标签： Africa

In the aftermath of the 2011 post-election crisis in Ivory Coast, which claimed approximately 3,000 lives, hundreds of women who survived sexual violence have found solace in collective healing. Fearful of societal stigma, many of these women have never pressed charges against their attackers. Instead, they have formed support groups to rebuild their shattered lives. Juliette Bie, a survivor whose mother witnessed her assault and later passed away, established a support group in the town of Man. ‘It’s a way of healing. Psychologically, we’re freeing ourselves,’ Bie shared. Similarly, Mariam Bakayoko, 35, founded a safe space in Duekoue where women can express themselves and share their experiences. These groups meet weekly, fostering trust and camaraderie among members. The western region of Ivory Coast endured nearly a decade of unrest from 2002 to 2011, during which countless women were sexually assaulted. The Platform of Organisations for the Reparation of Victims of Ivorian Crises (POREV-CI) has assisted over 950 survivors, though the actual number is likely higher. Despite the return of calm, many survivors feel neglected by the state. Anne-Marie, a 42-year-old survivor, recounted being raped multiple times during the conflict. Monique, now 50, lost her unborn child after being raped in 2002 and has been unable to conceive since. Agnes, 52, contracted HIV from her assault. ‘We cannot talk about peace, because we haven’t had the reparations we are owed,’ Agnes lamented. The women interviewed by AFP reported receiving no financial or psychological support from the government, despite reporting their situations. Belmonde Dogo, the minister for national cohesion, claimed that all registered rape victims received government aid. However, Justine Kpan, a mental health counsellor with POREV-CI, emphasized the need for income-generating activities to help these women rebuild their lives. Many have lost their husbands or face societal judgment, struggling to make ends meet. ‘They feel forgotten,’ Kpan said.

A shocking BBC investigation has uncovered a sinister sex trafficking operation in Dubai, led by Charles Mwesigwa, a man who claims to be a former London bus driver. Operating in Dubai’s affluent neighborhoods, Mwesigwa allegedly exploits vulnerable women, many of whom are lured from Uganda with promises of legitimate jobs in supermarkets or hotels, only to be forced into sex work. The investigation reveals harrowing accounts of abuse, including extreme fetishes and violent coercion. Mwesigwa denies the allegations, insisting he merely helps women find accommodation and connects them with wealthy contacts. However, testimonies from victims and former associates paint a grim picture of his operations. The investigation also highlights the tragic deaths of two Ugandan women linked to Mwesigwa, whose falls from high-rise apartments were ruled as suicides but remain shrouded in suspicion. Despite attempts to seek justice, victims and their families face systemic indifference from authorities. This exposé sheds light on the broader issue of human trafficking and exploitation in the Gulf, where vulnerable individuals are often deceived and trapped in cycles of abuse.

Ethiopia has ushered in its new year, 2018, according to its unique calendar, which is seven years behind the Gregorian calendar. This discrepancy stems from a different calculation of the birth year of Jesus Christ, as the Ethiopian Orthodox Church did not adopt the Catholic Church’s revised calculation in 500 AD. The celebrations, known as Enkutatash, are a time of joy and renewal for all Ethiopians, transcending religious boundaries. The capital, Addis Ababa, is adorned with yellow ‘adey ababa’ flowers, which grow wild this time of year and are sold in small bunches for around 50 Ethiopian birr ($0.35). These flowers, along with freshly cut grass, play a central role in traditional coffee ceremonies, a nod to Ethiopia’s status as the birthplace of coffee. The festivities also include bustling markets, where vendors sell chickens, mutton, and even oxen for New Year’s feasts. Chickens, priced between 2,000 and 3,000 birr, are popular for making ‘doro wat,’ a spicy stew served with injera, while mutton and oxen cater to those with larger budgets. Families gather to share meals and invite friends, and the celebrations culminate in concerts and live music on New Year’s Eve. The following morning, the traditional song ‘Abebayehosh’ fills the air, performed by young girls who go door-to-door in some neighborhoods. Orthodox Christians attend church services, and vendors sell ceremonial umbrellas near churches. The Ethiopian calendar, with its 13 months, marks the end of the rainy season and the start of spring, symbolizing renewal and optimism. This year’s celebrations are particularly significant, as they coincide with the formal launch of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (Gerd), a source of national pride and unity.