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The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the Ethiopian Government Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS) appealed today for US$73m to provide food rations to over 750,000 refugees in Ethiopia, over the next six months. WFP will completely run out of food for refugees by October, leaving vulnerable families who are dependent on food assistance at risk of undernutrition, micronutrient deficiency, susceptibility to diseases/infection and increased protection risks, the three agencies warn.

Due to protracted funding shortfalls, WFP has already been forced to cut rations for 750,000 registered refugees living in 22 camps and five sites in hosting communities in Afar, Amhara, Benishangul-Gumuz, Gambella, Somali and Tigray regions of Ethiopia.  

Food rations for refugees in Ethiopia were first reduced by 16 percent in November 2015, by 40 percent in November 2021, and by 50 percent in June 2022. Food insecurity amongst the refugees has risen as a result of the cuts and is even further compounded by current global limitations to food availability, economic shocks, rising costs of food and energy, the fallout of COVID-19, conflict and insecurity.

To understand the impact of ration cuts on the food security and socio-economic situation of refugees, WFP, UNHCR and RRS conducted a rapid assessment in April which was based on 1,215 households residing in camps located in Afar, Beneshangul-Gumuz, Gambella, and Somali regions.

The results show that more households continued to adopt negative coping strategies by reducing the number of meals eaten in a day, consuming less expensive or less preferred foods, or limiting the portion of the meals served. More households reported to have engaged in demeaning activities, including engaging children in income generation activities, the collection and sale of firewood, while several borrowed cash, relying on friends/relatives for food. This forces refugees to rely on the resources of the hosting community and environment they live in which also increases the likelihood of resource-based conflicts between refugees and host communities.

More resources must be mobilized urgently to meet immediate food and non-food needs of refugees to avert further suffering, whilst similar investments are made to enable sustainable food solutions embedded in the commitments made under the Global Compact for Refugees (GCR)[1] and the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF)[2] for refugees and hosting communities through livelihoods and cash programmes, in line with the UNHCR and RRS strategies. As a short-term measure, WFP and its partners continue to prioritize the needs of children aged 6 to 23 months and pregnant and breastfeeding women under the undernutrition prevention programme (blanket supplementary feeding). 

“Three quarters of a million refugees will be left with nothing to eat in just a matter of weeks unless we receive funding immediately,” said Claude Jibidar, WFP’s Representative and Country Director for Ethiopia.

“The priority for us all must be to restore assistance to at least minimum levels for refugees, all of whom are solely reliant on WFP’s cash and food assistance for survival.”

“We have a shortfall of US$73 million for refugees’ minimum needs and we are deeply concerned that if funding cuts continue, they may consider returning to their places of origin when it is unsafe.”

If there is an immediate response from donors, WFP will be able to buy food available in the region and transport it to meet the dietary needs of the refugees. WFP will also transfer cash to the refugees which gives them the choice of how to meet their immediate needs and stimulates local markets.

“We are very concerned about the lack of food for refugees. The continued lack of full rations for refugees, coupled with the impact of the most severe drought that the country has experienced in over 40 years, will greatly undermine the gains made in refugee protection and risk impacting the peaceful co-existence between refugees and their host communities,” said UNHCR’s Deputy Representative in Ethiopia, Margaret Atieno. “We are grateful for what donors have provided so far, but more funding is needed and quickly.” 

Mali authorities should act to uphold fundamental freedoms and the rule of law during the new two-year timetable for transitioning to civilian rule, Human Rights Watch said today. They should promote respect for freedom of expression and the media, ensure due process rights for criminal suspects, and end torture and enforced disappearances.

On July 3, 2022, the regional Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) lifted economic and financial sanctions, imposed in January, after Mali’s transitional government agreed to a new timeline for elections and other reforms by March 2024. The ECOWAS mechanism set up to monitor adherence to the timetable should include benchmarks on improved respect and protection of human rights, Human Rights Watch said.

“Mali’s leaders have taken steps toward civilian rule, but achieving a democratic society means ensuring respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms,” said Jehanne Henry, senior Africa adviser at Human Rights Watch. “The authorities should foster open dialogue that allows journalists, commentators, and human rights activists to speak out without fear of reprisals.”

Human Rights Watch researchers visited Bamako, Mali’s capital, between June 29 and July 8, and met with 3 current and former detainees, detainees’ family members, 3 lawyers, and 25 media professionals, civil society activists, political party members, and analysts. Authorities responded to Human Rights Watch’s request for comments by letter on August 6, reaffirming their commitment to protecting human rights as enshrined in international and Malian law, but failed to address specific findings of violations described below.

Mali’s transitional government took over following a military-led coup in August 2020 against then-President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. In May 2021, military leaders consolidated power through a second coup, installing Col. Assimi Goïta as interim president. Since then, the media, civil society groups, lawyers, and analysts have reported increasing repression by the transitional government.

Violence has surged across Mali during this period. Attacks by armed Islamist groups and government-led counterterrorism operations have resulted in the killing of several hundred civilians since the beginning of 2022. This coincides with the departure of French and other Western forces supporting the government’s military efforts, and the reported arrival of Russian forces from the Wagner Group – a military security contractor with apparent links to Russia’s government.

The transitional government has increasingly restricted the United Nations peacekeeping mission, the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali. It has barred the peacekeepers from areas where government forces were implicated in abusive operations, such as the town of Moura, where Human Rights Watch documented serious abuses in March by the Malian army and foreign soldiers identified as Russian fighters. In June, Malian authorities rejected the UN Security Council’s call to allow the mission access to all areas.

Michael Smollan, Chief Growth and Innovation Officer, Smollan (https://Smollan.com) looks at how the customer experience has changed in the telecom industry and what brands can do to offer a differentiated experience.

Back before the ‘great staggering’ that affected everything in all ways, there was already a shift within the telecom industry as lines began to blur between previously separate consumer channels – creating new synergies for brands and retailers to optimize the customer experience. However, things were set to change at a pace that no one could have predicted as the pandemic accelerated transformation. Comparatively, pre-pandemic shares of employees working from home was only 4% – fast forward to April 2020 with full blown lockdown, that share increased to around 30% [www.Applause.com]

Having to work from home turned the tables as the all-day demand meant that telco’s performance would now be in the spotlight, none more so than the customer experience (CX) from the level of service to how well products fitted into their lives. Amidst these changing expectations and behaviours, the goal posts had to be re-positioned to determine what brands and retailers needed to do differently in 2022 and beyond, to meaningfully connect with customers.

Doxee, specialists in innovating relationships with customers, suggest that there are two tracks which will evolve around the customer experience in telecommunications – the human track and the technology track. Putting the customer at the centre with their specific needs and requirements, and also pushing digital innovation so that offers are broad; interactions are satisfying, and choices are as “human-centric” as possible.

The Telco Trends 2022 (https://bit.ly/3bDB3cA) suggests that getting to what matters will win the hearts of consumers in the Telco space as they don’t just consider each of their interactions with a business when deciding who to select – they also factor in how a brand portrays itself, what it stands for, and how serious the brand is about cyber-security. With the evolution of 5G, telcos must consider new services and revenue streams, along with authentically partnering the customer experience – termed ‘the great brand equalizer’.

With 82% of telecom consumers considering alternatives if they experience a poor customer journey and 27% of them abandoning the purchasing process entirely [source: US Telecom Report] focusing on solving customer pain points and delivering products and services to ease those areas of friction is a must. Today consumers want personalised offers and want to control their own personal data. 22% of consumers are happy to share some data in return for a more personalised service or product [source: Rise of Mass Personalisation]. Businesses need this data to drive these experiences.

“So too, enabling service excellence must be part of the customer experience for brands and retailers in the telecom space, from the moment a customer searches for a product. This has to be part of a brands DNA. In my opinion, it’s bigger than pricing and even some may argue, the product itself. Service has to be the biggest driver of customer loyalty each and every time to create a strongly differentiated experience,” said Michael Smollan, Chief Growth and Innovation Officer, Smollan.

The latest South African Telecommunications Sentiment Index in partnership with Deloitte Africa, rated the telecoms sector last, in terms of consumer sentiment when compared to the banking, insurance, and food industries. Despite loadshedding pushing up operational costs and the battle for additional broadband spectrum, telcos have to close the gaps. Understanding customer expectations, delivering omni-channel engagement, reaching out to disgruntled customers, and leveraging the power of big data and analytics will work towards improving customer service as a critical deliverable. Changing the customer experience – for good.

The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has described the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu as “a gift to the nation from God” who has contributed immensely to education and national development 

Dr. Bawumia eulogised the 103-year-old Sheikh Sharubutu on Friday August 5, when he commissioned the Sheikh Sharubutu Mosque  – a magnificent edifice built by the National Chief Imam, as well as an Islamic School beside it, in Joma Ablekuma.

“His prolific and unstinting charitable works constantly humble me, and it has always been a pleasure to learn from him. His works align perfectly with the  principles of service to Allah, service to community and service to the country,” Dr  Bawumia said.

“The building of a school and the establishment of a Mosque devoted to the glory of Allah is yet another resplendent addition to an impressive array of beneficial projects commissioned and implemented by our venerated National Chief Imam,” he added. 

“Also, the significance of establishing a Mosque in Islamic life can never be overstated. ‎In all Muslim communities, the Mosque, apart from being an exulted place of worship, also functions as a focal point of education, social welfare, community gatherings and allied forms of important social interaction,” he added. 

The Vice President also commended Sheikh Sharubutu for his selflessness and commitment to promoting the good of society.

“The Chief Imam does his good works from his undoubted commitment to society’s overall betterment. Sheik Sharubutu has always promoted and energetically worked for the balanced and spiritual uplifting of our people. His laudable works and necessary social interventions are never for personal gain or for fame.”

“I have absolutely no doubt that our Almighty Creator will reward him amply and deservedly for his extraordinary good works, such as the establishment of this beautiful Mosque and school  for our Joma-Ablekuma communities.”

Government, Dr. Bawumia noted, recognises the immense role Sheikh Sharubutu has been playing in education in particular, and added that in him, the government has a friend, and vice versa.

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Saturday made a one-day working tour of the Central region where he inspected and commissioned several development projects in Murang’a and Nyeri counties.

President Kenyatta started his tour by inspecting the ongoing expansion of the 84-kilometre Kenol-Sagana-Marua Highway, being upgraded from a two-lane single carriageway to a four-lane dual carriageway, whose construction is currently 75% complete.

Speaking before he started inspecting the road, the President urged wananchi to vote for leaders allied to the Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya Alliance led by presidential candidate Raila Odinga and his running mate Martha Karua.

President Kenyatta pointed out that Mr. Odinga and Ms. Karua are principled leaders who will ensure the development momentum the country has attained over the last 10 years is not derailed.

He emphasized that Kenyans should not elect politicians who are only out to further their personal interests at the expense of the electorate, saying doing so would be gambling with the country’s future.

Emphasizing the importance of infrastructure in boosting economic growth, the President said he was pleased that he has delivered the key road which passes through the trading centres of Makuyu, Makutano, Sagana, Kibingoti, Kibirigwi and ends at Marua.

“I promised to make this road a dual carriage from Kenol in Murang’a County to Marua in Nyeri County so as to boost the economy of the Mount Kenya region.

“This road will reduce congestion and ensure farm produce get to the market on time for the benefit of farmers. We pray to God that those who will take over from us will continue with these developments,” President Kenyatta said.

President Kenyatta was accompanied by Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia, Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria and a host of Murang’a leaders including Jamleck Kamau, Kembi Gitura and Waithera Muitherania who are vying for the positions of Governor, Senator and Woman Rep respectively.

From Murang’a County, the Head of State proceeded to Nyeri County where he officially opened the ultra-modern Mwai Kibaki Level 6 Hospital.

At the hospital, President Kenyatta said the facility which boasts of modern equipment will provide quality healthcare services to the residents similar to those offered at the Kenyatta National and Referral Hospital in Nairobi.

“Now there will be no need for the residents of Othaya to travel outside of this place to go and seek medical services elsewhere. This facility is adequately equipped with state-of-the-art various medical equipment and will provide outpatient and in-patient services for both the residents and those from outside,” President Kenyatta said.

Youths from across the country have urged government to waive off taxes on youth enterprises that have been earmarked to benefit from the Parish Development Model (PDM).

The youths made this call during a plenary meeting of the Fifth National Youth Parliament where they observed that the PDM  design as it currently appears may not benefit them if they are to compete with other established enterprises.

“I am a farmer but you find the taxes on inputs are the same for us as the other established farmers. We would request that taxes are reduced for the youth,” said Jackline Namutebi from central region.

Demos Pariyo Agamba  from West Nile said many youth enterprises had collapsed because of high taxes which he said were discouraging. ”Do you know how many youth projects have died? We need a fair tax policy to protect youth enterprises,” said Agamba.

The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Saturday, 6th August 2022, commissioned the newly constructed administration block of the North East Regional Coordinating Council, in Nalerigu, as part of the working visit of the North East Region.

The administration block of the North East Regional Co-ordinating Council is amongst six new administration structures being constructed for the six newly created Regions, and the second to be completed for use, after the commissioning in September 2021 of the administration block for the North East Regional Coordinating Council.

The administration complex was constructed at a cost of seventeen million, six hundred and forty-seven thousand, five hundred and forty-three cedis, and seventeen pesewas (GH¢17,647,543.17). It will house all the departments of the Western Regional Co-ordinating Council and other Institutions to ensure effective and efficient administration of the Region.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Akufo-Addo stated that the creation of the new regions “will bring government closer to the people, and also accelerate the process of social and economic progress in the various regions.”

He noted, however, that “we can’t build the regions without creating the institutions that will make regional development a success, and that is what we have begun to do with this building.”

President Akufo-Addo continued, “The Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Decentralisation, Hon. Daniel Botwe was the very Minister who saw to the regional reconstruction, and that is why he has now been given the added responsibility of making sure that the decentralization exercise, the devolution that we have seen in the administration of our state, becomes firm and on the ground.”

Around one million species are facing extinction, according to a report from IPBES, an independent intergovernmental science and policy body supported by the UN.

It may be surprising to learn that even giraffes, parrots, and oak trees are included in the list of threatened species, as well as cacti and seaweed.

Seaweed is one of the planet’s great survivors, and relatives of some modern-day seaweed can be traced back some 1.6 billion years. Seaweed plays a vital role in marine ecosystems, providing habitats and food for marine lifeforms, while large varieties – such as kelp – act as underwater nurseries for fish. However, mechanical dredging, rising sea temperatures and the building of coastal infrastructure are contributing to the decline of the species.

The world’s trees are threatened by various sources, including logging, deforestation for industry and agriculture, firewood for heating and cooking, and climate-related threats such as wildfires.
It has been estimated that 31 per cent of the world’s 430 types of oak are threatened with extinction, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of threatened species. And 41 per cent are of “conservation concern”, mainly due to deforestation for agriculture and fuel for cooking.

Giraffes are targeted for their meat, and suffer from the degradation of their habitat due to unsustainable wood harvesting, and increased demand for agricultural land; it’s estimated there are only around 600 West African giraffes left in the wild.

Catastrophic results for humanity

The current biodiversity crisis will be exacerbated, with catastrophic results for humanity, unless humans interact with nature in a more sustainable way, according to UN experts. 
“The IPBES report makes it abundantly clear that wild species are an indispensable source of food, shelter and income for hundreds of millions around the world,” says Susan Gardner, Director of the Ecosystems Division at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

“Sustainable use is when biodiversity and ecosystem functioning are maintained while contributing to human well-being. By continuing to use these resources unsustainably, we are not just risking the loss and damage of these species’ populations; we are affecting our own health and well-being and that of the next generation.

Indigenous knowledge

The report illustrates the importance of indigenous people being able to secure tenure rights over their land, as they have long understood the value of wild species and have learned how to use them sustainably. 

Examples of the kinds of transformative changes that are needed to reduce biodiversity loss, include an equitable distribution of costs and benefits, changes in social values, and effective governance systems.

Currently, governments around the world spend more than $500 billion every year in ways that harm biodiversity to support industries like fossil fuels, agriculture, and fisheries. Experts say these funds should be repurposed to incentivize regenerative agriculture, sustainable food systems, and nature-positive innovations.

His Majesty King Mohammed VI sent a congratulatory message to president of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, Alassane Dramane Ouattara, on the occasion of his country’s National Day.

In this message, HM the King sends His best wishes for good health and happiness to Ouattara, and for the well-being and prosperity to the Ivorian people.

The Sovereign also welcomes the age-old ties of brotherhood and solidarity that underpin the excellent Morocco-Ivorian cooperation.

His Majesty the King said: “I assure you, in this regard, of my firm determination to pursue our joint action, with a view to strengthening our bilateral strategic partnership and contributing to the building of a united and prosperous Africa,”.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has challenged 350 newly hired seafarers to be good brand ambassadors of the Kenyan nation saying their conduct will determine the demand for Kenyan maritime professionals by international shipping lines.

“To the new recruits that we are commissioning today, let me remind you that you sail out as our ambassadors. How many more Kenyans are recruited in the future will, to a large extent, depend on the image of Kenya you project abroad,” the President said.

The Head of State spoke on Wednesday at the Kenya Maritime Academy in Mombasa County during the flag off ceremony of 350 young Kenyan seafarers recently recruited by Atlanta based Celebrity Cruises.

The President recalled with nostalgia the good old days when Kenya used to be the leading regional source market for seafarers, serving major shipping lines across the world.

“I remember the many Kenyans who used to come here with good money after serving abroad. We wish you the very best as you embark on your new career.

“We recall that in the early 70s we used to have more than 10,000 seafarers as a country, and these were men and women who actually breathed life not only to Mombasa but to many other towns in our country.”

“But because of mismanagement of the sector this was reduced to almost nothing,” President Kenyatta said as he thanked Celebrity Cruises and other shipping for continuing to offer young Kenyan seafarers employment opportunities on their vessels.

“I want to begin, in particular, to thank the Mediterranean Shipping Company MSC. Because they came in as our very first partners and as General (Rtd) Mwathethe said, you took some of our young men and women, both of whom I had the pleasure of launching, who have proven to be very successful,” President Kenyatta said.

He thanked Kenya’s blue economy office led by General (Rtd) Samson Mwathethe and State House Deputy Chief of Staff responsible for policy and strategy Mrs Ruth Kagia for steering the restoration of the seafaring profession.

“I want to recognize the works that have been done by both the ministry in charge of maritime and a special vote of thanks to Retired General Samson Mwathethe and Madam Ruth Kagia who for the last five years have really been struggling to see how we can restore some of that lost glory,” the President said.

Earlier, President Kenyatta, who was on a day-long working tour of Mombasa County commissioned several infrastructural projects among them the new Ksh 4.5 billion Makupa Bridge, the offshore Kipevu Oil Terminal and the Liwatoni Fisheries Complex.