Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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Collective, collaborative efforts to strengthen protection of civilians, security, and peace in the troubled Central Equatorian region was the key focus of intensive discussions between local authorities and a United Nations peacekeeping team.

The engagements held with County Commissioners from Yei River, Morobo, and Lainya provided a valuable opportunity to discuss how to address the complex challenges facing communities, focusing on shared priorities and cooperation.

“The partnership and collaboration we have with county authorities is critical to ensuring that, as peacekeepers, we can jointly and effectively address the serious issues confronting the communities we serve,” said Njoki Kinyanjui, UNMISS Head of Field Office in Central Equatoria State.

“This collaboration is essential, especially during challenging times, when our communities need more support than ever,” said Charles Data, Morobo County Commissioner.

All three counties identified peace, security, justice mechanisms, road connectivity, education and health as their top priorities.

“Road connectivity is fundamental to improving both security and service delivery,” stated Emmanuel Taban, Yei River County Commissioner. “This helps us better reach communities and support economic activities that offer alternatives to harmful behaviors.”

The UNMISS team recognized the importance of connecting communities for trade, economic growth, and peacebuilding, citing a project to rebuild the Kendial Bridge in Kandila Boma as an example as well as four quick impact projects underway in the three counties.

Also on the agenda was the need to strengthen justice and rule of law, including traditional court systems as well as formal mechanisms. Commissioners highlighted the need for mobile courts and additional judicial capacity to address pending cases.

A top priority is also to enhance community engagement in peace building, ensuring that communities live peacefully together, and that governance systems are inclusive.

“It is important that peace committees, youth and women’s associations and security agencies work together as partners in peacebuilding,” emphasized Commissioner Taban. “Enhanced support for these groups would enable broader community outreach and participation.”

UNMISS reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening peace committees through enhanced mobility support and capacity building initiatives.

As South Sudan continues to progress its transition towards the country’s first democratic elections, UNMISS also encouraged the commissioners to foster an inclusive civic and political space.

“County commissioners play a pivotal role in creating an enabling environment for democratic processes,” explained the UNMISS Head of Field Office. “You are closest to the people and essential for ensuring all voices are heard and included.”

The meetings also addressed operational challenges, including ensuring UNMISS has unhindered access all areas, particularly conflict hotspots where people are in most need of protection and support.

– on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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The Chairperson of the AU Commission H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, had a meeting with Brig. Paul Kahuria Njema, Director General of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) Secretariat this morning.

Their discussions focused on the peace & security landscape in Eastern DRC, Sudan, Somalia, & the Gulf of Aden. They reaffirmed the imperative of a sustained, coordinated approach to conflict resolution & the importance of securing sustainable & predictable funding for African-led peace support operations.

– on behalf of African Union (AU).

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

• The Orange group and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Group announce the signing of a framework agreement at VivaTech 2025 making Orange the reference partner in digital matters.
• This unprecedented agreement with a telecom operator aims to strengthen cooperation between the two groups to improve access to digital services, support innovation and accelerate environmental transition in their common areas of intervention.

Christel Heydemann, CEO of Orange (www.Orange.com), Rémy Rioux, CEO of AFD Group, and Françoise Lombard, CEO of Proparco, signed an innovative partnership agreement to jointly accelerate digital inclusion and sustainable digital development. The three-year agreement provides a structured framework for cooperation on expertise and the emergence of joint projects internationally. It covers 17 countries in the Africa-Middle East region where Orange is present, as well as Moldova and French overseas departments. Priority themes include:

• Digital inclusion of populations through the deployment of strategic infrastructure (ex. backbone equipment of very high-speed networks and submarine cables);
• Financial and energy inclusion, and access to e-services (agriculture, health, education), especially in rural areas;
• Reduction of the environmental footprint of digital technology;
• Training and professional integration through digital tools;
• Support for innovation and entrepreneurship;
• Forward-looking discussions on ethical data use, security and artificial intelligence for development.

As a multi-service operator and key partner in the digital transformation of the Africa-Middle East region, Orange has already opened 16 Orange Digital Centers and 32 Orange Digital Center Clubs in partnership with universities. These are free and accessible to all, and are designed to promote digital inclusion among youth and foster entrepreneurship.

AFD Group supports public authorities, businesses, civil society and innovative ecosystems in their transition toward a more open, accessible and responsible digital world. It works alongside its partners to leverage digital solutions to achieve their Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

On the basis of this experience, Orange and AFD Group have worked together for over 20 years on various projects, such as supporting the deployment of fixed and mobile telecom networks for Orange subsidiaries in Jordan and Senegal, training youth in digital tools through Orange Foundations in Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Madagascar and Tunisia, and supporting coding training programs at Orange Digital Centers in Jordan.

This new partnership will strengthen the synergies and increase the dissemination of best practices and innovations in the digital sector. It reflects a renewed ambition aimed at striving towards digital equality and SDG achievement through innovative solutions and collaborative initiatives.

On signing the agreement, Christel Heydemann, CEO of Orange, stated:“This strategic partnership with AFD Group marks an important milestone in our collaboration. I look forward to continuing this dynamic of international cooperation for a more inclusive and sustainable digital future, reinforcing Orange’s commitment to expanding access to digital technology everywhere we operate. “

Rémy Rioux, CEO of AFD Group, said: “AFD Group believes that digital technology is a powerful lever for transforming a diverse range of sectors, including public services, education, health and entrepreneurship. This first strategic partnership with Orange exemplifies this shared ambition to support the emergence of sovereign digital services at a local level by investing in solutions that are innovative, open and responsible.”

Françoise Lombard, CEO of Proparco, added: “Proparco, AFD Group’s subsidiary dedicated to the private sector, is fully committed to strengthening its partnership with Orange, both strategically and operationally. By combining our networks, expertise and resources, we are working with determination to improve digital access for all in France and emerging countries.”

– on behalf of Orange Middle East and Africa.

Press contacts:
Flaminia le Maignan: flaminia.lemaignan@orange.com
Service presse AFD: _afdpresse@afd.fr

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X: @ orangegrouppr (https://apo-opa.co/4jKVTnh)

About Orange:
Orange is one of the world’s leading telecommunications operators with revenues of 40.3 billion euros in 2024 and 125,800 employees worldwide at 31 March 2025, including 69,700 employees in France. The Group has a total customer base of 294 million customers worldwide at 31 March 2025, including 256 million mobile customers and 22 million fixed broadband customers. These figures account for the deconsolidation of certain activities in Spain following the creation of MASORANGE. The Group is present in 26 countries (including non-consolidated countries).

Orange is also a leading provider of global IT and telecommunication services to multinational companies under the brand Orange Business. In February 2023, the Group presented its strategic plan “Lead the Future”, built on a new business model and guided by responsibility and efficiency. “Lead the Future” capitalizes on network excellence to reinforce Orange’s leadership in service quality.

Orange is listed on Euronext Paris (symbol ORA).

For more information on the internet and on your mobile: www.Orange.com, www.Orange-Business.com and the Orange News app. 

Orange and any other Orange product or service names included in this material are trademarks of Orange or Orange Brand Services Limited.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

Coca-Cola (www.Coca-ColaCompany.com) is proud to present Coca-Cola Fest Luanda, a flagship brand experience hosted by Coca-Cola in Angola. This vibrant celebration of music, food, and culture will take place on Saturday, June 21, 2025, starting at 4:00 PM, at the iconic Luanda Bay Waterfront, in front of the Fortaleza Shopping Center.

Coca-Cola Fest Luanda is designed to reinforce Coca-Cola’s enduring presence in Angola while celebrating the dynamic spirit of Angolan youth and culture.

Coca-Cola Fest Luanda will offer attendees a multi-sensory journey, featuring:

• Live performances by some of Angola’s most exciting music talents, alongside a host of international DJs.
• Diverse culinary offerings from local restaurants and food entrepreneurs, reflecting Angola’s rich culinary heritage and international fusion.
• Interactive brand experiences and activations designed to create joyful, shareable moments for friends and families.

“Coca-Cola Fest Luanda is more than a celebration, it’s a tribute to unity, diversity, and the cultural energy of Angola,” said Racheal Kanoti, General Manager, Coca-Cola Angola. “We’re bringing together people, flavors, and rhythms that define this incredible country. It’s a moment to enjoy the magic of food, music, and human connection with the unmistakable taste of an ice-cold Coca-Cola.” She added.

In keeping with Coca-Cola’s aim to help reduce packaging waste, the company is partnering with Angolan recycling organization, Glopol, to support the collection of beverage packaging during the event.

Coca-Cola Fest Luanda will offer a day filled with flavor, music, and inspiration. Whether with friends or family, attendees will have the perfect opportunity to celebrate, connect, and refresh together. The festival will feature an exciting lineup of fun-filled games and interactive activities designed to bring people closer and highlight the vibrant spirit of the community. Participants will enjoy engaging challenges, lively competitions, and memorable moments that will capture the energy and joy of this unique event.

– on behalf of Coca-Cola.

For further information, please contact:
Paula Lima
plima@coca-cola.com

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About The Coca-Cola Company:
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a total beverage company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories. Our company’s purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference. We sell multiple billion-dollar brands across several beverage categories worldwide. Our portfolio of sparkling soft drink brands includes Coca-Cola, Sprite and Fanta. Our water, sports, coffee and tea brands include Dasani, smartwater, vitaminwater, Topo Chico, BODYARMOR, Powerade, Costa, Georgia, Fuze Tea, Gold Peak and Ayataka. Our juice, value-added dairy and plant-based beverage brands include Minute Maid, Simply, innocent, Del Valle, fairlife and AdeS. We’re constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. We seek to positively impact people’s lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable sourcing practices and carbon emissions reductions across our value chain. Together with our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, helping bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at www.Coca-ColaCompany.com.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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This afternoon, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the AU Commission, received H.E. Kahinda Otafiire, President of the Global Pan-African Movement & Minister of Internal Affairs of Uganda.

Discussions focused on the enduring mandate of the Pan-African Movement & preparations for its forthcoming Congress. They both underscored the Movement’s historic role in nurturing African identity, unity, & laying the OAU.

The Chairperson reaffirmed the AU Commission’s support for the upcoming Congress and welcomed efforts to revitalise Pan-African ideals in today’s global context.

They also exchanged views on regional peace & security, highlighting the importance of coordinated action among AU Member States in advancing preventive diplomacy, mediation, & peace operations. The Chairperson acknowledged Uganda’s vital role in promoting stability & regional cooperation.

– on behalf of African Union (AU).

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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On June 12, 2025 the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Arab Republic of Egypt, Sergei Terentyev, met with the First Deputy Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade of Egypt – Head of the Egyptian Commercial Service, Abdelaziz Al-Sherif.

The sides discussed the preparation of the 8th meeting of the Belarusian-Egyptian Joint Trade Commission in Minsk, and the Roadmap for the development of trade and economic cooperation between the Republic of Belarus and the Arab Republic of Egypt.

A special attention was paid to the issues of industrial cooperation in accordance with the agreements reached by the Heads of Governments of Belarus and Egypt in April 2024, including the resumption of work on assembly plants for Belarusian agricultural machinery in Egypt.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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 The Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga on Friday June 13, 2025 chaired a consultative meeting with the African Development Bank and the National Treasury to review progress on the implementation of the East Africa Centre of Excellence in Urology and Nephrology project.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including Ms. Nadege Balima from the African Development Bank, Mr. Samuel Nyoike from the National Treasury, and Dr. Ajuck Hossin from the Ministry of Health.

– on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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Responding to the announcement on Wednesday that the Nigerian government has pardoned the Ogoni Nine, Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International Nigeria’s Director, said: 

“This is welcome news but it falls far short of the justice the Ogoni Nine need and deserve – the Nigerian government must recognise formally that they are innocent of any crime and fully exonerate them. 

“The Ogoni Nine, led by Ken Saro-Wiwa Nigeria’s leading author and campaigner, were brutally executed by a regime that wanted to hide the crimes of Shell and other oil companies that were destroying – and continue to destroy – the lives and livelihoods of tens of thousands of people across the Niger Delta as a result of their devastating oil spills and leaks.  

“The execution of these activists nearly 30 years ago has given the Nigerian government and oil companies, including Shell, licence to crackdown on protests and intimidate people in the Niger Delta who have been demanding justice and an end to their toxic pollution. 

“Full justice for the Ogoni Nine is only a first step – much more needs to be done to get justice for communities in the Niger Delta, including holding Shell and other oil companies to account for the damage they have done and continue to do. They must pay the Niger Delta’s communities full compensation for the devastation their oil spills and leaks have caused and clean up their toxic mess before they leave the region.” 

Background 

The Ogoni Nine 

Ken Saro-Wiwa, environmental activist and writer, Barinem Kiobel, John Kpuinen, Baribor Bera, Felix Nuate, Paul Levula, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo and Daniel Gbokoo, were executed after a blatantly unfair trial on 10 November 1995. Officially accused of involvement in murder, the men had in fact been put on trial because they had challenged the devastating impact of oil production by Shell, in the Ogoniland region of the Niger Delta. 

Shell have been accused of complicity in the unlawful arrest, detention and execution of nine men. 

Niger Delta devastation 

For 60 years Shell and other oil companies have been responsible for oil spills and leaks due to poorly maintained pipelines, wells and inadequate clean-up attempts that have ravaged the health and livelihoods of many of the 30 million people living in the Niger Delta – most of whom live in poverty. People can’t fish anymore because their water sources, including their wells for drinking water, are poisoned and the land is contaminated which has killed plant life, meaning communities can no longer farm. 

The Ogale and Bille communities as well as the Bodo community are taking Shell to the UK’s Royal Courts of Justice demanding the oil giant cleans up the oil spills that have wrecked their livelihoods, health and caused widespread devastation to the local environment.

– on behalf of Amnesty International.