Latest news with #CouncilOfChurches
Russia Today
2 days ago
- Climate
- Russia Today
South Africa declares day of mourning after deadly floods
The Eastern Cape provincial government has confirmed the identification of 80 individuals who lost their lives in the devastating floods that have severely impacted the province. The adverse weather has impacted households in the wake of recent floods, resulting in multiple fatalities, the displacement of families, significant infrastructure damage, and disruption of livelihoods across the province, particularly in the O.R. Tambo and Amathole District Municipalities. The death toll is at 90. The provincial government said that out of the 90 fatalities, 60 are adults and 30 are children. It has been reported that of those who died, 48 are men and 42 are women. The Department of Health has also completed post-mortems with 80 bodies being positively identified and 77 bodies released to families. 'The Provincial Government remains in close contact with affected families to provide necessities and psychosocial support, with the Council of Churches also having joined in providing spiritual healing to the grieving families,' provincial government spokesperson Khuselwa Rantjie said. The provision of emergency relief to thousands of displaced residents in the OR Tambo and Amathole District Municipalities remains in progress. 'About 2,686 residents were left homeless and are currently accommodated in various shelters and provided with three meals a day and all the necessities. Progress has been made in the restoration of basic services in the affected areas,' Rantjie said. It said that in the Amathole District, water provision has resumed, with the full pumping system still being restored. However, water supply in some communities is limited, and residents are urged to continue using water sparingly, as water will not return to all affected places at once, and the system may take time to recover fully. Water tankers from both municipalities, the Department of Water and Sanitation, and the Gift of the Givers continue with the provision of water in affected communities. A Provincial Day of Mourning has been announced for June 19, 2025, in Decoligny Village, Mthatha. The provincial government urges residents to report any individuals who went missing around Tuesday, June 10, in areas affected by severe weather conditions to law enforcement, as rescue operations are ongoing. Additionally, it appeals for continued support from the private sector, businesses, and individuals to contribute donations of food, clothing, blankets, furniture, and other essential items. First published by IOL
Zawya
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
South Sudan: Tonj East Communities Take Fragile Steps Toward Lasting Peace
Years of persistent violence have left deep scars in Tonj East, Warrap State. Revenge killings, cattle raids, and unresolved grievances have become tragically routine, taking hundreds of lives and shattering the futures of countless families. But in Kuajok, the state capital, a hopeful story has begun to unfold. Brought together by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, alongside Warrap's Ministry of Peacebuilding and the Council of Churches, community leaders from across Tonj East—including elders, politicians, women, youth, and faith-based representatives—spent two intense days searching for solutions beyond the violence. Participants spoke candidly, acknowledging painful truths rarely aired in public. Madot Dut Deng, a state parliamentarian, vividly captured the underlying issues driving the persistent cycle of conflict: 'There is no accountability. When people are killed, when cattle are stolen, nobody faces justice, and no compensation is made. Guns remain in the hands of civilians, and the government is hesitant. If this continues, revenge killings won't stop.' This stark assessment echoed a widely held frustration: despite repeated dialogues, peace remains elusive. Women, who often bear the heaviest burden, openly shared their experience. 'In night raids, no one checks whom they kill. It is women and children who pay the highest price. Even when our sons fight each other, the loss is always ours,' explains women's representative, Nyaroun Buoi Mel. She described how more than 200 lives were lost in just one incident earlier this year. 'People often seem more concerned with lost cattle than lost lives.' Despite the challenges, a cautious hope emerged through the dialogue. For the first time in recent memory, community leaders signed a collective pledge to stop the violence, discourage retaliatory attacks, and open blocked roads. Two community committees were established to oversee implementation and monitor progress in the hope these resolutions won't simply become empty promises. UNMISS Acting Head of Field Office, Adewuyi Adewumi, reminded participants that peace is not a destination, it is an ongoing responsibility. 'We've supported many dialogues. But ultimately, peace cannot be maintained by outsiders. The responsibility lies with all of you,' he emphasized. A key focus was disarmament with leaders recognizing that as long as civilians carry arms, peace will remain fragile. 'Those fighting aren't strangers; they're our brothers, cousins, and children. Conflict here isn't abstract—it's deeply personal,' said Member of Parliament, Piot Makuei Piot. The leaders committed to sensitizing their communities about the voluntary surrender of weapons, with a united message: peace is a choice worth making. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
