Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: APO

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The deadly Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is continuing to spread with a spike in child infections an increasingly likely scenario in the days ahead, UN agencies said on Friday.

“Every day, cases are being identified in new health zones. And that reflects really the scale of this outbreak, a scale that is much bigger than what is being detected and the high mobility of the population in this part of the DRC,” said Dr Olivier le Polain, unit head epidemiology and analytics for response at the World Health Organization (WHO).

In the approximately three weeks since the fast-moving outbreak was confirmed, the DRC health authorities have reported 676 cases and 136 deaths from the rare and deadly Bundibugyo species of Ebola virus.

Infections have been identified in a zone spanning from Aru in the north of Ituri province to Miti Murhesa in South Kivu, some 1,000 kilometres. “And we have 34 health zones affected as of yesterday, so, those health zones [with Ebola] continue to expand, with new areas in North Kivu which also reported [cases] yesterday,” Dr le Polain told journalists in Geneva, via video from Beni.

Those leading the response stressed that many youngsters in the region are malnourished and unvaccinated against preventable illness. This means that they are extremely vulnerable to disease in the resource-rich region where a humanitarian crisis is already playing out, caused by decades of fighting between government forces and armed militia.

Households the new target

To date, most infections have been among adults going about their daily lives, “but as the outbreak evolves, we must be prepared for increasing household transmission which means we may see more children affected in the days ahead”, warned Dr Douglas Noble, UNICEF Global Lead for Public Health Emergencies and Global Incident Manager for Ebola. 

“The point is, these are already very vulnerable children, so the capacity for this community to absorb any additional stressors was already stretched to breaking point,” he said, noting that more than half of children under five in Ituri province are “chronically malnourished”. More than one in five are also “zero dose” children, meaning that they have never had their first dose of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine. 

Estimating the number of children who may be affected is problematic because sufficient surveillance tracking data is not yet available.

Nonetheless, past Ebola outbreaks in DRC have shown that children “made up a significant share of cases and an even greater share of deaths, with the youngest facing the highest fatality rates and many left orphaned or separated from caregivers”, Dr Noble explained.

As part of its six-month response to help 3.7 million people, the agency has dispatched eight transport flights with more than 100 tonnes of emergency humanitarian supplies to DRC, with support from the European Union.

The emergency cargo includes personal protective equipment for frontline health workers, medicines, hygiene materials and medical supplies to confront the virus in affected communities.

‘Schools can stay open’

Although Ebola can be lethal, it transmits very differently from COVID and commonly via body fluids, so children who can go to school should continue to do so, the UNICEF official stressed. “There’s no reason for a school to close. Infection prevention and control measures do have to be taken and there does have to be education within the school, amongst the teachers and the staff and amongst the children.”

Unlike for Ebola-Zaire strains of the disease, there are currently no approved Bundibugyo virus-specific therapeutics or vaccines. This highlights the need for greater support for surveillance efforts to contain transmission, said Dr le Polain. “We’re now at just over 70 per cent in terms of the contacts that are being appropriately traced. That’s a huge improvement from where we were about a week or two ago, but it’s still too low to ensure appropriate control.”

Improving local testing capacity is another key factor in overcoming the health threat as the full scale of the outbreak is “not yet clear”, the WHO official explained. He noted that in Beni a testing laboratory processed 500 tests on Thursday alone. “That will really help get clarity about the scale of the outbreak in Beni as well,” he added.

For its part, UNICEF has also deployed more than 1,600 community health workers and mobilisers, and 24 decontamination teams, already reaching more than 160,000 households.

“We can spare children the worst of this outbreak. Fast detection, strong paediatric care, monitoring of contacts and communities that are informed and engaged can help bring this outbreak under control,” said Dr Noble. “What we now need are the resources, humanitarian access and the trusted communities to succeed.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

Source: APO

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Calls for unity, reconciliation, and the systematic inclusion of young people in governance architecture dominated the third annual convention of the Central Equatoria State Youth Union.

Held under the theme “Youth are the Lead Actors for Sustainable Peace and Development,” the three-day forum served as a safe space for young leaders to deliberate on shared efforts to build a brighter future for conflict-prone South Sudan.

“We must rise above communal differences to successfully claim our rightful place in building peace, unity and democracy,” said Aggrey Duku Arcangelo, Chairperson elect of the State Youth Union.

Addressing the delegates, Jackson Ariap, Assistant Bishop of the Juba Episcopal Diocese, urged the youth to channel their energies into national development. “You are the real architects of peacebuilding in this nation. Say no to division, conflict, and corruption,” he said.

In a statement delivered on his behalf by Gender Advisor Maria Guli Zaharia, the Governor of Central Equatoria State, Emmanuel Adil Anthony, highlighted the government’s commitment to youth empowerment through education, vocational training, and technology. He pressed young people to shun criminal activities and embrace dialogue.

The Governor’s statement also strongly emphasized that gender inclusion is vital for sustainable peace. “If young women are empowered, communities and nations prosper, and families transform,” the statement noted.

For his part, UNMISS Head of Field Office for Central and Eastern Equatoria states, Christopher Murenga, underlined that effective youth participation in the political and civic life of a nation begins at the grassroots.

“UNMISS has been supporting youth to become active participants in peacebuilding and national reform processes,” said Mr. Murenga. “This is achieved by institutionalizing activities that expand political and civic space from the grassroots up, ensuring equitable participation in conflict mitigation, mediation, and social cohesion.”

Mr. Murenga also urged young South Sudanese to leverage technology responsibly to boost the country’s social economy, secure jobs via the gig economy, and counter negative narratives. “Apart from just sharing information, technology can help fight misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech,” he added.

South Sudan’s Vice President and Chair of the Economic Cluster, James Wani Igga, closed the event by urging youth to champion mutual respect.

“You should show leadership by being an example for others to emulate,” said Vice President Igga. “Every young South Sudanese should put the country’s interest above all else.

“Complementing this vision, the State Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports, Bush Buse, noted that his ministry is working with partners to train 1,500 young people in various professional skills this year.

The event concluded with the election of a new executive body and brought together over 150 participants. This included 95 youth delegates from across Central Equatoria, senior government officials, and civil society representatives. Discussions centered on leadership prerequisites, climate change, and the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

The convention was jointly funded by the UN Peacekeeping mission’s Civil Affairs Division, the Central Equatoria State Government, Juba City Council, and the Future for Health Organization, among other partners.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Source: APO

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President of the Republic, Dr Patrick Herminie, today officially received the final report of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the sublease and development of Assomption Island from Commissioner Judge Mathilda Twomey during a ceremony held at State House.

The submission marks the culmination of six months of intensive work by the Commission, which was mandated to examine various aspects of the controversial development project on the remote outer island. Throughout its inquiry, the Commission conducted numerous public and in-camera hearings from between12 January up to 31 March and reviewed extensive documentation from government agencies, private sector stakeholders, environmental experts, and other individuals connected to the project.

The report examines several key areas relating to the luxury hotel development project on Assomption Island. These include an examination of the sublease agreement and contractual arrangements between the Islands Development Company (IDC), the Government of Seychelles, and the developer, Ocean Breeze Investments Limited.

Given that Assomption Island lies in close proximity to the Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the project generated significant concern among environmental stakeholders and conservation groups. To this extent, the Commission also reviewed environmental and conservation issues associated with the project, assessing its impact on the ecologically sensitive island, compliance with environmental regulations, and adherence to conditions established by the Department of Environment.

In addition, the inquiry scrutinised issues of financial probity, including the flow of funds, the fulfilment of developer obligations, and the overall transparency of the agreement. The Commission further examined project oversight mechanisms, including international flights to the island, visitor manifests, and the involvement of government officials throughout the project’s implementation.

Speaking to members of the press following a brief tête-à-tête with the President, Commissioner Judge Mathilda Twomey said she was pleased that the report had been submitted within the prescribed timeframe. She noted that the report comprises approximately 400 pages, supported by a substantial volume of documentation reviewed by the Commission.

Judge Twomey further explained that three individuals and two organisations named or referenced in the report were served with notifications on the morning of the handover. They have been given 10 days to submit comments, observations, or responses regarding findings or references concerning them.

“The investigations that we conducted were based on the balance of probabilities as the applicable standard of proof, and we have forwarded recommendations to the relevant authorities, namely the Office of the Attorney General, the Anti-Corruption Commission of Seychelles (ACCS), and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), to continue investigations concerning certain individuals and organisations,” Judge Twomey explained.

“The environmental chapter alone is almost 100 pages long, and that is very concerning to me. This points to instances of interference by the Executive. Public officers have the right and duty to carry out their responsibilities in accordance with the rule of law. No one should interfere in their work or instruct them to act outside the law.

“They also have the right to refuse to carry out instructions that would require them to break the law. As a judge, this is the confidence I am trying to instil and encourage in public servants and in every Seychellois. People need to understand that when they are entrusted with a responsibility, they must ensure that their actions are fully aligned with the laws of Seychelles.

“In the report, we commend those individuals who stood their ground and refused to break the law. They should be praised and regarded as examples of integrity for remaining true to their professional responsibilities and principles.

“If anyone finds themselves in a situation where they are being asked to do something they believe is unlawful, my advice is simple: ask the person making the request to put it in writing. That often helps clarify matters and ensures accountability for the instructions being given.”

Concluding her remarks, Judge Twomey commended and saluted all those who assisted the Commission throughout its inquiry, particularly individuals who participated in the hearings and provided evidence relevant to its investigations. 

She also expressed gratitude to the Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF), the Island Conservation Society (ICS), the Ministry of Environment, Friends of Aldabra, and the Indian Ocean Tortoise Alliance (IOTA), whose representatives travelled at their own expense to Aldabra to provide the Commission with valuable insight into the island’s ecosystem.

Further details of the report’s findings and recommendations are expected to be made public following the completion of the review process and consideration of any responses received from the notified parties.

The Commission was appointed on 9 December 2025. Judge Dr Mathilda Twomey was assisted by Dr Joelle Barnes, who served as Secretary to the Commission.

Earlier this year, President Dr Patrick Herminie visited Assomption Island with members of his team to gain insight into the scale and nature of the development taking place on the island. The visit formed part of the Administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making regarding matters of national importance.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

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On 10 June 2026 in Balaclava, Mauritius, the European Union and four Eastern and Southern African States – Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Seychelles – announced the successful conclusion of negotiations to deepen the existing EU – ESA Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) into a modern and comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This was achieved through the signing of a joint statement marking the conclusion of the negotiations. The statement confirms that the parties are fully aligned on the agreed outcomes and that no premature commitments or representations will be made before the completion of the formal processes of legal review, signing, and ratification of the agreement.

The Agreement, the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa, encompasses trade in goods and services, investment, digital trade, and sectoral cooperation, while promoting local processing, industrial transformation, value addition, and sustainable development.

Building on the interim Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which was signed in 2009 and entered into force in 2012, with the Comoros acceding in 2019, the new Agreement deepens and broadens a partnership that already grants duty-free and quota-free access for ESA exports to the EU market. Significantly, negotiations to deepen the Agreement were launched in Balaclava on 2 October 2019, making the successful conclusion of negotiations at the same venue on 10 June 2026 a notable milestone in the evolution of EU–ESA relations.

Following seven years of negotiations, the parties will now proceed with legal scrubbing and the necessary steps towards the signature and entry into force of the Agreement.

The Seychelles delegation was led by Minister Veronique Laporte and included Ambassador Kenneth Racombo, Principal Secretary Natalie Edmond, Director General Ricky Barbe, and Principal Trade Officer Aissata Dia.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Republic of Seychelles.

Source: APO

In Zimbabwe, a key consideration in the agriculture sector is not only the collection of data, but also strengthening its use for practical evidence in planning, investment, and farmer support. Decisions on crop production, livestock, rural livelihoods, and food security rely on analysts who can manage and interpret data accurately. While there is existing capacity within institutions, there remains a need for continuously strengthening the capacity in the use of modern statistical tools to further enhance the translation of available data into actionable policy insights.

To address this gap, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanization and Water Resources Development, conducted a two-week STATA Statistical Software Training in Harare from 1 – 12 June 2026. The training focused on equipping government analysts and researchers with practical, hands-on skills to manage, analyse and present data using STATA, one of the most widely used statistical software packages in research, government and development work.

“The training was designed to be immediately applicable to participants’ day-to-day work, drawing on real household survey datasets relevant to Zimbabwe’s national context. It progressed from foundational concepts to advanced data management, analysis and output production techniques over ten structured working days,” said Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and Representative to Zimbabwe.

The FAO Regional Office for Africa has been supporting Zimbabwe to strengthen agricultural statistics as part of broader efforts to improve evidence-based planning in the agrifood sector. Reliable agricultural statistics are essential for understanding the structure of farming systems, tracking productivity, guiding public investment, improving food security analysis, and ensuring that services and policies respond to the realities faced by farmers, especially smallholders. The STATA training forms part of this wider support by helping national institutions build the technical skills needed to analyse agricultural survey and census data more effectively.

The workshop also came at an opportune time as Zimbabwe is stepping up preparations for its first National Agricultural Census. The census aims to establish a comprehensive baseline of agricultural holdings across household and non-household sectors, as well as community-level characteristics that shape rural development outcomes. In April 2026, FAO and Government experts conducted a 9-day technical workshop to develop core census tools and strengthen national capacity, underlining the country’s growing momentum towards a credible, data-driven census process.

For agricultural institutions, STATA is more than a software package, it is a practical tool for turning raw data into evidence. It helps analysts organize large datasets, clean errors, combine data from different sources, run statistical analysis, and generate tables and outputs that can directly inform planning and reporting. In an agriculture context, these skills matter for analysing production trends, household survey data, food security indicators, and administrative data used to monitor programmes and guide investment decisions. Strengthening STATA skills therefore helps ensure that agricultural statistics are not only collected but also translated into insights that improve policy and programme delivery.

The 10-day workshop was strategically designed as a practical learning process rather than a purely theoretical course. Using real datasets relevant to Zimbabwe, the training combined instructor-led demonstrations with guided hands-on exercises, individual and group problem-solving, daily recap sessions and question-and-answer discussions.

Participants moved step by step through the full analytical workflows, from understanding the STATA interface and creating do-files, to cleaning and validating data, merging and reshaping datasets, applying labour-saving commands, producing descriptive tables, and exporting outputs. Pre- and post-training assessments were also built in to help track learning and reinforce knowledge retention.

“This training is important because agricultural data must do more than sit in reports, it must help us plan better, monitor results and respond to the needs of farmers. STATA gives us practical tools to analyse data more efficiently and with greater confidence, which is especially valuable as Zimbabwe strengthens its agricultural statistics systems,” said Brighton Mangaiso, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer in the Agriculture Ministry.

The training also created a space for collaboration between statisticians, analysts and monitoring officers from the two key national institutions, helping to build a shared understanding of good data management and reproducible analysis. This is especially important in agricultural statistics, where the quality of analysis can influence how resources are targeted, how surveys are designed, and how progress is measured across the sector.

“This workshop has strengthened our ability to manage and analyse agricultural data in a more systematic way. Beyond learning commands, we gained practical skills we can immediately apply to survey and census datasets, which will improve the quality, consistency and usefulness of the statistics we produce,” said Dominic Tafirenyika, Principal Statistical Officer at ZIMSTAT.

Looking ahead, the skills gained through the workshop are expected to support follow-up work on agricultural surveys, routine statistical production and preparations for the National Agricultural Census. The next steps will likely include continued practice using national datasets, application of STATA skills in ongoing analytical work, and further technical backstopping to strengthen end-to-end data management and analysis. As Zimbabwe advances toward census implementation readiness, investments in practical analytical skills such as these will be critical for producing credible agricultural statistics that can guide stronger policies, smarter investments and more effective support to farmers.

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

Source: APO

From the opening ceremony today in Mexico, to the final in USA on the 19 July – Emirates (www.Emirates.com) will screen every match of the FIFA World Cup 26™ onboard its flights, via its dedicated live sports channel – Sport 24 on ice.

Ensuring that Emirates customers don’t miss a moment and enjoy of the one of most watched sporting events in the world – Sport24 on ice is offering the full schedule of matches onboard. Bringing together fans from every nation and creating moments that transcend borders, passengers can follow the action live at 40,000 feet, ensuring they never miss a goal, a celebration, or a defining moment of the competition.

To help passengers stay up to date with the action and plan for their travel, the full FIFA World Cup 26™ live broadcast schedule is available in the June edition of the ice magazine, making it easy to follow every match throughout the tournament.

Live TV, including Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra, is available on most Emirates flights. Availability may vary depending on aircraft type and route.

FIFA World Cup 26™ matches will also be screened where possible in the Emirates Lounges of Dubai.

More live sports available on ice

From 4-20 June, Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra on ice will also screen the NBA Finals for basketball fans. Canada Sail Grand Prix will be screened live from Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia on 20-21 June, as well as the Formula 1® Moët & Chandon Belgian Grand Prix on 19 July, and the Formula 1® AWS Hungarian Grand Prix on 26 July.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Emirates Group.