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    South Africa’s Anti-Corruption Groups Call for Better Protection of Whistleblowers as Killings bear the hallmarks of professional hits.

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    South Africa-news-2023-04-29T07:40:47.000Z
    South Africa's Anti-Corruption Groups Call for Better Protection of Whistleblowers as Killings Reign Fearful: African Boulevard News.
    Read Time:1 Minute, 49 Second

    Pretoria, South Africa- (African Boulevard News) – Anti-corruption groups in South Africa are calling for better protection of whistleblowers following a recent spate of killings that bear the hallmarks of professional hits. The murders serve as a chilling reminder of the risks that those who expose corruption face.

    Reign of Terror Against Whistleblowers

    The most recent was that of the specialist accountant, who was working on Africa’s biggest-ever railway deal. He was shot and killed shortly after exposing the involvement of a politically connected company in the project. This comes after the murder of another whistleblower, who was investigating a South African police unit’s links to organized crime.

    According to the Corruption Watch, a Johannesburg-based watchdog, South Africa has experienced a “reign of terror” against whistleblowers. The organization has reported an increase in the number of threats, intimidation, and violence against people who speak up about corruption.

    Whistleblowers Need Protection

    Whistleblowers’ legal status in South Africa was improved in 2017 when parliament passed the Protected Disclosures Amendment Bill. The bill intends to protect whistleblowers from victimization and to encourage the reporting of wrongdoing. However, corruption watchdogs claim that this is not enough, and more needs to be done to protect people who come forward. They want the South African government to ensure that whistleblowers are more adequately shielded from reprisals, and for improved legislation to guarantee their safety.

    Corruption a Widespread Problem in South Africa

    South Africa has long been plagued by corruption at all levels and in all sectors. This has resulted in a culture of impunity, in which corrupt officials are rarely held accountable for their actions. One of the most high-profile cases is that of former President Jacob Zuma, who is currently in jail for contempt of court after he refused to testify to an anti-corruption commission.

    Conclusion

    The recent wave of killings of whistleblowers has sent shockwaves through South African society. It highlights the urgent need for better protection of those who expose corruption. Until the South African government takes decisive action to address the issue and ensure that whistleblowers are protected, the scourge of corruption will continue to flourish in the country.

    Sudan: US Evacuates Citizens Amid Escalating Violence and Unrest in Khartoum

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    Khartoum, Sudan – (African Boulevard News) – The United States has successfully evacuated private citizens from Sudan for the first time since the outbreak of violence in the capital. The evacuation came amid widespread demonstrations and violence in the streets of Khartoum, which began after opposing military factions started clashing this year, long after the overthrow of Al-Bashir

    According to officials, 200 to 300 American citizens and permanent residents were evacuated from Sudan via a bus convoy that traveled 500 miles to reach the Red Sea via Port Sudan. The operation was conducted by the US Department of State, and it was carried out smoothly without any significant issues.

    The decision to evacuate private US citizens from Sudan was taken as a result of the deteriorating security situation in Khartoum. The violence that has been ongoing since the fight began weeks ago, has been escalating.

    The US Embassy in Sudan had earlier issued a warning for its citizens to leave the country due to the deteriorating security situation. The embassy also advised Americans to only travel to Sudan if it is necessary, and to take precautions when doing so.

    The successful evacuation of private US citizens from Sudan is a significant development, as it shows that the US government is taking the situation in Sudan seriously. It also sends a message to other US citizens who may still be in the country that the US government is concerned about their safety and is taking steps to protect them.

    The evacuation has been welcomed by many US citizens who had been stranded in Sudan, who say that they are relieved to be out of harm’s way. A spokesperson for the US Department of State said that the evacuation was a “testament to the hard work and dedication” of embassy staff in Sudan.

    In conclusion, the successful evacuation of private US citizens from Sudan is a significant step towards ensuring the safety of US citizens in the country. It is hoped that the situation in Sudan will improve soon so that citizens of all countries can go about their daily lives without fear of violence.

    Cameroon’s Singers Embark on Caravan for Peace to End Anglophone Crisis – An Electrifying and Impactful Initiative by Charlotte Dipanda and Others.

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    Cameroon-news-
    Cameroon's Singers Embark on Caravan for Peace to End Anglophone Crisis - An Electrifying and Impactful Initiative by Charlotte Dipanda and Others.
    Read Time:2 Minute, 40 Second

    Yaoundé, Cameroon- (African Boulevard News) – Cameroon’s vibrant music industry is not just about entertainment. It is also a voice for social change. This was evident when a group of Cameroonian singers embarked on a caravan for peace to call for an end to the killing and destruction of property in the restive Northwest and Southwest regions.

    The Caravan for Peace

    The Caravan for Peace involved a group of popular singers from Cameroon touring the country and staging performances to advocate for peace. The caravan was a five-day trip that began on January 28 in Yaoundé, the capital city, and ended on February 1 in Buea. The performances were aimed at sensitizing Cameroonians about the need for peace and an end to the ongoing conflict in the two Anglophone regions.

    The Anglophone Crisis

    Cameroon’s Anglophone crisis began in 2016 when teachers and lawyers from the two Anglophone regions protested against the imposition of the French language in their schools and courts. This led to widespread protests, which were met with a brutal crackdown by the government. In 2017, separatist groups emerged with the aim of creating an independent state called Ambazonia. The government responded with a heavy-handed military campaign, which has resulted in the displacement of more than 700,000 people and the death of thousands.

    The Performances

    The Caravan for Peace had singers such as Charlotte Dipanda, Numerica, Locko, and Ko-C perform in various locations across the country. The performances were electrifying, with the singers singing songs that called for an end to the crisis and an embrace of peace. The singers also used the performances to appeal to government officials to take the necessary steps towards ending the conflict.

    The Message

    The message of the Caravan for Peace was clear – there is a need for peace in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon. The singers appealed to Cameroonians to embrace dialogue and find a solution to the crisis. They also urged the government to listen to the concerns of the Anglophone population and address their grievances. The message was not just for Cameroonians, but for the international community as well. The singers called on the international community to support efforts towards finding a peaceful solution to the crisis.

    The Impact

    The Caravan for Peace was a success. It drew attention to the crisis in the Anglophone regions and sparked conversations about the need for peace. The performances were well-attended, and the message of the singers was well-received. The government also took notice of the caravan, with the Minister of Culture expressing his support for the initiative. The singers hope that their efforts will lead to a peaceful resolution of the crisis and an end to the suffering of the people in the Anglophone regions.

    In conclusion, the Caravan for Peace was an inspiring initiative that showcased the power of music as a tool for social change. The singers involved in the caravan demonstrated their commitment to peace and their desire for an end to the crisis in the Anglophone regions. It is now up to the government and the international community to listen to their message and take the necessary steps towards finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

    Maroc : Mohamed El Morabity dédie sa septième victoire au Marathon des Sables à son frère aîné et bat le record.

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    Rabat, Maroc – (African Boulevard News) – Le Marathon des Sables 2023, considéré comme la course à pied la plus difficile au monde, s’est achevé sur la victoire du Marocain Mohamed El Morabity. Il s’agit de la septième victoire d’El Morabity dans la compétition, battant le record détenu auparavant par son frère aîné, Rachid El Morabity.

    La 28e édition du Marathon des Sables s’est déroulée dans le désert du Sahara, où plus de 800 ultramarathoniens venus du monde entier se sont affrontés pendant six jours, parcourant plus de 250 km de dunes de sable, de terrains rocailleux et de chaleur impitoyable.

    La victoire d’El Morabity n’a pas été facile, car il a dû faire face à une concurrence acharnée de la part du double champion Abdelkader El Mouaziz, du Maroc, et du Péruvien Remigio Huaman, qui ont terminé respectivement à la deuxième et à la troisième place.

    Dans une déclaration pleine d’émotion, El Morabity, 34 ans, a dédié sa victoire à son frère Rachid, qu’il a devancé de peu sur la ligne d’arrivée dans la dernière étape de la course. “Je suis tellement triste pour mon frère, il aurait dû gagner mais c’est comme ça, l’année prochaine inshallah”, a-t-il déclaré.

    Le Marathon des Sables, également connu sous le nom de Marathon du Sahara, a été organisé pour la première fois en 1986 et est devenu depuis l’un des plus prestigieux ultramarathons au monde. Cette course éprouvante met à l’épreuve l’endurance, la résistance et la force mentale des athlètes, qui doivent porter leur propre nourriture, leur eau et leur équipement tout au long de la course.

    L’événement est également devenu une attraction touristique majeure pour le désert du Sahara, avec plus de 10 000 personnes visitant la région chaque année pour assister au spectacle de la course.

    Commentant la victoire d’El Morabity, Patrick Bauer, directeur de l’événement, a déclaré : “Mohamed est un athlète incroyable et un vainqueur méritant de la course de cette année. Le Marathon des Sables est un véritable test d’endurance humaine et de persévérance, et Mohamed incarne vraiment ces qualités.

    La victoire d’El Morabity devrait inspirer une nouvelle génération d’ultramarathoniens marocains, qui sont déjà considérés comme l’avenir de ce sport.

    En conclusion, la victoire d’El Morabity au Marathon des Sables 2023 témoigne de son incroyable talent, de son travail acharné et de son dévouement au sport. Il est entré dans l’histoire en battant le record de son frère et est devenu l’un des plus grands ultramarathoniens de tous les temps. La compétition elle-même est un incroyable exploit de force humaine et d’endurance, et elle continuera à inspirer les athlètes et les spectateurs pendant des années.

    Morocco: Mohamed El Morabity Dedicates Seventh Marathon des Sables Win to Older Brother, Breaks Record

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    Rabat, Morocco – (African Boulevard News) – The 2023 Marathon des Sables, which is considered the toughest foot race on earth, has come to an end with Mohamed El Morabity of Morocco emerging as the winner. This marks El Morabity’s seventh victory in the competition, breaking the record previously held by his older brother, Rachid El Morabity.

    The 28th edition of the Marathon des Sables took place in the Sahara Desert, where over 800 ultra-marathoners from across the world battled it out for six days, covering over 250km of sand dunes, rocky terrain, and unforgiving heat.

    El Morabity’s win was not an easy feat, as he faced stiff competition from two-time champion Abdelkader El Mouaziz of Morocco, and Peru’s Remigio Huaman, who came in second and third place, respectively.

    In an emotional statement, the 34-year-old El Morabity dedicated his win to his brother Rachid, who he narrowly beat to the finish line in the final stage of the race. “I’m so sad for my brother, he should have won but that’s how it is, next year inshallah,” he said.

    The Marathon des Sables, also known as the Sahara Marathon, was first held in 1986 and has since grown to become one of the most prestigious ultra-marathons in the world. The grueling race tests athletes’ endurance, stamina, and mental strength, requiring them to carry their own food, water, and equipment throughout the race.

    The event has also become a major tourist attraction for the Sahara Desert, with over 10,000 people visiting the area every year to witness the spectacle of the race.

    Commenting on El Morabity’s victory, event director Patrick Bauer said, “Mohamed is an incredible athlete and a deserving winner of this year’s race. The Marathon des Sables is a true test of human endurance and perseverance, and Mohamed truly embodies those qualities.”

    El Morabity’s win is expected to inspire a new generation of Moroccan ultra-marathoners, who are already being hailed as the future of the sport.

    In conclusion, El Morabity’s victory in the 2023 Marathon des Sables is a testament to his incredible talent, hard work, and dedication to the sport. He has made history by breaking his brother’s record and has become one of the greatest ultra-marathoners of all time. The competition itself is an incredible feat of human strength and endurance, and it will continue to inspire athletes and spectators alike for years to come.

    Burkina Faso: Death Toll Rises to 136 in Horrific Village Massacre

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    Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso – (African Boulevard News) – The death toll from the Karma ‘massacre’ in Burkina Faso’s Sahel region has risen to 136, according to a non-governmental organization. The group added that there are at least a dozen more casualties in other villages such as Lemnogo, Kerga, and Ramdolah.

    The attack took place on April 17 in the village of Karma where unidentified gunmen stormed the area, killing dozens of people, leaving the village in shock and despair. The death toll has steadily risen over the past week as more bodies are discovered, including those in neighboring areas.

    The humanitarian situation in the area is dire as many people flee their homes seeking safety. The group’s spokesperson condemned the attack, stating that “these attacks on innocent civilians are unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms possible”. The group has called on the government to take action to protect civilians in the region.

    Burkina Faso has been plagued by extremist violence that has left hundreds of people dead and thousands displaced over the past few years. The attack in Karma is just the latest in a series of deadly incidents in the Sahel region, which has been hit hard by jihadist attacks, ethnic clashes, and communal violence.

    The government has been struggling to contain the violence, despite the deployment of thousands of troops to the region. The security forces have been accused of carrying out extrajudicial killings, torture, and arbitrary arrests, which has worsened the situation on the ground.

    The UN has expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the region, with a senior official warning that the situation could spiral out of control if urgent action is not taken. The UN has called on the government to address the underlying causes of the conflict, including poverty, inequality, and governance issues.

    The attack on Karma highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to address the security situation in the region. The government must take concrete steps to protect civilians and address the root causes of the conflict. The international community must also support the government in its efforts to restore peace and stability in the area.

    In conclusion, the Karma ‘massacre’ in Burkina Faso is a tragic reminder of the ongoing violence and instability in the Sahel region. The government must take urgent action to protect civilians and address the root causes of the conflict. The international community must also step up its efforts to support the government’s efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.

    Mali: Protesters Demand Exit of UN Peacekeeping Force Amid Claims of Making Things Worse

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    Bamako, Mali – (African Boulevard News) – Protesters took to the streets of Mali to demand the exit of MINUSMA, the United Nations peacekeeping force. This comes as a surprise to many who thought Mali would welcome the peacekeeping force with open arms.

    [sub-heading1] Why are Malians protesting?

    The protesters believe that MINUSMA is no longer relevant and that their presence is not helping the country. As one protester said, “The presence of MINUSMA is no longer relevant today.” The protesters believe that MINUSMA came to save the country, but they are not working in complete transparency. Mali has been plagued by a long-standing conflict, and MINUSMA’s presence was meant to help bring stability to the region. However, their presence has not done much to change the situation, and the people of Mali are growing increasingly frustrated.

    [sub-heading2] Is the UN force making things worse?

    MINUSMA has been in Mali since 2013 and was initially welcomed with open arms. However, over the years, their reputation has taken a hit, and many people now believe that they are not doing enough to help the country. In recent months, there have been a series of attacks on MINUSMA, which have further exacerbated the situation. The protesters believe that MINUSMA is not only not helping the country, but they are actually making things worse.

    The situation in Mali is complex, and the UN force is not the only factor contributing to the instability in the country. However, the protesters believe that MINUSMA’s presence is not helping the situation and that it is time for them to leave. The UN force has not yet responded to the protesters’ demands, but it remains to be seen what action they will take in response.

    In conclusion, the people of Mali are demanding the exit of MINUSMA, the United Nations peacekeeping force, amid claims that their presence is not helping the country. The protesters believe that MINUSMA is no longer relevant and that their presence is making things worse. Despite their initial goodwill, the UN force’s reputation has taken a hit in recent years, and it remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved.

    Sudan: Thousands Flee Violence, Urgent Support Needed for Refugees in Chad

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    Khartoum, Sudan – (African Boulevard News) – The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) has revealed that over 20,000 people have fled violence in western Sudan and crossed into eastern Chad since late last week. WFP officials say that the situation is alarming and more support is needed to ensure that the displaced persons get food, water, and shelter.

    ” We are loading our trucks now for the 10,000, 20,000 as per UNHCR and the government’s figures, that may have crossed already the border from Sudan to Chad. It’s extremely important. We have already dispatched food for 7,000 people, but more support is needed,” said WFP country director Amer Daoudi.

    The violence began on April 23 when armed militia groups attacked several areas in the city of El Geneina, in the West Darfur region. Clashes between the Arab and non-Arab communities have continued since then, leading to the displacement of thousands of people. The majority of the displaced persons are women and children who have fled their homes with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

    According to the WFP, the displaced persons are in urgent need of food, water, shelter, and medical care. The organization has dispatched teams to the region to assess the situation and provide assistance to those in need. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is also providing support to the displaced persons.

    “We are calling on the international community to help us provide the necessary assistance to those affected by the violence. The situation is dire, and we need more support to ensure that the displaced persons get the help they need,” said Daoudi.

    Chad already hosts over 300,000 refugees from neighboring countries, including Sudan. The recent influx of displaced persons has put a strain on the country’s resources, and more support is needed to ensure that the refugees get the necessary assistance.

    The Sudanese government has condemned the violence in the region and pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice. However, the situation remains tense, and there are concerns that the violence could escalate further.

    In conclusion, the recent violence in western Sudan has led to the displacement of over 20,000 people who have fled to eastern Chad. The displaced persons are in urgent need of food, water, shelter, and medical care. The international community is being called upon to provide the necessary support to ensure that the refugees get the help they need.

    Comoros: Mayors protest against unfair French deportations of migrants causing tensions and humanitarian crisis

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    Moroni, Comoros – (African Boulevard News) – Mayors in Comoros have protested in response to what they call the French territory of Mayotte’s aggressive operation, “Wuambushu” directed towards repatriating migrants. The mayors said the operation is unfair and unjust, and called on the government of Comoros to take a stand against the forced deportations.

    Mayotte has been struggling with waves of illegal immigration from neighboring Comoros for years. Migrants from the Comoros often brave the rough seas to reach Mayotte, in the hope of a better life on the French-administered island. According to France’s interior minister, more than 4,000 people have been deported to Comoros since January.

    The operation has caused tension between Mayotte and Comoros, with the Comoran government accusing France of not doing enough to help manage the influx of migrants. Comoran officials have banned French vessels from docking at its ports and are pushing for an urgent meeting between the two countries.

    Comoran mayors also condemned the French government for turning a blind eye to the plight of migrants who are often subjected to heavy-handed tactics by the French police. In a statement, they said, “It is unfair and unjust for France to deport these migrants to Comoros without proper consideration for the safety and well-being of the individuals involved.”

    The archipelago country of Comoros, which lies off the coast of East Africa, is refusing to accept people deported from Mayotte, saying it cannot cope with the influx. The government of Comoros is calling on the international community to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis, which has left thousands of migrants stranded on Mayotte and facing deportation.

    The situation has also reignited a long-standing dispute between the two countries over the sovereignty of the Comoran island of Mayotte, which voted to remain part of France in 1974.

    The French government has defended its policy, saying it is necessary to maintain law and order on the island. However, critics argue that the operation is a human rights violation and that France should do more to address the root causes of illegal migration.

    As the situation between Mayotte and Comoros continues to escalate, it remains to be seen how the international community will respond to the humanitarian crisis affecting the migrants caught in the middle.

    Rwanda: School Feeding Program Proves Successful in Improving Education and Nutrition for Children

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    Kigali, Rwanda – (African Boulevard News) – Rwanda’s school feeding programme has been making a tremendous impact on children’s education in the country. The programme, implemented in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP), has been instrumental in improving students’ attendance, concentration and overall academic performance.

    Over the years, Rwanda has committed a significant amount of its government budget to the programme. This year, the country has allocated over 73 billion francs, an increase from the 40 million francs allocated in 2021. This commendable effort has allowed the government to provide a hot meal to over 1.5 million students in public schools across the country.

    The school feeding programme has been pivotal in addressing the issue of malnutrition among school-going children, which has been a significant challenge in the country. The programme focuses on providing healthy and nutritious meals for the students, which has helped improve their physical health and well-being. This has also led to a decrease in absenteeism rates, as students are now more likely to attend school regularly.

    The WFP has been instrumental in providing technical support to the government in implementing the programme successfully. They have provided training to the cooks, support to the local farmers to produce food for the programme and monitoring tools to ensure that the programme runs smoothly.

    According to the Minister of Education, Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, the school feeding programme has been an essential pillar in the government’s commitment to providing quality education for all. “We have seen a significant improvement in students’ attendance and academic performance since the school feeding programme was introduced,” she said.

    The government’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, with international organizations commending Rwanda for its commitment to improving education and nutrition for young children. The school feeding programme has become a model for other African countries looking to improve their education systems.

    In a statement, WFP Country Director, Edith Heines, said, “The collaboration between the Government of Rwanda and WFP in implementing the school feeding programme has been a success story. The programme has improved the quality and relevance of education for the children, especially those living in vulnerable communities.”

    In conclusion, Rwanda’s school feeding programme in partnership with the WFP has been successful in improving children’s academic performance, attendance, and nutrition. The government’s commitment to investing in education and nutrition for young children has been vital in ensuring that they have a brighter future. The programme has become a model for other African countries in improving their education and addressing malnutrition among school-going children.