Hello everyone!

Here is a roundup of some top stories from the past week.

Concerns over the cybersecurity levy and the rising food inflation in Nigeria got our attention. We also reacted to the human rights issues in Egypt and Tunisia, as well as the humanitarian developments in Malawi and Zimbabwe.

Cybersecurity Levy: More Action Needed to Make Nigerians ‘Breathe’

President Bola Tinubu‘s directive to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to suspend the implementation of the controversial cybersecurity levy policy is a welcome development, but the president needs to take more action to alleviate the suffering of millions of Nigerians. Read more

Food Crisis: Need for Immediate Action in Adamawa, Borno, Yobe

The food and nutrition crisis in Nigeria’s Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states is intensifying ahead of the lean season, with 4.8 million people estimated to face severe food insecurity if immediate action is not taken. Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and his team should urgently address the food inflation crisis, as more Nigerians, especially the vulnerable groups, are being pushed further into severe hunger. Read more

Egypt: Citizens Have Right to Voice Concerns over Economic Crisis

The crackdown on Egyptians voicing concerns over the economic crisis in Egypt is unacceptable, as it suppresses freedom of expression and hampers the country’s ability to address its economic woes effectively. The Egyptian government must respect citizens’ rights to free speech and peaceful assembly and release anyone who has been unjustly imprisoned for exercising these rights. Read more

Malawi: Addressing El Niño-Induced Drought

The devastating impacts of El Niño-induced floods and drought in Malawi have heightened the crucial need for increased humanitarian assistance. We join the WFP in calling for international cooperation and support for the country. This is vital in addressing the underlying drivers of vulnerability and facilitating adaptation to climate change in Malawi. Read more

Zimbabwe: Additional Support to Avert Humanitarian Crisis

The news that 7.7 million Zimbabweans are in dire need of food assistance is cause for concern and explains why concerted efforts must be taken to avert a humanitarian catastrophe. The government of Zimbabwe has to implement long-term solutions, such as sustainable agricultural practices and infrastructure development, to enhance the country’s resilience to droughts and climate-related disasters. Read more

Sudan: Prioritise Re-Establishment of Telecoms Infrastructure

The urgency for the re-establishment of telecommunications infrastructure in Sudan is paramount amidst the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian crisis gripping the nation. The government of Sudan and all other stakeholders in the country should prioritise the restoration of uninterrupted provision of telecommunication services in the country. Read more

Tunisia: End Crackdown on Civil Society

And finally, Tunisia has continued to experience a troubling decline in civil liberties as the government intensifies its crackdown on civil society. The Tunisian authorities must respect and safeguard the freedom of an independent civil society to function. We also urge the government to uphold human rights and the rule of law. Read more

That is the roundup of some stories that made headlines last week. More headlines are available on Development Diaries or dev_diaries on IG and X, and development diaries on Facebook.