A September 9 internal report by the United Nations Population Fund, the UN agency tasked with improving reproductive and maternal health, found that 268 out of the 348 women held in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Makala prison – nearly 80 percent – were victims of rape and other sexual violence when an attempted prison break earlier this month turned deadly. The report, seen by Human Rights Watch and first reported on by Reuters, notes that 17 of the survivors of sexual violence were younger than 19.

Following the violence at the prison on September 2, Congolese Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani announced the same day that 129 prisoners died and 59 were injured. He also said there were “some women raped.” On September 4, a female prisoner told Human Rights Watch that she watched women being raped and none had received appropriate health care.

The report notes that while timely post-rape care, such as emergency contraception against pregnancy and HIV post-exposure prophylaxis, was provided to a number of survivors within 72 hours of the assaults, there was no adequate counseling support until September 11.

Sexual violence is a chronic problem in Congo’s prisons. In September 2020, a prison riot at Kasapa Central Prison in Lubumbashi caused a fire in the women’s section that forced the female prisoners into the main prison yard for three days, where the prison failed to provide any protection. For three days, male prisoners repeatedly raped several dozen female prisoners, including a teenage girl. A trial held 16 months later was a missed opportunity to meaningfully investigate what happened and hold those responsible, including direct perpetrators and state officials, to account.

Compounding this is the overcrowding and poor living and sanitation conditions common in Makala and many other Congolese prisons.

On September 2, Shabani said that a mixed commission would be created to establish the facts around the incident at Makala prison. While this commission will face several challenges, it should give special focus to a critical question: What does the government need to do to tackle sexual violence in Congo’s prisons and ensure the dignity and security of women and girls?

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).

Uganda has received over 100,000 asylum seekers since January 2024, including an influx of Sudanese refugees fleeing brutal conflict in their home country. Sudanese refugees now make up the largest demographic of newly arriving refugees in Uganda this year, accounting for 36% of the total number of new arrivals. 

Most Sudanese refugees arrive in Kiryandongo settlement in mid-Western Uganda where 150-200 of them are screened at the reception center daily. Resources in the settlement are severely strained, with a lack of medical supplies, medicine and adequate health infrastructure posing health and safety risks to the already vulnerable individuals. As the main health service provider in the settlement, the IRC reiterates the urgent need for more funding  in order to meet the needs of the growing number of refugees.

Shashwat Saraf, IRC Regional Emergency Director for East Africa said: 

“More than a year of intense fighting in Sudan has forced millions to flee their homes to escape the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding. They arrive in nearby countries severely traumatized and in need of medical care and basic assistance that is often in short supply, as we’re seeing in Uganda. For refugee hosting countries, more funds are urgently required: today, the Sudan Regional Refugee Response Plan remains only 23% funded. Beyond that, the violence in Sudan must end now so that people are no longer forced to flee their homes.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Rescue Committee (IRC) .

ECOWAS is strengthening its social protection systems through a 5-day workshop in Abuja from 16th to 20th September 2024. The workshop, led by experts in collaboration with the TRANSFORM hub affiliated to the ILO, FAO, UNICEF, and the African WFP, aims to build a network of skilled social protection leaders across West Africa. It follows a system-strengthening approach to enhance the design and efficiency of social systems.

The workshop focuses on increasing the capacity of ECOWAS staff, to implement the ECOWAS Social Protection Framework and its Operational Plan effectively while fostering collaboration among social protection actors within the region. It represents a critical step toward building an inclusive social protection in West Africa, positioning ECOWAS to address broader socio-economic challenges.

The ongoing workshop comes less than a year after the landmark validation of the ECOWAS Social Protection Framework and its Operational Plan in November 2023. At that time, social protection experts and ministers from ECOWAS member states gathered to endorse the framework, marking a historic moment for the region. This document was later recommended to the ECOWAS Council of Ministers for adoption by social protection ministers. The Framework and its Operational Plan was subsequently adopted during the 92nd Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers.

The ECOWAS Social Protection Framework and its Operational Plan holds the potential to address some of the most pressing challenges facing member states in the design and implementation of social protection programs. Notably, it aims to tackle critical issues such as financing, coverage gaps, and coordination—challenges that have long hindered the region’s ability to provide comprehensive social safety nets for its citizens.

In her opening remarks, the ECOWAS Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs Dr. Sintiki Tarfa–Ugbe represented by Dr. Daniel Amankwaah, P.P.O, Law Enforcement (Drugs) emphasized the vital role of improved social protection systems in Africa’s broader fight against poverty. She highlighted how strengthening these systems directly supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1, which aims to eradicate poverty in all its forms. Specifically, the framework aligns with SDG target 1.3, which calls for the establishment of nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, particularly for the most vulnerable groups.

Additionally, the training aligns with ECOWAS’s own strategic objectives, as outlined in the 4×4 Strategic Objectives and the ECOWAS Community Strategic Framework (Strategic Orientation 16). The Regional ECOWAS Social Protection Framework is a key element in realizing these goals.

Dr. Sintiki noted that improving coordination among these stakeholders is essential for ensuring that the framework delivers its intended impact. By empowering social protection leaders and reinforcing regional cooperation, ECOWAS is laying the groundwork for a more robust and inclusive social safety net across West Africa, positioning the region to better address the social and economic challenges it faces, she added.

Mrs. Adebisi Arije, Partnership Manger (ECOWAS) UNICEF, praise the ECOWAS Social Protection Framework as a strong sign of the importance attached to the Social Protection and strengthening of social protection systems and mechanisms, which includes humanitarian and fragile settings. The UN organizations consider this a milestone and are willing to support ECOWAS and its Member States in its full implementation.

The Introduction to Social Protection Systems (TRANSFORM) training workshop sets the stage for future progress, demonstrating ECOWAS’s commitment to creating a more secure and equitable future for the people of West Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Leonardo Santos Simão, concluded yesterday a two-day visit to Benin.

During his visit, Mr. Simão was received in audience by his H.E. Patrice Talon, President of the Republic of Benin. He also met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, H.E. Olushegun Adjadji Bakari.

With his interlocutors, the Special Representative discussed various topics related to the regional and national situation. He stressed the importance for the countries of the subregion to act together to curb insecurity and instability that affect populations and their development. Mr. Simão reiterated the commitment of UNOWAS and the United Nations system to work in coordination with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other partners to support the efforts of countries in the sub-region to strengthen peace, stability and sustainable development.

Mr. Simão also met with the former President of the Republic of Benin, H.E. Yayi Boni. Their discussion focused on issues related to peace and security in West Africa and the Sahel. He also met with the United Nations country team and the diplomatic corps.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS).