people are fighting for democratic control of their water systems: organizing against privatization in Pittsburgh, rebuilding from the devastating legacy of emergency management in Flint, and holding the global water corporation, Veolia, accountable for its role in the public health crises in both of these cities. At the root of the water crisis in the U.S. is a failure to invest in our precious public water infrastructure, which is an important foundation for achieving the human right to water. And as you know personally, the people of Lagos are facing the possibility that their water services will also be privatized.

We are deeply concerned that low-income communities, African Americans and other people of color, and people in the Global South are disproportionately affected when water is managed with greater attention to profits and finances than to human rights. Time and time again we have seen this practice result in abuses in the most vulnerable communities, whether through neglect and failure to invest in public infrastructure, or through outright privatization. While we cannot all be experts on the distinct water access challenges facing each of the world’s cities, we share your concerns that a move towards privatization of the water system in Lagos, including through public-private partnerships, could leave the city vulnerable to the negative impacts historically associated with various forms of water privatization, including rate hikes, unaffordable service, inequitable access, worker layoffs, service interruptions, and failures to adequately invest in infrastructure. Privatization also introduces significant governance challenges that can erode democratic control and oversight, including the government’s ability to regulate in the public interest.

Protecting this public good requires transparency, democratic decision-making, and strong public participation, particularly when governments consider contracting private, for-profit entities for water delivery and management. It is in this spirit that we wish to express our solidarity with the people of Lagos, Detroit, Flint, Pittsburgh, and cities around the world as they raise their voices in support of public water, participatory governance, and universal access. Movements like yours provide us with an inspiring example of democracy in action and a valuable contribution to the struggle to secure the human right to water.

We also wish to demonstrate our support for governments exercising leadership, courage, and political will to stand up to powerful interests and make the strong public investments in water infrastructure that have proven successful in the past. It is our hope that we can continue working together to ensure that all people enjoy their fundamental human right to water.

(Thank you to Janet Hudgins, the CPNN reporter for this article.)

Africa, HUMAN RIGHTS, North America,

Faces Of Africa – Defenders of the Forest [Madagascar]

. . SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT . .

An article from CGTN

Madagascar is one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots. The vast majority of its species of fauna and flora are endemic to the island. Much of Madagascar’s wildlife is under threat, particularly humid forest. The severe poverty that afflicts the island communities is causing serious damage to its environment. Turning these practices around will mean finding ways for locals to benefit from the natural environment. This is where Mitsinjo Association comes in. The organization is composed of the local conservationists who are dedicated towards the conservation of the island’s heritage.



Video

It all started when tourists would go into Andasibe village and requested to see the forest. Later in 1999, Mitsinjo was formed by local villagers. “We started as guides only, protecting the forest, trying to plant trees,” told Justin Claude – Mitsinjo Amphibian conservation director. When Justin joined Mitsinjo, he was only seventeen years old. He was the youngest founder in the group. The group embarked on planting trees and conserving the animals that were in danger of extinction. Each member is assigned a particular zone depending on their expertise. One of the members Youssouf Martin is in charge of tree nurseries while Justin is in charge of the Amphibians.

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Question for this article:

When you cultivate plants, do you cultivate peace?

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“Before, I was a guide and afterwards they asked me to help them do reforestation here. Because I was born here in this village I can do this work because I have much knowledge about the rainforest. This project is a program to plant more native trees. We’re restoring 25 hectares per year so we must grow 30, 000 seedlings with the 60 different species of the native tree,” told Youssouf – Mitsinjo tree nursery specialist.

Madagascar is thought to have more than three hundred species of frogs, ninety nine percent of which are endemic. These are one of the most critically endangered creatures on the Island. Hence in 2010, Justin started the amphibian conservation project. The project is the first one of its kind in Madagascar. In 2013, Justin went for training on amphibian conservation in the United States of America. Coming back to Madagascar, he established a breeding facility for the frogs. The facility remains under his supervision.

Besides the wildlife being under threat of endangerment, the environment faces serious threats too. Clearance of forests primarily for firewood and charcoal is rampant in Madagascar. Hence the group carries out sensitization forums with the locals to stress on the importance of conserving the forests.

This is where education comes in. Mitsinjo engages in a variety of education and capacity building programs for the communities they support, including schools. “Mitsinjo needed a head for environmental education, which also has a link to teaching. I accepted, because I was born here. The environment and love of nature are important to me too. We work with schools all over the region of Andasibe (their village). Over the holidays we create clubs for children who don’t have the money to travel”, said Irene Ramanantenasoa – Mitsinjo environmental education officer. This group of Andasibe local conservationists is working tirelessly to ensure that the glory of its forests is restored and conserved.

Africa, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT