Category: Africa

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United Nations Day: seven regions of the Central African Republic to discover through a virtual exhibition

Source: APO


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On the occasion of United Nations Day, celebrated on October 24, a virtual photo exhibition titled “Investing in Peace” invites the public to explore the seven regions of the Central African Republic. Through images, stories, and faces, it highlights community initiatives, progress achieved with the support of the United Nations and its partners, and the remaining challenges to sustainably consolidate peace.

The “Investing in Peace” exhibition presents the progress accomplished in the Central African Republic and the efforts required to preserve and strengthen it.

Under the subtitle “Progress to preserve and consolidate in every region,” the exhibition offers a photographic journey across the country’s seven regions. It showcases initiatives by local communities, national authorities, MINUSCA, UN Agencies, Funds, and Programmes, and their partners.

At the heart of daily life: concrete actions for peace and resilience

A school where children learn, a water point that protects health, an economic activity that supports a family, local institutions close to residents, or communities reuniting through dialogue… the photographs illustrate the various forms that day-to-day investment in peace takes.

Through these images and their stories, visitors discover how civilian protection, access to essential services, economic recovery, civic participation, and social cohesion contribute to establishing lasting peace.

The exhibition also emphasizes the fragility of these advances. Consolidating them requires institutions that can meet the population’s needs, sustainable support after disarmament, and ongoing protection in areas where threats persist, such as the country’s Northeast and Southeast regions.

Accessible online via an immersive virtual gallery, “Investing in Peace” offers a unique way to discover the Central African Republic and meet those working for its future.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

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President Museveni Urges Somalia to Unite Against Al-Shabaab, Boost Coffee Trade with Uganda

Source: APO

President Museveni made the remarks on Monday, October 26, 2026, while meeting the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at State House, Entebbe, during an official visit to Uganda.

The discussions focused on Somalia’s security situation, particularly efforts to defeat the Al-Shabaab insurgency, as well as strengthening bilateral trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.

President Museveni said Somalia’s challenges required a clear understanding of their underlying causes and a united approach, warning that divisions among the majority could allow a minority to maintain influence.

“The problem of Somalia is ideological and a misdiagnosis of problems,” President Museveni said, drawing parallels with other African countries, including Sudan, where sectarian approaches to governance have contributed to political divisions and exclusion.

“All the problems you’re talking about, we know them. We need to be organised and stand with the main problem,” he said.

“Unite the many to defeat the few, but some Africans want to annoy the many to stay with the few,” he added.

The President emphasised the need for political organisation and unity in confronting the challenges threatening Somalia’s stability.

During the meeting, H.E Mohamud briefed President Museveni on the security situation in Somalia and commended the contribution of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to efforts to restore peace.

Ugandan troops have played a significant role in African Union-led peace support operations in Somalia, supporting Somali security forces in confronting Al-Shabaab militants.

H.E Mohamud also thanked President Museveni for Uganda’s continued military contribution and support, expressing hope that Ugandan troops would remain in Somalia longer to help achieve full pacification and lasting stability.

Al-Shabaab continues to pose a major security challenge in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa, with regional and international partners supporting efforts to strengthen Somali security institutions and combat the insurgency.

The Somali President also appreciated Uganda’s hospitality towards Somali nationals living, studying and conducting business in the country.

Somalia’s Ambassador to Uganda, Fardowsa Mohamed Qanyare, informed the meeting that approximately 8,000 Somalis operate businesses in Uganda, while about 15,000 Somali students are pursuing studies at Ugandan universities.

Uganda eyes direct coffee exports to Somalia:

The two leaders also discussed ways to expand bilateral trade, with particular emphasis on improving direct access for Ugandan products to the Somali market.

President Museveni welcomed the development that Somalia had permitted Uganda to establish a warehouse in the country through which processed Ugandan coffee would be marketed and sold.

The proposed arrangement is expected to create a more direct route for Ugandan coffee exporters to reach Somali consumers, potentially reducing reliance on intermediaries and strengthening commercial ties between the two countries.

Mr. Nelson Tugume, who recently returned from Somalia, told the two Presidents that Somalia imports coffee from European countries, with Ugandan coffee reportedly passing through other markets before reaching Somali consumers.

The warehouse initiative could therefore provide Ugandan exporters with a more direct channel into Somalia’s market while expanding opportunities for trade and investment.

The discussions reflect efforts by the two governments to complement security cooperation with economic partnerships that can strengthen bilateral relations and create new market opportunities.

The meeting was attended by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Haruna Kasolo; the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Huda Abason Oleru; the Permanent Secretary- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Vincent Bagiire; and Uganda’s Ambassador to Somalia, Prof. Sam Tulya-Muhika.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Uganda.

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President Museveni Urges Iranian Investors To Establish Agro-Processing Factories In Uganda

Source: APO

President Museveni said Uganda offers significant investment opportunities in processing products such as cocoa, coffee and pineapples, noting that agro-industrialisation would create jobs, expand trade and increase earnings from agricultural exports.

The President made the remarks on Monday, October 26, 2026, during a meeting with the outgoing Iranian Ambassador to Uganda, H.E Majid Saffar, at State House, Entebbe.

The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in agriculture, healthcare and education, with discussions also covering agro-processing, the supply of seeds and fertilisers, agricultural machinery and investment opportunities.

President Museveni’s remarks followed H.E Saffar’s disclosure that Iranian investors were interested in establishing agricultural farms in Uganda.

“The best way is to build factories in Uganda to process agricultural products from our Ugandan farmers. Let the people here produce, and your companies process,” President Museveni told the Ambassador.

The President’s proposal emphasises a model in which Ugandan farmers supply raw materials while foreign investors establish industries to process them into higher-value products for local consumption and export.

H.E Saffar said Iran was ready to operationalise agricultural cooperation with Uganda to promote commercial agriculture, trade and employment.

“You’re rich in agriculture, and there are a lot of Iranian companies interested in processing Ugandan agricultural products such as cocoa, coffee, pineapples, and we’re ready to support cooperatives and agriculture unions in that line to promote trade and job creation,” he said.

The proposed cooperation could provide opportunities for agricultural cooperatives and farmers’ organisations to access markets, strengthen production and benefit from increased demand for locally grown produce.

Beyond agriculture, the two leaders discussed expanding cooperation in healthcare and education, areas identified as potential avenues for strengthening relations between Kampala and Tehran.

President Museveni also thanked H.E Saffar for his service in Uganda and wished him success in his future diplomatic assignments.

“Thank you for a successful tour of duty, and I wish you good luck in your future assignments,” the President said.

The meeting also touched on the security situation in Iran and the wider Middle East, with President Museveni calling for an end to identity-based politics and urging countries in the region to recognise one another.

“I know the situation in Iran, and I follow it up very well,” he noted.

He argued that political and religious identities should not be used to justify hostility between countries or determine how communities relate to one another.

“My only advice to the Middle East is to stop the politics of identity. You have the wrong politics and wrong methods of solving problems,” he said.

President Museveni cited longstanding tensions between Iran and Israel, arguing that both countries should recognise one another while Israel should also recognise Palestinian statehood.

“Iran should recognise Israel. Israel should recognise Palestine,” he said.

The meeting marked the conclusion of H.E Saffar’s tenure as Iran’s ambassador to Uganda, with both sides expressing interest in strengthening bilateral relations through cooperation in agriculture, healthcare, education and trade.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Uganda.

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South Africa: President Ramaphosa receives panel report probing naval exercise

Source: APO


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​President Cyril Ramaphosa has received the panel report instituted to investigate the naval “Exercise MOSI III Will of Peace”. The President instituted the probe in February 2026, following circumstances surrounding the exercise that showed a failure to heed the President’s instruction that the navy of the Islamic Republic of Iran must no longer participate in the Chinese-led Exercise Will of Peace 2026 that took place in the South African waters.

The panel that conducted the probe was led by Justice Ngoepe, assisted by Justice M.M. Leeuw and R. Adm (JG) P.T. Duze. President Ramaphosa had directed the panel to finish its work and report to him within one (1) calendar month of its establishment. However, the panel was able to present a compelling cause for the period of its work to be extended.

President Ramaphosa has expressed his gratitude to Justice Ngoepe and all members of the panel for their dedication and diligence in carrying out their assigned mandate.

The President will be processing the report and carefully consider its recommendations. Due to national security considerations the work of the Panel including the report remains confidential.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

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Courtesy Call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs NAKASONE by Mr. Toufik MILAT, Ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to Japan

Source: APO

On October 26, from 5:30 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. NAKASONE Yasutaka, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, received a courtesy call from Mr. Toufik MILAT, Ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to Japan.

  1. At the outset, State Minister NAKASONE noted that, in light of the situation in the Middle East, the importance of North Africa and the Maghreb region is increasing. He also expressed his hope to further develop bilateral relations with Algeria, an important partner.
  2. In response, Ambassador Milat stated that he would like to deepen bilateral relations by holding the Japan-Algeria Intergovernmental Joint Economic Committee Meeting and prompting new areas of cooperation, including in fields such as green hydrogen and startups.
  3. Both sides concurred on strengthening bilateral relations, building on the cooperative relationship established over many years.​

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

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SADC countries urged to strengthen employment services

Source: Government of South Africa

SADC countries urged to strengthen employment services

South Africa has called on Southern African Development Community (SADC) Member States to strengthen public employment services and ensure that jobseekers are better supported in accessing employment opportunities. 

The call was made by the Department of Employment and Labour’s Acting Director-General, Jacky Molisane, as South Africa hosts the SADC Employment and Labour Sector Joint Tripartite Technical Committee Meeting in Gauteng from 26 – 30 October 2026. 

The meeting brings together representatives from SADC Member States, governments, employers and workers’ organisations, as well as the International Labour Organisation (ILO), to discuss employment challenges and strengthen regional cooperation.

Molisane urged delegates to focus on practical solutions that would improve the delivery of public employment services and make it easier for jobseekers to access available opportunities.

She highlighted the financial challenges faced by people seeking work, including transport costs for attending interviews, internet data for submitting job applications and the cost of printing documents.

“When we discuss employment services this week, I ask that we keep that person in mind. The decisions we make here should make the next encounter with an employment office more useful and the job search less difficult,” Molisane said. 

South Africa’s unemployment challenges underscore the need for employment programmes to deliver meaningful results, with the country’s official unemployment rate standing at 33.6% in the second quarter of 2026. Unemployment among young people aged 15 to 34 in the labour force stood at 47.4%. 

Molisane said the figures highlight the importance of assessing whether government employment programmes are making a tangible difference in people’s lives.

“We all know how to describe a programme. We can explain its objectives, structure and the number of people it has reached. The more demanding conversation begins when someone asks what happened afterwards,” Molisane said. 

She challenged delegates to examine whether referrals translate into jobs, whether training equips people for available vacancies and whether employers continue to use public employment services to recruit suitable candidates. 

Molisane emphasised that the success of employment programmes should be assessed not only by the number of people assisted, but also by the quality of jobs secured and the support provided to jobseekers. 

“An online application should reduce the burden on jobseekers. People who need assistance must be able to reach someone who can provide it,” Molisane said. 

She said employment services should complement broader efforts to stimulate economic growth and create more jobs.

Molisane also stressed the importance of ensuring that young people have access to relevant training and practical work experience to improve their prospects of securing employment.

She called on delegates to use the meeting to share lessons, address common challenges and agree on practical measures that could be implemented in their respective countries.

“Trust also depends on what happens after we leave. If we agree to act, we should be clear about who will do the work and when progress will be reviewed,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Brigadier Lamprecht’s work recognised at Whistleblower Awards

Source: Government of South Africa

Brigadier Lamprecht’s work recognised at Whistleblower Awards

The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, has extended congratulations to Brigadier Adriaan Jacobus “Attie” Lamprecht, who received the prestigious Whistleblower Sherpa Support Award at Public Interest South Africa’s 2026 Whistleblower Awards.

The awards ceremony, held under the theme: “Honouring Courage. Inspiring Integrity”, recognised Lamprecht alongside other nominees, who have demonstrated exceptional courage, integrity and significant contributions to South Africa.

With an impressive 42 years of dedicated service in the SAPS, Lamprecht currently oversees key national units, including Crime Stop, Harmful and Occult Crimes, and the Bureau for Missing Persons, which he established in 1994. 

For over three decades, he has also led the internationally celebrated Crime Stop Call Centre (08600 10111), a platform enabling the public to anonymously report criminal activities.

“South Africa’s Crime Stop Call Centre is widely acknowledged by Crime Stoppers International for its excellence in protecting informants’ anonymity. Since its inception 34 years ago, the programme has played a crucial role in thousands of arrests and the seizure of illicit goods and cash valued in the hundreds of millions of rands,” the police said in a statement.

In addition to his role in SAPS, Lamprecht serves as a director of Crime Stoppers International, a global organisation focused on enhancing anonymous crime reporting and crime prevention efforts worldwide.

Lamprecht, who holds a PhD in Sociology, also managed the Witness Protection Programme during its administration by SAPS, underscoring his long-term dedication to safeguarding those who support law enforcement in battling crime.

Masemola expressed his pride and admiration for Lamprecht’s tireless service.

“Brigadier Lamprecht’s award is a testament to his unwavering commitment to protecting those who come forward with information to help fight crime. 

“His work demonstrates the importance of safeguarding the identities of informants and ensuring that members of the public can contribute to the fight against crime without fear. SAPS congratulates him on this well-deserved honour,” Masemola said.

The Whistleblower Sherpa Support Award celebrates individuals who courageously stand up for integrity and justice, strengthening South Africa’s commitment to transparency and public safety. – SAnews.gov.za

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Over 2 000 suspects nabbed in Limpopo  

Source: Government of South Africa

Over 2 000 suspects nabbed in Limpopo  

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo has arrested 2 084 suspects during high-density operations conducted across the province from 19 – 25 October.

The arrests included 38 suspects for rape and 10 for robbery with aggravating circumstances. Police also confiscated eight firearms and 62 rounds of ammunition, and recovered six stolen or robbed vehicles.

“The operations were conducted with other law enforcement agencies and targeted serious and violent crime, drug-related offences, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, unlawful liquor trading, wanted suspects and other criminal activities. They also focused on disrupting criminal networks, enforcing compliance and bringing offenders to justice,” the police said in a statement.

Among those arrested were five suspects for murder, nine for attempted murder, 170 for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and 122 for common assault. Police also arrested 118 suspects for drug-related offences, 62 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and 277 undocumented immigrants.

Other arrests included 17 for common robbery, 20 for robbery with weapons other than firearms, 17 for sexual offences, seven for business burglary, seven for residential burglary, nine for stock theft and four for arson. A further 62 suspects were arrested for malicious injury to property, 18 for shoplifting, four for fraud and 39 for other theft-related offences.

“Police arrested seven people for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, 23 for transgressing the Domestic Violence Act, 14 for possession of suspected stolen property, 496 for public drinking and 130 for illegal dealing in liquor. One suspect was arrested for sexual assault.

“In addition to the firearms and ammunition, police confiscated 46 dangerous weapons and 38 knives. They seized 12.04 kilograms of dagga, 4.49 grams of crystal meth (tik), 11.04 grams of nyaope, 1.25 grams of heroin and 0.004 grams of crack cocaine,” the police said.

The operations also led to the confiscation of 158 524 sticks of counterfeit cigarettes and approximately 1 458 905 millilitres of liquor. Police closed 138 illegal shebeens.

Police attended to 289 domestic violence incidents and served 250 protection orders. A total of 1 754 fines were issued as part of efforts to enforce the law and promote compliance.

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, commended police members and their law enforcement partners for their continued efforts to combat crime and protect communities.

The arrested suspects have started appearing before various Magistrates’ Courts across the province. – SAnews.gov.za

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Love Your Street campaign reaches Kliptown, Soweto

Source: Government of South Africa

Love Your Street campaign reaches Kliptown, Soweto

Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, will take the Love Your Street service delivery programme to Kliptown in Soweto, on Tuesday morning.

The Minister will be accompanied by Johannesburg Mayor, Dada Morero, senior government officials, NGOs, and civil society organisations.

The campaign is a joint initiative of The Presidency and the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) as part of government’s ongoing efforts to promote community pride, active citizenry, and clean and safe neighbourhoods.

“The Love Your Street campaign was launched in the Western Cape earlier this year, and was taken to the Ekhurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality in the past two weeks.

“The campaign continues to be rolled out to other provinces to accelerate and strengthen effective, integrated service-delivery interventions, including Gender-Based Violence and Femicide [GBVF] awareness by transforming neglected, poorly lit, overgrown parks and open spaces identified as GBVF hotspots into safe, clean community spaces, while educating community members about GBVF reporting mechanisms and available services,” the GCIS said ahead of Tuesday’s leg of the campaign.

The campaign also builds on initiatives such as the Clean Cities and Towns campaign, launched by Deputy President Paul Mashatile in 2025.

READ | Brooms, bags and a battle for clean, safe spaces in communities

“The campaign also fast-tracks the Presidential 1 billion Trees Planting campaign which promotes a collaborative and inclusive approach to environmental sustainability, greening, climate resilience, and community participation across all communities,” the statement read.

READ | One Billion Trees campaign improves lives, empowers communities

–SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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ONU condena assassinato de enfermeira no combate ao ebola na República Democrática do (RD) Congo

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

As Nações Unidas condenaram o assassinato de uma enfermeira que atuava na contenção do ebola na República Democrática do Congo, RD Congo. O crime foi cometido por manifestantes na localidade rural de Bafwasende, na província oriental de Tshopo.

Nesta segunda-feira, as autoridades confirmaram que a morte ocorreu durante um atendimento por um alerta de contágio. No ataque, outro agente de saúde ficou gravemente ferido e foi hospitalizado, o que gerou apelos por investigação e proteção.

Apelo urgente às comunidades

As reações partiram do coordenador de Resposta ao Ebola da ONU, Julien Harneis, e do diretor-geral da Organização Mundial da Saúde, Tedros Ghebreyesus.

Harneis expressou condolências à família e aos colegas da vítima, cobrando uma investigação rigorosa sobre o crime e pediu “uma investigação aprofundada”. 

O coordenador fez ainda um apelo urgente às comunidades para que “protejam os trabalhadores de saúde e permitam que realizem seu trabalho em segurança”.

Já o diretor-geral da OMS, Tedros Ghebreyesus, reforçou a necessidade de garantir a integridade dos profissionais na linha de frente para que possam atuar com dignidade e segurança. O chefe da agência destacou que os serviços de saúde têm de ser sempre protegidos.

Surto histórico sem vacina aprovada

O ataque ocorre em um momento crítico em que as equipes médicas tentam conter a disseminação do ebola provocado pelo vírus da cepa Bundibugyo, para a qual ainda não existe vacina aprovada.

A OMS estima que, desde a declaração do surto, em 15 de maio, a RD Congo já registrou mais de 9,76 mil casos. Cerca de 4,72 mil pacientes perderam a vida no surto, considerado o mais letal da história do país.

Inicialmente notificado na região leste, o vírus já se alastrou por oito províncias: Bas-Uélé, Haut-Uélé, Ituri, Kivu do Norte, Kivu do Sul, Sud Ubangi, Tshopo e Nord-Ubangi. Na resposta regional, Uganda controlou a doença em agosto, enquanto casos pontuais foram notificados na França, no Quênia e na Nigéria.

Evacuação médica e vigilância na Nigéria

Nesta segunda-feira, a Nigéria, que confirmou na semana passada seu primeiro caso, teve a paciente e seu marido evacuados clinicamente para a Suíça. Trata-se de uma cidadã suíça que havia viajado a partir de Uganda.

O diretor regional da OMS para a África, Mohamed Janabi, elogiou a prontidão das autoridades nigerianas na estabilização da paciente durante a fase aguda da doença. A intervenção é vista como uma demonstração notável da capacidade de resposta do continente.

Com a confirmação da transferência, a Nigéria deixa de registrar casos ativos, mantendo sob vigilância rigorosa 52 contatos monitorados.

Fim da quarentena para contatos no Quênia

Já no Quênia, em uma evolução positiva para a resposta regional ao vírus, 20 pessoas associadas ao primeiro caso importado da doença no país concluíram com êxito o período obrigatório de controle de 21 dias.

Todas as pessoas observadas permaneceram assintomáticas durante todo o período de isolamento até serem liberadas da quarentena nesta segunda-feira para reencontrarem suas famílias.

As autoridades afirmam que a conclusão bem-sucedida do monitoramento reforça a eficácia dos protocolos de vigilância epidemiológica e da contenção transfronteiriça aplicados em coordenação com a OMS.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para UN News.

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