“We need lasting peace in our villages,” said Suzanna Joseph wistfully.

Suzanna, a mother of five children, was speaking to peacekeepers from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and local authorities in Tambura who were on a joint assessment mission, given rising tensions in the area in the past few weeks.

She is also one of the internally displaced people who sought refuge outside the UN Peacekeeping mission’s temporary base in the area when fighting broke out in greater Tambura in 2021, which led to massive loss of life, properties, and displacement.

“As women, we are more vulnerable to the consequences of conflict. Many of us are mothers and it pains us to see our children suffer,” added Suzanna.

Today, as tensions are again on the rise in this troubled region of South Sudan’s Western Equatoria state, with the postponement of a long-awaited peace conference, supported by UNMISS, and a deterioration in the overall security situation, Suzanna, who had returned to her farm and home, is justifiably worried.

“We are tired of running for our lives. I am fearful of being displaced again and I worry about my children’s future,” she revealed candidly.

Suzanna’s is not an isolated case as the visiting delegation discovered and their aim in visiting affected communities here was simple: To boost confidence and urge community members themselves to start reconciling their differences peacefully.

“We have set up a security committee and reinforced the numbers of uniformed personnel in Tambura to allay people’s fears and prevent the spread of mis- and disinformation. We believe this will go a long way in helping stabilize the situation,” stated James Severino, state Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement.

“For us as government partners and UNMISS, we want the people of Tambura to feel safe, continue their livelihood activities without fear and, ultimately, for our entire state to be prosperous,” he added.

Jane Lanyero Kony, Head of the UN Peacekeeping mission’s Field Office in Western Equatoria, reiterated UNMISS’ commitment to protecting civilians.  

“Our goal is to make sure civilians feel safe and are empowered to solve outstanding disputes amicably. To this end, in past weeks, our peacekeepers have intensified day and night patrols within and around Tambura town. Our temporary operating base here has helped boost community confidence. Moreover, we are working in partnership with security organs at the state level to make sure that the strong call from peace that we have heard today from Tambura residents is heeded by all,” she averred.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Republic and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, attended a “Sohour” banquet organized by the Armed Forces on Thursday night. In attendance were Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Minister of Defense and Military Production, General Mohamed Zaki; Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Osama Askar, as well as commanders of the main branches and senior commanders of the Armed Forces.

During the event, the Armed Forces congratulated President El-Sisi on assuming a new presidential term to continue leading our Egyptian nation and realize its aspirations and ambitious achievements in building a strong modern state at all levels. The Armed Forces affirmed their unwavering commitment to fulfilling their tasks and duties to protect the accomplishments and capabilities of the great Egyptian people.

President El-Sisi commended the efforts of the Egyptian state and its national institutions, particularly the Armed Forces and the contributions and sacrifices made by its men, to maintain the highest levels of efficiency and combat readiness, build and develop the force that safeguards Egypt’s security, stability, and national interests, and support its efforts towards development, construction, and progress in various fields. The President also extended his greetings to the men of Armed Forces and the Egyptian people on the approaching of Eid al-Fitr.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

By President of Rugby Africa, Herbert Mensah (www.RugbyAfrique.com).

Saturday April 6 marks International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. As we reflect on this day, it is crucial to explore the potential impact of sport in Africa. The African Development Bank projects that Africa is set to grow to 2.4 billion people by 2050. Therefore, prioritizing an investment in human potential is crucial, as it will define the future of the continent. Africa can harness the power of sport to champion human potential, serving as a tool to drive the African continent towards greatness for generations to come.

Sport serves as a universal language, through popularity it can transcend cultural, social, economic and political barriers. This year’s theme: ‘Sport for the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies’ holds particular relevance in Africa. The impact of sport has the power to unite individuals, bringing joy to participants and spectators alike. Yet the true power of sport, lies in its ability to transform societies. South Africa’s Springboks, fourth time Rugby World Champions, are a testament of the unifying influence of Rugby. During the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the entire African continent united in support of South Africa on the global stage, highlighting a collective passion to celebrate and develop talent emerging from the continent itself. Whether on the field or pitch, the power of sports is visible. It fuels economic development through the flourishing sports tourism industry. It empowers youth by instilling positive values. It champions gender equality, breaking down barriers and eradicating stigma. It fosters social inclusion, promoting tolerance and easing tensions in divisive environments.

The African Development Bank reports that Africa will remain the world youngest region, with a median age of 25. An investment in the youth is crucial for the sustainability of Africa, as a prosperous Africa paves the way to peace. Within the realm of sports, Rugby emerges as unique pathway to empower the youth. Anchored in values of teamwork, unity, integrity, passion, solidarity and discipline, Rugby serves as cornerstones for personal and professional development with enduring impact. Ultimately, early exposure to sports will prepare the youth of Africa to become leaders and ambassadors of positive change in their communities. It is our duty to equip the next generation to not only navigate the challenges of uncertainty and competitiveness but to thrive amidst them, fostering a brighter future for Africa and inspire generations to come.

In a society marked by divisions, sport cultivates an inclusive landscape. The passion for the games takes priority, differences are not seen as obstacles, but rather as opportunities for greatness. Rugby’s embrace of diversity, turning differences into strengths has the powerful impact of breaking down the societal norms that women are often subjected to. For example, the South African women’s national rugby team, where players exhibit a remarkable 33 cm height differential from the shortest to the tallest player, and a significant 61 kg weight gap separates the lightest from the heaviest members. When compared to the realm of football, the contrast becomes even starker. The South African women’s national football team boasts a considerably more consistent size and shape among its players, with a mere 12 cm height range and a modest 27 kg weight variance. This inclusivity cultivates a sense of unity and belonging that transcends borders and celebrates the diversity of humans, nurturing a sense of self-worth, fostering long term empowerment, while creating lifelong friendships.

Beyond social impact, sport can function as a powerful catalyst for economic growth and international dialogue. Through strategic investments in sports infrastructure and competition frameworks, we forge the way for economic opportunities, generating employment and awakening local economies in host nations. Sports tourism emerges as a magnet, drawing travellers from around the globe with the economic purchasing power to experience Africa’s diverse and rich cultural heritage. It acts as a unifying force, fostering connections among people of different backgrounds and nationalities. As enthusiasm for sports grows, it not only attracts local spectators but ultimately attracting attention on regional and national stages. This shared love for sports becomes a platform for cultural exchange, promoting understanding and appreciation for diverse perspectives. In this way, sport serves as more than entertainment; it is bridge that connects people and creates ties to the community, fostering unity and collaboration.

Aligning with the pursuit of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, Africa has the opportunity to tap into the transformative power of sports, acting as a key to unlock the full potential of the continent. This can only be achieved if governments take local action and assume accountability to harness the full potential of Rugby in reducing inequality, empowering the next generation and igniting a new age of inclusivity. We must collectively drive change, recognizing that investing in Africa’s future is our shared responsibility. This calls for collaboration among all stakeholders, with a long-term commitment to funding, policy development, infrastructure enhancement and the advancement of competition structures. On this International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, let us not only embrace the power of sports to reshape our societies but let us actively engage on unleashing it. Sport possesses the remarkable ability to positively impact our world, a source of hope, uniting people in ways that few other forces can achieve.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.

Media contact:
Nicole Vervelde
Communications Advisor to the President of Rugby Africa
rugby@apo-opa.com

About Rugby Africa:
Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) is the governing body of rugby in Africa and one of the regional associations under World Rugby. It unites all African countries that play rugby union, rugby sevens, and women’s rugby. Rugby Africa organizes various competitions, including the qualifying tournaments for the Rugby World Cup and the Africa Sevens, a qualifying competition for the Olympic Games. With 39 member unions, Rugby Africa is dedicated to promoting and developing rugby across the continent. World Rugby highlighted Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia as three of the six emerging nations experiencing strong growth in rugby.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has managed to bring desperately needed food and nutrition supplies into Darfur, the first WFP assistance to reach the war-wracked region in months. Yet, the UN food agency warns that unless the people of Sudan receive a constant flow of aid via all possible humanitarian corridors – from neighbouring countries and across battle lines – the country’s hunger catastrophe will only worsen.

Two convoys crossed the border from Chad into Darfur in late March, carrying food and nutrition assistance for around 250,000 people facing acute hunger in North, West and Central Darfur. These are the first cross-border convoys of WFP assistance to reach Darfur following lengthy negotiations to reopen these routes after the authorities in Port Sudan revoked permissions for humanitarian corridors from Chad in February.

The temporary halt of the humanitarian corridor from Chad as well as ongoing fighting, lengthy clearance processes for humanitarian cargo, bureaucratic impediments, and security threats have made it impossible for humanitarians to operate at the scale needed to meet the hunger needs in Sudan.  

“We need aid to be consistently reaching war-ravaged communities through every possible route. Hunger in Sudan will only increase as the lean season starts in just a few weeks. I fear that we will see unprecedented levels of starvation and malnutrition sweep across Sudan this lean season,” said WFP Representative and Country Director in Sudan, Eddie Rowe.  

Last week, 37 trucks carrying 1,300 metric tons of supplies crossed into West Darfur from Adre in Chad and food distributions are underway in West and Central Darfur. But WFP has no clarity as to when the next aid convoy can travel via this route, which is vital if the humanitarian community stands a chance of preventing widespread starvation in West Darfur. Last year, WFP supported 1 million people in West and Central Darfur with food transported via Chad’s Adre crossing.

Another 16 trucks with around 580 metric tons of supplies entered North Darfur from Chad’s Tina border crossing on 23rd March, while six trucks with 260 metric tons of food reached the area from Port Sudan a few days later – the first aid delivery to be transported across conflict lines in six months. Yet, fierce fighting, lack of security, and lengthy clearances by the warring parties, have led to delays in the distribution of this assistance to people in need.  

“WFP and our partners urgently need security guarantees so supplies in North Darfur can be distributed to people who are struggling to find even one basic meal a day. Cross-border operations from Chad to Darfur are critical to reach communities where children are already dying of malnutrition. All corridors to transport food must remain open, particularly the one from Adre in Chad to West Darfur where levels of hunger are alarming,” said Rowe.

Sudan’s war is driving hunger to record levels, with 18 million people across the country facing acute hunger. In Darfur, 1.7 million people are in emergency levels of hunger (IPC4).

Last month, WFP’s Executive Director Cindy McCain warned that the war in Sudan risks triggering the world’s worst hunger crisis unless families in Sudan and those who have fled to South Sudan and Chad receive desperately needed food assistance. This requires unfettered access, faster clearance processes, and funds to deliver a humanitarian response that meets the huge needs of civilians impacted by Sudan’s devastating war.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).