Source: APO
In the early hours of this morning, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi returned to the homeland following a two-day visit to Davos, Switzerland. The President participated in the proceedings of the World Economic Forum, Davos 2026, and met with U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the WEF annual meeting.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
Source: APO
A seminar focusing on harmful practices and the rights of children has been conducted for religious leaders, influential individuals, and village elders in the Adi-Keih sub-zone. The seminar was organized in collaboration with the offices of the Ministries of Labor and Social Welfare and Health, as well as the National Union of Eritrean Women branch in the sub-zone.
At the seminar, Mr. Woldeab Gebrezgiabher, head of health facilities in the sub-zone, gave an extensive briefing on the rights of children and the consequences of underage marriages, and called on participants to conduct sustained promotional activities with a view to enhancing public awareness.
Noting that promotional activities aimed at raising public awareness on eradicating harmful practices in general, and underage marriages in particular, have been conducted on a sustained basis, Ms. Meselesh Legese, head of the National Union of Eritrean Women in the sub-zone, said that the seminar will make a significant contribution to the eradication of harmful practices.
Noting that underage marriage is punishable by law, Ms. Medhanit Girmay, head of the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare branch, called on participants to play their due part in the ongoing efforts to eradicate harmful practices.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
Source: Government of South Africa
Crocodile Bridge Gate reopens for day visitors
As severe weather conditions have eased down across parts of the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, including areas in the Kruger National Park (KNP), the Crocodile Bridge Gate will re-open for day visitors from today.
“Visitors are advised that the situation, however, remains dynamic. A dam wall outside the park has been reported to be compromised, and this may change operational conditions at short notice, including access through Crocodile Bridge Gate,” the South African National Parks (SANParks) said.
All gravel roads remain closed until further notice and visitors are strongly urged not to remove barricades placed at closed gates or on restricted roads, as these are in place for public safety and infrastructure protection.
Guests are requested to consider taking their waste with them when leaving the park, as operations remain under pressure following recent flooding.
The Malelane Gate, Numbi Gate and Paul Kruger Gate remain open, with an entry quota system still in place. Phabeni Gate remains closed.
“The southern and northern sections of the park remain cut off from each other, which means that Tshokwane Picnic Site, Satara Rest Camp, and the northern regions of the park are not accessible at this stage.
“SANParks continues to monitor conditions closely and will communicate any changes as they occur. Visitors are urged to adhere strictly to all instructions and signage for their own safety. Further updates will be communicated as the situation evolves,” SANParks said. –SAnews.gov.za
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Source: Government of South Africa
Keurbooms–Soetkraal fire contained
The Keurbooms–Soetkraal fire, which affected parts of the Tsitsikamma Section of the Garden Route National Park, has been successfully contained.
The fire burned an estimated 22 500 hectares in total.
“Following continuous monitoring and coordinated suppression efforts, the fire is now fully under control, with no further spread anticipated. The fire was closely monitored using both aerial and ground resources throughout the operation,” the South African National Parks (SANParks) said on Thursday.
From an ecological perspective, the fire is regarded as highly beneficial.
It contributed positively to fynbos regeneration and assisted in controlling alien plants.
“Estimates indicate that achieving similar alien vegetation control through conventional methods would have cost between R60 million and R80 million.
“By comparison, the total cost of managing the fire amounted to approximately R4.5 million, representing a considerable ecological return relative to expenditure.
“SANParks thanks all partners, firefighting teams and stakeholders for their cooperation and commitment throughout the incident.” –SAnews.gov.za
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Source: Government of South Africa
President Ramaphosa appoints Deputy Public Protector
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Advocate Dinkie Portia Dube as the Deputy Public Protector of the Republic of South Africa for a term of seven years, effective from 1 February 2026.
In a statement on Thursday, The Presidency said the appointment was made in terms of section 2A(1) of the Public Protector Act, 1994 (Act No. 23 of 1994), following a recommendation by the National Assembly.
Adv Dube brings more than 20 years of experience in the public sector, with extensive expertise in oversight, complaints management and investigations.
She currently serves as the Director-General of the Public Service Commission. Prior to this role, she was the Chief Director: Operations in the Office of the Military Ombud.
Between 2011 and 2014, Dube served as the Provincial Director of the Gauteng Office of the Public Protector South Africa.
Her professional background also includes work in complaints resolution at the former Department of Trade and Industry’s Office of Consumer Protection, as well as a tenure as a legal officer at the South African Human Rights Commission.
“President Ramaphosa wishes Adv Dube well in her new role in the Public Protector as a supreme administrative oversight body with the power to investigate, report on and remedy improper conduct in all matters of the state,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za
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Source: APO – Report:
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Mr. Kibrom Misgina, head of water development in the Southern Region, reported that over the past five years, 41 potable water projects worth more than 84 million Nakfa have been implemented in the region.
Mr. Kibrom said that the potable water projects, which were implemented in collaboration with the public and the Government between 2021 and 2025, include 258 kW of solar energy systems, 116 water distribution centers, 48 water reservoirs, as well as 90 km of water pipelines, benefiting over 100 thousand people.
Mr. Kibrom, indicating that 60% of the expense was covered by the Government and the remaining by the community, commended the strong participation of members of the Defense Forces in the implementation of the projects. He also said that renovation work has been carried out on over 200 water projects, and training has been provided on water management with a view to ensuring the sustainability of the projects.
According to documents, in the Southern Region there are 50 potable water projects operating with solar systems, 23 with hand pumps, and 5 with generators.
– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
Source: APO – Report:
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The Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe Bonnie, on Wednesday paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the Judiciary and the Executive arm of government.
The Chief Justice explained that the visit was to formally express the Judiciary’s appreciation to the Ministry of Finance for its continued support.
He identified congestion in the courts as a major impediment to effective justice delivery in Ghana and noted that a number of interventions are currently being developed to address the challenge.
Justice Baffoe Bonnie further raised concerns about working conditions within the Judiciary, stressing the need for sustained institutional support to improve efficiency and outcomes across the justice delivery system.
On his part, the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the Judiciary and the Ministry of Justice to address the challenges confronting the courts.
He disclosed that, as part of measures under consideration, the Ministry of Finance is examining the possibility of allowing the Judiciary to utilise 100 percent of its Internally Generated Funds (IGF) to respond to urgent operational needs.
Present at the meeting were Supreme Court Judge Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, the Acting Director of the Ghana School of Law, Prof. Raymond Atuguba, and the Judicial Secretary, Ahmed Musah.
The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, was also present.
– on behalf of Ministry of Finance – Republic of Ghana.
Source: APO – Report:
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Six years ago, Mercy Awuniyi left her studies and hospital work in Ekiti State, Nigeria, with dreams of advancing her education and career in South Africa. What she found instead was a reality faced by countless migrant women across the world: the challenge of building a life in a foreign country without support networks or access to formal employment. “When you’re in another person’s country, it’s a big challenge, especially when there’s no one to help. As a woman, there’s nothing that you can do if there’s no one to help you. You just feel like, where should I start from?” says Awuniyi, now based in Pretoria.
Awuniyi had been studying laboratory technology in Nigeria, gaining practical experience working in a hospital while pursuing her diploma. Her move to South Africa was driven by the desire to explore opportunities beyond her home country and further her education. However, the reality of migration proved more complex than she had anticipated.
A second chance at success
A recent entrepreneurship training programme, presented by Future Families, opened an unexpected door. For Awuniyi, it was a revelation that changed her perspective on what’s possible. The training is an initiative of UN Women’s Making Migration Safe for Women programme in South Africa, supported by the Federal Government of Germany, and is designed specifically to support migrant women through two distinct pathways: entrepreneurship and employment. The programme goes beyond simply providing startup equipment; it offers comprehensive business training covering financial literacy, pricing strategies, market analysis, and the crucial skill of separating personal income from business capital.
Participants learn practical concepts like calculating owner’s drawings, tracking sales, and budgeting for stock replenishment – knowledge that transforms informal hustling into sustainable enterprises. The aim is to help women build sustainable businesses that can generate enough income to support themselves while maintaining the capital needed for continued growth.
“I didn’t know that there was a programme like this in South Africa. I learned that even if you are not working as a government worker, you can also have your own handwork – maybe in the beauty industry, or learning to bake. I’m very happy to know that there’s an opportunity for me here,” says Awuniyi. During the training, Awuniyi discovered her entrepreneurial path: nail artistry. The choice wasn’t random. She observed that women across South Africa and beyond invest in nail care, creating a consistent market for skilled technicians. “Ladies all over the world like to put nails,” she notes. “If I know how to do this, I’ll be able to make money. I like beauty, but nails are what I like most to do.”
Breaking cycles of dependence
For women choosing the entrepreneurship pathway, the programme provides intensive skills training lasting between five days and two weeks, followed by startup kits in their chosen sector – whether beauty services, baking, or other trades as well follow up mentoring. The ultimate goal is to create independence to generate their own sustainable income. For those preferring employment, the programme offers CV writing support, email account creation, guidance on accessing online job portals, and interview preparation – recognizing that different women need different pathways to economic security.
“At the end of the day, for us, it’s about creating independence, so participants don’t rely on the programme or family members for an income”, says Sinoxolo Mbekeni, Future Families Strategic Information Manager. “They get to generate their own income. With the employment pathway, we can’t guarantee they’ll get a job soon, but with the entrepreneurship pathway, I know if they are equipped with the right tools, they can get started right away,” he adds.”
What makes participating in this programme particularly significant for Awuniyi is that it’s the first time someone has offered to support her business idea. “I’ve never had an opportunity for someone to help me, to teach me how to do this. But since I’m here, and I heard today that they can help me with my idea, I’m very happy.” Her story reflects the experiences of many migrant women who possess skills, education, and ambition but face systemic barriers.
“The truth is that migrant women face a perfect storm of discrimination: gender-based violence, blocked pathways to decent work, and services that are often out of reach. Yet many of these women are also economic lifelines to those who depend on them, and they contribute significantly to their families and communities across borders. Programmes like this enable these women to contribute to the home and host communities,” says Siziwe Jongizulu, UN Women South Africa Programme Specialist for Making Migration Safe for Women South Africa.
For Awuniyi, the journey from laboratory science to nail artistry may seem like a departure from her original plans. But it represents something more fundamental: the resilience of migrant women who continue to seek opportunities despite overwhelming obstacles, and the transformative power of programmes that recognize their potential and provide tangible support to help them thrive.
– on behalf of UN Women – Africa.
Source: APO – Report:
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More than a year after conflict broke out in the Cal Miskaad mountain range of Somalia’s Puntland region, fighting continues to take a heavy toll on the lives of thousands of families. Many have been forced to flee their homes, leaving behind land and livelihoods they depend on. As communities struggle to cope with the long-term consequences of violence, severe drought conditions gripping much of the country are deepening needs, placing additional pressure on communities already stretched to their limits.
In 2025, for the second year running, conflict was the main driver of displacement in Somalia, uprooting more than 200,000 people from their homes, according to humanitarian data tracking population movements. Military operations, including sustained air and drone strikes, escalated throughout the year.
Now in its second year, the conflict in the northern part of the country between Puntland Defence Forces and the Islamic State Group-Somalia (ISg-S) has displaced tens of thousands of people, disrupting a nomadic way of life that communities have relied on for generations. As a result, Bari region, where the fighting continues, ranks as among the regions hosting the highest number of people displaced by conflict in Somalia.
“We left in a hurry. We abandoned a house with four rooms, three water reservoirs and two farms. I had lived there for about 30 years,” said Sudci Ismail, 70, who now stays in a temporary house made of plastic tarps on the outskirts of a small village in Barookhle, Bari region.
Sudci Ismail and her extended family outside their temporary shelter in a small village in Barookhle, Bari region. Like thousands of others, they have been displaced by fighting between Puntland forces and Islamic State in Somalia (IS-Somalia) in northern Somalia.
A severe drought, declared a national emergency in November, has also affected millions of people across Somalia. The northern parts of the country have been hit particularly hard due to their arid landscape. For those who were displaced, the area’s scorching temperatures add further strain to an already vulnerable population.
“Some of these families are pushed to remote areas where access to essential services such as food, water and health care is extremely limited,” said Antoine Grand, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Somalia. “Combined with persistent drought conditions, the traditional lifestyle of these nomadic pastoralists is profoundly disrupted.”
To support communities affected by the ongoing fighting and drought, the ICRC has maintained an operational presence in the region and has carried out the following activities since the start of the conflict:
– on behalf of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Source: APO – Report:
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Today World Health Organization (WHO)’s Regional Office for Africa (AFRO) and the East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in advancing health outcomes and resilient health systems across the East, Central and Southern African region.
The MoU establishes a structured framework for cooperation aligned with WHO’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work (GPW 14) and regional priorities, reinforcing joint efforts to accelerate progress towards universal health coverage, health security and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr Mohamed Yakub Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, highlighted the value of strengthened regional partnerships in addressing complex health challenges. “This MoU is not only about cooperation between institutions, but also, perhaps more importantly, about delivering better health outcomes for Africans, especially the most vulnerable, across East, Central and Southern Africa,” he said.
Through this partnership, WHO AFRO and ECSA-HC will collaborate across a broad range of strategic areas, including primary health care strengthening, disease prevention and control, health workforce development, digital health transformation, regulatory harmonization, research and innovation and improved preparedness and response to public health emergencies. The agreement also underscores the importance of regional approaches to addressing emerging threats such as climate change, antimicrobial resistance and future pandemics.
ECSA-HC Director-General, Dr Ntuli Kapologwe, emphasized the importance of the agreement in supporting Member States. “This MoU strengthens our long-standing collaboration with WHO AFRO and enhances our collective ability to support countries in building resilient, equitable and people-centred health systems. Together, we will advance regional solutions that respond to shared health priorities and challenges,” he said.
WHO AFRO provides leadership and technical support to 47 Member States in the African Region. ECSA-HC is an intergovernmental organization established in 1974 to foster regional cooperation in health among its nine Member States: Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, the United Republic of Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The MoU will be operationalized through a joint plan of action, including defined activities, timelines and monitoring mechanisms, ensuring coordinated implementation and accountability. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to solidarity, regional integration and sustainable investment in health systems to ensure no one is left behind.
– on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.
