Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
10 October 2023 | 10:01am CAT
1-min read

Picture: Radio Islam International

In the Africa Report on Radio Islam International, Sizo Nkala provided an in-depth update highlighting critical issues affecting Ethiopia, Sudan, and Liberia.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) suspended food aid to Ethiopia due to allegations of misappropriation by government and military entities. The aid suspension, which jeopardised the well-being of 20 million recipients, has now partially resumed. However, the resumption only targets Ethiopian refugees, leaving millions of Ethiopians in a state of food crisis. The Ethiopian government has committed to reforming the delivery system of food aid, but significant challenges remain.

Sudan continues to grapple with unrelenting violence, with critical infrastructure and services frequently targeted. A recent incident saw the bombing of a hospital, resulting in three casualties. The overall death toll from Sudan’s violence has now reached 9,000, displacing over five million people, with one million fleeing the country entirely. An estimated 24 million people face a humanitarian crisis, worsened by damaged infrastructure hindering the distribution of urgent aid. Sadly, peace negotiations remain elusive as the warring parties show reluctance to come to the table.

Liberia faces pressing challenges as it heads into its fourth election since the end of the civil war in 2003. Incumbent President George Weah seeks re-election amid concerns over issues such as drug abuse among the youth, unimplemented recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and rampant corruption and misuse of public funds. Drug addiction affects approximately 20% of Liberian youth, and the failure to address this issue raises concerns. The call for a criminal court to prosecute those implicated in war crimes has also gone unheeded, and individuals tied to these crimes are running for office within the ruling party. Moreover, Liberia grapples with a challenging economic environment, characterised by a 12% inflation rate and an 80% unemployment rate, making these pressing issues that will influence voters’ decisions.

Listen to the Africa Report on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat.