Author: Database of Press Releases related to Africa

GENEVA, Switzerland, February 28, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — IOM has released updated profiles of 54 displacement sites in Bangui, CAR.

Due to escalating violence in CAR, there are now approximately 276,500 displacedpeople (IDPs) living in 62 displacement sites in Bangui.

In coordination with partners, IOM rolled out its Displacement Tracking Matrix in December to assess and address urgent needs.

The tool has allowed IOM to create profiles to provide an overview of the situation at each site. Profiles provide in-depth information on health, shelter, security, and other humanitarian needs.

The primary need identified at the majority of the sites is food. Primary needs at other displacement sites include non-food items, sanitation, and security.

Data for the profiles is gathered through IOM’s “site facilitators” in Bangui. The 47 site facilitators regularly visit each displacement site to interview IDPs about the needs at their site. IOM compiles and shares this information with humanitarian actors in order to better inform the humanitarian response.

Populations at the displacement sites change continually. Many IDPs sleep at the sites at night and return to their homes during the day. The number of sites changes depending on the population’s perception of the security situation in Bangui.

Over 50 displacement sites shelter members of the majority (Christian) population. There are over five sites that predominantly shelter members of the Muslim population and ethnic minorities. Most of these sites are at mosques and Islamic schools.

Information on the needs of the displaced population is also captured in an IOM IDP survey published this week. Some 93per cent say that their professional activities were interrupted because of their displacement. In order to return to their place of origin, IDPs said that the following conditions are needed:

• Guaranteed presence of security forces in my neighborhood (89per cent)

• Return to a state of law and order in my neighborhood (63per cent)

• No longer hearing gunshots at night (60per cent).

Information on the needs of the displaced population can be found in the IDP survey published this week. It can be downloaded from: http://reliefweb.int/report/central-african-republic/profils-de-sites-spontan-s-de-bangui-20-f-vrier-2014

Details of IOM’s second return intention survey conducted in the camps can be found here.

IOM is registering IDPs this week at the Military Airport Transit Site and the Central Mosque Site.

It has now has provided evacuation assistance to a total of 5,512 third country nationals, from eight different countries, the majority from Chad (4,607). The other nationalities evacuated are: Mali (534), Niger (222), Sudan (116), Senegal (24), Japan (5), Pakistan (2) and Burkina Faso (2).

The last IOM evacuation charter was run on 9 February. IOM has not received funding for additional flights but has sent a few small groups of third country nationals on commercial flights (to Niger, Pakistan and Japan).

On 22 February IOM facilitated an evacuation charter flight sponsored by the President of Niger. It evacuated a total of 89 third country nationals, including women and children, from Niger (59), Mali (26) and Senegal (4) to Niger. IOM staff in Niger will organize onward transport for the Malians and Senegalese to their respective countries.

NEW YORK, February 28, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks at the launch of Kwibuka20 in New York today:

I am honoured to be here for the New York launch of Kwibuka20, a series of events marking 20 years since the genocide in Rwanda. The theme for Kwibuka20, “Remember, Unite, Renew”, says it all.

We will always remember the more than 800,000 innocent people who were so brutally murdered. We draw inspiration from the ability of the Rwandan people to unite and show that reconciliation is possible even after a tragedy of such monumental proportions. And we marvel at the Rwandan people’s determination to renew their country and pave the way to a secure and prosperous future.

Remember, unite, renew: let us be inspired by those words during the weeks of reflection ahead. The Rwanda genocide was an epic failure of the international community to take action in the face of atrocity crimes. We have learned important lessons. We know more keenly than ever that genocide is not a single event but a process that evolves over time, and requires planning and resources to carry out. As chilling as that sounds, it also means that, with adequate information, mobilization, courage and political will, genocide can be prevented. We have applied those lessons in many ways to improve our responses since then. Member States adopted the “responsibility to protect” principle.

We have established the United Nations Office of the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide. My Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Adama Dieng, who is here with us today, monitors the world for signs of the crime’s known precursors, providing a vital early warning function for myself and the Security Council. My Special Adviser on the Responsibility to Protect, Jennifer Welsh, engages in political dialogue with Member States and others to put the concept into practice.

We have strengthened our capacities for mediation and preventive diplomacy. We have also undertaken new civilian protection efforts on the ground, most notably of late through the “open gates” policy in South Sudan. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has strengthened monitoring and field presences, as well as the assistance it provides to States in advancing human rights-friendly institutions and laws. We are promoting tolerance and mutual understanding, including through the Alliance of Civilizations initiative.

We are entering an age of accountability through the actions of the International Criminal Court, international tribunals and domestic courts. The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, with the cooperation of Rwanda and other States, continues to prosecute people for their alleged responsibility in the genocide. Most recently, I launched a new initiative across the United Nations system called “Rights up front” to reinvigorate the UN’s commitment to human rights, and in particular to strengthen early action.

At the same time, 20 years after the Rwanda genocide, there is much more that all of us can do to fully internalize and implement its lessons. Our collective failure to prevent atrocities in Syria over the past three years is a shameful indictment of the international community. The grave and blatant violations of human rights in the Central African Republic have led the Security Council to establish an international commission of inquiry. We also see civilians threatened in multiple regions, as well as other worrying trends, such as the rising bias against migrants, Muslims, Roma and other minorities in Europe and elsewhere.

We must speak out forcefully whenever communities are threatened by mass atrocities or their precursors. And we must never forget the victims, and make sure they receive the support they deserve. Last May, I visited the Gisozi Genocide Memorial in Kigali, Rwanda. I was moved to tears by the enormity of the violence that targeted a range of Rwanda’s people — Tutsi, Twa, moderate Hutu and others.

But, I also saw the remarkable progress that Rwanda has made over two decades. I encourage the people and Government of Rwanda to continue promoting the inclusive spirit necessary for healing and reconciliation, and to deepen respect for human rights. This will set the country firmly on course for a peaceful future and benefit the wider Great Lakes region, which continues to cope with the impact of the genocide. As we launch Kwibuka20, let us together commit to remember, unite and renew.

NEW YORK, February 28, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Raimonda Murmokaitė ( Lithuania):

The members of the Security Council are appalled by today’s terrorist attack in Somalia for which Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility. The members of the Security Council condemned the attack in the strongest terms. The members of the Security Council extended their condolences to the families of those killed and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. The members of the Security Council further extended their condolences to the people and Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

The members of the Security Council expressed their deep concern at this and other recent terrorist attacks perpetrated by Al-Shabaab in Somalia. The members of the Security Council expressed their solidarity with the people and Government of Somalia at this difficult time.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivation, wherever and whenever and by whomsoever committed.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their determination to combat all forms of terrorism, in accordance with its responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations.

The members of the Security Council underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice, and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the Somali authorities in this regard.

The members of the Security Council reminded States that they must ensure that measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law.

The members of the Security Council underscored their determination to continue to support all international efforts aimed at ending the threat posed by Al-Shabaab.

GENEVA, Switzerland, February 28, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — I am deeply concerned by the grave humanitarian situation in South Sudan, where, despite the recent ceasefire agreement, the lives of millions of civilians are threatened by l…

NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania, February 28, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The United Nations Special Rapporteur on slavery, Gulnara Shahinian, today hailed Mauritania’s commitment and progress in the fight against slavery, but called on the authorities “to take more vigorous measures to eliminate slavery and to fully implement the laws and policies.”

Ms. Shahinian’s call comes at the end of a follow-up official visit to the country to assess new developments and the initiatives taken by the Mauritanian authorities in response to her previous recommendations.

“I commend the Government of Mauritania for the measures taken since my last mission in 2009 and for its commitment to ending slavery in the country,” said the independent expert designated by the UN Human Rights Council to monitor, report and advise on the use of contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and consequences in the world.

“However,” she stressed, “the Government still has to turn its pledges into deeds, and to take more vigorous measures with a view to eliminating slavery and to fully implement the laws and policies”.

“The passing of the law criminalizing slavery in 2007 had been a milestone for the eradication of slavery practices in Mauritania, but still needs to be fully implemented to result in concrete changes in practice,” she said. The expert reiterated her concerns at the very low number of prosecutions under the Act, and stressed the need to amend it in order to ensure better protection for victims recognized as slaves.

“The fact that slavery has now officially been designated a crime constitutes a major achievement in the fight against slavery,” Ms. Shahinian said. Under the constitutional reform introduced in 2012, persons convicted of slavery can be sentenced to up to ten years in prison.

The Special Rapporteur welcomed the recent announcement of the establishment of a special Tribunal to prosecute crimes of slavery: “I believe that the setting-up of the Tribunal will bring the Mauritania one step closer to effectively ending the practice of slavery and call on the Government to deploy all necessary efforts to making this a reality.”

Ms. Shahinian noted that a number of legislative efforts launched in 2011 towards securing the rights of housemaids and domestic workers are an important element in the fight against slavery, but highlighted that “concerted action is required to fully realize their human rights.”

“The adoption of the road map for the implementation of my previous recommendations is a clear sign that Mauritania is on its way to eradicate slavery and its remnants once and for all,” she said. “I am sure that the 6 of March 2014, when the Government will adopt formally the road map, this will mark a turning point in the fight against slavery in country.”

The human rights expert welcomed the setting-up of ‘Tadamoun,’ the government agency charged explicitly with helping former slaves in Mauritania. “This is an important step towards more holistic and sustained approach in addressing all forms of discrimination together with poverty at all levels of society, which is essential to eradicate the legacy of slavery,” she said.

However, the Special Rapporteur stressed the need to ensure targeted and tailored solutions for former slaves in order to avoid that the eradication of the vestiges of slavery become incorporated in more general programmes on poverty alleviation.

“A prerequisite for the efficiency of these programmes is reliable information which is currently lacking, and that is why an urgent need exists to provide detailed and precise data, statistics and a thorough study,” she noted.

The Special Rapporteur also stressed the need to publish the anti-slavery conventions it ratified in Mauritania’s Official Gazette as soon as possible also in order to raise awareness that all work should be entered into freely and respect the fundamental rights of the human person.

During her four-day visit to Nouakchott, Ms. Shahinian met with various Government authorities, international organizations as well as non-governmental organizations, trade unions, community members and others working in the area of combatting all forms of slavery.

“Civil society has a tremendously important role in eradicating slavery, raising awareness, collecting materials, bringing cases before the court and in assisting victims of slavery,” she underscored.

The Special Rapporteur will present her findings and recommendations at a forthcoming session of the UN Human Rights Council in September 2014.

DJIBOUTI, Djibouti, February 21, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) commanding general, along with several other distinguished visitors, cut the ribbon at the Karta Health Clinic ceremony, Jan. 30, 2014.

The Karta health clinic was in cooperation with United States Agency for International Development (USAID), under the supervision of CJTF-HOA CJ-44 engineers.

“It’s an honor for me to be here today for the inauguration of the Karta Health Clinic,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Wayne Grigsby Jr. CJTF-HOA commanding general. “It’s an honor for me to be here to represent CJTF-HOA in its collaboration effort,”

The clinic consists of a consultative clinic, maternity center, living quarters for duty nurses, an incinerator, and three cisterns. The contractors also installed solar panels for electricity and a water distribution system that is connected to the village’s water supply.

“Healthy people are free from the worry of not knowing where to receive healthcare. This can help to build strong societies, which in turn helps to improve human welfare,” Grigsby Jr. said.

After Minister of Health Dr. Kassim Issak Osman, Grigsby Jr., and U.S. Ambassador to Djibouti Geeta Pasi gave speeches during the ceremony, they toured the clinic and spoke with community members.

“We (CJTF-HOA) look forward to working together in the collaboration of health; to complete future projects in Djibouti such as this outstanding health clinic here in Karta,” Grigsby Jr. said.

The clinic will give the people of Karta easier access to a medical facility.

“Here in Djibouti, you always say ‘good day, good year’ and wish someone good health,” said Anderson. “This year, with the initiation of this program, we can actually mean it when we say ‘good health.’”

NEW YORK, February 21, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks to the Security Council on the situation in the Central African Republic, in New York today:

I thank His Excellency Mr. Smail Chergui for his presence here today. I attach the highest importance to close ties with the African Union. We at the United Nations will continue to work hand-in-hand with you to promote development and lasting peace across the continent.

The crisis that continues to unfold in the Central African Republic poses a test for the entire international community. The situation in the country has been on the agenda of the Security Council for many years now. But today’s emergency is of another, more disturbing magnitude. It is a calamity with a strong claim on the conscience of humankind.

Over the past year we have seen, in quick succession, the violent overthrow of the Government, the collapse of State institutions and a descent into lawlessness and sectarian brutality. More than 2.5 million people — more than half the population — need immediate humanitarian assistance.

The new Acting Head of State, Madame Catherine Samba-Panza, is committed to building State authority, and I commend her valiant efforts. But with no budget, hardly any resources and pervasive poverty, her abilities are sharply constrained. The path towards the restoration of State authority will be a long one.

Innocent civilians are being killed in large numbers. These victims are not so-called “collateral damage” from fighting between rebel groups. They are being killed purposefully, targeted for their religious beliefs, for their community affiliation — for who they are. Muslims in particular are being targeted. But the ex-Seleka continue to attack Christians as well.

Almost 1 million people have been displaced, with many homes burned to the ground with the purpose of preventing their return. Whole populations are being moved. A creeping de facto partition of the country is setting in, with Muslims in one part and Christians in another. This separation is laying the seeds of conflict and instability for years, maybe generations, to come.

The African Union and France have deployed troops to the Central African Republic to help stem the violence. We owe those leaders and soldiers our gratitude for saving so many lives and providing protection where they can. We owe MISCA [African-led International Support Mission to the Central African Republic] and Sangaris our solidarity and assistance.

However, given the scale and geographic breadth of the violence, the security requirements far exceed the capabilities of the number of international troops now deployed. In places where there are no international forces, the choice for far too many civilians is to flee or be killed.

The human family must not shy away from what is happening today in the Central African Republic, or from our responsibilities — both yours and mine — under the United Nations Charter. Events in the CAR have implications across the region and summon us to defend universal values as well. This complex security, humanitarian, human rights and political crisis demands a comprehensive and integrated response.

The United Nations is working with the African Union, the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the European Union and the World Bank to address the country’s diverse challenges. But those efforts will prove fruitless unless we do more to end the atrocity crimes, destruction of communities and mass displacement of populations.

The Security Council has asked for my recommendations for a future UN peacekeeping operation, and I will soon report to you on the outlines of a mission with a robust mandate to protect civilians and promote stability. But the deployment of a peacekeeping operation, if authorized, will take months. The people of the Central African Republic do not have months to wait. The international community must act decisively now to prevent any further worsening of the situation and to respond to the dire needs of the country’s people. In that spirit, I propose today a six-point initiative to address the greatest risks being faced by the people of the Central African Republic.

First, and most important, I call for the rapid reinforcement of the African Union and French troops now on the ground with additional deployments of at least 3,000 more troops and police. These new personnel, including formed police units, should deploy as soon as possible in the coming days and weeks, and have the necessary mobility, including air mobility, to be able to operate wherever required.

African Union Commission President [Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini] Zuma has informed me that she will propose an expansion of MISCA to the AU Peace and Security Council. I welcome her initiative and urge members of the PSC to endorse it. President [François] Hollande of France has announced that Sangaris will be reinforced by some 25 per cent, to a total of 2,000. In addition, the European Union is poised to increase its planned deployment from 500 to 1,000, with an initial operating capacity on the ground in early March. I am grateful for these commitments, but more are needed, quickly, and the wider international community must share the burden.

Second, I propose that all international forces in the Central African Republic be brought under a coordinated command, and that the mission of these forces be focused on the most urgent priorities: containing the violence; protecting civilians; preventing further displacements; creating a secure environment for the delivery of humanitarian assistance; and laying the groundwork for the handover to a United Nations peacekeeping force as soon as possible.

Third, I propose that the African troops that join this force be provided with logistic and financial support, including rations, water and fuel, and reimbursement for their major non-lethal military equipment. The estimated cost of this package, consisting of the bare essentials, would be $38 million for a six-month bridging period.

Fourth, I call for rapid, tangible support to the Government of the Central African Republic to help it establish a minimum capacity to function. This support should include the financial assistance necessary to get police back on the streets, judges back in the courtrooms and prison guards back on the job. I am pleased to announce that today, Denmark confirmed a contribution of $2 million to this initiative, and I intend to see these resources put to use quickly. Norway has also confirmed today that it will make a donation to this effort.

Fifth, I call for the acceleration of a political and reconciliation process to prevent a further fraying of the communal bonds, and to lay the ground for an end to conflict. Community and religious leaders will have an especially important role to play in promoting tolerance, peaceful coexistence and non-violence.

A political process will also require the dynamic engagement of ECCAS, the African Union and the international community. I would like to pay particular tribute to the tireless efforts of the ECCAS Chief Mediator, President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo.

The United Nations is reinforcing BINUCA’s [United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in the Central African Republic] analytical and operational capabilities so that we can help the national authorities to put the transition back on track, expand State authority and establish credible institutions throughout the country.

Accountability and justice measures must be key elements of any peace and reconciliation process. More immediately, such measures will contribute to the prevention of ongoing human rights violations. I am pleased to announce that the Chairperson of the Commission of Inquiry mandated by this Security Council, along with an advance team, will arrive in the Central African Republic to take up their important work.

Sixth and finally, I appeal for urgent funding for humanitarian aid, which is currently insufficient to address the crisis. Only 15 per cent of the resources needed for this year have been received, despite generous pledges made at last month’s funding conference in Brussels.

My Emergency Relief Coordinator, Valerie Amos, is in the Central African Republic. She has expressed shock at what she saw in Bossangoa today, and noted that tensions between communities are high, and that people fear for their lives. She stressed the need for more troops on the ground to provide security and protection across the country.

Over the past few days, my senior colleagues and I have reached out to dozens of Member States to seek their support for my proposals. I have been encouraged by the positive responses. Some are considering sending additional troops and police. Others have pledged to provide budget support for the Government. These commitments will bring tangible dividends in the coming days.

The United Nations, for its part, thanks to generous support from Canada and others, has allocated $5 million from the MISCA Trust Fund to provide essential communications equipment to African troops, and those items are being delivered in Bangui as I speak.

The six-point initiative I have just put forward aims to support and complement the hard work now being carried out by a range of actors. It is designed to achieve the most pressing objectives: stabilizing the security situation and saving lives that would otherwise be lost to senseless sectarian hatreds. The proposals call for contributions from many quarters. They also compel us to avoid a piecemeal approach in which some proposals receive more support than others. To succeed, the proposals must be embraced and implemented as an integrated whole.

We know what is happening in the Central African Republic. We know why it is different from previous outbreaks of violence. We know why it matters to all of us and what we must do. Knowledge is not all we have. Through collective action, as envisaged by the United Nations Charter, we have the power to stop the killing and save the Central African Republic from its current nightmare.

I urge the Council to support my proposal, and I urge Member States to take the action necessary to implement it. Let us show the people of the Central African Republic that the United Nations stands with them and that the support they so urgently need is on its way. This is our shared responsibility. The people of the Central African Republic have asked for our help. I urge you to join me and respond to that call.

BEIJING, China, February 21, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying announces at the regular press conference:

At the invitation of Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International…

WASHINGTON, February 21, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — NOTICE

CONTINUATION OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY WITH RESPECT TO LIBYA

On February 25, 2011, by Executive Order 13566, I declared a national emergency pursuant to the International Eme…

WASHINGTON, February 21, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Letter –Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Libya IDLs and Notice

Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:)

Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C…