Africa – Page 12 – MIL Africa Engine

July 12, 2026

VAT refund fraudster sentenced to 25 years

Source: Government of South Africa

VAT refund fraudster sentenced to 25 years

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has welcomed the 25-year sentence meted out in a R62 million VAT fraud case.

The man, André Claude Dickoumba-De-Diguela, and company Assistance Médicale International pleaded guilty to 127 counts of fraud and 66 counts of money laundering related to fraudulent VAT refund claims that occurred over 12 years.

SARS Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu noted that the sentencing comes as a result of the revenue collector’s investigative and enforcement capabilities.

“Fraudulent VAT [Valued Added Tax] refund claims are not simple administrative errors. They are carefully calibrated acts of criminality that defraud the country’s revenue base, harm honest taxpayers, and deprive the government of the resources necessary to provide essential public services.

“Every Rand lost to fraud is a rand that could have been used to support economic development, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other vital services.

“Complex tax and financial-crime cases require strong investigative work, careful prosecution, and sustained inter-agency cooperation. Today’s legal success in this matter shows what we can achieve in the fight against the depravity and crime engulfing our country and state institutions,” he said in a statement on Friday.

The Commissioner added that SARS is working to foster a “culture of voluntary compliance” for all taxpayers.

“Filing Season demonstrates this commitment in practical terms: taxpayers have better digital services, more prefilled information, and easier ways to meet their obligations. But simplicity for honest taxpayers must never be mistaken for weakness in the face of deliberate fraud.

“Those who fabricate VAT refunds, conceal the proceeds, and launder money threaten our country’s financial stability. SARS will follow the evidence and work with relevant authorities to ensure that deliberate non-compliance carries real consequences,” Makhubu warned. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 07/12/2026 – 10:28

July 12, 2026

Abuja’s housing crisis: why affordable homes stay out of reach for low paid workers

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Joy Oyiza Obadoba, PhD Candidate, Sustainable Urbanisation, University of Lagos

Abuja, Nigeria’s federal capital city, has witnessed remarkable urban growth since its development in the 1980s. The city’s population has increased from 776,298 in 2006 to an estimated 2,057,985 in 2026.

A serious housing crisis has developed: high rents and developments focused on luxury force lower income earners into peripheral settlements.

Over the decades the city’s authorities have taken steps to address the challenge. They have followed national housing policies and encouraged private sector investments, yet there are still gaps in addressing housing challenges in Abuja. Abuja has a housing deficit of over 1.7 million units.

My doctoral thesis focused on access to housing for low-income earners in one of the six councils that make up Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory.

In a recent paper I looked at how state-led policies in Abuja shape access to housing for low earners. I argue that state-led housing intended to correct market failure reinforces inequality. It puts high-income earners first and neglects the majority in society.

My research drew on qualitative and quantitative data, including policy document reviews, stakeholder interviews and household surveys.

I identified four key factors that contribute to the city’s housing crisis:

poor monitoring of current policies
state-led programmes that privilege middle and upper-income groups
a lack of affordable financing
planning that fails to account for cultural preferences when designing houses.

The housing crisis in Abuja

The demand for housing in Abuja has increased due to rapid urbanisation and population growth. As Nigeria’s political and administrative hub, Abuja attracts thousands of migrants who perceive the city as safer than other parts of the country.

Its centrality also attracts unemployed migrants searching for jobs, economic opportunities and political connections.

But the supply of affordable housing has not kept pace with demand.

National housing policies such as the National Housing Fund and various affordable housing initiatives have aimed to alleviate the problem, but without success.

There are a number of reasons for this.

Monitoring and enforcement

My research found that there’s a lack of monitoring and enforcement of housing development policy. Affordable housing projects awarded by the Mass Housing Department to developers are not regularly monitored by the agency.

This has resulted in projects that benefit only the upper-income groups, particularly politicians, people in business, and senior government officials. Low income earners are systematically excluded.

High-end developments and gentrification

Government officials focus on high-end housing developments through designs, zoning and architectural plans.

Over 48.3% of Abuja residents are poor, according to the 2022 multidimensional poverty index. While some housing policies are designed as affordable and inclusive housing, they fail to accommodate low-income earners.

For example, Renewed Hope City, located in Karsana, Abuja, provides 3,112 housing units but allocates only 992 one- to two-bedroom units to low-income groups.

Added to this is the gentrification of areas initially occupied by low-income communities. Informal settlements, the only affordable option for many, are demolished. Over 30,000 settlements were flattened between 2024 and 2026 to make way for upscale developments.

Access to affordable financing

The mortgage (home loan) system in Nigeria is biased against low-income earners. Despite the Federal Mortgage Bank adopting interest rates between 6% and 10%, commercial banks offer between 18% and 24%. Some people’s wages are not adequate to apply for a home loan. They do not have the money for a deposit or they can’t afford the monthly deduction.

Buying a luxury apartment requires an initial deposit of 10%, which far exceeds the wage of the average Nigerian worker, and there are strict criteria to qualify for home loans.

Low-income individuals often lack formal employment records or collateral. Where they are formally employed, many do not have sufficient savings in their housing insurance policy, making them ineligible for housing loans.

One of the respondents in my study said:

Many of us consider ourselves low-income earners in Abuja. Look at me, an average director who earns the sum of 400,000 naira, yet I must pay an annual rent of over 3 million per year. I will also pay for feeding, medical bills, and tuition fees for the children. Tell me, is my salary commensurate with the living expenses in the city?

The missing cultural dimension

Abuja’s housing development also neglects cultural dimensions. Housing is more than just shelter; it meets families’ social, cultural and psychological needs.

In Abuja, the average resident maintains connections with extended family. But urban planners overlook this. They design homes for nuclear families, disregarding larger households’ needs. Resident have to adapt by overcrowding studio apartments or sharing spaces to reduce costs.

Architects choose western-style designs over indigenous aesthetics and environmental considerations.

My view is that to improve affordability and sustainability, developers must use local materials, climate-sensitive designs and cultural elements that suit residents’ lifestyles.

Addressing the gaps

My findings suggest a number of policy interventions are required.

Firstly, the government must help make housing more affordable by providing subsidies and revising mortgage systems.

Secondly, offering low-interest housing loans and rent-to-own schemes would help renters make the move to home ownership.

Thirdly, government should regulate private developers by granting tax incentives, providing land access, and closely monitoring projects to ensure they benefit the target demographic.

Fourth, instead of demolishing informal settlements, authorities should upgrade them. They should improve infrastructure, grant legal recognition, and provide access to essential services.

Fifth, urban planners and architects must incorporate cultural dimensions in housing designs by creating spaces for extended families, fostering communal areas, and using traditional materials.

Finally, civil society organisations should hold policymakers accountable and amplify the voices of low-income earners.

By meeting the needs of low-income earners and respecting the cultural context of housing, Abuja can progress towards a housing system that works for all its residents.

– Abuja’s housing crisis: why affordable homes stay out of reach for low paid workers
– https://theconversation.com/abujas-housing-crisis-why-affordable-homes-stay-out-of-reach-for-low-paid-workers-260435

July 12, 2026

DRC has taken Rwanda to the world court over genocide again. A law scholar explains what’s different this time

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Kerstin Bree Carlson, Associate Professor International Law, Roskilde University

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) filed a lawsuit against Rwanda at the International Court of Justice at the end of June 2026. The 60-page complaint alleges acts of genocide and other atrocity crimes by Rwandan forces and their intermediaries dating from 1996 to the present day.

The DRC has twice before brought similar cases against Rwanda at this court. Both failed on questions of jurisdiction. So, what explains yet another case against Rwanda? Kerstin Bree Carlson, a scholar of international justice and author of a book on international law in Africa, examines this history and what’s behind the DRC’s confidence in its latest push.

What did the DRC’s previous cases involve?

The DRC has twice tried to bring Rwanda before the International Court of Justice in relation to violence carried out or backed by Rwanda on its soil. It was unsuccessful both times.

In 1999, the DRC brought claims against Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda before the court over the armed invasion of its territory. It sought reparations for armed aggression and intentional acts of destruction and looting.

It later dropped its claims against Rwanda and Burundi because neither country had consented to the court’s jurisdiction.

The case against Uganda went ahead, and in 2005 the court ruled in the DRC’s favour. It found that Uganda was responsible for acts of violence in the country. In 2022, the court ordered Uganda to pay US$325 million in reparations, marking a significant victory for the DRC. Kampala paid the first instalment of US$65 million that year.

In 2002, the DRC resubmitted claims against Rwanda.

The DRC invoked eight international treaties, including the Genocide Convention. This is a UN treaty that entered into force in 1951 and establishes genocide as an international crime.

The International Court of Justice dismissed the DRC’s case on jurisdictional grounds, which drew criticism. The court said it lacked the authority to hear the dispute because Rwanda had entered a “reservation” when it joined the Genocide Convention, rejecting the court’s jurisdiction under the treaty. In the 2006 ruling, a majority of International Court of Justice judges recognised the validity of this reservation.

What has happened in the past 20 years that might change the outcome?

First, in 2008 Rwanda withdrew its reservation to International Court of Justice jurisdiction under the Genocide Convention and the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination (which came into force in 1969). That means that the jurisdictional hurdle relating to Rwanda’s consent is resolved.

The DRC has invoked both these treaties in its current submission to the court.

Second, in 2008 Rwanda became a party to the Convention Against Torture (which came into force in 1987). Claims made under this UN treaty do not need to meet the same rigorous “intent” standard that genocide claims do. Further, the court’s jurisprudence is well established under the torture convention. For example, claims under this treaty played a critical role in efforts to bring Chad’s former president Hissène Habré to justice.

The DRC has invoked this history in its submission.

Third, international law has evolved. Recent cases like The Gambia’s suit againt Myanmar (2019) and South Africa’s case against Israel (2023) have expanded the Genocide Convention’s reach.

Together, these factors suggest that the DRC’s third attempt may have a stronger chance of clearing the jurisdictional hurdle. However, whether this would eventually lead to a judgment against Rwanda is much harder to predict.

Why has the DRC turned to international law?

International law, the law of nations, creates all nations as equals. The International Court of Justice is the oldest, most established global arbiter of disputes between them.

There are two principles of international law that play out in this case.

First, states are generally bound only by obligations they have explicitly accepted. This includes agreeing to the jurisdiction of the court. Second, international courts have no police force or other means of enforcing their judgments. It is up to states themselves to comply with court rulings. This compliance includes a duty on other states not to recognise as lawful situations created through serious breaches of international law.

Although the court cannot compel states to act, its opinions matter. They represent the most authoritative statements of international legal norms. In other words, International Court of Justice judgments represent the clearest statements we have regarding how international legal principles apply in practice.

Recognising international law’s persuasive power is key to understanding why the DRC has repeatedly turned to the International Court of Justice and other international courts to seek rulings against Rwanda and its proxies. These include the International Criminal Court and the African Court on Human and People’s Rights. International lawfare represents a principled battle for recognition and legitimacy.

Why does the case matter?

The DRC’s creative legal attempts to bring Rwanda to justice in relation to its engagement in and support of armed conflict in the DRC over the past several decades are efforts to invalidate violent incursions on its soil. It also seeks to reassert its sovereignty by having Rwandan-backed violence recognised as illegal by international law’s apex court.

As I have argued before and in my book examining international law in Africa, the power of international law resides in states’ agreements to use it in place of violent conflagration, and to be bound by it.

Rwanda challenges these standards in both regards. Credible allegations of Rwandan-backed massacres in the DRC date from 1996 through to the present day. Despite being the recipient of significant international legal investment, Rwanda resists participating as a good international citizen. So far, neither Rwanda nor its allies are addressing or redressing its behaviour.

By contrast, the DRC is expanding international law’s promise and potential by applying it as intended. International law derives its power chiefly from the expectations it creates.

The DRC is not blameless in the three decades of violence its submission describes. But by framing that violence through the lens of international law, the country helps legitimise alternatives to violence.

– DRC has taken Rwanda to the world court over genocide again. A law scholar explains what’s different this time
– https://theconversation.com/drc-has-taken-rwanda-to-the-world-court-over-genocide-again-a-law-scholar-explains-whats-different-this-time-286963

July 11, 2026

Eritrea: Mai-Nefhi College of Science Graduates 300 Students

Source: APO – Report:

In its 19th commencement, Mai-Nefhi College of Science graduated 300 students, 49% of whom are female students, in degree program today, 11 July.

The graduates include 54 in Biology, 70 in Chemistry, 30 in Earth Science, 59 in Mathematics, 44 in Physics, and 44 in Statistics.

Prof. Gebray Asgedom, Dean of the College, indicated that the number of graduates increased by 3% compared with 2025 and by 15% compared with 2024. He said that over the past 18 years, the College has graduated 4,441 students in diploma and first-degree programmes.

The guest of honour, Mr. Tesfay Gebreselasie, Minister of Land, Water and Environment, urged the graduates to practically enhance the knowledge they acquired through formal education in their places of assignment. He also called on them to become researchers, innovators, architects of the country’s development roadmap, and dedicated workers worthy of their historical responsibilities.

Minister Tesfay further said that the Government and the people expect the graduates to become reliable, modest, and dedicated members and frontrunners of their society, while taking pride in their history and culture.

A representative of the graduates commended all those who supported them throughout their studies and expressed their commitment to live up to the expectations of the Government and the people, who provided them with the opportunity to pursue higher education.

At the event, medals and certificates of merit were presented to outstanding students.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Media files

July 11, 2026

President Ramaphosa mourns passing of rising sports stars

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep condolences at the passing of two outstanding young sportsmen, Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams and former South African Rugby Under-18 prop Luqobo Makwedini.

President Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the families of Jayden Adams and Luqobo Makwedini who have passed away at the age of 25 and 20 respectively.

The President’s thoughts are with Jayden’s teammates in Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns, as well as Luqobo Makwedini’s former SA Under-18 teammates and his club colleagues in France.

President Ramaphosa said: “It is particularly tragic that we are suffering the loss of two outstanding, young athletes at a time when our nation continues to immerse itself in the FIFA World Cup tournament, as well as the Springboks’ and Springbok Women’s matches against Scotland and the USA Eagles in Pretoria today.

“We are grateful for the joy and victories Jayden and Luqobo have given us and their teams as they lived their dreams and held South Africa’s name high on the scoreboards of global sport.

“May their souls rest in peace.”

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

July 11, 2026

Friendship Half a Century Strong: Seychelles and France Celebrate Shared History and Shared Ambition

Source: APO

Some friendships are measured by time. Others are measured by the trust they continue to inspire. Last night, President Dr Patrick Herminie joined Her Excellency Anne Tallineau, Ambassador of France to Seychelles, in commemorating France’s National Day (Bastille Day), while celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations between Seychelles and France.

Held in the presence of First Lady Mrs Veronique Herminie, Vice-President Mr Sebastien Pillay and his wife, Mrs Lina Pillay, Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora Mr Barry Faure, Cabinet Ministers, members of the national assembly, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the French community and invited guests, the reception reflected the enduring friendship, mutual respect and close cooperation that continue to define relations between the two nations.

Welcoming guests, Ambassador Anne Tallineau expressed her appreciation for the warm reception she has received since arriving in Seychelles less than a year ago. Describing Seychelles as a nation deeply rooted in its Creole identity, sovereignty and unity in diversity, she congratulated the country on the recent celebration of its 50th Anniversary of Independence and acknowledged the remarkable progress achieved over the past five decades.

Highlighting the significance of the occasion, Ambassador Tallineau explained that Bastille Day, France’s National Day, commemorates the Storming of the Bastille in 1789, a defining moment of the French Revolution that came to symbolise the enduring ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity. She noted that these principles continue to shape France’s engagement with partners around the world and are reflected in the strong relationship shared with Seychelles.

The Ambassador observed that this year carries particular significance for both countries, as it also marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between France and Seychelles. She described the partnership as one between two sovereign nations whose friendship has continued to deepen through mutual trust, dialogue and a shared commitment to addressing common challenges.

She underscored the breadth of cooperation between the two countries, highlighting partnerships in higher education, culture, maritime security, environmental protection, scientific research and youth development. Among the initiatives she cited were the launch of the MASTRI trilingual Master’s programme involving the University of Seychelles, the University of La Réunion and Aix Marseille University, as well as collaboration between the National Museum of Seychelles and the French National Maritime Museum.

As neighbouring nations in the Indian Ocean, Ambassador Tallineau reaffirmed France’s commitment to regional cooperation through the Indian Ocean Commission, whose presidency France assumed on 28 June. She emphasised shared priorities including maritime security, resilience to natural disasters, food security and stronger regional solidarity.

She also praised the longstanding cooperation between the Seychelles Defence Forces and the French Armed Forces in combating maritime crime, citing the successful seizure of more than 700 kilograms of illicit drugs during a joint maritime operation.

Recognising Seychelles’ international leadership in advancing the Blue Economy and ocean governance, Ambassador Tallineau reaffirmed France’s commitment to expanding scientific collaboration and environmental partnerships. She also highlighted initiatives aimed at empowering young people, including the IFS France Youth Talent Development Programme, through which 24 young Seychellois footballers are undertaking long-term training in France, as well as educational exchanges between the Seychelles Tourism Academy and hospitality institutions in La Réunion.

Looking ahead, Ambassador Tallineau announced that President Dr Patrick Herminie will attend the 14 July celebrations in La Réunion as Guest of Honour, at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron. She added that members of the Seychelles Defence Forces will also be recognised during the celebrations, reflecting the close ties that continue to unite the two countries.

Delivering remarks on behalf of the Government of Seychelles, Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora Mr Barry Faure conveyed the congratulations and best wishes of President Dr Patrick Herminie, the Government and the people of Seychelles to President Emmanuel Macron and the people of France on the occasion of France’s National Day.

Minister Faure described France as occupying a special place in Seychelles’ history, noting that the relationship, established shortly after Independence in 1976, has grown into one of Seychelles’ closest and most valued partnerships. He highlighted cooperation across education, culture, maritime security, environmental protection, health, scientific research, economic development and regional affairs.

He said the relationship continues to be guided by mutual trust, continuous dialogue and a shared determination to respond collectively to emerging challenges, particularly within the Indian Ocean region. He also welcomed President Herminie’s forthcoming visit to La Réunion, describing it as another important opportunity to further strengthen cooperation between Seychelles, France and the French territories of the Indian Ocean.

With glasses raised in celebration, conversations flowing among friends and partners, and cultural performances adding warmth to the occasion, the reception reflected far more than France’s National Day. It celebrated a friendship that has flourished over half a century.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

July 11, 2026

Developing bankable infrastructure in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)

Source: APO

In 75 years, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will count three (3) of its members among the richest countries in the world.

This conviction was expressed by Dr. Kalilou Sylla, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, on Thursday, July 9, 2026, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, at the opening of the 5th Stakeholder Forum on Public-Private Partnerships in the field of infrastructure.

According to him, it will be impossible to achieve this community ambition without significant progress in the infrastructure sector, which is critical for the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital within the ECOWAS space.

This situation is not conducive to the development of intra-regional trade nor to the emergence of a community market essential for creating leading countries in the global economy, Dr. Sylla noted, welcoming the approval of the ECOWAS Regional Infrastructure Master Plan.

This master plan, designed to provide a strategic framework for infrastructure development, identifies priority projects in the sectors of transport, energy, digital economy, and water, with the aim of addressing the region’s infrastructure deficit.

It includes 201 projects: 56 in the transport sector, 115 dedicated to energy, 15 in the digital economy, and 15 in water resources. The cost of these projects is estimated at 131 billion U.S. dollars for the period 2020–2045.

Dr. Sylla emphasized that, given the scale of investments required to implement the projects identified in this master plan, governments must urgently explore innovative financing options, particularly public-private partnerships (PPP).

He nevertheless regretted that the development of PPP projects from a regional perspective faces constraints linked to the diversity of national frameworks among member states of the regional organization.

That is why he welcomed the adoption by West African leaders, during their 60th Ordinary Session held in December 2021, of the regional PPP policy and its associated guidelines.

“These instruments provide a solid foundation for harmonizing PPP governance, fostering regional collaboration, and ensuring transparency in the preparation and implementation of projects,” Dr. Sylla stated.

Given growing budgetary constraints and the need to accelerate the structural transformation of West African economies, he advised prioritizing the development of financially viable and bankable infrastructure projects capable of attracting private investment.

This requires not only strengthening PPP frameworks but also increasing the mobilization of domestic capital through local financial institutions, pension funds, insurance companies, and regional capital markets, he said.

The 5th ECOWAS PPP Forum is precisely part of ongoing regional efforts to develop bankable infrastructure in West Africa through stronger PPPs and enhanced mobilization of domestic capital, thereby contributing to deeper regional integration.

It aims to advance ongoing discussions, build on the achievements of previous editions, deepen political dialogue, and propose concrete solutions to accelerate the preparation and implementation of integrated, resilient, and high-impact regional PPP projects.

The forum will also draw on experiences from flagship regional projects such as the Abidjan-Lagos corridor, the CLSG TRANSCO interconnection project, and the “transport” component of the Simandou project in Guinea.

Over two (2) days, participants will review the various agenda items of this meeting, including spontaneous PPP proposals, lessons and opportunities from regional PPP projects, and PPPs for climate-resilient and sustainable infrastructure.

They will also focus on mobilizing institutional investors, promoting financing in local currency, and funding regional infrastructure, with particular emphasis on improving project bankability.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Media files

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July 11, 2026

Egypt: President El-Sisi Meets and Honors the National Football Team and Coaching Staff

Source: APO

Today in New Alamein City, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received the players of Egypt’s national football team, along with the technical and administrative staff.

The meeting was also attended by Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly; Minister of Youth and Sports Gouhar Nabil; and President of the Egyptian Football Association Eng. Hany Abu Rida.

Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy said President El-Sisi awarded the players as well as the technical and administrative staff the Merit Cup and honorary decorations. This recognition was granted in appreciation of their heroic performance and outstanding technical level during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as well as their display of determination, perseverance, and discipline. A commemorative photograph was taken of the President with the players and the technical and administrative staff.

At the outset, President El-Sisi welcomed the players and the technical and administrative staff, expressing his pride and appreciation for the team’s honorable performance.
The President confirmed that this commendation reflects the general sentiment shared by all who followed the national team’s matches, among Egyptians, across the Arab world, within Egyptian and Arab communities abroad, and internationally as well.

President El-Sisi lauded the noble values embodied by the team, reflecting the authenticity of the Egyptian people. The President stressed that what has been achieved represents commendable effort and great dedication in the name of Egypt. The President noted that sport is not merely about winning and losing; more importantly, the national team earned the respect of people who valued the team’s performance even more than victory itself.

President El-Sisi emphasized that the national team represented Egypt’s youth in an admirable and honorable manner, creating a sense of joy among citizens throughout their World Cup journey thanks to the seriousness of their performance and their appearance in matches as a great team devoted to sincere effort.

The President also commended the team’s performance, which reflected the Egyptians’ ability to achieve success, stressing that the Egyptian people have a deep love for sports, particularly football, and that the nation is rich in talents capable of reaching the same level of excellence as the current stars of the team.

President El-Sisi underlined the importance of having impartial “talent scouts” dedicated to identifying young and emerging players. The President affirmed the State’s readiness to support promising talents, grant them the opportunities they deserve, and back the national coaching staff. The President concluded his remarks by underscoring the need to continue hard work, exert effort, preserve team spirit, and build new generations of players to build upon the success already achieved.

Later, President El-Sisi joined the national team players and the technical and administrative staff for lunch. The President was keen on listening to several players, who expressed their gratitude for meeting with the President and for his appreciation of their efforts.
They affirmed that both the national team and the players individually would spare no effort to build upon the achievement attained.

The President, once again, conveyed his gratitude and appreciation, on behalf of himself and the Egyptian people, for the team’s accomplishment, noting that the Egyptian people now look forward to even greater successes from the national team in the coming stage.

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

July 11, 2026

Burundi : Le Président Evariste Ndayishimiye reçoit le Ministre russe des Affaires Etrangères Sergueï Lavrov

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Président de la République du Burundi, Son Excellence Evariste Ndayishimiye, a reçu en audience, ce vendredi 10 juillet 2026, au Palais Ntare Rushatsi, le Ministre des Affaires Etrangères de la Fédération de Russie, Monsieur Sergueï Viktorovitch Lavrov, en visite de travail au Burundi, à la tête d’une importante délégation.

Cette rencontre a permis aux deux personnalités de réaffirmer la solidité des relations d’amitié et de coopération entre le Burundi et la Fédération de Russie, ainsi que leur volonté de renforcer davantage ce partenariat, notamment dans les secteurs de l’agriculture, de l’énergie, de la santé, de l’éducation, des infrastructures, des transports, des échanges commerciaux et du transfert de technologies.

En sa qualité de Président en exercice de l’Union africaine, le Chef de l’Etat burundais, Son Excellence Evariste Ndayishimiye a également partagé les priorités du continent et plaidé pour une représentation plus juste de l’Afrique au Conseil de sécurité des Nations Unies, tant au niveau des sièges permanents que non permanents.

Les discussions ont également porté sur les principaux défis auxquels le continent est confronté, notamment la situation sécuritaire dans l’Est de la République Démocratique du Congo et au Sahel, ainsi que la lutte contre l’épidémie d’Ebola. A cette occasion, le Président Ndayishimiye a réaffirmé son attachement au dialogue et au principe des solutions africaines aux problèmes africains.

L’audience a également été marquée par l’invitation adressée au Chef de l’Etat burundais à participer au troisième Sommet Russie–Afrique, prévu à Moscou les 28 et 29 octobre 2026.

Son Excellence Evariste Ndayishimiye, Président de la République du Burundi a favorablement accueilli cette invitation et prendra part à cette rencontre de haut niveau en sa double qualité de Président de la République du Burundi et de Président en exercice de l’Union africaine.

A ce titre, il coprésidera les travaux du Sommet, illustrant ainsi la place grandissante qu’occupe le Burundi sur les scènes africaine et internationale.

Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République du Burundi.

Media files

July 11, 2026

United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) peacekeepers rescue three civilians after canoe capsizes on River Nile in Malakal

Source: APO

A routine journey across the River Nile nearly ended in disaster when strong winds and high waves overturned a canoe carrying three South Sudanese civilians near Malakal in Upper Nile State.

Within moments, the passengers were struggling in the fast-moving river as their boat and cargo disappeared beneath the waves.

Peacekeepers from the Bangladesh Force Marine Unit serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), who witnessed the incident, immediately deployed two patrol boats and rescued all three civilians from the water.

The operation went beyond saving lives. The peacekeepers also recovered the overturned canoe and salvaged between 10 and 15 bags of charcoal the passengers had been transporting, an important source of income for families who depend on river trade for their livelihoods.

“The rescued civilians were taken to the Bangladesh Boat Pool, where a medical team was on standby to provide emergency assistance,” said Lieutenant Commander Fahim Ahmed, Team Leader of the rescue operation.

One of the survivors sustained an injury to his right toe and was treated at the UN Peacekeeping Field Hospital before being discharged later the same day.

Following the operation, all three civilians returned home safely with their recovered canoe and cargo.

For communities along the Nile, the river is a vital transport route for moving food, firewood and charcoal between villages and markets. However, sudden storms can quickly turn routine crossings into life-threatening emergencies.

“The rapid response by the Bangladesh Force Marine Unit helped prevent what could have become a tragic loss of life. This is a significant role peacekeepers continue to play in ensuring the safety and well-being of local communities in Upper Nile State,” Ahmed said.

Residents in Malakal welcomed the rescue, noting that river transport remains indispensable despite the risks posed by unpredictable weather. They said the peacekeepers’ swift response saved lives and protected the livelihoods of families who rely on the Nile every day.

Whether responding to violence, supporting humanitarian access, or carrying out emergency rescues on the Nile, UNMISS peacekeepers continue to play a critical role in protecting vulnerable communities across South Sudan.

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