Category: Africa

Source: APO

Every blood donation carries the potential to save a life. From medical emergencies and surgical procedures to accidents and other critical conditions, the timely availability of safe blood remains essential to effective healthcare and emergency response.

Recognising this vital need, the Kenya Navy Hospital, in partnership with the Regional Blood Transfusion Centre (RBTC), is conducting a week-long blood donation drive across Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) units in Mombasa. The initiative seeks to strengthen blood reserves, support national transfusion requirements and enhance preparedness for medical emergencies.

The drive brings together KDF personnel in a collective effort to give back to society through voluntary blood donation. Beyond mobilising donors, the exercise is creating awareness on the importance of regular blood donation and the significant difference a single act of giving can make to patients, families and communities.

Through the initiative, service personnel are encouraged to recognise blood donation as a simple but powerful act of service—one that extends the military ethos of protecting life beyond operational duties and into the wider community.

The partnership between the Kenya Navy Hospital and RBTC also demonstrates the value of coordinated healthcare efforts in addressing critical medical needs. By supporting national blood transfusion programmes, military medical facilities complement the broader healthcare system in ensuring safe blood is available when and where it is needed most.

Adequate blood reserves are particularly important during emergencies, when timely access to transfusion can determine patient outcomes. Sustained voluntary donation therefore strengthens healthcare resilience and enhances the capacity of medical facilities to respond effectively to both routine and emergency requirements.

The week-long exercise is expected to mobilise donors across KDF Units in Mombasa while promoting a sustained culture of voluntary blood donation among service personnel.

Through every donation, KDF personnel are making a direct contribution to preserving life and strengthening the nation’s healthcare response. The initiative reflects a broader commitment to service—demonstrating that safeguarding lives extends beyond the battlefield and that, sometimes, service to others begins with a single drop.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Defence – Kenya.

Source: APO – Report:

World Tourism Day was observed at the Asmara Municipality Hall in Asmara at the national level under the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence: Redesigning the Future of Tourism.”

At the event, in which Ms. Askalu Menkorios, Minister of Tourism, took part, Ms. Liya Gebreab, Director General of Tourism in the Central Region, said that, owing to existing impediments and hostilities, the tourism sector has not developed as desired and that intensive promotional activities are being carried out to develop the sector. She also called on tourism service-provision institutions to play their due role in the development of the sector.

Mr. Solomon Girmay, Chairman of the Tourism Service Provision Institutions Association, said that the program will make a significant contribution to enhancing the participation of association members in the development of tourism resources and national development programs.

The event will feature a photo exhibition that will remain open to the public until 28 September, an exhibition area for tourism service-provision institutions to showcase their products, as well as entertainment programs for children.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO – Report:

On the margins of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, the Eritrean delegation led by Mr. Osman Saleh, Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a series of meetings with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Algeria, Burkina Faso, Egypt, Sudan, Sweden, and Greece from 23 to 25 September, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation, as well as on issues of mutual interest.

The meeting with Mr. Ahmed Attaf, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, focused on peace and security in Africa, including security in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

The two Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of African states and rejected foreign interventions that have contributed to conflicts across Africa. They also agreed to strengthen bilateral relations between Eritrea and Algeria.

In the meeting with Mr. Karamoko Jean Traore, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Burkina Faso, the two sides agreed to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance cooperation on issues of common interest at the regional and international levels.

Minister Osman Saleh also held cordial talks with Mr. Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Building on their previous engagements, the two Ministers discussed concrete measures to further strengthen the warm ties of cooperation between the two countries and exchanged views on addressing regional issues and matters of mutual interest.

Minister Osman Saleh also held meetings focusing on regional peace and stability with Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, and Mr. Jonathan Powell, the UK’s National Security Adviser.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO – Report:

World Pharmacists Day was observed at Orotta Hospital Hall in Asmara at the national level under the theme “Empowering Pharmacists for Healthier Futures.”

Ms. Heaven Yohannes, President of the Eritrean Pharmacists Association, said that the day serves as a reminder to pharmacists to emphasize their role in the health sector, create a forum for sharing experiences, and enhance their contribution to healthcare service provision.

Ms. Heaven also said that National Pharmacy Week will be held from 28 September to 4 October, with promotional activities focusing on the use of cosmetics, which has become a growing concern.

At the event, papers were presented on the “Legacy of Pharmaceutical Self-Reliance During the Struggle and the Origins of Local Manufacturing,” “Role of Pharmacy in Healthcare,” and “Nobel Names Behind the Noble Profession.” A panel discussion on “Celebrating Achievements in Pharmacy Practice” was also conducted.

World Pharmacists Day is being observed internationally for the 17th time.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO – Report:

.

Chargé d’Affaires Tom Bevan officially opened Freedom Festival today with a ceremony at Antananarivo City Hall, celebrating 250 years of American independence and the strong friendship between the United States and Madagascar. The ceremony brought together government representatives and Président de la Délégation Spéciale of Antananarivo Feno Ralambomanana, along with commercial, educational, and other partners. The free, two-day festival continues through September 27 and is open to the public.

Reflecting on the significance of the anniversary, Chargé d’Affaires Bevan said: “Two hundred fifty years ago, a small group of American patriots changed the world by founding a nation based on the principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. America’s founding spirit, and our dedication to freedom and innovation, lives on today.” He added that Freedom Festival “is also about connecting,” noting the opportunity for Malagasy visitors to meet Americans on the ground, practice English with native English speakers, explore exhibits on U.S. history, arts, and innovation, and learn about opportunities to study in the United States.

Chargé d’Affaires Bevan also spoke about the long-standing partnership between the two countries, pointing to the approaching 160th anniversary of the first commercial treaty between the United States and Madagascar, signed in 1867. A dedicated exhibit at the festival traces this shared history.

The U.S. Embassy extends its appreciation to the Government of Madagascar for the enduring partnership between the two nations.  It reiterates its gratitude to the Special Delegation of the Urban Municipality of Antananarivo for making City Hall available to host the celebration, with Chargé d’Affaires Bevan calling their support essential to bringing Freedom Festival to life. The Embassy also recognizes the American companies, distributors of Made in USA products, vendors of American food, and U.S. exchange alumni students and professionals taking part in the festival for their contributions.

The U.S. Embassy reiterates its commitment to strengthening the friendship between the American and Malagasy peoples and invites the public to join Freedom Festival at Antananarivo City Hall.

– on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Madagascar.

Source: APO – Report:

On 25 September 2026, military leaders, retired officers, family and friends gathered for the launch of Arrowhead, the memoir of General (Rtd) Robert Kibochi, PhD, EGH, CBS. Among those present were former Defence Cabinet Secretary Ambassador Raychelle Omamo, Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri and General Officers—many of whom had shared different chapters of his remarkable 44-year military journey.

More than the launch of a memoir, the occasion became a reflection on service, institutional memory and the enduring responsibility of military leaders to preserve the lessons of their profession for future generations.

General Kahariri hailed General (Rtd) Kibochi describing Arrowhead as an important contribution to Kenya’s military history and a step towards building a stronger culture of documenting the experiences, decisions and lessons that have shaped the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

Echoing an earlier call by the President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, Dr William Ruto, at the National Defence University-Kenya last year, the CDF encouraged serving and retired officers across all ranks to document their experiences, creating a lasting “vault of wisdom” from which future generations can learn.

Ambassador Omamo similarly described Arrowhead as more than a personal account, noting its significance as a record of Kenya’s military heritage. She praised General (Rtd) Kibochi’s career as one defined by discipline, sacrifice, courage, scholarship and an openness to new ideas.

General (Rtd) Kibochi’s journey began in 1979 when he joined the military as a young trade cadet. Over the next four decades, he rose through the ranks to become Kenya’s 10th Chief of the Defence Forces, serving from May 2020 to May 2023.

His career broke important professional ground. As the first officer from the Signals Corps to attain the rank of full General and command the KDF, his progression reflected the growing importance of communications, technology and information capabilities in contemporary military operations.

His pursuit of academic excellence ran alongside his military career. He earned a Doctorate in Peace and Conflict Management, becoming the first serving Chief of the Defence Forces in Kenya to hold a PhD. His academic journey reinforced a central lesson of modern command: military leadership increasingly demands an understanding not only of operations and tactics, but also of conflict, diplomacy, strategy and institutional governance.

Throughout his service, General (Rtd) Kibochi held demanding command and staff appointments at home and abroad. His deployment under the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone exposed him to the complexities of multinational peace operations, while subsequent operational responsibilities tested his leadership in environments where commanders were required to make difficult decisions under pressure.

As CDF, he championed initiatives aimed at modernising the Defence Forces, strengthening operational readiness, developing specialised military healthcare capabilities and enhancing training across the Services. His tenure underscored the importance of continuously adapting the Force to an evolving security environment.

Arrowhead also offers insights into his philosophy of command. General (Rtd) Kibochi likens military leadership to a relay race: every leader inherits an institution built by those before them, carries it forward through their period of responsibility and ultimately passes it to the next generation stronger and better prepared.

His reflections on continuous learning, thoughtful decision-making, careful speech, constructive silence and respect for diverse perspectives provide lessons that extend beyond military command.

For many of those gathered at the launch, including officers who had served alongside him decades earlier, the occasion was also a reminder that the bonds forged through military service endure long after active duty.

Through Arrowhead, General (Rtd) Kibochi has transformed more than four decades of experience into an enduring record of service, command and intellectual leadership. His story reinforces a timeless military principle: rank may mark the level of responsibility entrusted to an officer, but the enduring measure of command lies in the institution strengthened, the people developed and the lessons passed to those who follow.

His memoir therefore becomes more than the story of one soldier. It is a contribution to Kenya’s military heritage and a repository of lessons for future generations entrusted with the defence of the Republic.

– on behalf of Ministry of Defence – Kenya.

Source: APO – Report:

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) convened the 2nd Proximity Commanders Security Meeting on 24 September 2026 in Kajiado County to deliberate on matters of mutual security interest along the shared border.

Recognizing that effective cross-border cooperation is vital in addressing transnational challenges that directly impact frontier communities, the forum brought together senior military leaders and delegates from both nations to strengthen mechanisms for joint action.

The high-level engagement was co-chaired by Major General Luka Kutto, General Officer Commanding (GOC) Eastern Command (EASTCOM), representing the Kenya Defence Forces, and Brigadier General Paul Masinde of the Tanzania People’s Defence Force. The meeting provided an interactive platform for security representatives to evaluate emerging operational concerns along the common border and reinforce framework strategies for coordinated responses.

Central to the security discussions was the enhancement of border protection through regular surveillance, impromptu patrols, and a sustained military presence to deter criminal activities. The commanders further underscored the urgent need to address illegal immigration and associated cross-border security risks, emphasizing closer coordination and synergy among multi-agency security enforcement teams managing movement along shared entry points.

To effectively counter transnational organized crime, both delegations emphasized the critical importance of timely intelligence and information sharing between regional security agencies. Strengthening these communication links aims to ensure seamless operational integration, proactive threat mitigation, and swift, joint countermeasures against cross-border criminal networks.

Building on the actionable outcomes of the inaugural engagement, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to implementing joint recommendations focused on upgrading border security infrastructure, deepening community engagement, and establishing a robust bilateral framework. These priority areas are structured to improve institutional collaboration and standardize operational protocols across all involved agencies from both partner states.

The successful bilateral forum reaffirms the enduring commitment and value of continuous engagement between the KDF and TPDF in addressing shared security concerns beyond national boundaries. By bringing together commanders and military delegates, the engagement successfully solidified open channels for strategic dialogue, operational alignment, and the sustained promotion of peace and security along the shared border.

– on behalf of Ministry of Defence – Kenya.

Source: APO – Report:

Military healthcare is a critical pillar of operational readiness, demanding technical competence, resilience, compassion and an unwavering commitment to preserving life.

These responsibilities took centre stage as the Defence College of Health Sciences (DCHS) marked the completion of its 2026 training programme with a Candle Lighting Ceremony and the Nurses’ and Midwives’ Pledge at Lang’ata Garrison.

The ceremony brought together graduands, instructors and invited guests to celebrate professional growth and the transition of trainees into healthcare practice. It also highlighted the important role military health personnel play in protecting the health and well-being of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel and sustaining mission readiness in both peacetime and operational environments.

Presiding over the ceremony, the Guest of Honour, National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K) Vice-Chancellor Lieutenant General David Tarus, challenged the graduates to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during their training with professionalism, discipline and dedication across KDF medical establishments.

Drawing attention to the realities of military operations, Lieutenant General Tarus emphasised that effective medical support is indispensable to the ability of troops to operate in demanding environments.

“For those of you who have operated in operational areas, you recall the harsh and difficult environment. Mission readiness depends heavily on the quality, preparedness and professionalism of our medical personnel. This places a profound responsibility on the Defence College of Health Sciences to prepare professionals who possess not only technical competencies, but also the resilience, discipline and commitment demanded by military service,” he said.

He underscored the responsibility entrusted to military healthcare professionals, noting that their competence and preparedness directly contribute to the effectiveness and resilience of personnel deployed in diverse operational environments.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK), Dr Lister Onsongo, urged the graduates to remain committed to continuous professional development and avoid complacency as they progress in their careers.

She encouraged them to embrace evidence-based practice, clinical research and innovation to remain responsive to emerging healthcare challenges and advances in medical practice.

A defining moment of the ceremony was the lighting of candles, symbolising knowledge, compassion and service. This was followed by the Nurses’ and Midwives’ Pledge, through which the graduands affirmed their commitment to professional ethics, integrity, dignity and the delivery of quality healthcare.

The ceremony marked not only the completion of training but also the beginning of greater professional responsibility. For the graduates, the transition places them at the intersection of two demanding callings—healthcare and military service—where competence, discipline and compassion are essential to safeguarding lives.

Guided by its vision to become a centre of excellence in medical training and research for national security and strategy, DCHS continues to develop healthcare professionals capable of supporting the evolving medical requirements of the KDF. The College’s training is anchored on the core values of integrity, creativity, discipline, stewardship, compassion, collaboration and dignity.

As the graduates embark on the next phase of their service, the flame lit during the ceremony stands as an enduring reminder of their professional calling: to preserve life, provide compassionate care and uphold the highest standards of healthcare in service to the KDF and the Nation.

– on behalf of Ministry of Defence – Kenya.

Source: APO – Report:

.

This case study examines how Kenya strengthened risk-informed governance by integrating climate change adaptation (CCA) and disaster risk reduction (DRR) into national planning and public financial management systems through a disaster and climate budget tagging and expenditure tracking system. Requested by the National Treasury and supported by UNDRR through the Intra-ACP DRR Programme, the initiative focused on improving expenditure tracking, strengthening institutional capacities, enhancing interagency coordination, and informing the development of Kenya’s Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Strategy 2025–2030 and Disaster Risk Financing (DRF) Strategy 2026–2030.

The case study reports that the budget tagging exercise improved tracking and reporting of DRR and climate-related expenditures across government institutions. Government officials were trained on integrated DRR–CCA approaches, policy coherence and risk-informed planning methodologies, while an interagency taskforce supported development of the DRF Strategy 2026–2030.

– on behalf of United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).

Source: APO – Report:

Seychelles’ priorities on climate action, sustainable development and development financing were among the issues discussed yesterday during a bilateral meeting between President Dr Patrick Herminie and UN Secretary-General António Guterres in New York.

During the meeting, Secretary-General Guterres underlined the urgency of accelerating the global transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy and strengthening support for climate adaptation, particularly for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). He further emphasised the importance of climate justice, including equitable access to financing and reforms to the international financial architecture to better respond to the needs and vulnerabilities of developing countries.

The Secretary-General commended Seychelles for its principled and consistent leadership on climate issues and its longstanding advocacy on behalf of SIDS, reaffirming the United Nations’ solidarity with vulnerable states facing the disproportionate impacts of climate change.

President Herminie welcomed the progress being made under the UN80 Initiative and reaffirmed Seychelles’ support for a more effective and responsive United Nations. He stressed, however, that reform efforts must strengthen the Organisation’s capacity to deliver on its mandates and respond meaningfully to the needs of Member States, particularly SIDS.

The President also welcomed recent development in the operationalisation of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI), describing it as an important tool for ensuring that vulnerability is more accurately reflected in development financing frameworks. He called for its broader adoption by Multilateral Development Banks, International Financial Institutions and development partners.

The discussion also addressed the growing pressures on vulnerable economies in an increasingly complex global environment. President Herminie expressed concern over the diversion of resources towards conflicts at a time when greater investment is required to tackle the climate crisis and advance sustainable development objectives.

Reaffirming Seychelles’ unwavering commitment to multilateralism, the President underscored the importance of international cooperation, adherence to international law and respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter in addressing shared global challenges.

President Herminie conveyed his appreciation to Secretary-General Guterres for his leadership and steadfast support for the SIDS agenda throughout his tenure, and expressed confidence that the momentum achieved on issues of critical importance to vulnerable states would be sustained in the years ahead.

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.