The US Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa emphasized at his most recent media roundtable that there is no justification or explanation for the violence in the Tigray region to flare up again.
In order to maintain long-term peace in the region, the US Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa (SEHOA), Mike Hammer (Amb), informed the media that the Tigray region must quickly execute demobilization, disarmament, and reintegration (DDR).
“I had a meeting with Temesgen Tilahun, Commissioner of the National Rehabilitation Commission, on Thursday, in which we talked about the urgency of launching the DDR program because these forces should be completely mobilized,” he said at the media roundtable held at the US Embassy in Addis Ababa on Friday.
He added that these individuals or combatants need to go back to their daily lives, and they want to go back to their daily lives.
“I heard on Thursday from Getachew Reda, Interim President of the Tigray region, as well as previously from Vice President Tsadkan Gebretensae and even from Debretsion Gebremichael, TPLF Chairperson; they are fully committed to going through with the DDR,” the SEHOA says, adding that the United States is contributing to a fund that the UNDP is putting together.
“We know the financing is there for the first tranche, which would demobilize about 75,000 of the Tigrayan commands,” he added.
He underlined that there is no reason or explanation that could be given for returning to violence; the tragic suffering that Tigray and Ethiopia faced during the war is unfathomable.
In response to the issue of whether Ethiopians are very concerned that a war between Tigray forces and the government will break out soon, he said, “So let’s get going, let’s make sure that we deliver resolutions that can ensure lasting peace in Tigray.”
It was at the time the worst conflict on Earth, but through the courage of political leadership in Pretoria, it was brought to an end. “That same courage needs to be displayed every day to ensure that you do not go back to conflict or war.”
He also insisted on bringing peace to the Amhara and Oromia regions.
“We are committed again to being a good partner to all Ethiopians and to hopefully address these issues through dialogue, and to get to the point where we are not talking about war,” he said.
“Even though peace has been achieved in Tigray, the work is not done, and that is why the United States continues to offer its good offices for dialogue with Amhara Fano, if that is possible,” Hammer said, participating in talks with the OLA and the government in Dar es Salaam in November of last year.
“We remain open to pursuing further talks, whether it’s on the Oromia track or if it’s at all possible in the case of Amhara. These conflicts do not have military solutions,” he said.Proofread Version: Regarding peace and dialogue issues in Amhara and Oromia regions, the Special Envoy said that he and the US Ambassador, Ervin Massinga, and his team in Addis Ababa are looking for opportunities to cooperate with the Government of Ethiopia. They aim to facilitate dialogues and negotiations that may help bring an end to these conflicts. He stated, “We are working on it each and every day.”
“In the case of Oromia, we conducted talks in Tanzania. Although we were hopeful that this would lead to a positive outcome in silencing the guns in Oromia, the talks did not succeed. However, this has not halted our efforts,” he said.
The Special Envoy appreciates the peace in Tigray since the Pretoria peace agreement was signed, although not all aspects of the agreement have been implemented yet.
In response to a question about the reinstatement of Ethiopia on the AGOA scheme, Hammer emphasized the importance of commitment on the ground. He stated, “What I continuously hear from the government and Tigray region officials is a strong commitment to ensuring lasting peace. The United States, together with the African Union, IGAD, and the United Nations, is prepared to play its part in making this happen.”
He further added, “Let’s not lose sight of the fact that the United States is also concerned about the significant violence in Amhara and ongoing violence in Oromia. We would be delighted to see Ethiopia return and be reinstated into AGOA. However, our law requires that there are no human rights violations by government forces.”
According to the Special Envoy, there are still reports of abuses and atrocities being committed. As long as this continues, Ethiopia cannot be reintegrated or reinserted into AGOA.
He mentioned that there are some signs of IDPs beginning to return, particularly in the south. However, he emphasized that more progress is needed. He stated, “During my visits, we are working to push both the federal government and the interim regional administration of Tigray to collaborate and ensure the safe return of IDPs to their homes. While we acknowledge some progress, we must not lose sight of the fact that silencing the guns was a crucial step, and we must remain committed to a lasting peace.”
He added, “In my meetings with Tigray region officials and the government, I have heard a continued commitment to fully implement the Pretoria agreement.”
The Special Envoy reiterated that the United States is committed to supporting Ethiopia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity. He stated, “This is the core of our partnership with Ethiopia. We want to stand by the Ethiopian people and provide our support.”
US Special Envoy emphasizes urgency of DDR in Tigray to prevent return to violence
Angola receives vaccines to fight cervical cancer
More than 1,400,000 doses of vaccines against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), scientifically recognised as the leading cause of more than 90% of cervical cancer, arrived in Angola today for the immunisation of girls aged 9 to 12, as part of the national strategy for prevention and protection against cervical cancer.
In the next few days, another batch is expected to arrive to complete the 2.2 million doses of vaccines needed to guarantee the immunisation of around 2,136,000 girls between the ages of 9 and 12 throughout the country.
According to Angola’s Minister of Health, Dr Silvia Lutucuta, “Vaccination to prevent cervical cancer represents a commitment by the Angolan Executive to protect the health and future of our girls, guaranteeing generations free of this preventable disease, in line with the Global Strategy for the Elimination of this disease by 2050, thus contributing to a healthier and more economically sustainable population”.
“This is a unique opportunity to protect future generations from a devastating disease. Let’s join forces and ensure that all girls in Angola, regardless of where they live, receive this life-saving vaccine”.
Figures from the Angolan Cancer Control Institute reveal that in Angola, 915 cases of cervical cancer were treated in 2022 alone, around 17 per cent of all cancer cases. Furthermore, the health authorities estimate that the actual incidence of cervical cancer cases in the country is probably even higher due to diagnostic limitations.
The Acting Representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Angola, Dr Zabulon Yoti, said that the vaccine against cervical cancer is a crucial tool for protecting girls and building healthier future generations and emphasising that “By guaranteeing vaccination, the Angolan government is taking a significant step towards ensuring that Angolan girls grow up in a world where cervical cancer is a preventable disease, not a death sentence”.
“Now is the time to unite and support the initiatives underway to vaccinate our girls, drastically reduce the incidence of cervical cancer and build a healthier future for the Angolan population”.
Cervical cancer is a severe public health problem that affects five times more and kills seven times more African women than women in developed countries. The WHO estimates that around 117,300 women in Africa are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year, and more than 76,000 die from the disease.
These figures underline the urgency of effectively combating this public health problem, which the Angolan government has boldly embarked on by acquiring CECOLIN vaccines, manufactured by the INOVAX laboratory, to immunise 2,136,000 girls and adolescents in the coming weeks.
This vaccine has been pre-qualified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and is considered highly effective and safe, requiring just one dose to ensure lifelong protection. Worldwide, more than 50 million doses of the cervical cancer vaccine have been administered with no adverse reactions.
Antero Pina, UNICEF Representative in Angola, said, “The introduction of the vaccine against cervical cancer is another opportunity to transform the lives of adolescent girls”.
“This measure goes beyond the prevention of cervical cancer as it can promote other critical sexual and reproductive health interventions, thus making a further contribution to promoting and protecting the well-being of girls in Angola”.
In addition to procuring the vaccines, the government, with the support of its partners, is working to consolidate other aspects that are extremely important for the success of the cervical cancer vaccination campaign, including planning and financing, training health workers, logistics, advocacy, monitoring and supervision, and community mobilisation and involvement. The operation is budgeted at around 20,926,809 US dollars and involves vaccination in two phases: in schools and in the country’s communities.
For her part, the UNDP Resident Representative in Angola, Dr Denise António, said that the arrival of the vaccines for the Angolan government under the leadership of the Ministry of Health, through funding from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and with the support of UNDP Angola, reaffirms the government’s unwavering commitment to preventing cervical cancer in girls.
“By vaccinating these girls, we are safeguarding their future and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This milestone symbolises the strength of our joint commitment. It reflects the alignment of interests between the main partners involved, contributing to Angola’s National Development Plan 2023-2027 objectives and the 2030 Agenda”.
The arrival of cervical cancer vaccines in Angola represents a significant milestone in the government’s goals for the population’s health and the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Angola.
South Africa: Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment celebrates World Ozone Day 2024
South Africa joins the global community today, 16 September 2024, in commemorating the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer under the theme “Advancing Climate Action.”
This year marks 36 years since the implementation of the Montreal Protocol, with the United Nations observing Ozone Day. This year’s celebration aims to raise awareness about the critical role the ozone layer plays in protecting life on Earth and to highlight the need for concerted global efforts in mitigating climate change.
World Ozone Day highlights the importance of protecting the ozone layer, which protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. This year’s theme serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibility we all share in reducing ozone-depleting substances and working collectively to ensure a healthier planet for future generations.
On this day, we not only celebrate the significant progress achieved but also look toward the future for deeper and faster action under the Montreal Protocol. The Protocol has positively impacted the recovery of the ozone layer and the reduction of climate change and its Kigali Amendment, through the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and improved efficiency in the cooling sector, is expected to deliver additional climate mitigation benefits.
World Ozone Day 2024 serves as a vital reminder of the interconnectedness of the ozone layer and climate change. The celebration will foster a spirit of unity and purpose among participants globally, reflecting a collective commitment to advancing climate action. As the planet faces unprecedented environmental complexities, it is imperative that communities and nations remain engaged and proactive in their efforts to protect the atmosphere for future generations.
As countries move forward, the emphasis will be on implementing policies that prioritize both ozone layer recovery and climate protection. Continuous education and global cooperation are essential to ensure a sustainable future.
As part of the celebrations, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) will, on 26 September 2024, hand over tools to 402 trained informal Refrigeration and Air Conditioning servicing technicians in Gauteng province. These tools will be issued alongside a Competence Certificate and a SAQCC Gas/SARACCA Refrigerant Safe Handling Registration Card.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
President Julius Maada Bio Pays Tribute to Late Sister, Elizabeth Bio
His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio has paid a moving tribute to his late sister, Elizabeth Baby Bio, during her funeral service at St. Joseph’s Catholic Community Church in Tihun. President Bio reflected on the profound loss to the family, describing her passing as one that has left an irreplaceable void.
In his tribute, the President shared heartfelt memories of his sister, highlighting her humility, dedication, and selflessness. “She was humble and hardworking. No family member could ever say she lacked dedication. She would do anything for a family member with a very humble heart,” he recalled.
President Bio also spoke of his late sister’s unwavering love for her family and her commitment to promoting peace and unity. “As we say goodbye to you today, we will miss the joy you brought to us. No one in this family can say you ever wronged them. You were selfless, and the gap you have left will be hard to fill,” he expressed with deep emotion.
Elizabeth Baby Bio was laid to rest at the Tihun town cemetery, surrounded by loved ones who came together to honor her memory and legacy of kindness and compassion.
Her passing marks a significant moment of reflection for the Bio family, as they bid farewell to a cherished sister, whose impact will be felt for years to come.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.
