Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: APO – Report:

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The authorities in Tanzania responded to widespread protests following the October 29 elections with lethal force and other abuses, Human Rights Watch said today. On November 1, Tanzania’s electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission, announced that the incumbent president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, won the election with 97.66 percent of the vote. She was sworn in on November 3 for a second term at a ceremony closed to the public amid continuing protests.

The protests, some of which were violent, erupted on election day and have continued over three days in Dar es Salaam and other cities. Police responded with tear gas and live ammunition to disperse crowds. The government imposed nationwide internet restrictions on October 29, and multiple internet monitoring organizations confirmed that internet connectivity had been disrupted. Reports on the evening of November 3 indicate that some internet access has been restored but that restrictions on social media and messaging platforms persist.

“The Tanzanian authorities’ violent and repressive response to election-related protests further undermines the credibility of the electoral process,” said Oryem Nyeko, senior Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch. “The government has a responsibility to maintain security, but it needs to respect rights and ensure that all those responsible for violence are investigated and appropriately prosecuted.”

In October, Human Rights Watch reported that the Tanzanian government intensified political repression, suppressed political opposition and critics of the ruling party, stifled the media, and failed to ensure the electoral commission’s independence in the lead up to the elections.

Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema), had urged its supporters not to participate in the elections. An opposition party official and a resident of Dar es Salaam told Human Rights Watch that police officers and individuals in civilian clothes shot and killed protesters and passers-by on election day and in the two days that followed.

John Kitoka, the director of foreign and diaspora affairs of Chadema, said that the party had collected reports of up to 1,000 people killed by police and unidentified security force personnel in the aftermath of the elections in eight of Tanzania’s 31 regions.

Human Rights Watch has not been able to confirm these numbers but regional and international bodies such as the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Southern African Development Community, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the European Union have raised concerns in their public statements about the large number of fatalities.

A resident of Dar es Salaam’s Temeke district told Human Rights Watch via telephone that on October 30 at around 3:30 p.m., her neighbor, who was not participating in the protests, was shot and killed outside his home by a man that witnesses said was wearing civilian clothes.

From the evening of October 29 until November 3, the government imposed a 24-hour lockdown, ordering all residents to stay at home. A resident of Dar es Salaam told Human Rights Watch that shops were closed for three days after election day but were allowed to open briefly on November 2. The resident said the lockdown prevented them from leaving their homes to buy food and get money from the bank.

The lockdown prevented the media from being able to report on the elections and the ensuing protests. Two Tanzania-based journalists said they were unable to carry out reporting on the ongoing events because of the lockdown.

The authorities appear to have blocked foreign journalists from covering the elections by failing in some instances to respond to accreditation applications. The International Press Association of East Africa said it does not know of any journalists working for international media who were accredited to travel to the mainland to cover the elections.

Agence France-Presse reported on October 24 that its journalists, despite being accredited, were denied access to grounds in Stone Town, Zanzibar, where President Hassan was due to hold a rally.

One journalist told Human Rights Watch that he applied for accreditation to cover the election on mainland Tanzania via an online portal on the election commission’s website but did not receive any response. He followed up with phone calls to the commission and was told by a high-ranking official that they would return his call, but they did not.

The Tanzanian authorities should immediately end the use of excessive and lethal force against protests, and take steps to ensure accountability for allegations of election-related killings, beatings, and assaults by security forces, and hold those responsible accountable, Human Rights Watch said.

Tanzania is obligated to respect everyone’s rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association under international human rights law and its constitution. Tanzania security forces should abide by the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, which require law enforcement officials to apply nonviolent means and to use force only when strictly unavoidable to protect life. The principles also require governments to ensure that arbitrary or abusive use of force and firearms by law enforcement officials is punished as a criminal offense under national law.

Under international human rights law, Tanzanian authorities should refrain from imposing internet shutdowns, disruptions, or blocking access to websites and platforms including before, during, and after elections. The African Commission stated that the recent shutdown in Tanzania violates article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantees the rights to freedom of expression and access to information. It called on the Tanzanian government to respect and protect the rights to freedom of expression and access to information.

“Street demonstrations against the conduct of elections should not be used as a pretext for violating people’s rights,” Nyeko said. “The authorities are obligated to promote and protect the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and fully restore access to the internet.”

– on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).

Source: APO – Report:

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In response to the ongoing partial internet shutdown by Tanzanian authorities following the October 29 general elections, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for East and Southern Africa, Vongai Chikwanda said: 

“For close to a week now, many people in Tanzania have suffered nationwide internet and electricity shutdowns.  Amnesty International is particularly alarmed by reports that amidst the blackouts, security forces have used excessive force to suppress and disperse ongoing post-election protests, resulting in the deaths and injuries of protesters.

“This is the third time in less than a year that Tanzanian authorities have resorted to an internet blockade to silence dissenting voices. Authorities must immediately refrain from suppressing protests and instead respect, protect, and facilitate the right to peaceful assembly. They must immediately and unconditionally release all those arrested solely for exercising their right to peaceful assembly.” 

“Authorities should promptly, thoroughly, independently, impartially, transparently and effectively investigate all killings by security agents and bring to justice in fair trials those suspected of being responsible.  Authorities must also provide victims and their families with access to justice and effective remedies.

“The authorities must also allow both local and international media to freely report on the human rights situation in the country and refrain from restricting access to information, both online and offline including by immediately restoring internet access and access to basic public services. The ongoing restrictions are making it difficult to verify information, and to document election-related human rights violations.” 

Background 

Tanzanians went to the polls on 29 October in an election dominated by the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, with the two main opposition presidential candidates, Tundu Lissu from Chadema (Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo or the Party for Democracy and Progress), and Luhaga Mpina from ACT-Wazalendo, barred from standing. Verified videos showed protesters on the streets of Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, Tunduma, Tanga, and Mwanza among other towns.  Ahead of the elections, Amnesty International issued a briefing outlining how the Tanzanian authorities have intensified their repression of peaceful dissent against the opposition, journalists, human rights defenders, activists and civil society organizations.   

Authorities imposed nationwide internet restrictions on election day disrupting mobile data services and blocking access to social media platforms across major networks. On Monday 3 November, residents reported partial resumption in some cities. 

– on behalf of Amnesty International.

Source: APO – Report:

Seychelles reaffirmed its dedication to education, culture, and sustainable development at the 43rd UNESCO General Conference, held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from 29 October to 14 November 2025. The Seychelles delegation, led by Ambassador Georges Tirant, Permanent Delegate of the Republic of Seychelles to UNESCO, joined global leaders and representatives for this historic session – the first in 40 years to be held outside UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.

Chaired by Bangladesh’s Ambassador, H. E. Mr. Khondker M. Talha, the Conference brought together UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, and Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, Aleksandar Vučić of Serbia, and Peter Pellegrini of Slovakia, among others. As UNESCO’s highest governing body, the General Conference adopted the Draft Programme and Budget for 2026–2029 and discussed key areas including education, sciences, culture, and communication.

In his address, Ambassador Tirant thanked UNESCO for adopting the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI), describing it as vital for addressing the challenges of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). He emphasised Seychelles’ ongoing commitment to good governance, transparency, and inclusive development under President Patrick Herminie.

Highlighting education as central to sustainable growth, he acknowledged UNESCO’s support through the Institute of Early Childhood Development (IECD), a Category II Centre in Seychelles that promotes regional collaboration. The IECD will host its second regional workshop in Mahé in November 2025.

During the session, Ambassador Tirant also announced Seychelles’ preparation of a nomination dossier for Venn’s Town to join the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The delegation included senior officials and youth representative Victoria Alis, who participated in the 14th UNESCO Youth Forum.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Republic of Seychelles.

Source: APO

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The Presiding Officers of Parliament, led by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thoko Didiza, and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, extend their heartfelt congratulations to the Proteas Women for their historic performance in the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup.

While the team was narrowly defeated by India in the final, their journey to this pinnacle match marks a monumental first for a South African women’s cricket team. This milestone is a source of immense national pride and a powerful testament to the excellence and rising stature of women’s sport in South Africa.

Throughout the tournament in India, the Proteas Women demonstrated exceptional skill and determination. Their path to the final, including a particularly inspirational semi-final victory against Australia, captivated the nation and showcased their place among the world’s cricketing elite.

The Presiding Officers commend the entire team, players, coaches and management, for their professionalism, unity and unwavering dedication. Their success has elevated the profile of women’s cricket and serves as a beacon of inspiration for a generation of young South African athletes.

This achievement signifies the unique power of sport to unite the nation and strengthen our shared identity. The team embodies the very principles that define our democracy: perseverance, collaboration and national pride.

On behalf of the people of South Africa, Parliament expresses its profound gratitude to the Proteas Women. You have lifted the nation’s spirit and made us all profoundly proud.

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Enquiries: Moloto Mothapo, Parliament Spokesperson

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

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Uganda has confirmed readiness to host the Edition of 15th East African Community (EAC) Inter-Parliamentary Games with major logistical, medical, and venue preparations finalised ahead of the December kickoff.

The Local Organizing Committee headed by Bugiri Municipality Member of Parliamenty, Hon. Asuman Basalirwa confirmed that all key venues have been inspected and approved, medical partnerships secured and hospitality arrangements completed.

“We are ready to host East Africa. Uganda is prepared both in facilities and spirit, and we look forward to welcoming our brothers and sisters from the region. A list of hotels that will provide accommodation has been finalised and shared with all our delegates,” Basalirwa said while addressing the press on Monday, 03 November 2025.

The games will be held from 05 -17 December 2025 across Kampala at venues including Philip Omondi Stadium (Lugogo), Hams Stadium, Wankulukuku Stadium, Kyambogo University, Makerere University  and Namboole Stadium, among others. The Golf events will take place at Kampala Golf Club and Serena Golf Resort, Kigo.

The committee confirmed medical readiness with Hospitals such as Kampala Hospital, Nakasero, Aga Khan and IHK.  Mulago and Nsambya Hospitals are expected to join. 
“These hospitals have agreed to partner with us to provide medical services during the tournament,” Basalirwa said.

All fixtures will soon be made public and admission will be free, which according to EAC MPs is a gesture intended to promote community involvement.

Parliament of Uganda which is the defending has vowed to maintain its dominance with Basalirwa vouching that, ‘we cannot afford to lose on home soil. Even with a tight national electoral schedule, we are training hard to remain on top’.

Delegations from  Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA)  have confirmed full participation, under the theme, “One Region, One Community: Advancing Integration through Parliaments and Sports.”

Kenya’s delegation represented by Hon. Vincent Kawaya announced that both the National Assembly and Senate will compete in all eight disciplines.
“We will take as many trophies as possible because we know Ugandans are busy preparing for elections but what matters most is the unity these games foster,” he said adding that Kenya fully supports Uganda’s hosting efforts.

South Sudan’s delegation praised Uganda for its organizational efficiency and confirmed entry in all events.

The EALA Secretariat urged East Africans to turn up in large numbers, saying the games belong to the people and play a vital role in “deepening, widening, and tightening regional integration.”  
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Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

Source: APO

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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Supra Mahumapelo, has condemned in the strongest possible terms the continuing gruesome killings of civilians and attacks on essential services, such as healthcare centres, in Sudan.

He said the persistent acts of impunity that have resulted in a devastating humanitarian catastrophe, leaving over half of the country’s population in dire need of life-saving aid, are unacceptable and regrettable. He said the committee welcomes the emergency meeting convened by the African Union Peace and Security Council to discuss the gravely worsening situation in the Republic of Sudan.

Mr Mahumapelo said: “The committee also welcomes the decisive intervention of the African Union at this critical juncture. It is imperative to stop what is happening in Sudan and to restore peace and stability.”

The committee adds its voice to that of the South African government calling upon the Sudanese armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces to immediately and unconditionally implement an verifiable cessation of hostilities, adhering strictly to their obligations, including protecting medical personnel and allowing safe passage for those seeking refuge, and to ensure rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to all affected populations across Sudan.

“We also call upon all external actors involved in this crisis to adhere to international law, and to stop any form of supporting, supplying or enabling the armed belligerents,” added Mr Mahumapelo.

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION, MR SUPRA MAHUMAPELO.

For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Mr Mava Lukani
Cell: 081 503 1840
Email: mlukani@parliament.gov.za

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation, Mr Leon Basson, has noted with concern the reports of increasing cases of typhoid in Hammanskraal and Bronkhorstspruit in the City of Tshwane. While the Chairperson has noted assurances that the city, the Department of Health and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) are working collaboratively to trace the source, he has called for effective communications to allay fears.

“In the context of the recent cholera outbreak in the area and the fact that the source was never officially confirmed, it is critical that stakeholders effectively communicate to allay fears within the community. While we don’t want to pre-empt the investigative work, it remains critical that quality and safe drinking water is always provided to citizens. This is their constitutional right,” Mr Basson emphasised.

While the Chairperson acknowledge that water is not the only source of the bacterium Salmonella Typhi, the reality is also that many of South Africa’s wastewater works do not produce quality water as per the South African National Standards, specifically SANS 241, which sets the minimum requirements for water to be considered safe for human consumption (potable). It is in this context that the city and the DWS must ramp up their water testing to ensure that the system is not responsible for the outbreak.

“It is important that those tests are ramped up to reassure users that they have clean drinking water. Above all, effective communications will ensure that there is no mass panic within the city,” Mr Basson emphasised.

Broadly, the current challenges in Tshwane should be a forewarning for authorities to get their act together and ensure that the entire value chain operates effectively to prevent such outbreaks. “In a country with technical skills and resources, such occurrences highlight the impact of poor planning and endemic corruption on the entire system,” Mr Basson emphasised.

Upon completion of the investigation by the city, NICD and the Department of Health, the committee will request a comprehensive report to ensure effective oversight and to ensure that such outbreaks are prevented.

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON WATER AND SANITATION, MR LEON BASSON

For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Malatswa Molepo (Mr)
Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 403 8438
Cell: 081 512 7920
E-mail: mmolepo@parliament.gov.za

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

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The first Regional Dialogue Platform on Anticipatory Action, held from 28 to 30 October 2025 in Dakar, concluded with a strong collective commitment from participants – including FAO’s Emergency and Resilience Unit (REOWA) – and a clear consensus on the need to act earlier and together in the face of recurring crises affecting West and Central Africa.

Organized by the Anticipatory Action Task Force (TFAA) in partnership with the Anticipation Hub, under the leadership of the Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS), and funded by the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO), the event brought together more than 150 participants representing national authorities, civil society organizations, UN agencies, bilateral and multilateral partners, international and local NGOs, and regional institutions.

Over three days, discussions provided a regional overview of anticipatory action, identified existing synergies, and formulated operational recommendations to strengthen planning, financing, and implementation of early and coordinated interventions.

“Faced with the upsurge of crises, no institution can act alone. Under CILSS leadership, by pooling our resources, knowledge, and effective early warning mechanisms, we can build a collective, anticipatory, and solidarity-based response to protect lives and livelihoods of vulnerable communities,” said Dr. Abdoulaye Mohamadou, Executive Secretary of CILSS.

FAO: A Pioneer and Key Actor in Regional Coordination of Anticipatory Action

Through its Subregional Office for West Africa (SFW), FAO plays a major role within the regional Task Force on Anticipatory Action (TFAA). It provides technical leadership on food security and livelihood resilience while supporting countries in integrating anticipatory action into their national preparedness and crisis response plans.

“Anticipatory action is no longer an option but a necessity, given the increasing frequency and intensity of crises. As FAO, we are committed to strengthening the capacities of countries in the region so they can act earlier, in a coordinated and effective manner. By anticipating, we sustainably protect agricultural livelihoods and food security for vulnerable communities. Let’s not forget that we have all committed to eradicating hunger by 2030 – and 2030 is only five years away. It is by anticipating better and more effectively that we will achieve this goal,” emphasized Mr. Koffy Dominique Kouacou, Head of the Emergency and Resilience Team (REOWA) at FAO’s Subregional Office for West Africa.

Ms. Bintia Stephen-Tchicaya, FAO Subregional Coordinator for West Africa, reiterated the importance of this collective dynamic:

“FAO is fully committed, alongside CILSS and all partners, to strengthening early warning systems and rapid response mechanisms across the region. Together, we can build a more resilient West Africa, capable of acting before a crisis occurs.”

Towards a Strengthened Regional Dynamic

West and Central Africa remain among the most vulnerable regions to extreme climate shocks such as floods, prolonged droughts, heatwaves, and coastal erosion. These hazards compound interconnected crises marked by conflicts, population displacement, and growing food insecurity, with at least 49 million people at risk of food and nutrition insecurity according to the March 2025 Harmonized Framework.

In this context, anticipatory action emerges as a strategic and proactive approach that enables action before crises occur – through forecasting, preventive planning, and pre-arranged financing. This approach reduces response costs, saves lives, and preserves the dignity of affected populations.

The first dialogue platform concluded with the development of national Roadmaps, in which each of the 13 participating countries outlined their priorities for anticipatory actions. This event laid the foundation for a regional collaboration framework that will ultimately facilitate the implementation of funded anticipatory actions integrated into national risk management and humanitarian response plans.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

Source: APO

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The United Arab Emirates has expressed its sincere condolences and solidarity with the Republic of Kenya over heavy rainfall which caused landslides in the west of the country, and resulted in a number of deaths. 

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, and to the government and people of Kenya over this tragedy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.