Moroni, Comoros- (African Boulevard News) – The Comoros government has refused to allow a boat carrying migrants from Mayotte to dock in Anjouan. Mayotte has announced a controversial operation against illegal migrants, and the Comoros government has suspended passenger traffic at a port where deported migrants usually land.

Refusal to Allow Docking

Speaking to AFP, Comoran Interior Minister Fakridine Mahamoud said, “As long as the French side decides to do things unilaterally, we will take our decisions.” He added that none of the deported migrants “will enter a Comoran port.” The country’s maritime services company also said that the Mutsamudu port was suspending passenger traffic from Monday until Wednesday.

Operation Wuambushu

Authorities in the French overseas territory of Mayotte announced they would launch “Operation Wuambushu” to remove illegal migrants who have settled in slums on the island. The plan is for those without papers are to be sent back to the Comoran island of Anjouan, 70 kilometres away from Mayotte.

Comoros’ Warning

The Indian Ocean archipelago of Comoros had warned last week that it would not accept migrants expelled under the plan that has triggered a diplomatic spat. Intense negotiations between Moroni and Paris in recent weeks had raised the possibility of a last-minute deal.

Comoros’ Leader Speaks Out

Comoros’ leader Azali Assoumani, who holds the rotating presidency of the African Union since February, said he hoped the operation would be abandoned, admitting Moroni didn’t have “the means to stop the operation through force.”

In 2019, France pledged 150 million euros ($161 million) in development aid as part of a deal to tackle human trafficking and ease the repatriation of Comorans from Mayotte. Around half of Mayotte’s roughly 350,000 population is estimated to be foreign, most of them Comoran.

History of Mayotte

Mayotte is the fourth island of the Comoros archipelago that France held on to after the initial 1974 referendum, but is still claimed by Moroni. In March 2011 Mayotte became the 101st French department, or administrative area, in accordance with a referendum two years earlier.

French Government’s Response

On Friday, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin confirmed the operation would take place but declined to give a date for its start. Some 1,800 French police officers have already been mobilised in Mayotte to deal with “criminal gangs,” he said.

As Houmed Msaidie said, “the Comoros are not ready to receive the expelled from Mayotte, even though the convention signed in July 2019 clearly stipulated that consultations were needed. There have been and are still being held, but so far, we have not reached an agreement.” The situation remains tense as both sides continue to negotiate.

Capital city of Sudan, Khartoum.- (African Boulevard News) – The ongoing conflict in Sudan between the top generals has threatened to plunge the nation into chaos. The fightings, which have been mostly concentrated in Khartoum and the region of Darfur, have killed over 420 people and wounded 3,700, according to a new provisional toll by the World Health Organization. The violence has also left many people, including foreigners, trapped in various places across the country.

Amnesty International, a non-governmental organization, has called on warring parties to ensure safe passage for those fleeing violence and those in need of humanitarian aid. Speaking from Nairobi, Abdullahi Hassan, a researcher for the NGO, said that the situation was so dire that people were trapped inside houses and other buildings, unable to flee. Hassan added that Amnesty International was calling for the conflict parties, including Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces, to ensure safe passage for those trying to leave the violence and those trying to get access to humanitarian aid.

The need for safe corridors for civilians

In the midst of the conflict, Amnesty International has emphasized the need for safe corridors for civilians. The organization said that many people, including foreigners, remain trapped in Khartoum and other cities. With the fighting intensifying, the need for safe corridors has become more urgent. Amnesty International has called on the conflict parties to protect civilians and ensure that they can leave and access basic necessities like food, water, and medical care.

The plight of civilians in Sudan

Daily life in Sudan remains hellish for Sudanese and some foreigners. Speaking from Nairobi, Abdullahi Hassan had received videos sent by witnesses in Sudan, which showed people being trapped inside houses and other buildings. Civilians are unable to flee or access basic necessities, including food, water, and medical care. The situation is dire, and the conflict parties must act to ensure that civilians are protected.

The role of the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces

The Sudanese army and its rival, the Rapid Support Forces, have accused each other of attacking prisons to set detainees free, and plundering houses and factories. Despite both sides agreeing to humanitarian truces, they have failed to uphold them. The violence has left many people, including foreigners, trapped in various places across the country.

The plea for peace

Hamdallack Hamdock, the latest Sudanese prime minister, who was booted by the generals-turned-enemies, pleaded for peace. Speaking from Abud Dhabi on April 16th, he said that peace was “the only available option for the Sudanese people to avoid slipping into civil war.” The plea for peace has become more urgent with each passing day, as the conflict intensifies.

The fate of residents

Amnesty International has sounded the alarm on the fate of residents. Many people, including foreigners, remain trapped in various places across the country. The violence has left people unable to flee or access basic necessities, including food, water, and medical care. The conflict parties must act to protect civilians and ensure that they can leave and access basic necessities.

The need for urgent action

The conflict in Sudan has left many civilians trapped and unable to access basic necessities. Both sides must act urgently to protect civilians, ensure safe passage for those fleeing violence and those in need of humanitarian aid, and uphold humanitarian truces. The international community must also act urgently to provide humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict. The situation in Sudan is dire, and urgent action is needed to protect civilians and bring an end to the conflict.

Capital city of The news article is about the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).- (African Boulevard News) – The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has made strides in improving immunization coverage, a critical step towards ensuring children across the country can live long, healthy lives. According to the Congolese Health ministry’s 2022 figures, the DRC was home to one of the largest numbers of children on the continent who had never received vaccines or not received all doses for jabs that protect them against diseases, including diphtheria, tetanus, and haemophilus B. However, recent efforts aimed at increasing awareness on the need for vaccinations, including the African Vaccination Week, have led to an improvement in the country’s immunization coverage.

Challenges in Remote Areas

Despite progress, immunization coverage remains low, primarily in remote areas. In 2020, the DRC and Ethiopia had the largest number of zero-dose children in remote rural areas, according to the GAVI vaccine alliance. For example, Birhende, a small island in the South Kivu province, home to some 6,000 households, lacks a health center. Vaccination teams must embark on perilous journeys to reach remote islets such as Birhende or the Idjwi island. Some service providers have died in their efforts to reach these areas.

Shukuru Kashonde, a resident of Birhende, has seven children, none of whom have ever been vaccinated. Kashonde has seen five children die due to lack of vaccination. Her eldest son died from measles. Kashonde’s story highlights the challenges faced by families living in areas without easy access to health centers.

Efforts to Improve Immunization Coverage

Efforts are underway to improve immunization coverage in the DRC. The Mashako 2.0 plan is among the initiatives aimed at increasing the number of children receiving vaccines. The plan involves increasing the number of vaccination centers and improving the quality of vaccines used. In addition, there are efforts to increase awareness and understanding of the importance of vaccinations, especially in remote areas.

During the African Vaccination Week, health professionals across the DRC have been raising awareness about the importance of vaccines. The week-long event provides an opportunity for health professionals to educate communities, dispel myths, and encourage families to get vaccinated.

Importance of Vaccinations

Vaccinations are critical in preventing diseases and protecting the health and wellbeing of children. When children are vaccinated, they are protected from diseases that could cause severe illnesses, disability, or even death. Moreover, vaccinations protect communities from outbreaks of diseases that could quickly spread and cause significant harm.

Parents must ensure they take their children for routine vaccinations. Vaccinations are available for free in many health centers across the DRC. Parents should also educate themselves and their communities about the importance of vaccinations and work with health professionals to ensure their children receive all the necessary vaccines.

In Conclusion

The DRC’s efforts to improve immunization coverage are commendable. However, much work remains to be done, especially in remote areas. Health professionals must continue to raise awareness about the importance of vaccinations and work to dispel myths and misconceptions. With more efforts, the DRC can ensure that all children are vaccinated, protected, and live long, healthy lives.