Category: English

Source: APO

Mr. Fitwi Woldegergis, Director of the Students’ Summer Work Program, indicated that the program is set to be conducted from 6 July to 15 August in five regions of the country.

The program, which is being conducted for the 28th time, will involve over 30 thousand students, 37% of them female, along with around one thousand teachers, agricultural experts, barefoot doctors, and coordinators from 160 centers.

Mr. Fitwi further indicated that 97% of the participants will engage in water and soil conservation and afforestation activities, while others will participate in environmental sanitation, documentation, traffic safety, renovation of dirt roads, as well as the construction of school compounds.

Within the program, over 1.4 million tree seedlings will be planted, and activities including the construction and renovation of terraces and water catchment schemes will be implemented.

Students in the cities of Asmara, Keren, Mendefera, and Barentu will also participate in traffic safety programs.

Due to climatic conditions, the program in the Southern Red Sea Region already commenced on 8 June with the participation of about 600 students.

Since the commencement of the Students’ Summer Work Program in 1994, encouraging activities have been conducted, including water and soil conservation and the planting of tree seedlings, among others.

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

Source: APO

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• India–Mali Bilateral Trade Surpasses US$326 Million in FY 2025–26, Registers 55 Per Cent Growth
• India and Mali Focus on Cotton, Mining, Energy, Pharmaceuticals and Social Infrastructure to Deepen Bilateral Economic Engagement
• Mali Announces Investment Forum in December 2026

In a significant step towards strengthening bilateral economic ties, India and Mali institutionalised their growing commercial partnership through the inaugural India–Mali Forum for the Promotion of Exports, setting the stage for deeper trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.

The two-day Forum, held in Bamako under the theme “Reinforcing Trade and Strategic Partnerships”, was presided over by the Prime Minister of the Transition Government of Mali, H.E. Major General Abdoulaye Maïga. It was jointly organised by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Mali, the Embassy of India in Bamako and the Malian Agency for the Promotion of Exports (APEX-Mali). The Forum brought together senior officials from both governments and around 30 Indian business leaders. The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary (FT-Africa), Department of Commerce, Government of India, Shri Amit Kumar. The Mission was represented throughout by H.E. Dr. N. Nandakumar, Ambassador of India to Mali.

India and Mali have witnessed robust growth in bilateral trade, which surpassed US$326.61 million in FY 2025–26, registering a 55 per cent increase over the previous financial year. Mali’s principal exports to India include raw cotton, finished leather, cashew, lead, gum arabic and sesame, while India’s major exports comprise pharmaceuticals, cotton fabrics, two- and three-wheelers, and bicycles. India’s Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) Scheme has been the primary catalyst in strengthening bilateral trade. Against Mali’s global exports of approximately US$4 billion, untapped export potential in the Indian market is estimated at nearly US$3.96 billion, signalling substantial room for growth.

Following the inaugural session and a visit to the Indian and Malian exhibition stands, featuring Sonalika tractors and vehicles manufactured by Mahindra and Tata Motors, the delegations participated in an intensive series of Business-to-Business (B2B), Business-to-Government (B2G) and Government-to-Government (G2G) matchmaking meetings. The discussions covered renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, textiles, automotive manufacturing and mining, with the objective of converting business opportunities into commercial partnerships and Memorandums of Understanding.

On the second day, the Indian delegation met the Minister of Industry and Trade of Mali, Mr. Moussa Alassane Diallo. APEX-Mali also presented “Ready-Made Business Plans” for immediate investment opportunities. The delegation later called on the Prime Minister of the Transition Government of Mali.

Both sides identified cotton and textiles, mining and energy, agro-industry and shea processing, pharmaceuticals, and social infrastructure, including health and education, as priority sectors for expanding bilateral cooperation. Mali expressed strong interest in India’s support for digitising its Certificate of Origin system and in the prompt registration of approved Indian pharmaceutical products. The Indian side sought reconsideration of the shea-nut export ban and reaffirmed the importance of protecting Indian nationals and investments.

The Forum was framed as the foundation of a long-term partnership. It concluded with Mali reaffirming its commitment to securing the business environment and positioning itself as a strategic investment hub for West Africa under its Vision Mali 2063 roadmap. As a concrete next step, Mali announced a dedicated investment forum to be held on 3–4 December 2026, at which additional bankable projects will be made available to international investors.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Press Information Bureau: Government of India.

Source: APO – Report:

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Seminars aimed at eradicating harmful practices have been conducted in 13 administrative areas in Forto-Sawa, Gash Barka Region, from 3 to 25 June.

Indicating that strong efforts are being exerted to eradicate harmful practices in the sub-zone by 2030, Mr. Idris Mohammed, head of the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare branch in the sub-zone, said that the seminars being conducted from time to time are part of the effort.

Mr. Aregay Mebrahtu, acting administrator of the sub-zone, expressed the readiness of the sub-zonal administration to work in collaboration with partners to strengthen participation in the effort to eradicate harmful practices, including female genital mutilation and underage marriage, which negatively affect the health of women.

The participants of the seminars, noting that they understood the health consequences of female genital mutilation and underage marriage on women, expressed readiness to strengthen their participation in the effort to eradicate them.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO – Report:

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Halay Technical School has graduated 44 students, including 18 females, who completed two years of certificate training in computer maintenance, networking, and metal works.

At the graduation ceremony held on 2 July, Mr. Raguel Tekle, director of the school, said that, as a result of the substantial investment the Government is making in vocational and technical training, capable youth equipped with various skills are being produced.

Noting that female participation in vocational and technical training is increasing from time to time, Mr. Raguel said that the school is working in earnest to meet the demand for vocational and technical human resources.

Mr. Tesfay Seium, Director General of Technical and Vocational Training at the Ministry of Education, indicating that efforts have been exerted to equip vocational schools with modern educational facilities, said that Halay Technical School has already benefited from the opportunity.

Commending the commitment of the teachers and staff of the school, the representative of the graduates expressed conviction to play due part in the nation-building process with the knowledge they gained from the school.

According to documents from the school, Halay Technical School has graduated over 500 students since its establishment.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO

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For the first time in years, the sound of gunfire has given way to children playing, farmers tending their fields and families repairing their homes in Tambura County, Western Equatoria State.

After years of violence that displaced thousands and left entire communities abandoned, signs of recovery are beginning to emerge. While security challenges remain, more families are returning home, planting crops and rebuilding their lives.

Standing beside her flourishing maize field, Martha Victor Sukangi, a widow and mother of six, says the difference compared to previous years is remarkable.

“Armed groups used to move around here, but this year is much better,” she says. “Now you can travel several miles to places like Muzungu. My brother is farming in Mubaiku. You can see our maize growing. There are no gunshots, no reports of women or children being killed. That has not happened this year.”

Tambura became one of South Sudan’s worst conflict hotspots in 2021, when fighting between armed groups and intercommunal violence forced thousands of residents to flee. Many families lost their homes, farms and livelihoods, while humanitarian access became increasingly difficult.

Although the situation has not fully stabilized, improved security is encouraging displaced families to begin returning home.

One of them is Edwin Anibie, who recently returned to repair the house he was forced to abandon.

“When the United Nations peacekeepers patrol here, it gives us confidence,” he says. “We feel safe enough to move around again. That is why I came back to clean and repair our home. Seeing people moving freely encourages others to return as well.”

Maintaining that confidence, however, remains essential to sustaining the fragile peace.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) regularly deploys long-duration peacekeeping patrols to Tambura and surrounding communities to help improve security, support local peace efforts and create conditions that enable humanitarian organizations to reach vulnerable people.

According to Tambura County Commissioner Mathew Mabenge, the presence of peacekeepers also deters criminal activity.

“The patrols are very important. Sometimes criminals are on the roads, but when they see UNMISS, they become afraid,” he says.

Since closing its temporary base in Tambura, UNMISS has continued supporting local peacebuilding efforts through regular patrols and close collaboration with community leaders, churches and humanitarian partners.

“One positive outcome we have seen is that some families are making temporary returns to their homes,” says Njoki Rahab Kinyanjui, Head of the UNMISS Field Office in Yambio.

“Our patrols are designed to build confidence among communities. Whenever we deploy to Tambura, we establish a temporary operating base that also provides a secure environment for humanitarian partners to deliver assistance and support livelihoods for returning communities.”

Despite these encouraging developments, the recovery remains fragile. Many roads still require rehabilitation, livelihoods need rebuilding, and some displaced families are waiting for greater confidence before returning home permanently.

Even so, the sight of green maize fields, repaired houses and children once again playing freely offers hope that communities devastated by years of conflict are beginning to reclaim their future.

For residents like Martha Victor Sukangi, these everyday moments are powerful reminders that peace is slowly taking root and that, with continued security and support, more families may soon be able to return home.

“Now we can farm. That is what gives us hope,” she says.

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

Source: APO

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The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and host authorities reaffirmed their commitment to working together to improve security, protect civilians and ensure humanitarian access, as Anita Kiki Gbeho, the recently appointed Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General chaired her first Joint Verification and Monitoring Mechanism (JVMM) meeting in Juba.

The JVMM, a coordination platform involving the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and UNMISS, was established to strengthen cooperation between the UN Peacekeeping mission and national security actors. It provides a forum to address operational challenges, facilitate the movement of UN personnel and peacekeepers, and come up with joint responses to security concerns across the country.

Held regularly, such engagements enable both parties to jointly manage security issues in conflict-affected areas, coordinate civilian protection measures, facilitate humanitarian access for the delivery of lifesaving assistance, and build trust through continued dialogue.

The latest meeting brought together senior SSPDF division commanders and UNMISS leadership, with discussions focusing on the Mission’s renewed mandate and the importance of closer collaboration as UNMISS adapts to South Sudan’s evolving security landscape.

Addressing the meeting, SRSG Gbeho underscored the importance of the longstanding partnership between UNMISS and the Government.

“One, we are partners and, I want to believe, partners of choice; not just any partners but partners of choice: in commitment, in purpose and, most importantly, in service of the people of South Sudan,” she said. “Two, transparency builds trust. Open communication prevents misunderstanding, and enables timely, effective action. And three, cooperation saves lives. When our institutions work together, we protect more people and build more durable peace. UNMISS remains committed to this partnership with the JVMM.”

A key issue raised during the discussions was denials of access to UN peacekeepers at illegal checkpoints, particularly in areas affected by intercommunal violence. Participants acknowledged that such restrictions hamper the Mission’s ability to protect civilians and respond rapidly to emergencies.

“Movement restrictions and access denials continue to undermine our shared objectives, reduce our operational capacity, and place our CASEVAC and MEDEVAC responses at risk,” SRSG Gbeho explained.

For his part, Lieutenant General Abud Thiongkhol called on attending military commanders to address the issue, emphasizing that unauthorized checkpoints and taxation have no place in the work of the armed forces.

“I want to urge all the Division Commanders who are here today to strictly control the movement of arms, and we should not interfere with the work of our partners. The movement of our partners and taxing people is not our job,” he said.

As UNMISS continues to recalibrate its operations to respond more effectively to the needs of communities across South Sudan, unrestricted movement remains critical to fulfilling its mandate. Peacekeepers rely on timely access to reach vulnerable populations, respond to emerging crises, protect civilians and support humanitarian operations.

The Joint Verification and Monitoring Mechanism remains one of the most important platforms for resolving operational challenges, strengthening cooperation with host authorities and ensuring that peacekeepers can continue protecting civilians and support lasting peace and stability in this young nation.

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

Source: APO

On July 2, 2026, Ambassador Han Jing went to the residence of the Chinese medical team to Zambia and extended warm regards to all members of the 26th and 27th  Chinese medical teams. Counselor Jin Jun accompanied the visit.

Ambassador Han Jing congratulated the 26th Chinese medical team on the successful completion of its medical assistance mission. Over the past year, all team members have overcome difficulties and strived for excellence. The team actively carried out clinical treatment, free mobile clinic, emergency rescue of critically ill patients and professional skills training. Through concrete actions, the team embodied the spirit of Chinese medical team and received multiple awards from the Zambian Government.

Ambassador Han Jing welcomed the 27th Chinese medical team to Zambia to undertake the medical assistance mission. He expressed the hope that all team members would quickly adapt to the local environment, inherit and carry forward the traditions and work style of the Chinese medical team, forge ahead with innovation, achieve new accomplishments, and make new contributions to the China-Zambia friendly relations  and bilateral cooperation in the medical and health sectors.

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

Source: APO

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The President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, H.E. Mr Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, today welcomed the President of the Republic of South Africa, H.E. Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, to the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale in Kinshasa for a high-level meeting focused on accelerating the Ebola response in the DRC and mobilising African support around the country.

The meeting, convened by Africa CDC in support of the DRC authorities, brought together the two Heads of State, Africa CDC Director General Dr Jean Kaseya, and senior representatives of the World Health Organization, the World Bank, the European Union, the United Kingdom and other partners engaged in the response.

“The Government is closely monitoring the situation on a daily basis and is taking the necessary measures to protect our population, prevent the spread of the disease and preserve the health security of neighbouring countries,” said President Félix Tshisekedi. “This outbreak reminds us that health security is closely linked to peace and human security in areas affected by armed conflict. Insecurity weakens prevention, epidemiological surveillance and the capacity of public health actors to respond rapidly.”

President Tshisekedi stressed that the simultaneous outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda demonstrate the need for a coordinated regional response based on shared responsibility. He also welcomed South Africa’s continued support and thanked international partners, including South Africa, Africa CDC, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the United States and China, for supporting the national response.

In his capacity as African Union Champion for Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, President Ramaphosa brought a message of African solidarity and collective action in the face of an outbreak that requires speed, coordination and financing.

President Ramaphosa’s visit also emphasized the importance of avoiding blanket travel restrictions and maintaining responsible engagement with the DRC while targeted public health measures are strengthened.

“Throughout many periods in our collective history, the resilience, courage and selflessness of our peoples have enabled us to weather even the most difficult of storms. We have no doubt that this crisis too shall be overcome. The people of Africa are one. Our bonds transcend borders, ethnicity and language. When there is tragedy in one part of our beloved continent, we all share in the sorrow. When a sister country needs assistance, we answer that call. The continental response to this Ebola outbreak has been swift. On the 16th of June, President Ndayishimiye of Burundi convened a virtual summit of African leaders and partners to deliberate on a global response. That meeting mobilised approximately US$1.5 billion in financing, technical support, medical countermeasures and humanitarian response. It is significant that of this amount, over US$100 million was pledged by African countries themselves. This reflects the spirit of solidarity and cooperation we continue to see in pursuit of African health sovereignty,” said President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The political message of the meeting was strong: the DRC is leading the response, and the DRC is not alone.

The Minister of Health of the DRC presented the epidemiological situation and the immediate priorities of the national response. The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs outlined urgent needs in affected areas. Partners provided updates on support already deployed, commitments under way and remaining gaps.

Africa CDC presented the status of continental coordination, including actions taken with neighbouring countries to strengthen regional preparedness, support points of entry, improve surveillance and reduce the risk of cross-border spread.

“The DRC is leading this response. Africa CDC stands with the DRC to support national decisions, strengthen regional coordination and move expertise, teams and resources faster to where they are needed,” said Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC. “President Ramaphosa’s presence in Kinshasa sends a strong message of confidence: the DRC can safely host high-level engagement, coordinated support and responsible public health action. This outbreak requires speed, discipline and solidarity, not isolation. Africa protecting Africa is measured here: in how fast we act, how well we coordinate, and how firmly we stand with affected communities.”

The meeting also confirmed that significant resources have been committed. The Government of the DRC has committed US$50 million to the response. South Africa has committed US$13.5 million. The World Bank announced an additional US$10 million, building on its existing US$63 million commitment. The European Union, the United Kingdom and other partners also reaffirmed their support to the response.

The joint Africa CDC–WHO continental preparedness and response plan estimates Ebola and health response needs at US$518 million. Commitments announced exceed this amount, but only 21% of funds had been released according to data presented. The priority now is to turn commitments into rapid operational support for teams on the ground, affected communities, clinical trials, surveillance, laboratories, points of entry and regional preparedness.

“Ebola moves fast. Africa must move faster,” said Dr Kaseya. “The financing exists. The commitments exist. They must now reach the places where they save lives.”

At the close of the meeting, the two Heads of State called on partners to align their support with the priorities of the DRC, accelerate resource mobilisation and disbursement, and strengthen preparedness in neighbouring countries.

Africa CDC will continue working with the Government of the DRC, South Africa, WHO, the World Bank, the European Union, the United Kingdom and other partners to strengthen the response, support affected communities and protect the region.​

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

Media contact: 
Africa CDC
Saran Koly
Director of Communications and Public Information
kolys@africacdc.org
+251 98 434 6488

Presidency of the DRC
​Presidency of South Africa

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About Africa CDC: 
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention is the public health agency of the African Union. As an autonomous institution, Africa CDC supports AU Member States to strengthen health systems, improve disease surveillance, and enhance emergency preparedness and response. For more information, visit: http://www.AfricaCDC.org