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COVID-19 fuels domestic violence, forced marriage in Sudan – Study

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4 years ago

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Coronavirus
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Deteriorating economic conditions since 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic have fuelled an increase in domestic violence and forced marriage in Sudan, a UN-backed study has revealed.

The study, Voices from Sudan 2020, published this week is the first-ever nationwide qualitative assessment of Gender-Based violence (GBV) in the country, where a transitional government is now in its second year.

Addressing the issue is a critical priority, according to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Government’s Combating Violence against Women Unit (CVAW), co-authors of the report.

“The current context of increased openness by the Government of Sudan, and dynamism by civil society, opens opportunities for significant gains in advancing women’s safety and rights,” they said.

The report aims to complement existing methods of gathering data and analysis by ensuring that the views, experiences and priorities of women and girls, are understood and addressed.

Researchers found that communities perceive domestic and sexual violence as the most common GBV issues.

Key concerns include physical violence in the home, committed by husbands against wives, and by brothers against sisters, as well as movement restrictions which women and girls have been subjected to.

Another concern is sexual violence, especially against women working in informal jobs, but also refugee and displaced women when moving outside camps, people with disabilities, and children in Qur’anic schools.

Forced marriage is also prominent, according to the report. Most of these unions are arranged between members of the same tribe, or relatives, without the girl’s consent or knowledge.

Meanwhile, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) remains widespread in Sudan, with varying differences based on geographic location and tribal affiliation.

Although knowledge about the illegality and harmfulness of the practice has reached community level, child marriage and FGM are not perceived as key concerns.

Women’s access to resources is also severely restricted. Men control financial resources, and boys are favoured for access to opportunities, especially education.

Verbal and psychological pressure to comply with existing gender norms and roles is widespread, leading in some cases to suicide.

The deteriorating economic situation since 2020, and COVID-19, have increased violence, especially domestic violence and forced marriage, the report said. Harassment in queues for essential supplies such as bread and fuel has also been reported.

Sudan continues to move along a path to democracy following the April 2019 overthrow of President Omar Al-Bashir who had been in power for 30 years.

In addition, the report stated that it has not been possible for the last three decades to discuss GBV.

“GBV data is dramatically lacking, with no nation-wide assessment done for the past 30 years, and a general lack of availability of qualitative and quantitative data,” the authors said.

To carry out the assessment, some 215 focus group discussions were held with communities: 21 with GBV experts, as well as a review of existing studies and assessments.

Research was conducted between August and November 2020, encompassing 60 locations and camps, and the data was scanned through a software for qualitative analysis, followed a model first used in Syria. (NAN)

 

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International

Finnish Court Jails Simon Ekpa Six Years for Terrorism

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3 months ago

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September 1, 2025

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Simon Ekpa
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A Finnish court on Monday sentenced Nigerian-born Finnish politician Simon Ekpa to six years in prison for terrorism-related offences.

The Päijät-Häme District Court found the 40-year-old former Lahti municipal councillor guilty of participating in a terrorist organisation, incitement to commit crimes for terrorist purposes, aggravated tax fraud, and violations of the Lawyers Act.

Prosecutors said that between 2021 and 2024, Ekpa promoted the independence of the so-called Biafra region in Nigeria through illegal means, using social media to influence followers and support armed groups the court classified as terrorist organisations.

The court ruled that Ekpa provided weapons and explosives through his contacts and urged his supporters on X, formerly Twitter, to commit crimes in Nigeria. He denied all charges.

Ekpa was arrested in December 2024 and tried over 12 sessions earlier this year. A three-judge panel delivered the unanimous verdict, ordering him to remain in custody.

 

 

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International

In Brazil, Tinubu Calls for Innovation-Driven Transformation in Nigeria

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3 months ago

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August 27, 2025

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President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
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President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to positioning Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s development, with a focus on technology, food security, and innovation.

Speaking to Nigerians in Brazil on Wednesday, Tinubu described his visit as a strategic step to deepen bilateral ties and learn from the South American country’s rapid development.

“Once upon a time, Nigeria and Brazil stood on the same level. Look at Brazil today — its technology, its food systems. We must ask ourselves: what do they have that we don’t? We have the brains, the energy, and the youth. We have everything we need. Now, we must act,” he said.

The President stressed that his government is laying the foundation for partnerships in manufacturing, technology, and cultural exchange, with the goal of unlocking Nigeria’s potential.

Acknowledging the difficulties citizens face due to ongoing economic reforms, Tinubu insisted that the measures are necessary for long-term prosperity.

“Yes, the reforms are tough — like bitter medicine. But once the fever is gone, you know the cure was worth it,” he said.

He commended the Nigerian diaspora community in Brazil, urging them to see themselves as critical stakeholders in building a new Nigeria.

“You are the pride of our nation. Your diversity, your commitment — it reflects the Nigeria we are working to build. I salute you all,” Tinubu stated.

The President further called for unity and resilience among Nigerians, adding that the dream of a prosperous nation must be pursued with urgency.

“If Wole Soyinka, at over 90, can still dream and act, then we have no excuse. The dream must be realised. The time is now,” he said.

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International

Tinubu Arrives in Brazil for Two-Day State Visit After U.S. Stopover

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3 months ago

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August 25, 2025

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stepping out from Airplane
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President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Brasília, Brazil, for a two-day state visit focused on deepening bilateral ties and securing new investments.

Tinubu, who flew in from Los Angeles after attending the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Japan, was received at the Brasília Air Base by senior Brazilian government officials, including Ambassador Carlos Sérgio Sobral Duarte, Secretary for Africa and the Middle East, and Carlos José Areias Moreno Garcete, Brazil’s Ambassador to Nigeria.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, also joined the reception. Other cabinet ministers, heads of key agencies, and private sector representatives later welcomed the president at his hotel.

The official welcoming ceremony, with full military honours, is scheduled for Monday at the Planalto Palace.

According to presidential aides, the visit will focus on activating multi-billion-dollar agricultural investments, advancing the $1.1 billion Green Imperative mechanisation project, and attracting fresh foreign direct investment in Nigeria’s agriculture and energy sectors.

Tinubu is also expected to participate in a Nigeria–Brazil business forum, bilateral meetings, and the signing of agreements and memoranda of understanding in technology, aviation, renewable energy, and climate resilience.

The presidency has not disclosed when the president is expected to return to Abuja.

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