Category: English

Source: APO

From 8th to 9th September,  2025, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, through its Directorate of Education, Science and Culture in the  Department of Human Development and Social Affairs, in collaboration with the European Union, Expertise France, and other implementing partners, hosted a two-day meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, under the Africa-Europe Partnership to Exchange on Education Reforms (PEERs) programme.

The initiative seeks to strengthen cooperation between and within the ECOWAS and East African Community (EAC) regions in designing and implementing equitable, quality, gender-responsive, inclusive, green, and digital education policies, with a particular focus on basic education.

The technical session opened with a welcome address by Dr. Roland Kouakou, Acting Director of Education, Science and Culture, who conveyed the appreciation of Professor Fatou Sow Sarr, Honourable Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, to the European Union delegation for supporting this important initiative aimed at strengthening capacity within ECOWAS Member States. Dr. Kouakou thanked participants for their commitment and highlighted the programme’s focus on basic education reforms in three key thematic areas: gender, digital transformation, and green education.

In her remarks, Commissioner Fatou Sow Sarr emphasised that achieving human capital development requires continuous partnership and collaboration to strengthen regional integration, advance educational goals, and address the pressing challenges facing the region.

Deliberations highlighted ECOWAS education sector priorities, particularly in higher education, which have led to several initiatives aligned with human capital development and regional integration. These include the ECOWAS Nnamdi Azikiwe Academic Mobility Scheme (ENAAMS), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Education for a Culture of Peace, and the Harmonisation of Education Systems, among others. Although basic education is not currently a core focus, strategic consultations are underway to establish a strong foundation for its future implementation.

Participants reviewed a situation analysis emphasising the importance of aligning regional goals with education reforms and following established procedures to achieve the three thematic areas of intervention. Discussions also highlighted the need for joint ownership of the PEERs project, with ECOWAS serving as the regional coordinator, and for Expertise France to conduct a comprehensive situation analysis across Member States to assess the current state of basic education reforms.

The meeting further explored the possibility of introducing the PEERs project at the upcoming 2025 ADEA Triennial. In conclusion, the two-day meeting ended with participants expressing satisfaction at the constructive discussions and reaffirming their commitment to advancing transformative education across the region.

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

Source: APO – Report:

At the sprawling Tibek Cattle Camp on the outskirts of Bor, the mid-morning air is rancid with the smell of dung and thousands of cattle, jostling against each other. Small calves, some dun-colored and some white, prance and parry, as the women of the camp prod them along with a stick to move them out to pasture.

With lush vegetation leading into the never-ending green, this cattle camp was set up three months earlier at the beginning of the rainy season. Now with newborn calves added to the mix, the numbers keep increasing. And so do the dangers.

“The vets from UNMISS have visited us for the last two weeks and provided medication and deworming for many of our animals. Today they had a big camp, and some people took their sick animals to get medicine,” says 40-year-old Yar Guet Kuol, poking her index finger onto her arm to imitate the vaccinations that some of the animals received.

She points to the six white tents across the mud track where veterinarian peacekeepers from India, serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, have set up an all-day clinic. They support and collaborate with officials of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries on orientation and training.

“When you have so many animals in such close proximity, common ailments can spread quickly,” says Lieutenant Colonel Harmanjeet Singh Goraya, the lead veterinarian. “Today our team has been doing some surgeries, but most of our support for the locals is on identification and prevention of common diseases.”

The Tibek Cattle Camp has over 2,000 animals. With an overwhelming reliance on them as a source of income, a disease outbreak can have devastating consequences, especially for families like Yar Guet Kuol’s.

“My life and that of my children is dependent on these cattle, and what we can get from them,” says Yar, her four young children standing by her side.

“I wake up early in the morning and clean the dung. Then I go and milk the cows that have recently given birth. I give some of the milk to my children and the rest we sell. After the children have eaten, then the men take the cattle out to graze,” says Yar.

In South Sudan, cattle is a source of wealth, pride and well-being, and for these semi-nomadic herders, it is all they have known for centuries.

They travel around the region, setting up their camps in areas with plenty of pasture, and then move out a few months later, when their cattle have depleted it. They sell their cattle in the local markets and use the cash to buy the things they need. They use their cattle to settle disputes among themselves and with others, and to forge new relationships such as marriages, which only commence after a certain number of cattle have been paid to the parents of the bride.

With such a high value, these cattle are also a driver of conflict, as feuding communities carry out deadly raids to steal them and even take them across borders for their own economic benefit.

These communities sometimes also undertake large-scale migration to neighboring states, particularly to avoid deadly outbreaks of East Coast Fever which rapidly devastate herds. This movement also creates tensions and violence with farming communities due to destruction of crops and disputes over access to scarce water and grazing land.

“We know how much they depend on these animals, and that is why animal health is vital for their very survival,” says Lt. Col Harmanjeet.

His team has also trained 60 community animal health workers on identifying, prevention and treatment of diseases. They will now be able to provide services to local communities, even in the absence of UNMISS.

“The efforts of the UNMISS veterinarians are more than just a medical mission for animals. It is a testament to the fact that peace is, not only about guns and patrols,” says India’s Ambassador to South Sudan, Anil Nautiyal who is visiting the site.

“True lasting peace is built on actions that support the community, protect livelihoods, and demonstrate genuine friendship.”

Back in the Tibek Cattle Camp, Yar says it is time for her to make food for her kids.  She says she will make ugali for the family, which is made from corn-flour which they will eat with milk.

“They tell us that ticks are the cause of many health problems for the cattle,” says Yar, shaking her head in disbelief. “I believe them now because they are doctors, and they say that if our animals get ticks, we should boil the leaves of that tree and apply that on the animals.”

She points to a nearby Neem tree which is an integral part of the fauna of South Sudan and which the UNMISS vets swear by on a homemade remedy to fight ticks.

With tens of millions of cattle in the country, providing and receiving proper medical care for all animals is a challenge for the people and for UNMISS.

“Anyone who has a little knowledge, can make these small changes which will lead to healthier animals, and if we can do our little part, then that is a little win,” says Lt. Col. Harmanjeet.

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

Source: APO – Report:

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The Select Committee on Social Services welcomes progress achieved by the Eastern Cape Department of Health in implementing the Public Protector’s remedial action.

The remedial action follows the Public Protector’s investigation into the allegation that pregnant women awaiting admission at Gqeberha’s Dora Nginza Regional Hospital for critical caesarean section surgeries were once forced to sleep on the floor and chairs, among other things.

The Public Protector referred the report to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) to be debated by the House. The remedial action, which stipulates timelines for the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Health and the Head of the Department, is aligned to sections of the South African Constitution.

The report included remedial action relating to the inadequate space in the maternity ward; staff shortages, which has a negative impact on the level of healthcare provided to patients; the absence of a district hospital in the Nelson Mandela Health District; and a lack of medical equipment, such as blood pressure, haemoglobin and cardiotocography machine, dinamap monitors in the postnatal normal vertex ward and infant warmers, among other things.

The committee embarked on an oversight visit yesterday to Dora Nginza Regional Hospital to assess the response and progress of the Eastern Cape health department’s implementation of these remedial actions.

The committee was briefed by the provincial health department, led by the MEC for Health, Ms Ntandokazi Capa, who assured the committee that progress is being achieved in all the areas identified in the Public Protector’s report. However, she also noted that the cost of medico-legal claims remain one of the fundamental challenges facing the department.

Welcoming the briefing, the committee told the department during engagement that although there is reported progress, it was inadequate, as it missed the stipulated timelines. Stakeholders present in the meeting also expressed their concerns about the implementation of remedial action and made other proposals, including that the department should be placed under administration.

The committee expressed its appreciation for the progress achieved thus far but called for even greater efforts to improve healthcare services. Furthermore, the committee Chairperson, Ms Desery Fienies, thanked the stakeholders for participating in the oversight programme. The committee also visited Empilweni Hospital, Livingstone Tertiary Hospital and the Port Elizabeth Provincial Hospital.

– on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO – Report:

Canon Europe (www.Canon-Europe.com) today announces the new EOS C50, a highly versatile, full-frame, RF-mount hybrid Cinema EOS camera for professional videographers and agile production crews.

As the smallest camera in the Cinema EOS range to date, the EOS C50 fits seamlessly into a wide variety of filming set-ups – from fast-paced shoots to large scale productions. Its compact design, however, conceals a wealth of professional capabilities.

At the heart of the EOS C50’s unique design is a new 7K full-frame CMOS sensor which, together with an advanced DIGIC DV 7 processor, delivers outstanding image quality for both video and stills – including internal RAW video recording at up to 7K 60P, high frame rate recording at up to 4K 120P / 2K 180P, and detailed 32MP high-resolution photos.

The EOS C50 is the first Cinema EOS camera to offer open gate recording, which uses the entire area of the sensor for maximum resolution and flexibility. Capturing the full width and height of the sensor using the new Full Frame 3:2 sensor mode [i] provides a larger image that utilises the full image circle of full-frame lenses. Open gate recording offers filmmakers greater flexibility in post-production, enabling horizontal and vertical movie formats to be freely edited from the same footage, with ample room for reframing shots. When paired with anamorphic lenses, the result is a taller image with a wide immersive cinematic look.

For videographers facing fast turnarounds, a full-angle image and a cropped vertical or square version – ideal for social media and advertising – can be captured at the same time using the EOS C50’s Simultaneous Crop Recording function. The cropped area can be shifted horizontally for optimum framing and recorded in a different format to meet delivery requirements.

Combining high-resolution with hybrid capability for video and stills

As a true hybrid camera, the EOS C50 combines advanced 7K video and 32MP stills capabilities. The display is optimised based on whether the camera is in Video or Photo mode – featuring the familiar Cinema EOS interface for video and classic Canon EOS R menu system for stills.

Videographers and photographers alike can take advantage of Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, offering high-speed, high-accuracy subject detection and tracking. Precision extends to selecting which eye to prioritise in people, dogs, cats and birds – with additional controls for tuning autofocus speed and tracking response to suit the subject.

A unique and versatile design that adapts to dynamic shoots

Built for agility, the EOS C50’s lightweight, modular design enables intuitive operation, whether shooting handheld or on a gimbal. With its linear, low-profile body and multiple accessory mounting points, it integrates seamlessly into modern rigging setups. The camera can be mounted either horizontally or vertically, with the display and menu settings automatically adjusting to support vertical orientation.

The EOS C50’s detachable handle unit improves control and comfort. It features two full-size 3-pin XLR audio terminals and control dials for professional-quality audio recording, plus a REC button and zoom rocker for convenient, camcorder-style control during fast-paced shoots.

In addition to native support of the diverse range of RF lenses, EF/PL lenses can be attached to the EOS C50 via the optional Canon PL-RF Mount Adapter, which can be securely fastened to the camera body, as well as a selection of Canon EF-EOS R mount adapters.

Effortless connection options for diverse workflows

An extensive selection of connectivity options ensures that the EOS C50 meets the demands of modern professional productions. In addition to XLR inputs, the camera features a MIC terminal, Timecode terminal, HDMI OUT (Type-A) and USB (Type-C). Dual card slots for CFexpress and SD cards provide a wealth of simultaneous recording options, including different file formats, resolutions and proxy setups.

The EOS C50 includes UVC/UAC support for high-resolution livestreaming at up to 60P/50P via a single USB cable, plus XC Protocol for remote operation of the camera using compatible smartphone applications or hardware accessories such as Canon’s RC-IP1000 Remote Controller. Video clips and still images can be transmitted to clients in real time over Wi-Fi or USB [ii] with Canon’s professional Content Transfer Professional (CTP) app [iii].

Canon’s collaboration with Adobe has been extended to the EOS C50 by making the camera compatible with Frame.io’s Camera to Cloud connectivity. Along with the EOS C400 and the EOS C80, this compatibility allows proxy files to be sent directly from the camera to the Frame.io platform, enabling a seamless and reliable path from production to post.

With its robust connectivity, flexible design and powerful full-frame capabilities, the EOS C50 sets a new standard for compact cinema cameras. Building on the success of the EOS R5 C, it delivers uncompromising image quality for both video and still photography.

Canon is also delighted to announce a range of significant free-of-charge firmware updates for existing Cinema EOS cameras coming later this year. This includes the addition of 3:2 Open Gate RAW Recording at 6000×4000 resolution to the EOS C400, View Assist during Playback on the EOS C80, among other improvements to core features such as focus peaking on both cameras, as well as the EOS R5 C and EOS C70.

Key features of the EOS C50:

• High-resolution hybrid capability: 7K 60p internal RAW video recording, 32MP still photos
• Advanced 7K full-frame CMOS sensor with open gate video recording
• 7K oversampling for higher resolution 4K movies
• Dual Base ISO support (ISO 800/6400 [iv]), with up to 15+ stops of dynamic range
• Flexible range of professional recording formats, including 12-bit Cinema RAW Light, Canon Log 2, Canon Log 3 and XF-AVC S / XF-HEVC S
• Versatile, compact design with detachable handle unit and extensive rigging capability
• Native RF mount, compatible with mount adapter attachment for EF/PL lenses
• Two XLR audio inputs, Timecode terminal, HDMI OUT (Type-A), USB (Type-C), Multi-function shoe
• Dual slots for CFexpress and SD cards, enabling simultaneous recording of different formats to each card

For more information about the new EOS C50, please visit: https://apo-opa.co/45Y4vU8

– on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon Central and North Africa
Mai Youssef
e. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com

APO Group – PR Agency
Rania ElRafie
e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com

About Canon Central and North Africa:
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (www.Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.

Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.

Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (http://apo-opa.co/4gkrtIH) – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.

For more information: www.Canon-CNA.com