Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO

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Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, has just spent two days in East and Central Africa. Peace efforts to resolve the crisis in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) formed the focal point of his visit to Kinshasa on Friday 21 November. On Thursday 20 November, Mr Cassis inaugurated the new Swiss embassy in Rwanda, a symbol of the growing bilateral ties between the two countries, and took part in the 46th Francophonie Ministerial Conference.

The peace processes in the Great Lakes region were at the forefront of Mr Cassis’ discussions in the DRC and Rwanda. On Friday in Kinshasa, he met DRC Minister of Foreign Affairs Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner. In addition, he met with civil society and Catholic church representatives to discuss the situation in the DRC’s east and the ongoing efforts to promote peace. The visit was also an opportunity for Mr Cassis to highlight Switzerland’s expertise in mediation and its willingness to contribute to these efforts.

Switzerland has been active in the east of the DRC since the 1990s under its international cooperation remit. It prioritises humanitarian aid for civilians affected by the ongoing conflicts in the region and strengthening their capacity to tackle the challenging situation. Switzerland has committed CHF 550 million to the Great Lakes region since 2009. Earlier this year, following the military offensive by the M23 militia, Switzerland was the only bilateral actor to have maintained its presence in the east of the DRC with its cooperation office in Bukavu. The DRC is the second largest country in Africa by surface area and one of the world’s richest in terms of natural resources.

Strengthening ties with Rwanda

On Thursday 20 November, Mr Cassis was in Rwanda to take part in the Francophonie Ministerial Conference and to inaugurate Switzerland’s new representation in Kigali, which has been upgraded to an embassy. He met with his Rwandan counterpart, Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe, and paid a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva. In addition to discussing the issue of regional peace, the visit was an opportunity to mark the deepening of relations between the two countries. (see press release dated 20 November link)

Switzerland’s activities in the region are based on the Africa Strategy 2025–28, which focuses on managing armed conflicts and protecting particularly vulnerable population groups in Central and East Africa. In addition to reinforcing democracy and the rule of law, Switzerland’s priorities in the region include the continuing diversification of relations in fields such as business, science and digitalisation.

La Francophonie must remain effective and useful

This year’s 46th Francophonie Ministerial Conference, entitled Thirty years on from the Beijing Conference: the contribution of women in the French-speaking world, was an opportunity to take stock of the advances made and the progress still to be achieved in the field of gender equality. Federal Councillor Cassis highlighted the challenges facing the International Organisation of La Francophonie (IOF), which brings together 90 countries. In a polarised world marked by mistrust, La Francophonie must become a space of trust and cooperation that encourages linguistic diversity and solidarity. To achieve this, the organisation must remain effective and useful.

The ministerial meeting also provided an opportunity to meet with the foreign ministers of Cambodia, whose country is taking over the presidency of La Francophonie, and Senegal, as well as France’s Minister Delegate and Representative for La Francophonie.

Mr Cassis was accompanied on his trip to Rwanda and the DRC by a parliamentary delegation comprising two members of the foreign affairs committees: member of the Council of States Petra Gössi (FDP/Schwyz) and member of the National Council Piero Marchesi (SVP/Ticino).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Switzerland.

Source: APO

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• Economic activity is gradually recovering from an abrupt contraction during the last quarter of 2024, and inflation pressures are muted.
• Growth is expected to remain moderate, as challenges including a constrained funding environment, policy uncertainty, and foreign exchange shortages are holding back faster growth. At the same time, government financing challenges have become acute.
• Decisive and coordinated policy action is critical to restore macroeconomic stability and tackle external imbalances. Such action is also needed to improve growth prospects, facilitate job creation, and reduce poverty.

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team, led by Pablo Lopez-Murphy, IMF mission chief for Mozambique, visited Maputo from November 12–21 to hold discussions for the 2025 Article IV Consultation with Mozambique. The team met with Finance Minister Carla Loveira and Governor Rogério Zandamela of the Bank of Mozambique. The team also met with other senior government and central bank officials, members of the Parliamentary Budget Commission, the private sector, civil society organizations, and development partners.

At the conclusion of the mission, Mr. Lopez-Murphy issued the following statement:

“Mozambique is navigating a complex macroeconomic environment. While inflation remains contained and economic activity is gradually recovering from the social unrest following the October 2024 elections, growth remains subdued.

“The outlook is marked by significant uncertainty. On the positive side, the recent announcement by TotalEnergies to resume its major LNG project offers a potential boost to medium-term growth. Mozambique’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list further reflects progress in strengthening its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing frameworks. These developments could help catalyze investment and support external financing.

“However, significant challenges remain. Elevated fiscal and debt vulnerabilities, including government arrears, continue to weigh on the country’s near-term growth prospects. FX pressures add to the challenges. Without decisive policy action, vulnerabilities could deepen, undermining macroeconomic stability and the wellbeing of the population.

“Discussions focused on policies to restore macroeconomic stability and anchor debt sustainability. A coordinated policy package that includes urgent fiscal consolidation while protecting the vulnerable and poor, greater exchange rate flexibility, and structural reforms to improve governance and foster private sector-led growth would help Mozambique address its challenges.

“The team wishes to thank the Mozambican authorities, civil society, and development partners for their frank and constructive engagement and support during the mission.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Source: APO

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The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, expresses deep concern over the recent reported abduction of school children and teachers in Kebbi State, North-Western Nigeria, and Niger State, North-Central Nigeria.

The Chairperson strongly condemns this despicable act committed against children and innocent people and decries the persistent threats posed by terrorism, violent extremism and banditry in Nigeria. He calls for the full activation of accountability mechanisms to ensure that the perpetrators of these grave crimes are identified and swiftly brought to justice in accordance with existing national, continental and global legal frameworks.

Across the African continent, children are at significant risk of experiencing the six (6) grave violations of children’s rights, including recruitment and use by armed groups, sexual violence, abduction, killing, and maiming. The abduction of children remains a deeply troubling and abhorrent trend in Africa, which the AU Commission is actively addressing through various collaborative measures with Member States, regional actors, partners and civil society, to ensure children’s rights are fully protected.

Furthermore, the African Union encourages coordinated efforts to secure the immediate release of the abducted school children and others, to ensure their safety and well-being, while reaffirming full solidarity with the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria during this difficult time.

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

Source: APO

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On November 21, Ambassador Yin Chengwu met with Liberia’s new Minister of Mines and Energy, Hon. R. Matonekay Tingban.

Ambassador Yin congratulated Hon. Tingban on his assumption of the office of the minister of Mines and Energy, and present the state of current China-Liberia relations. He expressed hope that both sides would jointly implement the important consensus reached by the two Presidents during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), and steadily enhance collaboration, particularly in the mining and energy sectors. He also briefed the minister on the key outcomes of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.

Hon. Tingban expressed his appreciation for Ambassador Yin’s congratulations, and emphasized the significant accomplishments in bilateral cooperation in the mining and energy sectors. He also expressed willingness to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China.

After the meeting, Ambassador Yin attended the official handing over ceremony for the Minister of Mining and Energy of Liberia.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Liberia.

Source: APO

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The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins has called for more urgent official measures to curb the alarming rate of insecurity across the country.

He said the festering terrorists’ attacks in parts of the country and the mass killing of innocent Nigerians in recent times, have underlined the need for the federal government and the Security Agencies to, as a matter of urgency, identify and deal decisively with the terrorists and their sponsors.

Archbishop Martins lamented the predawn attack on Monday, 17 November, 2025, at the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 schoolgirls were violently taken from their dormitory, and a similar attack on St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State on Friday, 21 November 2025, where some students were also abducted. These incidents, he said, are regrettably reminiscent of the abduction of the Chibok girls in April 2014, which still stirs the nation to the core.

In the same vein, he condemned the kidnapping of a Catholic priest, Father Bobbo Paschal, from St. Stephen Catholic Church in Kushe Gudgu, Kaduna State. During this raid, Gideon Markus, the brother of another local priest, was killed as he tried to intervene. These attacks, he noted, demonstrate the brazen audacity of those who seek to terrorize our nation.

“It is a matter of great concern that there has been a spike in the cases of terrorist attacks across the country in recent times, especially since the threat made by President Donald Trump. It seems there are some elements who are making deliberate efforts to throw this nation into chaos. For instance, how does one describe the manner in which the school girls were kidnapped, the brutal murder of a staff member, the school’s Vice Principal and Chief Security Officer, Hassan Yakubu Makuku, who was shot when assailants broke into his residence on the school premises? It is sad that these children, aged approximately 12 to 17, were seized under the cover of darkness by gunmen who scaled the school fence, exchanged gunfire with police, and ultimately took these innocent daughters away into the forests. We are heartened that one student has escaped and returned home, but we remain deeply troubled about the safety and well-being of the 24 who remain in captivity.”

According to him, the recent killing of Muhammad Uba, a General in the army, by the terrorists and the gruesome attack of worshippers at a Church in Eruku, Kwara State, have further shown that “more needs to be done to secure the lives and properties of our citizens wherever they may be living”.

“If the terrorists can kill a whole serving army general in such a brazen manner, I wonder how secure the average citizens of this country are? It truly shows that there are reasons for everyone to be concerned about their security.”

The Archbishop warned that time was ticking fast and government at all levels along with the security agencies need to enforce their constitutional mandate of protecting the lives and properties of the citizens, as they needed to act fast to regain the confidence and trust of all citizens.

While acknowledging the assurances that the military have been on their readiness to secure all Nigerians, he wondered why they continue to appear powerless in the face of the incessant attacks.

He therefore tasked the Tinubu-led administration to, as a matter of constitutional duty, bring home all those who are in the hands of these brazen terrorists.

He equally urged the political class to unite and support the security agencies in their efforts to defeat the terrorists, warning that no stone should be left unturned to bring the culprits and their sponsors to justice.

Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu,
Director.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Nigeria.

Source: APO

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On November 21, Ambassador GAO Wenqi accompanied Rt Hon. Justin Nsengiyumva, Prime Minister of Rwanda to the site of the Nyabarongo II Hydro Power Project. They received a progress report from the project contractor and conducted an on-site inspection of the project dam, water diversion tunnel, and held discussions with enterprise representatives. Hon. Jimmy Gasore, Minister of Infrastructure, Hon. Marie-Solange Kayisire, Minister of State for Local Government, Hon. Godfrey Kabera, Minister of State in Charge of the National Treasury, Hon. Alice Kayitesi, Governor of Southern Province, heads of relevant Rwandan ministries and departments, Counselor GAO Zhiqiang accompanied the delegation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Rwanda.

Source: APO

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With support from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, The Ministry of Health officially received the newly renovated and expanded Arthington Clinic on Friday, along with a freshly constructed Maternal Waiting Home and several additional improvements at the facility.

The ceremony brought together county health authorities, community leaders, religious leaders, partners, and residents who celebrated the transformation of the health center, an upgrade expected to significantly improve healthcare delivery for mothers, children, and the broader Arthington community.

Minister of Health, Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, praised the renovation and the new maternal waiting home as timely interventions that align with the Ministry’s priorities of reducing maternal and neonatal deaths. She reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that all health facilities across the country meet minimum quality standards and deliver patient-centered care.

Speaking on behalf of the County Health Officer, Mr. Joseph Peters, County Health Team Administrator, provided an overview of the initiative. He noted that the renovation and expansion were made possible through the generous support of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whose humanitarian arm continues to invest in strengthening community health systems in Liberia. Mr. Peters emphasized that the upgraded facility reflects the county’s commitment to ensuring better healthcare access for residents, especially pregnant women and children in remote communities.

Elder and Sister Haddock, representing the Church, highlighted the Church’s belief in serving humanity and expressed their satisfaction that the partnership is helping to save lives and bring comfort to families in Arthington. They reaffirmed the Church’s willingness to continue supporting health initiatives across Montserrado County.

In special remarks, the 1st Counsellor of the Africa West Area Presidency of the Latter-day Saints, Elder & Sister Adeyinka Ayodeji Ojediran, commended the collaborative effort that brought the project to reality. Elder Ojediran encouraged community members to take ownership of the facility, utilize it fully, and work collectively to maintain it for future generations.

The event also featured community testimonies, including an emotional reflection from Patience, an eight-month pregnant resident of Arthington. She expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health and the Latter-day Saints, describing the new maternal waiting home as a “blessing” that will make childbirth safer and more dignified for women in the community.

“I feel happy and hopeful,” she shared. “This place will help many of us who used to worry about long distances and unsafe conditions when it’s time to give birth.”

The ceremony concluded with a symbolic ribbon cutting, the turning over of a key, and a guided tour of the upgraded facility, marking a new chapter in healthcare delivery for the people of Arthington and the surrounding towns.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Republic of Liberia.