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South Sudan - Beyond the numbers: the hidden human cost of conflict

In South Sudan’s Jonglei State, recurring clashes between youth from Duk and Twic East counties have left fear and displacement in their wake.

A four-day patrol by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to Duk county witnessed firsthand the impact of the ongoing violence on local communities.

Peacekeepers had planned to visit Poktap, Padiet, Payuel and Pajut to assess security conditions in areas where revenge attacks and resource disputes have fueled tensions since 2023.

However, the patrol had to be cut short.

“Muddy and damaged roads prevented us from reaching Duk Padiet and Pajut, making Poktap our ultimate temporary base for three nights. But despite this, we actively engaged communities and authorities to identify pressing security concerns,” explained Augustine Nana Yaw Asare, Military Liaison Officer.

In Poktap, located between Padiet and Twic East, residents described an uncertain life in which even routine activities carry life-threatening risks.

“Living in Poktap right now means being trapped in the crossfire. Our survival relies on traveling between Padiet and Twic East, but movement has become nearly impossible. We are stuck, unable to buy food or essentials and are in constant fear of being attacked,” said local resident Dabora Akech Lual.

Community leaders say that conflict affects every household.

“As a father, whenever you leave home to search for food, you are overcome with fear about what might happen to your family while you are away,” revealed Chief Daniel Mawut Ajak.

For people displaced by armed violence in northern Jonglei earlier this year, Poktap offers a fragile sense of safety. Having fled one conflict, they now face insecurity, restricted movement and dwindling access to basic necessities.

Amou Ding Malang fled Panyang payam with her six children after violence reached Pajut, an attack that claimed her husband’s life.

“I long to return to Panyang, but we are trapped by both a lack of transport and the fear of being ambushed along the road,” she said.

Others face the growing threat of hunger. Thon Chuol, who was displaced from Lankien in Nyirol county, warned that dwindling food supplies and erratic rainfall were worsening an already precarious situation.

“We are now facing a different threat, hunger. Our hosts have been generous, sharing whatever little food they have, but the crisis is deepening every day.”

Yet, the presence of peacekeepers can help restore confidence and create conditions for communities to return home. About 15 kilometers towards Pajut, in Payuel payam, sustained UNMISS patrols have reassured residents of a village once deserted because of intercommunal cattle raiding and abductions.

“Following a devastating attack that left many dead and numerous herds of cattle stolen, UNMISS increased patrols. This restored our confidence to stay and encouraged some displaced families to return. We are always grateful when peacekeepers visit our village. Our earnest plea is for these security threats to be addressed once and for all,” said Mary Adhau, a local women’s leader.

But lasting peace will require more than security patrols.

Following recent violence in Wernyol, Duk county, the Caretaker Governor of Jonglei State dispatched two committees to engage local stakeholders and mediate an end to the hostilities.

Local authorities are also calling on young people, community members and the diaspora to reject revenge attacks, help rebuild trust between the two communities and refrain from using social media to incite hate.

“Such violence serves no purpose other than the destruction of our own people. We need collective action to stop it,” said Abraham Leek, Deputy Executive Director of Duk County.

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

  1. IndustrialGhana Seeks Investors Beyond Gold as Chinese Delegation, Asanko Gold Meet Lands MinisterGhana is stepping up efforts to attract investment into mineral resources beyond gold, as the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, held separate meetings with a Chinese delegation to discuss opportunities in the mining sector and officials from Asanko Gold Ghana Limited. During the meeting with the Chinese delegation, from Sino Africa, the Minister said the country was keen to partner with investors who could help explore its largely untapped mineral potential, particularly in manganese, iron and steel. He welcomed the delegation’s expertise and expressed Ghana’s interest in partnerships that would transform its mineral wealth into value-added products, create jobs and strengthen local industrial development. The Chinese delegation expressed interest in exploring investment opportunities in Ghana’s mining industry, including the possibility of taking an equity stake in Adamus Resources. The discussions highlighted Ghana’s broader ambition to attract investors who would go beyond extracting raw minerals to support local processing and value addition. In a separate meeting, the Minister received representatives of Asanko Gold Ghana, who welcomed the renewal of the company’s mining leases, describing the decision as a positive signal to the international investment community about Ghana’s regulatory stability. The company reaffirmed its confidence in the mine’s exploration potential and plans to pursue open-pit expansion and underground mining. It also pledged to strengthen its engagement with the 35 communities surrounding its operations and reiterated its willingness to work with the government to transition about 250 square kilometres of previously relinquished concession land into community mining. Mr Buah, in response, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making contract mining work for Ghanaian businesses without compromising workers’ welfare. He said a policy directive to the Minerals Commission would set clear standards to ensure that workers’ salaries and benefits were protected, stressing that no worker should be worse off under the transition. The Minister furthur urged Asanko to continue engaging communities and complying with the country’s laws, noting that responsible partnerships must deliver returns for investors while also improving outcomes for workers and host communities. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Republic of Ghana.
  2. EducationSudan conflict: Peace efforts resume to end ‘drone war’ fuelling humanitarian crisis“Our first session, devoted to de-escalation, will offer an opportunity to explore practical ways forward,” said Pekka Haavisto, Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan, in a call to delegates to identify measures and use their “respective channels of engagement [to] build confidence and help create conditions conducive to a comprehensive ceasefire”. Now in its fourth year, the conflict began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) – former allies who had jointly seized power in a 2021 coup. Deadly drone attacks against civilians and public infrastructure have been a feature of the war and frequently condemned by humanitarian and human rights officials. “The war in Sudan has become a drone war; it kills mostly civilians,” said Alexandre Fasel, State Secretary of Switzerland, which is co-hosting the meeting with the UN. “Famine-like conditions persist in Darfur, the Kordofan state and elsewhere in the country; it is the war that drives this hunger.” Highlighting the protections offered to non-combatants by international law, Mr. Fasel insisted that the Geneva Conventions “are very clear: the protection of civilians and humanitarian access must not wait for a ceasefire and a political solution. Civilians are suffering and dying today.” Millions in need Across Sudan today, almost 34 million people need humanitarian support, according to the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, Mr. Fasel noted. He also cited UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) alerts that eight million Sudanese children are out of school today. “This is not only a violation to the right of education but an immense risk factor for a future stable Sudan. Conflict-related sexual violence has re-emerged as a tactic to terrorise and humiliate the civilian population, often targeted along ethnicity or perceived affiliations,” he insisted. In addition to discussing efforts towards a ceasefire, delegates are expected to consider a Sudanese-led “transitional political phase that reflects the aspirations” of the country’s people, by means of “an inclusive and credible dialogue”, the UN chief’s Personal Envoy, Mr. Havisto, said, insisting that “our role is to support the Sudanese in shaping their country’s shared future, with due regard for the diversity of their voices and experiences”. Latest round of talks The talks, known officially as Consultative Meetings on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan, have previously taken place in Cairo twice (June 2024 and January 2026) and in Djibouti (July 2024), Nouakchott (December 2024) and Brussels (June 2025) and Cairo (January 2026). Neither the Sudanese Government nor the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are represented at the meeting in Geneva, as the mechanism was established for mediators to coordinate their actions. On the margins of Wednesday’s meeting in Geneva, the UN Personal Envoy was also expected to engage with key regional and international partners from the so-called “Quad” mechanism” – involving the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt – and the “Quintet” mechanism of the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the UN, the European Union and the League of Arab States. The current talks followed a day of humanitarian-focused discussions also at UN Geneva that involved delegations, senior UN officials and international non-governmental organizations operating in Sudan including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Sudan INGO Forum. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.
  3. HealthcareWorld Health Organization (WHO) supports Nigeria after first Ebola case confirmedThe patient is a woman who recently travelled from Uganda and began showing symptoms on 7 October, four days after her arrival. The woman sought care at a private health facility in the capital, Abuja, on 11 October; laboratory testing confirmed the diagnosis on 20 October. She remains in isolation and is receiving medical care as investigations continue to determine the likely source of her infection and reconstruct her full travel and exposure history. Contact tracing underway WHO said the Nigerian health authorities have so far identified 44 contacts who are being monitored amid intensified efforts to find other people who may have been exposed. Infection prevention and control measures are being ramped up in the private health facility where the woman sought care. Cases in five countries Nigeria is the fifth country to detect Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease since an outbreak was declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in mid-May – the deadliest in the country’s history. More than 9,500 cases and more than 4,200 deaths were recorded as of 18 October, according to latest data from the Congolese health authorities. There is currently no vaccine to treat the virus. Uganda also faced a deadly outbreak which was officially declared over in late August, while nine cases have been reported in Kenya and one in the Netherlands that are linked to the DRC. Containing virus spread The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has activated its incident management system to coordinate response efforts, WHO said. The UN agency stressed that rapid identification of cases, timely follow-up of contacts and effective infection prevention and control are critical to contain the spread of the virus. WHO and partners are working closely with the Nigerian health authorities to strengthen control measures, including case investigation, contact tracing, infection prevention and control. The agency is also assisting with the provision of essential supplies including personal protective equipment for health workers. Meanwhile, WHO has advised all countries in the region to sustain a high level of readiness as the DRC outbreak continues to evolve. Governments are also advised to maintain strong disease surveillance and ensure that laboratories can safely test suspected cases, among other measures. WHO has not recommended any restrictions regarding travel and trade with affected countries. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.
  4. FinanceNigeria NOW! opens its project boardrooms to global investors in AbujaPlatinum group metals, gold, nickel, copper, lithium and rare earth elements lie together in one mineral province in Kaduna State, which the Minister of Solid Minerals Development announced in June as world-class and the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency has verified. The Ministry opens its doors to global investors at Nigeria NOW!, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja on 19 and 20 November. Processing is following the discoveries, as lithium facilities of $600m in Nasarawa State and $200m near Abuja sit alongside a $400m rare earth processing project in Nasarawa, and mining lease applicants must now submit value-addition plans. Annual mining revenue has risen from about N6bn before the current administration to more than N70bn by the end of 2025. The routes to export markets are moving too, as the Federal Executive Council has approved deep seaports at Bakassi and Ondo as public-private partnerships, with the Bakassi port alone valued at $2.27bn. With a month to go, investors and developers travelling to Abuja will meet these projects at close quarters. In investor boardrooms, the Government of Nigeria will review specific projects in depth, from large-scale infrastructure to multilateral programmes such as Mission 300. Speaking to Energy News Network in September, Tunde Arisekola, Senior Advisor, Geological and Minerals Information at the African Minerals Development Centre, who joins the minerals session on the first day, said that “first and foremost all international investors coming to Abuja should understand that Nigeria is ready and open for business”. In the same interview he described Nigeria’s economy as “stable, safe, peaceful and welcoming to all international investors”. The programme opens with a welcome from the Chief Host, H.E. Dr Oladele Henry Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, followed by sessions on how the Ministry of Power will drive capacity into Nigeria’s industrial hubs and on the policies opening the minerals sector to foreign investment, including domestic processing and value addition. The second day turns to the pipeline of transport and port infrastructure and the $1bn Domestic Green Bond, and closes with an investors’ clinic on the 2025 Tax Act. Lagos State Government, a Nigeria NOW! partner, now regulates its own electricity market after NERC transferred oversight to the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission. Hon. Biodun Ogunleye, Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, told Energy News Network that “capital follows bankable cashflows”. The state’s job, he said, is “to create both the infrastructure plan and the commercial architecture that makes that plan financeable”. On Friday 20 November, YES! Nigeria runs alongside the main programme under the theme “Empowering Today’s Entrepreneurs, Building Tomorrow’s Industrialists”. Abuja University and Philomath University are partners, and the Youth Sustainable Development Network is Community Partner. Its opening session hands the stage to young Nigerians already at work in the sector, among them Damilola Hamid Balogun of YSDN and Emmanuel Terwase of Boost Power. Nigeria NOW! is held under the patronage of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, with the Lagos State Government, the Nigerian Indigenous Women in Mining & Natural Resources Organisation, Women in Mining, Nextier and The Electricity Hub as partners. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of EnergyNet Ltd.. Media contact: [email protected] About Nigeria NOW! About EnergyNet: EnergyNet has organised investment conferences across Africa for nearly thirty years, including the Africa Energy Forum, bringing governments and investors together around the continent’s energy and infrastructure projects. EnergyNet is part of Clarion Events, and its editorial platform, Energy News Network (ENN), covers energy investment and policy across Africa at energy-news-network.com.
  5. SaaSSeychelles reaffirms commitment to regional ocean governance at Nairobi convention at Twelfth Conference of the Parties (COP12)Seychelles has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the marine and coastal environment and strengthening regional cooperation during the Twelfth Conference of the Parties (COP12) to the Nairobi Convention, held at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Held under the theme “Towards Sustainable Blue Economy in the Western Indian Ocean for People and Nature: A Journey of Forty Years”, the conference marked the 40th anniversary of the Nairobi Convention. It brought together governments, regional institutions, scientists, civil society, youth, local communities and development partners, to review progress and identify practical measures to advance ocean governance, protect marine biodiversity and promote sustainable ocean-based livelihoods. Seychelles was represented by the Minister for Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources, Ms. Marie May Jeremie, as Head of Delegation, alongside senior government officials. Seychelles participation in COP12 provided an opportunity to promote the priorities of an island state whose environment, economy and communities are closely linked to a healthy ocean. Key objectives included strengthening regional partnerships, sharing national experience, supporting nature-based and science-informed approaches to coastal and marine management, and encouraging sustainable financing for conservation and the blue economy. On the margins of the Nairobi Convention COP 12, Minister Jeremie participated in high level bilateral engagements aimed at strengthening cooperation with regional partners on shared environmental and ocean-related priorities. These included a meeting with the Junior Minister for Environment of Mauritius, during which discussions focused on potential exchanges between Seychelles and Mauritius in key areas of mutual interest, including the implementation of the Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement). The meeting provided an opportunity to explore avenues for knowledge-sharing, the exchange of experiences and best practices, and enhanced collaboration between the two island nations in advancing sustainable ocean governance and the protection of marine and coastal ecosystems. Minister Jeremie also met with Ms. Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The exchange focused on ocean governance in Seychelles and provided an opportunity to discuss issues of shared interest with UNEP. As Head of Delegation, Minister Jeremie also participated in the COP12 high-level opening as well as ministerial roundtables on regional cooperation in managing shared resources and capacity mobility, and on translating blue economy ambitions into sustainable investments. These discussions placed emphasis on the need for countries to work together on shared marine and coastal challenges, strengthen institutional and technical capacity, and ensure that investment in the blue economy supports environmental sustainability alongside resilient livelihoods and long-term economic opportunities. Seychelles’ participation also provided a platform to exchange experiences and strengthen links with governments, regional organisations and technical and financing partners. COP 12 concluded with the adoption of 15 decisions aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and accelerating action for the protection, management and sustainable development of the Western Indian Ocean region. These decisions addressed key priorities for the region’s marine and coastal environment, reinforcing collective efforts to promote sustainable ocean governance, enhance ecosystem protection and resilience, and advance the implementation of the Nairobi Convention’s objectives. Key priorities included advancing implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and supporting the conservation and restoration of critical coastal and marine ecosystems, including mangroves, seagrasses and coral reefs. These ecosystems play a vital role in protecting coastlines, supporting biodiversity, storing blue carbon and strengthening resilience to climate change. Parties adopted the Regional Plastic and Associated Chemicals Strategy, marking an important step towards strengthening regional efforts to address plastic pollution and the impacts of associated chemicals on the marine and coastal environment. In addition, the regional contingency plan for preparedness and response to major marine pollution incidents was also adopted and called for stronger action to address land-based sources of marine degradation, reaffirming their commitment to protecting and sustainably managing the Western Indian Ocean region. COP12 emphasised the importance of ocean accounting, sustainable blue finance and inclusive blue economy investments that create opportunities for local communities, women and young people. Strengthening scientific cooperation, ecosystem monitoring and regional information-sharing was also recognised as essential to improving decision-making and translating commitments into measurable results. These outcomes provide an important framework for strengthening cooperation among countries sharing the Western Indian Ocean and advancing practical action to safeguard marine and coastal resources. COP12 also provided opportunities to highlight the role of youth, women, researchers, local communities and civil society in advancing sustainable ocean management. Discussions on women and youth in the blue economy emphasised the importance of inclusive participation, skills development, innovation and access to opportunities within ocean-based industries. These priorities are particularly relevant to island states such as Seychelles, where sustainable livelihoods depend on maintaining healthy marine ecosystems while creating economic opportunities for present and future generations. The conference further reinforced the need to connect regional policy commitments with local action, ensuring that communities benefit from conservation initiatives and have a meaningful role in the sustainable management of marine and coastal resources. Through its participation in COP12, Seychelles reaffirms its commitment to support collective regional action to safeguard the Western Indian Ocean and strengthen the links between ocean protection, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. The conference marked an important milestone in four decades of regional cooperation under the Nairobi Convention and reaffirmed the need to move from commitments to implementation through stronger partnerships, science, sustainable financing and inclusive decision-making. The Ministry for Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources will continue to work with national stakeholders, regional organisations and international partners to advance Seychelles’ marine and coastal priorities and contribute to a healthy, resilient and sustainably managed Western Indian Ocean for present and future generations. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources, Seychelles.
  6. Somalia’s House of the People Approves the Digital Transactions Bill with 137 Votes in FavourThe House of the People of the Federal Parliament of Somalia today approved the Digital Transactions Bill, with 137 Members of Parliament voting in favour during a plenary session. The Bill was developed by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Technology in collaboration with relevant institutions. It seeks to establish a legal framework governing digital transactions, ensuring that Somalia’s regulatory environment keeps pace with technological advancements and the growing demand for digital services. The Bill’s approval follows its progression through the various stages of parliamentary consideration, including readings, deliberations and presentation before the House of the People, culminating in today’s plenary vote. Speaking before the House following the approval, the Minister of Communications and Technology, H.E. Mohamed Adam Moalim, widely known as Mohamed Soomaali, thanked Members of Parliament for their overwhelming support for the Bill and commended their contribution to its passage. The Minister also expressed his appreciation to the Parliamentary Committee on Communications and Technology and its technical staff for their role in reviewing, refining and advancing the Bill throughout the legislative process. Minister Mohamed Soomaali underscored the importance of establishing a legal framework that keeps pace with technological advancements and the evolving global financial services landscape. He also commended the cooperation between Parliament and the relevant institutions, which enabled the Bill to reach this stage of the legislative process. The approval comes at a time when countries around the world are rapidly embracing modern technologies, particularly electronic payment systems, digital currencies and financial transactions conducted through digital platforms. As mobile money services are widely used across Somalia, establishing a clear legal framework for digital transactions is an important step towards supporting economic development, strengthening public confidence and creating a regulatory environment that responds to technological change. Technological advancements have transformed the way societies manage money, conduct business and access financial services. To harness the opportunities presented by this transformation, countries need modern legislation, effective regulatory institutions and robust systems that safeguard citizens’ rights. The approval of the Digital Transactions Bill therefore marks an important step towards strengthening Somalia’s legal and regulatory framework for the digital economy and supporting the continued development of digital financial services in the country. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Communications and Technology, Somalia.