Nearly six and a half million people in southern Africa are facing starvation due to a devastating drought tied to last year’s El Niño, according to humanitarian organizations. Over 27 million lives have been impacted across the region, from Lesotho to Zimbabwe, with 21 million children suffering from malnutrition.
Five countries—Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe—have declared a national disaster and are appealing for international assistance. Angola and Mozambique are also experiencing severe consequences from the drought.
For many communities, this is the worst food crisis in decades, warns a World Food Programme (WFP) spokesperson. October marks the start of the lean season, but the hunger crisis is expected to peak in January, with worsening conditions before any improvements are seen. Failed crops and livestock deaths mean that, for some households, children are fortunate to receive even one meal a day.
To address the crisis, the UN agency has requested $369 million in funding but has only received 20 percent of the amount needed so far.
In Tunisia, concerns have been raised about democratic freedoms following a presidential campaign marred by a crackdown on opposition figures, activists, and journalists. The UN human rights chief urged Tunisian authorities to protect democratic processes and uphold fundamental freedoms. In the lead-up to the election, over 100 political figures were arrested, and out of 17 candidates, only three were allowed to run, with some facing lengthy prison sentences.
Meanwhile, in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, the killing of 20 mineworkers in an attack involving grenades and rocket launchers has drawn condemnation from the UN. There have been multiple similar incidents in recent months, reportedly aimed at increasing ethnic tensions. Authorities have been urged to bring the attackers to justice and respect international human rights obligations. Concerns have also been raised about a recent ban on the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement, with calls for a review in line with international law to ensure freedom of expression and association.
