Category: English

Source: APO

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Five hundrer students from the Higher Institute of Commerce in Beni (North-Kivu) have been participating since Tuesday, August 5, 2025, in an awareness campaign on positive masculinity and the fight against gender-based violence (GBV).

Initiated by MONUSCO police (UNPOL) in partnership with the local NGO “Tendo la Roho,” this training is designed to familiarize students with concepts such as gender equality, respect for human rights, reporting sexual violence, harassment, and child protection. Better informed, these young people will be able to identify different manifestations of gender-based violence in order to report or prevent them.

Congolese police officers specialized in this issue facilitate the awareness sessions during which they respond to numerous questions posed by students.

The student body president of Beni’s Higher Institute of Commerce, Esaïe Paluku, welcomes an initiative he considers “precious.” “As future social actors, we must be aware of these realities. Some forms of violence, although not sexual, remain serious and must be reported. This training equips us to become agents of change,” he explains.

Breaking the silence, encouraging engagement

For Ange Maliro, communication officer at “Tendo la Roho,” this campaign goes beyond simple information. She expects engagement from students whose activity and dynamism in Beni make them particularly effective advocates against sexual violence. “War and poverty expose young people, especially girls, to silent forms of violence such as survival sex. It is urgent to break the silence and raise awareness about male responsibilities in this context,” she notes.

This three-day campaign aims to lay the foundations for a more conscious, more engaged, and more respectful generation regarding the dignity, intimacy, uniqueness, and choices of others. This is one of the conditions for lasting peace.

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

Source: APO

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President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a message of congratulations to Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, President of the Republic of Chad, on the occasion of his country’s Independence Day.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, sent similar messages to the Chadian President and to Prime Minister Allamaye Halina on the occasion.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Source: APO

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A rapidly escalating cholera outbreak in eastern Chad has claimed 16 lives and infected at least 288 people across three health districts in the last week, with the majority of cases reported in several refugee camps in Ouaddaï province. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is responding by delivering emergency health services in affected camps, working alongside government partners to contain the outbreak and support vulnerable communities.

This growing health crisis is unfolding at a time when Chad’s health system is already under extreme pressure. The country is facing a massive influx of refugees—over a million people, including more than 875,000 who have fled the conflict in Sudan over the past two years. Severe flooding, limited funding, and a lack of medical staff, equipment, and infrastructure are making it even harder to respond. Poor sanitation, unsafe water, and the ongoing rainy season are creating the perfect conditions for cholera and other waterborne diseases to spread quickly.

Alain Rusuku, Country Director for the IRC in Chad, said:

“We’re seeing families who have already fled violence now facing the threat of a deadly disease with little protection. It’s heartbreaking to witness how quickly cholera is spreading in overcrowded camps where clean water and sanitation are scarce.

The IRC is working closely with the Ministry of Health to deliver life-saving treatment and raise awareness about cholera prevention in the affected camps. We’re currently providing targeted emergency support in two of the hardest-hit sites, as part of our broader work across nine refugee camps in Eastern Chad. 

But this outbreak is a clear warning sign: without urgent support, including long-term investment in water, sanitation, and health systems, the crisis will only worsen.” 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Rescue Committee (IRC) .

Source: APO

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“In an era of evolving information landscapes, safeguarding information integrity is paramount to fostering trust, informed citizenship, and robust democracies across Africa,” stated Director of information and communication Directorate, Leslie Richer, “This framework marks an important step in equipping our citizens with the critical skills needed to navigate the digital age.”

The Information and Communication Directorate, in a collaborative effort with the UNESCO Liaison Office to the AU and UNECA, are working towards developing the first draft of the AU Continental Framework on Information Integrity, Digital, Media, and Information Literacy (MIL).This Framework will provide essential support to AU Member States to develop and implement comprehensive Information Literacy (MIL) and digital competencies policies and strategies and further empower African citizens to critically assess information, participate effectively in digital spaces, and contribute to inclusive development.

“This collaboration with the African Union on the Continental Framework for Information Integrity and Media and Information Literacy (MIL) is a crucial step forward. UNESCO firmly believes that empowering African citizens with these essential skills is key to promoting informed civic engagement, countering disinformation and misinformation, and driving an inclusive and equitable digital transformation across the continent. Rita Bissoonauth, Director of UNESCO Liaison Office to AU, ECA and Representative to Ethiopia.

The development of this inaugural draft framework is guided by key continental and international recommendations and decisions, including:

• The  Continental AI Strategy, which was endorsed by the African Union Executive Council during its 45th Ordinary Session in Accra, Ghana, on July 18-19, 2024, with particular focus on its recommendations pertaining to responsible AI development and deployment to ensure the integrity of Information (pages 50-51).
• The G20 Maceió Ministerial Declaration on Digital Inclusion for All, emphasizing the global commitment to equitable access and digital literacy.
• Relevant Decisions adopted by the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU) at its 1214th meeting (open session) held on June 13, 2024, and its 1230th meeting (Open Session) on September 2, 2024, underlining the nexus between information integrity, digital literacy, peace, and security.

Following the completion of this initial draft, a six-month regional consultation process with stakeholders will commence. This extensive consultation phase ensures comprehensive feedback and broad buy-in before the framework is presented for approval to the Communication and ICT Ministers and the Sixth Ordinary Session of the Specialized Technical Committee on Communication and ICT (CCICT-6), to be held 3rd – 6th November 2025 in Addis Ababa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

Source: APO

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The U.S. Embassy in Mozambique is pleased to announce the arrival of Chargé d’Affaires Abigail L. Dressel on August 11.  She will lead the U.S. Mission to Mozambique.

Chargé d’Affaires Dressel, a career diplomat, will work to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the United States of America and the Republic of Mozambique.  “It is an honor to return to Mozambique, an important partner of the United States,” said Chargé d’Affaires Dressel.  “I look forward to deepening our partnership with Mozambique to make both of our countries and peoples safer, stronger, and more prosperous.”

This is her second diplomatic assignment in Mozambique and her third in Africa, reflecting her deep expertise and longstanding engagement in the region.  From 2019 to 2022, she served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Maputo.

A seasoned diplomat with more than two decades of experience advancing U.S. foreign policy, Chargé d’Affaires Dressel has served in key leadership roles across Africa, Latin America, and Europe.  Prior to her current assignment, she was Chargé d’Affaires and Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina (2022–2025).  Her earlier assignments include Counselor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Missions in Brazil and Colombia, and U.S. Consul in Minas Gerais, Brazil.  Ms. Dressel is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service with the rank of Minister Counselor.

She has also served at U.S. Embassies in Portugal, Angola, Peru, and El Salvador.  In Washington, she directed global media outreach in the Bureau of Global Public Affairs at the Department of State.  During her career, Ms. Dressel has been recognized with several awards, including the prestigious Presidential Rank Award, in recognition of her exceptional leadership and service.

Originally from Wallingford, Connecticut, Ms. Dressel holds a B.A. in International Affairs from The George Washington University.  She is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish.  She is married and has two children.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Mozambique.

Source: APO

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The President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, received Prof. Wautabouna OUATTARA, Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the West Africa region, in audience on Friday, 8 August 2025.

In his welcome address, President Touray welcomed Prof. Ouattara’s appointment and reiterated the West African organisation’s support for the success of his mandate. He also requested the International Monetary Fund’s contribution to the development of a West African regional market and the implementation of programmes that contribute to regional stability and integration.

Prof. Ouattara praised ECOWAS’ leadership in resolving conflicts in the region and promoting economic integration. He pledged to work more closely with ECOWAS and the 14 countries under his purview to address challenges such as public debt, budget deficits and economic growth.

As a reminder, on Friday, November 1st, 2024, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced the addition of a 25th seat to its Executive Board, thereby fulfilling the long-standing demands of African countries for better representation of sub-Saharan Africa within the institution. With this reform, the 45 countries of sub-Saharan Africa are now grouped into three constituencies: Central and East Africa, Southern Africa, and West Africa.

The constituency headed by Prof. OUATTARA comprises 14 countries, including Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Senegal, Liberia, Mali, Gambia, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Togo, Benin, Guinea-Bissau, Niger and Guinea.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO

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The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, extends his warmest congratulations to the Government and the people of the Republic of Chad on the celebration of their Independence Day.

This significant occasion offers an opportunity to reflect on Chad’s enduring journey as a sovereign nation and its steadfast contributions to the advancement of peace, stability, and regional cooperation across the continent.

As a valued Member State of the African Union, Chad has played a pivotal role in the promotion of collective security, counterterrorism, and continental integration – efforts that remain crucial to the realization of the African Union’s vision of an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa.

The African Union reaffirms its unwavering support to the Government and people of Chad as they pursue their national development priorities and democratic aspirations. We remain committed to working closely with Chad in fostering sustainable peace, resilience, and inclusive growth.

Happy Independence Day!

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

Source: APO

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In an era where misinformation spreads rapidly, the African Union Media Fellowship (AUMF) is empowering African media professionals with the skills to critically assess and share accurate information. The Fellowship aims to strengthen the capacity of African journalists, content creators, and media professionals to tell Africa’s stories from an African perspective, support fact-based reporting, and encourage cross-border collaboration in line with Agenda 2063 and its goal of advancing good governance, transparency, and democratic values.

As part of these objectives, AU Media Fellows Jibi Moses (South Sudan) and Maurice Thantan (Benin) received an AUMF grant to train 130 journalists from Botswana, Benin, The Gambia, South Sudan, and Tunisia and to develop a fact-checking and Civic Tech toolkit. Delivered through online and in-person sessions, the 40+ hours of training covered election fact-checking, research and verification, report writing, and the application of the AU Data Policy Framework.

In today’s world, misinformation can undermine democracy and lead to poor decisions. Giving journalists strong fact-checking skills is essential for good governance. This training is an important step in ensuring African media professionals are at the forefront of telling balanced, truthful, and impactful stories. We’re proud that two of our AU Media Fellows alumni are leading this important work,” said Mrs Wynne Musabayana, AU Head of Communication in the Information and Communication Directorate.

The toolkit addresses the growing threat of misinformation by equipping journalists with tools to verify information, use Civic Tech, and promote transparency and accountability, while fostering a cross-border network committed to accurate reporting.

“Civic Tech is changing how governance works in Africa, and journalists have a key role to play. When we understand and use these tools, we can help make our communities more transparent and accountable. This is why we at GIZ are supporting this Civic Tech project to equip media professionals with the knowledge and skills to harness technology for open governance, informed citizen engagement, and stronger democratic institutions across the continent,” said Florian Zabel, Team Lead, DataCipation Programme – Harmonised and Inclusive Digital and Data Policies in Africa.

The training has already had a measurable impact on participating journalists. Many have reported using their new skills to debunk misinformation and produce fact-based reports that have influenced public discourse in their countries. This demonstrates how the AUMF programme is contributing to a more informed and engaged citizenry.

“This training gave me practical skills to counter misinformation and promote transparency in my work. The focus on elections and governance was especially valuable, providing insights I can apply directly in my reporting. Working with journalists from across Africa reminded me of our shared responsibility to tell Africa’s stories truthfully and accurately, beyond borders and stereotypes. I leave this programme better equipped, more motivated, and committed to contributing to a more informed, transparent, and fair society,” said Motlalepule Banda, a Digital Content Strategist, after completing the training.

With the project now concluded, the fellows have launched the Civic Tech and Election Fact-Checking Toolkit, a resource offering practical strategies for addressing election-related misinformation and applying the AU Data Policy. Developed as a hands-on guide for journalists across Africa, the toolkit supports the integrity of information and reinforces democratic processes. The publication is now available online

Visit our website to learn more about the AU Media Fellowship Programme.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).