Category: MIL-OSI

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À Djibouti, les routes de l’exil se croisent dans les deux sens

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

D’un côté, des milliers de personnes fuient les combats au Yémen en traversant la mer Rouge en direction de l’Afrique. De l’autre, des migrants, principalement éthiopiens, continuent de prendre la direction inverse dans l’espoir de gagner les pays du Golfe. Pris entre ces flux contraires, Djibouti voit s’accumuler sur ses routes et dans son désert des milliers de personnes bloquées.

A Obock, sur la côte nord de Djibouti, les routes de l’exil se croisent désormais dans les deux sens. Depuis trois semaines, plus de 3 700 réfugiés ont débarqué sur les côtes djiboutiennes après avoir fui les combats au Yémen. Dans le même temps, des milliers de migrants venus d’Ethiopie continuent de traverser le pays dans la direction opposée, avec l’intention de franchir à leur tour la mer Rouge pour rejoindre le Yémen, puis, espèrent-ils, l’Arabie saoudite ou d’autres pays du Golfe.

Cette circulation à contre-courant place le petit Etat de la Corne de l’Afrique au centre de plusieurs crises qui se superposent. « Djibouti est confronté à des mouvements dans les deux directions », a résumé, mardi, Alexandre Coissac, chef de mission de l’Organisation internationale pour les migrations (OIM) dans le pays, lors d’un point de presse des Nations Unies à Genève. « Des personnes fuyant le Yémen arrivent comme réfugiés, des migrants continuent de se rendre vers le Yémen et d’autres migrants reviennent ».

Depuis le 10 septembre, l’OIM a ainsi recensé plus de 20 000 mouvements de migrants entrant à Djibouti depuis l’Ethiopie. Dans l’autre sens, 539 Éthiopiens revenus du Yémen ont atteint le territoire djiboutien pendant la même période. Entre le 20 et le 30 septembre seulement, plus de 3 000 migrants bloqués ont été repérés le long des routes migratoires du pays. Déshydratation, épuisement, manque d’eau et de nourriture : ceux qui restent immobilisés dans les zones désertiques sont particulièrement vulnérables.

Une guerre qui ne tarit pas les départs

Le paradoxe est d’autant plus saisissant que le Yémen, longtemps pays de transit sur la route du Golfe, connaît depuis septembre une nouvelle flambée de sa guerre civile. Après plusieurs années d’accalmie relative à la suite de la trêve négociée par l’ONU en 2022, les combats ont repris avec violence entre les rebelles houthistes, soutenus par l’Iran, et les forces du gouvernement internationalement reconnu, appuyées par l’Arabie saoudite. Les affrontements se sont notamment concentrés autour de Taëz et sur la côte de la mer Rouge, à proximité du détroit stratégique de Bab Al-Mandab.

Lundi, les forces gouvernementales y ont lancé une nouvelle offensive, soutenue par l’aviation saoudienne, pour reprendre plusieurs positions aux houthistes. Selon l’ONU, la dernière escalade a désormais déplacé près de 174 000 personnes à l’intérieur du Yémen.

Pourtant, le danger ne suffit pas à interrompre la migration dans l’autre sens. La « route de l’Est », qui relie la Corne de l’Afrique au Yémen puis aux Etats du Golfe, demeure l’un des corridors migratoires les plus fréquentés et les plus dangereux au monde. Au premier trimestre 2026, l’OIM avait déjà enregistré 152 700 mouvements sur cet axe, en hausse de 8 % sur un an. L’agence onusienne anticipait le maintien de flux importants, alimentés notamment par les difficultés économiques, l’insécurité alimentaire, l’endettement des ménages et le manque de perspectives dans les pays de départ.

Le plus frappant, selon Alexandre Coissac, est que nombre des migrants rencontrés par l’OIM semblent mal mesurer l’ampleur de la dégradation au Yémen. « Ils entendent dire qu’il y a un conflit au Yémen, mais n’ont pas les détails de ce qui se passe actuellement dans le pays », a-t-il expliqué. L’agence tente de les informer du fait que des Yéménites empruntent précisément en sens inverse la mer qu’ils s’apprêtent à traverser. Mais, selon le responsable, leur détermination reste intacte, d’autant plus que leur destination finale n’est pas le Yémen, mais le Golfe.

Des itinéraires toujours plus difficiles à suivre

Ceux qui poursuivent leur route s’exposent pourtant à une succession de dangers. En 2025, 922 morts ou disparitions avaient été recensés sur la route de l’Est, presque deux fois plus qu’en 2024, ce qui en avait fait l’année la plus meurtrière enregistrée par l’OIM depuis le lancement de son dispositif de suivi en 2014. Au seul premier trimestre 2026, 94 nouveaux morts ou disparus avaient été signalés, dont 61 à Djibouti.

L’OIM distribue eau et nourriture aux personnes qu’elle parvient à atteindre et accueille dans ses centres de transit celles qui demandent une aide au retour volontaire. Mais elle fait état de besoins croissants en soins médicaux et en services de protection, ainsi qu’en kits d’hygiène destinés notamment aux femmes et aux filles.

A ces besoins s’ajoutent désormais ceux des réfugiés arrivant du Yémen. A la mi-septembre, les Nations Unies avertissaient déjà que les nouvelles arrivées risquaient de dépasser les capacités d’accueil du pays. La plupart débarquent autour d’Obock, où les infrastructures et les communautés locales sont elles-mêmes sous pression.

Les autorités djiboutiennes ont jusqu’ici « réagi rapidement », a souligné M. Coissac. Mais, dans un pays d’un peu plus d’un million d’habitants, l’équation se complique à mesure que les traversées se poursuivent. Sur les deux rives de la mer Rouge, les trajectoires se répondent désormais avec une ironie tragique. Certains risquent leur vie pour quitter une guerre que d’autres sont encore prêts à traverser afin d’atteindre, plus loin, la promesse d’une vie meilleure.

Distribué par APO Group pour UN News.

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Government brings services closer to the eMbongombongweni community

Source: Government of South Africa

Government brings services closer to the eMbongombongweni community

Public Service and Administration Minister Mzamo Buthelezi will lead a community imbizo and government service delivery outreach programme in eMbongombongweni, Louwsburg, in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday.

During the programme, the Minister will hand over school shoes, school bags and 500 sanitary packs to Manzamhlophe High School, Dwarsrand Primary School and Morresson Primary School. He will also hand over blankets to the elderly.

Residents of eMbongombongweni and surrounding communities will be able to apply for identity documents and birth certificates, access social grants and social development services, and receive health screenings on site.

Youth development will also take centre stage, with Momentum Metropolitan presenting its youth mentorship programmes to young people in the area. 

Participating departments and entities include the Department of Home Affairs, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), the Department of Social Development, the Department of Employment and Labour, the Department of Health, the Government Information Services and local government representatives, among others. 

As the Minister responsible for the Public Service, Buthelezi will see first-hand how frontline services reach citizens in rural communities. 

The imbizo will give residents a direct platform to raise service delivery challenges with the Minister and government representatives, in keeping with the Batho Pele commitment to a responsive, citizen-centred public service. – SAnews.gov.za

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Qatar Renews Commitment to Supporting Counter-terrorism Efforts

Source: Government of Qatar

New York | October 6, 2026

The State of Qatar reaffirmed its commitment to continuing to support international efforts to combat terrorism and strengthen multilateral cooperation in a manner that contributes to addressing emerging threats and achieving international peace and security.

This came in the State of Qatar’s statement delivered today by Deputy Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Mohammed Khalifa Al Nasr before the Sixth Committee of the UN General Assembly during its 81st session, under agenda item 112 “Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism” at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Al Nasr stressed the importance of continuing consultations under the agenda item on measures to eliminate international terrorism in a manner that contributes to the progressive development of international law in this field.
He reiterated Qatar’s unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, regardless of its motives or causes, as well as its absolute rejection of any attempt to associate terrorism with any religion, culture or people. He affirmed Qatar’s position that confronting this scourge required a sincere collective commitment to the principles of international law, respect for human rights, refraining from selectivity or politicisation in counter-terrorism efforts, and ensuring that the fight against terrorism was not used as a pretext for violating rights or discriminating against peoples under occupation whose legitimate right to self-determination is guaranteed under international law.

Al Nasr welcomed, on behalf of Qatar, the outcome reached by the General Assembly in its Resolution 80/286 on the implementation of the ninth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, reiterating Qatar’s full commitment to implementing the Strategy’s provisions, objectives and principles.

The Deputy Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations stressed the importance of completing the international legal framework for combating terrorism. He noted that Qatar called for intensified efforts to reach consensus on the draft Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in a manner that addresses outstanding issues in accordance with the principles of international law.

Al Nasr said that, at the national level, Qatar had adopted a comprehensive and multidimensional approach to combating terrorism, combining national legislation, capacity-building, and international and regional cooperation.
He noted that Qatar continued to strengthen its legislative and institutional framework, including measures to combat terrorist financing. It had also adopted a comprehensive national strategy to combat terrorism and violent extremism, aligned with the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and centred on prevention, protection, prosecution and recovery. The strategy is implemented by the National Counter-Terrorism Committee in coordination with the relevant national authorities.

At the international level, Al Nasr said Qatar was proud to be a key partner of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and the largest contributor to the UN Trust Fund for Counter-Terrorism since 2019, with contributions exceeding USD 142 million and accounting for approximately one-third of contributions to the Fund. He noted that this support had enabled the Office to implement long-term projects and distinguished global programmes covering the various pillars of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.

The Deputy Permanent Representative expressed Qatar’s pride in hosting one of the five programme offices of the UNOCT. He said work was underway to expand the Doha Programme Office to include several programmes and activities, making it the Office’s largest field presence outside UN Headquarters and helping improve the delivery of capacity-building assistance and bring the Office’s activities closer to beneficiaries.

He noted that Qatar actively cooperated with other entities contributing to the implementation of the United Nations counter-terrorism mandate, particularly the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate and the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team.

Al Nasr said Qatar attached importance to multilateral counter-terrorism forums, continuing its role as an active member of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. He added that Qatar also supported regional efforts within the framework of the League of Arab States and the Gulf Cooperation Council through information-sharing and close coordination to address common terrorist threats.

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Qatar Participates in 113th Session of OPCW Executive Council

Source: Government of Qatar

The Hague | October 6, 2026

The State of Qatar participated in the 113th session of the Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), held in The Hague, the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Qatar’s delegation to the session was headed by HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Netherlands Dr. Mutlaq bin Majed Al Qahtani, and its Permanent Representative to the OPCW.

In the State of Qatar’s statement before the Council, HE Al Qahtani said that the continuing challenges affecting international peace and security demonstrated that managing crises through temporary solutions or leaving conflicts without just settlements did not lead to stability.

He stressed that dialogue based on international law, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, mediation and good offices represented the most sustainable means of addressing regional and international conflicts.

He expressed the State of Qatar’s deep concern over the continuing humanitarian tragedy in the occupied Palestinian territories and the widening scope of conflicts and attacks in the region, as well as the accompanying risks to civilians, freedom of navigation and international energy supplies.

HE Al Qahtani said that respect for and application of international law should not be selective. He stressed the need to protect sovereign, vital, industrial, oil and petrochemical facilities from any targeting, as such attacks constituted a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and international law.

He reiterated Qatar’s categorical rejection of the use of chemical weapons by any party, anywhere and under any circumstances. He stressed the importance of addressing issues related to their use through the mechanisms of the Chemical Weapons Convention and on the basis of facts and technical evidence, while also preventing the re-emergence of such weapons, countering chemical terrorism and addressing the risks of non-state actors gaining access to toxic or dual-use materials, as well as the potential for artificial intelligence technologies to facilitate their misuse. He also stressed the importance of strengthening the preparedness of States Parties to respond to chemical incidents and protect civilians.

HE Qatar’s Ambassador to the Netherlands and Permanent Representative to the OPCW also stressed the importance of strengthening international cooperation, promoting the peaceful uses of chemistry and building the capacities of States Parties in accordance with Article XI of the Chemical Weapons Convention.

He highlighted the importance of the responsible use of emerging technologies in verification, information management and capacity-building, alongside strengthening education, awareness and a culture of responsible science, in a manner that supports the effective implementation of the Convention and contributes to achieving its universality.

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Ghana is ‘Open for Business’: says Mahama as he courts Indian Pharma & Vaccine Investments

Source: APO

President John Dramani Mahama has declared that Ghana is open for business, inviting Indian companies to capitalise on expanding opportunities in the country’s pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing sectors.

Speaking during a courtesy call at the Presidency by India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, President Mahama pledged continued policy reforms under the government’s #ResettingGhana agenda and the ‘Accra Reset’ initiative to secure health sovereignty across Africa.

Pointing to a rebound in economic fundamentals, Mahama said Ghana is an increasingly attractive destination for global capital.

“Ghana’s economy is doing well. It is stable. Inflation is low, interest rates are going down, and the currency is holding its own,” Mahama said. “I think that this is the best time to invest.”

To underscore this recovery, the President said Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Ghana rose from US$2.6 billion in 2025, with projections showing it could surpass US$3 billion in 2026.

Turning to healthcare, Mahama noted that Ghana’s new national pharmaceutical framework prioritises domestic production. He cited the partnership between Atlantic Life Sciences and indigenous firm KinaPharma as a working model for indigenous vaccine capacity.

“They are part of our effort to localise vaccine production, but there is still substantial room for expansion,” the President said.

Mahama added that the government will leverage international platforms, including the upcoming U.S.–Africa Summit, further to engage businesses and pitch Ghana’s industrial potential.

Dr Jaishankar’s official visit to Accra builds on strengthening bilateral ties, following the historic state visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2025.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

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Gestion des risques de catastrophe au Bénin : Le gouvernement mobilise les acteurs pour une réponse coordonnée

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Les membres de la Plateforme nationale de gestion des risques de catastrophe et d’adaptation aux changements climatiques se sont réunis ce mardi 6 octobre 2026 dans la salle de conférence du Ministère de l’Intérieur et de la Sécurité publique. Pour l’occasion, trois ministres du gouvernement ont effectué le déplacement aux côtés de Djibril MAMA CISSÉ, Ministre délégué auprès du Président de la République chargé de l’Intérieur et de la Sécurité publique. Il s’agit du Ministre du Cadre de vie, chargé des Transports terrestres, Georges ALE ; du Ministre de la Décentralisation et de la Gouvernance locale, Janvier YAHOUEDEOU ; et du Ministre de l’Énergie, de l’Eau et des Mines, Édouard DAHOME. Aux côtés de cette délégation gouvernementale, des représentants des partenaires techniques et financiers ainsi que des organisations humanitaires internationales ont également pris part aux échanges. 

À l’ouverture de la session, le Ministre Djibril MAMA CISSÉ a rappelé que les inondations, pluies extrêmes, épisodes de sécheresse, vents violents, incendies, épidémies et autres aléas peuvent, en peu de temps, affecter des milliers de personnes, perturber les activités économiques, dégrader les infrastructures, compromettre les moyens de subsistance et saturer les services essentiels. Il a souligné qu’en 2026, le Bénin a recensé 349 580 personnes sinistrées, réparties dans 52 583 ménages, 1 199 villages et 219 Arrondissements. 

Face à l’ampleur des impacts humains, sociaux, économiques et financiers, le Ministre a insisté sur la nécessité d’appréhender la réduction des risques non seulement sous l’angle humanitaire, mais aussi comme un enjeu stratégique de sécurité, d’aménagement du territoire et de développement durable. Il a ainsi invité les membres de la plateforme à faire de cette instance un instrument clé d’anticipation et d’aide à la décision, notamment par le renforcement du partage d’informations, la coordination des secours, la cartographie des zones vulnérables et l’intégration systématique de la résilience dans les politiques publiques. 

Au cours des travaux, le Directeur Général de l’Agence Béninoise de Protection Civile (ABPC), Abdel Aziz BIO DJIBRIL, a dressé un bilan détaillé des dégâts provoqués par les intempéries, éboulements, vents violents et chutes de pierres. Selon son rapport, ces phénomènes ont engendré de sévères inondations, la rupture d’ouvrages de franchissement dans plusieurs localités et des pertes en vies humaines par noyade. 

Afin de faire face aux conséquences de ces chocs climatiques, l’Agence évalue le besoin de financement à un peu plus de 290 milliards de francs CFA. Les partenaires et parties prenantes ont été exhortés à se mobiliser activement pour mobiliser ces ressources au profit des programmes de relèvement et de prévention. 

La réunion s’est achevée par une phase d’échanges sur les préoccupations soulevées par l’assistance. À l’issue des discussions et des engagements formulés, l’Agence Béninoise de Protection Civile a réaffirmé sa détermination à assurer pleinement son rôle de chef de file dans la coordination de la gestion des catastrophes et la résilience climatique au Bénin.

Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.

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Zambia: Jason Derulo Arrives in Zambia for Stanbic Music Festival

Source: APO

Zambia on October 3rd 2026 hosted American singer, songwriter and dancer Jason Derulo at the Stanbic Music Festival, with Government and industry stakeholders highlighting the event’s potential to promote music, tourism and opportunities for young creatives.

Speaking at a media briefing ahead of the festival, Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Permanent Secretary Mr. Kangwa Chileshe said the event reflects the growing potential of the country’s creative industry.

Mr Chileshe said the creative sector goes beyond performance, creating opportunities in production, event management, content creation, technology, marketing and entrepreneurship.

He also noted that major cultural events contribute to tourism by creating business opportunities for hotels, restaurants, transport providers, vendors and other players within the creative economy.

And Ministry of Tourism Permanent Secretary Mr. Evans Muhanga said the festival supports Zambia’s efforts to attract more international visitors, noting that people travelling to attend major events also spend on accommodation, food, transport and other services.

Stanbic Bank Zambia Chief Executive Officer Mr. Mwindwa Siakalima said the festival is an investment in people, businesses and the future of the creative industry. He noted that Zambia’s inclusion on Derulo’s Last Dance World Tour demonstrates the country’s ability to host international entertainment events.

Mr. Siakalima further disclosed that about 45,000 trees have so far been planted through the festival’s environmental initiative, with another 15,000 expected to be planted this year. A tree is planted for every ticket sold.

National Arts Council Vice Board Chairperson Mr. Tivo Shikapwasha said Derulo’s participation gives Zambian artists an opportunity to learn from an internationally established performer while showcasing the country’s own music and culture.

Derulo thanked Zambians for the warm welcome he has received since arriving in the country. He said he was excited to conclude his Last Dance World Tour in Zambia and promised fans a major celebration at the festival.

The Stanbic Music Festival will feature Jason Derulo alongside Zambian artists, bringing together music, culture, tourism and business while creating a platform for local creatives to connect with an international audience.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, Zambia.

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Celebration of the 51st Anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Benin: The ECOWAS Representation in Benin Inaugurates Its Meeting Rooms Dedicated to the Memory of “Marcel de Souza” and “Lamine Cisse”

Source: APO

Ambassador Amadou DIONGUE, Resident Representative of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Benin, inaugurated on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, two meeting rooms at the Representation, dedicated to the memory of two distinguished figures who left their mark on the history of ECOWAS. They are Marcel de SOUZA, former Chair of the ECOWAS Commission (2016–2018), and Lamine CISSE, founding President of the Union of ECOWAS Nationals. The ceremony was attended by a representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a representative from Benin’s National ECOWAS Office at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, representatives of the de Souza and Cisse families, and representatives from UR-ECOWAS and ECOWOMAN.

In his remarks, the Ambassador recalled the context and motivations behind this symbolic act. This dedication stemmed from the desire of His Excellency Amadou DIONGUE, on behalf of ECOWAS, to immortalize the memory of these figures by inscribing their names in the daily life of our institution, so that every meeting, every exchange, and every decision made here may be imbued with the spirit that animated them. This symbolic act sends a message to those who will come after us: there were men who, through their faith in Africa, blazed a trail that we have a duty to follow. The Mission thus affirms that ECOWAS does not forget those who dedicated their lives, their talents, and their vision to the cause of the Community.

The late Marcel De SOUZA, an illustrious son of the Republic of Benin, served as Chairperson of the ECOWAS Commission from 2016 to 2018. His tenure at the helm of our institution was marked, among other things, by leadership characterized by a clear vision of regional integration, grounded in solidarity among peoples and the primacy of dialogue.

A statesman and a man of conviction, he was one of those rare individuals who combined the grandeur of vision with the humility of service. His memory remains a guiding light for us all.

The late Lamine CISSÉ, founding President of the Union of ECOWAS Nationals, dedicated his life to strengthening the bonds between the communities of our region.

Lamine CISSÉ has left us, but the Union he built, the men and women he brought together, and the bridges he built between our communities—all of this remains alive, active, and fruitful.

Representatives of the SOUZA and CISSE families, deeply moved by this tribute, expressed words of appreciation and profound gratitude to His Excellency Amadou DIONGUE, and through him, to the Chairperson of the Commission and to the entire ECOWAS.

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

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Zambia: Government Commits K3 Million to Kwilimuna Youth Resource Centre

Source: APO

Government has committed K3 million towards the completion of the Kwilimuna Youth Resource Centre in Mpongwe, with plans to further develop the facility into a space where young people can access skills training, sports, arts and recreational activities.

The investment is expected to support the completion of the Centre and create a stronger foundation for expanding youth services and opportunities in the area.

Speaking on the development, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, Mr. Kangwa Chileshe, said the Centre should, once completed, be enhanced with appropriate spaces for sports and arts.

Mr. Chileshe also proposed that Kwilimuna be developed as a model Youth Resource Centre that could help demonstrate what is possible when government, communities and partners invest in youth facilities.

He said the Centre could provide a practical example of the transformation that can be achieved, showing the situation before investment and the improvements that follow.

The model could also be used to engage potential partners to consider supporting the development of other Youth Resource Centres across the country.

The broader aim is to ensure that Youth Resource Centres provide young people with access to skills development, youth services and safe spaces for recreation and personal development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, Zambia.

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African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson has arrived in the Republic of Mauritius to attend the official launch of the Africa Credit Rating Agency (AfCRA)

Source: APO

H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, has arrived in the Republic of Mauritius to attend the official launch of the Africa Credit Rating Agency (#AfCRA), scheduled to take place tomorrow.

The Chairperson was received upon arrival at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport by H.E. Ms. Jyoti Jeetun, Minister of Financial Services and Economic Planning of the Republic of Mauritius.

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

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