The DRC conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis in Burundi, with over 63,000 refugees fleeing conflict. Angola is facilitating discussions among involved parties to address the situation. Meanwhile, Sudan continues to face severe humanitarian challenges due to ongoing fighting. In contrast, sub-Saharan Africa shows progress in gender representation, with women’s parliamentary status increasing from 9.8% to 27.1% over 30 years, led by Rwanda.
The ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has prompted Angola to facilitate talks between Kinshasa and M23 militia leaders. Following a significant meeting between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and his Angolan counterpart, plans are in motion to convene in Luanda. The violence this year has resulted in over 7,000 fatalities from the M23 offensive, with neighboring Burundi experiencing a substantial refugee influx that the local aid system is struggling to manage.
Moreover, Sudan faces severe fighting leading to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, with reports emerging from various locations including Atbara, where the situation is being documented. The overarching goal is to highlight the human impact of such conflicts.
In terms of gender representation, sub-Saharan Africa has made commendable strides in increasing the number of women in parliamentary roles. Over the last three decades, the percentage has risen from 9.8% to 27.1%, positioning the region third globally in progress. Rwanda stands out as a leading example in this advancement, as noted by Martin Chungong, Secretary-General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
The events surrounding the DRC conflict underscore the ripple effects that regional tensions can have, particularly on neighboring countries like Burundi, which is grappling with a significant refugee crisis. Additionally, the challenges in Sudan illustrate the urgent humanitarian need arising from such conflicts. However, in the realm of political progress, sub-Saharan Africa demonstrates a positive trend toward gender equality in governance, marking noteworthy advancements in parliamentary representation for women.
Original Source: www.france24.com
