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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Ms Joy Maimela, has expressed her profound sadness and concern following the devastating floods in the Eastern Cape province, which have led to significant loss of life, displacement and widespread damage to infrastructure, including critical school facilities and scholar transport.

The committee is particularly heartbroken by the tragic incident in which a scholar transport minibus, carrying learners, was swept away by raging floodwaters near Mthatha. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families and communities who have lost their loved ones in this unimaginable tragedy. Our thoughts are with those who are still searching for missing children and adults,” said Ms Maimela.

“This is a national tragedy that has deeply impacted our education sector. The reports of learners being caught in these devastating floods underscore the urgent need for robust disaster preparedness and response mechanisms, particularly as they relate to the safety and wellbeing of our children. This disruption to schooling, coupled with the tragic loss of life, presents an immense challenge to the provincial education system.”

Ms Maimela said the committee calls on the authorities to prioritise search and rescue operations and to ensure all available resources are deployed to continue the search for missing individuals, to provide psycho-social support to learners, educators and families impacted by this disaster and to assess and repair school infrastructure to minimise disruption to learning.

On Tuesday, a 22-seater scholar transport minibus was swept off the R61, carrying 13 learners, two other passengers and the driver. Search and rescue operation are ongoing and several learners are still unaccounted for.

“We pray with you that our young learners and all those impacted by the floods will be found safe and sound. Furthermore, we call on all to take extra precautions with our precious cargo during this rainy season,” emphasised Ms Maimela.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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Eye surgery was successfully conducted on over 200 patients at Assab Hospital in the Southern Red Sea Region from 4 to 10 June. The program was conducted in collaboration between the Ministry of Health’s regional branch and Birhan Aini Hospital in Asmara.

Dr. Eyob Beyene, an eye surgery expert and program coordinator, stated that this initiative was a continuation of similar surgeries previously held in the Northern Red Sea Region. He added that surgery performed on 10 children was particularly successful and unique.

Nurse Gebre Hailemicael, head of eye treatment at Assab Hospital, explained that a survey had been conducted on 3,000 citizens across four sub-zones and 52 villages prior to the surgeries. He highlighted that the program was successfully implemented and noted that other patients received medicines and eyeglasses.

The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the opportunity provided.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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The warning comes amidst increased violence and a worsening food security condition which has 11 out of 13 counties in the state facing emergency levels of hunger and 32,000 of these inhabitants facing catastrophic level hunger conditions, almost three times previous estimates.

“We are seeing the devastating impact conflict has on food security in South Sudan,” said Mary-Ellen McGroarty, Country Director for the World Food Programme (WFP) in South Sudan.

“Conflict doesn’t just destroy homes and livelihoods, it tears communities apart, cuts off access to markets, and sends food prices spiralling upward,” Ms. McGroarty said.

Country-wide hunger

In total, 7.7 million people across South Sudan will face acute food insecurity, accounting for over half of the entire population. Additionally, 2.3 million children in South Sudan face malnutrition, a rise from 2.1 million at the beginning of the year. 

FAO expects these numbers to increase as the country prepares to enter the lean and wet season which will further diminish food supplies and potentially worsen displacement.

The agency did note that counties in which violence has been largely absent have seen improvements in food insecurity as a result of increased crop production and humanitarian efforts. However, hunger continues.

Despite such ongoing challenges, Meshack Malo, the country representative of FAO in South Sudan, said that these results are proof of the “dividends of peace.”

Descent into conflict

South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, gained independence in 2011 and immediately fell into a brutal and devastating civil war which ultimately ended in 2018 thanks to a peace agreement between political rivals which has largely held.

However, recent political tensions and increased violent attacks, especially in the Upper Nile State, threaten to unravel the peace agreement and plunge the nation back into conflict.

“South Sudan cannot afford to sink into conflict at this point in time. It will plunge already vulnerable communities into severe food insecurity, leading to widespread hunger,” said Meshack Malo, Country Representative of FAO in South Sudan.

Humanitarian difficulties

FAO said that humanitarian access must be improved in order to address the worsening hunger situation.

The FAO report also emphasized that peace and capacity building is the only sustainable solution for food insecurity in South Sudan.

“Long-term peace is essential, but right now, it is critical our teams are able to access and safely distribute food to families caught in conflict in Upper Nile, to bring them back from the brink and prevent famine,” said Ms. McGroarty.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

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World Food Safety Day is a global event observed annually on June 7. This year’s national celebration was held at Adi-Hawesha Resort in the Central Region under the theme “Food Safety: Science in Action.” The event aimed to explore the latest advancements in food safety and promote responsible food handling practices. It was attended by more than 85 participants, including the Minister of Health, senior officials from the Ministries of Agriculture and Health, representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO), experts from various relevant Government and non-governmental organizations, academia, food processors, and representatives of farmers.

Mr. Tekleab Mesghena, in his keynote speech, emphasized the importance of science in ensuring the safety and quality of food products. He highlighted the critical role of research and development in advancing food safety. Mr. Tekleab stated that the Ministry of Agriculture is working diligently to modernize its food-related regulatory services by establishing quarantine stations at various entry points, reinforcing inspection services, and promoting public awareness, particularly among food processors, through good manufacturing and agricultural practices. In his concluding remarks, Mr. Tekleab stressed on the need for a national food control system and policy to integrate the efforts of various ministries and institutions.

Mr. Sium Teame, representing the FAO, underscored that food is not a luxury but a fundamental human right. He noted that every year, 600 million people fall ill due to contaminated food, and emphasized the role of science not merely as an academic pursuit but as a practical, powerful tool. Scientific research and innovation, he said, are essential for identifying and controlling foodborne hazards, improving hygiene and safety practices throughout the food chain, establishing international standards based on risk assessments, and responding swiftly to emerging threats.

Dr. Nonso Ejiofor, representing the WHO, added that this year’s theme highlights the essential role of scientific knowledge in guiding effective food safety practices. He stressed the importance of research, innovation, data, and appropriate technologies in identifying risks, reducing illness, saving lives, and cutting costs along the entire food chain.

A panel discussion was also held under the theme of the day, featuring experts and representatives from food processing industries. The panelists discussed recent advancements in food safety research, including the use of precision agriculture to improve health outcomes and reduce food waste.

During the event,six papers regarding Food Handling and Hygiene Practices; Food Expiration: Administrative, Regulatory, and Safety Implications;Effect of Processing on Heavy Metal Content in Selected Leaf Vegetables Cultivated in Asmara; Environmental Safety of Food Safety; The Role of Science in Food Safety were presented by representatives from Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Land, water and Environment, Hamelmalo College of Agricultural and Mai-Nefhi College of Science.

Participants engaged in extensive discussions on the papers and adopted various recommendations. These included the need for collaboration among all relevant stakeholders, the integration of scientific methods in food safety, improved identification of food sources, and enhanced public awareness on food preparation and safety.

Short videos highlighting national and international efforts related to food safety were also screened during the event.

World Food Safety Day is being marked for the 7th time globally and the 3rd time at the national level.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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Twenty-five Congolese prison administration officers from the Beni region in North Kivu, including four women, took part in a training session on June 10, 2025, focused on preventing radicalization and violent extremism of detainees. Organized at Kangbayi Urban Prison by MONUSCO’s Prison Administration Support Unit in Beni, the training aimed to strengthen prison staff capacity in managing inmates at risk of radicalization.

The session covered the definitions of radicalization and violent extremism, identification of risk factors, indicators of prison radicalization, and best practices for prevention, management, and reintegration of affected detainees. Particular emphasis was placed on the need for an approach that respects the rights and dignity of incarcerated individuals.

Like many penitentiary facilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kangbayi Prison houses a diverse inmate population. Located in a conflict-affected area, it holds a significant number of armed group members, including elements of the ADF, Maï-Maï militias, and more recently, the AFC/M23. Around 400 individuals are currently detained for offenses related to armed activity.

The prison director, Tsongo Makelele, highlighted the challenges:
“It has been observed at the national level that some inmates become radicalized within prison walls. Beni prison houses individuals from armed groups, especially the ADF, and others involved in the eastern DRC conflicts. With only two cells, it’s difficult to ensure proper separation between different categories of inmates.”

In light of the risk of extremist ideologies spreading, he welcomed the training:
“Our staff now have tools to prevent radicalization. It’s a critical issue for the security of the facility. When a radicalized inmate adopts a violent or extremist posture, it poses a real threat. Equipping our personnel with the skills to anticipate and manage this phenomenon is essential.”

This training is part of MONUSCO’s broader efforts to strengthen the resilience of penitentiary institutions in eastern DRC.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi spoke by phone with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said President El-Sisi congratulated the German Chancellor on his well-deserved victory in the German elections, which reflected the confidence of the German people. The President wished the new government success in its ambitious plans to consolidate Germany’s pivotal role on the European and international arenas. The President noted that the current situation is of paramount importance in light of the accelerating regional and international changes and the urgent need to respect established international rules and principles and international law, in alignment with Germany’s efforts and expertise over recent decades.

The German Chancellor expressed his appreciation for the kind gesture and emphasized his country’s commitment to maintaining close relations with Egypt. Both sides affirmed their commitment to strengthening and deepening bilateral relations in all fields, particularly economic, trade, and investment, as well as enhancing development cooperation, thus strengthening ties between the two friendly peoples.

The call focused on the current regional and international developments. President El-Sisi reviewed ceasefire efforts in Gaza and stressed that it was important for the international community to exert pressure for an immediate cessation of military operations in the Strip and the provision of humanitarian aid, in addition to the complete rejection of plans to displace Palestinians from their land. The President noted the importance of expanding recognition of the Palestinian state in line with the two-state solution.

The call also touched on the developments in Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Sudan, and Somalia, as well as ways to restore stability in the Middle East. The German Chancellor affirmed his country’s commitment to continuing coordination and consultation with Egypt to restore regional calm and peace.

– on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale today flagged off 3 million doses of BCG (used to prevent tuberculosis) and 3.2 million doses of Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) at Afya House, Nairobi, marking a major boost to Kenya’s national immunisation programme.

During the flag-off, the CS called on all county governments—through the Council of Governors (CoG) and their County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) for Health—to prioritise the collection of the vaccines from regional depots and ensure timely distribution to health facilities, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

Hon. Duale commended the government for moving with urgency to facilitate the delivery of the vaccines, describing it as a strong demonstration of Kenya’s commitment to safeguarding the health of its children.

He acknowledged immunisation partners, including UNICEF, for their rapid procurement and delivery of the vaccines, and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working closely with all stakeholders to minimise disruptions and sustain the country’s immunisation momentum.

Parents and Caregivers across the country are encouraged to visit local health facilities to have their children vaccinated and catch up on any missed doses.

The CS was joined by Principal Secretaries Dr. Ouma Oluga (Medical Services) and Ms. Mary Muthoni (Public Health and Professional Standards), Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, CoG CEO Ms. Mary Mwiti, and representatives from UNICEF and the World Health Organization.

– on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale today appeared before the National Assembly Committee on Delegated Legislation, chaired by Ainabkoi MP Hon. Samuel Chepkonga, to discuss the Social Health Insurance (Tariffs for Healthcare Services) Regulations, 2025 (Legal Notice No. 56 of 2025). The session was held at Bunge Towers, Nairobi.

During the engagement, Hon. Duale provided a comprehensive briefing on the scope of services covered under the tariff structure, anchored on the three key health funds established under the Social Health Authority:

1. Primary Health Care Fund – Supports access to preventive and basic healthcare services, with a focus on community-level interventions, disease prevention, and health education.
2. Social Health Insurance Fund – Provides coverage for essential medical services, targeting routine and necessary treatments to ensure members receive comprehensive healthcare.
3. Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illnesses Fund – Offers financial protection for high-cost and urgent medical needs, including long-term and specialised care.

The CS also explained the use of means testing during SHA registration to determine eligibility for government support based on income and assets. He highlighted the Lipa SHA Pole Pole initiative—an instalment-based contribution model—and the planned shift from monthly to annual payment cycles to enhance flexibility and compliance.

Hon. Duale reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to good governance, transparency, and robust public participation in the formulation of statutory instruments, in line with the Statutory Instruments Act, Cap. 2A.

He was accompanied by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga, Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, and Social Health Authority CEO Dr. Mercy Mwangangi.

– on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

On June 6, the Chinese Embassy in Namibia donated a batch of mattresses to pediatric patients in Gobabis District Hospital. Namibian Officials including Hon. Pijoo Nganate, Governor of Omaheke Region, Hon. Ruth Masake, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Ms. Tuyakula Haipinge, Executive Director of the Office of the Prime Minister attended the handover ceremony and gave speeches respectively. The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) covered the event on the scene.

In her speech on behalf of Namibian Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dr. Elijah Ngurare, Ms. Haipinge expressed sincere gratitude to the Chinese government for its long-term strong support in the areas of health, education, agriculture to Namibia in achieving national objectives. Governor Nganate and Deputy Minister Masake said that the mattresses donated by the Chinese Embassy are very handy for child patients in the hospital to get through winter warmly.

On behalf of Ambassador Zhao Weiping, Minister Counselor Shen Jian delivered a speech saying that the sector of health has always been a priority for China’s development assistance cooperation with Namibia. During the FOCAC 2024 Beijing Summit, President Xi Jinping announced that China will work with Africa to take Ten Partnership Actions for Modernization, which included the partnership action for health. China is actively implementing relevant achievements and is ready to work with Namibia to strengthen cooperation in the field of health.

– on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Namibia.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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Niger’s economy recorded robust growth in 2024, driven by large-scale oil exports. However, short-term sources of growth remain limited and exposed to downside risks, according to the World Bank’s latest economic update for Niger, published today.

The report analyzes the country’s economic, and poverty trends and provides a three-year outlook. A special chapter is dedicated to analyzing Niger’s agri-food system, offering recommendations for its effective transformation.

According to the report, Niger’s economy grew by 8.4% in 2024, up from 2% in 2023. This acceleration was primarily fueled by the start of large-scale oil exports and strong agricultural production, supported by favorable weather conditions. Despite high inflation, including rising food prices, sustained growth contributed to a reduction of extreme poverty. Government revenues fell in 2024 due to a decrease in tax revenues – particularly trade-related taxes – leading to a reduction in investment spending. The resulting deficit, combined with a rapid accumulation of debt, led the IMF and World Bank to jointly downgrade Niger’s debt sustainability risk rating from moderate to high.

“Economic growth is expected to remain relatively high in the short-term, but Niger’s sources of growth – oil and rain-fed agriculture – are limited and vulnerable to shocks and volatility,” said Han Fraeters, World Bank Country Manager for Niger. “Investing in an efficient and resilient agri-food system is crucial if Niger is to achieve long-term, sustainable, and inclusive growth.”

Economic growth is projected to slow down in 2025, due to a high base effect from 2024 but is expected to remain above 6%, supported by the continued expansion of the oil sector. Inflation is expected to ease, thanks to the strong 2024 harvest. The extreme poverty rate is project to decline in 2025-2027 if agricultural output remains robust. However, food insecurity will remain a challenge.

“If security risks are contained and efforts to expand irrigation are successful, growth could be higher,” said Danon Gnezale, Economist at the World Bank and co-author of the report. “Several options exist to strengthen the agri-food system, including strengthening value chains and producer organizations, investing in climate-smart agriculture technologies, adopting better regulations, and improving infrastructure.”

– on behalf of The World Bank Group.