INTERVIEW: Sustainable energy offers ‘hope’ in fight against desertification and land loss
Mr. Thiaw spoke to UN News ahead of the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, marked annually on 17 June Ibrahim Thiaw: Desertification is happening at the local level as much as it is global. Unless we address this…
Respiratory diseases plague Kenya as more people burn wood to save money
NAIROBI, Kenya — Piles of firewood surrounded Jane Muthoni in her kitchen made of iron sheets. The roof, walls and wooden pillars were covered in soot. As she blew on the flame for tea, the 65-year-old was engulfed in smoke….
Report: Highly potent opioids now show up in drug users in Africa
ABUJA, Nigeria — Traces of highly potent opioids known as nitazenes have for the first time been found to be consumed by people who use drugs in Africa, according to a report released Wednesday by the Global Initiative Against Transnational…
Climate change fuels tensions in Nigeria
Speaking to reporters at UN Headquarters in New York, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria Mohamed Malick Fall highlighted the worrying impact of climate change. The country is witnessing climate-related shocks which are triggering displacement and driving conflict, he…
South African authorities warn of mpox after 2 deaths
Two people have died after contracting mpox, or monkeypox, South African health authorities said Thursday. Six recent mpox cases have been confirmed in South Africa, all among men in their 30s. Officials say the two deaths are among the six…
Biden, G7 leaders focus on Ukraine, Gaza, global infrastructure, Africa
BORGO EGNAZIA, ITALY — U.S. President Joe Biden is in Apuglia, Italy, meeting with leaders of the Group of Seven wealthy democracies Thursday, aiming to address global economic security amid wars in Europe and the Middle East and U.S. rivalry…
Security Council demands end to siege of El Fasher in Sudan
The resolution, put forward by the United Kingdom, received 14 votes in favour, none against, with Russia abstaining. It expresses deep concern over the outbreak of fighting in the city, and the risk of further escalation. Averting a catastrophe The…
Kenyan group uses old ATMs to dispense free sanitary pads to students
A public-private partnership in Kenya provides female students with free sanitary napkins dispensed from converted ATMs at school. The goal is to provide pads to young women from poor families so they don’t miss school because they are menstruating. Victoria…
ICC Prosecutor appeals for evidence of Darfur atrocities
In a video posted on social media, Karim Khan urged victim groups, civil society organizations, national authorities, and international partners to engage with his Office and provide any evidence and material relating to the ongoing atrocities being inflicted on civilians….
African elephants call each other unique names, new study shows
African elephants call each other and respond to unique names, a phenomenon that is rare among wild animals, new research shows. The names can be heard in low rumbles that carry long distances across the savanna. Scientists say that naming…