Author: Database of Press Releases related to Africa

BRUSSELS, Kingdom of Belgium, February 19, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The European Union has reviewed its relations with Zimbabwe and has today taken a further step towards normalisation of those relations. This reflects not only the progress that has been made but also the challenges that remain. The EU has taken these steps to support the Zimbabwean people to achieve a more prosperous and democratic future.

The EU has decided today to suspend the remaining restrictive measures with the exception of the arms embargo and those targeting two individuals – the Head of State and his spouse and one entity – Zimbabwe Defence Industries. The EU reiterates its position that these Measures do not have any direct economic or social impact on the Zimbabwean people, and should not be blamed for the wider socio-economic challenges facing the country.

The EU has welcomed the generally peaceful manner in which the 2013 elections were conducted. However, we remain seriously concerned about the significant weaknesses identified in the electoral process and the lack of transparency identified by the SADC, AU and domestic observations missions, which calls into doubt the credibility of the elections.

The EU believes that significant improvements in the electoral process are required along the lines proposed by international and domestic observers, if future elections are to be both credible and transparent. In particular, the EU would like to see the Zimbabwean authorities make progress on implementing the recommendations of the African Union

Observer Mission concerning the verification of the voter’s roll and the liberalization of the media, and completing outstanding reforms, including those related to the security sectors.

As a clear indication of the EU’s commitment to assist the people of Zimbabwe, the EU agreed to maintain the suspension of appropriate measures under Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement. Provided there is no serious deterioration in the governance and human rights situation, the EU has agreed that appropriate measures will expire on 1 November 2014.

This enables the EU to continue engaging with the Zimbabwean authorities and to make further progress on the programming of the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) National Indicative Programme (2014-2020) and to submit it to the EDF Committee. In line with normal practice, the formulation of the NIP under the 11th EDF will be guided by the essential and fundamental principles of the Cotonou Treaty and focus on supporting democratic reforms contained in the new Constitution, as well as on achieving economic reforms and equitable growth to further improve the life of ordinary Zimbabweans.

GENEVA, Switzerland, February 19, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — As atrocities continue to occur in the Central African Republic, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay on Wednesday reminded leaders in positions of authority that they have legal obligations and will be held personally accountable for the serious human rights violations committed in CAR, which may amount to crimes against humanity, as a result of their actions or omissions.

“Although the overall situation seems slightly calmer in Bangui, reports of more killings and violence continue. The recent assassination of a member of Parliament after he called for those responsible for committing human rights violations to be arrested is an extremely worrying development, as it undermines embryonic efforts to re-establish security and rule of law in CAR,” Pillay said.

“Although a few groups of ex-Séléka in civilian clothes continue to target Christian civilians in Bangui, most of the ongoing human rights violations are being committed by anti-Balaka elements, which appear to be growing more organized by the day,” she said.

Anti-Balaka elements are deliberately targeting the Muslim population of the capital, notably in the neighbourhoods of Miskine, Malinaka, Combattant and in the 3rd, 5th and 8th districts. These attacks, which anti-Balaka elements sometimes refer to as “clean-up operations,” are widespread and include killings, rapes, plundering and the destruction of Muslim homes.

“The extent of destruction is devastating. Doors, window frames and roofs are burned or removed. Even the walls are being reduced to rubble with the clear aim of discouraging any Muslim from returning,” Pillay said.

“The level of cruelty and disregard for life and dignity is horrifying, with public mutilation of bodies, amputation of body parts and genitals, beheadings and at least one case of cannibalism, spreading further terror among the Muslim population,” Pillay said.

“I am also very concerned that hate speech against Muslims is being broadcast on TV by anti-Balaka. Likewise, I strongly condemn the public statement made by some members of the National Transitional Council to the Parliament instigating inter-communal violence, and justifying the brutal lynching by FACA elements of a suspected ex-Séléka man on 5 February,” she added.

“Leaders should bear in mind the direct effect of their words and actions on their supporters and must be made to understand that they may be held accountable for crimes that they have ordered, solicited or induced,” Pillay said.

“The situation is also evolving dangerously outside Bangui. After their retreat from the Southern and Western parts of the country, ex-Séléka forces are now regrouping in their traditional stronghold in the north, notably in the regions of Vakaga, Batafango and Kaga Bandoro. This move is provoking a renewed cycle of violence as they employ scorched earth tactics, destroying villages, burning tools and seeds, and killing civilians on their way,” Pillay said.

“Given the strong feeling of resentment among ex-Séléka forces and the displaced Muslim population, the large non-Muslim community in these areas is clearly exposed to possible retaliatory violence. The arrival of many destitute Muslims from the south in these poverty-stricken regions is likely to further increase tensions between communities,” Pillay warned.

“I remind all leaders in key positions, whether they belong to anti-Balaka, ex-Séléka or the former army, FACA, that they have clear obligations under international law. They have a responsibility to refrain from committing, ordering, inciting or instigating violations of international law and to prevent subordinates from committing such violations,” Pillay said.

“People who commit serious human rights violations after receiving instructions, directions and orders may also have direct individual criminal responsibility for their actions and omissions,” the High Commissioner said.

“In order to break the cycle of violence and revenge, every effort must be made to restore security and rule of law, and ensure accountability,” Pillay said.

“My team is working with the Ministry of Justice to ensure that investigators and prosecutors can restart their work to ensure that people responsible for crimes and human rights violations are held accountable. The penal chain, throughout the entire judicial process, must be reactivated as soon as possible to help fight against the growing sense of absolute impunity in CAR,” said Pillay.

The High Commissioner also welcomed the fact that the Commission of Inquiry will shortly start investigating human rights violations in CAR, as well as the decision made by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to open preliminary examinations of potential crimes in the country.

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, February 19, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — This is to kindly inform you that following the celebration of 50th anniversary of the Reunification by the Republic of Cameroon, the Cameroon Embassy in Addis Ababa has organise the following activities to commemorate the day. A conference to be addressed by Prof. Jean-Emmanuel PONDI on the theme: “From reunification to integration: fifty years of national construction”. The conference is scheduled to take place at the Medium Conference Hall of the New African Union Conference Center on Thursday 20 February from 5 – 6 pm. This will be followed by a cultural evening at the residence of the Cameroon Ambassador, H.E Jacques Alfred Ndoube Eboule to be animated by famous makossa musician, Henri Dikongue, among others.

Journalists are invited to take part in the conference at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa as well attend the reception organised at the residence of the Cameroon Ambassador immediately after from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm.

NEW YORK, February 19, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Raimonda Murmokaitė ( Lithuania):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack targeting a bus with tourists from the Republic of Korea on board on 16 February in the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt, killing at least four people and injuring dozens.

The members of the Security Council extended their condolences to the families of the victims and expressed their sympathy to all those injured in this heinous act, and to the people and Governments of Egypt and the Republic of Korea.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed the need to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and all obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.

The members of the Security Council underlined the need to bring the perpetrators to justice.

NEW YORK, February 19, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — A journalist in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo died on Sunday from gunshot wounds he sustained in a shootout between Congolese troops and Ugandan rebels, according to news reports.

Germain Kennedy Mumbere Muliwavyo, 28, reporter for the private broadcaster Radio Télévision Muungano in the town of Oïcha, was shot in the stomach and head on Saturday by fighters of a Ugandan rebel group called the Allied Democratic Forces, according to news reports. He was riding in a vehicle of the Congolese national armed forces when the fighters ambushed the car.

Two other journalists were also injured in the attack. Mitterand Hangi, reporter for Radio Télévision Muungano, and Patient Subiri, reporter for Radio Télévision Rwanzururu, a community radio station based in the city of Beni, were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, The Associated Press reported.

The journalists were in North Kivu and were on their way to report on the village of Kamango, which the Congolese national armed forces had retaken from Ugandan rebels the day before, according to Congolese press freedom group Journaliste En Danger (JED). Periodic fighting between the Congolese armed forces and rebel groups has made North Kivu the most dangerous region for journalists, according to CPJ research. CPJ documented at least 15 anti-press violations in 2013.

Since mid-January, Congolese troops have launched military operations to drive out Ugandan rebels from their hideouts in the eastern part of the country, according to news reports. Nearly 3 million people have been displaced in the violence in recent weeks, according to news reports.

“The death of Kennedy Mumbere Muliwavyo underscores the danger for journalists in North Kivu province,” said CPJ Africa Advocacy Coordinator Mohamed Keita. “We call on all sides fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo to respect journalists’ civilian status and allow them to report safely.”

Muliwavyo is the first journalist in more than six years that CPJ research has determined was killed in relation to his work. In 2007, CPJ documented the death of Serge Maheshe, an editor and reporter for U.N.-sponsored Radio Okapi, who was gunned down in the eastern border town of Bukavu.

NEW YORK, February 19, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — UN OCHA Operations Director John Ging said today that immense challenges remain for millions of Somalis, particularly those who are displaced and refugees who want to return home. Speaking after a recent three-day visit to Somalia, Mr. Ging called for immediate action to focus on building resilience and finding long-term solutions to consolidate progress.

“Somalia’s humanitarian situation has incrementally improved, but conditions for the people who are displaced in their own country are deplorable,” said Mr. Ging. “Two million people are considered to be food insecure. People are extremely vulnerable and one shock could send families back into a dire situation.”

In 2011, the combination of failed rains and lack of access for humanitarian agencies contributed to a famine in which nearly 260,000 people died. “While the acute phase of Somalia’s crisis may be over, it is not time to let down our guard,” Mr. Ging said. “Even in the context of so many global crises, sustained donor support is especially important when there is a genuine willingness and opportunity to break the cycle of crisis in Somalia and ensure that gains made since the famine are not tragically reversed.”

Mr. Ging visited Somalia’s capital Mogadishu and the town of Baidoa in Bay region, meeting people in settlements for the displaced. More than one million people who fled their homes because of conflict and climate-related crises in Somalia are still displaced and are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition and to violations of human rights.

Mr. Ging met local authorities and organizations assisting people in Mogadishu and Baidoa. “I was impressed by the commitment of both the local and national authorities I met in Somalia,” said John Ging. “The remarkable progress made and the strength of partnerships with the international humanitarian organizations gives me confidence that the challenges ahead will be overcome. But unless funding for these vast humanitarian needs is sustained, response will be limited to short-term ‘Band-aid’ fixes. We need to have our eye not just on immediate lifesaving needs, but on the long-term, building the resilience of communities and supporting returns,” he added.

Insecurity continues to hamper the aid operation. “When I was in Mogadishu we had a grim reminder of how difficult and dangerous it is for everybody when a car-bomb attacked an UNHCR convoy. I applaud the courage of our colleagues at UNHCR and of other humanitarian partners.”

The 2013-2015 Consolidated Appeal for Somalia only received 50 per cent of the US$1.15 billion it sought for 2013, and almost no funds to promote durable solutions. So far, the appeal for 2014 has received just 4 per cent of the $933 million requested.