Category: English

Source: APO – Report:

The African Catholic Union of the Press (UCAP) convened its Triennial Continental Congress in Accra, Ghana, from 10-17 August 2025, bringing together more than 100 Catholic journalists, lecturers, Content Creators, and other media practitioners from over 20 countries, among which 19 African countries. The Congress focused on the theme “Balancing Technological Progress and the Preservation of Human Values in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI).”

Download Document: https://apo-opa.co/4fHFXSl

The gathering provided a platform for participants to deliberate on the ethical challenges and opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence (AI), and to explore ways in which Catholic journalists can safeguard human dignity and values while embracing technological innovation.

At the end of this Congress, participants propose the following Resolutions and Recommendations.

1. Resolution

1.1. Resolution 1: On Safeguarding Human Dignity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

UCAP affirms the primacy of human dignity over technological advancement, and commits Catholic journalists in Africa to promote media practices that uphold truth, integrity, and authentic human relationships.

1.2. Resolution 2: On Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence in Media

UCAP calls upon African media institutions to establish ethical guidelines for the use of AI in journalism, ensuring that technology serves the human person and the common good, and rejecting any form of manipulation, misinformation, or disinformation.

1.3. Resolution 3: On Strengthening Media Training and Media Education

UCAP commits to enhancing the professional formation of Media Practitioners in Africa by integrating modules on AI, digital literacy, and Catholic social teaching into training programs, as well as Media Education.

1.4. Resolution 4: On Collaboration with the Church and Civil Society

UCAP shall collaborate with Episcopal Conferences, universities, policymakers, and civil society to develop frameworks that balance technological innovation with moral responsibility.

1.5. Resolution 5: On Promoting a New Ethic of Communication

UCAP members work actively to foster a culture of peace, reconciliation, and fraternity by giving voice to the voiceless and promoting communication that safeguards truth, freedom, justice, and solidarity.

2. Recommendations

2.1. To Governments and Policymakers:

Regulate the use of AI to prevent the erosion of truth, manipulation of consciences, and invasion of privacy.

Invest in digital infrastructure and ethical frameworks that protect human dignity while supporting innovation.

2.2. To Media Organizations:

Adopt editorial policies that ensure AI tools do not replace human judgment, conscience, or responsibility.

Establish fact-checking mechanisms and promote transparency in the use of AI-generated content.

2.3. To Catholic Media Professionals:

Commit to ongoing professional formation in technology, ethics, and communication, inspired by Catholic social teaching.

Serve as “missionaries of peace and reconciliation” by resisting disinformation and promoting integrity in journalism.

Popularize the Final document of the Synod on the Synodality among Media practitioners and to ensure its proper understanding in the different languages, according to communities and countries.

2.4. To the Church in Africa:

Continue to guide and support Catholic communicators in discerning the ethical challenges posed by AI.

Encourage dioceses and Catholic institutions to invest in media education that forms journalists in truth, responsibility, and service to the common good.

2.5. To UCAP as a Union:

Develop a continental charter on “AI and Ethical Journalism” as a reference for members.

Organize workshops, exchange programs, and research initiatives on the intersection of faith, media, and artificial intelligence.

UCAP Executive Committee to take into consideration the points of amendments discussed at the General Assembly concerning the Statutes, as well as to promote and assist UCAP Chapters, Regions, and the Cooperation to run the Journalism Desk of SIGNIS Africa.

3. Vote of Thank

We, African Catholic Union of the Press (UCAP), are very pleased to deliver this vote of thanks at the Closing Ceremomy of our Congress here at GIMPA, Legon, Accra (Ghana).

First and foremost, we give thanks to Almighty God, the source of all wisdom and inspiration, who has made this gathering possible.

We express our deepest gratitude to His Excellency Archbishop Julien Kaboré, for gracing this occasion with your presence and for your deeply inspiring message. Your reflections have reminded us that while Artificial Intelligence dazzles with speed and innovation, it is only the human heart – open to God, truth, and love – that can guide it rightly.

Our heartfelt appreciation goes to the President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Bishop Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi. Your words have powerfully reminded us that media is not merely a technical tool but a moral reality, entrusted with the noble task of upholding truth, fostering unity, and protecting the dignity of every human person.

Our gratitude to the Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, Vatican City, Dr Paolo Ruffini, represented by Mgr Janvier Marie Gustave Yameogo, for your Solidarity Message to this UCAP Congress.

To our distinguished guests, partners, and experts from various fields, we are truly grateful for your presence and contributions. Your insights will help us navigate the pressing challenges at the intersection of technology, ethics, and faith.

We also thank UCAP President, Mr. Charles Ayetan, the Co-Chairpersons of the Planning Committee, Mrs Victoria Lugey and Sir Ben Assorow, and Members of the Planning Committee for their leadership and commitment. Through your guidance, this Congress continues to be a space of learning, discernment, and fellowship for Catholic journalists across Africa.

Finally, to all participants – journalists, lecturers and friends of UCAP from across Africa and beyond—thank you for your commitment to truth and to the service of humanity. Your presence here is a testimony that Catholic media and Catholic media practitioners remains a beacon of light, defending human dignity in the digital age.

As we embark on this dialogue and reflection, may we be strengthened in our mission to balance technological progress with the timeless values of the Gospel, and to be artisans of peace, truth, and reconciliation in our beloved continent.

Thank you, and may God bless you all.

Participants of the UCAP Congress,

Accra (Ghana), 17^th August 2025.

– on behalf of African Catholic Union of the Press (UCAP).

Contact:
Charles Ayetan
President of UCAP
+228 9980 2198
+233 53 928 5744
ucap.official@gmail.com

Source: APO – Report:

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The Technical Working Group of the  Multi-Sectorial Committee on Drugs and Substance Abuse has concluded a two-day Technical Working Group (TWG) session at the Ministry of Health (MOH) to intensify Liberia’s fight against the growing wave of narcotics and substance abuse through a unified and actionable strategy.

The strategic session opened on Monday, August 18, 2025, bringing together government ministries, security agencies, development partners, and civil society organizations to review progress under the National Drug and Substance Abuse Program (NADSAP), as well as to strengthen inter-agency coordination.

At the conclusion of deliberations, participants endorsed a set of recommendations, including scaling up law enforcement operations, expanding nationwide rehabilitation and treatment services, and accelerating prevention programs in schools, communities, and workplaces. The session also prioritized resource mobilization and the operationalization of the national drug information system to better track usage trends.

At the opening session, Dr. Louise Mapleh Kpoto, Minister of Health and Chair of the Multi-Sectorial Committee, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to what she termed a “whole-of-society response” to the drug crisis. “This session is not just about discussions; it is about decisions and actions. We’re leaving here with a clearer roadmap, and we must all ensure that the commitments made are translated into practical interventions across every sector,” she emphasized. The Minister of Health also urged all stakeholders to remain committed beyond the meeting hall. “The fight against substance abuse is not a two-day exercise. It is a national emergency, and the success of our collective response depends on consistent action, accountability, and collaboration,” she stated.

During the technical sessions, Dr. Moses Ziah II, Director of the Mental Health Unit at MOH, presented the committee’s progress report, highlighting enforcement actions by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), community rehabilitation efforts, vocational training for recovering users, and policy reforms led by the Ministry of Justice and allied agencies.

International partners, including the UN system, YWCA, and Mother of Light Rehabilitation Center, pledged continued support through technical assistance, funding, and capacity-building initiatives.

The TWG session concluded with a strong message of solidarity and renewed commitment to safeguard Liberia’s youth and communities from the devastating impact of drug and substance abuse.

– on behalf of Ministry of Health, Republic of Liberia.

Source: APO – Report:

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On August 19 2025, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Arab Republic of Egypt, Evgeny Sobolevsky, presented copies of his credentials to the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Expatriates for Protocol Issues, Haitham Salah.

The interlocutors discussed the friendly nature of relations between Belarus and Egypt, as well as the presence of a number of promising areas for the development of cooperation.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus.

Source: APO – Report:

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The Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) and the Libyan Council for Oil, Gas and Renewable Energy (LCOGRE) have formed a strategic partnership to strengthen Libya’s private-sector energy ecosystem. As the premier association gathering Libyan SMEs, LCOGRE will leverage LEES 2026 to promote local Libyan companies, advance capacity building and facilitate partnerships.

LEES serves as Libya’s premier energy summit, officially endorsed by the Ministry of Oil & Gas and the National Oil Corporation. The next edition will take place in Tripoli on January 24–26, 2026, bringing together government leaders, investors and companies to advance dialogue and partnerships in Libya’s evolving energy landscape. The January 2025 edition drew 1,500 participants across 490 companies from over 30 countries, covering oil, gas, renewables, infrastructure and finance. https://LibyaSummit.com/

The Libya Energy & Economic Summit is set to take place in Tripoli on January 24–26, 2026. The event will bring together industry leaders, investors and policymakers, aiming to foster dialogue, secure investments and support the growth of Libya’s energy and infrastructure sectors. For more information, visit https://LibyaSummit.com/

Founded in 2012 with 35 corporate members and growing to over 150 by 2021, LCOGRE (https://apo-opa.co/4fOT6Jw) represents Libyan SMEs and companies operating across oil, gas, logistics, technology, renewable energy and services. The council advocates for private-sector interests, promotes capacity building, supports technology transfer and facilitates links with foreign partners. 

Through this partnership, LEES commits to supporting Libyan companies in building capacity, expanding networks and accessing opportunities. LEES will host LCOGRE members and local firms across the full energy spectrum, from upstream exploration to clean-energy and services. The emphasis is on enabling sustainable growth of the Libyan private sector – ensuring Libyan firms play a leading role in the country’s energy transformation.

Dr. Khaled Ben Othman, Chairman, LCOGRE, has consistently championed private-sector engagement in workshops and public forums, including a landmark session on early production facilities, PPPs and renewable energy integration at LEES 2025 (https://apo-opa.co/4mQhjBm). During the session, he presented on balancing Libya’s natural resources with clean technologies and encouraged innovation, research and infrastructure investment to meet environmental, safety and energy-efficiency goals.

“LCOGRE represents the heartbeat of Libya’s energy private sector, and LEES is proud to provide a platform where local companies can connect with international partners and advance their ambitions,” says James Chester, CEO of Energy Capital & Power. “This partnership is about putting Libyan firms first and ensuring they are equipped to thrive in a competitive global energy market.”

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Source: APO

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The attacks, which took place between 9 and 16 August in the localities of Beni and Lubero territories, claimed the lives of at least 52 civilians, including eight women and two children, but peacekeepers on the ground say the death toll may very well rise.  

“These attacks targeting civilians, which add to the atrocities committed during the night of 26 to 27 July in Komanda (Ituri territory, Ituri), are intolerable and constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights,” said Binto Keita, Head of the UN Mission in the DRC, known as MONUSCO.

Appeal to armed groups

The violent attacks were accompanied by abductions, looting, and the burning of homes, vehicles, and motorcycles, as well as the destruction of property belonging to the population already facing dire humanitarian conditions.  

MONUSCO issued a statement calling for foreign armed groups, such as the ADF, to lay down their arms unconditionally and return to their countries of origin.  

The Mission also urged “the Congolese authorities to conduct thorough investigations to identify those responsible for the massacre of civilians and bring them to justice.”  

Stronger military presence

In response to this new wave of violence, the peacekeeping mission reinforced its military presence and support to Congolese authorities.

For instance, on 13 and 14 August during incidents in Mayi-Moya in North Kivu, MONUSCO provided physical protection to 206 civilians, including 93 children and 70 women, who had sought refuge at the mission’s military base.  

“MONUSCO remains fully committed to supporting Congolese authorities and local communities in preventing further violence, protecting civilians, reducing tensions and contributing to the stabilisation of areas affected by armed conflict,” it said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

Source: APO

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The Consulate-General and key tourism stakeholders in Uganda and Kenya this morning launched preparations for the 4 th Uganda- Kenya Coast Tourism Conference, Exhibition and Fam trip. Under the theme “Leveraging Youth, Innovation & Technology for Responsive & Inclusive Tourism” the Conference and Exhibition will be held on 27th – 29 th October 2025 at the Ocean Beach Resort & Spa, Malindi, Kilifi County. The event, was attended by the Governor of Kilifi County H.E. Gideon Mung’aro accompanied by Kilifi county executives, the Kenya Tourism Board, Uganda Airlines, tour agents and a special appearance by Ugandan Brand Ambassador Akothee. 

Speaking to the attendees, Uganda’s Consul General in Mombasa, Amb. Paul Mukumbya emphasized that the Uganda–Kenya Coast Tourism partnership is about complementarity rather than competition. He said that the event has been steadily growing from the initial 200 delegates in 2022 to a projected 750 tourism stakeholders later this year!

In explaining the inspiration behind the theme, Amb. Mukumbya said that as the tourism sector evolves, innovation and technology have emerged as key elements in shaping the future of tourism. Young people, with fresh ideas and tech-savviness, have important roles to play both as travelers and service providers in the tourism industry as tour operators, travel agents and hoteliers. They are therefore uniquely positioned to drive innovation in both tourism and hospitality. From developing mobile apps for seamless bookings, to designing virtual reality travel experiences, to using AI and data analytics for personalized customer service, the youth are introducing dynamic innovations that enhance efficiency, sustainability and customer satisfaction in the industry.

“Young people possess a natural affinity for emerging technologies and are often at the forefront of creating and adapting to new technology solutions that transform the way tourism and hospitality services are delivered,” said Mukumbya. Expressing support for Youth innovation, Governor Mung’aro said their creativity and entrepreneurial mindset has also led to the rise of tech-enabled startups in travel, sustainable tourism initiatives, and smart hospitality concepts. Through the use of digital tools, data-driven solutions and creative entrepreneurship, youth are contributing to a more responsive, inclusive and sustainable tourism industry.

“These innovations not only improve the visitor experience but also contribute to environmental conservation, cultural preservation and economic empowerment,” he said. The Business Development Manager, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Ms. Dorcus Rukundo

Twesigomwe encouraged Ugandans to attend the Conference in Kilifi, observing that the number of Kenyans visiting Ugandan National Parks has doubled and there are more opportunities to be had by young people from the vibrant travel industry in Kenya.

“Moreover”, she added, “young professionals and students are increasingly involved in research, digital marketing strategies and social media engagement, helping destinations and businesses reach global audiences in real-time and stay relevant in a competitive market”. The highlight of the event was the launch of the registration portal www.thetourismconference.org

The conference will be preceded by a Fam trip to the Kenya Coast by Ugandan tourism stakeholders from 22 nd – 26 th October, and a golf tournament that will be held at Vipingo Ridge on 25 th October 2025. The conference and related activities will leverage on the achievements of the previous years and the emerging issues in the partnership. Uganda Airlines will offer special rates for registered participants.

File Attachment
uganda consulate-general launches 4th uganda-kenya coast conference.pdf (109.95 KB)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Republic of Uganda – Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Source: APO

At the crack of dawn, Mefa Kapokosa, a farmer from Mzimba, Malawi is already up, hoping to quickly finish preparing breakfast for her family and leave for the maize field. This is a typical day for Mefa and other women in her community, who depend on farming for food and income.

As she is getting ready, her mind wanders back to the lean years when she could not harvest enough maize to feed her family, let alone surplus to sell for income. With the changing climate, rains have become erratic and dry spells more frequent, critically affecting yield and production.

For years, Mefa had been on the receiving end of various agriculture extension advisories, on how to manage land and water resources to mitigate the effects of climate change, but it wasn’t until she started taking a particular interest in field demonstration plots set up by the agriculture extension officer in her community that things started looking up. She explained why it was easier to adopt the sustainable land management practices that were tested and showcased in the demonstration plots.

“Learning through a demonstration plot is more interesting because I get to observe firsthand how crops are faring under various practices. I can see how production is affected by adopting or not adopting certain technologies, which makes it easier to replicate them in my own field” said Mefa, who has since adopted the recommended low-cost land and water management practices such as zero-tillage, use of organic manure and soil mulching. “Even though we did not get much rain this year, my maize crop was not water stressed,” she added.

To promote the increased adoption of good agricultural practices, the Food and Agriculture Organization’s Sustainable Land and water Management (SLM) project, with funding from the Government of Flanders, mainstreams tenure security, land use planning, climate-smart agriculture and integrated watershed management in agricultural extension delivery.

Mainstreaming Climate-Smart Agriculture in extension delivery

Agriculture extension is the vehicle through which knowledge, technologies and innovations are transferred from researchers to users. A functional extension system ensures that investments channeled into agriculture research result in better production, better nutrition, better life and a better environment.

The SLM project supports the Ministry of Agriculture’s existing extension structures by providing technical and financial support to improve efficiency. Among other things, the project supports the mounting of field demonstration plots – small fields, designated as  learning platforms for testing agricultural practices and technologies.

Highlighting the effectiveness of demonstration plots as a tool for delivering advisories to farmers, Harvey Nyirongo, Agriculture Extension Development Officer for Chasato section in Mzimba said, “using demonstration plots as a learning tool helps farmers make informed decisions as they are able to observe and assess the effectiveness of various technologies on their own.”

Scaling up and scaling out

Chasato section mounted a 6-acre maize demonstration plot, showcasing various low-cost sustainable land and water management technologies such as the use of Mbeya (organo-mineral) fertilizer, mulching, pit planting, vetiver grass planting, use of organic manure, construction of swales and other land and soil conservation techniques.

The demonstration plot is managed by the extension officer and farmers, who, after observing the performance of maize under specific technologies, replicate the practices in their respective fields. Usually situated along main roads and paths in the communities, demonstration plots aim to evoke curiosity in passers-by, some of whom stop to learn more and eventually adopt the technologies.

The practices are also disseminated through field days, where technologies are showcased to farmers from other sections with the expectation that they will further disseminate them to farmers in their respective communities. So far, 1 730 farmers, of which 1 124 are female, have participated in learning activities at the demonstration plot. According to the Mzimba district agriculture office, use of demonstration plots has seen an increase in the adoption of recommended technologies and increased yield. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

Source: APO

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On World Humanitarian Day, the Deputy Minister of South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Alvin Botes, alongside the Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Pretoria Regional Delegation, Jules Amoti, convened a gathering of ambassadors and high commissioners of African Union Member States represented in Pretoria. The aim: to underscore Africa´s vital role in the Global Initiative to galvanize political commitment to International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

12 August 2025 marked the commemoration of the 76th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, the bedrock of legal norms applicable during armed conflicts. These fundamental rules remain in force for all States and parties to a conflict, yet ongoing conflicts worldwide continue to inflict unimaginable harm and suffering on civilians and vital infrastructure. With ongoing armed conflicts currently affecting millions of people across Africa, the need to place IHL at the centre of political discussions could not be more urgent.

It is for this reason that in September 2024, South Africa together with Brazil, China, France, Jordan, and Kazakhstan co-launched with the ICRC an initiative to galvanize political commitment to IHL. Its core goal is to enhance political commitment to IHL and promote its universal, uniform and faithful application at global, regional and domestic levels. The initiative also aims to deepen reflections on existing and contemporary challenges to IHL. More than 70 states have already joined this effort.

The participation by African states is key to the success of this initiative. Broad continental representation is vital to reaffirm our collective commitment, made 76 years ago, that even in war, there are limits. Together, we must demand all parties to armed conflicts fully comply with their obligations under IHL, including those enshrined in the 1949 Geneva Conventions.

On World Humanitarian Day, we are reminded of the urgent need to renew the protective power of IHL. The principles of humanity, military necessity, distinction, proportionality, and precaution, and the prohibition of unnecessary suffering, must be upheld in all armed conflicts, without exception.

The meeting in Pretoria reaffirmed that all states bear a collective responsibility to promote, respect and ensure respect for IHL.

The Government of South Africa and the ICRC call on all African States to unite in reaffirming the universality and impartiality of IHL and its consistent application in all situations of armed conflict.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.