News
Children Under Siege: The Untold Horrors In Sudan, Congo, And Haiti
The United Nations has once again highlighted the grave violations against children in conflict zones around the world. The latest annual report by the U.N. Secretary-General, launched by Virginia Gamba, the U.N. envoy for children and armed conflict, reveals the increasingly dire situation faced by youngsters in war-torn regions such as Sudan, Congo, and Haiti. This investigative feature delves into specific regions to provide a comprehensive understanding of the plight of children caught in the crossfire. Sudan’s descent into chaos began in mid-April 2023 when long-standing tensions between military and paramilitary factions erupted into full-scale conflict. The violence quickly spread from the capital Khartoum to other regions, notably Darfur. Once synonymous with genocide and war crimes, Darfur is now witnessing a resurgence of brutal violence. The U.N. reports that over 14,000 people have been
killed and 33,000 injured in the ongoing conflict. Children in Sudan face unprecedented levels of violence
and exploitation. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been blacklisted by the U.N. for their role in killing, maiming, and sexually assaulting children. Additionally, the Sudanese Armed Forces have been implicated in
similar atrocities, including attacks on schools and hospitals. Gamba’s concerns for the future are particularly focused on Sudan, emphasizing the expansion of violence into neighboring Chad. In the mineral-rich eastern Congo, the situation is deteriorating as the 13,500-strong U.N. peacekeeping force prepares to withdraw by the end of December 2024. This withdrawal leaves a power vacuum that rebel groups and government forces are vying to fill, resulting in increased instability and violence. Gamba’s report highlights “massive sexual violence” against
children in Congo, warning that this is likely to increase as peacekeepers withdraw. The report lists Congo’s armed forces and 16 armed groups on the U.N. blacklist for their roles in violating children’s rights. The absence of U.N. peacekeepers means a significant reduction in monitoring capabilities, leaving children even more vulnerable. Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse on July 7, 2021, gangs have seized control of up to 80% of Haiti’s capital. The surge in gang violence has led to a dramatic increase in killings, rapes, and kidnappings, prompting civilian vigilante groups to rise in opposition.
The U.N. began monitoring violence against children in Haiti in June 2023, verifying 383 grave violations against 307 children in the last six months of the year. These violations include killings, maiming, and particularly systemic sexual violence against girls. The U.N. chief’s report expresses deep concern about the pervasive nature of these violations, which have become endemic in the region. The civil war in Myanmar and its spillover into Bangladesh remain critical areas of concern. Children in these regions face severe threats, including recruitment by armed groups, sexual violence, and lack of access to education and healthcare. Looking to the future, Gamba expressed grave concerns about the situation in Somalia and Afghanistan. Both countries are experiencing heightened conflict and instability, which pose severe risks to children’s safety and well-being. For the first time, the U.N. report included both Israeli forces and Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants on the blacklist for violations against children’s rights in 2023. The listing follows the events of Hamas’ October 7 invasion of southern Israel and the subsequent military retaliation in Gaza, which is still ongoing.
The U.N. also retained the Russian armed forces and affiliated groups on the blacklist for their continued violations against Ukrainian children. These include killings, maiming, and attacks on schools and hospitals throughout 2023.
The international community must prioritize the monitoring and reporting of violations against children in conflict
zones. Without the presence of peacekeepers and adequate monitoring mechanisms, many atrocities may go unreported, leaving children without protection or justice. There is an urgent need for increased humanitarian aid and support for children affected by conflicts. This includes not only
immediate relief but also long term support such as education, psychological care, and community rebuilding efforts. The U.N. report serves as a stark reminder of the horrific conditions faced by children in conflict zones worldwide. From Sudan and Congo to Haiti and beyond, the international community must take decisive action to protect these vulnerable populations. The plight of children in these regions is a humanitarian crisis that demands immediate
and sustained attention. As Gamba’s warnings indicate, without concerted global efforts, the future for these children remains perilously uncertain.
Imo Ex-Lawmaker’s Son Irvin Ibejiako Called to Nigerian Bar
By Boniface Ihiasota
Irvin Ibejiako has been formally called to the Nigerian Bar, marking the successful completion of his legal training after years of academic and professional preparation.
Speaking after the ceremony in Abuja, the newly inducted lawyer described the occasion as the reward for years of hard work, discipline and perseverance.
“There were moments during this journey when the finish line felt very far away,” he said.
“The path from university lecture halls to the Nigerian Bar demanded sacrifices, long nights, discipline and resilience that often went unseen.”
He added that the achievement was not his alone but a reflection of the support he received from his family and well-wishers.
“Standing here today, I carry not only my own dreams but also the prayers, sacrifices and hopes of my parents, family and everyone who believed in me,” he said.
Ibejiako noted that being called to the Bar comes with a greater responsibility to uphold the rule of law and serve society.
“Being called to the Bar is a reminder that perseverance has a way of rewarding those who refuse to quit. I am grateful for the journey, humbled by the moment and excited for the responsibility that comes with wearing the wig and gown,” he added.
Irvin is the son of the Imo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism and former member of the House of Representatives for Owerri Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ernest Ibejiako.
Following the ceremony, family members, friends and associates held a reception in his honour at Icheku Gardens Villa in Owerri Municipal, where they celebrated his admission into the legal profession.
Guests at the event described the achievement as a source of pride for the Ibejiako family and the Owerri community, expressing confidence that the young lawyer would contribute meaningfully to the administration of justice in Nigeria.
Uddy, Kylie celebrate colourful Igbo-American traditional wedding in California
Uddy Osuagwu and Kylie Bechtold have celebrated their traditional wedding in Concord, California, in a colourful ceremony that showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people alongside American family traditions.
The event, held at the Concord Center, brought together family members, friends and guests from different parts of the United States and beyond to witness the union of the couple in a celebration marked by culture, fashion and entertainment.
The wedding united the families of Chief Magzy and Lolo Ada Osuagwu and Mr. Scott and Mrs. Jodi Bechtold, symbolising a blend of Nigerian and American cultures.
Guests were treated to a vibrant display of Igbo traditional rites, with the couple adorned in elegant traditional attire, coral beads and isi agu regalia, while the ceremony featured music, dance and cultural performances.
Among the dignitaries in attendance was the Chairman of ABC Transport Plc, Mr. Frank Nneji, alongside business leaders, community elders and members of the Nigerian diaspora from across the United States.
The celebration also attracted well-wishers from Nigeria and other parts of the world, showcasing the couple’s extensive personal and professional connections.
Speaking during the event, family members described the marriage as a pointer to the power of love to transcend cultural and geographical boundaries.
The ceremony was covered by the United States-based Excel Magazine International crew led by its Publisher, Boniface Ihiasota, who documented the event for audiences across Africa, Europe and North America.
The colourful wedding featured traditional Igbo marriage rites, cultural displays and a reception that extended into the evening, with guests celebrating the couple’s new journey together.
The event has been widely described by attendees as one of the memorable diaspora traditional weddings of the season, spotlighting the enduring bond between Nigerian cultural heritage and global multicultural communities.
MbaiseUSA DMV chapter hosts Ahiara bishop ahead of 2026 convention
By Boniface Ihiasota, Washington DC
The President of the Mbaise Progressive Union Washington DC Metro Area Inc., Hon. Sir Goddy Ugbor, has hosted the Catholic Bishop of Ahiara Diocese, Rt. Rev. Simeon Okezuo Nwobi, at a private dinner in Bowie, Maryland, ahead of the bishop’s maiden episcopal visit to the Washington DC metropolitan area.
The dinner, held on July 11, 2026, at the residence of Ugbor and his wife, Dr. Lady Madonna Ugbor, brought together members of the clergy and community leaders as part of activities preceding the bishop’s public Mass at St. Matthias Catholic Church.
Ugbor, who also serves as the Host President of the MbaiseUSA Convention 2026, said the gathering underscored the Washington DC Metro chapter’s commitment to promoting unity, faith and service among Mbaise indigenes in the diaspora.
He described the bishop’s visit as significant for the Mbaise community in North America, noting that preparations had reached an advanced stage for the MbaiseUSA Convention scheduled to hold from July 22 to July 25 at the Baltimore Convention Center.
“The Bishop’s presence in our home was a blessing to our family and to the entire DMV community. We are honoured to welcome our shepherd as we prepare to host Ndi Mbaise from across the world this July,” Ugbor said.
Community leaders at the event described the dinner as an opportunity to strengthen relationships within the Mbaise community while discussing the role of faith and leadership in advancing development among members in the diaspora.
The bishop was accompanied by Rev. Fr. John Ekeocha, Rev. Fr. Leo Ugbor, Rev. Fr. Chris Opara and Rev. Sr. Judith.
The Washington DC Metro chapter is the official host chapter for the 2026 MbaiseUSA Convention, which organisers expect will attract more than 2,000 delegates from different parts of the world.
The dinner formed part of activities marking Bishop Nwobi’s visit and the countdown to the annual convention, which aims to foster cultural ties, community development and engagement among Mbaise people in the diaspora.
Imo Ex-Lawmaker’s Son Irvin Ibejiako Called to Nigerian Bar
Let the Bishop’s Visit Heal Us — A Call for Peace Among Mbaise Sons and Daughters in the Diaspora
Uddy, Kylie celebrate colourful Igbo-American traditional wedding in California
Pastor Jerry Eze Defends Miracles At UK Conference Amidst Criticism And Controversy
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