Category: English

Source: APO

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Aaron Weah, a distinguished Liberian academic and transitional justice expert, to the African Union Committee of Experts on Reparations (AUCER). Dr. Weah’s appointment represents a significant milestone for Liberia as the nation continues to contribute meaningfully to continental policymaking on justice, accountability, and historical redress.

Mme. Nyanti expressed a sense of pride in nominating Dr. Weah on behalf of the Government of Liberia. She extended heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Weah and stated her confidence in him being a strong ambassador to bring Liberia’s historical journey to the African narrative and to demonstrate Liberia’s credibility in raising the need for reparations for Africa.  

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Her Excellency Mme. Sara Beysolow Nyanti lauded the appointment as “a moment of opportunity for Liberia to share its experience in transitional justice and challenges with reparations; and to contribute expertise to the African Union’s reparations campaign.” 

Minister Nyanti further emphasized that Liberia’s participation at this level signifies the country’s growing leadership in global and continental conversations on justice, accountability, and reconciliation. She congratulated Dr. Weah and urged him to effectively represent Liberia’s perspectives on Pan-Africanism. She also encouraged him to leverage economic diplomacy as a tool for strengthening Liberia’s influence within the African Union.

The Ministry extends its profound appreciation to the Regional Dean of West Africa (Senegal) and all member states within the regional bloc for endorsing Liberia’s nominee after a series of constructive negotiations. This endorsement underscores the region’s confidence in Liberia’s expertise and long-standing contributions to transitional justice discourse.

In response to his appointment, Dr. Weah expressed deep gratitude to Minister Nyanti and the Government of Liberia for recognizing his longstanding work and expertise. He noted that it was an honor to be considered for such a vital role and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing Africa’s reparations agenda with professionalism, scholarship, and integrity. 

He pledged to work collaboratively with fellow experts to develop a robust and inclusive framework that reflects the aspirations of African peoples and diaspora communities.

With more than eighteen years of experience in civil society, government, and international non-governmental organizations, Dr. Weah brings a wealth of knowledge to the AUCER. He has worked extensively on transitional justice issues in both Liberia and The Gambia, contributing to national and regional dialogues on accountability and post-conflict recovery. 

In 2023, he was part of an international delegation of scholars and practitioners that convened in Accra, Ghana to advance a unified position on justice and reparations for Africa and the Black African Diaspora.

Dr. Weah currently serves as the Director of the Ducor Institute for Social and Economic Research, a Liberia-based think tank focused on evidence-driven public policy and social research. He also lectures at the University of Liberia and the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, mentoring the next generation of scholars, diplomats, and public servants.

His scholarly contributions include publications in reputable journals such as the Oxford University Press International Journal of Transitional Justice. He is also the co-publisher of Impunity Under Attack: The Evolution and Imperatives of the Liberian Truth Commission (2008), a seminal work that underscores his deep engagement with Liberia’s post-conflict justice processes.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs once again congratulates Dr. Aaron Weah on his prestigious appointment and affirms its full support as he undertakes this critical continental responsibility on behalf of Liberia and the West Africa region.

The Committee’s mandate, as defined by Assembly of Heads of State and Government Decision 847(XXXVI), is “to develop an African Common Position on Reparations, and incorporate therein, an African Reparatory Programme of Action.” The body will work collaboratively with member states, regional blocs, experts, and civil society organizations to forge a unified African approach to addressing historical injustices, colonial harms, and other systemic violations suffered across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.

Source: APO

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The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyma Boakai, Sr., has by Proclamation declared Saturday, November 29, 2025, the 130th Birth Anniversary of the late William V. S. Tubman, the 18th President of the Republic of Liberia, to be celebrated throughout the length and breadth of the Republic as a National Holiday. 

President Boakai has ordered and directed that all government ministries, agencies, business houses, and market places be closed on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from six o’clock ante meridian to six o’clock post meridian.

 According to a Foreign Ministry release, at the 3rd session of the 42nd  National Legislature of the Republic of Liberia, declaring the birthday of William Vacanarat Shadrach Tubman, November 29, each year as a National Holiday in keeping with the will of the Liberian people.

The Proclamation says this act of Legislation is in recognition of his productive, meaningful services and policies, including the Integration Policy, the granting of suffrage to women, as well as national policies and many other socio-economic developments, and his contributions to the emancipation of African Colonial Territories into statehood.  

“In consideration of the numerous contributions, profound changes and lasting accomplishments made by William Vacanarat Shadrach Tubman, during his administration as 18th President of the Republic of Liberia, the citizens of the Republic, desirous of showing their deep appreciation, esteem and approval of his outstanding, noble and remarkable leadership, did petition and requested the National Legislature of this nation to issue permanent record of their sentiments in honor of his birth anniversary for posterity.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.

Source: APO – Report:

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“The thin line between justice denied and justice served is determined by investigation.”

This simple but profound statement by warrant officer, Michael Dhieu Malual, perfectly captures how he has harnessed the power of newly developed investigation skills into meaningful outcomes for victims of crime in Bor.

After receiving five-days of specialized training by United Nations police officers serving with the peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, he was able to successfully deliver justice for victims of an armed robbery.

It was in the middle of the night when an offender broke into the victim’s home, threatening the residents with a gun, and running off with a bag full of clothes and other belongings.

“The residents informed the police about the crime, and we cordoned off the scene before marking, photographing and packaging the evidence,” recalls warrant officer Dhieu. “A few days later, we found the perpetrator wearing the same clothes that he had stolen, and we were able to get these identified by the owner. We further investigated and were able to take the case successfully to court.”

This positive outcome was achieved with the support of the UN police who provided Dhieu and 30 others, including eight women, from the police force, riverine crime unit, traffic and criminal investigations teams with intensive training over a five-day period.

“We were able to absorb the importance of a meticulous approach to investigation, including how a single fingerprint, a careful interview, or a well-documented chain of custody can mean the difference between justice served and justice denied,” Dhieu explains.

The officers did a deep dive into the craft of criminal investigation, including securing crime scenes, recording evidence and interviewing victims, witnesses and perpetrators, and compiling case files for prosecution.

Beyond technical skills, officers also strengthened their understanding of legal frameworks guiding their work, the importance of respecting victim and offender rights, and the need for collaboration with prosecutors and other agencies.

They explored all aspects of crime from violence and theft to fraud, cybercrime, and environmental offenses and the different investigative approaches each requires, ranging from proactive tactics to reactive responses, forensic science, and community partnerships.

UN Police Commander, Mwewa Mervyn Musonda, stressed the importance of a collaboration approach to training where officers share their experiences, reflect on challenges, lessons learned and explore shared solutions for securing a safer South Sudan.

“Our mandate is to pass on the skills that we have learned through our experience in our respective countries so that our South Sudanese colleagues can be aware of domestic and international practices and processes,” he said.

As the participants return to their communities, the impact of this training will be measured in every case they investigate, every victim they assist, and every act of justice they help deliver.

– on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Source: APO – Report:

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The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has issued a Proclamation declaring Monday, December 1, 2025 as World AIDS Day to be observed throughout the Republic as a Working Holiday, in recognition of the immense contributions of the United Nations to combat HIV and AIDS.

The Proclamation calls upon all citizens, governmental and non-governmental institutions, faith-based and traditional leaders, youth organizations, civil society groups, and development partners to join the National Aids Commission, organize and execute appropriate programs befitting the occasion.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, this year’s World Aids Day will be celebrated on the Grounds of the Capitol Building in Monrovia under the global theme: “OVERCOMING DISRUPTION, TRANSFORMING THE AIDS RESPONSE,” and the National Theme: “MOBILIZING DOMESTIC SUPPORT, TRANSORMING THE AIDS RESPONSE,” with His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia, serving as Keynote speaker.

The proclamation noted that United Nations Joint Program on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) has designated the 1st Day of December of each year as World AIDS Day, a time to raise awareness of the HIV and AIDS epidemic, to honor those who have lost their lives, and to show solidarity with people living with HIV/AIDS as well as those at risk. 

The proclamation also stated that Liberia has a generalized HIV epidemic with reproductive aged population showing HIV prevalence of 2.1% (2013 LDHS), with an estimated HIV population of 36,000. 

The presidential proclamation further disclosed Significant variations in HIV prevalence and exist between and within regions and counties. HIV prevalence is higher in urban (2.6%) than in rural (0.8%) areas. The South-Central Region has the highest prevalence of 2.8% among the five regions and Montserrado, Margibi, and Grand Bassa counties have the highest HIV prevalence among the 15 counties and together account for abhout 70% of the burden of disease in the country.

The proclamation further indicated that it is in line with the principles of creating awareness of the threat of HIV and AIDS, embodied in the policies of the Government, as adopted, are in accordance with those recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Joint Program on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS), to educate and keep the Liberian people aware of the threat of AIDS.

Since the diagnosis of AIDS in 1981, it has continued to pose a serious problem and threats to the health and wellbeing of the human race of which the People of Liberia are of no exception, the Proclamation added.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.

Source: APO

A leader in industrial automation and digital transformation solutions for over 30 years, Adroit Technologies (https://AdroitSCADA.com/) is advancing its cutting-edge research and development (R&D) into an AI-powered Water Management Platform, designed to tackle one of South Africa’s most urgent infrastructure challenges: non-revenue water losses.

The R&D presents an opportunity to develop a first if its kind, AI-driven ‘pseudo-metering’ capability, a potential breakthrough feature that can infer consumption and pressure data in areas where physical meters are not installed. “We have proven the initial concept and have now secured the support of the government and other industry leaders to develop this AI-driven platform, confirms Frits Kok, Co-CEO at Adroit Technologies.

With nearly 40% of the country’s treated water lost to leaks, theft, and ageing infrastructure, Adroit Technologies is exploring new ways to enhance intelligent, data-driven water management. Using advanced machine learning (ML) and neural network algorithms, the research platform can analyse existing telemetry and SCADA data to detect leaks, forecast demand, and infer flow rates in areas without sensors, paving the way for more efficient, transparent municipal water systems in the future.

“South Africa’s water infrastructure challenges demand smarter, data-driven solutions,” stresses Kok. “Our current R&D is focused on developing next-generation AI capabilities that will, in time, complement our existing water management technologies, which are already helping utilities reduce water losses and make informed operational decisions today.”

Addressing a National Challenge

Urban growth, vandalism, and limited monitoring capacity have severely strained South Africa’s water systems. In many municipalities, leaks and pump failures are discovered only after outages occur.

Adroit Technologies’ ongoing research aims to integrate new AI tools seamlessly with existing SCADA and telemetry systems to deliver predictive analytics, real-time alerts, and actionable insights, helping engineers identify hidden losses and optimise operations before crises arise.

The AI-driven ‘pseudo-metering’ can infer consumption and pressure data where physical meters are missing or damaged. This innovation has the potential to help under-resourced municipalities monitor network conditions that were previously ‘data blind.’

Research with Real-World Impact

Adroit Technologies’ current research is focused on developing a scalable, national-level AI framework that leverages forecasting, anomaly detection, and digital twin modelling to enhance decision-making and support more efficient water use.

A hybrid neural network architecture (CNN-LSTM) and self-healing data middleware are being designed to operate effectively even with incomplete or delayed data, a common challenge across South Africa’s municipalities.

“This research is about enabling resilience,” adds Hugo Pienaar, Director of Digital Services at Adroit Technologies. “By combining AI with decades of SCADA expertise, we are helping municipalities envision how to predict issues before they happen and manage scarce water resources more efficiently.”

A Smarter, Sustainable Future

While Adroit Technologies continues to its R&D into AI-powered water management capabilities, the company already offers a proven suite of water management and SCADA solutions that empower utilities to detect leaks, optimise assets, and improve operational efficiency.

As the R&D programme progresses, these new AI capabilities will be introduced into Adroit’s product range, ensuring that customers can benefit from the latest innovations in predictive maintenance, data analytics, and infrastructure optimisation, all designed to strengthen South Africa’s water security and sustainability.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Adroit Technologies.

Browse the NGAGE Media Zone for more client news articles and photographs at https://Media.NGAGE.co.za/.

Adroit Technologies Contact:
Dave Wibberley
Phone: 011 65 88100
Email: DaveW@adroit.co.za

Media Contact:
Andile Mbethe
Account Executive
NGAGE Public Relations
Phone: (011) 867-7763
Cell: 073 565 6536
Email: andile@ngage.co.za
Web: https://NGAGE.co.za

About Adroit Technologies:
Adroit Technologies is a trusted industrial software and digital solutions partner with over 35 000 installations worldwide. Backed by Mitsubishi Electric and operating as co-developer of the Mitsubishi Adroit Process Suite (MAPS), Adroit serves customers in more than 40 countries across six continents. The company specialises in SCADA systems, industrial automation, digital transformation, cybersecurity compliance, and analytics solutions for mining, water, energy, and manufacturing industries.

Website: https://AdroitSCADA.com/

Source: APO

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At the maternal and child health centre of Agua Grande in the country’s capital, São Tomé, it’s vaccination day. By 9:00, the benches are filled with mothers cradling their babies and fathers watching over older children, while health booklets pass quietly from hand to hand amid the conversations. In the adjacent rooms, nurses prepare the vaccines, call families one by one and carefully record the data. Calm and trust fill the space.

Jucilène da Trindade, 35, a mother of three, waits for her turn with her youngest, child two-year-old Mateus. “With three children, my days are full! But I always find the time to get them vaccinated. It protects them and saves me medical expenses, giving them a safer future,” she confides, holding her son’s blue health booklet close to her.

Da Trindade is not only an attentive mother. She has also become a point of reference for other mothers in her neighbourhood. She encourages her neighbours to vaccinate their children, supports young mothers and relays information to her community.

Eunice Carvalho, 21, benefits from her support. “Jeanna is my very first child. I do everything to keep her healthy. Since my daughter was born, every visit to the centre to get her vaccinated reassures me that she grows up protected and safe,” she says proudly, holding the carefully filled pink booklet for her 15-month-old.

Community mobilization is one of the pillars of São Tomé and Príncipe’s success in vaccination. In 2019, coverage for the third dose of the pentavalent vaccine reached 94%, well above the regional average of 74%.

To strengthen routine immunization, World Health Organization (WHO) has supported the government in improving quality of care. This support has included integrated supervision in health districts, training technicians in data management and quality, enhanced strategic planning and better coordination between the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and district teams.

The country has also eliminated neonatal tetanus and remains polio-free. “Seeing polio and neonatal tetanus disappear from my country is a tremendous satisfaction. On vaccination days, parents come on their own. Knowing that our work saves lives is a daily source of pride,” says Ana Lucia, a nurse for ten years at the Agua Grande maternal and child health centre.

Like everywhere else, the COVID-19 pandemic put this dynamic to the test. In 2023, vaccination coverage dropped to 87%. But the national response, with partner support, was rapid, structured and innovative. Supplementary vaccination activities were intensified, with a particular focus on districts with low coverage. The active search for zero-dose and under-vaccinated children by mobile teams at community level—supported by community health workers and civil society organizations—helped raise awareness and catch up children who were behind on their vaccination schedule.

WHO supported the introduction of new vaccines, vaccination campaigns and community mobilization to boost demand for immunization services. “The very essence of vaccination takes on a human face here: protecting children, strengthening family trust and building healthier communities. São Tomé and Príncipe shows that despite challenges, progress is possible,” says Dr Abdoulaye Diarra, WHO Representative in São Tomé and Príncipe.

The strong collaboration between the government, health professionals, communities, technical and financial partners is widely praised. “São Tomé’s example illustrates the strength of partnership. The government, health professionals and communities are working together to ensure sustainable access to vaccines,” notes Dr Antoinette Awaga, head of the transition team for middle-income countries at Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

These advances rest on an accessible health system, regular campaigns, staff training and better information for families. EPI is at the heart of the country’s progress.

“Over the past decades, EPI has been one of the strongest pillars of disease prevention and the promotion of our population’s health. Thanks to collective work with all actors, many lives have been saved and the future of countless children protected,” says Dr Solange Barros, EPI coordinator for São Tomé and Príncipe.

Beyond saving lives, vaccination acts as a lever for development. It reduces healthcare costs, improves school attendance, strengthens family productivity and creates a lasting bond between communities and their health system.

“Here, we don’t come just for a vaccine, we come for the future. Vaccinating my children is an act of love and responsibility,” concludes Jucilène as she leaves the health centre, her baby on her back.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Sao Tome and Principe.

Source: APO

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In flood-prone Adamawa State, north-east Nigeria, early health preparedness helped protect thousands of vulnerable people from preventable disease outbreaks during the 2025 rainy season.

Through a government-led intervention coordinated by the Adamawa State Ministry of Health (SMOH) with technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO), health teams were deployed ahead of peak flooding in seven high-risk local government areas: Yola South, Yola North, Numan, Girei, Lamurde, Fufore and Demsa.

The actions were funded by the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and the Government and People of Japan. The anticipatory response focused on preventing malaria, cholera and other flood-related diseases, while ensuring continuity of essential health services for displaced and vulnerable populations.

Reaching communities before the floods

In Fadde Gassol, Yola South, 25-year-old pregnant Aisha Bello received a long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN), malaria prevention, and antenatal care from a WHO/CERF-supported mobile health team.

“The medical team came before the floods became worse,” she said. “This prepared me to stay healthy and deliver my baby safely.”
Her experience reflects the broader impact of early action across affected communities.

Life-saving results

As flooding disrupted access to several settlements, health teams delivered integrated services, including malaria and acute watery diarrhoea (AWD) management, maternal and child health care, routine immunisation, nutrition screening, mental health support, hygiene promotion and referrals for gender-based violence services.

With CERF and Government of Japan funding, and WHO technical support:
•    5000 LLINs were distributed to high-risk households to prevent malaria.
•    3000 pregnant women accessed antenatal care, with hundreds receiving intermittent preventive treatment for malaria.
•    Three Oral Rehydration Points (ORPs) and three Cholera Treatment Centres (CTCs) were established to ensure rapid cholera response.
•    250 sanitation facilities were disinfected, and key water sources chlorinated to reduce cholera transmission.
•    Thousands of people received cholera and hygiene prevention messages.
•    Hundreds of displaced households received WASH dignity kits to support safe sanitation and hygiene practices.

“We crossed flooded paths to reach communities that had not seen a health worker in weeks,” said Fatima Musa, a frontline health worker. “Despite the difficulties, communities welcomed us and trusted our support.”

Strengthening local preparedness

WHO also supported state-level emergency preparedness, especially for cholera, through:
•    Prepositioning of emergency medical supplies
•    Training of frontline health workers
•    Strengthening disease surveillance and early warning systems
•    Supporting coordination through the Adamawa State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC)
“CERF and Japan’s support enabled us to move before the crisis peaked,” said Dr Abdulhakeem Yusuf, WHO Adamawa State Coordinator. “This prevented outbreaks, reduced suffering and protected the most vulnerable, especially women and children.”

Strong coordination through PHEOC

Coordination for flood preparedness and response was conducted through the Adamawa State PHEOC, bringing together key partners including WHO, OCHA, UNFPA, SEMA, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and local humanitarian organisations.

“Strong coordination helped us move early and reach more people before needs escalated,” said Momsiri Wesley Biyama, Head of OCHA Sub-Office in Adamawa.
Huzaifatu Mohammed, Adamawa Branch Secretary of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, added:
“Our volunteers worked alongside health teams in difficult terrain. Through the PHEOC coordination mechanism, services reached communities that would otherwise have been cut off.”

Sustaining the gains

Despite the progress, recurring floods driven by climate change continue to pose risks. Additional investments are needed to expand anticipatory action, strengthen surveillance, improve WASH infrastructure and reach more remote communities.

WHO, the Adamawa State Government and partners remain committed to sustaining and scaling these interventions ahead of future flood seasons to protect lives and strengthen community resilience.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Nigeria.