Hello everyone.
We are back with a roundup of some top stories from last week.
We covered the Suleja jailbreak, anti-sexual harassment bill, gaps in the Nigerian government’s responsiveness to the urgent needs of the masses, and the need for schools to enforce anti-bullying policies. In other parts of Africa, the harassment of journalists in Lesotho, the severe impact of climate change in southern Africa, and flooding in Kenya also made headlines.
Jailbreak: Correctional Centres Need Urgent Reforms
The recent escape of inmates from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, raised a lot of questions about the state of correctional facilities in Nigeria. While the minister has assured Nigerians of swift action following this escape, he has to go beyond promising and ensure that appropriate reforms are carried out in correctional centres across the country. Read more
CNG Buses: Government Needs to Address Gaps in Responsiveness
The President Bola Tinubu-led government has finally announced its readiness to launch about 2,700 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered buses and tricycles, nine months after its initial promise of March 2024.
Delays in delivering promised initiatives undermine accountability and also weaken trust in governance and the perception of government competence; hence, the president and his team should take concrete steps to address gaps in the government’s responsiveness to the urgent needs of Nigerians. Read more
Why Tinubu Must Sign Bill Criminalising Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Schools
In two recent videos, which have since gone viral on social media, two lecturers at different universities were caught sexually abusing their female students. We demand that President Tinubu sign into law the anti-sexual harassment bill, which seeks to promote and protect ethical standards in tertiary institutions by protecting students against sexual harassment by educators. Read more
#JusticeForNamtira: Schools Must Enforce Anti-Bullying Policy
During the week, the trending video of the bullying of a female student at Lead British International School, Abuja, Namtira Bwala, by her schoolmate, Maryam Hassan, raised concerns about the safety of children in the school environment. State ministries of education should develop and enforce clear and strict anti-bullying policies within schools. Also, schools must create a safe and confidential reporting system for students to report instances of bullying, which would ensure that students feel comfortable coming forward without fear of retaliation. Read more
Lesotho: End Harassment of Journalist Nkotsi
The harassment, intimidation, and threats against journalist and media proprietor of the Lesotho Tribune, Phafane Nkotsi, are a violation of human rights. The Lesotho authorities must put an end to the harassment, intimidation, threats, and attacks against Nkotsi and other journalists and ensure all journalists can work without fear of reprisals. Read more
Kenya: Government Must Prioritise Flood Preventive Measures
More than 60 people have lost their lives, and over 40,000 have been forced from their homes due to rain and flooding in Kenya. The Kenyan government needs to ensure that flood prevention mechanisms are put in place. Read more
Burkina Faso: Army Killings Unacceptable, Demand Investigation
The Burkina Faso military reportedly killed at least 223 citizens in two villages, including at least 56 children, according to findings from Human Rights Watch (HRW). We call on the Burkina Faso authorities to urgently undertake a thorough investigation into the killings. Read more
Hunger in Southern Africa: Addressing Climate Change Effect
As a result of climate disasters, millions of people in Southern Africa face the threat of starvation. The onset of El Niño caused scorching heat waves that destroyed crops and dried up essential water sources in the region. The governments of these countries and donors should roll out a comprehensive response plan aimed at providing vital assistance to affected communities. Read more
Sudan: Addressing SGBV, Unwanted Pregnancies
It is disheartening to hear that women continue to suffer gross violations by the warring parties to the war in Sudan. The authorities in Sudan must ensure that they adhere to both humanitarian and human rights laws in protecting the rights of women and girls. 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.
