Category: Africa

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Gina heads to Japan for hydrogen energy meeting

Source: Government of South Africa

Gina heads to Japan for hydrogen energy meeting

Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, will represent South Africa at the Hydrogen Energy Ministerial (HEM) Meeting to be held in Japan on Thursday.

The visit is aimed at advancing South Africa’s energy transition agenda, strengthening the country’s industrialisation agenda and expanding international partnerships in science, technology and innovation.

“The meeting aligns with South Africa’s Just Energy Transition framework, Hydrogen Society Roadmap and Green Hydrogen Commercialisation Strategy.

“It also supports national objectives to diversify energy sources, stimulate inclusive economic growth, and position South Africa as a competitive producer and exporter of green hydrogen and its derivatives,” the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation said in a statement on Monday.

According to the Ministry, the two countries share a significant strategic partnership in “hydrogen research, innovation and technology development”.

“Cooperation between the two countries includes programmes such as the Green Ammonia Synthesis Project, industry engagement through the Japan External Trade Organization, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and partnerships with leading Japanese universities and research organisations,” the statement read.

According to the Deputy Minister, South Africa’s participation offers key opportunities to advance its domestic hydrogen development plans. 

“Therefore, Japan’s ambition to establish a mature hydrogen society by 2030, supported by substantial investments in hydrogen production, transportation, storage and utilisation technologies, presents significant opportunities for South Africa to leverage Japanese expertise, investment and market access.

“South Africa’s participation in the HEM therefore provides an important opportunity to position the country as a preferred green hydrogen partner, deepen bilateral cooperation with Japan, attract investment into South Africa’s emerging hydrogen economy, and contribute to international dialogue on the development of sustainable and secure hydrogen markets,” Gina said.

While in the Asian country, the Deputy Minister will attend “high-level plenary discussions, ministerial roundtables, bilateral engagements and participate in the H2 and FC EXPO”.

“The Deputy Minister will also visit Tohoku University to strengthen cooperation in postgraduate training, research mobility, and innovation, particularly to support the proposed South Africa-Japan doctoral programme. 

“She will also meet with the President of the Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan, Prof Hiroshi Okamoto, to advance collaboration on energy policy, hydrogen technologies and the clean energy transition, as well as the President of the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Dr Hitoshi Nakagama, to advance bilateral cooperation in health research and innovation,” the Ministry said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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De Moçambique para os Países Africanos de Língua Oficial Portuguesa (PALOP): A ponte linguística rumo à excelência regulatória da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS)

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

A busca por sistemas regulatórios sólidos e alinhados aos rigorosos padrões internacionais é um dos pilares fundamentais para garantir a segurança, a eficácia e a qualidade dos produtos de saúde pública. 

Neste cenário, Moçambique assume um papel estratégico de liderança, posicionando-se como o catalisador ideal para impulsionar a excelência regulatória entre os Países Africanos de Língua Oficial Portuguesa, Palop.

Um marco na saúde pública

A nação africana tornou-se o primeiro país de língua oficial portuguesa na África e o 10º no continente a alcançar o Nível de Maturidade 3, ML3, na avaliação da Organização Mundial da Saúde, OMS. 

Este selo de maturidade reconhece a existência de um sistema regulatório farmacêutico estável, funcional e integrado, capaz de assegurar rigorosamente a qualidade, segurança e eficácia de todos os medicamentos e vacinas que entram no país.

Com a grande maioria das diretrizes de agências reguladoras globais e organismos de referência produzida em inglês, francês ou espanhol, Moçambique inverte essa lógica: o português deixa de ser uma limitação e passa a ser uma ponte direta para a capacitação regional.

Superando a barreira do idioma

Nas declarações da especialista do ramo em Moçambique sobre  avanços institucionais recentes e a validação da OMS, Nélida Mendes Cabral Silva, afirma que o país pode partilhar o conhecimento com as entidades dos lusófonos africanos.

“Moçambique tem agora um papel muito importante em fazer a ponte entre os demais sistemas Regulatórios robustos e os países africanos de língua portuguesa sem a barreira da língua. Portanto, pode facilitar a troca de conhecimento, de experiências e até de decisões com os países africanos de língua portuguesa, trazer esse conhecimento das entidades mais robustas que não falam português para o conhecimento dos Palop.”

Esta dinâmica poderá contribuir para a tomada de decisões complexas e para a definição de soluções aplicáveis à realidade do bloco lusófono, criando um ecossistema de partilha onde as experiências de sucesso de grandes autoridades reguladoras internacionais chegam de forma fluida, clara e adaptada aos parceiros africanos de língua oficial portuguesa.

Para uma especialista da OMS em Moçambique, a aposta reside na capacitação contínua e no estreitamento de laços institucionais.

Formação e intercâmbio

“Promover o intercâmbio de ideias e de conhecimento com estas entidades reguladoras dos PALOP que queiram fortalecer o seu sistema regulatório. Portanto, podem ser intercâmbios, cooperação técnica, formação, tudo facilitado pela língua comum.”

Moçambique reforça a soberania sanitária do espaço lusófono como acredita a especialista da Organização Mundial da Saúde.

Superar barreiras linguísticas por meio da cooperação técnica e de programas conjuntos de formação fortalece as agências reguladoras locais e consolida uma rede unida de proteção à saúde pública, preparada para responder com agilidade e rigor aos desafios globais do futuro.

Foi em agosto que a OMS reconheceu formalmente a Autoridade Nacional Reguladora de Medicamentos, Aname, por estruturar um sistema regulatório estável, funcional e integrado. Para a agência, os medicamentos estão entre os seis pilares do sistema de saúde.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para UN News.

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Angola: Rede de água será expandida para abastecer cerca de três milhões de habitantes em zonas cinzentas

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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Cerca de três milhões de habitantes, residentes em zonas com cobertura insuficiente ou precária de água, vulgo “Zonas Cinzentas” da província de Luanda, deverão beneficiar do projecto de reabilitação, modernização e expansão da rede de distribuição de água potável.

O projecto foi autorizado pelo Presidente da República, através do Despacho Presidencial n.º 348/26, de 2 de Setembro, que determina a abertura de um procedimento de contratação simplificada, por critério material, em razão de financiamento externo.

A empreitada, a ser executada pela empresa Maabar Investments SPC, está orçada em 658 milhões de euros, financiados no âmbito do Acordo de Cooperação entre os governos de Angola e Omã, através do Oman Investment Bank.

O diploma estabelece, igualmente, a contratação dos serviços de fiscalização da empreitada, no valor de 19,7 milhões euros, a serem prestados por um consórcio constituído pelas empresas DAR AL-Handasah – Consultants (Shair and Partners) B.S.C. Closed e DAR ANGOLA – Consultoria, Limitada.

O projecto enquadra-se nas medidas do Executivo destinadas à construção, reabilitação, modernização e expansão das infra-estruturas de abastecimento de água potável em Luanda, com prioridade para as áreas de elevada concentração populacional que ainda não dispõem de uma cobertura adequada da rede pública.

De acordo com o Despacho Presidencial, o crescimento populacional da capital coloca desafios acrescidos à expansão da rede, particularmente nas áreas de baixa cobertura, designadas “Zonas Cinzentas”.

A intervenção deverá complementar outros projectos de abastecimento de água em curso na província, nomeadamente os projectos Bita, Quilonga Grande, ProÁguas e as acções de recuperação dos sistemas existentes.

O Despacho enquadra a intervenção nas directrizes do Plano de Desenvolvimento Nacional e do Plano Director de Abastecimento de Águas de Luanda, que estabelecem a necessidade de reforçar e ampliar as infra-estruturas do sector na capital.

A execução do projecto deverá contribuir para melhorar a disponibilidade e a distribuição de água potável nas áreas actualmente menos servidas pela rede pública, reduzindo as assimetrias de cobertura existentes na província.

Ao ministro da Energia e Águas foi delegada a competência para praticar os actos necessários à implementação do procedimento, incluindo a elaboração das peças, a celebração e assinatura dos contratos, podendo subdelegar as competências que lhe foram conferidas. O projecto está igualmente autorizado a ser inscrito no Programa de Investimento Público de 2026.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Angola.

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Governo cria equipa para gestão do projecto de requalificação urbana de cidades de Angola

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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Uma estrutura técnica foi criada para assegurar a coordenação, gestão e acompanhamento da implementação do Projecto de Requalificação e Reconversão Urbana de Cidades de Angola (SONA).

Com a criação desta estrutura técnica, pretende-se reforçar a capacidade institucional para a formulação e execução de políticas de ordenamento do território, atrair investimentos em infra-estruturas e habitação e assegurar maior eficiência na implementação das acções previstas no âmbito do SONA.

O objectivo do SONA é contribuir para a promoção de cidades mais organizadas e para o acesso da população a habitação condigna, de forma inclusiva, transparente e sustentável.

A estrutura técnica é presidida pelo Ministério das Obras Públicas, Urbanismo e Habitação, enquanto o Instituto Nacional de Ordenamento do Território e Desenvolvimento Urbano (INOTU) assegura a coordenação directa do SONA.

O facto surge na sequência do Decreto Executivo n.º 423/26, de 1 de Setembro, que visa garantir maior capacidade de coordenação e execução das intervenções de requalificação urbana.

O diploma, assinado pelo ministro das Obras Públicas, Urbanismo e Habitação, Carlos Alberto dos Santos, regulamenta a organização e o funcionamento do Grupo Técnico Operacional (GTO) e da Equipa Técnica de Implementação (ETI) do SONA.

A estrutura enquadra-se no cumprimento do Acordo de Financiamento celebrado entre a República de Angola e o Banco Mundial e está alinhada com as prioridades do Plano de Desenvolvimento Nacional (PDN) 2023-2027, particularmente no domínio do ordenamento do território, desenvolvimento urbano e habitação.

O Grupo Técnico Operacional é responsável pela orientação estratégica do projecto, pelo acompanhamento dos relatórios de progresso e pela articulação entre as instituições envolvidas.

Integram ainda este órgão representantes dos sectores das Obras Públicas e Habitação, Planeamento, Finanças e Administração do Território, assim como vice-governadores das províncias de Benguela, Huambo e Huíla.

Por sua vez, a Equipa Técnica de Implementação, sediada nas instalações do INOTU, em Luanda, assegura a gestão e o acompanhamento das actividades diárias do projecto.

Esta equipa é dirigida por um coordenador de projecto, nomeado pelo ministro das Obras Públicas, Urbanismo e Habitação, e integra 32 profissionais especializados em áreas como gestão financeira, aquisições, ambiente, componente social, urbanismo, arquitectura e infra-estruturas, incluindo representações locais nas províncias abrangidas.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Angola.

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Angola: Despacho autoriza obras na ponte sobre o Rio Kwanza e no troço Catchiungo/Bailundo

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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A ponte sobre o Rio Kwanza, na Estrada Nacional 100 (EN 100), vai beneficiar de obras de manutenção e melhoria de caracter emergencial, segundo o Despacho Presidencial n.º 350/26, de 2 de Setembro, que autoriza a sua inspecção estrutural.

De igual modo, o diploma determina a construção, de carácter emergencial, de uma passagem hidráulica na EN 250, no troço Catchiungo/Bailundo, na província do Huambo.

Para o efeito, o Presidente da República autorizou a abertura do Procedimento de Contratação Emergencial, com recurso às verbas do Fundo Rodoviário e Obras de Emergência (FROE), para a adjudicação dos contratos.

As obras para a manutenção e melhoria da ponte sobre o Rio Kwanza, localizada na Comuna da Barra do Cuanza, estão avaliadas em 311,86 milhões de kwanzas, os serviços de fiscalização em 44 milhões de kwanzas e a inspecção estrutural em 921,96 milhões de kwanzas.

No caso da construção da passagem hidráulica na EN 250, entre Catchiungo e Bailundo, na província do Huambo, o despacho autoriza 1,8 mil milhões de kwanzas e 53,96 milhões de kwanzas para a contratação dos serviços de fiscalização da empreitada.

A contratação é justificada pela necessidade de se assegurar serviços especializados para a elaboração de planos urbanísticos, coordenação e assistência técnica às empreitadas, além da execução de obras consideradas estratégicas nas áreas rodoviária e habitacional.

O ministro das Obras Públicas, Urbanismo e Habitação recebeu competência para praticar os actos decisórios e de aprovação tutelar necessários ao procedimento, incluindo a elaboração das peças do concurso e a celebração e assinatura dos contratos, podendo subdelegar essas competências.

O projecto deverá ser inscrito no Programa de Investimento Público de 2026.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Angola.

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Kenya: Building the Next Generation of Air Power

Source: APO


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The Kenya Air Force (KAF) has welcomed newly recruited Service members into its ranks, marking an important step in strengthening the Service’s human resource base and preparing a new generation of personnel to support the Kenya Defence Forces’ (KDF) mandate. The induction programme is designed to equip the Service members with the knowledge, values and professional orientation required to serve effectively within the KAF and KDF at large.

The Service members Induction Course No. 1/26 was officially opened by the Base Commander Moi Air Base, Brigadier Herbert Wafula, on behalf of the Commander Kenya Air Force, Major General Bernard Waliaula, on 7 September 2026, at the Gymnasium Hall, Moi Air Base.

Addressing the new Service members, Brigadier Wafula welcomed them to the Kenya Air Force and urged them to embrace discipline, professionalism and integrity as they begin their military careers.

The Base Commander emphasised the importance of upholding the core values of the Kenya Defence Forces, noting that discipline, loyalty, commitment and respect for the chain of command are fundamental to building a cohesive, professional and mission ready force.

“Your conduct will define the kind of Service members you become. Remain disciplined, uphold the KDF core values and always remember that you are now part of a larger team entrusted with the security of the nation,” stated Brigadier Wafula.

His sentiments were echoed by the Commandant KAF Training Wing, Colonel Charles Munyao, and the Chief of Personnel KAF, Colonel Duncan Owino, who encouraged the Service members to remain focused, continuously develop themselves and execute their duties with dedication while upholding the reputation and dignity of the Kenya Defence Forces.

The induction programme will familiarise the Service members with the roles and organisation of various KAF bases, formations and units, as well as the broader structure, mandate and responsibilities of the Kenya Defence Forces.

Among the subjects to be covered during the programme are the Role and Organisation of the Kenya Air Force, KDF social media Policy, Drugs and Substance Abuse, Financial Management and other areas relevant to their professional and personal development.

The programme marks a significant transition from basic military training to service within the Kenya Air Force. It provides the newly recruited Service members with the institutional knowledge, values and professional grounding necessary to integrate into the Service and contribute effectively to a disciplined, cohesive and mission ready Kenya Defence Forces.

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

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Nigeria: Empowering women in Bauchi through mechanized rice processing

Source: APO

For years, rice farming was more than a livelihood for women in Dabarkda community in Dass Local Government Area of Bauchi State, it was a daily struggle marked by long journeys, exhausting labour, and modest returns. Despite working hard to cultivate rice, many women spent valuable hours traveling outside their community just to process their harvest, sacrificing time that could have been spent caring for their families, growing their businesses, or pursuing other income-generating activities. 

Today, that story is changing. Thanks to a rice milling machine installed by UN Women, women farmers in the Kunsuman Dabarkda Bundot Group A Cooperative and Bamganfabam Dabarkda Bundot Group B Cooperative are experiencing a transformation that goes far beyond rice processing; it is changing livelihoods, strengthening community ties, and restoring dignity and confidence among rural women. 

One of those women is Aisha Suleiman, a cooperative member whose daily routine has become significantly easier since the arrival of the machine.

Before the intervention, Aisha and other women had to travel to Dass town to mill their rice. The journey often involved a long walk to the main road followed by a motorcycle ride, adding transportation costs to already expensive processing fees. By the time they returned home, much of the day had been lost. Now, the milling machine is just a short distance away. 

“I can even place my food on the fire and quickly take some grains for processing,” Aisha says with a smile. “ We no longer spend hours traveling outside the community to process our rice. The time we save is now used for caring for our children, household chores, and running our businesses.” 

The impact is visible not only in how women spend their time, but also in the quality of the rice they produce and the income they earn. Previously, when cooperative members processed 10 mudus of paddy rice using conventional milling machines, they received barely four mudus of rice, often with stones and poor polishing. Today, UN Women’s three-in-one machine mills, destones, and polishes the rice in one process, producing more than five mudus of clean, market-ready rice from the same quantity of paddy. 

That improvement translates directly into higher earnings. Because the rice is cleaner and of superior quality, it commands a better price in the market. While conventionally processed rice sells for about ₦1,000 per mudu, the women can now sell their premium-quality rice for approximately ₦1,500 per mudu. Processing costs have also dropped significantly, allowing women to retain more of their profits.

For many households, those additional earnings are making a meaningful difference. Women who once struggled to meet basic family needs can now purchase school supplies, books, uniforms, and clothing for their children. They are contributing more to household expenses and building financial independence through stronger savings groups and cooperative activities. 

Beyond the economic benefits, the milling centre has become a gathering point for women across the community. Weekly meetings, cooperative management, and shared responsibility for the machine have deepened relationships and fostered a stronger sense of solidarity. What started as a piece of equipment has evolved into a symbol of collective progress. The centre is also attracting visitors from neighboring communities such as Doka, Pegi, Mbula, Gunduli, and even Bauchi town. People travel to Dabarkda specifically because of the machine’s unique destoning and polishing capabilities, services that are rarely available elsewhere in Dass Local Government Area. Community leaders have witnessed the transformation firsthand.

“We are truly grateful for the impact of this machine on the lives of the women in our cooperative and the entire Dabarkda community,” says Umar Ibrahim Bunu, Sarkin Dabarkda Bundot.” The machine has brought people together and strengthened unity among women. We deeply appreciate the thoughtfulness of UN Women in remembering and supporting rural women.” 

For the women of Dabarkda, the rice mill represents more than improved productivity. It is proof that when rural women are equipped with the right tools and opportunities, they can transform not only their own lives but also the economic future of their communities. As profits continue to grow, the cooperatives are already looking ahead. Their next dream is to invest in a dry grinding machine and expand the community hub into a thriving centre of economic activity.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women – Africa.

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Seychelles: Appointment of Ms Corrine Rose as Deputy Attorney General

Source: APO

The Office of the President has today announced the appointment of Ms Corrine Rose as Deputy Attorney General.

Ms Rose is currently a Senior State Counsel in the Attorney General’s Office and has served in the Office in various legal capacities since 2019. She has extensive experience in criminal prosecution, civil and constitutional litigation, appellate advocacy, Government advisory work and international legal cooperation. She has represented the State before the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal and has also been responsible for supervising and mentoring junior counsel.

Ms Rose has previously deputised for the Attorney General during his absence. She was also appointed by the President to serve as Acting Attorney General from 5th August to 1st September 2026. In this capacity, she assumed overall leadership and oversight of the Attorney General’s Office, with responsibility for its prosecutorial, litigation, advisory, mutual legal assistance, international cooperation and administrative functions.

Ms Rose also leads Maritime, Narcotics and Trafficking in Persons Cell within the Criminal Litigation Division. Her wider national responsibilities have included serving as Assistant Official Notary, as a member of the Employment Advisory Board and as a member of the National Intellectual Property Committee.

She holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Maritime Law from the IMO International Maritime Law Institute, University of Malta, and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of London International Programme through the University of Seychelles. She also holds the Seychelles Bar Course Certificate from the Supreme Court of Seychelles.

Ms Corrine Rose’s appointment took effect from 1st September 2026.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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Egypt: President El-Sisi Witnesses Inauguration of the International (Intl.) Air Show “El Alamein International Air Show (EIAS) 2026” in El Alamein City

Source: APO


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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi inaugurates the second edition of El Alamein International Air Show 2026 “EIAS 2026” at El Alamein International Airport. 

President El-Sisi will also receive President of the Republic of Cyprus, President Nikos Christodoulides, who is participating in the airshow, alongside Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic, Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

President El-Sisi is expected to hold separate bilateral meetings with the Cypriot President and the Greek Prime Minister, in addition to a tripartite summit bringing together the leaders of the three countries within the framework of the Trilateral Cooperation Mechanism among the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Hellenic Republic, and the Republic of Cyprus.

The summit will address various aspects of cooperation among the three countries, as well as regional and international developments of common interest.

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

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Head of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) witnesses life-changing impact of new settlement for displaced communities during Wau visit

Source: APO

“We spent more than 10 years in a displacement camp, where there was not enough land or space for people to live, work, sit and eat together,” explains Mama Juliet Edward Zamoi.

The women’s representative was among many new residents of the Khor Malang resettlement site who took the time to share their experiences with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, Anita Kiki Gbeho, during a visit to Western Bahr El Ghazal.

The site, just outside of Wau, represents a profound change for these families and is an example of the life-changing impact that true collaboration can have on those most in need.

The site was developed through a partnership project where the Government provided the land, the United Nations Mine Action Service cleared the area of deadly unexploded ordnances, other UN agencies and UNMISS supported construction of shelters, essential services and roads while the Government of Norway provided funding.

As a result, around 1000 people displaced by conflict in 2016 now have the space to build their own homes, farm, build livelihoods.

“This was a demonstration of what happens when we work together as a community,” states SRSG, Anita Kiki Gbeho. “It was very helpful to meet with those who have benefited and hear their feedback so that we can learn lessons for future initiatives.”

The project has brought people from diverse communities together in a shared space.

“There is no differentiation. All of us are treated equally. No particular tribe is treated better than another,” Mama Juliet said.

During her two-day visit to Wau, the Head of UNMISS also met Deputy Governor, Achom Edward Dimo, and members of the State Cabinet to discuss security, civilian protection and sustaining peace through dialogue.

“We discussed about what efforts could be made to ensure that the State remains peaceful and collaboration moving forward, particularly when it comes to the protection of civilians.”

The Deputy Governor reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with UNMISS and ensuring it has unfettered access to key locations.

“There’s no issue in this state. Our security is maintained and we are so happy and grateful to welcome her because it’s a good opportunity to discuss some small elements within our collaborative work together with UNMISS here in Western Bahr El Ghazal.”

From clearing explosive hazards and supporting safe resettlement to strengthening patrols, dialogue, and community engagement, the Khor Malang experience shows that civilian protection is a collective effort that helps families move from displacement toward safer, more peaceful lives.

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

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