Category: MIL-OSI

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Central Region Honors Top Athletes and Coaches

Source: APO


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The Central Region Athletics Federation honored athletes and coaches who achieved outstanding results in regional and national competitions held in 2025 during a ceremony organized on 2 January.

In his speech, the President of the Federation, Mr. Kibrom Tekle, noted that significant victories were recorded in 2025 because the efforts of the coaches were effectively implemented on the ground by the athletes. He explained that the award ceremony was aimed at providing recognition for these achievements.

It was announced during the event that the award recipients included 18 athletes who ranked from 1st to 6th in ten regional and seven national competitions, as well as nine coaches who were nominated as the best based on the points recorded by their athletes.

Mr. Asmerom Tsegabirhan, Director General of the Culture and Sports Department, noted that the recorded successes serve as a springboard for achieving higher performance levels in the future, emphasizing that the awards should be viewed from this perspective.

Finally, awards and certificates of appreciation prepared by the Central Region Athletics Federation were distributed.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Zerit Teweldebrhan, Managing Director of the Central Region, urged athletes and their coaches not to become complacent with their current success or limit themselves to domestic competitions. He encouraged them to work harder in preparation for the continental and global stages that await them.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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Qatar Expresses Deep Concern over Developments in Venezuela and Calls for Dialogue to Resolve Disputes

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, 3 January 2026

The State of Qatar expresses its deep concern over the current developments in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, calling in this context for restraint, de-escalation, and the adoption of dialogue as the appropriate means to address all outstanding issues.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirms the State of Qatar’s position advocating adherence to the Charter of the United Nations and the established principles of international law, including obligations under the Charter to resolve international disputes through peaceful means.

The Ministry further renews the State of Qatar’s full readiness to contribute to any international effort aimed at achieving an immediate peaceful solution, and underscores its commitment to keeping channels of communication open with all concerned parties.

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Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bids Farewell to Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | December 31, 2025

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met Wednesday with HE Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to the State of Qatar Marat Nuraliev, on the occasion of the end of his tenure.
HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs thanked HE the Ambassador for his efforts in supporting and strengthening bilateral relations, wishing him success in his new duties. 

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Qatar Expresses Solidarity with Afghanistan Over Flood Impact

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, January 3, 2026

The State of Qatar expresses its solidarity with Afghanistan as it confronts the effects of floods that strike several regions of the country, resulting in deaths and injuries.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveys Qatar’s condolences to the families of the victims, the caretaker government, and the people of Afghanistan, and extends its wishes for a swift recovery to those injured.

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Qatar Welcomes Efforts by the Legitimate Yemeni Government to Support Dialogue and Address the Southern Issue

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha / 3 January 2026

The State of Qatar welcomes the efforts undertaken by the legitimate Yemeni government to support the Yemeni dialogue process and address the Southern Issue. In this context, Qatar commends the request of the President of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council to convene a conference in the city of Riyadh to bring the parties together for dialogue and to discuss fair solutions, reflecting his commitment to dialogue as a means of addressing national issues.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the State of Qatar’s appreciation to the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hosting this conference, within the framework of its continued support for efforts aimed at achieving security and stability in the sisterly Republic of Yemen.

The Ministry underscores the importance of the constructive participation of all southern components in the forthcoming conference in Riyadh, in a manner that prioritizes the interests of the brotherly Yemeni people. It also stresses the need to adhere to the outcomes of the National Dialogue Conference as the consensual framework and comprehensive mechanism for reaching an inclusive political solution that meets the aspirations of the Yemeni people in all their components, and preserves Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns that unilateral declarations and measures taken without consultation and consensus among Yemeni parties, and without engaging in serious and responsible dialogue, could lead to a slide toward chaos, harming the interests of the brotherly Yemeni people and undermining prospects for reaching a sustainable political settlement.

The Ministry reaffirms the State of Qatar’s full support for all regional and international efforts aimed at advancing the political process, contributing to an end to the Yemeni crisis through dialogue and peaceful means, in a manner that serves the security and stability of Yemen and the region.

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Japan and World Food Programme (WFP) provide life-saving food assistance for refugees and returnees in Burundi

Source: APO – Report:

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The World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a contribution of over US$625,000 (approximately BIF two billion) from the Government of Japan to provide life-saving food assistance for refugees fleeing the recent violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Burundians returning from refugee camps in Tanzania.

In December, Burundi received 85,000 refugees fleeing renewed violence and insecurity in eastern DRC. WFP has rapidly scaled up assistance to provide hot meals and dry foods for 80,000 new arrivals. With the latest influx, WFP is now supporting double the number of refugees with the same resources.

“The generous support from the Government and people of Japan comes at a critical moment for families fleeing violence and insecurity as well as for those returning from exile with almost nothing. This contribution enables WFP, in close collaboration with the Government of Burundi, to deliver food assistance that saves lives and protects dignity during this emergency,” said Jean-Noel Gentile, WFP’s Country Director in Burundi.

With up to 93,000 returnees also expected from Tanzanian refugee camps by mid-2026 due to planned closures, pressure on WFP’s limited resources has further intensified. Currently, around 1,500 returnees are arriving in Burundi each week, and estimates indicate this could rise to 3,000 per week. 

“The Embassy of Japan is honoured to support the urgent food needs of refugees from DRC and returnees from Tanzania. Japan’s humanitarian assistance is based on the philosophy of Human Security – highlighting human-centred cooperation, dignity, and solidarity,” said Mr. Kazuya Nakajo, Ambassador of Japan to Burundi.

The Government of Japan has been a major contributor to WFP in Burundi, providing US$16 million to humanitarian operations since 2016. This contribution is part of a US$1 million allocation from the Government of Japan for WFP and UN Women to support refugees from DRC and returnees from Tanzania. 

– on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).

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La United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) et les Forces centrafricaines rassurent les électeurs dans la Mambéré-Kadeï

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Les électeurs de Berberati et des localités environnantes, dans la préfecture de la Mambéré-Kadeï, ont pris part aux élections groupées du 28 décembre dans un climat apaisé. Grâce à un dispositif de sécurisation renforcé mis en place par la MINUSCA, en coordination avec les Forces de défense et de sécurité centrafricaines, le scrutin s’est déroulé sans incident majeur, suscitant une perception largement positive au sein des populations locales. 

Dès les premières heures de la journée électorale, un dispositif sécuritaire renforcé, mis en place par les Casques bleus de la MINUSCA, a permis de garantir l’ouverture des bureaux de vote dans des conditions appropriées. La présence visible et dissuasive des forces de sécurité a contribué à rassurer les électeurs et à prévenir tout acte susceptible de troubler l’ordre public. Cette mobilisation s’est poursuivie sans interruption jusqu’à la fermeture des bureaux de vote, au démarrage des opérations de dépouillement ainsi qu’au transport sécurisé des urnes.

Présente sur le terrain, la Cheffe de Bureau de Berbérati, Aissetou Sanogo, a salué l’engagement, le professionnalisme et la discipline des personnels déployés. Elle a souligné que la coordination étroite entre la police de la MINUSCA et les Forces de défense et de sécurité centrafricaines a permis de créer un environnement propice à l’expression du droit de vote.

Gervais Yakouma, un étudiant ayant voté pour la première fois, a exprimé une vive émotion et une grande satisfaction. « La présence rassurante des policiers de la MINUSCA aux côtés des FSI a été déterminante pour le bon déroulement de cette première expérience électorale », a-t-il indiqué.

Klarissa Ngbayakoron, une ménagère rencontrée à proximité d’un bureau de vote, a affirmé n’avoir jamais connu un tel niveau de calme et de sécurité lors des élections en République centrafricaine. Elle a exprimé sa profonde gratitude envers les Forces de sécurité nationales et internationales, soulignant que : « cette atmosphère sereine m’a permis de voter sans crainte, dans la dignité et la tranquillité ».

Joseline Kara, une jeune fille de 16 ans, non encore éligible au vote, a partagé son ressenti en indiquant que ses grandes sœurs avaient pu voter dans le calme et la sécurité. Elle a exprimé l’espoir que, lors des prochaines élections auxquelles elle participera, les mêmes conditions de paix et de sécurité soient réunies afin qu’elle puisse exercer son droit de vote avec la même fierté. 

Les élections à Berberati et sur les axes environnants se sont déroulées dans des conditions sécuritaires globalement satisfaisantes. La forte implication des forces de sécurité a non seulement garanti le bon déroulement du scrutin, mais a également contribué à renforcer la confiance de la population dans le processus électoral et dans les institutions chargées de sa sécurisation.

Distribué par APO Group pour United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

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La United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) renforce l’accès à l’information à travers la distribution de radios solaires

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Dans le cadre de son appui à l’accès à une information fiable, la MINUSCA a procédé à la distribution de postes récepteurs radios solaires aux communautés.

Dans la préfecture de la Nana-Mambéré, la MINUSCA a remis environ 600 radios solaires aux autorités locales, membres du Comité préfectoral de mise en œuvre de l’Accord de paix (CMOP), leaders communautaires et religieux, femmes, jeunes, forum local des droits de l’homme, Forces de défense et de sécurité, médias, commerçants et conducteurs de taxis-motos.

Pour les autorités administratives locales, ce don constitue un outil essentiel de participation citoyenne. Selon Pierre Minang Fils, Secrétaire général de la préfecture de la Nana-Mambéré, « Ces radios sont des outils d’information qui permettront aux citoyens d’assumer pleinement leur citoyenneté en ayant accès à l’information sur leur environnement immédiat. Ce geste symbolise l’excellent partenariat entre la MINUSCA et les autorités administratives de la Nana-Mambéré. »

Les femmes bénéficiaires saluent également cette initiative. Marthe Mbita, présidente sous-préfectorale de l’Organisation des femmes centrafricaines (OFCA), se réjouit de ce don : « Ces récepteurs radios contribueront à l’autonomisation des femmes, qui seront ainsi au même niveau d’information que tout le monde, tout en faisant entendre leurs propres voix. Cela leur permettra de réaliser leur plein potentiel dans la consolidation de la paix en République centrafricaine. »

Du côté des médias et des acteurs de la paix, l’accès à une information fiable est perçu comme un facteur clé de prévention des conflits. Rodrigue Privat Lekpanga, homme de média et membre du CMOP, souligne que « l’accès des populations à l’information joue un rôle important dans la prévention et la résolution des conflits ».

Les leaders religieux partagent cet avis. Pour l’abbé Christ Durant, vicaire à la paroisse Marie-Mère de l’Église à la cathédrale de Bouar, « Ces radios permettront à la communauté de mieux s’informer et pourra contribuer à la promotion de la culture de la paix, contrer la radicalisation et les idéologies extrémistes qui pourraient conduire à la violence. »

Les défenseurs des droits humains voient dans ces radios un puissant outil de sensibilisation. Emmanuel Ngaliboy, coordonnateur du forum local des droits de l’homme, explique que « ces radios permettront à la communauté d’écouter des émissions et des messages qui peuvent combler les écarts, éliminer les stéréotypes et promouvoir la compréhension. Elles constituent également un outil important de sensibilisation pour la promotion des droits de l’homme ».

À travers cette remise de radios visant à améliorer l’accès des populations à l’information, la MINUSCA réaffirme son engagement en faveur de la consolidation de la paix, en promouvant la communication, la compréhension mutuelle et la collaboration au sein des communautés de la Nana-Mambéré.

Distribué par APO Group pour United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

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President Herminie conveys condolences to President Parmelin after tragic fire incident in Switzerland

Source: APO


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The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Dr. Patrick Herminie, has conveyed his deepest condolences to H.E. Mr. Guy Bernard Parmelin, President of the Swiss Confederation, following a tragic fire that occurred in the Swiss resort town of Crans -Montana on New Year’s Eve.

In his message to President Parmelin, President Herminie stated:

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives caused by a fire on New Year’s Eve in the Swiss resort town of Crans -Montana. 

On behalf of the Government and People of the Republic of Seychelles and in my own name, I extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, and to the People and Government of Switzerland.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragedy.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Republic of Seychelles.

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Liberia advances implementation of amended International Health Regulations

Source: APO


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The Government of Liberia has taken a key step towards implementing the 2024 amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) following the signing of a national declaration of commitment after a three-day national technical workshop held in Monrovia from 15–17 December 2025, with support from World Health Organization (WHO).

The workshop brought together 80 multisectoral experts from government institutions, partner organizations, academia and civil society to review the amended regulations and agree on national steps for domestication. The process concluded with the signing and endorsement of a national declaration outlining Liberia’s commitment to implementing the amended International Health Regulations.

During the policy and domestication session on 18 December 2025, Dr Sia Wata Camanor, Chair of the One Health Technical Committee and Acting Director-General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), presented the agreed steps for domestication, including institutional arrangements and an implementation roadmap. These were formally endorsed by senior ministers and signed by His Excellency Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Vice President of the Republic of Liberia.

In his closing remarks, Vice President Koung, who also serves as Chair of the One Health Steering Committee, expressed appreciation for WHO’s continued support and emphasized the importance of preparedness and coordinated leadership in addressing public health threats.

“Public health threats do not respect borders.Therefore, preparedness, coordination and decisive leadership are essential to protecting lives and development,” he said.

He noted that reaffirming Liberia’s commitment to the International Health Regulations (2005), as amended in 2024, reflects national ownership of health security responsibilities and lessons learned from past and ongoing public health emergencies.

The vice president highlighted the designation of the Ministry of Health as the National International Health Regulations Authority and NPHIL as the National International Health Regulations focal point, noting that this clarification strengthens accountability and enables timely, high-level decision-making.

“This declaration reflects Liberia’s resolve to align national laws and preparedness plans with the amended Regulations, strengthen multisectoral coordination through a One Health approach, and invest in surveillance, laboratory systems, workforce capacity and sustainable domestic financing,” he said.

Vice President Koung also underscored Liberia’s decision not to opt out of the 2024 amendments, reaffirming the country’s commitment to solidarity, transparency and shared responsibility, while ensuring that implementation remains guided by constitutional processes, national priorities and sovereign interests.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr Olushayo Oluseun Olu, WHO Representative to Liberia, commended the country’s resilience in responding to recent health emergencies, including COVID-19, mpox and other emerging public health threats.

“The amendments adopted by the World Health Assembly were shaped by the real experiences of countries, including Liberia, over the past two decades,” Dr Olu said. “They respond to the need for clearer national authority, stronger coordination across government and faster, more decisive action when public health threats emerge.”

He added that Liberia’s commitment to domesticating the amended International Health Regulations and strengthening coordination through a One Health approach demonstrates strong national ownership of its health security agenda.

Speaking on behalf of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Dr Musa Abdullahi, Acting Country Director, said the key areas of the 2024 amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) are aligned with Africa CDC’s continental priorities.

“Africa CDC will support Liberia in strengthening its core capacities for preparedness and response,” Dr Abdullahi said.

Other speakers at the event included representatives from the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Education, the Civil Service Agency, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, as well as development partners, academia, civil society organizations and the media.

The International Health Regulations (2005), revised in 2024, are a legally binding global framework that guides 196 countries to prevent, detect and respond to public health risks that may spread internationally, while avoiding unnecessary interference with international travel and trade.

WHO continues to support Liberia through legal, policy and operational assistance, capacity-building and multisectoral collaboration. The amended International Health Regulations provide an opportunity for Liberia to strengthen disease surveillance, modernize emergency response systems, reinforce laboratory networks and advance implementation of the National Action Plan for Health Security, in line with national priorities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization – Liberia.