Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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

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Djibouti has been navigating regional tensions well, with robust growth, moderate inflation, and recovering reserves. In response to global uncertainties and domestic debt challenges, the authorities plan significant fiscal consolidation, including leveraging state-owned enterprises (SOE) dividends meaningfully, and advancing creditor dialogue. The authorities remain dedicated to investing in human capital and creating favorable investment conditions for job creation.  

Djibouti’s economic resilience and contribution to regional stability 

Djibouti helps maintain regional stability by supporting maritime security and facilitating humanitarian responses during crises. Djibouti’s GDP per capita has effectively doubled over the past decade thanks to significant investments that have contributed to the modernization of the economy. However, declining government revenues and increasing debt service have placed considerable strain on public finances, leading to unsustainable levels of public debt and diminishing reserves. Growth has not created enough jobs in the formal sector, while fiscal space to finance development needs is limited.

The authorities are leveraging Djibouti’s growth resilience to advance fiscal consolidation and rebuild reserves. Growth is expected to have exceeded 6.5 percent in 2024 due to increased transshipments amid Red Sea tensions, while moderate international food and energy prices kept inflation in check. The government deficit was reduced from 3.5 percent of GDP in 2023 to 2.6 percent in 2024 following a brief period of fiscal overruns and deficit monetization, and reserves have begun to recover partially offsetting the decline observed since late 2023, though they remain below the monetary base. 

The outlook is positive but subject to risks in an uncertain global context. Growth is projected to remain dynamic at around 6 percent this year and to continue over the medium term, albeit at a slower pace. Ethiopia’s robust economy is expected to boost Djibouti’s port activities; however, fiscal consolidation and the phasing out of large-scale investments may temper growth. Key risks include regional conflicts potentially increasing migration and affecting social stability amid a constrained fiscal space, and trade policy shifts that could depreciate the dollar and Djibouti franc, enhancing service exports but also raising inflation. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that Djibouti has successfully navigated several shocks over the past few years, including COVID-19, the 2022 Tigray crisis, the Ukraine war, and the 2024 Red Sea maritime disruptions.

Leveraging resilience for fiscal sustainability and rebuilding reserves  

In the face of high global and regional uncertainty, Djibouti needs to quickly strengthen its economic resilience by restoring debt sustainability, safeguarding the currency board, and fostering inclusive growth. To this end, the authorities intend to strengthen fiscal consolidation and enhance financial transparency and governance of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to unlock sustainable and meaningful dividend contributions to the national budget, restore reserves, and encourage private sector growth while protecting vulnerable populations.  

Durable fiscal consolidation is essential for restoring debt sustainability. The substantial fiscal adjustment frontloaded in the 2025 budget and the balanced budget target for 2026 onward are welcome steps. To sustain progress, it is essential that all governmental entities endorse annual fiscal targets that align with a medium-term fiscal consolidation strategy. Success depends on robust expenditure management via the diligent operationalization of the recently approved Public Financial Management Reform Strategy and Action Plan 2024–27. Furthermore, a comprehensive fiscal roadmap should continue to broaden the tax base by enhancing VAT and capital income taxation, rationalizing tax exemptions included in the investment code and the Free Zones regime, and finalizing the digitization of tax agencies. The effective establishment of the tax policy unit remains a priority for accurately assessing tax bases and enhancing tax reform efficiency. Operationalizing the recently created large taxpayer office will also bolster compliance and revenue collection.

As Djibouti negotiates new terms for debt liabilities with creditors, well-managed and profitable SOEs can significantly aid national fiscal consolidation and restore reserves at the Central Bank of Djibouti (CBD), particularly following the dissolution of the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF). Building on ongoing efforts to improve SOE transparency and governance, it will be critical for the Executive Secretariat in charge of the State Portfolio (SEPE) to collect all SOEs’ financial statements and monitor their performance. Swiftly implementing the Code of Good Governance is also essential for establishing a more transparent dividend policy tied to SOE performance, thereby mobilizing dividends more consistently and meaningfully for the budget, improving SOE efficiency and services, and appropriately right-size them. Additionally, fiscal transparency can be strengthened by discontinuing financial settlement practices for clearing government arrears with SOEs, and by improving coordination among the Ministry of Budget, line ministries, and SEPE for more effective budget risk management.

Alongside fiscal consolidation, completing ongoing debt negotiations and addressing outstanding arrears with external partners are critical for debt sustainability. Equally important is implementing binding limits on borrowing for the central government, SOEs, including their participation in public-private partnerships, and ensuring these are enforced by the Public Sector Debt Committee. 

The mission is encouraged by the recent recovery in reserves and urges continued progress. To strengthen the currency board, the authorities plan to amend the CBD law to enhance its autonomy, which will help sustain reserves, exchange rate, and inflation stability. They also plan to introduce reserve requirements as a prudential tool, with implementation expected to follow a phased approach. Additionally, under MENAFATF’s enhanced monitoring, Djibouti is reforming its AML/CFT framework, improving the business climate, and enhancing oversight of the banking sector due to its significant offshore component and rising government exposure. To facilitate policy making, the authorities are leveraging technical assistance provided by the IMF to enhance their coverage and quality of statistics relevant to surveillance, with a focus on national accounts, the fiscal and external sectors.

Advancing inclusivity through private sector development and employment creation  

The government aims to foster economic growth and social equity. They aim to improve the existing targeting of the current fuel subsidy scheme. In order to create a more effective and equitable social protection system and reduce budget exposure to international energy prices, the authorities should gradually replace the current subsidy system with the strengthening of targeted cash transfers to the most vulnerable households, relying on the national social register. To attract investments and create jobs, they are enhancing access to education and job training under the 2021–35 education master plan. They aim to diversify the economy in sectors such as logistics and connectivity, tourism, agribusiness, and fisheries. To enable economic diversification, it is essential to develop a comprehensive roadmap with specific actions aimed at enhancing access to finance, streamlining administrative procedures, and expanding reliable and affordable internet services and electricity, including through increased bill collection, technical efficiency, and the adoption of cost-efficient renewable energy. These initiatives will enhance Djibouti’s business environment, which is already supported by a stable macroeconomic climate, a currency board, ports infrastructure, and connectivity to Ethiopia’s large market, all aligning with the objectives of Djibouti Vision 2035.

 “The mission team expresses deep appreciation to the Djiboutian authorities and other counterparts for their warm hospitality, excellent cooperation and candid discussions, and looks forward to continuing close engagement.” 

– on behalf of International Monetary Fund (IMF).

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

Beneath the shade of oil palms, a quiet yet powerful revolution is underway. The Dukundane Cooperative, led by women (95% of its members), stands as a beacon of resilience and innovation, having transformed a once small-scale activity into a thriving semi-industrial enterprise.

Founded in 2014 following women’s leadership training under the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF), the cooperative initially brought together women crafting and selling brooms from palm fibers. By 2020, they had taken a transformative step – launching artisanal palm oil production.

The foundation for this transformation was laid in 2018 under axe 6 of the WPHF, which supports the socio-economic recovery and political participation of women and girls in peacebuilding contexts. That year, 175 women peace actors and dialogue facilitators – locally known as Abakanguriramahoro or “women mediators”—received financial support in Karonda. These women had already been active in conflict prevention and community mediation.

With a grant of USD 180,000 from the WPHF, they expanded their economic activities using a holistic approach to palm tree valorization: from palm oil extraction to soap production from palm nuts and organic fertilizer from processing residues.

This marked a turning point in women’s economic empowerment in the region. Yet, the initiative still faced challenges due to limited equipment and technical capacity, underscoring the need for more structured support.

By 2025, with new backing from the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) and UN Women, the group officially became the Dukundane Cooperative. With a total investment of 603 million Burundian francs, a modern semi-industrial processing plant was established with the help of the implementing partner FVS “Amie des Enfants.” The plant features: a Sterilizer, Sorting table, Destemmer, Kneader, Oil press, Decanters, Steam cooking pots, Water tank and Steam boiler.

Today, the cooperative processes 10,000 kg of palm bunches daily, yielding approximately 2,500 to 3,000 liters of oil under the Tamura Oil brand.

“We thank all our partners who made it possible to establish this semi-industrial unit capable of producing refined oil that can compete in the market,”
— Frida Ndagijimana, President of the 185-member cooperative, including 175 women.

A Tool for Peace and Empowerment

Beyond oil production, the cooperative now manages over two hectares of oil palm plantations. The facility includes a sorting shed, storage shed, staff toilets and changing rooms, and an office building.

With support from national technical bodies such as the National Center for Food Technology (CNTA), Burundi Bureau of Standards (BBN), Palm Oil Office (OHP), and implementing partner CREOP-JEUNES, Dukundane has become a national model for women’s economic empowerment and local development.

But the story doesn’t end with economic gains. This initiative is a concrete manifestation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which emphasizes the critical role of women in peacebuilding. In Karonda, that vision is now firmly rooted—and bearing fruit.

– on behalf of UN Women – Africa.

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

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The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV Consultation with Libya.[1] The Executive Board’s decision was taken on a lapse-of-time basis.

Real GDP growth is estimated to have declined to around 2 percent in 2024 from 10 percent in 2023, driven by a contraction in the hydrocarbon sector. At the same time, non-hydrocarbon growth remained robust on the back of sustained government spending. Both the current and the fiscal accounts have swung from a surplus in 2023 to a deficit in 2024. Reported inflation remained low.

The outlook continues to be dominated by developments in the oil sector. Real GDP growth is projected to rebound in 2025, primarily driven by an expansion of oil production, before moderating to about 2 percent over the medium term. Non-hydrocarbon growth is set to remain between 5 and 6 percent in the medium term, supported by sustained government spending. The current account is slated to post a small surplus in 2025 (0.7 percent of GDP) before turning into a small deficit over the medium term, as oil prices remain subdued. The fiscal balance is projected to remain in deficit—albeit at a much lower level than in 2024—under the weight of continued large government spending.

Risks are tilted to the downside. Domestic risks stem from political instability, potentially evolving into active conflict, disrupting oil production and exports, and preventing progress on much-needed economic reforms. The economy is exposed to global downside risks through its heavy dependence on oil exports and a large import bill.

Executive Board Assessment[2]

Economic activity and fiscal and external accounts are poised to remain heavily dependent on developments in the oil sector and subject to downside risks. Following a rebound in oil production, economic growth is expected to be in double digits in 2025, before moderating over the medium term. Despite the expected increase in oil exports, the current account and fiscal balances are set to remain in deficit over most of the forecast horizon, weighed down by the projected softening of oil prices and large fiscal spending. The outlook is subject to downside risks, including the potential intensification of domestic political tensions, which could disrupt oil production and exports, and adverse global economic and geopolitical developments, which would put additional downward pressure on oil prices. To mitigate these risks, accelerating reforms aimed at restraining fiscal spending and diversifying the economy away from oil will be crucial.    

Controlling expenditure will be key to ensure sustainability and to achieve intergenerational equity. The authorities should remain steadfast in their efforts to agree on a unified budget that outlines priority spending and enhances the transparency and credibility of government fiscal operations. Until such an agreement is reached, pressures to increase spending on salaries and subsidies should be resisted. Over the medium term, a sizable adjustment will be required to set the fiscal position on a sustainable trajectory and preserve intergenerational equity. The adjustment should be carefully designed to rationalize current spending, particularly wages and energy subsidies, and mobilize non-oil revenues, while maintaining capital expenditures at levels that support economic diversification.

A well-designed monetary and exchange rate policy framework will be essential to help manage economic cycles and mitigate the depreciation pressures. Introducing a well-defined policy rate will enhance the CBL’s capacity in smoothing the economic cycle and alleviating pressures on the dinar and provide a benchmark for the pricing of credit by both conventional and Islamic banks. Phasing out the foreign exchange tax alongside other exchange restrictions in line with Libya’s Article VIII obligations will reduce distortions, lower economic agents’ need to resort to the parallel market and help unify the exchange rate.

Reforms are needed to reinforce the banking sector’s contribution to economic activity. Impediments to a more active role by banks in the economy remain pervasive. Introducing well-designed savings plans will help to reduce cash hoarding, expand banks’ deposit base, establish bank-customer relationships, and support the provision of credit to the private sector. Enhancing transparency and accountability within the banking sector and promoting financial literacy among the public would foster confidence in banks and increase their footprint in Libya’s economy. Strengthening the AML/CFT framework, including by aligning it with international standards, will be paramount to support the stability of correspondent banking relationships and to ensure that Libyan banks’ operations remain uninterrupted.

Structural and governance reforms would foster the emergence of a diversified, sustainable, and private sector-led economy. Forging a comprehensive reform program aimed at reducing dependence on oil revenues should be at the top of the authorities’ agenda. Key elements of the reform program should promote a more active engagement of the private sector in economic activity, including by enhancing the business environment and access to finance and introducing labor market measures that encourage private sector employment. Taking decisive actions to tackle corruption, strengthen governance, and enhance the rule of law will support economic diversification further.

There is a need to enhance data provision and statistical capacity. Data gaps continue to significantly hamper staff’s ability to conduct analysis and provide policy advice. There is a need for the authorities to implement the technical assistance recommendations in the areas of national accounts and external sector statistics, and monetary and financial statistics, and improve data collection and reporting.

(Main Export: Crude Oil)
						Est.	Proj.
			2021	2022	2023	2024	2025	2026	2027	2028	2029	2030
(Annual percentage change, unless otherwise indicated)
National income and prices
Real GDP (at market price)			28.3	-8.3	10.2	1.9	16.1	4.4	1.6	1.7	1.9	2.2
Nonhydrocarbon			5.9	7.9	-0.6	14.3	2.9	5.9	4.2	4.4	4.8	5.3
Hydrocarbon			45.0	-17.0	17.8	-5.5	25.6	3.6	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0
Nominal GDP in billions of Libyan dinars 1/			159.0	208.2	211.9	234.3	251.2	254.2	265.5	277.9	292.0	306.6
Nominal GDP in billions of U.S. dollars 1/			35.2	43.3	44.0	48.4	47.2	47.7	49.8	52.2	54.8	57.6
Per capita GDP in thousands of U.S. dollars			5.2	6.4	6.4	7.0	6.8	6.8	7.0	7.3	7.5	7.8
GDP deflator			90.4	42.7	-7.6	3.6	-3.3	-3.1	2.8	2.9	3.1	2.8
CPI inflation
Period average			2.9	4.5	2.4	2.1	2.3	2.3	2.3	2.3	2.3	2.3
End of period			3.7	4.1	1.8	2.3	2.3	2.3	2.3	2.3	2.3	2.3
(In percent of GDP)
Central government finances
Revenues			79.5	85.8	73.6	69.8	67.9	61.1	58.5	56.6	54.5	52.4
Of which: Hydrocarbon			78.1	83.9	71.6	55.4	62.1	59.2	56.7	54.7	52.6	50.4
Expenditure and net lending			64.7	62.2	65.4	94.8	73.2	64.6	61.8	59.5	57.1	54.8
Of which: Capital expenditures			10.9	8.4	8.7	34.6	20.1	12.8	12.1	11.4	11.0	10.9
Overall balance			14.8	23.6	8.2	-25.1	-5.3	-3.5	-3.3	-2.9	-2.7	-2.5
Overall balance (in billions of U.S. dollars)			5.2	10.2	3.6	-12.1	-2.5	-1.7	-1.6	-1.5	-1.5	-1.4
Nonhydrocarbon balance			-63.3	-60.3	-63.4	-80.5	-67.5	-62.7	-60.0	-57.6	-55.2	-52.9
(Annual percentage change unless otherwise indicated)
Money and credit
Base Money			2.8	-16.9	47.9	6.6	36.8	9.0	9.2	10.0	10.2	16.7
Currency in circulation			-20.0	-1.4	37.6	13.3	10.5	2.2	1.5	5.0	5.0	5.0
Money and quasi-money			-20.3	12.0	28.3	12.2	4.0	4.5	4.5	5.0	5.0	5.0
Net credit to the government (Libyan Dinar, billion)			-94.1	-114.9	-110.9	-128.8	-130.4	-121.4	-112.7	-104.6	-96.8	-89.3
Credit to the economy (% of GDP)			0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1
(In billions of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)
Balance of payments
Exports			25.9	32.1	30.9	28.4	32.0	31.3	31.6	32.0	32.5	32.9
Of which: Hydrocarbon			24.5	30.0	28.8	26.3	29.9	29.1	29.2	29.7	30.3	29.9
Imports			17.0	17.2	17.7	21.6	21.9	20.5	20.6	20.8	21.0	21.2
Current account balance			5.7	10.0	8.0	-2.0	0.3	-0.3	-0.2	-0.2	-0.1	-0.1
(As percent of GDP)			16.1	23.2	18.3	-4.2	0.7	-0.5	-0.4	-0.3	-0.3	-0.1
Capital Account (including E&O)			-7.0	-5.3	-3.8	6.5	-2.8	-1.4	-1.4	-1.4	-1.3	-1.3
Overall balance 2/			1.1	4.7	4.3	4.5	-2.5	-1.7	-1.6	-1.5	-1.5	-1.4
Reserves
Gross official reserves			69.4	74.1	78.4	82.9	81.1	79.4	77.8	76.3	74.8	73.4
In months of next year’s imports			32.2	32.8	34.2	29.6	31.0	32.3	31.5	30.5	29.6	28.8
Gross official reserves in percentage of Broad Money			317.0	318.2	261.3	250.3	262.9	246.4	230.9	215.6	201.4	188.2
Total foreign assets			79.7	84.2	88.5	93.6	91.6	89.7	87.9	86.2	84.5	82.9
Exchange rate
Official exchange rate (LD/US$, period average)			4.5	4.8	4.8	4.8	…	…	…	…	…	…
Parallel market exchange rate (LD/US$, period average)			5.1	5.1	5.2	6.9	…	…	…	…	…	…
Parallel market exchange rate (LD/US$, end of period)			5.0	5.2	6.1	6.4	…	…	…	…	…	…
Crude oil production (millions of barrels per day – mbd)			1.2	1.0	1.2	1.1	1.4	1.5	1.5	1.5	1.5	1.5
Of which: Exports			1.0	0.8	1.0	0.9	1.1	1.2	1.2	1.2	1.2	1.2
Crude oil price (US$/bbl) 3/			64.4	89.6	75.0	73.6	66.9	62.4	62.7	63.6	64.3	64.9

Sources: Libyan authorities; and IMF staff estimates and projections.

1/ Nominal GDP data are at market prices.

2/ Includes revaluation of gold holdings of U$10.5 billion in 2024.

3/ The crude oil price was adjusted for Libya up to 2024.

[1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

[2] The Executive Board takes decisions under its lapse-of-time procedure when the Board agrees that a proposal can be considered without convening formal discussions.

– on behalf of International Monetary Fund (IMF).

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The Ministry of Health has organized a training of trainers program to introduce a vaccination initiative aimed at controlling Hepatitis B, a virus that causes liver inflammation and is transmitted vertically from mother to child. Representatives from regional health branches, vaccination program heads, and partners are participating in the training.

Mr. Tedros Yihdego, Head of the National Vaccination Program at the Ministry of Health, stated that the objective of the training is to enhance understanding of the vaccination program, which is set to begin on 1 August and will administer the vaccine within the first 24 hours of birth.

Dr. Nonso Ejiofor, WHO Representative in Eritrea, and Dr. Nande Putta, Chief of Child Survival and Development at UNICEF, noted that in Eritrea due to the equal implementation of the vaccination program in both urban and rural areas, the rates of infection and death have significantly declined. They expressed full support for the program.

Mr. Tedros also expressed confidence that the national program will be successfully implemented through the coordinated participation of all relevant institutions.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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Dekemhare Technical School today graduated 139 students, including 63 females, who completed two years of theoretical and practical training in auto mechanics, electricity, metal and woodwork, and construction.

Mr. Wuhab Mohammed-Ali, Director of the school, congratulated the students and urged them to further enhance their skills through practical experience in the workplace.

Mr. Tesfay Seium, Director General of Technical and Vocational Education at the Ministry of Education, emphasized the Government of Eritrea’s significant investment in education and called on the youth to take full advantage of these opportunities to improve their livelihoods and contribute to national development.

Mr. Yemane Abera, Administrator of Dekemhare Sub-zone, also congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to serve the country and people who provided them with educational opportunities.

Established in 1999, Dekemhare Technical School has so far graduated 3,433 students in diploma programs and 3,846 in certificate programs.

In a related development, the Indomaso Award was presented to 17 outstanding students in the Adi-Keih Sub-zone who scored 80 and above in the eighth-grade national examination. The awards were given during a graduation ceremony for 328 youths who completed vocational training programs ranging from one to four months.

The training covered areas including motor maintenance, plumbing, beauty salon services, and social science.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Association of Journalists in Health, Population and Development (AJSPD), organized a five‑day capacity‑building workshop in Thiès (June 16–20, 2025) to train Senegalese media professionals on food safety issues. The training aimed to deepen their understanding of the key challenges, legal frameworks, technical tools, and best practices related to food safety.

In her opening remarks, Mrs Bintia Stephen‑Tchicaya, FAO’s Acting Sub‑Regional Coordinator for West Africa, complimented AJSPD for its outstanding work in health and development journalism. “You are essential actors in building a culture of prevention and responsibility around food safety. Through your investigations, reports, and columns, you can shift mindsets, influence behaviors, and hold decision makers to account. We count on your renewed commitment to consistently include food safety in your reporting,” she said.

Food safety remains a major challenge across Africa. According to a 2015 WHO estimation, more than 91 million people in Africa fall ill annually from foodborne illnesses, resulting in around 137 000 deaths. These alarming figures highlight the urgent need to raise public awareness and influence policymakers, professionals, and consumers alike.

Professor Amadou Diop, Chair of the National Codex Committee in Senegal, reminded participants that the Codex Alimentarius – fully endorsed by Senegal – sets rigorous, science‑based international food safety standards. “These standards only have impact,” he said, “if they are understood, communicated, and applied – especially by media professionals. Journalists are not only messengers but educators, preventers, and mobilizers who can translate complex scientific data into accessible, actionable messages.”

The workshop featured theoretical lectures, panel discussions, case studies, and practical field work. Journalists visited Thiès’s main transport hub to assess street food safety issues firsthand. Captain Armand Seck of the Thiès hygiene brigade reported numerous violations: cramped stalls, poor ventilation, inadequate lighting, and makeshift food stands under tarpaulins.

Recognizing the lack of formal training among journalists on food safety, the program covered legal frameworks, international standards like Codex, microbiological, physical, and chemical hazards, surveillance systems, and safe handling practices for food preparation and sale.

Participants proposed several recommendations to improve communication, awareness, and advocacy: fostering stronger collaboration between media, health authorities, and partners; organizing regular specialized training; publicizing safe food-handling practices; educating policymakers including parliamentarians; and creating regional professional networks.

This workshop marks an important milestone in promoting quality information on food safety to benefit consumers in Senegal and across West Africa. It is part of the project “Strengthening capacity to respond to food safety emergencies and improving street food quality in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Senegal,” funded by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, with the goal of enhancing emergency response to food safety threats and improving street food hygiene standards in West Africa.

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

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The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Leonardo Santos Simão, concluded yesterday a four-day visit to Burkina Faso.

Following his visit to Niger, this trip was also part of UNOWAS ongoing commitment to support the people of Burkina Faso in their efforts to consolidate peace, security, and development.

In Ouagadougou, Mr. Simão held a series of meetings with the authorities. He was received in audience by the Prime Minister, Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo. He also held discussions with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and Burkinabè Abroad, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré; the President of the Transitional Legislative Assembly, Ousmane Bougouma; the Commander and Minister of Humanitarian Action and National Solidarity, Ms. Passowendé Pélagie Kabre Kabore; and the Minister of Sports, Youth and Employment, Anuuyirtole Roland Somda. He also met with representatives of civil society, the United Nations country team, and the diplomatic corps.

The discussions covered various topics related to the national and regional situation, particularly the security situation in the sub-region and the need to coordinate efforts to effectively combat terrorism, which is using more sophisticated weapons and children.

In this regard, the Special Representative welcomed the successful meeting held in Bamako on May 22 between the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and called for regional and international cooperation in the fight against terrorism, which threatens all states in the region.

The Special Representative reiterated the United Nations’ commitment, in coordination with its partners, to continue supporting the people of Burkina Faso in their quest for peace and prosperity, including in the area of food self-sufficiency.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS).

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In Tine and Oure Cassoni camps in eastern Chad, close to the border with Sudan, Médecins Sans Frontières is increasing our support for recently arrived Sudanese refugees. In these overcrowded camps, people face harsh conditions and limited access to food, shelter, water, and healthcare. The current humanitarian response is grossly insufficient, and greater support from additional organisations is urgently needed.

An estimated 80,000 people have crossed the border from North Darfur, Sudan, to eastern Chad, arriving in or passing through Wadi Fira and East Ennedi provinces, since the end of April.1 These newly arrived refugees, a majority of whom are women and children, fled El Fasher and its surrounding camps after intense attacks from the Rapid Support Forces. While they are safe from bombs in Tine and Oure Cassoni camps, which are separated by 130 kilometers, they are now enduring severe overcrowding and have only limited access to essential medical services.

For them, the road from El Fasher to Chad, which can take up to 10 days travelling, was plagued by violence and hardship. In both camps, our teams are hearing harrowing stories of violence suffered in North Darfur and on the journey to eastern Chad. Many people have been hurt or seen men and boys beaten, injured or killed, and women and girls raped. Some people reportedly died of thirst on the way.

Care after surgery

Mahanat, who is 11 years old, lost his left hand on 11 April, when the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched a massive ground offensive on Zamzam camp, which housed 500,000 people, near El Fasher. According to the UN, hundreds of people were killed in April alone and the camp has been completely emptied.2 Mahanat escaped the deadly attacks and is now in Tine camp with his mother.

“Mahanat’s father was killed during the attack on Zamzam camp. His left hand got ripped off by a shrapnel bomb, some got stuck in his right eye,” says Mahanat’s mother. “He arrived at the MSF clinic in the Tine camp several weeks ago. Each time, doctors and nurses struggled to even access the wound as the child was traumatised and in immense pain. Over the days, with time, patience and trust, Mahanat accepted care.”

Our teams have been treating people’s physical wounds from gunshots, shrapnel bombs and landmines. We are helping patients with amputations through pain management and infection prevention and control measures, such as applying sterile bandages to keep wounds clean and dry. In Tine, we have recently added a mental health component to our work to better support patient recovery. 

Meeting people’s growing needs

While we scaled up our activities in Tine camp in April, the overall situation remains largely unchanged due to people’s overwhelming needs. MSF continues to do our utmost but a coordinated and strengthened response from other humanitarian actors is essential to meet the urgent demands on the ground. 

“Again, we ask donors, the UN and humanitarian organisations to start providing or scale-up support in terms of food, shelter, sanitation and medical care including mental health services. The current response is grossly insufficient,” says Claire San Filippo, MSF’s emergency coordinator for Sudan.

We are increasing the availability of essential healthcare services in Tine and Oure Cassoni camps.

Since April 2025 to the time of writing of the article, we have carried out over 7,700 consultations at the Tine health post. We are concerned about the global rate of malnutrition among children under five in the camp, which is as high as 18%, with 3% being severely malnourished. To assist in curbing the spread of measles in the camp, we have vaccinated 5,755 children.

Pregnant women and survivors of sexual violence can receive care at the health post, and our staff are able to refer critical patients to local hospitals. From April 2025 until now, 1,322 consultations on sexual and reproductive health have been carried out. During the last four weeks of activities, 16 survivors of sexual violence were seen at the health post. To support people’s overall health in the camp, we have built 40 emergency latrines. MSF is the only organisation in the camp providing people with water, which remains a huge problem for residents. Whilst we were providing the minimum requirement per person per day, the sudden increase of the number of people in the camp due to the halt of relocations means that the needs have now increased. 

“Again, we ask donors, the UN and humanitarian organisations to start providing or scale-up support in terms of food, shelter, sanitation and medical care including mental health services. The current response is grossly insufficient.” Claire San Filippo, MSF’s emergency coordinator for Sudan

In Oure Cassoni camp, we carried out a rapid evaluation of the situation in order to understand people’s needs and prepare for an appropriate response. For the time being, we are supplying water through Water Trucking whilst exploring more sustainable interventions. While this camp was already home to 56,000 people, an additional 40,000 refugees have been accommodated there last April. These new arrivals have set up with what they have, but they are living in makeshift shelters and without latrines and other basic infrastructure. While a humanitarian response in underway for these newly arrived refugees, our teams are aware of the many unmet needs, and of the many more people expected to arrive from North Darfur.

“The number of people arriving at the Tine border point is not expected to decrease over the coming weeks,” says San Filippo. “The upcoming rainy season is likely to worsen the already poor living conditions, spread disease, exacerbate food insecurity and the lack of sanitation. We are deeply alarmed by the difficult conditions in the Tine and Oure Cassoni camps. Large-scale humanitarian action is urgently needed to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.” 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).

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His Majesty King Mohammed VI addressed a congratulatory message to the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, on the occasion of his country’s national day.

In this message, the Sovereign extends His warmest congratulations to Musar, and His best wishes for further progress and prosperity to the Slovenian people.

“I should like to take this opportunity to say how much I value the close relations rooted in friendship and mutual esteem between our countries. We look forward, in the Kingdom of Morocco, to continuing our coordination with the Republic of Slovenia, in order to strengthen and expand our fruitful cooperation in all sectors,” the Sovereign writes.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.