Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: APO – Report:

The 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) (https://AFRIMA.org) once again proved why it is regarded as Africa’s biggest music awards platform, as artistes, delegates and industry stakeholders from at least  48 African countries came together in Lagos, Nigeria, to celebrate the continent’s rich and diverse musical excellence.

The 9th AFRIMA held from January 7 to 11, 2026, in an atmosphere of unity, colour and creativity with winners emerging from West, East, North, Central, Southern Africa and in the diaspora.

This widespread success further showed that the platform is a true platform for the whole continent,  AFRIMA President and Executive Producer, Mr Mike Dada, said.

“AFRIMA is not just about giving awards. It is about bringing Africa together under one roof to celebrate our stories, culture and future through music,” he said. “I am happy that we had delegates from at least 48 countries, including 1,216 artistes, delegates and production team members. Looking at the winners, all regions of Africa are represented, showing the growth of our music industry. Artistes from South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Algeria and Ethiopia were among those who led in the major categories.”

Cote d’Ivoire recorded multiple wins, with Milo and Morijah taking the male and female African Inspirational categories, Didi B emerging as Best African Lyricist or Rapper, and Team Paiya winning Best African Duo, Group or Band.

From Ethiopia, Haddinqo won Best African Jazz, Weeha claimed Best African Dance/Choreography, while Veronica Adane won Best African Traditional. Guinea celebrated Manamba Kanté as Best African Pop and Takana Zion as Best African Reggae, Ragga & Dancehall.

Benin’s Axel Merryl won Best African Contemporary, while Senegal’s Bakhaw Dioum was named Songwriter of the Year. Algeria produced winners in DJ Moh Green (Best African DJ) and Izlan (Best African Rock), while Rwanda’s Element Eleéh and Mugisha Fred Robinson won Producer of the Year.

In East Africa, Jux (Tanzania) won Best Male Artiste, while Fole X claimed Best African Video of the Year for “Ololufe”. Denise from Madagascar won Best Female Artiste in Eastern Africa.

Northern Africa winners included Adviser (Mauritania) and Sherine (Tunisia), while Southern Africa celebrated Yo Maps (Zambia), Nontokozo Mkhize and Ciza (South Africa). Central Africa honours went to Singuila (Republic of Congo) and Cindy Le Cœur (DRC), while Ghana’s Wendy Shay won Best Female Artiste in Western Africa.

The week-long celebration began with a Welcome Soiree to formally receive Nominees and Guests held at the residence of the Deputy British High Commissioner on Wednesday, January 7. Activities continued with the Africa Music Business Summit at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites,  and on Friday, January 9, attention shifted to the AFRIMA Music Village at Ikeja City Mall, Lagos, where over 25 A-list artistes treated more than 20,000 people to the best of music at the high-octane concert.

The Eko Convention Centre at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, was filled beyond capacity as thousands poured in to witness the grand finale of the 9th AFRIMA Awards. In a dazzling ceremony, artistes, producers, video and sound directors, among other creatives, were honoured with the prestigious 23.9-carat gold-plated AFRIMA trophy.

– on behalf of All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).

Source: APO – Report:

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Armed clashes between the Central African Armed Forces (FACA), their allies and the Azandé Ani Kpi Gbé in the town of Zémio, Haut-Mbomou Prefecture, south-eastern Central African Republic (CAR) have led to casualties and displaced massive numbers of civilians who have left everything behind. 

Some displaced people have sought refuge across the border in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. But nearly 2,000 people lacked the means or a host family to take them in; they are now taking shelter in Zémio’s hospital and Catholic church. Conditions at both sites are extremely precarious, with food, drinking water and medicines all in short supply. 

The situation at Zémio remains worrisome, especially given the difficulties in reaching Haut-Mbomou. All aid has to be delivered by plane. “Displaced and wounded people here urgently need drinking water and medicine. A food shortage is also looming, since the community cannot go to work in the fields, the shops are shuttered and access roads to the town have been closed,” said Philippe Beauverd, head of the ICRC delegation in the CAR.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in close collaboration with the local committee of the Central African Red Cross Society, is working to meet the most urgent needs of displaced people at both sites and wounded patients at Zémio’s secondary hospital. The assistance being provided includes the distribution of medicines and other essential items.

The ICRC reiterates the duty to protect civilians and essential infrastructure, especially health facilities. The organization is closely monitoring developments at Zémio and remains fully mobilized, adapting its assistance as the most critical needs evolve.

ICRC and Central African Red Cross activities in Zémio from 7 to 9 January 2026:

• The ICRC provided six lots of emergency supplies to the secondary hospital in Zémio, each containing disinfectant, single-use bandages, surgical gloves, infusions and single-use materials for administering injections.
• The ICRC also replaced damaged pump parts in the Catholic church’s only well, thereby giving 2,000 displaced people easier access to drinking water.
• A 15,000-litre portable water reservoir (bladder) was also installed at the Catholic church.
• Six new emergency latrines and two shower stations were built, adding to the four existing latrines built in 2025.
• The committee managing the site was provided with digging tools.
• Four solar-powered floodlights are currently being installed to make accessing the water pump, latrines and showers safer, especially at night.

– on behalf of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Source: APO – Report:

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In response to the Uganda Communication Commission’s (UCC) decision to indefinitely suspend internet services and certain mobile phone services ahead of tomorrow’s high stakes general election, Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s East and Southern Africa Regional Director said: 

“This indefinite internet shutdown is a brazen attack on the right to freedom of expression which includes access to information. It is especially alarming coming as it does just before a crucial election already marred by massive repression and an unprecedented crackdown on opposition parties and dissenting voices. 

“Blanket shutdowns disrupt people’s mobility, livelihoods and their ability to access vital information. They are inherently disproportionate under international human rights law and must never be imposed.   

“Amnesty International calls on Ugandan authorities to immediately lift all restrictions on access to the internet and affected mobile phone services.” 

Background 

On Tuesday, the UCC announced an internet shutdown which started at 6pm local time, which it said will remain in effect until further notice. On Wednesday internet monitoring group NetBlocks reported a widespread shutdown. 

The order requires network operators and internet service providers to suspend internet services, stop selling and registering new sim or phone cards, and stop outbound data roaming services. The UCC said the measures are necessary to mitigate the spread of misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud, and to protect national security. 

Ugandan authorities routinely tighten internet access during elections, depriving voters of crucial electoral information. During the last election in 2021, dozens of people were killed amid a week-long internet blackout. 

The internet shutdown comes shortly after the Uganda NGO Bureau suspended permits for at least six non-governmental organizations and froze their bank accounts, limiting their freedom of association which is guaranteed under the Ugandan Constitution and international human rights law.  

Earlier this month, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights expressed concern over pre-election information restrictions in Uganda and widespread acts of harassment, intimidation, arbitrary arrest, and abuse of journalists. 

– on behalf of Amnesty International.

Source: APO – Report:

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• The Ministerial Group reviews preparations for launching the Startup Charter, the Investment Incentives Initiative, a Unified Startup Guide, a unified definition for startups, and proposals to establish an institutional entity to support entrepreneurship
• Up 51% from 2024: Egyptian startups attract USD 614 million in funding in 2025

H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, chaired the sixth meeting of the Ministerial Group for Entrepreneurship to review government policies and initiatives ready for launch to support startups and enhance investment and innovation. The meeting also discussed a proposal to establish an institutional entity to support the growth and prosperity of Egypt’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, in implementation of the directives of H.E. Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Minister of Youth and Sports; Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Dr. Sherif Farouk, Minister of Supply and Internal Trade; Mohamed Gibran, Minister of Labor; Eng. Hassan El-Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade (via videoconference); Dr. Hisham Azmy, Head of the Egyptian Intellectual Property Authority; Basel Rahmy, CEO of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency; Yasser Sobhy, Deputy Minister of Finance; Dr. Hossam Osman, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Sherif Lokman, Assistant Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt for Financial Inclusion and Sustainability; Dr. Gehan Saleh, Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister; Amr El-Abd, Advisor to the Prime Minister for Entrepreneurship; Eng. Ahmed El-Zaher, CEO of the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA); Mahmoud Jebril, Assistant Chairman of the Financial Regulatory Authority; Tamer Taha, Advisor to the Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Hossam Abdelkader, Head of the Central Administration for Entrepreneurship at GAFI; Engy El-Yamani, Executive Director of the Rural Industries Support Fund at the Ministry of Social Solidarity; along with representatives of concerned ministries and entities.

The Ministerial Group operates under a clear vision to enhance Egypt’s entrepreneurship environment in a way that contributes to sustainable and accelerated economic growth driven by competitiveness, creates decent job opportunities, and supports a knowledge-based economy. In this regard, the government adopts a participatory approach to policymaking that includes representatives from across the entrepreneurship ecosystem.

The meeting discussed a comprehensive package of government policies and initiatives ready for launch, including the unified definition of startups and a startup classification certificate to regulate access to government incentives and facilitation measures. It also reviewed the Startup Charter for Egypt, which serves as an executive roadmap encompassing more than 80 government actions aimed at strengthening trust between the government and startups, coordinating efforts, and providing policy clarity for investors. In addition, the meeting reviewed the Unified Government Guide for Startup Services and Licensing, designed to bridge information gaps and facilitate access to more than 170 services and licenses provided by 35 government entities, as well as the launch of the Ministerial Group’s official website as a unified platform for engagement with the entrepreneurship community.

The meeting also discussed the establishment of a Startup Ecosystem Observatory to collect and analyze data and measure policy impact; a Scale-Ups Support Program to enhance the readiness of high-growth companies for international markets and future listings; and unified government initiatives to stimulate investment in startups, maximize private sector and venture capital investments.

Discussions further covered support for startups at various stages of growth—from ideation to maturity—linking the entrepreneurship ecosystem with industry needs and scientific research, expanding innovation support programs, business incubators and accelerators, enabling startups to benefit from research infrastructure and workspaces, accelerating government procedures—particularly those related to taxation, social insurance, and labor offices—enhancing startup participation in government projects, supporting international expansion, developing local skills and attracting international talent, protecting intellectual property, and maximizing startups’ market value. The meeting also addressed various proposals regarding the establishment of an institutional entity for startups.

In her closing remarks, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat affirmed that the government is moving forward with the launch of the first package of initiatives and policies supporting startups, within a comprehensive vision to transform Egypt into a regional hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, and to enhance the contribution of startups to economic growth and job creation for youth.

It is worth noting that Egypt’s startup sector recorded strong performance in 2025, according to Africa: The Big Deal data, with total funding secured by Egyptian startups reaching approximately USD 614 million during the year, including a variety of financing instruments such as equity investments, debt financing, and other innovative funding tools—reflecting market maturity and the diversification of available financing channels across different growth stages.

In the same context, Magnitt data for 2025 indicates that Egyptian startups attracted around USD 304 million through 69 venture capital deals, in addition to notable activity in mergers and acquisitions, with 12 M&A deals—the highest number of exits across Africa according to the report.

These acquisitions reflect growing interest from local strategic investors as well as regional and international companies in the Egyptian market, further reinforcing Egypt’s position as a leading regional hub for entrepreneurship, an attractive investment destination, and a supportive environment for innovation, expansion, and sustainable growth.

– on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.

Source: APO

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H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, welcomes the significant step taken by H.E. Dr. Mohamed Younis El-Menfi, President of the Presidential Council of the State of Libya, regarding the signing of the Charter for Peace and National Reconciliation in Tripoli on January 7, 2025. Furthermore, He expresses his profound appreciation for this commitment, which serves the interests of the peace and national reconciliation process in Libya.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission views this act as a decisive step toward achieving lasting peace in Libya. Furthermore, He calls on all Libyan parties to demonstrate full commitment and to engage constructively and in good faith, in a spirit of responsibility, dialogue, and tolerance, so as to ensure that the national interest prevails over all other considerations.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission reiterates his full solidarity with and strong support for Libya and its people, reaffirming the African Union’s determination to continue its tireless efforts toward achieving lasting peace in the country.

In this regard, He reaffirms the supreme priority and steadfast commitment of the African Union to the implementation of the Charter for Peace and National Reconciliation, signed in Addis Ababa in February 2025 under its auspices, while renewing the AU full support for the new UN roadmap in Libya.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Mr. Nuur Mohamud Sheekh I Spokesperson of the Chairperson I African Union Commission I Email: SheekhN@AfricanUnion.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

Source: APO

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The Ad Hoc Committee established to investigate allegations made by the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, is scheduled to hear oral submissions from Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo, the head of crime intelligence, tomorrow.

The meeting will be in Parliament and live streamed on YouTube. Documents for the committee can be found on: https://www.parliament.gov.za/ad-hoc-committee-gen-mkhwanazis-allegations

Details of the meeting are as follows:
Date: Thursday, 15 January 2026
Time: 11:00
Venue: Good Hope Chamber, Ground Floor, Good Hope Building, Parliament

Parliamentary committees are open to the media and the public. Journalists wishing to cover these meetings (including receiving links to virtual meetings) should send their cell phone numbers to Mlindi Mpindi at mmpindi@parliament.gov.za for inclusion in the Parliamentary Communications Services WhatsApp Group, where such information is shared. Journalists must send these requests from their official email addresses (no private email addresses).

Members of the public may follow sittings live on Parliament TV (DStv Channel 408), via live stream on the Parliament YouTube channel and Twitter page, using the links below. You may subscribe to the Parliament YouTube channel to receive instant notification of live feeds.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ParliamentofRSA
Facebook: https://facebook.com/ParliamentofRSA
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ParliamentofRSA

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES. 

For Media Enquiries:
Name: Rajaa Azzakani (Ms)
Tel: 021 403 8437
Cell: 081 703 9542
E-mail: razzakani@parliament.gov.za
 

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

Source: APO

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Ugandan authorities should immediately restore internet access and refrain from imposing blanket shutdowns that undermine fundamental rights and threaten election integrity, Human Rights Watch said today.

“Uganda’s constitution and international human rights obligations guarantee access to information and freedom of expression, rights that are especially critical to protect during election periods,” said Tomiwa Ilori, senior technology, rights and investigations researcher at Human Rights Watch. “Immediate restoration of full connectivity, together with clear commitments against future shutdowns, is essential to safeguard transparency and the integrity of the vote in Uganda.”

On January 13, 2026, Uganda’s telecommunications regulator, the Uganda Communications Commission, ordered all mobile network operators and internet service providers to suspend public internet access nationwide starting at 6 p.m., two days before the general elections. The directive cited concerns about “online misinformation,” “electoral fraud,” and “preventing … incitement of violence that could affect public confidence and national security during the election period.”

The directive blocked social media platforms, web browsing, video streaming, personal email services, messaging applications, and most online services, leaving only a narrow list for critical services such as hospital systems, banking networks, tax platforms, utilities, and the electoral commission portal. It also halted SIM card sales and disabled outbound data roaming to One Network Area countries.

Multiple network measurement sources, including Cloudflare Radar and Internet Outage Detection Analysis, have confirmed a drop in internet traffic in Uganda.

The internet shutdown is part of a broader crackdown on rights. The government, on January 12, ordered at least 10 non-governmental organizations to immediately cease their operations indefinitely, and on December 30, 2025, arrested a prominent human rights activist and critic, Sarah Bireete.

This move follows a troubling pattern of election-related internet shutdowns in 2016 and 2021 by Ugandan authorities, blocking access to information and undermining transparency and public confidence in the electoral process.

Previous shutdowns in Uganda, including a five-day internet blackout during the 2021 elections, led to a ban on Facebook, which is still in effect. Previous shutdowns are estimated to have caused billions of Ugandan shillings in economic losses that harm livelihoods, particularly small businesses and informal traders who rely on the internet for survival.

Ugandan authorities have disregarded repeated calls from international and regional bodies to end this practice.

Blanket internet shutdowns during elections severely restrict communication and access to information at a critical moment for democracy, obstruct election monitoring, and silence the electorates’ voices. They fail the tests of legality, necessity, and proportionality and “can never be justified,” according to international human rights law.

These shutdowns also violate the provisions of article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa also provides that states shall not interfere with an individual’s right to internet access.

Ugandan authorities should restore internet access immediately and commit to refraining from future disruptions in line with Uganda’s Constitution and international human rights obligations, Human Rights Watch said. The authorities should ensure transparency and accountability during the electoral process, including protection for journalists, election observers, and human rights defenders.

Telecommunications companies should respect human rights and align their practices with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. They should do everything within their power to push back against unjustified internet shutdowns, including demanding a legal basis for any shutdown order and interpreting requests to cause the least intrusive restrictions.

“Ugandan authorities’ repeated internet shutdowns during elections blatantly violate human rights,” Ilori said. “Uganda’s international partners, including the African Union and East African Community, should urge compliance with human rights standards and support independent monitoring during and after the election period.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).