Flooding and landslides in Eastern Africa are affecting almost a million people in Burundi, Kenya, Somalia and Tanzania. As unusually heavy rains have pounded the region, exacerbated by the 2023-24 El Niño climate phenomenon, hundreds of lives have been lost, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian assistance.

Large numbers of people have been displaced and significant damage has been reported, including to homes, schools and infrastructure, as well as loss of crops and livestock. Many families have been forced to leave their homes, seeking refuge in makeshift shelters or evacuation centers. These are the individuals already most vulnerable, often living in informal settlements, close to riverbanks and without resilient water and sanitation. The situation has further exacerbated the lives of women and children, who already face high levels of discrimination in access to protection services and resources as well as vulnerability to violence, abuse and exploitation.

In Kenya, schools were closed for several weeks and due for reopening next week. The floods have also led to another cholera outbreak, with 48 cases reported. In Somalia, more than 160,000 people have been affected by the latest flooding, two-thirds of whom are children.

“The heavy rains and subsequent floods have disrupted lives, posing significant risks to children in the affected regions. Currently, safety and health, as well as access to food, clean water and vital services remain paramount. UNICEF is working closely with governments and local partners engaging with affected communities to identify the most urgent needs and ensure children are safe, able to continue learning and receiving psycho-social support as needed,” said UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa Etleva Kadilli.

In flood-affected countries, UNICEF is working with government and civil society partners to provide life-saving emergency relief to children and other vulnerable groups in affected communities. Efforts include cash assistance, technical support, and provision of clean water, hygiene kits and medical supplies. UNICEF is also working with partners to identify needs that will emerge once the floodwaters have subsided. This includes:

Ensuring the continuity of safe learning where schools are destroyed, closed or unable to be accessed; as well as support rapid school assessments, recovery and rebuilding efforts to get children back to school as soon as possible. In addition, UNICEF will work with partners to promote accelerated and recovery learning to help children catch up.
Protecting children from forced family separation, increased exposure to violence, including sexual violence as well as keeping children safe from exploitative activities such as child labour and abuse. 
Ensuring access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services, enhancing infection prevention and control measures against outbreak of infectious diseases, as well as strengthening the capacity of community health workers.
Enhancing access to lifesaving, high-impact, and quality health services that improve health status of affected communities.
Establishing and strengthening access to essential nutrition services, including support to government to ensure provision and access to quality diets, practices and services.
Strengthening risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) with local governments and partners in El Niño-impacted areas.
Ensuring the availability of services for gender-based violence (GBV) survivors including referrals, case management, psychosocial support and continuous efforts to identify and mitigate GBV risks in affected communities.

Over the past decade, climate change has intensified extreme weather in Eastern and Southern Africa, such as the prolonged drought across Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia from 2020 to 2023, followed by severe floods since late last year. In Eastern Africa, El Niño-induced heavy rains have intensified riverine and flash floods. In Southern Africa, El Niño has worsened dry weather conditions and caused lower rainfall, leading to states of emergency declared in Madagascar, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

To help children and vulnerable communities cope with changing climate patterns, UNICEF is working with regional and national partners to facilitate and implement climate-resilient solutions, empower children and young people, including those with disabilities, to have their voices heard and improve their adaptive capacity, as well as advocate for a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, use of nature-based solutions and restructuring of international Climate Financing to be child-sensitive.

“Amid the escalating crises of droughts and floods wrought by El Niño, the vulnerability of communities across Eastern and Southern Africa intensifies, posing grave concerns about the future of children in the region,” said Kadilli. “Children, young people and women, including those with disabilities are particularly at risk of violence, abuse and exploitation as humanitarian needs continue to increase. Thanks to the invaluable support from our donors and partners, UNICEF is actively engaged on the ground. Together with governments, civil society, and local communities, we are delivering lifesaving interventions and bracing for potential surges in humanitarian needs.

“However, the cost, scale and complexity of climate crises are only going to increase across the region.  Sustained and flexible support from donors and multilateral climate funds, including joint investments and other innovative financing with governments in climate prevention and preparedness programmes, will be vital in saving lives and strengthening the resilience of children repeatedly hit by climate emergencies.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UNICEF Eastern and Southern Africa.

Wrapping up her third visit to the Horn of Africa country, the Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in Somalia today highlighted some of the findings from her visit and called on the international community to continue its assistance to Somalia.

“During my meetings with authorities, I discussed the progress achieved by the Government since my last visit in November 2023 and challenges encountered to advance the promotion and protection of human rights in Somalia,” said the Independent Expert, Isha Dyfan. 

The Independent Expert also called on the international community to continue its assistance to Somalia towards “strengthening the Federal and State institutions, and the justice and security sector,” and “addressing the negative effects of climate change on the populations, in particular ensuring access to basic social services such as water supply, health delivery and education for all children.”

Ms. Dyfan had been speaking with the media at a press conference in the Somali capital at the end of her latest visit to Somalia. She shared some preliminary observations ahead of her presentation of her full report to the United Nations Human Rights Council and General Assembly later this year.

She had previously come to Somalia in November last year.

Her latest visit saw her spend five days in Mogadishu, where she had a wide-ranging series of meetings with representatives from the Federal Government of Somalia, civil society, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and various United Nations agencies, funds and programmes.

Government efforts

Topics covered in the Independent Expert’s meetings included the country’s constitutional review process, legislative and institutional developments, the protection of civilians in the light of the ATMIS drawdown as well as violations of the rights of women and children. The humanitarian, economic and social situation as well as progress on the key benchmarks and indicators outlined in her previous reports were also discussed.

“On the efforts made by the Government, I commended the successful vote on amendments to the first four chapters of the Provisional Constitution of the Federal Government of Somalia by members of the bicameral federal parliament,’ Ms. Dyfan said.

“However,” she continued, “I expressed concerns about the lack of consensus among political actors regarding the changes. I call on all parties to prioritise dialogue to build consensus in order to safeguard these positive developments towards enhancing the promotion of democracy, rule of law and human rights in Somalia.”

Security

In her remarks on the country’s security situation, the Independent Expert said Somalia continues to face serious challenges – in particular, civilians, especially women and children, continue to bear the brunt of deadly attacks carried out by the Al-Shabaab terrorist group.

She also noted that joint military operations by Somali security forces and local clan militias had an impact on the civilian population and infrastructure.

“I strongly condemn the continued deadly attacks perpetrated by Al-Shabaab and urge the Government to take all steps to ensure the protection of civilians, and for armed groups to comply strictly with the obligations applicable to them under international humanitarian and human rights law,” she said. “It is also important that the Government takes concrete actions to prosecute State officials involved in human rights violations, ensuring that those responsible were held accountable and that the survivors of such violations were adequately compensated.”

On the issue of ATMIS’ ongoing drawdown ahead of Somali security forces taking on full responsibility for the country’s security, the Independent Expert noted that, as of 30 April 2024, the first two phases of the drawdown were completed with the withdrawal of 3000 troops and the handing over of seven forward operating bases. The modalities of the third phase that is scheduled to be completed by June 2024 with the withdrawal of 4,000 troops are being discussed.

“In this context, I welcomed the holding of the Somali Security Conference at the United Nations Headquarters in New York in December 2023, which delineates the Government’s strategic priorities and roadmap for the security sector over the next six years, including the requirement for international support,” Ms. Dyfan said.

She also noted that a proposed meeting on this issue between the Federal Government of Somalia, African Union and UN is expected in May.

Women’s participation

In relation to the participation of Somali women in their country’s political and public life, the Independent Expert took note of a political agreement on women’s quota which would be included in the primary legislation on elections.

“I urge the Federal Parliament to ensure that clear provisions and specific mechanism to protect women quota are included in the text,” Ms. Dyfan said. “I noted that the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security has been localised at states levels and a steering committee has been established to coordinate implementation and secure funding to advance the implementation of the Action Plan.”

“I am also encouraged,” she continued, “by the establishment of a women’s committee, comprising of representatives from the Federal Government, Federal Member States, the Benadir region, and representatives of civil society that is tasked in representing women’s interests in the National Consultative Council, as part of national decision-making processes.”

Children’s rights

With regard to the rights of children, the Independent Expert noted that the Federal Government of Somalia has launched several critical initiatives to protect the rights of children during armed conflicts.

These include measures to prevent the recruitment and use of children as soldiers, implementing age verification processes, and biometric registration within the Somali National Armed Forces to ensure compliance.

“According to humanitarian and protection stakeholders, four million children are affected by the conflict situation as well as the impact of climate change. Children represent 60 to 70 per cent of the IDP [internally displaced people] and other vulnerable populations,” Ms. Dyfan said. “Most important challenges facing by vulnerable communities, include forced eviction and its impact on children as well as inadequate clearing of mines and hazardous materials in liberated areas that put children at risk. It was also reported that there is limited access to hard-to-reach areas to provide services to vulnerable populations.”

“I noted,” she continued, “slow progress in the implementation of the National Action plan on Children and I wish to call upon the Federal Government to take measures to promote and protect women and children rights.”

Media freedom

On the issue of freedom of the press, referring to her meeting with civil society organisations, the Independent Expert painted a concrening picture.

“I remain dismayed by the continuing restrictions on civic space, including harassment, arbitrary arrest and detention and imprisonment of journalists and media workers leading to self- censorship,” Ms. Dyfan said. “While I am encouraged by the appointment of the Somali National Media Council members in an effort to enhance the media landscape, I have also received concerns that the process was not in accordance with the media law.”

Ms. Dyfan went on to note that a safe and inclusive civic space is essential to good governance, rule of law, and can help to reduce and prevent violence.

Independent Experts

Independent Experts like Ms. Dyfan are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the UN Human Rights Council. 

Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures’ experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organisation and serve in their individual capacity.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM).

Holding interest in all exploration and production assets in South Sudan, South Sudan’s state-owned Nile Petroleum Corporation (Nilepet) holds eight joint ventures (JVs) with international partners. These partnerships are set to bring international expertise, technology and energy infrastructure to the sector while playing a critical role in supporting the growth of South Sudan’s oil market.

Partnerships and JV initiatives will be a key point of discussion during this year’s South Sudan Oil&Power (SSOP) 2024 conference and exhibition. This year’s summit presents a key avenue to foster dialogue and strengthen relations between South Sudan and its partners in the oil sector.

SSOP 2024 positions South Sudan at the center of investments and partnerships in the East African energy landscape. Taking place in Juba on June 25-28, 2024, the conference and exhibition invites investors to explore and engage with opportunities across the hydrocarbons, renewable energy and power sectors. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

The Engine of East African Growth

Through Nilepet’s JV with South Africa’s Strategic Fuel Fund – the Nile Orange Energy Project – the NOC and its partner recently completed its initial survey over South Sudan’s Block B2, setting the stage for further exploration activities. The survey was conducted by the South Sudan Geophysical Company, demonstrating the potential to drive local capacities being developed as part of international alliances.

In June 2023, Zimbabwe’s Energy and Power Development Minister Magna Mudyiwa engaged South Sudan to support sizeable oil and gas finds expected in the country’s Muzarbani area. The Minister highlighted South Sudan’s expertise in the sector to offer advice on regulations, legal structures and handling of environmental issues to optimize oil recovery from the Cabora Bassa Basin in Zimbabwe’s Mashonaland Central Province.

South Sudan’s International Appeal

Nilepet met with the China National Petroleum Corporation last year to discuss renewing a production agreement that expires in four years. The meeting emphasized the need to increase oil production in Blocks 3 and 7 in the Paloch oil fields in the Upper Nile region of South Sudan, which is operated by the Dar Petroleum Oil Operating Company consortium. The consortium features participation from Chinese, Malaysian and Egyptian companies as partners.

Meanwhile, poised to export refined petroleum products to the wider East African region, development of the Bentiu Refinery is being overseen by SNP Group, a JV between Nilepet and Russia’s Safinat. The JV is currently looking to boost production and expand regional distribution from the refinery, which currently produces between 3,000 and 10,000 bpd.

In March 2023, Nilepet met with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company to discuss a strategic vision for sustainable, reliable energy production and a commitment to an inclusive energy transition. With a focus on capacity building and partnerships, the companies discussed how South Sudan can leverage its oil resources to drive socioeconomic development on the back of mid- and downstream expansion.

Partnerships at the Center of Development

Nilepet is currently engaged in the SIPET Engineering and Consultancy Services JV, holding an 80% share along with Qingdao China Petroleum Geotechnical Engineering Company, which holds the remaining 20%. The NOC is also a majority owner in the Nile Delta JV along with Nigeria’s Niger Delta E&P, who own a 51% and 49% share, respectively. JV Nile Drilling Services is an operating company in South Sudan that is 90% owned by Nilepet and 10% owned by China’s Kerui Petroleum, while Nile-SLC is held by Nilepet (25%), South Africa’s CES Managed Services (36%) and Moloko Investment Group (49%).

In operations and maintenance, Nilepet holds a 31% interest in Dietsmann Nile S.A. Ltd. along with Italy’s Dietsmann Technology, which holds the remaining 69% interest. For technical support, Nilepet is engaged with Sudan’s Eyat in the NIYAT Oil Field Services JV, which hold a 40% and 60% stake, respectively. Meanwhile, the Nile Delta Systems JV is 51% owned by Nilepet while the remaining 40% stake is held by Poland’s Essesco.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.

How does a startup, founded far from the advantages and resources of the world’s tech hubs, go on to reach unicorn status? And more deeply, just how far can the drive for meaning and purpose ultimately take you? The inDrive documentary (www.inDrive.com) sets out to answer these questions.

In an exclusive premier in Johannesburg, South Africa, the inDrive documentary offered audiences a rare glimpse into the heart and soul of the company, with never-before-seen footage and candid stories from the individuals at inDrive’s roots, including founder and CEO Arsen Tomsky.

Far from being a run-of-the-mill corporate film, this narrative delves deep into the butterfly effect of positive impact, illustrating how inDrive’s initiatives have rippled through communities, creating waves of change that extend far beyond their initial touchpoints.

In the frozen Yakutsk winter, a group of people band together against the unfair price collusion of taxi companies that leaves people stranded in the cold. One of them starts a social media group where people can request and offer rides, negotiating prices on their own terms.

It’s a simple enough idea, but it carries the potential to be revolutionary. From this frozen seed, a collective stance against injustice, inDrive takes root. Today, the company has grown to become the world’s second largest ride-hailing app, operating in over 700 cities in 46 countries, fuelled by deep-seated ideals and ambitions that extend far beyond profit.

inDrive wants to reimagine capitalism, no less: to put people back in control, restore their freedom to choose, and so make their lives better.

Among the heartwarming tales shared, the film follows the journey of Obadiah, a young Nigerian boy once enveloped in the despair of his surroundings. inDrive’s Beginit initiative is now paving the way for a brighter future for him and many others.

Reflecting on the film and its message, inDrive Founder and CEO Arsen Tomsky said: “We should focus on the path, on the journey. And if you do something important for you, that is very meaningful for you, and you develop an external environment during that journey, you are getting more and more with each step. And that is something which nobody can take from you. Even if you don’t reach a peak, you will have something available to you.”

The production is directed by Lagos/Nairobi-based, Emmy Award winner Dan McCain, and Greek producer and editor Theo Papadoulakis, each renowned for their talents in portraying everyday individuals facing remarkable situations. Dan is a prolific filmmaker who specializes in locally relevant and impactful storytelling, while Papadoulakis, recognized with over 70 international accolades, particularly excels in showcasing the resilience of the human spirit.

“In making this film with inDrive, we hope to honor the resilience and determination of individuals whose dreams lead to something profound. It’s a privilege to be part of a multi-country international production, collaborating with other talented directors, where we weave together inspiring narratives that add to the epic tale of human potential,” said Dan McCain.

Person by person, the documentary tells inDrive’s story. From the remarkable individuals in Nigeria, Indonesia, Mexico and beyond, who use the ride-hailing app to take control of their futures, to the communities who take their chance to move forward.

From Arsen Tomsky, the company’s visionary CEO, who overcomes challenges both personal and social to take an idea to the world, to the employees who come on board to help inDrive evolve and grow, fuelled by shared values and a common goal. It’s an epic journey, told by connecting people around the world. And it’s far from over.

Watch the inDrive movie here: movie.inDrive.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of inDrive.

Press Contact:
Public Relations Manager – inDrive Africa
Lineo Thakhisi
Phone: +2781 3636 872
Email: lineo.thakhisi@indriver.com

About inDrive:
inDrive is a global mobility and urban services platform. The inDrive app has been downloaded over 200 million times, and was the second most downloaded mobility app in 2022 and 2023. In addition to ride-hailing, inDrive provides an expanding list of urban services, including intercity transportation, freight delivery, task assistance and  courier delivery. In 2023, inDrive launched New Ventures, a venture and M&A arm.

inDrive operates in 749 cities in 46 countries. Driven by its mission of challenging social injustice, the company is committed to having a positive impact on the lives of one billion people by 2030. It pursues this goal both through its core business, which supports local communities via a fair pricing model; and through the work of inVision, its non-profit arm. inVision’s community empowerment programs help to advance education, sports, arts and sciences, gender equality and other vital initiatives.

For more information visit www.inDrive.com