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Category: Africa

  • Presidential spokesman calls for global reassessment of Somalia, recognition of Somaliland

    Presidential spokesman calls for global reassessment of Somalia, recognition of Somaliland

    HARGEISA, Somaliland (NPA) — The Republic of Somaliland has urged the international community to reconsider its approach to Somalia, citing deepening political instability, contested legitimacy, and growing authoritarian tendencies in Mogadishu.

    In a statement issued by Hussein Deyr, Official Spokesman to the President of Somaliland, he warned that Somalia’s crisis has entered a dangerous phase marked by intimidation, institutional collapse, and expanding foreign influence. He accused Turkey of acting as a “new colonial power” in Somalia, exploiting the fragile state for strategic and economic interests.

    Deyr called on the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union to impose targeted sanctions, travel restrictions, and asset freezes on Somali leaders, while reassessing existing security frameworks and partnerships. He also urged renewed United Nations-led international stewardship, recalling the transitional trusteeship period of the 1950s as a model for stabilising Somalia.

    At the same time, Somaliland pressed for international recognition of its sovereignty, describing itself as a peaceful, democratic, and stable nation whose recognition would bolster regional stability and accountability in the Horn of Africa. “Enough. Face reality and cut the cord,” the statement declared, insisting that Somaliland should not remain trapped in Somalia’s cycle of instability.

    The spokesman further noted that Somalia’s president had refused to step down despite the expiration of his term on 15 May 2026, accusing Mogadishu’s leadership of perpetuating corruption, dependency, and permanent instability. He argued that billions of dollars in international aid had failed to deliver tangible progress, instead fueling further divisions and repeated extensions of power.

    Deyr criticised Western partners for being “played” by Somalia’s political elite, while Turkey remained silent and consolidated its influence through President Hassan Sheikh. He insisted that Somaliland’s recognition would provide a credible alternative, strengthening democratic governance and long-term security in the region.

    The statement concluded with a call for a new international policy approach that acknowledges Somalia’s failures while embracing Somaliland’s stability and democratic credentials.

    Somaliland’s push for recognition carries major geopolitical consequences in the Horn of Africa, reshaping power dynamics among Turkey, Israel, the Gulf states, and Western partners. Analysts warn that recognition could stabilise Somaliland but intensify Somalia’s fragility, while also altering maritime security in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

    Israel formally recognised Somaliland as an independent state on 26 December 2025, becoming the first UN member country to do so. This landmark decision has added weight to Somaliland’s calls for wider international recognition and reshaped debates on Somalia’s political crisis.

  • EBOLA ALERT: Africa CDC activates emergency response as DRC outbreak claims 65 lives

    EBOLA ALERT: Africa CDC activates emergency response as DRC outbreak claims 65 lives

    ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (NPA) — The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has activated emergency response measures following the confirmation of an Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in Ituri Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

    The agency said it was working closely with the DRC Ministry of Health, Uganda, South Sudan and other global partners to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread across the region.

    Africa CDC disclosed that it convened an urgent high-level meeting on Thursday to strengthen cross-border surveillance, preparedness and emergency response coordination.

    According to preliminary laboratory findings released by the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB) in Kinshasa, 13 of 20 samples tested were positive for the Ebola virus.

    The outbreak has so far resulted in 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths, mainly recorded in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones.

    Health authorities also confirmed four deaths among laboratory-confirmed Ebola cases.

    The agency added that additional suspected cases had been identified in Bunia, with laboratory confirmation still pending.

    Ebola Virus Disease is a severe and often fatal illness transmitted through direct contact with the blood, body fluids or tissues of infected persons or animals. Common symptoms include fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in severe cases, internal and external bleeding.

    Health experts advise the public to avoid physical contact with infected persons, maintain proper hand hygiene, avoid handling dead bodies without protective equipment and promptly report suspected symptoms to health authorities for early treatment and containment.

    Africa CDC said it continued to support national authorities and partners in enhancing coordination, risk communication, case management and regional preparedness efforts.

    The public health body reaffirmed its commitment to working with affected countries and international partners to contain the outbreak and reduce the risk of wider transmission across the region.

  • AU-UN Conference: Guterres urges reforms, climate action, and stronger partnership with Africa

    AU-UN Conference: Guterres urges reforms, climate action, and stronger partnership with Africa

    ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (NPA) — UN Secretary-General António Guterres calls for stronger AU-UN partnership, financial reforms, and climate action at 10th AU-UN Conference

    The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has reaffirmed the strength of the African Union–United Nations partnership, describing the AU as “the flagship for multilateralism in Africa” and “a collective voice of justice for the developing world.” Speaking at his final AU-UN Conference in Addis Ababa on 13 May 2026, Guterres outlined progress and future priorities across four key areas: partnership, sustainable development financing, climate change, and peace.

    Guterres announced the signing of a new declaration with AU Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, aimed at institutionalising coordination mechanisms and reinforcing frameworks on peace, security, sustainable development, and human rights. He emphasized Africa’s imprint in the Pact for the Future (2024), which called for reforms to the UN Security Council to redress Africa’s exclusion from permanent representation — a “historical injustice” he said must be corrected.

    On financing, Guterres highlighted Africa’s vast potential — from the African Continental Free Trade Area to its young population and green energy sector — but warned that progress on Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda is lagging due to debt burdens and inequitable borrowing costs. He urged reforms to the global financial architecture, citing the Sevilla Commitment and supporting initiatives such as the African Credit Rating Agency and the creation of a New African Financial Architecture for Development.

    Turning to climate change, Guterres warned that a temporary overshoot of the 1.5°C limit is inevitable but reversible. He stressed Africa’s potential to lead the renewable energy revolution, noting that by 2040 the continent could generate ten times its electricity needs entirely from renewables. Yet Africa currently receives only two per cent of global clean energy investment. He called for tripling adaptation finance, scaling up contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund, and supporting African countries in diversifying economies through local manufacturing and processing of critical minerals.

    On peace and security, Guterres reiterated support for the AU’s Silencing the Guns initiative and welcomed the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2719, which provides predictable funding for AU-led peace operations. He expressed disappointment that the resolution was not applied in Somalia, where it is most needed. He also addressed conflicts in Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Sahel, and Libya, urging ceasefires, dialogue, and AU-led mediation.

    Responding to questions, Guterres condemned foreign interference in African conflicts, particularly the supply of weapons and drones, calling it “intolerable.” He stressed the urgency of reforms to international institutions, noting that Africa’s underrepresentation undermines legitimacy and effectiveness.

    Concluding, Guterres described Africa as “a continent of immense richness and promise,” pledging continued solidarity and support for African-led solutions to global challenges.

  • Ramaphosa secures ANC backing amid renewed ‘Farmgate’ impeachment push

    Ramaphosa secures ANC backing amid renewed ‘Farmgate’ impeachment push

    JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (NPA) — South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has reportedly secured the backing of the African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee amid renewed impeachment proceedings linked to the controversial “Farmgate” scandal.

    According to South Africa’s public broadcaster, SABC, the ANC’s top decision-making body endorsed Ramaphosa during a meeting held on Wednesday, providing the president with political support as pressure mounts over the revived impeachment process.

    The ANC had yet to officially confirm the development as of Thursday, while a party spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comments on the report.

    The renewed controversy follows a recent Constitutional Court ruling which revived impeachment proceedings against Ramaphosa over allegations connected to the theft of large sums of foreign currency hidden at his private Phala Phala ranch.

    Ramaphosa, who has served as South Africa’s president since 2018, has consistently denied wrongdoing in the matter.

    The scandal, popularly referred to as “Farmgate,” emerged after reports that about 580,000 dollars in cash allegedly hidden inside furniture at the president’s farm was stolen in 2020.

    The incident triggered public debate over the source of the money, whether it was properly declared, and why such funds were allegedly kept at the property instead of being deposited in a financial institution.

    Reacting earlier this week to the Constitutional Court decision, Ramaphosa said he respected the ruling and would defend himself through lawful means.

    The ANC had initially blocked impeachment efforts against the president in 2022, but the Constitutional Court last week ruled that Parliament must establish an impeachment committee to conduct further investigations into the allegations.

    On Wednesday, the Speaker of the National Assembly announced that the impeachment committee would consist of 31 members drawn from the 16 political parties represented in the lower chamber of parliament.

    Under the arrangement, the ANC will control the largest representation on the committee with nine members, while its coalition partner, the Democratic Alliance (DA), will hold five seats.

    Political analysts, however, say Ramaphosa is likely to survive any impeachment vote should the process advance to the floor of parliament.

    An impeachment would require the support of a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, a threshold considered difficult to achieve given the ANC’s strong parliamentary presence.

    The ANC currently controls roughly 40 per cent of seats in the lower house, positioning the ruling party as a decisive factor in determining the outcome of the proceedings.

    The party has postponed its planned media briefing on the outcome of the National Executive Committee meeting from Thursday to Friday.

    The Farmgate controversy remains one of the most politically sensitive issues confronting Ramaphosa’s administration as the president continues to face scrutiny from opposition parties and anti-corruption groups.

  • Body of second missing US soldier recovered in Morocco

    Body of second missing US soldier recovered in Morocco

    RABBAT, Morocco (NPA) — The body of a second U.S. service member declared missing during the African Lion 2026 exercise has been recovered in Morocco, officials confirmed on Wednesday.

    According to a joint statement by the U.S. Army and Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces, search and rescue teams retrieved the remains of Specialist Mariyah Symone Collington, 19, an air and missile defense crew member, from a coastal cave roughly 500 meters from where she and another soldier went missing near Cap Draa, Tan Tan.

    Collington’s recovery follows the earlier discovery of 1st Lieutenant Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., whose body was found on May 9. Both soldiers disappeared on May 2 during a training exercise near a cliff at the Cap Draa Training Area.

    The multinational exercise, which brought together U.S., Moroccan, and partner forces, immediately launched coordinated search operations involving ground, air, and maritime assets. Officials said the mission remains active as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

    United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) emphasised that the soldiers were participating in a critical joint exercise designed to strengthen interoperability and regional security. The disappearance prompted an urgent response, highlighting the risks inherent in complex multinational training operations.

    The recovery of Collington’s remains marks a solemn moment for the U.S. military and its allies, underscoring the sacrifices made in pursuit of readiness and cooperation.

  • Tinubu, Kagame deepen Nigeria–Rwanda cooperation, push AfCFTA agenda

    Tinubu, Kagame deepen Nigeria–Rwanda cooperation, push AfCFTA agenda

    KIGALI, Rwanda (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations and deepen economic cooperation between their countries, with renewed focus on trade, regional integration and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

    The agreement was reached during a bilateral meeting at the Urugwiro Presidential Village in Kigali shortly after Tinubu arrived in Rwanda for the Africa CEO Forum.

    According to a statement issued by the State House, both leaders resolved to reactivate mechanisms aimed at advancing Nigeria–Rwanda cooperation, particularly through the Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission (JPMC) established in 2021.

    The two presidents agreed that Nigeria would host the next meeting of the commission as part of efforts to accelerate cooperation across strategic sectors.

    Tinubu, who arrived in Kigali from Nairobi after participating in the Africa Forward Summit co-hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron, said African nations must embrace stronger economic partnerships driven by trade, investment and innovation.

    “I arrived in Kigali this afternoon from Nairobi, where we joined other African leaders at the Africa Forward Summit co-hosted by President Ruto and President Macron to advance a new model of partnership built on trade, investment, innovation, infrastructure, and shared prosperity,” Tinubu stated.

    The Nigerian leader thanked President Kagame for the warm reception and described their engagement as productive and forward-looking.

    “I thank my brother, President Paul Kagame, for the warm reception upon my arrival in Kigali and for our productive bilateral engagement at the Urugwiro Presidential Village,” he said.

    The discussions between both leaders focused significantly on expanding bilateral trade and improving logistics connectivity to support African businesses.

    Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria was in the early stages of discussions with RwandAir on a practical flat-rate cargo arrangement aimed at helping Nigerian businesses transport goods more efficiently and predictably across African markets.

    “Our discussions focused on expanding bilateral trade between our two countries. We are also in the early stages of discussions with RwandAir on a practical flat-rate arrangement that can help Nigerian businesses ship their goods more predictably across the continent,” he said.

    The initiative follows Nigeria’s earlier establishment of an air cargo corridor with Uganda Airlines as part of efforts to facilitate intra-African trade and improve export opportunities for local businesses.

    On consular relations, Tinubu said Nigeria would consider reciprocating Rwanda’s 30-day visa-free policy for Nigerians in line with the ideals of Pan-Africanism and continental integration.

    The leaders also reviewed pending Memoranda of Understanding covering tourism, anti-corruption cooperation and the fight against illicit drug trafficking.

    Both presidents reaffirmed their commitment to the AfCFTA and pledged continued collaboration to remove trade barriers, strengthen market access and expand digital trade across the continent.

    “As champions of the AfCFTA, Nigeria and Rwanda will continue to work together to deepen digital trade, strengthen market access, and remove the barriers that limit African enterprise,” Tinubu stated.

    The President further announced that Nigeria would host the AfCFTA Council of Ministers and Digital Trade Forum in June, while also preparing to host the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) and Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) events from Nov. 5 to Nov. 11, 2026, as well as another continental gathering in November 2027.

    According to Tinubu, Africa’s future depends on stronger economic cooperation among African countries rather than dependence on external markets.

    “From the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi to the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, my message remains the same. Africa’s future will not be built by speeches alone. It will be built by trade, investment, innovation, and the courage to trust one another’s markets,” he said.

    “This is the path to shared and sustainable prosperity for our people and the continent.”

  • Mahama commissions PET scan facility, unveils new healthcare and education initiatives

    Mahama commissions PET scan facility, unveils new healthcare and education initiatives

    ACCRA, Ghana (NPA) — President John Dramani Mahama today commissioned a state‑of‑the‑art PET Scan facility at the Swedish Ghana Medical Centre in Accra, describing it as a major milestone in Ghana’s journey toward world‑class healthcare delivery and medical sovereignty.

    President Mahama emphasised that the advanced diagnostic centre will significantly strengthen early cancer detection, improve treatment outcomes, and reduce the need for Ghanaians to travel abroad for specialist medical care. He noted that the facility positions Ghana as a future medical hub for the West African sub‑region, enhancing both national capacity and regional leadership in healthcare innovation.

    According to a statement issued by the Presidency, the President also announced major interventions in healthcare, education, and housing. These include new regional hospitals, additional CAT labs, teacher housing projects, and the $300 million STARR‑J initiative, which aims to end the double‑track system by 2027.

    He stressed that these investments reflect Ghana’s broader vision of inclusive development, where quality healthcare, teacher welfare, and education remain central pillars of the national agenda.

    President Mahama commended the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) and the management of the Swedish Ghana Medical Centre for their visionary investment, underscoring that partnerships between government and private institutions are vital to achieving sustainable progress.

    He reiterated that Ghana’s development strategy is anchored on strengthening human capital, expanding access to modern medical technologies, and ensuring equitable opportunities in education and housing.

  • Leaders endorse Africa–France cooperation, development agenda

    Leaders endorse Africa–France cooperation, development agenda

    NAIROBI, Kenya (NPA) — The landmark two‑day Africa–France Summit concluded in Nairobi with African leaders and the French government adopting the Nairobi Declaration, a framework to deepen cooperation across peace, security, industrialisation, digital transformation, climate action, healthcare, agriculture, and sustainable economic growth. The declaration reflects a shared commitment to inclusive development and long‑term prosperity.

    The Africa Forward Summit, co‑hosted by Presidents William Ruto of Kenya and Emmanuel Macron of France, provided a platform to advance Africa’s global partnerships through investment, innovation, and sustainable development. President Macron pledged that France and Europe would continue supporting Africa’s aspirations for peace and prosperity. “Today, we have an agenda aimed at addressing Africa’s contemporary challenges. Together with Kenya, we will champion this agenda throughout the year at the United Nations and during the Evian G7,” Macron said.

    Delegates agreed to strengthen cooperation against emerging and transnational threats, including terrorism, organised crime, cyber insecurity, arms trafficking, migrant smuggling, illicit financial flows, and drug trafficking. They underscored the importance of coordinated responses to safeguard regional stability and reinforce Africa’s collective security framework. The declaration also called for stronger institutional capacity to address conflicts in the Horn of Africa, the Great Lakes Region, and the Sahel through inclusive dialogue, counter‑terrorism cooperation, and regional stabilisation efforts.

    Leaders highlighted the link between security and inclusive economic growth, youth empowerment, education, climate resilience, and diaspora engagement. UN Secretary‑General António Guterres urged for a more inclusive global order that reflects Africa’s demographic and strategic significance, noting that the continent, home to over 1.5 billion people, still lacks a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

    Agriculture featured prominently, with commitments to promote sustainable and resilient food systems, agro‑industrialization, and integrated value chains under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Leaders pledged investments in nutrition, climate‑smart practices, and agricultural research, while supporting youth, women, and smallholder farmers through access to finance, land tenure reforms, and digital tools. The Africa Fertiliser and Soil Health Action Plan 2024–2034 was endorsed to boost productivity through innovation and public‑private investment.

    Healthcare was another priority, with leaders committing to advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and resilient, people‑centred health systems. The declaration emphasised equitable access, reduced financial hardship, and regional production of vaccines, medicines, and diagnostics. Harmonised regulatory frameworks will ensure quality and safety while supporting innovation within African institutions.

    On industrialisation and energy, leaders pledged to promote green industrialisation through renewable energy, low‑carbon systems, and flagship clean energy projects such as hydropower, geothermal, waste‑to‑energy, and nuclear. They affirmed that access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy is essential for Africa’s long‑term development. The summit also recognised the Blue Economy as a frontier for growth, employment, and sustainability, committing to maritime sovereignty and climate resilience.

    Digital transformation was highlighted as a driver of competitiveness, with commitments to harness Artificial Intelligence responsibly, expand broadband connectivity, and build resilient digital infrastructure. Leaders pledged to close digital divides while advancing skills development, research collaboration, and innovation ecosystems.

    On global finance, leaders called for reforms to the international financial system, including changes at the IMF to improve representation for African states and safeguard concessional financing for the poorest nations. They reaffirmed the importance of investing in people, skills, and innovation, recognising Africa’s youth as a strategic asset for long‑term transformation.

    African Union Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf concluded by urging sustained unity and cooperation. “Africa is on a trajectory to become a future powerhouse of global growth. The contemporary situation demands strengthened multilateral cooperation and collective momentum,” he said.

  • AU, UN reaffirm commitment to peace, development at 10th annual conference

    AU, UN reaffirm commitment to peace, development at 10th annual conference

    ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (NPA) — The African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on peace, security, human rights and sustainable development across Africa amid rising global and continental challenges.

    This formed part of the resolutions reached at the 10th African Union–United Nations Annual Conference held on Tuesday at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

    The conference was convened by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres.

    In a joint communiqué issued after the meeting, both leaders described the AU–UN partnership as a strategic pillar for advancing peace, security, sustainable development, Agenda 2063 and the UN 2030 Agenda.

    They expressed concern over increasing armed conflicts, humanitarian crises, poverty, climate change and disregard for international law across different parts of the world and Africa.

    The AU and UN reviewed progress in implementing three major cooperation frameworks covering peace and security, sustainable development and human rights.

    They welcomed improvements in institutional cooperation and coordination through mechanisms such as the High-Level Strategic Dialogue and the College-to-College platform.

    The two organisations also welcomed the adoption of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 79/329, describing it as a step toward strengthening Africa’s role within the UN system.

    On peace and security, both sides underscored the importance of political solutions to conflicts and called for predictable and sustainable financing for AU-led peace support operations.

    They discussed security challenges in the Great Lakes region, the Horn of Africa and the Sahel, while reaffirming support for sovereignty, territorial integrity and peaceful dialogue among African states.

    Regarding the crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the AU and UN called for an urgent and lasting ceasefire through mediation efforts led by the African Union and other international partners.

    The leaders agreed to strengthen support for ongoing mediation initiatives led by Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé as well as the Doha and Washington peace processes.

    On Sudan, the organisations welcomed recent appeals by Sudanese civilian groups for de-escalation and an end to the conflict.

    They urged parties involved in the crisis to prioritise the interests of the Sudanese people and commit to inclusive dialogue aimed at achieving a political solution.

    The AU and UN also pledged closer coordination under the Quintet framework to prevent the conflict from spreading across the region.

    In the Horn of Africa, both organisations called for full implementation of the Pretoria Agreement and expressed concern over rising interstate tensions within the region.

    On the Sahel, the AU and UN reiterated the need for a comprehensive strategy to combat violent extremism and terrorism.

    They condemned the deadly terrorist attacks carried out in Mali on April 25, 2026, and expressed condolences to victims and affected communities.

    The leaders further expressed concern over the impact of the ongoing Middle East conflict on African economies, including disruptions to energy supply, food security, trade and inflation.

    They agreed to raise the issue in global forums such as the G20 and G7.

    On sustainable development, the AU and UN welcomed progress achieved through joint programmes aimed at implementing Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    They highlighted the establishment of a joint roadmap and digital dashboard designed to monitor implementation and track development progress across Africa.

    The communiqué also called for reforms of the global financial system to better reflect the needs of developing countries, especially African nations facing debt burdens and financing gaps.

    The two organisations stressed the importance of infrastructure development, energy transition, digital transformation, youth employment, women’s economic empowerment and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in driving inclusive growth.

    On human rights, the AU and UN reaffirmed the role of human rights in conflict prevention and sustainable peacebuilding.

    They welcomed the adoption of the AU Convention on Ending Violence against Women and Girls and called for stronger accountability and compliance mechanisms in AU peace support operations.

    The organisations also pledged stronger collaboration on migration governance, healthcare, humanitarian response and the fight against illicit drug trafficking across the continent.

    The conference concluded with the signing of a declaration reaffirming the AU–UN strategic partnership frameworks and commitment to joint implementation across all areas of cooperation.

    The AU Commission Chairperson also paid tribute to Guterres ahead of the conclusion of his tenure as UN Secretary-General, praising his support for Africa, multilateralism and global governance reforms.

    Both leaders agreed that the 11th AU–UN Annual Conference would be held in New York in 2027.

  • Women raise alarm over rising gender-based violence cases in Mombasa

    Women raise alarm over rising gender-based violence cases in Mombasa

    MOMBASA, Kenya (NPA) — Women leaders in Mombasa have called for urgent government intervention over what they described as a disturbing rise in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases across the coastal city.

    The leaders warned that the growing crisis is silently destroying families and communities, while urging the government, security agencies, schools, religious institutions and community leaders to intensify efforts against all forms of abuse.

    They stressed that the response to GBV must match the scale of the challenge, particularly as cases involving women, children and vulnerable groups continue to rise.

    Advocate Fatma Bakari Barayan, who handles GBV-related cases in the region, disclosed that reported incidents had increased by 45 per cent since 2022.

    According to her, the violence cuts across gender, age and social class, affecting women, men and children alike.

    “GBV is not only about sexual harassment or sexual assault, but it extends to economic violence and emotional abuse,” Barayan said.

    “Children are being abused by the very parents meant to protect them. This is happening in our homes and in our neighbourhoods, and most of it goes unreported,” she added.

    Barayan cited Articles 27, 28 and 29 of the Kenyan Constitution, noting that citizens are guaranteed the rights to human dignity, freedom from discrimination and protection from cruel treatment.

    She, however, lamented that many vulnerable communities remain unaware of these constitutional protections.

    To address the gap, Barayan announced the launch of free legal clinics in Mombasa to provide residents with access to legal advice and justice without financial barriers.

    “Winning a case in court is not the end. What comes next for the victim? We must think about mental health counselling, economic empowerment, and long-term rehabilitation,” she said.

    Another activist, Sabrina Kanini, said Mombasa was facing social problems that were previously uncommon, including cases involving parental abuse and allegations of abuse linked to some religious institutions.

    Kanini also called for stricter controls on access to pornographic content online, arguing that unrestricted exposure among young people was contributing to sexual violence and behavioural concerns.

    She urged parents to monitor their children’s phone usage more closely, while encouraging teachers to discreetly alert parents when they notice concerning behavioural changes among pupils.

    Meanwhile, Zaina Baraka from Kisauni referenced the unresolved case involving Josephine, a woman who allegedly died following abuse by her intimate partner.

    She appealed to women in abusive relationships to prioritise their safety and leave violent homes before situations become fatal.

    “Do not wait until you end up in a mortuary; put your life first and move out of any abusive marriage,” she said.