Author: prtimesafrica

ABUJA, Nigeria, September 10, 2024/ — ECOWAS is reinforcing its commitment to regional integration and the free movement of persons and goods by advancing the harmonization of safer standards and operational procedures in aviation across West Africa. This initiative is being spearheaded through an Experts Validation Workshop on Aviation Security (AVSEC) Regulation, organized by the Transport Directorate of the ECOWAS Commission in Lagos, Nigeria, in preparation of an Air Transport Ministers meeting on AVSEC and the reduction of taxes, charges and fees which makes the region one of the most expensive, in terms of air travels.

The three-day workshop, which held from September 4th – 6th 2024, brought together aviation security experts from ECOWAS Member States, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Banjul Accord Group for Safety Oversight Organisation (BAGASOO), ICAO Certified Auditors, and the ECOWAS Commission. This gathering is a crucial step advancing an important component of the ongoing project of support to the air transport industry in West and Central Africa, under the ECOWAS Air Transport Improvement Program.

Aviation Security Experts at the meeting reviewed and finalized the draft regional regulations that align with the latest amendments to the ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (ICAO-SARPs) while taking on board the broader objectives of facilitating Air travels within the West African region. Additionally, the Experts drafted a framework for the establishment and operation of an AVSEC pool as well as an Action Plan for its realisation. The recommendations from this workshop will be presented to sector ministers for endorsement and subsequently to the ECOWAS.

The main purpose of the ECOWAS Regional AVSEC regulation is to establish a harmonized regulatory framework for the safety of passengers, crew, ground personnel, and the general public against acts of unlawful interference. Specifically, the regulation provides measures to prevent weapons, explosives, or other dangerous devices which can be used to commit harm, providing a uniform interpretation and application of the ICAO Chicago Convention especially Annex 9 on “Facilitation” and Annex 17 on “Security” Once adopted by the ECOWAS Governing Bodies, ECOWAS will work with Member States, to set up AVSEC Pool Experts, trained with standardized tools to ensure consistent implementation across the region.

In his welcome address, Mr. Chris Appiah, the Acting Director of Transport at the ECOWAS Commission, emphasized the significance of a harmonized AVSEC regulation to the aviation industry in West Africa. He highlighted the urgency of validating the proposed regulations, which will govern air transport security and safety across the region.

Mr. Appiah also highlighted other ongoing ECOWAS’s interventions aimed at improving air transport operations and making air travel more affordable. He noted the collaboration with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to develop a strategy that aims to reduce air transport costs to community citizens by addressing issues such as excessive charges and taxation, which contribute to high ticket prices.

Furthermore, Mr. Appiah disclosed that ECOWAS is in discussions with major aircraft manufacturers to assist airlines in reducing aircraft maintenance costs. This will be achieved through the establishment of a regional air Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) centre to localize aircraft maintenance in the region to help airlines reduce costs of accessing such services abroad. In the area of Airports, the ECOWAS airport master plan will be implemented to enhance operations and activities at regional airports.

Representing ICAO, Mr. Ademola Oladele praised ECOWAS for bringing Member States together to finalize the regional regulations, which is a key step in implementing the project to improve the air transport industry in West and Central Africa. He reaffirmed ICAO’s commitment to supporting the successful execution of the ECOWAS AVSEC Program.

In a statement on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, Dr. Bernard O. C. Omogo, the Director of Aviation Security & Facilitation at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), urged participants to put forth their best recommendations. He emphasized that these recommendations, when implemented, would enhance and ensure the highest level of performance in aviation security operations within the region. Dr. Omogo highlighted that aviation security is essential and serves as the foundation for achieving the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) vision of sustainable, safe, and secure air transportation.

The validated final versions of the Regulation, Framework, and Action Plan will be presented at the Sector Ministerial Meeting scheduled for November 2024 for endorsement. Following this, the endorsed versions will be submitted to the ECOWAS Council of Ministers for final adoption in December 2024.

 

 

JUBA, South Sudan, September 11, 2024/ — The devastation caused by extreme flooding ravaging South Sudan is easy to see while travelling on the treacherous road to Yirol.

Entire communities have been wiped out. Their tukuls are submerged in rapidly rising waters and few salvaged belongings are scattered across whatever high ground they can find.

Not only are these communities coping with their own crisis, but they are also trying to accommodate thousands of flood-stricken displaced people arriving from neighbouring Unity State.

This is fueling tensions over access to scarce resources as cattle keepers from Panyijjar, in Unity, move their stock across the border to Yirol, Lakes State, occupying land used by local communities to cultivate their crops.

“When the other community affected by the floods, especially from Unity, come to Lakes, they should be welcome by our community and live at peace among themselves,” says Nyanhok Malou Mario, the Lakes State Minister of Peace Building.

Both communities are already suffering from persistent incidents of cross-border cattle raiding and revenge attacks, resulting in loss of life, destruction of property, and theft of livestock.

“The relationship between the two states is not good. There has been rampant cattle raiding and revenge killings along our common border,” says Chol Kuotwel Manhom, the Lakes State Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement Agencies. “In Lakes State, we have managed to bring peace among our communities. But that peace is not complete without including our neighbours. So, we are reaching out to them to bring peace across our common borders.”

Peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan navigated the heavily flooded roads and bridges to facilitate a peace dialogue between the communities in Yirol to address climate, peace and security concerns.

The Panyijjar County Commissioner demonstrated his commitment to peace by making his way south to the forum along the swollen river by boat.

“We made our way along the river for two nights and two days. The river was very swollen, and the water was moving very fast. It was dangerous, and we even had a technical problem with one of the boats which forced us to stop for some time,” said Gabriel Majok Bol Ruei. “We are so tired, but it is important for us to come together to build peace.”

The forum aims to support peaceful conflict resolution, empower county authorities to foster peace and stability, promote the role of women and youth, and help communities find their own solutions.

“Once we get the resolutions from the participants in the forum, we are going to form partnerships with UN agencies and other international Non-Governmental Organizations to see how we can provide livelihoods among the communities,” said UNMISS Civil Affairs Officer, Gibril Turay.

“We will also look at developing and finding funding for projects to ensure that there is reconciliation and accountability. There will be no sustained peace or true reconciliation without accountability and justice.”

While youth seem able to find joy in any disaster as they dance and play in the floodwaters in Yirol, their families are not so resilient as they confront conflict, a dire humanitarian and economic situation, and now the loss of everything they own due to the climate crisis.

Despite this, their commitment to peace is real as they put their personal suffering and differences aside to build sustainable peace together.

 

 

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ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, September 10, 2024/ — The President and Chairman of the Boards of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has paid tribute to the preeminent role played by the institution’s staff in Africa’s development. He was speaking Monday, during the official launch of festivities to mark the Bank’s 60th anniversary in Abidjan.

“As President of the African Development Bank, you matter to me. Regardless of your title or grade, you matter very much to the African Development Bank and you matter to Africa!” This was Dr. Adesina’s poignant and empathetic message to colleagues meeting at the Hôtel Ivoire in Abidjan, and in the Bank’s 40 country offices across Africa as well as in Tokyo, Japan, to celebrate six decades of commitment by the continent’s premier development finance institution.

“Today, as in the past, you are part of Africa’s transformation. The Bank’s entire ecosystem plays a part in each project. Over the last 60 years, different types of staff have brought genuine change to the continent. Our work over the last eight years has transformed the lives of 400 million people. I would like to thank you for your extraordinary efforts,” declared Adesina.

Praising the courage of members of staff deployed in Somalia and Sudan – both countries facing fragile contexts – Adesina paid tribute to those who risk their own and their families’ lives on a daily basis to advance Africa’s cause.

Amid applause from hundreds of present and former staff and guests, the Bank Group chief said: “If anyone were to ask me what I will miss the most at the end of my term of office as the head of this institution, I will always say: it’s the people. Every time I say it, I am full of emotion.”

The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier multilateral development institution and now has over 2,000 employees. It has funded 6,575 projects on the continent since it was established on 10 September 1964. The first of these were implemented in Kenya and Sierra Leone. In 60 years, the Bank’s capital has grown from $250 million to $318 billion,” recalled Adesina.

“I thank our staff for creating this story for Africa. There is still plenty to do, and it is thanks to their support that we will do it. And I will do everything I can to attract and retain the most talented people to respond to future challenges for both our institution and our continent. I wish you a happy 60th anniversary!” concluded the Bank Group’s president.

Like some members of staff who spoke of the Bank’s decisive commitment and said ‘happy anniversary’ in their native languages, Adesina wished his colleagues a happy anniversary in his own native language, Yoruba.

During the launch of the festivities, Adama Coulibaly, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Finance and the Budget, representing Nialé Kaba, Minister of Planning, the Economy and Development and the Bank’s governor for Côte d’Ivoire, expressed his government’s profound gratitude to Adesina for his leadership and significant achievements as the head of the institution.

“At a personal level, I would like to say that you are the heart and soul of this institution. Looking at the results achieved, the African Development Bank has come a long way in six decades. Your efforts have helped lift millions of Africans out of poverty. This 60th anniversary is an opportunity for us to celebrate how far we have come and together, face the challenges of building the Africa we want,” declared Coulibaly.

He reaffirmed the commitment of Côte d’Ivoire, which is home to the Bank’s headquarters, to supporting the institution in achieving its five operational priorities. “Our partnership with the Bank Group is special. May the coming decades be full of new achievements and progress for staff, for the Bank and for the whole of our continent,” he commented.

Prior to the speeches by these key figures, the chair of the Bank’s Staff Council, Foster Ofosu paid a warm tribute to all employees, working both at its headquarters in Abidjan and in the various country offices.

“The Bank exists because you exist. Your dedication to building our Africa is flawless. Be proud of the work you have done,” said Ofusu to the hundreds of members of staff attending the celebration.

 

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Media contact: 
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About the African Development Bank Group: 
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

 

JUBA, South Sudan, September 9, 2024/ — “Peace is not just the absence of conflict, but the presence of compassion. When we care for animals, we care for each other, which is a powerful catalyst for peace.”

This was the powerful and passionate message from Lieutenant Colonel Manoj Yadav, the Deputy Commander of the Indian peacekeeping battalion serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan in the conflict-affected Upper Nile region.

He was speaking about the unique approach to promoting peace taken by Indian peacekeeping veterinarians who are treating a diverse range of animals belonging to communities at dedicated camps throughout the region.

“These camps are instrumental in disease surveillance, supporting early warning systems, and preventing potential outbreaks. By focusing on maintaining healthy livestock, veterinary camps contribute to food security. This, in turn, enhances the prospects of peace and development,” says Lt. Col. Yadav.

In South Sudan, cattle are both a valuable commodity and part of the cultural identity. They represent wealth, fertility and even a spiritual connection. However, they can also be a driver of conflict, as communities struggling with the dire economic and humanitarian situation as well as extraordinary flooding, fight over access to land and water and raid cattle from each other.

To tackle this problem, the UNMISS peacekeepers have treated nearly 15,000 cattle in the past nine months as well as countless other animals precious to the people of South Sudan.

“These events are not merely about animal care, but also serve as a platform for encouraging cooperation among different communities, aiming to reduce tensions and promote mutual understanding,” said Lt. Col. Yadav.

As an example, John Marten, from the Shilluk community, attended the Malakal Veterinary Center with Aben Mirial, a member of the Dinka community. While these two communities have a history of conflict, the two cattle herders came with a collective desire to improve the health of their livestock by learning international best practices in animal husbandry. This illustrates the power of harnessing common interests to build trust and confidence between diverse communities.

The peacekeepers also provide training to Community Animal Health Workers which empowers local communities to be self-reliant and reduces dependency on external aid. This contributes to long-term stability by strengthening local capacities and resilience.

The motto of the Indian battalion is that “even in the darkest of times, the simplest acts of compassion and kindness can have a profound impact.”

These peacekeepers believe that by bringing communities together, fostering trust and promoting cooperation, the veterinary camps can play a transformative role in building a harmonious society in a country ravaged by conflict and instability.

“By healing the animals, we truly believe we are healing the hearts of the youngest nation in the world, which will lead to a more peaceful, more prosperous, and more united South Sudan,” said Lt. Colonel Yadav.

 

 

MASERU, Lesotho, September 5, 2024/ — As Lesotho faces a worsening food security crisis, Reena Ghelani, the Assistant Secretary-General and Climate Crisis Coordinator for El Niño and La Niña, accompanied by Andrea Noyes, the Head of the Regional Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), undertook a four-day mission to the country to meet with communities affected by the drought, Government officials, UN, and civil society partners.

Ms. Ghelani, Ms. Noyes and the United Nations Resident Coordinator Ms. Amanda Khozi Mukwashi informed the Government that the acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator will release US$2 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to facilitate a joint, coordinated humanitarian response.

On 12 July 2024, the Government of Lesotho declared a state of National Food Insecurity Disaster after a historic drought triggered by El Niño led to the lowest crop yields since the 2018/19 agricultural season.

According to the Government, about a third of the population—approximately 700,000 people—will face hunger in the coming months. In rural areas, more than 400,000 people are expected to experience crisis levels of acute hunger through March 2025. Vulnerability assessments show that an additional 296,049 people are expected to become food insecure in urban areas. The drought has resulted in severe water shortages, with wells drying up.

“We must support vulnerable communities affected by the drought in Lesotho,” said Reena Ghelani. “This US$2 million allocation will help scale up humanitarian assistance for those most in need, but we also need to strengthen long-term resilience to prevent future crises.”

During her mission, Ms. Ghelani engaged with Government and partners on immediate needs, ongoing response, and strategies to build long-term resilience against climate shocks. She met with affected communities in Qacha’s Nek and Mafeteng to assess the impact of the drought on the most vulnerable.

“The situation is difficult. We met farmers who said the drought has led to crop failures, and we spoke to distressed mothers who told us they don’t have enough food for their children. This allocation will be critical to help people access sufficient food and other essential services. The time for action is now,” Andrea Noyes said. “OCHA is supporting the UN and partners in Lesotho to strengthen humanitarian coordination and scale up the response to complement Government efforts.”

“We stand with the people of Lesotho in this time of need,” said Amanda Khozi Mukwashi. “As demonstrated by the emergency allocation, the UN is committed to working closely with the Government of Lesotho and all partners to ensure a coordinated and effective response.”

The UN in Lesotho is actively supporting the operationalization of the recently launched National El Niño Response Plan, which requires approximately $212.9 million, with outstanding funding needs of $112.8 million.

 

 

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NEW YORK, United States of America, September 5, 2024/ — The UN chief underlined the global body’s support for this partnership in remarks to the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit.

Leaders from some 50 African countries are expected to attend the Summit, which has been held every three years since 2000.

Debt hampers development

Mr. Guterres noted that they were gathering in China amid rising geopolitical tensions, raging conflicts and growing poverty and hunger.

He pointed to current challenges, including the conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan, as well as the worsening climate crisis, inequalities and threats to global and African efforts to achieve sustainable development.

Meanwhile, many African countries are mired in debt and struggling to invest in sustainable development, he said.

Reform outdated systems

The UN Secretary-General recalled his proposals to reform “outdated, ineffective and unfair international financial architecture”, and to provide a stimulus plan for developing countries striving to make the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) a reality.

Solutions include increasing the lending capacity of multilateral development banks and enabling them to massively scale up affordable financing for development.

He stressed that the support of China and Africa for these initiatives is critical.

Progress on shared goals

“In this context, South-South cooperation is essential to build capacities and drive progress on shared development goals – while in no way reducing the responsibilities of the Global North,” he said.

Mr. Guterres described China’s partnership with the African continent as a pillar of South-South cooperation. The process refers to the exchange of technology and skills between countries of the Global South.

“Your joint efforts, based on the United Nations Charter, can create a new momentum for African development,” he said.

He recalled that China is already Africa’s longstanding and largest trading partner.

“And we know that in Africa, as elsewhere, investments are game-changing when they respect national ownership and are financially sustainable, climate-sensitive and consistent with international human rights commitments.”

Partnership for transition

Furthermore, “China’s remarkable record of development – including on eradicating poverty – provides a wealth of experience and expertise”, he continued.

“The China-Africa partnership can drive the renewable energy revolution. It can be a catalyst for key transitions on food systems and digital connectivity,” he said.

“And as home to some of the world’s most dynamic economies, Africa can maximize the potential of China’s support in areas from trade to data management, finance and technology.”

Meeting today’s challenges

Mr. Guterres also used the speech to highlight the need to “correct some historic injustices”.

For example, it was “outrageous” that the continent of Africa has no permanent seat on the UN Security Council, he said.

In this regard, the Summit of the Future at UN Headquarters later this month “will be a pivotal opportunity for renewal and reform – anchored in solidarity and justice”.

The UN chief spoke of the proposed focus on the prevention of and joint approaches to new and emerging threats to global security, building on recent success in authorizing UN-assessed contributions for African Union-led peace operations.

“We are pushing for reforms so that the international financial architecture and institutions correspond to the realities of today’s world and can respond to today’s challenges – particularly those faced by developing countries, namely in Africa. Your full engagement will be critical to finding sustainable solutions,” he said.

Concluding his remarks, the Secretary-General underscored “the full engagement of the United Nations in support of a strong China-Africa partnership, towards our shared goal of peace, sustainable development and human rights on a healthy planet”.

 

 

NEW YORK, United States of America, August 31, 2024/ — Democratic Republic of Congo authorities should expand their investigation into security force personnel responsible for killing scores of people in eastern Congo one year ago, Human Rights Watch said today. The government should also provide prompt and adequate compensation to victims or their families.

On August 30, 2023, Congolese security forces killed at least 57 people in Goma, the capital of the North Kivu province. Most were members of a mystic religious group, the Natural Judaic and Messianic Faith Towards the Nations (Foi Naturelle Judaique et Messianique vers les Nations), who were preparing a protest against the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). A United Nations panel of experts and Human Rights Watch found that the actual death toll was most likely significantly higher. A military court in October found four soldiers, including a commanding officer, guilty of murder, but no further investigations appear to be ongoing and no victims have received compensation.

“One year on, Congolese authorities have successfully prosecuted several people for the 2023 Goma massacre, but the investigations have been severely limited, and no compensation has been paid to victims,” said Lewis Mudge, Central Africa director at Human Rights Watch. “Establishing command responsibility and appropriately punishing all those responsible is crucial to preventing similar abuses in the future.”

On July 30, 2023, Ephraim Bisimwa, the leader of the mystic religious movement, announced a protest against MONUSCO to be held on August 30 to demand the UN mission’s departure by the end of the year due to its inability to stem protracted fighting in the east.

On August 23, the mayor of Goma issued a communiqué banning the protest. Bisimwa called off the demonstration and asked his members to meet at his church on the morning of August 30. The UN panel reported that the military and police chain of command sent down reports that the group’s protests were connected to rumored plans by the M23 rebel group and its Rwandan backers to destabilize the city. Since late 2022, Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have committed unlawful killings, rape, and numerous other grave abuses in eastern Congo.

On August 30, between 3 and 4 a.m., Congolese soldiers raided a radio station affiliated with the movement in Goma’s Ndosho neighborhood. Bisimwa was at the station and used a WhatsApp message to inform his members of the raid. When soldiers took Bisimwa and eight others out of the station, his members arrived. Soldiers opened fire on them, killing six members outside the radio station, and then departed with Bisimwa and a colleague. Bisimwa later told Human Rights Watch: “They took us to the [Republican Guard]’s base where they tied us up, made us lie on the floor, then they threw water on us and beat us with sticks.”

Following the deadly raid, members of the group captured a police officer, bound his hands, and took him back to the group’s headquarters, commonly referred to as its temple.

In the confusion that followed, the police shot some members of the group, killing Bisimwa’s son. Some members then returned to the temple and killed the abducted police officer. Footage verified by Human Rights Watch shows the officer lying on the floor, hands tied, and curled up into a ball, while people beat him with sticks and threw rocks at him, killing him.

Soldiers arrived at the temple around 7 a.m. and Republican Guards followed. Col. Mike Mikombe, the Republican Guard commander in Goma, took over negotiations with a growing crowd. An officer who was there later told Human Rights Watch that once Mikombe arrived, tensions quickly arose.

Human Rights Watch verified a video filmed at the scene around 7 a.m. which shows Mikombe and Maj. Peter, commander of a Republican Guard special forces unit, addressing the members in an alley adjacent to the temple, flanked by special forces personnel. In the footage the soldiers are wearing full combat gear and carrying weapons. Witnesses said at least four drones were flying overhead.

Minutes after the arrival of the Republican Guard commanders, shooting began. “I don’t know what the colonel from the Republican Guard saw to give the order to shoot at us,” a group member said. Several witnesses reported that Mikombe lifted his handgun in the air and ordered Republican Guard soldiers to open fire. One man said Mikombe shouted, “Bofungola nzela!” (“Open the path!” in Lingala). Human Rights Watch research, including interviews with national army officials, indicated that the movement members were unarmed.

The soldiers fired with military assault rifles on the demonstrators and bystanders, killing and wounding dozens while others ran for cover. Many took refuge in neighboring houses or inside the temple around the corner. The gunfire was continuous for several minutes. Human Rights Watch verified a video filmed at the scene showing clouds of dust filling the alley as automatic gunfire is heard. Walls of surrounding houses and the temple were struck, killing and wounding people who were taking cover inside both. Human Rights Watch examined bullet holes in the walls of many houses at the scene.

A woman who took cover in her house with her younger brother said a woman and a boy were killed inside her compound, where they had sought safety. “I didn’t know them, and they didn’t seem to know each other either,” she said. “They had come to hide when the shooting began.”

Some people taking cover in houses filmed the immediate aftermath of the shooting on their cell phones. Several videos show numerous bodies on the streets. A man who witnessed the killings from a house near the temple said the soldiers walked among the bodies to check if anyone was still alive. “They would shoot at the wounded to kill them once and for all,” he said.

Immediately after the shooting stopped, soldiers loaded bodies onto at least one military truck. Video footage verified by Human Rights Watch shows soldiers dragging bodies along the street, pulling them by the legs or arms in a degrading manner. Additional footage shows them throwing bodies onto the trucks, piled onto one another. Several wounded people were also forced onto the same truck.

The soldiers rounded up dozens of people, including children, in the temple courtyard. Many were later arrested. Footage verified by Human Rights Watch shows members of the Republican Guards walking away with looted goods, furniture, and livestock on a street near the temple. Between 9:30 and 10 a.m., Republican Guards and other soldiers set the temple on fire. Human Rights Watch verified a video that shows the temple on fire.

In September and October, a military court tried Mikombe and five other soldiers. Three were sentenced to ten years in prison, while two others, including Mikombe’s deputy, were acquitted. On October 2, Mikombe was found guilty of murder and sentenced to death.

The case against Mikombe did not address the role played by higher-ranking officers who might have ordered or otherwise be criminally liable for the crimes committed. The authorities did not establish an exhaustive count of the dead. They did not investigate allegations that soldiers executed wounded people or burned the temple. In its final report, the UN panel of experts raised doubts about the investigation.

Further investigations should be conducted to establish whether officers senior to Mikombe were liable for these crimes, Human Rights Watch said.

Because the North Kivu province is under military rule, a military court tried Bisimwa and 63 other movement members for killing the police officer. All were sentenced to 10 or more years in prison or to death. The UN panel of experts said no evidence was presented at the trial to link the defendants with direct participation in killing the officer. Bisimwa had been in military custody for several hours prior to the killing.

The government commuted all death sentences to life in prison.

Victims or their families should receive prompt and adequate compensation for their loss, Human Rights Watch said. A movement member whose wife was killed said: “I would like us to be compensated for the damage that has been done to us. Looking after seven children without their mother is something that is very difficult for me. We need assistance.”

In addition to expanding their investigation of those responsible for the government killings and providing compensation to victims, the Congolese authorities should address its crowd control measures. The military generally should not be used for law enforcement, a function for which the police are better trained. Any security forces used for crowd control should receive proper training, equipment, and oversight. The Congolese government should seek international support to ensure that its security forces abide by regional and international standards on the use of force.

“The victims of the Goma massacre still await accountability,” Mudge said. “All those responsible, regardless of rank or standing, should be prosecuted, and those harmed promptly and fairly compensated.”

 

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ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, August 30, 2024/ — In Ghana’s vibrant media landscape, Nana Aba Anamoah stands out not just for her on-screen presence but for her relentless commitment to social justice and advocacy.

As General Manager of GHOne TV, Nana has emerged as a leading advocate for gender equality, health reform, and youth empowerment, transforming from a celebrated media personality into a dynamic agent of change and an influential voice in Ghana.

Ms. Anamoah’s journey into journalism began with a childhood fascination with television, fueled by her father’s love for news and shows like Larry King Live.

“My father introduced me to Larry King Live at a very young age,” she recalled. “By the time I was nine, I knew I wanted to be on TV – not just to be seen, but to make a difference.”

This desire to make a difference has driven Nana to tackle some of Ghana’s most pressing social issues. Among her most impactful efforts is her advocacy for kidney disease patients, many of whom struggle to afford life-saving dialysis treatments.

“I received a letter from a group of patients who couldn’t afford the treatment, and I knew I had to do something,” said Nana. She mobilized resources and raised awareness, not just to fund treatments but also to highlight the systemic discrimination these patients face in the workplace.

“It’s not just about raising money – it’s about changing the policies that allow this kind of injustice to continue.”

Her commitment to health advocacy extends to her fight against the misuse of drugs that have wreaked havoc in Ghanaian communities. Through her reporting, Nana and her team exposed the widespread abuse, particularly among young people. This led to the establishment of Ghana’s first national addiction center.

“Seeing the extent of the problem was shocking,” she said. “But it was even more rewarding to see real action being taken to address it.”

Nana also played a key role in the successful separation of conjoined twins in Ghana, using her platform to raise awareness and mobilize resources for the life-saving surgery.

Gender equality is another area where Ms. Anamoah has made significant strides. At GHOne TV, she has prioritized the promotion of women into leadership positions, ensuring that they are well-represented in the newsroom and beyond.

“When I became General Manager, one of my main goals was to ensure that women had more opportunities to lead,” said Nana. “These women have proven that they are not just capable – they excel.”

Her commitment to inclusion also extends to individuals with disabilities. Ms. Anamoah has been instrumental in bringing persons with disabilities into the newsroom, believing that their voices are crucial for balanced reporting.

“We often tell the stories of people with disabilities without truly understanding their experiences,” she noted. “By having them in the newsroom, we ensure their stories are told with authenticity and empathy.”

Nana’s passion for empowering women led her to create the “Women of Valor” platform, which brings together women from across Africa annually to share their experiences and find solutions to the challenges they face.

Nana’s passion for empowering women inspired her to create the ‘Women of Valor’ platform, which brings together women from across Africa each year to share their experiences and find solutions to the challenges they face.

“One of the most powerful moments was when a young woman shared her story of surviving sexual abuse by her father,” said Nana. “Her courage inspired others to come forward, and it reminded me of the strength and resilience of women everywhere.”

With millions of followers across various social media platforms, Nana Aba Anamoah has leveraged her influence to inspire change and amplify the voices of the marginalized. Her tireless work in advocating for health, combating drug abuse, and promoting women’s leadership continues to drive progress in Ghana.

“I’ve always wanted to do something that matters, something that will outlive me,” she noted. “I believe that’s exactly what we’re doing.”

Nana expressed hope that world leaders meeting in New York this September for the Summit of the Future will prioritize the issue of gender inequality in their discussions.

“If we truly want a better future, we have to start by making sure everyone has a seat at the table – especially women.”

Ms. Anamoah was speaking during an interview for the Sustainable Africa Series, a production by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, focusing on how African celebrities and personalities utilize their platforms to uplift humanity and advance the Sustainable Development Goals.