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Conakry to Host Pan-African Summit on Youth Reproductive Health as Leaders Confront Funding Crisis
Conakry to Host Pan-African Summit on Youth Reproductive Health as Leaders Confront Funding Crisis
By: Michael Mike
More than 500 policymakers, health experts, parliamentarians, youth leaders and civil society organisations from over 30 African countries will converge on Conakry, Guinea, in September for the 12th African Conference on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (ACSHR 2026), amid growing concerns over shrinking donor funding, humanitarian emergencies and mounting threats to the health and wellbeing of young people across the continent.
The four-day conference, scheduled for September 2 to 5, is expected to provide a continental platform for governments, development partners, researchers, United Nations agencies and youth advocates to chart a new course for improving sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for Africa’s adolescents and young people.
The conference, themed “Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights of Adolescents and Young People in Africa in the Face of Multifaceted Crises,” comes at a time when many African countries are struggling to sustain critical health interventions following significant reductions in international development assistance, while conflicts, climate change, disease outbreaks and economic instability continue to widen inequalities affecting young people.
Organisers said the meeting would bring together ministers, parliamentarians, public health institutions, researchers, international development agencies, women’s organisations, youth networks and community-based groups to develop practical strategies for protecting and expanding access to sexual and reproductive health services despite the continent’s multiple challenges.
According to the organisers, discussions will centre on sustainable financing for reproductive health programmes, improving access to family planning and maternal healthcare, comprehensive sexuality education, menstrual health management, prevention of gender-based violence, and strengthening the participation of young people in designing policies that affect their lives.
Another major focus of the conference will be safeguarding sexual and reproductive rights against growing anti-rights movements and ensuring continuity of essential health services during humanitarian crises, including armed conflicts and climate-induced disasters that have displaced millions across Africa.
The organisers noted that declining external financing has placed enormous pressure on African governments to mobilise domestic resources and build resilient health systems capable of meeting the needs of one of the world’s youngest populations.
Africa is home to the fastest-growing youth population globally, making investments in adolescent health, education and empowerment critical to achieving the continent’s demographic dividend. Experts have consistently warned that without sustained investments in these areas, many countries risk higher maternal mortality, teenage pregnancies, unsafe abortions, school dropouts and rising unemployment among young people.
The Conakry conference is also expected to showcase innovative programmes from across Africa that have successfully expanded youth-friendly health services, strengthened community engagement and increased access to reproductive healthcare in difficult environments.
The African Conference on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights has, for more than two decades, served as the continent’s premier platform for dialogue on sexual and reproductive health policy. Established under the auspices of the African Federation for Sexual Health and Rights, the conference rotates among African countries and brings together governments, academia, civil society and development partners to formulate evidence-based policies and strengthen regional collaboration.
Previous editions have focused on issues ranging from family wellbeing and demographic dividend to bodily autonomy, gender equality and universal access to reproductive healthcare, with recommendations helping to shape national and regional health policies.
With Africa facing unprecedented demographic growth alongside increasingly complex health, economic and humanitarian challenges, expectations are high that the Conakry summit will produce concrete commitments to strengthen domestic financing, reinforce regional cooperation and place young people at the centre of efforts to secure healthier, more inclusive and sustainable futures for the continent.
Conakry to Host Pan-African Summit on Youth Reproductive Health as Leaders Confront Funding Crisis
News
Chad Accuses Sudanese Forces of Crossing Border, Bombing Convoy Deep Inside Chadian Territory
Chad Accuses Sudanese Forces of Crossing Border, Bombing Convoy Deep Inside Chadian Territory
By Zagazola Makama
The Chadian General Staff has accused the warring parties in Sudan of violating Chad’s territorial integrity after aircraft and drones allegedly pursued and bombarded a convoy more than 100 kilometres inside Chadian territory.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2026, near Chad’s common border with Sudan, particularly around the Mourdi Department in the Ennedi-Est Province.
In a communiqué issued to the national and international public, the Chadian General Staff said aerial and ground assessments conducted throughout Friday, August 21, confirmed that the fighting in Sudan had once again spilled into Chadian territory.
According to the military authorities, aircraft and drones identified as belonging to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and/or forces supporting them were involved in the pursuit of a convoy.
The Chadian military said the operation initially took place on Sudanese territory but subsequently extended deep into Chad, with the convoy reportedly pursued and bombarded more than 100 kilometres inside Chadian territory.
The military authorities did not provide details on the identity of the convoy, the nature of its cargo, or the circumstances that led to the pursuit across the border.
However, the Chadian General Staff described the incident as a fresh violation of the country’s territorial integrity and warned all parties involved in the Sudan conflict against attempting to extend the war into Chad.
“Although no Chadian casualties have been recorded to date,” the military said, it strongly condemned what it described as the latest violation of Chad’s territorial integrity.
The General Staff issued a stern warning to the Sudanese belligerents, saying continued attempts to expand the Sudanese conflict into Chadian territory could have serious consequences.
It described such actions as a “suicidal risk” for those seeking to bring the Sudanese war onto Chadian soil.
The latest incident comes amid the continuing conflict in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which has increasingly generated security concerns for neighbouring countries.
Chad shares a long and porous border with Sudan, particularly along its eastern frontier, where the security situation has remained fragile due to the movement of armed groups, refugees, weapons and combatants fleeing the Sudanese conflict.
The Chadian military said its defence and security forces remain on the highest level of alert to prevent further violations and protect the country’s population.
It further assured citizens that the security forces are prepared to respond forcefully to any threat capable of undermining the peace and security of the Chadian people.
The statement did not indicate whether Chad had identified the specific aircraft or drones involved through direct visual confirmation, radar data or other intelligence means, but said assessments conducted through aerial and physical means established that the operation had crossed into Chadian territory.
The development raises concerns over the potential regionalisation of the Sudan conflict, particularly as fighting and military operations continue to take place close to Sudan’s borders with Chad and other neighbouring countries.
For Chad, the alleged incursion represents a particularly sensitive security issue given the country’s proximity to the conflict and the potential for cross-border military operations to trigger a broader confrontation.
The Chadian authorities have therefore placed their forces on heightened alert while warning the Sudanese belligerents that further violations of its territory could provoke an energetic response.
The Chadian General Staff stressed that its priority remains the protection of the country’s territorial integrity and the safety of its citizens amid the continuing instability along its eastern border.
Chad Accuses Sudanese Forces of Crossing Border, Bombing Convoy Deep Inside Chadian Territory
News
Troops Arrest 24-Year-Old Hunter With Dane Gun After Gunshots Report in Plateau
Troops Arrest 24-Year-Old Hunter With Dane Gun After Gunshots Report in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have arrested a 24-year-old man and recovered a Dane gun following a report of gunshots in the DTV general area of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 1:15 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, when troops deployed at DTV responded to reports of gunshots in the area.
According to military sources, the troops arrived at the scene and arrested the suspect, identified as Emmanuel Daniel, 24, who was found in possession of one Dane gun.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect claimed to have fired the shots while hunting in the area.
The suspect and the recovered weapon are currently in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
The arrest followed the prompt response of troops to reports of gunfire as security forces continue efforts to maintain peace and security across communities in Plateau State.
Troops Arrest 24-Year-Old Hunter With Dane Gun After Gunshots Report in Plateau
News
GOC 3 Division Urges Irigwe Stakeholders to Embrace Dialogue, Peaceful Coexistence
GOC 3 Division Urges Irigwe Stakeholders to Embrace Dialogue, Peaceful Coexistence
By Zagazola Makama
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander, Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General W.M. Dangana, has urged the Irigwe community in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State to embrace dialogue and peaceful coexistence in resolving differences and restoring lasting peace.
Dangana made the call on Friday, August 22, 2026, during a stakeholders’ engagement held at Miango community in Bassa LGA.
The engagement was attended by the Chief of Staff and Commander, Sector 3, Operation ENDURING PEACE, the entire Irigwe leadership and other stakeholders.
During the meeting, participants discussed critical security issues affecting the community and measures required to address the challenges and prevent further escalation of tensions.
The GOC emphasized the importance of dialogue as a means of resolving differences, urging the stakeholders to pursue peaceful solutions to issues affecting the community.
He also called on the Irigwe leadership and residents to promote peaceful coexistence, stressing the need for collective efforts towards restoring lasting peace in the community and Plateau State at large.
The engagement further illustrates the importance of cooperation between the security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities in addressing security challenges and strengthening peace-building efforts.
The meeting was hitch-free.
GOC 3 Division Urges Irigwe Stakeholders to Embrace Dialogue, Peaceful Coexistence
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