Category: Africa

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Sudan: After 1,000 days of war, millions of civilians still bearing brunt

Source: APO – Report:

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Aid agencies marked 1,000 days of war in Sudan on Friday with a grim reminder that the conflict has created the world’s biggest hunger crisis and largest displacement emergency. Every day, civilians have been “paying the price for a war they did not choose”, said UN aid coordination office, OCHA.

Latest UN data indicates that 9.3 million people have been uprooted by conflict across the country and more than 4.3 million have fled across borders, placing immense strain on neighbouring countries. More than 21 million people are also believed to be acutely food insecure across the country.

Although many of those displaced have returned to the capital, Khartoum, massive challenges and dangers for civilians remain there, including from unexploded weapons. Elsewhere, fighting is continuing “across multiple fronts in Kordofan” further west, OCHA spokesperson Jens Laerke said.

Speaking to journalists in Geneva, he noted that sieges have cut off the towns of Kadugli – capital of South Kordofan state – and Dilling – a town to the north of Kadugli – restricting food, healthcare and access to farms and markets.

Daily drone, missile strikes

In Darfur, meanwhile, “fighting on the ground and drone attacks from the sky continue”, while long-range strikes on civilian infrastructure have also been recorded far beyond the front lines, Mr. Laerke added.

Children continue to be killed and injured amid ongoing clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, with eight children reportedly killed in an attack in Al Obeid, North Kordofan, earlier this week. 

According to the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), a staggering 5,000 youngsters have been displaced every day since the conflict began in April 2023. “Many have been displaced not once but repeatedly, with violence following them wherever they flee,” said UNICEF spokesperson Ricardo Pires. 

He warned that millions of children are also at risk of rape with survivors including babies. “Behind every one of these numbers is a child, frightened, hungry, sick and wondering why the world has not come to help,” Mr. Pires added.

Sexual attacks scourge

Women are also victims of “rampant” sexual violence and abuse, with some 12 million people – mostly women and girls – at risk of gender-based violence, according to OCHA. “Female-headed households are now three times more likely to be food insecure and three-quarters of these households report not having enough to eat,” said Mr. Laerke.

The global crisis in humanitarian funding has impacted the UN’s work and that of its partners in Sudan, with only 36 per cent of the $4.2 billion requested last year finally funded by donors. 

In light of this reduced financial support, for 2026, OCHA aims to assist 20 million people out of the nearly 34 million people believed to be in need of humanitarian support in Sudan. The plan has been costed at $2.9 billion.

“Today our call is urgent: first, an immediate cessation of hostilities and real steps towards a lasting peace,” Mr. Laerke said. “Second, adherence to international humanitarian law with access facilitated across conflict lines and protection of civilians including aid workers and civilian infrastructure.”

– on behalf of UN News.

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FINANÇAS PÚBLICAS: Executivo aprova Plano Anual de Endividamento para 2026

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Executivo aprovou o Plano Anual de Endividamento para o Exercício Económico de 2026, que prevê uma captação global estimada em 15.035,32 mil milhões de kwanzas, destinada a assegurar o financiamento da execução do Orçamento Geral do Estado deste ano.

A decisão consta do Decreto Presidencial n.º 1/26, de 5 de Janeiro, e enquadra-se na necessidade de garantir recursos financeiros para a cobertura das despesas públicas previstas no OGE 2026, respeitando os limites legalmente estabelecidos.

De acordo com o diploma, a captação de recursos será realizada nos mercados interno e externo, em conformidade com os instrumentos de financiamento disponíveis, visando responder às necessidades de tesouraria do Estado ao longo do exercício económico.

O documento define, ainda, parâmetros para a gestão do endividamento público, permitindo ajustamentos em função das condições de mercado, sem prejuízo do controlo da sustentabilidade da dívida.

ENDIVIDAMENTO DE MÉDIO PRAZO

No mesmo contexto, o Executivo aprovou a Estratégia de Endividamento de Médio Prazo para o período 2026-2028, através do Decreto Presidencial n.º 2/26, igualmente de 5 de Janeiro.

A nova estratégia dá continuidade às orientações seguidas no triénio anterior e visa consolidar uma gestão prudente da dívida pública, assegurando a sustentabilidade financeira e a estabilidade macroeconómica do país.

Com a entrada em vigor da Estratégia de Endividamento de Médio Prazo 2026-2028, fica revogado o Decreto Presidencial n.º 52/24, de 15 de Fevereiro, que regulava o período 2024-2026.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Angola.

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Élections en Ouganda : l’ONU alerte sur un climat de répression et d’impunité

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


À quelques jours des élections prévues le 15 janvier en Ouganda, le climat politique est marqué par une répression et des intimidations généralisées visant l’opposition, les défenseurs des droits humains, les journalistes et toute personne exprimant des opinions dissidentes, selon un rapport publié vendredi par le Bureau des droits de l’homme des Nations Unies.

Le document souligne que les autorités ougandaises ont eu recours à une série de lois adoptées ou amendées depuis les dernières élections de 2021, renforçant la répression et l’impunité, en particulier à l’encontre de l’opposition politique. Ces mesures ont restreint les libertés d’expression, d’association et de réunion pacifique à l’approche du scrutin.

Appel au respect du droit de participation

« Les autorités ougandaises doivent veiller à ce que tous les citoyens puissent participer pleinement et en toute sécurité aux élections, comme le prévoit le droit international », a  déclaré le Haut-Commissaire des Nations Unies aux droits de l’homme, Volker Türk, appelant également à ce qu’« aucune force inutile ou disproportionnée, y compris la force létale, ne soit utilisée pour disperser des manifestations pacifiques ».

Selon le droit international des droits de l’homme, l’usage des armes à feu ne peut intervenir qu’en dernier recours, afin de prévenir une menace imminente de mort ou de blessure grave.

Les voix dissidentes réduites au silence

Le rapport détaille l’utilisation de plusieurs textes législatifs – dont la loi de 2022 modifiant la législation sur l’usage abusif de l’informatique, la loi de 2024 sur les organisations non gouvernementales et la loi de 2025 modifiant le cadre juridique des forces armées – pour museler les opinions critiques.

Ces lois auraient servi à arrêter et détenir des dirigeants et militants de l’opposition, à perquisitionner les locaux de partis politiques, à confisquer des biens, mais aussi à suspendre des stations de radio, arrêter des blogueurs et renforcer le contrôle exercé sur les ONG.

Restrictions ciblant l’opposition

Le rapport fait état de « restrictions indues » imposées aux partis d’opposition, en particulier à la Plateforme de l’unité nationale, par divers moyens : barrages routiers, raids, blocage de l’accès aux sièges des partis, assignations à résidence forcées et dispersion de rassemblements politiques.

Figure majeure de l’opposition, Kizza Besigye demeure en détention depuis son enlèvement au Kenya voisin en novembre 2024, sur la base d’accusations de trahison jugées douteuses. Lui et son associé Obeid Lutale se sont vu refuser à plusieurs reprises une libération sous caution, sans motifs clairement établis.

L’arrestation récente de la défenseure des droits humains Sarah Bireete, ainsi qu’une directive gouvernementale interdisant la diffusion en direct des « émeutes » et des « rassemblements illégaux », sont citées comme de nouveaux motifs d’inquiétude.

Usage excessif de la force

Selon l’ONU, les forces de sécurité – police, armée et unités antiterroristes – ont eu recours à des armes à feu et à des munitions réelles pour disperser des rassemblements pacifiques, et procédé à des arrestations arbitraires et à des détentions provisoires prolongées, visant principalement l’opposition.

Le rapport évoque également l’utilisation de véhicules banalisés, surnommés « drones », pour enlever des membres et des sympathisants de l’opposition, détenus ensuite au secret dans des lieux non officiels, appelés « maisons sûres ».

Le Haut-Commissaire a enfin appelé à ce que les responsables de violations des droits humains liées aux élections – y compris celles restées sans suite depuis le scrutin de 2021 – soient traduits en justice à l’issue d’enquêtes « effectives, approfondies et impartiales », dans le cadre de procédures équitables.

Distribué par APO Group pour UN News.

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Ambassador Zhao Weiping Attends Handover Certificate Signing Ceremony for China’s Emergency Food Donation to Namibia

Source: APO


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On December 2, the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Namibia held a handover ceremony for China’s Emergency Food Donation to Namibia. Ambassador Zhao Weiping and the Executive Director of the Office of the Prime Minister, Ms. Gladice Pickering, jointly signed the handover certificate.

Ambassador Zhao said that this food assistance was provided in response to His Excellency President Mbumba’s call for international support to Namibia’s drought relief efforts back in May 2024, and was announced by the Chinese Government during the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) last September. This latest food assistance has fully demonstrated China’s firm commitment to stand with the Namibian people in overcoming all the challenges confronting social and economic development.

Ms. Gladice Pickering expressed her sincere gratitude to the Chinese Government for the emergency food donation, and said that this donation has effectively alleviated Namibia’s nationwide food crisis brought by the drought. She emphasized that the donation fully reflects the profound friendship between the two peoples and said she looks forward to deepening cooperation between the two sides in more areas in the future.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Namibia.

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President Herminie to Attend Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026, Advancing Seychelles–United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sustainability Cooperation

Source: APO


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The President of the Republic, Dr. Patrick Herminie, will travel to Abu Dhabi this weekend to participate in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026, a major global platform dedicated to advancing sustainability, climate action, and economic transformation.

The President will be joined by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mr. Barry Faure; the Minister for Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural resources, Ms. Marie-May Jeremie, and the Minister for Industry and Enterprise, Ms. Geralda Desaubin.

During the mission, President Herminie will deliver the keynote address at the Blue Forum. The Blue Forum focuses on advancing integrated approaches that bring together freshwater, coastal, and marine economies into a unified framework to enhance climate resilience and drive sustainable economic growth.

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week convenes global leaders, including policymakers, business executives, innovators, and youth, to address pressing sustainability challenges, bridge investment gaps, and accelerate system-wide transformation. The 2026 edition is held under the theme “The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go,” reflecting a collective call to action for coordinated global efforts toward a sustainable future.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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Barq Group and Elroy Air to Establish Chaparral Manufacturing Joint Venture in Abu Dhabi

Source: APO – Report:

Barq Group (www.BarqEV.com), the leader in smart mobility and logistics solutions in the MENA region, and Elroy Air, the leading U.S.-based developer of autonomous aerial systems for middle-mile logistics, today announced the signing of an agreement. This collaboration between the parties establishes the framework for a joint venture (JV) that will invest $200M to build a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Abu Dhabi to produce the Chaparral, an autonomous hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) cargo UAS. This production facility will supply Chaparral systems to commercial and humanitarian customers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region upon receipt of all necessary approvals. The JV will also provide aftermarket services, including maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO). By establishing local production capacity, the JV will meet the surging demand for autonomous logistics in a region characterized by rapid expansion and a need for resilient, middle-mile delivery solutions.

The Chaparral is an industry-first autonomous aircraft built to carry 300 lbs of cargo over a 300 mile range. Its hybrid-electric powertrain enables long-range missions without the need for charging infrastructure, making it uniquely suited for the MENA region’s diverse geography. Chaparral made history in November 2023 with the world’s first flight of a turbogenerator-hybrid-electric aircraft.

“Our partnership with Elroy Air is a testament to Abu Dhabi’s position as a global leader in the future of mobility,” said Ahmed AlMazrui, CEO of Barq Group. “This $200 million investment is more than a manufacturing agreement; it is a commitment to building a self-sustaining aerospace ecosystem in the UAE. The massive demand we are seeing from logistics providers across MENA makes it clear that local production is the only way to scale effectively. Together, we are redefining how goods move across the region while supporting the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ initiative.”

The new venture aligns with Abu Dhabi’s Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) cluster objectives, solidifying the emirate’s position as a global leader in sustainable transportation. The partnership is expected to contribute significantly to the local economy through the creation of high-value aerospace jobs and the development of a robust regional supply chain.

“Demand for the Chaparral in the MENA region has been immense, surpassing our projections and highlighting the urgent need for infrastructure-independent logistics,” said Dr. Andrew Clare, CEO of Elroy Air. “Abu Dhabi is the ideal strategic hub for our first international manufacturing footprint. By producing the Chaparral locally with Barq Group, we are not only reducing lead times for our regional customers but ensuring the aircraft is built in the same environment where they will operate. We are thrilled to partner with a visionary leader like Ahmed AlMazrui to bring this next-generation capability to the UAE.”

Following Elroy Air’s recently-announced domestic US production partnership with Kratos, the new JV will serve a growing backlog of demand for Chaparral which already exceeds 1,500 units globally from leading logistics and aviation services companies including FedEx, Bristow, and LCI. Elroy Air recently completed its first autonomous A to B cargo delivery with the Chaparral. After the successful completion of critical flight milestones in the United States along with all necessary approvals, Elroy Air and Barq Group plan to begin flight operations in the UAE in 2027 using U.S.-built aircraft followed by the start of local production in Abu Dhabi in 2028.

– on behalf of Barq Group.

Media Contact:
OMNES Media
Mohammed Mustafa
PR Department
pr@omnesmedia.com

About Barq Group:
Barq Group is a leading provider of smart mobility and logistics solutions based in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The company specializes in developing and deploying cutting-edge technologies to streamline transport and delivery across the MENA region.

About Elroy Air:
Elroy Air is developing industry-first autonomous aircraft systems and cutting-edge software to revolutionize express shipping. Deploying innovative hybrid-electric and autonomous vehicle technologies, their vertical-takeoff-and-landing (VTOL) aircraft transcend traditional airport limitations, unlocking new frontiers in commercial air cargo and humanitarian aid, and military logistics. With facilities in the San Francisco Bay Area, Elroy Air is backed by premier venture capital firms including Diamond stream Partners, Catapult Ventures, Marlinspike Partners, Snow point Ventures, and Shield Capital. Strategic investment from industry giants like Lockheed Martin Ventures and support from visionary angel investors including early Uber executives drive the company’s mission to provide same-day shipping to every person on the planet. For more information, visit https://ElroyAir.com.

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Barq Group et Elroy Air créent une coentreprise de 200 millions de dollars à Abu Dhabi

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Barq Group (www.BarqEV.com), l’acteur de référence en matière de mobilité intelligente et de solutions logistiques dans la région MENA, et Elroy Air, leader américain dans le développement de systèmes aériens autonomes pour la logistique du middle-mile, ont annoncé aujourd’hui la signature d’un accord. Cette collaboration jette les bases d’une coentreprise qui investira 200 millions de dollars dans la construction d’une usine de pointe à Abu Dhabi pour produire le Chaparral, un drone de transport à décollage et atterrissage verticaux (VTOL) hybride-électrique autonome. Une fois toutes les autorisations nécessaires obtenues, ce site de production fournira des systèmes Chaparral aux clients commerciaux et humanitaires de la région Moyen-Orient et Afrique du Nord (MENA). La coentreprise proposera également des services après-vente, notamment la maintenance, les réparations et la révision générale (MRO). En établissant des capacités de production locales, la coentreprise répondra à la demande croissante en logistique autonome dans une région marquée par son expansion rapide et son besoin de solutions de livraison résilientes pour le middle-mile.

Le Chaparral est le premier appareil autonome de l’industrie conçu pour transporter 136 kilogrammes de fret sur une distance de 480 kilomètres. Sa motorisation hybride-électrique permet des missions longue distance sans infrastructure de recharge, ce qui le rend particulièrement adapté à la géographie variée de la région MENA. Le Chaparral est entré dans l’histoire en novembre 2023 en réalisant le premier vol au monde d’un aéronef hybride-électrique à turbogénérateur.

« Notre partenariat avec Elroy Air témoigne de la position d’Abu Dhabi en tant que leader mondial de la mobilité du futur », a déclaré Ahmed AlMazrui, directeur général de Barq Group. « Cet investissement de 200 millions de dollars va bien au-delà d’un simple accord de fabrication ; il s’agit d’un engagement à bâtir un écosystème aérospatial autonome aux Émirats arabes unis. La forte demande que nous observons auprès des prestataires logistiques dans toute la région MENA montre clairement que la production locale est la seule voie pour monter en puissance efficacement. Ensemble, nous redéfinissons la manière dont les marchandises circulent dans la région, tout en soutenant l’initiative “Make it in the Emirates”. »

Cette nouvelle entreprise s’inscrit dans les objectifs du pôle Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) d’Abu Dhabi, consolidant la position de l’émirat comme leader mondial du transport durable. Ce partenariat devrait contribuer significativement à l’économie locale par la création d’emplois à forte valeur ajoutée dans l’aérospatiale et le développement d’une chaîne d’approvisionnement régionale solide.

« La demande pour le Chaparral dans la région MENA a été considérable, dépassant nos projections initiales et soulignant le besoin urgent de solutions logistiques indépendantes des infrastructures », a indiqué le Dr Andrew Clare, directeur général d’Elroy Air. « Abu Dhabi représente le pôle stratégique idéal pour notre première implantation industrielle internationale. En produisant le Chaparral localement avec Barq Group, nous réduisons non seulement les délais de livraison pour nos clients régionaux, mais nous nous assurons également que l’appareil est fabriqué dans l’environnement même où il sera exploité. Nous sommes ravis de nous associer à un visionnaire comme Ahmed AlMazrui pour apporter cette capacité de nouvelle génération aux Émirats arabes unis. »

Après le partenariat de production annoncé récemment par Elroy Air avec Kratos aux États-Unis, cette nouvelle coentreprise répondra à un carnet de commandes croissant qui dépasse déjà 1 500 unités du Chaparral à l’échelle mondiale, provenant de grandes entreprises de logistique et de services aériens telles que FedEx, Bristow et LCI. Elroy Air a récemment effectué sa première livraison autonome de fret de point A à point B avec le Chaparral. Après la réalisation réussie d’étapes de vol critiques aux États-Unis et l’obtention de toutes les autorisations nécessaires, Elroy Air et Barq Group prévoient de lancer les premières opérations de vol aux Émirats arabes unis en 2027 avec des appareils fabriqués aux États-Unis, suivies du démarrage de la production locale à Abu Dhabi en 2028.

Distribué par APO Group pour Barq Group.

Contact presse :
OMNES Media
Mohammed Mustafa
Service Relations Presse
pr@omnesmedia.com

À propos de Barq Group :
Barq Group est un fournisseur de premier plan de solutions de mobilité intelligente et de logistique basé à Abu Dhabi, aux Émirats arabes unis. L’entreprise est spécialisée dans le développement et le déploiement de technologies de pointe visant à optimiser le transport et la livraison dans toute la région MENA.

À propos d’Elroy Air :
Elroy Air développe des systèmes aériens autonomes et des logiciels de pointe pour révolutionner le transport express. En déployant des technologies innovantes de véhicules hybrides-électriques et autonomes, leurs appareils à décollage et atterrissage verticaux (VTOL) transcendent les limitations des aéroports traditionnels, ouvrant de nouvelles perspectives dans le fret aérien commercial, l’aide humanitaire et la logistique militaire. Avec des installations dans la région de la baie de San Francisco, Elroy Air est soutenue par des sociétés de capital-risque de premier plan, notamment Diamond stream Partners, Catapult Ventures, Marlinspike Partners, Snow point Ventures et Shield Capital. L’investissement stratégique de géants industriels comme Lockheed Martin Ventures et le soutien d’investisseurs providentiels visionnaires, dont d’anciens dirigeants d’Uber, alimentent la mission de l’entreprise : offrir une livraison en un jour à chaque personne sur la planète. Pour plus d’informations, consultez https://ElroyAir.com.

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Remarks by Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, during the Community Outreach Programme at Rakatane Place of Safety in Tlhabane, North West Province

Source: President of South Africa –

Theme: Strengthening Community Institutions for Social Cohesion and Inclusive Social Protection

Programme Director,
NYDA leadership, including the Executive Deputy Chairperson and CEO,
Caregivers and staff of Rakatane Place of Safety,
Community leaders, volunteers, partners,
Most importantly, the children and young people we are here to serve,

It is an honour to be with you today at Rakatane Place of Safety, a space that represents care, protection and dignity for some of the most vulnerable members of our society.

Social cohesion and nation building are not built only through laws and policies, but through everyday institutions at community level that protect and nurture people.

Across South Africa, community-run and faith-based organisations quietly carry a heavy responsibility, often with limited resources, yet with deep commitment.

Places like Rakatane are not just facilities. They are homes, sanctuaries and bridges to a better future for children who have faced difficult circumstances.

Government recognises that when these institutions are weakened, the most vulnerable pay the price. When they are strengthened, society as a whole benefits.

Rakatane currently provides care to 18 children and youth, including children with disabilities, school-going children, toddlers and unemployed youth.

The facility has identified infrastructure and maintenance challenges, which affect the quality of daily life for residents.

Today’s intervention focuses on deep cleaning, organising, restoring dignity and safety, and creating a more functional living environment.

This work may seem practical and hands-on, but it is deeply political in the best sense. It affirms that every child deserves a safe, clean and dignified space to live and grow.

Government’s presence here is not an act of charity, but a responsibility rooted in dignity, inclusion and shared accountability.

Our role is to ensure that women, youth, children and persons with disabilities are not left behind, regardless of where they live.

Initiatives like this translate policy commitments into real improvements in people’s daily lives, beyond speeches and documents.

Social protection works best when Government, communities and institutions act together, each playing their part.

I would like to express sincere appreciation to the caregivers, staff and volunteers who serve here with compassion, often under challenging conditions.

I also commend the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and partners for recognising that youth development and social cohesion begin with safe and supportive environments.

Your work reminds us that service is not only about programmes, but about human connection and consistency.

Let us continue to strengthen and sustain institutions that operate at the frontline of child wellbeing and social protection.

I encourage communities to keep working together to build safe, nurturing and inclusive spaces where children can grow, learn and thrive.

Government remains committed to walking this journey with you, listening, supporting and responding where possible.

When we protect our children, we protect the future of our country.

Let today not be a once-off visit, but part of an ongoing commitment to dignity, care and shared responsibility.

Together, we can ensure that no child feels forgotten and no community stands alone.

Thank you.

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Dr. Rasha Kelej discusses with Maldives First Lady their joint programs to build healthcare and media capacity and Support Girl Education

Source: APO

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com) CEO, Dr. Rasha Kelej met H.E. Madam SAJIDHA MOHAMED, First Lady of the Republic of Maldives and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother”, during the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025. The Summit which was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.)  CEO of Merck Foundation & President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative and H.E. Madam SAJIDHA MOHAMED, First Lady of the Republic of Maldives and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” along with First Ladies of Angola, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Mozambique, Nigeria, São Tomé & Príncipe, Senegal, and Zimbabwe.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) expressed, “I was a pleasure meeting my dear sister, H.E. Madam SAJIDHA MOHAMED, First Lady of the Republic of Maldives and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” for the 7th Edition of our Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit. I also visited Maldives recently to meet her. During our meeting we discussed our joint programs and underscored our commitment towards building healthcare capacity and transforming patient care landscape by providing scholarships for local doctors. We have already started to enroll doctors for Fertility and Embryology trainings”.

H.E. Madam SAJIDHA MOHAMED, First Lady of the Republic of Maldives, and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” emphasized, “I am very proud of our partnership with Merck Foundation. I am happy to share that we have already started providing scholarships for our local doctors in Fertility and Embryology training. These are two very critical specialties for our country. We also plan to enroll our doctors in other specialties, further underscoring our partnership with the Merck Foundation to enhance healthcare capacity in the country.”

Watch the Speech of The First Lady of Maldives & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother during the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/4juKAB8

Watch the video of Merck Foundation CEOreceiving H.E. Madam SAJIDHA MOHAMED, First Lady of the Republic of Maldives, and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother”:  https://apo-opa.co/4ju2eoy

On day 2 of the Summit, Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative- MFFLI committee meeting was conducted between The First Ladies of Africa and Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO, where the African and Asian First Ladies shared the impact report of Merck Foundation programs in their respective countries, and future strategy was discussed.

Watch the video of MFFLI committee meeting: https://apo-opa.co/49KYFXQ

“We have so far provided 2500 scholarships for doctors from 52 countries in 44 underserved medical specialties. We will continue to build and enhance healthcare capacity in the Maldives, African countries, and beyond”, added Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Through their Community Awareness Programs, Merck Foundation is also closely working with The First Lady of Maldives to address a wide range of critical social issues like breaking infertility stigma, stopping gender-based violence and women empowerment, and important health issues including promoting the importance of healthy lifestyle, and diabetes and hypertension awareness.

Merck Foundation together with the First Lady Maldives will soon conduct their Health Media Training for Maldivian media representatives, to emphasize on the important role of media to address these critical social and health issues and be the voice of the voiceless.

Moreover, Merck Foundation also announced the Call for applications for their 8 important awards in partnership with The First Lady of Maldives for Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields.

Moreover, in partnership with The First Lady of Maldives, Merck Foundation is launching seven children’s storybooks, “More Than a Mother”, “Educating Linda”, “Jackline’s Rescue”, “Not Who You Are”, “Ride into the Future” and “Sugar free Jude”, and “Mark’s Pressure”. The storybooks address various social and health issues like breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, stopping GBV, diabetes and hypertension awareness.

The 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative was streamed live on the social media handles of Merck Foundation and Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.)  CEO of Merck Foundation:

@ Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4b9WAWT), X (https://apo-opa.co/49vpvlE), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4blePIM), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3N4UP3f).

@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/49czWvs), X (https://apo-opa.co/4aSf0LE), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3LiQV6f), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4sxFXdN).

Link to the YouTube live stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies High Level Panel: https://apo-opa.co/4aWFz2h

Summarizing Merck Foundation’s initiatives and impact:

Merck Foundation is transforming the Patient care landscape and making history together with their partners in Africa, Asia, and beyond, through:

• 2500+ Scholarships provided by Merck Foundation for healthcare providers from 52 Countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

Merck Foundation is also creating a culture shift and breaking the silence about a wide range of social and health issues in Africa and underserved communities through:

• 3700+ Media Representatives from more than 35 countries trained by Merck Foundation to better raise awareness about different social and health issues

• 8 Different Awards launched annually for best Media coverage, Song, Films, and Fashion.

• Around 30 songs to address health and social issues, by local singers across Africa in English, French, Portuguese, and local languages.

• 9 Children’s Storybooks in four languages – English, French, Portuguese, and Swahili

• 6 Awareness Animation Films in five languages – English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili to raise awareness about breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education and prevention and early detection of Diabetes, Hypertension & Cancer.

• Pan African TV Program “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” addressing Social and Health Issues in Africa through “Fashion and ART with Purpose” Community

• 1200+ Scholarships provided annually to high performing but under-privileged African schoolgirls from 18 countries, to help them to complete their studies and empower them to reach their full potential

  • 15 Social Media Channels with more than 8.5 Million Followers

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager 
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
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Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4blePIM
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/3Lr6cSk
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4sPdvEz
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/49cPxLx

About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4b9WAWT), X (https://apo-opa.co/49vpvlE), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4blePIM), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3N4UP3f), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/3Lr6cSk) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4sPdvEz).

The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.

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State Minister for Foreign Affairs KUNIMITSU’s Visit to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Republic of Ghana

Source: APO


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From January 10 to 18, Dr. KUNIMITSU Ayano, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, will visit the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Republic of Ghana.

  1. In both Ethiopia and Ghana, State Minister KUNIMITSU is scheduled to participate in business forums and exchange views with key government officials, among others, as the head of the Public and Private Sector Joint Mission for Promoting Trade and Investment in Africa.
  2. This will be the fifteenth mission of its kind, with approximately 70 participants from Japan’s business community, relevant government agencies, and organizations. As part of the follow-up to TICAD 9, which was held in August last year, it is hoped that this mission’s visit will further expand trade and investment between Japan and both countries.

(Reference1) Schedule of State Minister KUNIMITSU

January 10 　Departure from Narita
11 　Arrival in Addis Ababa
　Mission-related events, meetings with dignitaries, etc.
14 　Departure from Addis Ababa
　Arrival in Accra
　Mission-related events, meetings with dignitaries, etc.
17 　Departure from Accra
18 　Arrival in Narita

(Reference2) The Public and Private Sector Joint Mission for Promoting Trade and Investment in Africa

Dispatching a Public and Private Sector Joint Mission for Promoting Trade and Investment in Africa started as one of the initiatives set forth at the Fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IV) with a view to promoting trade and investment in Africa.

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