Category: English

Source: APO

With violence intensifying in South Sudan, more than 33,000 refugees have fled to northern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In May, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams launched emergency activities to provide lifesaving medical care to a community facing crisis. 

“We saw people shooting guns. Then we saw planes shooting people from the sky,” says Blessing Halima, a refugee from Morobo County, South Sudan, who recently fled to Adi, northern DRC, with her six children. “They began killing people and stealing everything. They took my husband. That’s why we ran.” 

Blessing Halima is not alone. In April, Atay Rose travelled for several days through the bush to reach Adi from Panyume, South Sudan. 

“If we used the main road, we would have been killed. They rape young girls and even married women,” says Atay. “I don’t know if I can go back. There’s still looting. There’s still raping. There’s still the killing of women and children. That’s what we fear the most.”

South Sudan is experiencing its most severe surge in violence since the signing of the peace agreement and end of its civil war in 2018. The crisis escalated in February, when clashes broke out between government forces and armed youths, known as the White Army, in the northeastern state of Upper Nile. 

The violence quickly spread to other parts of the country, incorporating armed groups in Central Equatoria state, which borders DRC to the south. There have been widespread civilian casualties throughout the country – with more than 730 civilians killed between January and March alone. [1]

Between January and June, an estimated 300,000 people were displaced by the violence according to the UN,[2] of whom 125,000 fled to neighbouring countries, including Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, and DRC. In DRC, more than 33,000 people have arrived since April, according to the country’s National Council of Refugees. 

Instability has led to the total collapse of already-fragile public services, and MSF has been forced to close two hospitals and scale down operations in the country amid attacks on health facilities. 

Most people arriving in DRC have fled Morobo county in Central Equatoria state, which has become highly volatile due to intensified fighting this year. A few days ago, we were forced to suspend all activities in Morobo—including services in camps for internally displaced people—as well as in neighbouring Yei River county. This decision followed the abduction of health workers, including one of our own staff members.

Arriving with nothing

Ituri province, in northeastern DRC, where most of the South Sudanese crossing into the country arrive, has itself been beset by conflict for decades, characterised by violence, ethnic division and a wide prevalence of armed groups. Even prior to the arrival of South Sudanese refugees, health systems were under strain and almost non-existent in the border area.

Many refugees arrive with few or no possessions whatsoever, having hastily fled South Sudan for their lives.

“We are suffering,” says Jacob Justin, who travelled alone with nothing but the clothes on his back. “We have no schools, no hospitals and no access to clean water.”

Viola Kani fled across the border in May with her brother and four children. 

“We ran away with nothing. They took our food and clothes,” she says. “Now we are dying of hunger and don’t have anything to sleep on.”

Six percent of children aged 6 to 59 months seen by MSF teams near the border are suffering from severe malnutrition, which represents a major public health problem, according to Dr Léonard Wabingwa, MSF’s medical activity manager in Adi. 

MSF response

To address the growing needs of the refugees, MSF launched an emergency response in May. We sent two mobile clinics and set up six community healthcare centres. 

In less than two months since activities were launched, more than 3,000 medical consultations were carried out—with the weekly average of more 370 consultations continuing to rise. Malaria accounts for more than half of all cases, followed by respiratory tract infections and acute gastroenteritis. We screen children under five years old for malnutrition, treating patients with therapeutic food.

“We have also provided care to several survivors of sexual violence, including some as young as 12,” says Dr Wabingwa.

Risk of disease outbreaks

Measles cases have already been reported among the refugee community, and an MSF-supported mass vaccination campaign, targeting 62,000 children, is set to begin in August to reduce the risks of an outbreak. A parallel vaccination campaign will seek to provide routine vaccinations to a further 520 infants and 310 pregnant women. 

“Instability in South Sudan means routine vaccinations have been interrupted,” says Félicien Lwiteo, MSF project coordinator in Adi. “If you are running for your life, it is difficult to respect a medical appointment. There’s a real risk of disease outbreaks and it’s vital that we act quickly.”

MSF is also working on critical infrastructure projects. Our teams are installing six water distribution points and 200 latrines and showers, expected to be completed by mid-August. Additionally, nearly 6,000 non-food item kits containing essential items—such as mosquito nets, buckets, soap, and portable toilets—will be distributed to families.

Mounting needs, limited support

With more refugees arriving daily in DRC, MSF’s capacity to meet the growing needs is under pressure.

“There are very few international organisations on the ground and none that are providing the same range of medical services as MSF,” says Asiyat Magomedova, MSF Head of Programmes covering the area. “Without support from other partners, there is a risk that further lives will be lost.”

In South Sudan, the situation remains “critical” according to Dr Ferdinand Atte, MSF Head of Mission in the country. 

“It is crucial to ensure safe and unobstructed access to populations in need, and to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, including medical facilities, before we can consider resuming our activities,” says Dr Atte. “While we are deeply committed to providing care to those in need, we cannot keep our staff working in an unsafe environment.”

For the South Sudanese refugees now living in DRC, there is little hope of returning home anytime soon.

“If we go back, that means we are going to die,” says Viola. “How can we go back there?” 

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Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).

Source: APO

Too often in South Sudan, women are excluded from political and peacebuilding opportunities, despite their critical importance in advancing peace and security in the conflict-ridden country.

To help women increase their visibility and secure funding for peacebuilding initiatives, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan hosted 30 women at a strategic communications workshop in Wau, Western Bahr El Ghazal.

“I used to think that writing grant proposals was solely for experts, but that illusion has vanished,” says participant Linda Hussein. “I thought that only people with specific qualifications or perfect English would succeed in securing financial support for important initiatives, but now I’ve learned that it’s more about understanding the work you do, the people you serve, their needs, and simply just getting started.”

Many women at the workshop had a breakthrough moment when they understood that leadership starts with finding their own voice.

“Today was the first time I stood before a group to facilitate a session,” says Juliet Luka, a journalist who also works with a women’s initiative in Wau. “It has always felt challenging for me. However, now I feel ready.”

The International Labour Organization’s 2023-2025 report states that only 13% of South Sudanese women have formal employment and, as a result, they suffer from persistent economic insecurity.

“Women in the informal sector already do impactful work, but without strong communication skills, they struggle to grow,” explains Sapia Taulani, an UNMISS Civil Affairs Officer.

A key focus at the workshop was also how to progress the commitment in the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement for 35% women’s participation in governance processes and institutions.

“If we want women at decision-making tables, we must equip them with the skills to be heard,” adds Sapia.

At the end of the workshop, the women gained knowledge, empowerment, and a renewed spirit to lead.

“Learning knows no bounds; share your knowledge,” stressed Linda Hussein to fellow participants, as they vowed to share their new skills for the betterment of all women across South Sudan.

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

Source: APO

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The ECOWAS Commission and the World Bank, through the West Africa Unique Identification for Regional Integration and Inclusion (WURI) programme, convened a regional validation workshop from 24 to 27 June 2025 in Accra, Ghana. The workshop brought together foundational identity (fID) agencies and functional service providers from WURI participating countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger and Togo), alongside representatives from ECOWAS Member States, to review and validate two strategic documents: the Stakeholders Assessment, Engagement and Management Strategy, and the Foundational Identification Systems Interoperability and Mutual Recognition of ID Credentials Strategy.

The aim of the Stakeholders Strategy is to ascertain the broad spectrum of actors in the foundational and functional ID ecosystems in the countries while the Interoperability Strategy aims to support the countries to make informed decision in the formulation, harmonisation and adoption of a common position on the fID systems interoperability and mutual recognition of fID credentials agenda. The latter equally seeks to guide the WURI participating countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger and Togo) on the right steps towards the realisation of the programme success.

Delivering the keynote address, Ghana’s Minister of the Interior, Honourable Mubarak MOHAMMED-MUNTAKA, emphasized the profound importance of identity, not merely as legal recognition but as a fundamental human right and an enabler of access to services, social protection, security, economic inclusion, and regional integration. He praised the WURI initiative as a vital opportunity to ensure that “everyone counts”. “WURI represents our collective aspiration for a more inclusive and connected West Africa, where everyone counts,” he stated.

Mr. Emil Tesliuc, Senior Economist and Social Protection Specialist/WURI Regional Task Team Leader of the World Bank urged all participants to reflect on the significance of WURI’s development agenda of fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals  target 16.9 – “to provide legal identity for all, including birth registration” – by 2030, and its transformative potential in the West African region in creating a seamless, interoperable ID system that will serve as a tool for inclusion, regional integration and development, whilst mitigating the negative effects of the use of multiple single-use functional ID credentials for service delivery – the effect of which is disproportionately borne by the poor and marginalised population.

The Chairperson of the Coordination Committee and WURI Project Coordinator of Niger, Mr. Abdourazakhe ABANI on his part, stressed the importance of preserving the principles of integration which are essential and indispensable to the survival of African nations and urged everyone to participate actively in the workshop as it is helping to put in place instruments that will enable millions of citizens living in our common space to access basic services offered by public and private providers in each country and on a cross-border scale.

Speaking on behalf of H.E. Mrs Massandje TOURÉ-LITSE, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mr. Albert SIAW-BOATENG, Director of Free Movement of Persons and Migration, stated: “The Strategies were developed in such a manner that the accomplishments in the WURI participating countries are not infringed upon and they are coming to fruition at a time countries across the region are digitising their ID systems for improved service delivery, free mobility of persons, and regional integration”.  He also expressed hope that the strategies would be utilised in a such a manner that WURI is beneficial to all – the people, the governments and businesses.

The Strategies were developed in collaboration and coordination with the lead ID agencies in the region, including Burkina Faso and Niger and are expected to guide long-term digital transformation efforts in the identity and service delivery space. The workshop featured stimulating deliberations which resulted in concrete recommendations amongst which include for the region to advance its digitisation agenda particularly that its benefits outweighs the risks and for ECOWAS and WURI participating countries to adopt a progressive approach to the deployment of interoperability due to the varying levels of development of countries’ fID systems and of maturity of their digital economy ecosystems.

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

Source: APO

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This morning, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi paid an inspection visit to the Egyptian Military Academy, at the State’s Strategic Command Headquarters in the New Administrative Capital. The President was received by Director of the Egyptian Military Academy, Lieutenant General Ashraf Zaher.

Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said the President commenced his tour by performing dawn prayer with the Academy’s students, followed by a direct meeting with them. President El-Sisi expressed his profound appreciation for the Academy’s leadership, faculty, and students. The President emphasized that the Academy is not merely an institution for building the character of men, but has become a beacon for preparing both men and women, and for building a balanced Egyptian character, capable of facing the challenges of modern era in various state institutions. President El-Sisi commended the courses the Academy offers to civilian cadres, stressing the importance of its training and educational programs across various specializations.

Tackling domestic issues, the President confirmed that Egypt enjoys internal stability, affirming that the state’s policy of transparency and credibility has proven effective over the past ten years. President El-Sisi noted that Egypt has encountered significant security challenges for over a decade, yet the state has successfully overcome them and continues to make tangible progress despite the difficult regional situation. The President pointed out that the geopolitical circumstances, including the war in the Gaza Strip, have negatively impacted Suez Canal revenues. However, he added, the path of economic reform is ongoing. President El-Sisi called on the Egyptian people to persist in their solidarity and cooperation to surmount the difficulties and achieve the desired development. The President expressed strong interest in scientific progress, noting that social media are not inherently bad; but rather, their impact depends on how they are utilized. President El-Sisi stated that they can be a useful tool if employed properly, but can also be used to spread rumors and undermine morale, a challenge which the Egyptian people are facing with increasing awareness.

On foreign affairs, President El-Sisi stated that the Arab region has been experiencing exceptional circumstances since 2011, not just since the events of October 7, 2023. This, he added, proves the soundness of Egyptian policies based on balance, non-interference, and respect for state sovereignty. The President warned against attempts by media outlets to sow discord among Arab peoples. He underscored the strength of Egypt’s relations with its brotherly Arab states and the necessity of overcoming disagreements to preserve Arab unity. President El-Sisi affirmed that Arab security is an integrated whole to which Egypt is closely linked, and that any external interference is aimed at destabilizing Arab states.

Regarding the situation in the Gaza Strip, President El-Sisi noted that Egypt has made immense efforts since 2007 to avoid escalation, recognizing that the Palestinian people would pay the price in any confrontation. The President elaborated that the current destruction in Gaza is unprecedented, and that the Egyptian state continues efforts to stop the war, deliver humanitarian aid, and cooperate to secure the release of hostages and captives, despite the distortion and misinformation campaigns that target Egypt’s pivotal role.

President El-Sisi then attended the morning physical fitness line-up for the academy students and praised their high level of physical fitness and self-confidence, which was clearly reflected in their performance during the training. The President also shared breakfast with the Military Academy students and exchanged conversation with the students. In this context, the importance of dedication to training and academic achievement was emphasized, in addition to the need to be aware of the local events, regional crises, and international developments surrounding Egypt.

President El-Sisi concluded the inspection tour by wishing the Egyptian Military Academy students success and expressed gratitude to their families, in appreciation of their role in preparing a mindful and qualified generation to carry the nation’s message and continue its path toward a more secure and stable future.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Source: APO

• Merck Foundation CEO announced call for application of 2025 Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards in partnership with African First Ladies – apply now at submit@merck-foundation.com

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, in partnership with the First Ladies of Africa, proudly announced the Winners of their Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards 2024 under the categories “More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes and Hypertension”.

The Awards Ceremony was conducted virtually to honor and celebrate the outstanding contributions of all the winning media professionals. The winners were warmly acknowledged by Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of the “More Than a Mother” campaign.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej expressed, “I am truly happy to announce the winners of our Media Awards, together with my dear sisters, The First Ladies of Africa, who are also the Ambassadors of the Merck Foundation ‘More Than a Mother’ Campaign. This year, we are delighted to celebrate 125 outstanding winners from 36 countries. It brings me joy to see such impressive participation not only from across Africa but also from several Asian and Latin American countries. Congratulations to all our incredible winners!

It is a true pleasure to welcome you all as Merck Foundation Alumni. Let’s continue to work together to raise awareness about critical social and health challenges, be the voice of the voiceless, and create culture shift in our communities.”

Merck Foundation Media Awards launched in 2017, are announced annually, with over 640 Winners from 52 countries celebrated to date.

The theme of the “More Than a Mother” Media Awards is to raise awareness about important social issues like: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending Female Genital Mutilation and/or Stopping Gender-Based Violence. The theme of the “Diabetes and Hypertension” Media Awards is to Promote a Healthy Lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

The Merck Foundation CEO also launched the Call for Applications for the 2025 Media Awards. “I am pleased to invite entries for the Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2025 – “More Than a Mother” & “Diabetes and Hypertension”, in partnership with the African First Ladies. I look forward to receiving another outstanding round of impactful entries this year as well.” Said Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Winners of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Media Recognition Awards 2024

Here are the winners from West African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia, H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW; and The First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, H.E. Dr. FATIMA MAADA BIO:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

• Jennifer Ambolley, The Chronicle, Ghana (First Position)
• Mackie Muctarr Jalloh, News Times Daily, Sierra Leone (Second position)
• Alao Abiodun, The Nation, Nigeria (Second position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

• Dzifa Tetteh Tay, The Spectator, Ghana (First Position)
• Laudia Sawer, Ghana News Agency, Ghana (First Position)
• Nyima Sillah, The Voice, The Gambia (Second Position)
• Isatou Ceesay, The Gambia Point, The Gambia (Third Position)
• Abigail Arthur, Citi Newsroom, Ghana (Third Position)
• Odimegwu Onwumere, The Nigerian Voice, Nigeria (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNER

• Mavis Offei Acheampong, GBC Radio, Ghana (First Position)
• Joyce Kantam Kolamong, GBC Radio, Ghana(Second Position)
• Zainab Sunkary Koroma, Star Radio, Sierra Leone (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

• Tolulope Adeleru-Balogun, News Central TV, Nigeria (First Position)
• Alieu Ceesay, QTV, The Gambia (Second Position)
• Mona Lisa Frimpong, Joy News, Ghana (Third Position)

Here are the Winners from Southern African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Malawi, H.E. Mrs. MONICA CHAKWERA; The First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

• Precious Kumbani, The Nation, Malawi (First Position)
• Gresham Ngwira, Freelancer, Malawi (Second Position)
• Simon Muntemba, Daily Nation, Zambia (Second Position)
• Charlotte Nambadja, The Namibian, Namibia (Third Position)
• Silence Mugadzaweta, The Standard, Zimbabwe (Third Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

• Alain Kabinda, Daily News Agency, Zambia (First Position)
• Catherine Murombedzi, Freelancer, Zimbabwe (First Position)
• Alick Ponje, The Times, Malawi (second Position)
• Wallace Mawire, Pan African Visions, Zimbabwe (Second Position)
• Hamu Madzedze, 365 Health Diaries, Zimbabwe (Third Position)
• Kundai Michael Magoronga, Chronicle, Zimbabwe (Third Position)
• Mlondi Mkhize, Briefly News, South Africa (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

• Glendah Fadzai Takachicha, Capitalk FM, Zimbabwe (First Position)
• Tina Nyirenda, Smooth FM, Zambia (Second Position)
• Sylviah Chisi, Trans World Radio, Malawi (Second Position)
• Nyasha Mandimutsira, Capitalk FM, Zimbabwe (Third Position)
• Perina N. Wahara, PL FM, Malawi (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

• Keneilwe Pono, YTV, Botswana (First Position)
• Taati Niilenge, The Namibian, Namibia (Second Position)
• Lame Lucas, YTV, Botswana (Third Position)

Here are the winners from East African Countries:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

• Elizabeth Angira, People Daily, Kenya (First Position)
• Marco Maduhu, Nipashe, Tanzania (Second Position)
• Margaret Maina, Nation Media, Kenya (Second Position)
• Beatrice Philemon Mukocho, The Guardian, Tanzania (Third Position)
• Vitus Audax, The Guardian, Tanzania (Third Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

• Kamau Maichuhie, Nation Online, Kenya (First Position)
• Isabella Maua Chemosit, Freelancer, Kenya (Second Position)
• Anne Robi, Daily News, Tanzania (Second Position)
• Nteza Michael, UG Standard, Uganda (Third Position)
• Benjamin Takpiny, Anadolu Agency, South Sudan (Third Position)
• Ayele Addis Ambelu, Ethiopian Mass Media Action News, Ethiopia (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

• Caren Waraba Sisya, Radio Citizen, Kenya (First Position)
• Mamer Abraham Kuot, Voice of America, South Sudan, (Second Position)
• Mwanaisha Makumbuli, Highlands FM, Tanzania (Second Position)
• Fatuma Mustapha Mtemangani, Pambazuko FM, Tanzania (Third Position)
• Daniel Byiringiro, Flash FM, Rwanda (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER

• Rose Wangui, NTV Kenya, Kenya (First Position)
• Andrew Juma, TV47, Kenya (Second Position)
• Leonard Kigozi  and Isabel Nakirya, CGTN Africa, Uganda (Third Position)
• Mackriner Siyovelwa, Crown Media, Tanzania (Third Position)

Here are the winners from French Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Burundi, H.E. Madam ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE; The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo, H.E. Madam DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

• Issa Moussa, Niger Times, Niger (First Position)
• Koami Agbetiafa, Niger Inter Press Group, Niger (Second Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

• AZODODASSI Mêmèdé Ambroisine, Savoir News, Togo (First Position)
• Julio Gada, Global News, Benin (Second Position)
• Boris Esono Nwenfor, Pan African Visions, Cameroon (Third Position)
• Bakari Guèye, Initiatives News, Mauritania (Third Position)
• Frimo Koukou Djipro, Lelus, Côte d’Ivoire (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

• Remy RUKUNDO, Radio TV Buntu, Burundi (First Position)
• Magnus MFURANZIMA, ISÔKO FM, Burundi (First Position)
• Mame Mbagnick DIOUF, Radio Oxyjeunes, Senegal (Second Position)
• Tanko Worou, Radio SU TII DERA, Benin (Second Position)
• Moussa KONE, Radio Channel 2, Mali (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

• Matthias KABUYA TSHILUMBA, RTDK, DRC (First Position)

Here are the winners from Portuguese Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Cabo Verde, H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO:

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

• Edisângela Tavares, Expresso das Ilhas, Cabo Verde (First Position)
• Sheilla Ribeiro, Sociedade, Cabo Verde (Second Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

• Teresa Monteiro Pinto, Rádio Televisão de Cabo Verde, Cabo Verde (First Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

• Ângelo Semedo, Deutsche Welle, Cabo Verde (First Position)

Merck Foundation “Diabetes & Hypertension” Media Recognition Awards 2024

Here are the winners from West African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia, H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW; and The First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, H.E. Dr. FATIMA MAADA BIO:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

• Agnes Opoku Saprong, Ghanaian Times, Ghana (First Position)
• Patience Ivie Ihejirika, Leadership Newspaper, Nigeria (Second Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

• Muhammed Lamin Touray, Freelancer, The Gambia (First Position)
• Prince Owusu Asiedu, Adom Online, Ghana (Second Position)
• Lara Adejoro, The Punch, Nigeria (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

• Godwin Awuni Anafo, Odadee Radio, Ghana (First Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER

• Emmanuel Dzivenu Seyram Abla De-Souza, Joy TV, Ghana (First Position)
• Ezedimbu Karen Ogomegbunem, Africa Independent Television, Nigeria, (Second Position)
• Lois Abba Sambo, Abuja Broadcasting Corporation, Nigeria (Third Position)
• Akua Oforiwa Darko, TV3, Ghana (Third Position)

Here are the Winners from Southern African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Malawi, H.E. Mrs. MONICA CHAKWERA; The First Lady of the Republic of Zambia, H.E. Mrs. MUTINTA HICHILEMA; The First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

• Nancy Kefilwe Ramokhua, The Patriot, Botswana (First Position)
• Matilda Chimwaza Majawa, Times Group, Malawi (Second Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

• June Shimuoshili, Unwrap Online, Namibia (First Position)
• Tendai Chisiri, Sport Way News Net, Zimbabwe (Second Position)
• Shireen van Wyk, Shay Blogger, Namibia (Third Position)
• Prince Kurupati, Pan African Visions, Zimbabwe (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

• Elvis Howahowa, Times Radio, Malawi (First Position)
• Stella Mlotha, Trans World Radio, Malawi (Second Position)

Here are the winners from East African Countries:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

• Lucy Johnbosco, Mwananchi, Tanzania (First Position)
• Christina Mwakangale, Nipashe, Tanzania (Second Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

• Joan Mbabazi, The New Times, Rwanda (First Position)
• Leon Lidigu, Nation Online, Kenya (Second Position)
• Namwalo Daniel Absalom, Kenya News Agency, Kenya (Third Position)
• Angela Kezengwa, Citizen Digital, Kenya (Third Position)
• Veronica Mrema, M24 Tanzania, Tanzania (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

• Kintu Khalid, Radio Simba, Uganda (First Position)
• Asha Bekidusa, Bahari FM, Kenya (Second Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER

• Walter Mwesigye, NTV, Uganda (First Position)
• Edvesta Tarimo, Tumaini Media, Tanzania (Second Position)

Here are the winners from French Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Burundi, H.E. Madam ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE; and The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo, H.E. Madam DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

• Konan N’Guessan Attoumgbre Joseph, La Retraite Active, Côte d’Ivoire (First Position)
• Nkurunziza Moise, Le Renouveau, Burundi (Second Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

• Bahwa Ferdinand, Le Journal Africa, Burundi (First Position)
• Abdoulaye Ouédraogo, Queen Mafa, Burkina Faso (Second Position)
• Richard Manirakiza, l’Agence Burundaise de Presse, Burundi (Second Position)
• Mapote Gaye, Infomedia27, Senegal (Second Position)
• Atha Menssan Woffa Assan, Focus Infos, Togo (Third Position)
• Catherine Aimée Biloa, Échos Santé, Cameroon (Third Position)
• Nadège Omoladé SANNY, SRTB Online, Benin (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

• MVUYEKURE Jean Claude, Radio TV Buntu, Burundi (First Position)
• Abdoul Razak Sani Oumarou, Radio Saraounia Maradi, Niger (Second Position)
• Kabamba Ngalamulume Fabrice, Radio Télévision de l’éducation (RTEDUC), DRC (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER

• Chris IRAMBONA, Radio Television Buntu, Burundi (First Position)

Here are the winners from ASIAN Countries:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

• Parikshit Nirbhay, Amar Ujala, India (First Position)
• Revathi Murugappan, Star Health, Malaysia (Second Position)
• Pooja Biraia, The Week, India (Third Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

• Rashe Zoe Sophia B Piquero, Cebu Daily News, Philippines (First Position)
• Roshan Bhandari, Medicoliterature, Nepal (Second Position)
• Crystal Chow, Undark Magazine, China (Third Position)

Here are the winners from LATIN AMERICA Countries:

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

• Adriana Becerra, Agencia Brunch, Mexico (First Position)
• Rafaela Polo, UOL, Brazil (Second Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER

• Roxana Fabiola Lopresti, Channel 9 Televida, Argentina (First Position)
• Ana Paula Pedrosa, R7, Brazil (Second Position)

Details of Merck Foundation Media Awards 2025:

1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition “More Than a Mother” Awards 2025

Theme for the awards: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Who can apply: Journalists from Print, Radio, Online, and Multimedia platforms from the following groups:

1. Southern African Countries
2. West African Countries
3. East African Countries
4. French Speaking African Countries
5. Portuguese Speaking African Countries

Submission deadline: 30th September 2025.

2. Merck Foundation Media Recognition “Diabetes & Hypertension” Awards 2025

Theme for the awards: Promoting a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Who can apply: Journalists from Print, Radio, Online, and Multimedia platforms from the following groups:

1. Southern African Countries
2. West African Countries
3. East African Countries
4. French Speaking African Countries
5. Portuguese Speaking African Countries
6. Latin American Countries
7. Asian Countries

Submission deadline: 30th October 2025.

All entries are to be submitted to submit@merck-foundation.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

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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/46LrTFg), X (https://apo-opa.co/4fubg34), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/47ofYNA), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/46Ej7J0), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4mvUkvp) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/45mtz5I).

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.

Source: APO

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The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today welcomed a contribution of JPY 200 million (approx. US$1.3 million) from the Government of Japan to support 32,000 vulnerable people with nutritious food assistance in Zimbabwe.

The contribution will assist WFP deliver cereals, pulses and vegetable oil, ensuring that families have access to basic nutrition during the January to March lean season, the time between harvests, when food supplies are typically at their lowest. 

“The Government of Japan and the Embassy of Japan in Zimbabwe are very concerned about the food insecurity in Zimbabwe,” said H.E. Mr Shinichi Yamanaka, the Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe. “I hope that this food assistance will help these vulnerable people to overcome the lean season. We will continue our support to allow all Zimbabweans to meet their food security needs.” 

WFP’s Lean Season Assistance response, supporting communities in the most food-insecure districts, is in line with the Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment (ZimLAC), a multi-stakeholder body responsible for conducting regular livelihood assessments.

“Thanks to this support from the Government of Japan, many families will not worry about their next meal when hunger is at its worst,” said Ms Barbara Clemens, WFP Zimbabwe Country Director and Representative. “This contribution is a show of solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe, and we remain resolute in ensuring the right food reaches the right people at the right time.” 

WFP supports the Government of Zimbabwe’s Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy, which protects the most vulnerable individuals from worsening food insecurity.

“We are grateful to Japan for their commitment to supporting the people of Zimbabwe,” said Hon Edgar Moyo, Minister of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare. “This contribution reflects our continued partnership with WFP to ensure food reaches those who need it the most and no one is left behind, in line with the mandate from His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa.”

The Government of Japan’s continued support highlights the strong and enduring partnership between Japan, WFP, and the Government of Zimbabwe. Between 2021 and 2015, Japan has provided food assistance through WFP, amounting to US$15.8 million.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).

Source: APO

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UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk on Wednesday condemned the escalation in deadly attacks by the Rwandan-backed M23 and other armed groups against civilians in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo over the past month.

According to first-hand accounts received by the UN Human Rights Office, at least 319 civilians were killed by the M23, backed by members of the Rwanda Defence Force, between 9 and 21 July in four villages in the Rutshuru territory, in North Kivu Province – one of the largest documented death tolls in such attacks since the M23’s resurgence in 2022. Most of the victims, including at least 48 women and 19 children, were local farmers camping in their fields during the planting season.

“I am appalled by the attacks on civilians by the M23 and other armed groups in eastern DRC amid continued fighting, despite the ceasefire that was recently signed in Doha,” said Türk. “All attacks against civilians must stop immediately, and all those responsible must be held to account.”

Türk also condemned attacks against civilians by other armed actors. The UN Human Rights Office documented multiple such attacks in the North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri Provinces in July, including by the ‘Allied Democratic Forces’ (ADF) and ‘Coopérative pour le développement du Congo’ (CODECO) armed groups.

ADF members killed at least 40 Christian worshippers in an attack during Sunday prayers in Komanda village, Ituri Province, on 27 July – among them 13 children – and burnt down at least 27 shops and four homes, as well as three cars. The group had earlier killed six men, one woman and a boy, in an attack in Ituri’s Otmaber village on 12 July, during which it also set multiple homes on fire. On 9 July 2025, ADF fighters killed at least 70 civilians in Pikamaibo village, also in Ituri.

CODECO members killed three civilians and injured another on 21 July in Lopa village, in Ituri. And eight women were raped by members of the Raia Mutomboki/Wazalendo armed group in Busolo village, in South Kivu, on 27 July.

The High Commissioner renewed his call on all parties to the conflicts in eastern DRC to protect civilians from harm, and to uphold all their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law. He also urged all parties to the recently signed declaration of principles to commit to the peace process in good faith and to act decisively to end the cycles of recurring violence.

The DRC Government and the M23 group signed a declaration of principles in Qatar on 19 July 2025, agreeing to a ceasefire and to further negotiations towards a comprehensive agreement. This was preceded by the signing of a peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda in Washington D.C., on 27 June. Yet meaningful progress on the ground remains limited, leaving affected communities in a state of deep uncertainty.

“I urge the signatories and facilitators of both the Doha and Washington agreements to ensure that they rapidly translate into safety, security and real progress for civilians in the DRC, who continue to endure the devastating consequences of these conflicts,” said Türk.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Source: APO

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The Ministry of Energy of Guinea-Bissau, with the support of the ECOWAS Commission through the Regional Off-Grid Access to Electricity Project (ROGEAP), officially launched the mission to develop the country’s first National Energy Policy on Wednesday, 23rd of July 2025, in Bissau.

The opening ceremony, chaired by the Minister of Energy, Dr. José Carlos Varela Casimiro, was attended by the Senior Advisor of the ROGEAP project, as well as representatives of technical and financial partners.

As part of this strategic initiative, two international experts were recruited by the ROGEAP project to:

• Review the current energy policy and the legal and regulatory framework in force;
• Diagnose and evaluate the energy sector in Guinea-Bissau.
• Develop a new energy policy in line with government priorities and propose a roadmap for its implementation.
• Align this policy with national development plans, regional (ECOWAS) and international commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement.

In his speech, the Minister of Energy welcomed this structural support, stating: “This policy will be the first in our country to establish a clear vision for the energy sector, defining the foundations of essential tools such as action plans and strategic guidelines. It will cover the fuel, oil and gas sectors, as well as energy production, transport, distribution and access, both on-grid and off-grid, while promoting low-carbon technologies.”

As a reminder, the ROGEAP Project is financed by the World Bank, the Clean Technology Fund (CTF) and the Directorate-General for International Cooperation.

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