UNICEF aims to raise awareness of children at risk in Africa’s Sahel region – The United Nations Children’s Fund launched a worldwide social media campaign on Tuesday in an effort to “raise awareness about children in the Sahel region in northern Africa who are in urgent need of food aid.” The campaign, #SahelNOW, asks users to spread word of the crisis though social media to raise the $120 million needed to save the lives of the 1 million children in danger. (CNN)
Angola’s booming postwar economy leaves many behind – In the ten years since the end of Angola’s three-decade civil war, “which killed and displaced millions, [and] destroyed nearly all infrastructure,” the country has had an impressive post-war recovery, “as billions of dollars have been poured into repairing roads, railways and airports, and building new schools, hospitals and universities.” Despite these gains, the majority of Angolans still live in extreme poverty, with no access to clean water, as 20% of children die before the age of 5. (AFP, Louise Redvers)
Mali Coup Leaders Face Sanctions and Concern Over Timbuktu – The military officers who overthrew the Malian president faced dual setbacks Monday as Ecowas imposed severe sanctions while separatist rebels secured Timbuktu. UNESCO, concerned about the impact of fighting on the World Heritage Sight of Timbuktu, urged Malian authorizes to fulfill the “obligation of countries to safeguard their heritage in times of war.” The fighting in this region “may soon give way to famine as the cumulative effects of armed battles, a lack of centralized authority and a severe draught impose a harsh season of heat and suffering” this season. (NYTimes, Lydia Polgreen)
US Wants Sudan to Open Humanitarian Access to Area – US officials are working with the Sudanese government to open humanitarian access to the Kordofan and Blue Nile states, where civilians are “in need to food aid and are fleeing fighting between local militia and government troops.” The refugees are arriving in a remote area that rests in a flood zone, inaccessible for the six-month rainy season, that is surrounded by rebel fighting. (VOA, Scott Stearns)
