By President of Rugby Africa, Herbert Mensah (www.RugbyAfrique.com).

Saturday April 6 marks International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. As we reflect on this day, it is crucial to explore the potential impact of sport in Africa. The African Development Bank projects that Africa is set to grow to 2.4 billion people by 2050. Therefore, prioritizing an investment in human potential is crucial, as it will define the future of the continent. Africa can harness the power of sport to champion human potential, serving as a tool to drive the African continent towards greatness for generations to come.

Sport serves as a universal language, through popularity it can transcend cultural, social, economic and political barriers. This year’s theme: ‘Sport for the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies’ holds particular relevance in Africa. The impact of sport has the power to unite individuals, bringing joy to participants and spectators alike. Yet the true power of sport, lies in its ability to transform societies. South Africa’s Springboks, fourth time Rugby World Champions, are a testament of the unifying influence of Rugby. During the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the entire African continent united in support of South Africa on the global stage, highlighting a collective passion to celebrate and develop talent emerging from the continent itself. Whether on the field or pitch, the power of sports is visible. It fuels economic development through the flourishing sports tourism industry. It empowers youth by instilling positive values. It champions gender equality, breaking down barriers and eradicating stigma. It fosters social inclusion, promoting tolerance and easing tensions in divisive environments.

The African Development Bank reports that Africa will remain the world youngest region, with a median age of 25. An investment in the youth is crucial for the sustainability of Africa, as a prosperous Africa paves the way to peace. Within the realm of sports, Rugby emerges as unique pathway to empower the youth. Anchored in values of teamwork, unity, integrity, passion, solidarity and discipline, Rugby serves as cornerstones for personal and professional development with enduring impact. Ultimately, early exposure to sports will prepare the youth of Africa to become leaders and ambassadors of positive change in their communities. It is our duty to equip the next generation to not only navigate the challenges of uncertainty and competitiveness but to thrive amidst them, fostering a brighter future for Africa and inspire generations to come.

In a society marked by divisions, sport cultivates an inclusive landscape. The passion for the games takes priority, differences are not seen as obstacles, but rather as opportunities for greatness. Rugby’s embrace of diversity, turning differences into strengths has the powerful impact of breaking down the societal norms that women are often subjected to. For example, the South African women’s national rugby team, where players exhibit a remarkable 33 cm height differential from the shortest to the tallest player, and a significant 61 kg weight gap separates the lightest from the heaviest members. When compared to the realm of football, the contrast becomes even starker. The South African women’s national football team boasts a considerably more consistent size and shape among its players, with a mere 12 cm height range and a modest 27 kg weight variance. This inclusivity cultivates a sense of unity and belonging that transcends borders and celebrates the diversity of humans, nurturing a sense of self-worth, fostering long term empowerment, while creating lifelong friendships.

Beyond social impact, sport can function as a powerful catalyst for economic growth and international dialogue. Through strategic investments in sports infrastructure and competition frameworks, we forge the way for economic opportunities, generating employment and awakening local economies in host nations. Sports tourism emerges as a magnet, drawing travellers from around the globe with the economic purchasing power to experience Africa’s diverse and rich cultural heritage. It acts as a unifying force, fostering connections among people of different backgrounds and nationalities. As enthusiasm for sports grows, it not only attracts local spectators but ultimately attracting attention on regional and national stages. This shared love for sports becomes a platform for cultural exchange, promoting understanding and appreciation for diverse perspectives. In this way, sport serves as more than entertainment; it is bridge that connects people and creates ties to the community, fostering unity and collaboration.

Aligning with the pursuit of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, Africa has the opportunity to tap into the transformative power of sports, acting as a key to unlock the full potential of the continent. This can only be achieved if governments take local action and assume accountability to harness the full potential of Rugby in reducing inequality, empowering the next generation and igniting a new age of inclusivity. We must collectively drive change, recognizing that investing in Africa’s future is our shared responsibility. This calls for collaboration among all stakeholders, with a long-term commitment to funding, policy development, infrastructure enhancement and the advancement of competition structures. On this International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, let us not only embrace the power of sports to reshape our societies but let us actively engage on unleashing it. Sport possesses the remarkable ability to positively impact our world, a source of hope, uniting people in ways that few other forces can achieve.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.

Media contact:
Nicole Vervelde
Communications Advisor to the President of Rugby Africa
rugby@apo-opa.com

About Rugby Africa:
Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) is the governing body of rugby in Africa and one of the regional associations under World Rugby. It unites all African countries that play rugby union, rugby sevens, and women’s rugby. Rugby Africa organizes various competitions, including the qualifying tournaments for the Rugby World Cup and the Africa Sevens, a qualifying competition for the Olympic Games. With 39 member unions, Rugby Africa is dedicated to promoting and developing rugby across the continent. World Rugby highlighted Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia as three of the six emerging nations experiencing strong growth in rugby.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has managed to bring desperately needed food and nutrition supplies into Darfur, the first WFP assistance to reach the war-wracked region in months. Yet, the UN food agency warns that unless the people of Sudan receive a constant flow of aid via all possible humanitarian corridors – from neighbouring countries and across battle lines – the country’s hunger catastrophe will only worsen.

Two convoys crossed the border from Chad into Darfur in late March, carrying food and nutrition assistance for around 250,000 people facing acute hunger in North, West and Central Darfur. These are the first cross-border convoys of WFP assistance to reach Darfur following lengthy negotiations to reopen these routes after the authorities in Port Sudan revoked permissions for humanitarian corridors from Chad in February.

The temporary halt of the humanitarian corridor from Chad as well as ongoing fighting, lengthy clearance processes for humanitarian cargo, bureaucratic impediments, and security threats have made it impossible for humanitarians to operate at the scale needed to meet the hunger needs in Sudan.  

“We need aid to be consistently reaching war-ravaged communities through every possible route. Hunger in Sudan will only increase as the lean season starts in just a few weeks. I fear that we will see unprecedented levels of starvation and malnutrition sweep across Sudan this lean season,” said WFP Representative and Country Director in Sudan, Eddie Rowe.  

Last week, 37 trucks carrying 1,300 metric tons of supplies crossed into West Darfur from Adre in Chad and food distributions are underway in West and Central Darfur. But WFP has no clarity as to when the next aid convoy can travel via this route, which is vital if the humanitarian community stands a chance of preventing widespread starvation in West Darfur. Last year, WFP supported 1 million people in West and Central Darfur with food transported via Chad’s Adre crossing.

Another 16 trucks with around 580 metric tons of supplies entered North Darfur from Chad’s Tina border crossing on 23rd March, while six trucks with 260 metric tons of food reached the area from Port Sudan a few days later – the first aid delivery to be transported across conflict lines in six months. Yet, fierce fighting, lack of security, and lengthy clearances by the warring parties, have led to delays in the distribution of this assistance to people in need.  

“WFP and our partners urgently need security guarantees so supplies in North Darfur can be distributed to people who are struggling to find even one basic meal a day. Cross-border operations from Chad to Darfur are critical to reach communities where children are already dying of malnutrition. All corridors to transport food must remain open, particularly the one from Adre in Chad to West Darfur where levels of hunger are alarming,” said Rowe.

Sudan’s war is driving hunger to record levels, with 18 million people across the country facing acute hunger. In Darfur, 1.7 million people are in emergency levels of hunger (IPC4).

Last month, WFP’s Executive Director Cindy McCain warned that the war in Sudan risks triggering the world’s worst hunger crisis unless families in Sudan and those who have fled to South Sudan and Chad receive desperately needed food assistance. This requires unfettered access, faster clearance processes, and funds to deliver a humanitarian response that meets the huge needs of civilians impacted by Sudan’s devastating war.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).

Results show that less than 10% of respondents have started making profound changes in transportation options; people in rural areas and older age groups are less interested in change; Over one-third of respondents believe that lawmakers and citizens have the biggest influence in driving change; YouGov survey results unveiled today during the second annual Freedom of Mobility Forum (FreedomofMobilityForum.org) in advance of a debate on how the planet will accommodate the mobility needs of eight billion people in the coming decades.

YouGov, in partnership with the Freedom of Mobility Forum, released exclusive results (https://apo-opa.co/4cYeqdV) of a new survey measuring the appetite for change in mobility habits for respondents across five countries.

The results were unveiled live during the second annual Freedom of Mobility Forum (https://apo-opa.co/4cmHjzN) and fueled the fact-based discussions with the international panel of experts and university students from three continents.

Key Takeaways:

1 in 4 global citizens are not ready to make eco-friendly transportation choices. This is particularly notable in the USA, where more than half the respondents in rural areas said they were not ready to change anything.

While 3 in 4 individuals are gearing up for greener options, less than 10% have already made profound changes, signaling that we are only just beginning to rev up for bigger changes ahead.

6 in 10 citizens are ready to ditch ‘driver only’ transportation, but the enthusiasm varies across the map, with India, Brazil, and Morocco leading the charge. That compares with 50% or less willingness in mature markets – a factor that drops to 28% in rural areas in the USA, where mass transit can be less available.

Who’s steering this green revolution? It’s perceived to be in the hands of lawmakers and citizens, with companies trailing, except in the USA.

Don’t overlook the power of young generations! 1 in 4 global citizens believe they hold the key to our green future, with a significant 40% in India believing they can spearhead change.

“Although the youth will likely be influential in driving change for greener transportation, their actions are not yet more tangible than the rest of the population,” said YouGov General Manager Alexandre Devineau. “Their choices – and the dynamic resulting from them – will have a strong influence on the transportation challenges that will have to be addressed worldwide.”

Methodology:

Survey run in January 2024 in five countries: Brazil, France, India, Morocco, United States
Based on three closed questions linked to the topic of the Freedom of Mobility Forum discussion
Reached 5,095 respondents (~1,000 per country, representative of the national population aged 18+)

Conceived by Stellantis as an open forum for the public to hear a broad range of perspectives as society faces the mobility challenges of the future, the Freedom of Mobility Forum’s second annual live debate (https://apo-opa.co/3HZJoUx) promises to bring diverse – and possibly controversial – opinions. Today’s event is facilitated by a neutral third-party and explores how planetary limits could reshape freedom of mobility from technology, business, and lifestyle perspectives.

To follow the live event or share on social media, please use the hashtags: #FreedomOfMobilityForum or #FreedomOfMobility

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Freedom of Mobility Forum.

Media Contact:
media_fom@freedomofmobilityforum.org

About YouGov:
YouGov is a global online research company, offering insight into what the world thinks. We speak daily to our panel of over 26 million members to understand their opinions and behaviors around the world. We have a strong reputation as a source of accurate data, and we’re trusted by the world’s biggest brands to get it right, making us the most quoted market research source in the world. YouGov grows daily, with over 40 million surveys every year and 20 years of history. We call it living data. For further information, visit yougov.com.

About the Freedom of Mobility Forum:
The Freedom of Mobility Forum, initiated by Stellantis and facilitated by a neutral third-party, is an international gathering of passionate problem-solvers committed to fact-based discussions that challenge the status quo, expand perspectives and identify how best to enable safe, affordable and sustainable freedom of mobility for a society facing the implications of global warming. For more information visit: FreedomofMobilityForum.org.

His Majesty King Mohammed VI sent a message of congratulations to president of the Republic of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, on the occasion of his country’s National Day.

In this message, the Sovereign expressed, with all the Moroccan people, to Bassirou His warmest wishes for the happiness and prosperity of the Senegalese people.

His Majesty the King also expressed His high regard for the “centuries-old and deep” bonds of brotherhood between the Moroccan and Senegalese peoples, and for the “traditional and unique” friendship uniting the two countries, reiterating the particular importance He attaches to their continuation in all areas of mutual interest.

“I look forward to working with Your Excellency to consolidate Moroccan-Senegalese cooperation at both bilateral and regional levels, within the framework of a dynamic and mutually beneficial partnership for the youth of our two countries”, said His Majesty the King.

The Sovereign took this opportunity to reiterate His congratulations and best wishes for success in the high mission entrusted to Bassirou in the service of Senegal and its people.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.