Africa now ‘global epicentre’ of terrorism: UN chief

Africa now ‘global epicentre’ of terrorism: UN chief

Speaking at a meeting in New York on counter-terrorism initiatives across the continent, António Guterres said terror groups were “shredding the social fabric of entire countries with the blades of violence, mistrust and fear”. “Community by community, terrorist groups are extending their reach,” he said, adding that networks are widening, adding fighters and resources, and…

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Gaza: South Africa levels accusations of ‘genocidal conduct’ against Israel at world court

Gaza: South Africa levels accusations of ‘genocidal conduct’ against Israel at world court

The development came amid the ongoing and massive Israeli bombardment across the Gaza Strip in response to Hamas-led terror attacks on 7 October that left some 1,200 Israeli and foreign nationals dead in southern Israel and some 250 taken hostage. Laying out their case, the South African legal team told the International Court of Justice…

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Contrasting political challenges emerge in West Africa: Top envoy

Contrasting political challenges emerge in West Africa: Top envoy

Briefing ambassadors in the Security Council, Leonardo Santos Simão, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, said that while some nations have made significant democratic strides, others have been subject to military takeovers, posing wider threats to regional stability. The presidential election in Liberia and the peaceful transfer of power was a decisive political moment for…

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World News in Brief: UN chief shocked by Czech mass shooting, UNICEF appeal for West and Central Africa, world leaders urged to heed climate science

World News in Brief: UN chief shocked by Czech mass shooting, UNICEF appeal for West and Central Africa, world leaders urged to heed climate science

At least 14 people were killed and 25 injured after a gunman opened fire in what some media called the worst shooting in the country’s history. The gunman, reportedly a student at the university, also killed himself. UN chief António Guerres was shocked and saddened by the incident, his Spokesperson said in a statement issued later on…

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World News in Brief: Investing in primary healthcare, record hunger in West and Central Africa, UNICEF emergency appeal

World News in Brief: Investing in primary healthcare, record hunger in West and Central Africa, UNICEF emergency appeal

That warning came from the UN World Health Organization (WHO) on Universal Health Coverage Day – observed on Tuesday – which said without urgent action, “these gaps will only widen”. Health agency chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed that investing in resilient health systems, based on strong primary healthcare, is “the most inclusive, equitable and cost-effective…

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World News in Brief: Russia’s LGBT ban condemned, unprecedented Africa malnutrition crisis, health after childbirth

World News in Brief: Russia’s LGBT ban condemned, unprecedented Africa malnutrition crisis, health after childbirth

This, in effect, bans all public LGBT activities and organisations within the country. The nine UN Human Rights Council-appointed experts said the ruling “significantly distances” Russia from its obligations under international law to promote and protect human rights for all. The experts sent an official letter to the Russian Government on Monday, outlining their urgent…

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World News in Brief: Water crisis for children, hunger in East Africa, new Yazidi memorial

World News in Brief: Water crisis for children, hunger in East Africa, new Yazidi memorial

The double burden of dwindling availability – and inadequate water for drinking and sanitation services – is compounding the challenge, putting children at even greater risk. The Climate Changed Child – released ahead of the COP28 UN climate change summit later this month in Dubai – throws a spotlight on the threat facing vulnerable children. It…

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Africa: Great Lakes envoy urges international support amid rising hostilities

Africa: Great Lakes envoy urges international support amid rising hostilities

Speaking before the Security Council, Huang Xia expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation and potential for a direct conflict between the DRC and Rwanda, who have accused each other of supporting armed groups within each other’s territory. Mr. Xia highlighted the resurgence of large-scale hostilities in the restive eastern DRC alongside the worsening…

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