Category: Africa

Source: APO

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On Monday, 5th October 2026, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Republic and the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, presided over a meeting of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces at the Strategic Command Headquarters in the New Capital. The meeting took place within the framework of celebrations marking the 53rd anniversary of the glorious October Victory.

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, stated that Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Minister of Defense and Military Production, Lieutenant General Ashraf Salem Zaher, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Lieutenant General Ahmed Khalifa and a number of senior Armed Forces commanders received the President upon his arrival at the Strategic Command Headquarters.

President El-Sisi congratulated the Armed Forces on the glorious anniversary of the October 1973 victory. The President emphasized the importance of maintaining the highest levels of combat readiness, enabling the Armed Forces to perform their duties in defending the homeland, safeguarding its sanctities, and protecting its capabilities, in light of the unprecedented challenges and changes the region is witnessing.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Minister of Defense and Military Production delivered a speech outlining the efforts undertaken by the Armed Forces in carrying out their missions. The meeting also included a presentation by the Chief of the Armed Forces Operations Authority regarding the future conscription policy.

The meeting also addressed the latest regional and international developments and their impact on Egypt’s national security. Emphasis was placed on the Armed Forces’ continued performance of their national duties with efficiency and competence, ensuring the protection of the state’s borders, the preservation of its security and stability, and the safeguarding of its capabilities.

Following the meeting, a commemorative photograph was taken of the President with members of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Source: APO – Report:

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President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi heads today to the Republic of Korea, at the start of an Asian tour that will also include the Kingdom of Malaysia and the Republic of Indonesia.

Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy stated that the tour will begin with a state visit to the Republic of Korea, where President El-Sisi will hold talks with Korean President Lee Jae Myung. During the visit, the President will also participate in a roundtable with CEOs and representatives of major Korean companies.

The tour will also feature a state visit to the Kingdom of Malaysia and a visit to the Republic of Indonesia.

– on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Source: APO – Report:

Cyber capabilities, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and SMART technologies are increasingly shaping military operations, national resilience and the future security environment. For modern Defence Forces, technological adaptation is therefore becoming as critical as conventional military capability in maintaining operational advantage and responding effectively to emerging threats.

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) hosted a 30-member delegation from the Malawi Defence Force Senior Command and Staff Course Number 05 for a regional study tour in Nairobi, strengthening defence cooperation while advancing professional knowledge exchange on emerging technologies and national security.

Led by the Commandant of the Malawi Defence Force Command and Staff College (MDFCSC), Major General Vincent Peter Moyo, the delegation paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chief of the Defence Forces (VCDF), Lieutenant General John Omenda, at Defence Headquarters. Discussions explored areas of mutual interest and opportunities to deepen military-to-military cooperation between Kenya and Malawi.

Central to the study tour was a strategic presentation under the theme, “Approaches to Leveraging Cyber Domain Capabilities and SMART Technologies in Building National Resilience.” The session examined how Defence Forces can harness emerging technologies while strengthening institutional preparedness against evolving cyber and asymmetric threats.

Major General Moyo commended the presentation, noting that it demonstrated Kenya’s growing integration of technology into everyday life through innovations such as M-Pesa, digital public transport booking systems and electronic payments.

He observed that contemporary security challenges are increasingly asymmetric and technology-driven, requiring Defence Forces to continuously adapt their training, capabilities and operational approaches. Militaries that fail to keep pace with technological transformation, he noted, risk losing operational relevance and advantage.

Welcoming the delegation, the Chief of Training, KDF, Brigadier Alex Nteere, underscored the importance of Professional Military Education in developing adaptive leaders capable of operating effectively within increasingly complex security environments.

Brigadier Nteere urged military institutions to proactively embrace emerging technologies, particularly AI, drawing parallels with the initial introduction of computers into workplaces, which was similarly accompanied by uncertainty and resistance.

He highlighted AI’s potential to strengthen personnel management, analyse large volumes of information, identify trends and patterns, and support the assessment of possible courses of action during operational planning. He further emphasised that technological advancement must be supported by resilient institutions, appropriate structures and sound policy frameworks capable of addressing emerging cyber risks.

During the strategic presentation, Lieutenant Colonel Mukugi examined regional and international cyber and SMART technology ecosystems relevant to national security and defence operations. He assessed vulnerabilities associated with expanding digital connectivity and networked systems across military and civilian sectors.

The presentation also explored approaches to protecting critical infrastructure through governance frameworks, resilience mechanisms and inter-agency coordination. Industry, innovation ecosystems and public-private partnerships were highlighted as important force multipliers in strengthening cyber capabilities and national resilience.

The session further examined the integration of cyber capabilities, SMART technologies and Combined, Joint, Interagency, Intergovernmental and Multinational (CJIIM) effects into military planning and decision-making.

The study tour strengthened Kenya–Malawi defence relations while demonstrating the growing convergence between military education, defence diplomacy and technological transformation. Through sustained professional exchanges, the two Defence Forces are strengthening institutional resilience, developing technologically adaptive leaders and enhancing preparedness for an increasingly digital and contested security environment.

– on behalf of Ministry of Defence – Kenya.

Source: APO – Report:

Maritime security increasingly depends on strong partnerships, sustained naval engagement and the ability of nations to coordinate responses to threats affecting shared sea lanes and maritime interests. For Kenya and India, longstanding defence relations provide a foundation for strengthening cooperation and contributing to security and stability across the Indian Ocean region.

An Indian delegation led by Commodore Kartik Srimal paid a courtesy call on the Commander Kenya Navy, Major General Paul Otieno, at the Kenya Navy Headquarters on 5 October 2026.

The delegation included the Defence Attaché of India to Kenya, Captain Arjit Pandey, alongside other officials. The engagement provided an opportunity for the two sides to review areas of mutual interest and explore opportunities for expanding cooperation between the Kenya Navy and Indian Navy.

Discussions focused on strengthening existing maritime cooperation, enhancing professional engagements and identifying areas where the two navies can deepen collaboration in response to evolving maritime security challenges.

Major General Otieno underscored the importance of sustained professional interaction in strengthening bilateral defence relations and enhancing the ability of partner navies to address emerging threats within the maritime domain.

He noted that continued engagements provide opportunities for knowledge exchange, professional development and the sharing of operational experiences, while strengthening institutional relationships between the two navies.

The Indian Ocean remains a critical maritime corridor supporting international trade, regional connectivity and economic activity. Its security requires cooperation among maritime nations to safeguard shared interests and strengthen collective awareness and preparedness against evolving threats.

Kenya and India share longstanding maritime interests within the Indian Ocean, making naval cooperation an important component of the wider defence relationship between the two countries. Continued interaction between their naval forces contributes to greater mutual understanding and creates opportunities for strengthening professional and operational cooperation.

The courtesy call reaffirmed the enduring Kenya–India maritime partnership and the shared interest of both countries in promoting a secure and stable maritime environment.

Through sustained naval diplomacy and professional engagement, the Kenya Navy continues to strengthen partnerships that enhance maritime security cooperation, build institutional capacity and contribute to peace and stability across the wider Indian Ocean region.

– on behalf of Ministry of Defence – Kenya.

Source: APO – Report:

By Mitchell Obi*, Former President of AIPS Africa (International Sports Press Association) (www.AIPSmedia.com)

Nigeria has approximately 26 stadiums. Four belong to the federal government. The rest are scattered across the states. They were built with public money, for public pride, at enormous cost.

And only one of them, the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, meets the FIFA and CAF benchmarks required to host an international football match today.

If Lionel Messi were to play in Nigeria tomorrow, there is only one venue in the entire country where the match could be sanctioned. One stadium. In a nation of 230 million people. In Africa’s largest economy.

This is not a funding problem. Nigeria has spent billions on stadiums over six decades. The Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja has 60,500 seats. The National Stadium in Lagos has 45,000. The Liberty Stadium in Ibadan has 25,000. We built them. We hosted tournaments in them. And then we abandoned them.

These stadiums are used for a handful of events each year. For the remaining 335 days, they sit empty, decaying, consuming taxpayer money for maintenance that barely maintains anything. A stadium of 74,000 capacity in Nigeria rents for between 200,000 and 300,000 naira. That is not revenue. That is embarrassment.

The problem is not the stadiums themselves. The problem is the model. We built stadiums as monuments. We should have built them as economies.

A stadium, by itself, is a cost. It generates revenue on matchdays and drains the public purse every other day. But when a stadium becomes the anchor of an integrated sport and entertainment district, combining hotels, restaurants, retail, conference centres, gyms, cinemas, schools, residential, and commercial space within a single master-planned ecosystem, it transforms from a liability into an economy that generates revenue 365 days a year.

My friend Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, Founder of African Collaborations Group, calls this model Victory District™. I call it common sense.

Consider the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. You enter through a magnificent gate. Beyond it sits a facility that was once described as world-class when it was built for the All-Africa Games. Today it is, by many accounts, a white elephant. But the land is there. The infrastructure bones are there. The location, in the heart of the federal capital, is extraordinary.

Now imagine that same site transformed into a sport district. The stadium is renovated and upgraded to FIFA standards. Around it, hotels rise. Conference and exhibition centres open. Restaurants, retail, and entertainment venues activate. Training academies and sports science facilities train the next generation of Nigerian athletes. A transport hub connects the district to the city.

Every day, people come. Not just on matchdays. Every day. To work, to eat, to shop, to train, to stay, to be entertained. Revenue flows. Jobs are created. The taxpayer stops paying for an empty stadium and starts benefiting from a thriving urban economy.

This is not fantasy. Look at Zamalek in Cairo. If you want a seat in that sports club, you must be a member, and membership is expensive and coveted. The district generates its own economy. Look at what is being built in London around Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Look at Hollywood Park in Los Angeles. The model exists. It works. It has been proven.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu gave the National Sports Commission, under the leadership of Chairman Shehu Dikko, a mandate to create a sports economy. That economy cannot exist without sport infrastructure. But the right kind of sport infrastructure. Not more standalone stadiums built for a single event. Integrated sport and entertainment districts designed to operate every single day, to generate diversified revenue, and to be financially self-sustaining without public subsidy.

The sports master plan presented in 2020 projected that Nigeria would be ready to host the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games by 2030. We are nearly there, and we are further from that goal than we were when the plan was written. Not because we lack ambition. Because we built the wrong things.

Money is being spent. Budgets are being approved. Construction is underway in some places. But the question remains: after the money is spent, how many of these stadiums will actually meet FIFA standards? How many will be able to host the competitions Nigeria aspires to attract? How many will generate the revenue needed to sustain themselves without draining public funds? Until we can answer those questions with confidence, we are not building a sports economy. We are singing a song in a strange land.

The solutions exist. When Former FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura created the FIFA Task Force for Infrastructure Development in Africa, she understood that the continent needed a new approach. African Collaborations Group (ACG), born from that Task Force, is now originating exactly the kind of integrated sport and entertainment districts that Nigeria and the continent need. The model is ready. The expertise is assembled. The question is whether Nigeria will seize the opportunity or continue singing a song in a strange land. It is time to stop building stadiums and start building districts. And the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja should be the first one.

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– on behalf of AIPS Africa.

Source: APO – Report:

World Teachers’ Day, 5 October, was commemorated at the national level in Asmara under the theme, “Let’s Upgrade Teachers’ Capacity by Standing Alongside Them.”

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Petros Hailemariam, Director-General of Research and Human Resources Development at the Ministry of Education, noted that the Government of Eritrea believes that basic education is the right and obligation of every citizen. He said that substantial investment in the sector, from pre-primary education onwards, coupled with public support for teachers, is bringing about positive changes.

Noting that the main objective of the Teachers’ Association is to enhance the teaching and learning process by upgrading teachers’ capacity, Mr. Simon Mehari, Chairman of the National Teachers’ Association of Eritrea, said that, as teachers are the main players in the effort to realize quality education, they should shoulder the responsibilities their profession entails.

The event featured a seminar focusing on the significance of the teaching profession, as well as cultural performances by students of Medeber School.

World Teachers’ Day is being observed for the 33rd time at the international level and for the 30th time at the national level.

The National Teachers’ Association of Eritrea, which was established in 1958, currently has about 30,000 members. The association also became a member of the World and African Teachers’ Associations in 1996.

In the same vein, educational and sports competitions held in Sawa in connection with World Teachers’ Day concluded on 04 October. The program was organized by the Sawa branch of the National Teachers’ Association.

Mr. Endrias Teklu, Chairman of the branch association, said that the competitions held among teachers of Sawa Warsia-Yikealo School included football, basketball, badminton, table tennis, athletics, general knowledge, short stories, and poetry.

Noting that the National Teachers’ Association is a professional and cooperative association, Mr. Russom Gebrehiwet, Director of the school, called on every teacher to strive earnestly for the development of the association, self-development, and the promotion of a reading culture.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO – Report:

President Isaias Afwerki met with Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, in El Alamein City in the mid-morning hours today for extensive talks on bilateral relations and other matters of vital importance to both countries.

The two Heads of State underlined the imperative of consolidating a conducive political climate that rejects external agendas of interference to safeguard and guarantee the territorial integrity, stability, and peace of Somalia and the unity of its people.

President Isaias further remarked that federal governance architectures in Somalia and other countries in our region have often failed to meet the peoples’ hopes and aspirations for unity and cohesion. Political frameworks that polarize socio-economic, religious, and ethnic differences to foment perennial crises and encourage foreign interventions ought to be supplanted by citizenship-based governance architectures.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, for his part, conveyed his gratitude to President Isaias Afwerki and the Eritrean people for their firm stance and support for the Government and people of Somalia.

President Isaias Afwerki also met yesterday afternoon in El Alamein with General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Chairman of Sudan’s Sovereignty Council, for extensive discussions on bilateral relations as well as regional and international matters of mutual interest to both countries.

The meeting, which took place on the margins of the Quadrilateral Consultative Summit, forms part of the regular consultations between the leaders on bilateral relations and other broad issues of mutual interest.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO – Report:

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The East African Community (EAC) Secretary General, H.E Amb. Stephen Mbundi and Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Tanzania and the EAC, H.E. Chen Mingjian, today signed a Certificate of Donation at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, marking China’s continued financial support to the East African Community.

Speaking during the ceremony, Amb. Mbundi commended the Government and People of China for their longstanding friendship and practical support to the Community.

“Today’s signing demonstrates China’s continued commitment to the EAC integration agenda and reflects the strong partnership that has developed between our two sides over many years. We appreciate China’s support and remain committed to ensuring that these resources are utilised transparently, accountably and effectively for the benefit of East Africans,” said Amb. Mbundi.

The signing marks China’s continued annual contribution of USD 180,000 to the EAC budget, support that has played an important role in advancing regional integration and strengthening the institutional capacity of the Community.

The contribution has supported key EAC priorities, including governance and institutional development, regional trade promotion, election observation, senior leadership engagements, and communication of the regional integration agenda.

“China highly values its longstanding cooperation with the East African Community. Our annual support reflects China’s commitment to strengthening regional integration, institutional development and cooperation that delivers practical benefits to the people of East Africa. We remain ready to continue working with the EAC in support of its development priorities and vision for a more integrated region, said Amb. Mingjian.

Beyond annual budget support, China has provided capacity-building opportunities, professional training and knowledge exchange programmes for EAC officials, while also extending logistical assistance, including the 2023 donation of eight vehicles valued at approximately USD 400,000 to support EAC operations and regional coordination activities. The vehicles have strengthened the EAC Secretariat’s capacity to coordinate regional meetings and other Community activities.

The EAC and China expressed their intention to broaden cooperation beyond institutional support by exploring opportunities in regional infrastructure and connectivity, trade and market access, climate-change adaptation, green energy, digitalisation, technology transfer, innovation and human-capital development.

The Community also welcomed the prospect of a structured EAC–China dialogue to identify a focused pipeline of regional projects aligned with the 7th EAC Development Strategy and China’s Global Development Initiative. Priority areas proposed for further engagement include trade-enhancing infrastructure, industrialisation and value addition, digital trade and connectivity, climate adaptation, green energy, food security, development financing and institutional capacity development.

H.E. Ambassador Bundi emphasised the importance of project-based cooperation that combines financing, technology and knowledge transfer, capacity development and private-sector participation, while delivering demonstrable benefits across the region.

“We look forward to working with China to translate our shared priorities into a focused programme of cooperation aligned with the 7th EAC Development Strategy and the Global Development Initiative. Our objective is to build a forward-looking partnership that contributes to a more integrated, competitive and prosperous East African region,” said the Secretary General.

“As China and the EAC continue to strengthen their partnership, we see significant opportunities to expand cooperation in infrastructure, trade, green development, the digital economy, technology and capacity building. We look forward to working with the EAC to build on our achievements and deliver even greater development outcomes for East Africa,” said Amb. Mingjian.

The signing builds on discussions held between the EAC Secretariat and China in June 2026, during which both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation beyond institutional support towards strategic initiatives that contribute to sustainable development, economic transformation and regional integration.

The EAC–China partnership has progressively developed into a multi-dimensional relationship encompassing institutional financing, capacity development, logistical assistance, infrastructure, trade, knowledge exchange and strategic engagement. Both sides expressed their commitment to building on this foundation and pursuing cooperation that advances regional integration and produces practical benefits for the people of East Africa

– on behalf of East African Community (EAC).

Source: APO – Report:

The central prison in Mahagi now offers better detention conditions for its inmates.

MONUSCO funded the construction of a medical clinic, the installation of sanitation facilities, the rehabilitation of cells, the installation of lighting in the building, as well as a water supply system, which had long been lacking at the correctional facility.

All these facilities were presented to the local authorities in Mahagi on Tuesday, September 30. On the same occasion, mattresses and blankets were handed over to prison officials to further improve detention conditions.

The central prison in Mahagi currently houses 123 inmates, including six women and seven minors. For years, the facility has faced major challenges, including a lack of adequate latrines, insufficient water supply, deteriorating roofs, the absence of a suitable space for medical care, and inadequate lighting.

“When I took over as head of the prison, it was already in a state of disrepair. There were many problems, particularly with the latrines, roofs and access to water. We therefore turned to MONUSCO for support in addressing these challenges,” said Raymond Mpoko Wamina, Director of the Mahagi Central Prison.

Concrete improvements for inmates

The partial rehabilitation of the facility included the construction of two septic tanks and two soakaway pits, the installation of fourteen latrines, and the partial rehabilitation of six cells. A medical clinic for inmates was also built.

A generator and solar panels were installed, along with two lighting systems, one for the cells and the other for the medical clinic. Six beds were provided for the clinic, while 80 mattresses and 80 blankets were supplied to the prison.

Access to water was also improved through the upgrading of the borehole system.

According to the prison director, these new facilities should have a direct impact, above all, on the health and dignity of inmates.

“The rehabilitation of the toilets and septic tanks will improve hygiene conditions and help prevent certain diseases. The establishment of the medical clinic will also allow sick inmates to receive care more quickly. This project is helping us to sustainably improve living conditions in the prison,” emphasized Raymond Mpoko Wamina.

“Inmates have the right to live in decent conditions”

Claude Ntumba Kalala, Deputy Administrator of Mahagi Territory, welcomed the support while calling on those responsible for the facility to preserve the infrastructure and equipment provided.

“MONUSCO has been a privileged partner of the Congolese Government for many years. Prisoners are deprived of their freedom of movement, but they have the right to live in decent conditions. We therefore call on the beneficiaries and prison authorities to take good care of these facilities,” he said.

Before the rehabilitation work, the prison’s sanitary conditions were particularly concerning. The lack of latrines and showers exposed inmates to health risks, while the absence of an appropriate medical facility meant that sick people had to remain in the same cells as other inmates, including in cases of contagious diseases.

In response to this situation, provincial judicial authorities had requested MONUSCO’s support, particularly through the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office (UNJHRO), to improve detention conditions in Mahagi.

Support for the criminal justice chain

Beyond improving inmates’ living conditions, Mahagi’s judicial authorities emphasize the importance of having a functional correctional facility for the entire criminal justice chain.

For Alain Dianzenza, Prosecutor at the Mahagi Peace Court, the prison represents the final link in this chain. Hence the need to reduce such risks by providing quality detention conditions.

“Beyond the dignity of inmates, who must be held in conditions that comply with established standards, MONUSCO’s support for the justice system also helps ensure that judicial proceedings can reach their conclusion. MONUSCO has always been a direct partner of the Congolese justice system. There is still work to be done, but we believe that together we can continue working to ensure that justice is delivered effectively and fairly,” he said.

The rehabilitation therefore aims to bring detention conditions closer to the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, known as the “Nelson Mandela Rules,” particularly with regard to hygiene, health and dignity.

It is also part of MONUSCO’s support for strengthening State institutions and the Congolese judicial and penitentiary systems, as well as efforts to promote the rule of law and combat impunity in Ituri

– on behalf of Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).