IOM Somalia COVID-19 Preparedness and Response – Mission Update #10 (24 May – 30 May 2020)
The humanitarian crisis in Somalia, characterized by both natural and man-made factors, is one of the most complex and longstanding emergencies in the world. Somalia is currently facing Locust crisis, whilst simultaneously entered the Gu rainy season, with many areas…
How COVID Is Affecting Elections in Africa
JOHANNESBURG – The novel coronavirus has complicated the election-year calendar for Africa, as elsewhere, prompting some polling delays, suspensions and uncertainties. It also has created openings for leaders to exploit fears and tighten their grips on power, political observers say….
Cameroon Silent on Reports That Detained Journalist Died in Military Custody
YAOUNDE, CAMEROON – Journalists and activists in Cameroon are calling on the government to respond to media reports this week that the military has killed in detention journalist Samuel Wazizi. The military detained Wazizi about a year ago for allegedly…
The Somali Health and Demographic Survey Report: A tool to fight COVID-19 in Somalia
Somalia, like many other countries, is grappling with the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, with over a thousand laboratory-confirmed cases and dozens of associated deaths registered so far. With the support of international partners, the government is implementing various medical, public health,…
COVID-19 ventilators provided to help Somalia fight pandemic
Mogadishu(SONNA)-Ventilators to treat COVID-19 patients are being supplied by IOM, the International Organization for Migration, to help thousands of Somali’s affected by the disease. The ventilators, donated to the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), and funded by the multi-donor Somalia…
Malawi COVID-19 Cases Rise as Citizens Return from South Africa
BLANTYRE – Malawi is seeing a surge in COVID-19 cases as citizens return from South Africa, the country hit harder than any other in Africa. Hundreds of returnees are expected to arrive in Malawi this week, raising fears the figures…
Recent Attack in Western Niger Sends More Then 1,000 Fleeing
GENEVA – The U.N. refugee agency reports more than 1,000 people have fled a site in western Niger following an attack by unidentified armed men on Sunday. The group — a mix of Malian refugees, displaced and local Niger nationals — has…
Somalia Floods Update (2 June 2020)
There was further reduction of rainfall during the week ending on 31 May 2020 as we approach the end of the Gu rainy season which usually ends in late May in some places and early June in others. A few…
Floods, locusts and COVID-19: UN agencies warn Somalia’s gains at risk from ‘triple threat’
Mogadishu, 2 June 2020 – The political and security gains made by Somalia over recent years could be at risk of reversal if swift action is not taken by the international community to help local authorities avert a major humanitarian…
HOLD for 6PM — Fears for Livelihoods Over Fishing Harbor Demolition in Ghana
ACCRA – Demolition of Accra’s iconic James Town fishing community began late last month, to construct a China-funded multi-million-dollar fishing harbor. Local authorities pulled down over 300 temporary and permanent structures, including businesses, a school, and places of worship in the…