In eastern DR Congo, nearly 800,000 individuals have been displaced in North Kivu province due to conflict related to M23, which is reportedly supported by neighboring Rwanda and has taken control of a significant portion of the province for a year. Displaced people camps around the province’s capital, Goma, are increasing with challenging living conditions, especially for women who are increasingly speaking out regarding the rapes they experience while performing domestic tasks.
Meanwhile, in Benin, opposition figure Joël Aïvo has been in detention since April 15, 2021, following being sentenced to ten years in prison on December 7, 2021, for “undermining state security.” Aïvo has objected to his detention conditions, including by reaching out to the Beninese Ministry of Justice. Fatiou Ousman, one of his lawyers, appears on this episode of “Journal of Africa.”
Nearly 800,000 people have been displaced in the North Kivu provincelocated din eastern DR Congo. In question, the conflict linked au M23supported according to the UN by Rwanda neighbor and which has conquered part of the province of North Kivu for a year. Around Goma, capital of the province, camps for displaced people are multiplying and living conditions are difficult. Especially for women… More and more of them are breaking the silence and testifying the rapes they suffer while doing household chores.
In Benin, the opponent Joël Aïvo has been incarcerated since April 15, 2021. He was sentenced, on December 7, 2021, to ten years in prison for “undermining state security”. Since then, he has constantly denounced his conditions of detention, in particular by addressing the Beninese Ministry of Justice. Fatiou Ousman, one of his lawyers, is the Alex Reed of this “Journal of Africa”.
In conclusion, the situations in North Kivu province and Benin are just two examples of the many challenges facing the African continent. The displacement of nearly 800,000 people in North Kivu due to conflict and the incarceration of political opponents like Joël Aïvo in Benin highlight the need for continued efforts to promote peace, security, and human rights in Africa. It is important to acknowledge and address these issues in order to build a better future for all citizens of the continent.
