Category: Africa

Source: APO

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South Africa’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, has concluded his official visit to France, where he attended the International Space Summit 2026.

The visit served as a strategic platform to advance South Africa’s interests in the global space sector and deepen international cooperation.

By engaging with key global partners, Minister Nzimande reaffirmed the country’s commitment to leveraging innovation for sustainable development and positioning South Africa as an active contributor to the global space economy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Republic of South Africa.

Source: APO

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OCHA reports that the UN and its partners continue to support national authorities in scaling up the response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  

Yesterday in Tshopo Province, the first Ebola treatment centre in the provincial capital Kisangani was opened. The 50-bed facility is expanding treatment capacity in a province that continues to report new Ebola cases, with 24 confirmed cases recorded to date.

The UN and partners are also strengthening disease surveillance and community engagement in areas at heightened risk of Ebola spreading. In Ituri Province, OCHA recently brought together more than 120 representatives from the mining sector and local authorities to reinforce awareness and disease monitoring in mining communities, where population movements can increase the risk of transmission.

OCHA warns that conflict continues to complicate Ebola response efforts. Recent armed attacks in Haut-Uele and Ituri provinces have displaced civilians into Tshopo Province, raising concerns about the further spread of the disease.

The Ebola outbreak has now expanded across six of the 26 provinces in the DRC. As of 8 September, national health authorities had reported more than 6,800 confirmed cases and over 3,300 deaths.

OCHA reiterates the need for safe and unhindered humanitarian access to communities in need and sustained international support to help contain the outbreak and deliver life-saving assistance.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).

Source: APO

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Skills development remains a key pillar in strengthening the economic resilience, self-reliance and wellbeing of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) families by equipping dependants with practical competencies for employment and entrepreneurship.

The Military Wives Association of Kenya (MWAK), under the leadership of Chairlady Mrs Grace Kahariri, in partnership with Family Bank Limited and Family Group Foundation, on 10 September 2026, commissioned the 5th Cohort of the Tufuzu Construction Skills Training Programme at Terminus Hall, Embakasi Garrison.

Presided over by the Base Commander Moi Air Base, Brigadier Herbert Wafula, the 5th Cohort comprises 120 KDF dependants drawn from across the three Services. The programme, which commenced in 2023, has so far benefited 339 dependants through four previous cohorts.

The training is delivered through the TVET competency-based curriculum, focusing on Plumbing, Electrical Installation and ICT, complemented by financial literacy, to equip beneficiaries with practical competencies for employment and entrepreneurship.

Speaking during the ceremony, Brigadier Wafula commended MWAK, Family Bank and Family Group Foundation for sustaining the initiative, noting its contribution to the welfare and empowerment of KDF families. He urged the trainees to embrace discipline, excellence and integrity while making practical use of the skills acquired.

“We are not just training hands; we are shaping minds, building futures, and transforming our community and nation at large,” said Brigadier Wafula as he officially declared the programme open.

The remarks of MWAK Chairlady Mrs Grace Kahariri were delivered by Mrs Naomi Mwinyikai, the head of Housing Pillar, who represented her during the ceremony. Mrs Kahariri thanked Family Bank and Family Group Foundation for their continued partnership and challenged the beneficiaries to embrace the theme “Kujifunza, Kujiajiri, Kuinua Familia” — Learning, Creating Employment and Uplifting the Family.

“Cohort 1 was a dream. Cohort 5 is proof that dreams work when we commit to sustainability.” Mrs Kahariri urged the trainees to approach the programme with discipline, excellence and unity, and use their skills to transform their families’ economic circumstances.

Mr John Wairimu, Executive Director, Family Group Foundation, and Ms Phyllis Kimani, Chief Retail Banking Officer, Family Bank, reiterated the partners’ commitment to youth empowerment and investment in human capital.

“At Family Bank, we believe that one of the most powerful investments we can make is in human capital. When we equip young people with practical, market-driven technical and soft skills, we do more than prepare them for employment. We empower them to build livelihoods, support their families, contribute to the economy and shape their own future.”

The Commandant DEFTEC, Brigadier Ismail Noor, highlighted the importance of discipline, technical excellence and practical learning in preparing the beneficiaries for the working environment.

“Skills development is not merely about acquiring a qualification; it is about gaining the competence, discipline and confidence to apply what you have learnt and create a meaningful future for yourself, your family and the nation,” he said.

The programme is a collaborative initiative between MWAK, Family Bank, Family Group Foundation, DEFTEC and Nairobi Institute of Technology (NIT), aimed at bridging the gap between technical training and market demands while creating sustainable pathways to employment and entrepreneurship for KDF dependants.

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

Source: APO

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As the maritime security environment continues to evolve, maintaining a highly trained, disciplined and competent workforce remains essential to sustaining operational readiness and safeguarding Kenya’s maritime interests. Effective naval operations demand more than technical proficiency; they require service members equipped with the skills, discipline, professional judgement and resilience to make sound decisions and respond effectively to emerging challenges at sea.

For the Kenya Navy, continuous investment in personnel development is therefore central to building a capable and mission-ready force. Training provides sailors with the knowledge, practical skills and professional values required to operate naval systems, execute assigned missions and contribute effectively to the protection of Kenya’s maritime domain.

On 10 September 2026, Commander Kenya Navy Fleet, Brigadier Mohammed Shemote, officiated the commencement of Service Members Basic Conversion Course 036 of 2026, marking an important transition for newly enlisted Privates Under Training (PUTs) as they begin their professional journey in the Kenya Navy.

The programme is designed to transform the PUTs into competent naval personnel through structured training in three progressive phases: physical training, basic seamanship and departmental training. These phases are intended to build physical endurance, develop essential maritime competencies and impart trade-specific skills required for effective performance within their respective areas of responsibility.

Beyond technical and practical instruction, the course places emphasis on discipline, professionalism and naval ethos. These attributes are fundamental to developing sailors capable of operating effectively in demanding environments while upholding the standards and values of the Kenya Navy.

Addressing the PUTs during the ceremony, Brigadier Shemote described the commencement of the course as a significant milestone and an important transition into professional naval service. He underscored the importance of the training in laying the foundation for their future careers, noting that its true value would ultimately be demonstrated through their attitude, discipline, conduct and performance during operations.

The course also introduces the sailors to the responsibilities that accompany military service, preparing them to operate effectively both at sea and ashore while contributing to the Kenya Navy’s mandate of safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests.

Developing capable sailors from the outset is a strategic investment in the human resource that remains at the heart of naval effectiveness. By combining physical conditioning, seamanship, specialised skills and professional values, the Basic Conversion Course lays a firm foundation for a disciplined, resilient and mission-ready workforce capable of meeting the evolving demands of naval service and contributing to Kenya’s maritime security.

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

Source: APO

The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan warned that renewed violence, political tensions, shrinking civic space, entrenched corruption and persistent impunity continue to put the population and the planned transition to democracy at risk. 

During the four-day visit, the Commission met a wide range of representatives from the Government, the political and security sectors, civil society and other stakeholders. 

They called for the authorities to take urgent steps to protect civilians, allow humanitarian assistance to reach those in need and create conditions for inclusive political dialogue ahead of elections scheduled for December. 

No real change 

South Sudan is the world’s youngest country having gained independence from Sudan in July 2011. Civil war erupted less than three years later, triggered by the power struggle between President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar. Fighting continues despite a 2018 peace agreement. 

The Commission Chair, Yasmin Sooka, travelled to Jonglei state and met survivors of recent fighting in the north there. 

She heard harrowing accounts of sexual violence, killings, displacement and separation from family members. Some survivors also described being left without access to medical, psychosocial or other essential support, including those facing serious and urgent health needs. 

“Visit after visit, we continue to hear from people who bear the consequences of violence, displacement, insecurity and the failures of those with political and security responsibilities to prevent and address those harms,” she said. 

“The patterns have changed little, while the human cost continues to grow. South Sudanese people deserve better than to have their lives shaped by recurring cycles of violence and uncertainty.” 

Humanitarian concerns mount 

The Commission voiced concern over killings, displacement, civilian attacks, disruption of humanitarian operations and growing insecurity for aid workers. 

Members noted that at a time of immense humanitarian needs, amid ongoing funding shortfalls, support for humanitarian operations and the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is critical. 

They expressed alarm over a recent attack on an UNMISS patrol in Jonglei which killed two peacekeepers and left others injured, calling for an investigation and for those responsible to be held to account.  

Peace and ‘credible polls’ 

The visit comes at a pivotal moment as South Sudan gears up for planned elections – the first since independence.  

The Commission recently warned that elections without essential safeguards, including genuine inclusive political dialogue, could spark renewed conflict and increase the risk of atrocity crimes. 

Commissioner Barney Afako said that while implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement has stalled, it remains essential for a democratic and peaceful South Sudan. 

“Even as the country heads for elections, political and civic space has narrowed, while many of the safeguards and conditions for peaceful and credible polls are still missing,” he said. 

“South Sudanese do have a right to vote; that right must be protected by ensuring they can participate freely, compete fairly, and resolve any electoral disputes through credible adjudication. These are the safeguards that will prevent an election from becoming a trigger for violence and disruption.” 

The Commission again called for genuine and inclusive political dialogue. This includes with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), led by Mr. Machar, as well as holdout groups, civil society, women and youth.  

Corruption and impunity 

Meanwhile, corruption continues to be an obstacle to peace and security.  The Commission noted lack of progress since its 2025 report outlined how entrenched corruption as well as diversion and misallocation of public resources impact human rights. 

“All these years, the Commission has documented serious violations and identified the same underlying problem: impunity. Too often, those responsible for grave abuses have not been held accountable, while institutions responsible for justice remain weak and under-resourced,” said Commissioner Carlos Castresana Fernández.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations (UN).

Source: APO

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A country assessment mission under the Atoms4Food initiative, implemented by the IAEA and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) through the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, has identified opportunities to strengthen food security, improve nutrition and boost agricultural productivity in Liberia. From 19 to 24 July 2026, 12 experts worked with national counterparts to assess challenges across the country’s agrifood systems and to identify where nuclear and related technologies can deliver practical, science-based solutions.

The mission brought together government institutions, including the Ministries of Agriculture and Health, with laboratories, universities, research centres, farmers and development partners, to examine the entire agrifood value chain. Its findings will feed into a Country Assessment Report, which will form the basis of a national Action Plan guiding future investments, capacity building and technical cooperation activities under Atoms4Food.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).