Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO

The East African Community (EAC) Secretariat has handed over 16 patrol vehicles to EAC Partner States to strengthen border security operations, combat cross-border crime and illicit activities and facilitate safer movement of people and goods.

Each of the eight EAC Partner States is receiving two vehicles for use at key and porous border points. Beyond their immediate operational use, the vehicles are also expected to contribute to the EAC’s broader vision of regional integration by supporting a safer and more predictable environment for cross-border trade, investment and economic activity.

The initiative is funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) under a project dubbed as Creating a Secure Trading and Customs Environment in the East African Community through Enhancing Border Security.

The initiative responds to operational challenges identified through technical assessments conducted by the EAC Secretariat at One-Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) across the region. The assessments highlighted gaps in transport and mobility that constrained border security operations and effective responses to cross-border crime.

By improving the mobility of border security personnel, the vehicles are expected to strengthen patrol operations, support more timely responses to security threats and enhance efforts to address smuggling, trafficking and other illicit cross-border activities.

Speaking during the official handover ceremony at the EAC Headquarters, EAC Secretary General, Amb. Stephen P. Mbundi, expressed appreciation to the Government and People of Japan for their generous support towards the successful implementation of the project and to UNOPS for its efficiency in coordinating and delivering the vehicles.

The Secretary General noted that the findings of the technical assessment informed the decision to prioritise transport support for frontline officers across all eight Partner States.

“We expect these vehicles to strengthen border operations and contribute to a safer and more enabling environment for cross-border trade. I urge all Partner States to ensure that the vehicles are deployed exclusively at designated border areas to serve their intended purpose,” said Amb. Mbundi.

The Secretary General added that the borders help protect our communities, combat smuggling, trafficking and other transnational crimes, while creating the confidence needed for legitimate trade, investment and the movement of people and goods to flourish.

Beyond their immediate operational use, the vehicles are also expected to contribute to the EAC’s broader vision of regional integration by supporting a safer and more predictable environment for cross-border trade, investment and economic activity.

The contribution by the Government of Japan directly supports the EAC’s efforts to address these challenges through practical investments in border security infrastructure and equipment.

Jin Hashimoto, Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Japan in Tanzania, reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to regional peace and development.

“Effective border management is essential not only for preventing illicit activities and ensuring security, but also for facilitating legitimate trade and the movement of people. Japan remains committed to being a trusted partner for African countries, working alongside them in accordance with their needs and priorities,” he said.

Through its procurement expertise, UNOPS supported the acquisition of the patrol vehicles to ensure the investment contributes to border authorities’ operational readiness and the region’s broader security priorities.

“The value of this partnership goes beyond the delivery of vehicles. Border security is not only about protecting boundaries; it is about creating the conditions for communities and economies to thrive,” said Massimo Diana, Director of UNOPS East and Southern Africa Multi-Country Office.

“By working alongside the Government of Japan and the EAC, UNOPS is translating shared regional priorities into practical solutions that strengthen institutional capacity, facilitate legitimate trade and advance economic integration across East Africa,” he added.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of East African Community (EAC).

Source: APO

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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Dr Zweli Mkhize, welcomed the launch of the Revised White Paper on Local Government on Thursday as an important opportunity to address the structural weaknesses that are undermining municipalities and improve service delivery.

The revised policy framework seeks to build accountable, financially sustainable municipalities that respond to the needs of communities and fulfil their constitutional responsibilities. The aim is to change how municipalities are structured, financed, governed and supported so that they can deliver reliable services and become institutionally and financially sustainable.

Through its oversight work, the committee had been vocal about the disconnect between local government’s developmental vision and residents’ real experiences of municipal services where they live. Dr Mkhize described the launch of the Revised White Paper as a significant development. “It makes us reconsider how municipalities are structured and funded and how best to support and hold them accountable. This is a step towards ensuring that the system allows municipalities to fulfil their responsibilities and that communities benefit from reliable services,” he said.

The Chairperson also noted that the Revised White Paper acknowledges that municipalities are different in terms of their revenue bases, capacities and development needs. He welcomed the differentiated approach and said it is important to tailor support to these realities, which will help address dysfunction.

Dr Mkhize also noted the policy framework’s emphasis on separating political leadership from professional administration, which the committee has also been vocal about. Much of the instability and weak performance in municipalities stems from the blurring of the political-administrative interface. “Professionalising local government and capacitating it with the required skills while reducing political interference in administrative appointments will help address this instability.”

The Revised White Paper also acknowledges the role of provincial and national government in municipal failures and provides for shared accountability and better coordination between the three spheres of government. It also allows for timely identification of municipalities in distress and to intervene early.

This is another issue the committee has been pushing for in its oversight engagements with municipalities across the Free State, North West, Gauteng, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. It required MECs for local government, as well as the department and National Treasury, to all play their roles in monitoring and supporting local government.

In its more recent meetings with the Department of COGTA and its entities, the committee questioned whether targets for national support programmes produce measurable improvements in struggling municipalities. The Chairperson emphasised that effective implementation of the revised policy framework will require clearer accountability across all three spheres of government.

He also welcomed that, with local government elections scheduled for 4 November 2026, the transition process will account for the new municipal term. It will be integrated into the induction of newly elected councillors and aligning municipal planning and budgeting with the objectives of the revised policy framework.

The Chairperson noted that the legislative and institutional reforms will require implementation over time and stressed that the transition arrangements must establish clear responsibilities, timelines and measures of progress. “The committee will scrutinise whether these reforms improve municipal performance,” he said. “The measure of success must be functioning infrastructure, reliable basic services and councils that answer to the people they serve.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, met with His Excellency Tiémoko Meyliet Koné, Vice President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, during His Excellency’s visit to Abidjan. 

H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan conveyed the greetings of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, 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, to H.E. Koné, along with their wishes for further progress and prosperity for Côte d’Ivoire and its people.

For his part, H.E. Koné conveyed his greetings to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, 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, along with his wishes for continued development and prosperity for the government and people of the UAE.

H.E. Koné welcomed the visit of H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan. The two sides discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance cooperation across various sectors, particularly in economic, trade, and investment fields. They also explored promising opportunities that would serve the mutual interests of both countries and their peoples.

H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan affirmed the UAE’s commitment to enhancing its partnership with Côte d’Ivoire, building on the existing relations between the two countries, and expanding areas of cooperation to support sustainable economic development and achieve the shared aspirations of both peoples.

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

Source: APO

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What should schools and learners expect as the EXCEL Project moves into its second year?

This week, the Ministry of Education and the World Bank are reviewing what has been achieved so far, what has delayed implementation, and what needs to happen next.

The Year 2 plan will focus on practical areas that affect schools directly, including foundational learning, school grants, procurement of needed materials, stronger monitoring, and better management of project resources.

A key priority is making sure school grants reach schools on time and are properly managed. The Ministry is also strengthening how learning results are tracked so that progress can be measured beyond activities and spending.

Opening the mission, Minister of Education Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah emphasized that EXCEL must deliver visible improvements for learners, teachers, and schools.

The review will conclude with agreed actions to guide implementation over the next year.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Education: Republic of Liberia.

Source: APO

First Lady Mrs Veronique Herminie has outlined an ambitious four-year plan aimed at strengthening support for women, children and vulnerable groups, while expanding initiatives that promote education, empowerment, health and community well-being.

The plan builds on initiatives such as Welcome to Puberty, Boys Connect and Build Your Dream, which will continue to form part of the Office of the First Lady’s efforts to equip young people with knowledge, confidence and opportunities for personal development.

To translate this commitment into action, the First Lady presented a Strategic Framework to Vice-President Mr Sebastien Pillay and Principal Secretary for Administration Mrs Doreen Zelia at State House on Friday. The framework sets out the priorities that will guide the Office of the First Lady over the next four years.

“It will also serve as a foundation for mobilising resources, securing funding and establishing partnerships to support the implementation of its initiatives,” said Mrs Herminie.

She added “a key feature of the framework is a commitment to ensuring continuity in programmes that have made a positive difference in people’s lives.”

Under the theme Empowering Seychelles Together, the framework places particular emphasis on health and wellness, support for vulnerable groups, education, empowerment, gender equality and environmental stewardship.

The Office’s main initiatives will be implemented annually, with each one targeting specific vulnerable groups and addressing their particular needs. Through Welcome to Puberty, the Office will continue promoting awareness and education among young people navigating adolescence, while Boys Connect will focus on engaging boys in discussions and activities that encourage positive development and responsible decision-making. Build Your Dream will seek to inspire young people to pursue their ambitions and explore opportunities for personal growth.

As part of its commitment to continuity, Mrs Herminie also intends to carry forward the Hug in a Mug initiative introduced by former First Lady Mrs Linda Ramkalawan, recognising the importance of maintaining meaningful programmes that support vulnerable members of society.

The framework also outlines environmental actions specific to the Office’s operations over the four years, including the introduction of green energy in 2026, waste recycling and sorting in 2027, and the adoption of a green vehicle in 2028. These measures aim to make the Office’s daily operations more environmentally sustainable.

Several initiatives will be organised around relevant United Nations International Days and other international observances, providing opportunities to raise awareness and encourage public participation in issues relating to women, children, health, environmental protection and vulnerable groups.

An important component of the framework is the strengthening of partnerships with government institutions, civil society organisations, the private sector and international development partners. These collaborations are expected to broaden the reach of the Office’s programmes while ensuring the effective use of available resources.

Aligned with national development priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the framework also introduces monitoring and evaluation measures to assess progress and ensure accountability throughout its implementation.

Through this four-year strategic direction, the Office of the First Lady seeks to build on existing programmes, expand its community outreach and ensure that its initiatives deliver meaningful and lasting benefits to the people of Seychelles. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.