CAPE-TOWN, South-Africa, May 20, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Launch of report on energy and climate change by Kofi Annan’s Africa Progress PanelWhat: Launch of report on energy and climate change by Kofi Annan’s Africa Progress Panel (http://www.africaprogresspanel.org) When: 5 June 2015 Where: World Economic Forum, Press Conference Room, Convention Center, Cape Town, South Africa.Who: The Africa Progress Panel is chaired by former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan. The other panel members are Michel Camdessus, former Managing Director of the IMF; Peter Eigen, founder of Transparency International; Bob Geldof, musician, businessman and campaigner; Graça Machel, social and political activist; Strive…
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DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, May 20, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Overcrowding, lack of clean water and sanitation facilities among Burundian refugees in Tanzania means risk of disease outbreak is alarmingly high, particularly among the estimated 40,000 refugees at the border town Kagunga. Already 20 cases of cholera have been confirmed in Kagunga and Nyarugusu refugee camp, where new arrivals are being transported. The UN reports that 1057 cases of acute watery diarrhoea have been recorded at Kagunga, where refugees wait for boat transportation to the camp, Lake Tanganyika Stadium and Nyarugusu camp. Clean water, medical care and proper sanitation…
TUNIS, Tunisia, May 20, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved on May 11, 2015—the decision was taken without an Executive Board meeting1—a 7 month-extension of Tunisia’s Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) to December 31, 2015. The extension will provide time for the Tunisian authorities to implement the policy measures needed to deliver on forward-looking commitments—notably on the banking and fiscal reforms—which will help reduce vulnerabilities and spur higher and more inclusive growth. A mission will visit Tunis in late May 2015 to conduct the Article IV discussions and the 6th Review under the…
PARIS, France, May 19, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — France condemns the attack perpetrated on May 18 in the region of Timbuktu, which claimed the lives of three Malian soldiers. We extend our condolences to the victims’ families and the Malian authorities. Upholding the ceasefire is key to ensuring that the peace process will put a lasting end to the crisis in Mali. France reaffirms that the UN Security Council is prepared to adopt individual sanctions against those who stand in the way of the peace process. We urge the representatives of the Coordination of Azawad Movements to remain committed…
JUBA, South Sudan, May 19, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — UN Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator for Crisis Response, Izumi Nakamitsu, inaugurated today a forty-eight stall community market in Mingkaman, Lakes state. The market project followed a UNDP joint assessment and consultation with the internally displaced persons (IDPs), host community and county leadership in Mingkaman, in order to support early economic recovery. The project is also aimed at community-based approaches that mitigate conflict between IDPs and the host communities. Constructed by the community with support from UNDP in partnership with Nile Hope, the market provides space for 192 trader stalls…
GENEVA, Switzerland, May 19, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Since the beginning of January 2015, an estimated 32,000 Chadians and other internally displaced persons (IDPs) have fled Boko Haram attacks and crossed the border from Nigeria into Chad’s Lac Chad region.They are currently living in precarious conditions and are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance to meet their basic needs in terms of food, water, sanitation, shelter and health services. Many also need psychosocial support, family tracing and reunification and onward transportation to their places of origin.Local host communities, already experiencing spiralling living costs and loss of their cattle export…
GENEVA, Switzerland, May 19, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — In late April 2015, the number of acute watery diarrhea (AWD) and suspected cholera cases in the Kenyan-Somali border town of Dhobley in the Lower Juba region of Somalia started to increase rapidly.In response, IOM, which has a strong presence in the border areas, started mass health and hygiene promotion, as well as oral rehydration salts (ORS) treatment in the most affected areas through a mobile outreach team and community hygiene promoters.At the same time, IOM collected four samples from the suspected cholera cases and shipped them to its partner agency,…
KINSHASA, Dem. Rep. of Congo (DRC) May 19, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — In anticipation of local, provincial, parliamentary and presidential elections that will take place through the end of 2016, President Joseph Kabila last week called on all political parties in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to join him in a forthcoming national dialogue focused on creating an environment for a peaceful electoral process. Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/rdccomen.png In February, the DRC’s Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) published an official electoral calendar (http://www.ceni.gouv.cd/lois/decision_calendrier_contraintes_2015_2016.pdf ) that reaffirmed the government’s commitment to free and fair elections pursuant to terms established by the…
TOKYO, Japan, May 18, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — 1. Japan welcomes the agreement on peace and reconciliation concerning the Inclusive Peace Talks in Alger, signed on May 15 in Bamako, between the government of Mali and the northern Mali’s armed groups.2. It is crucial that the signed agreement be faithfully implemented by all the parties concerned and, peace and security in Mali be swiftly established through the progress of national reconciliation. Japan, therefore, expects remaining armed groups which have not yet signed the Agreement to do so at the earliest opportunity.3. Japan highly appreciates all the efforts made by…
CAPE-TOWN, South-Africa, May 18, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — “I Meditate Africa” (http://www.imeditateafrica.org) is a campaign promoting peace across Africa, encouraging the use of meditation as part of mainstream peace building. Over 500 studies from more than 200 International Universities, including Princeton and Harvard, have scientifically proven that meditations can improve the quality of life for everyone. At a time where violence, misunderstanding, & lack of human values dominate our countries head lines. Citizens of South Africa & Africa are getting together to do something positive, uniting people on a deeper level through the power of collective consciousness.Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/imeditateafrica.pngPhoto: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/photos/1505182.jpgDownload…