Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO – Report:

• New weekly B767/F Bahrain-Johannesburg service strengthens Sub-Saharan Africa connectivity and supports growing trade flows between Africa, the Gulf and global markets

DHL Express (www.DHL.com) has marked an important milestone in its regional aviation network with the successful operation of the first direct DHL flight between Bahrain and South Africa.

The inaugural flight arrived at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, opening a new weekly aviation lane operated by a DHL Express B767/F freighter. The route reinforces DHL’s continued investment in strengthening Sub-Saharan Africa network connectivity, expanding heavier-weight capability, improving flexibility and supporting growing trade flows between the Middle East and Africa.

As trade between Africa and the Middle East develops, businesses need resilient, well-connected logistics networks. The new service provides greater inbound and outbound capacity for South Africa and neighbouring countries through the DHL Johannesburg Hub, one of the company’s key gateways on the continent.

The investment also reflects shifting global supply chains, as companies diversify sourcing, manufacturing and customer markets beyond traditional corridors. Bahrain’s position as a gateway between Africa, the Gulf and Asia make it an important link for businesses seeking faster access to international markets.

“Every new connection we introduce is designed with our customers in mind. As global trade routes diversify and economic ties between Africa and the Middle East continue to strengthen, we are seeing powerful geographical tailwinds creating new opportunities for businesses. Demand is growing across sectors such as healthcare, technology, manufacturing and cross-border e-commerce, all of which rely on fast, reliable international logistics,” said Anthony Beckley, Vice President of Operations and Aviation for DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa.

“While this first direct DHL flight between Bahrain and South Africa is a significant network milestone, its real value lies in the opportunities it creates for customers.”

South Africa is one of DHL’s Geographic Tailwinds markets, reflecting its growing role in global trade flows and its potential to drive future trade growth. And Johannesburg remains a critical gateway in DHL’s SSA network, linking South Africa and neighbouring markets to global opportunities through Bahrain and the wider DHL aviation network. Through continued investment in routes, aircraft capacity and hub connectivity, DHL is supporting customers across this dynamic lane.

“DHL Express is the only logistics provider operating a dedicated intra-regional air fleet across the Middle East, connecting customers through Bahrain with major global gateways including Hong Kong, Leipzig and Cincinnati,” said Richard Gale, Vice President of Aviation, DHL Express MENA.

“Bahrain’s position at the crossroads of Africa and the Middle East makes it an ideal hub for customers seeking faster, more reliable access across these growing trade corridors. We are pleased to add this direct Johannesburg connection as economic ties between Africa and the Gulf deepen.”

DHL remains committed to helping customers seize opportunities created by changing trade patterns and expanding economic relationships.

– on behalf of DHL Express.

Media Contact:
Lerato Moeletsi-Banda
E-mail: lerato.moeletsi-banda@dhl.com

DHL – The logistics company for the world:
DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivaled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With approximately 389,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.

DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of approximately 82.9 billion euros in 2025. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

Source: APO – Report:

.

Growing up in Djibouti, Lt. Col. Ahmed Adan Abdullahi dreamed of becoming a military officer, a childhood ambition he realised years later.

Today, Lt. Col. Ahmed commands the 13th Djiboutian National Defence Forces (DNDF) Battalion serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) in Sector 4. Based in Beletweyne, he oversees Djiboutian forces deployed across Beletweyne, Buula Burde, Jalalaqsi and Dhusamareb.

For Lt. Col. Ahmed, becoming a military officer is not simply a career achievement. It is the fulfilment of a long-held dream and an opportunity to serve his country and support the people of Somalia.

“I joined the military for two reasons: one is to defend my country by being part of the Djibouti National Defence Forces, and the other is that my ambition has always been to be an officer which I finally became one. I am grateful to God for this favour,” he said.

Lt. Col. Ahmed completed his primary, secondary and tertiary education in Djibouti before undertaking military training in Sudan. He has extensive experience in Somalia, having previously served under the African Union missions in Buula Burde from 2015 to 2017 and in Dhusamareb from 2021 to 2022.

Those previous deployments have given him valuable knowledge of the operating environment and communities where Djiboutian forces serve. Today, as commander of the 13th Battalion, that experience is helping him lead his troops and carry out his responsibilities more effectively.

His days are demanding and begin early, reflecting the responsibilities that come with commanding troops deployed across a wide area. The Djiboutian contingent is part of AUSSOM’s efforts to support Somalia’s security and stabilisation, while working alongside Somali Security Forces (SSF) and communities.

According to Lt. Col. Ahmed, Djiboutian forces have played an important role in security operations in Hiiraan region and beyond. The forces first deployed in Beletweyne in 2012 and have since participated in operations that led to the liberation of several towns including Beletweyne, Bula Burde and Jalalaqsi.

He said theses victories have not come without sacrifice. Some soldiers paid the ultimate price during operations to liberate towns and protect communities from Al-Shabaab.

“Our forces lost many soldiers in the liberation of the towns,” Lt. Col. Ahmed said. “Up to now, the Djiboutian forces are standing with Somalia to defend, support and be with the Somali public to defend them against Al-Shabaab brutality.”

For Lt. Col. Ahmed, the commitment to Somalia extends beyond military operations. He believes Djibouti’s support will continue until Somali security institutions are strong enough to handle the country’s security responsibilities.

A key strength of the Djiboutian contingent, he explained, is its close relationship with local communities. Djibouti and Somalia share strong cultural, linguistic and religious ties, helping soldiers communicate easily with the communities they serve.

“The Djiboutian contingent is very close to the locals since they share the same language and religion. That has helped us a lot,” Lt. Col. Ahmed said.

For him, the mission is therefore more than military service. It is about fulfilling his childhood dream in Djibouti while contributing to the security and stability of a neighbouring country.

– on behalf of African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

Source: APO – Report:

.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) continues to monitor the 2026 sardine mortality event. No renewed widespread mortality has been reported. The only new report during the past week was an isolated fresh sardine stranding near Mbotyi on the northern Wild Coast on 11 September 2026.

The temporary precautionary fisheries measure implemented on 11 September 2026 remains in force until 2 October 2026. During this period, each right holder may land no more than 25% of its outstanding 2026 directed sardine total allowable catch. The measure applies west and east of Cape Agulhas while monitoring and scientific work continue.

The available evidence did not indicate that the mortality had reduced the sardine population sufficiently to warrant complete closure. The current measure in place is precautionary and time-limited, and can be reviewed sooner if conditions deteriorate.

Industry has confirmed that strong winds prevented recent fishing west of Cape Agulhas and that fishing opportunities in Algoa Bay were also limited by the weather. Only one catch of sardine, amounting to 26 tonnes has been taken since the beginning of September.

Pilchard herpesvirus remains the strongest identified biological factor associated with the event and has been confirmed in affected sardines from the Western Cape and Algoa Bay. Monitoring, sampling and laboratory investigations are continuing.

Earlier KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) samples tested negative for PHV, but only a small number were tested. Additional samples are expected and are important for determining whether that result is consistent across a broader sample.

If these also test negative, this will support, but not prove, that the event did not extend into KZN, consistent with the reported mortality front ending before it reached the province. No effects on sardine-dependent seabirds or marine mammals have been confirmed.

The Small Pelagic Scientific Working Group will meet on 29 September 2026 to review the available evidence and reconsider management of the fishery before the temporary measure ends. The planned October/November hydroacoustic survey will provide the first fisheries-independent estimate of sardine biomass and distribution following the event.

PHV is a fish virus and is not known to infect people. Commercially produced sardine products released through regulated channels remain safe. Members of the public should nevertheless not collect or consume dead or dying sardines found on beaches or floating near shore, feed them to pets, or use them as bait.

– on behalf of South African Government.

Source: APO – Report:

.

His Majesty King Letsie III has arrived in New York, USA, ahead of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

The theme for the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly is “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all”.

At the global level, His Majesty is the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) Goodwill Ambassador for Nutrition while continetantally he is  the African Union (AU) Champion for Nutrition.

– on behalf of Government of Lesotho.

Source: APO – Report:

“Lasting peace is built through listening, mutual trust, and respect for others.”

This passionate belief inspires Captain Djamilla Pelagie Balak’we Seibou as she travels across Western Equatoria meeting local leaders and communities to hear their concerns, challenges, and hopes for the future.

For Djamilla, peacebuilding starts on the frontlines.

A member of the Benin Armed Forces for 16 years, Djamilla now serves thousands of kilometres from home as a Military Observer with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Her work involves monitoring and analyzing the security situation as well as engaging with communities and local authorities in support of the peace process.

Behind the patrols and reports are people affected by conflict, but relentlessly hopeful for a safer future.

When Djamilla arrived in Yambio, the landscape and aspects of the local culture reminded her of Benin. But it was the people and their stories that resonated most.

For her, being present in these communities matters.

“On several occasions, our presence in the field has reassured local populations and strengthened their sense of security.”

Her understanding of service began early. At 10, Djamilla enrolled at the General Mathieu Kérékou Military High School for Girls in Benin. Inspired by her father, a senior military officer, she came to see military service as a commitment to something greater than oneself.

“I joined the military out of a calling to serve and a desire to contribute to the security and well-being of my country.”

Sixteen years in uniform have also shown her the human cost of conflict and the sacrifices soldiers make.

“I fully understand the value of peace and the price that sometimes must be paid to preserve it.”

That experience guides her work in South Sudan, where rebuilding trust and preventing conflict require patience.

As a woman peacekeeper, she believes her presence fosters open dialogue with women and children and considers women’s participation essential for lasting peace.

“Women have their rightful place in the armed forces, in peace operations, and in any field where they wish to serve and contribute to the development of their country.”

Her own journey in a traditionally male-dominated profession has required perseverance and confidence. She hopes her example will encourage others to pursue similar roles in peace and security.

Djamilla finds the hardest part of her mission is being away from home.

“Being away from my family, particularly my daughter, is certainly the most difficult aspect.”

In Western Equatoria, she meets families who share her hopes for her daughter: safety, stability, and a future without fear and full of opportunities.

When Djamilla returns home, she will carry lessons in cooperation and peace, as well as memories of those who believe in a better future.

On the International Day of Peace, her story reminds us that peace is not simply the absence of conflict. It is built through everyday acts of listening, understanding, and rebuilding trust.

– on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Source: APO – Report:

.

The Right Honourable, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho (KoL), Mr Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane, arrived on Sunday 20th September 2026 in New York, in the United States of America (USA) for the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

Prime Minister Matekane follows in the footsteps of His Majesty King Letsie III who arrived in the New York a day before him.Prime Minisster`s delegation to the august event includes among others, the Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation as well as several government officials.

– on behalf of Government of Lesotho.

Source: APO – Report:

Bank of Uganda Governor Michael Atingi-Ego has warned that higher-than-planned Government borrowing could push up interest rates and undermine private-sector access to credit, even as he said the domestic financial market has sufficient capacity to absorb the Government’s planned borrowing.

Atingi-Ego was appearing before the Budget Committee of Parliament, chaired by Gabriel Okumu, on Monday, 21 September 2026, to give the central bank’s assessment of Uganda’s Charter of Fiscal Responsibility, a government policy document setting out the principles, objectives and measurable targets that guide the management of public finances.

The Governor said the Charter was “broadly credible” but cautioned that its projections depend on government maintaining fiscal discipline, managing petroleum revenues prudently and keeping domestic borrowing within projected levels.

“The Charter overall is broadly credible, provided the fiscal consultation proceeds as planned, and domestic financing remains consistent with the market conditions, and the petroleum revenues are managed prudently,” Atingi-Ego said.

He said the Charter’s projected net domestic financing for 2026/2027 stands at about Shs12.7 trillion, equivalent to 4.6 percent of non-oil GDP, lower than the Shs15.1 trillion financed in the previous financial year.

Atingi-Ego said improved liquidity in the banking system, lower yields on government securities and continued investor appetite for Treasury securities indicate that the domestic market can accommodate the planned borrowing.

“The market has what it takes to absorb this proposed net domestic financing,” he said, adding that government could finance its requirements “without disrupting the private sector.”

However, he warned that this could change if government exceeds the borrowing level projected in the Charter.

“The risks are that government may be tempted to go for higher than projected domestic borrowing, and it could reverse the gains by placing upward pressure on the interest rates and therefore crowding out the private sector,” he said.

The Governor said private-sector credit had grown by 16.1 per cent year-on-year to June 2026, while average monthly growth during the year was about 11.5 per cent. He projected average private-sector credit growth of about 13 per cent in 2026/2027.

Atingi-Ego also said the Charter’s assumptions on exchange rates and interest rates were broadly consistent with the Bank’s macroeconomic outlook, with interest rates expected to decline gradually if Government continued with fiscal consolidation.

On petroleum revenues, he clarified that the Petroleum Revenue Investment Reserve would remain a government asset, although operationally managed by Bank of Uganda.

“These will be government assets. They will not be Bank of Uganda balance sheet,” he said.

He said petroleum revenues invested offshore would not directly increase liquidity in Uganda, with the effect on domestic liquidity arising mainly when funds are transferred to the Consolidated Fund and spent locally.

Atingi-Ego warned that major changes in government spending or taxation could put pressure on inflation and financial markets.

“If there are any deviations in the fiscal path that will compromise price stability, we will take all the appropriate actions to ensure that price stability is maintained,” he said, adding that this could include raising interest rates.

Meanwhile, committee chair Okumu urged Parliament’s Finance, Budget and National Economy committees to scrutinise government borrowing more closely.

“If we are not careful, especially the committees on Finance, Budget and National Economy, if we do not put our foot down, we are really going to let the country down,” Okumu said.

He said the committees should use the next five years to “scrutinise the borrowing and advise government appropriately.”

Hon. Richard Sebamala (DP, Bukoto County Central) sought assurance on how Government would implement its expenditure programme while servicing debt, maintaining stable exchange rates and managing possible delays in oil revenues.

“The oil assumption can go on until around 2028, do you think Government will adhere to these fiscal rules, and if not what provisions should Parliament change?” he asked.

Atingi-Ego said the Central Bank was assured of the oil projections.

Hon. Marshall Alenyo (Ind., Jonam County) questioned whether the Charter should include a reporting requirement on domestic arrears, given the risk that expenditure controls could be circumvented through unpaid bills.

– on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

Source: APO – Report:

The UN World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday that 20,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine have been allocated for the research vaccination programme in Ituri province.

The aim of the trial is to improve understanding of how effective the vaccine is against Ebola Bundibugyo virus – and to protect individuals most exposed to it. 

Under the microscope

The Ervebo vaccine has been “highly effective” against Ebola Zaire virus in the past, but it is not yet known whether it can provide “meaningful protection” against Ebola Bundibugyo disease, which is still spreading in the DRC.

A total of 70,000 doses have been made available to the Congolese authorities to support the outbreak response and related research.

The epicentre of the outbreak remains Ituri province in eastern DR Congo, although the virus has spread to seven provinces since it was confirmed in May this year.

Those leading the outbreak response face many challenges related to an ongoing humanitarian emergency caused by decades of violence in the DRC’s vast, resource-rich eastern provinces. 

In January 2025, Rwanda-backed M23 militia seized control of Goma, capital of North Kivu province, before going on to take Bukavu, capital of South Kivu, weeks later.

First responders

In support of the DRC authorities, WHO continues to strengthen surveillance of Ebola infection and transmission, conduct contact tracing, boost clinical preparedness and management, and ensure the delivery of supplies. The UN agency also supports community engagement and cross-border preparedness. 

“Community engagement will be key. It is only when communities are engaged in the response that such outbreaks are brought under control,” the WHO stressed.  

Latest health authority data indicates a total of more than 7,600 confirmed cases of infection including over 3,670 deaths, with nearly eight in 10 infections recorded in Ituri.

Ervebo is the only Ebola vaccine licensed for use during outbreaks caused by Bundibugyo virus. The WHO-backed panel which advises on vaccines recommended earlier this month that Ervebo should only be used for research purposes initially. 

It also emphasized that the vaccine’s “unknown efficacy” against Bundibugyo virus should be clearly communicated, although limited data and anecdotal reports suggest that Ervebo may provide “some protection” against the disease.

Ebola facts

Ebola disease is a severe, often fatal illness affecting humans and other primates.

The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals (such as fruit bats, porcupines and non-human primates); it then spreads in the human population through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people. It can also be transmitted by contact with bedding or clothing contaminated with these fluids.

The average Ebola disease case fatality rate is around 50 per cent, according to WHO. Case fatality rates have varied from 25 to 90 per cent in past outbreaks.

The first Ebola disease outbreaks occurred in remote villages in Central Africa, near tropical rainforests. 

The 2014–2016 Ebola virus disease outbreak in West Africa was the largest and most complex Ebola outbreak since the virus was first discovered in 1976. 

There were more cases and deaths in this outbreak than all others combined. It also spread between countries, starting in Guinea then moving across land borders to Sierra Leone and Liberia.

– on behalf of UN News.

Source: APO – Report:

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) and the Africa Trading and Distribution Company (ATDC) have signed a US$500 million Global Credit facility agreement to support trade, movement and distribution of commodities and products across African and global markets.

ATDC is a pan-African platform established to support the expansion of Africa’s trade, accelerate industrialisation through increased local value addition, and strengthen economic integration across the continent. With initial local operations in Egypt, Nigeria, Malawi and Zimbabwe, the platform is closing gaps in trade and market intelligence, improving market access, and supporting implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Under the Facility, Afreximbank will provide ATDC with trade-finance capacity to undertake and scale eligible trading and distribution transactions across the continent. The financing will support purchasing and aggregation of African goods, associated logistics, transportation, warehousing and distribution costs, providing ATDC with the financing required across different stages of the trade and distribution cycle.

ATDC will deploy financing available under the facility towards eligible trade, logistics and distribution transactions with repayments anchored on proceeds generated from the sale of goods financed through the facility.

Commenting on the signing, Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade and Export Development, Afreximbank commented: “The US$500 million Global Credit Facility extended to ATDC underscores Afreximbank’s commitment to strengthening the trade, logistics and distribution architecture required to realise the full potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By facilitating the efficient distribution of ‘Made-in-Africa’ goods across the continent, the facility will deepen regional value chains, expand market access for African producers, and boost manufactured exports, advancing the AfCFTA’s vision of a more integrated and industrialised African economy. It will also enhance the global competitiveness of African products, positioning the continent as a significant exporter of value-added and manufactured goods. These are critical building blocks for expanding Africa’s export footprint and driving the continent’s economic transformation”.

Mr. Stewart Makura, Chief Executive Officer of ATDC, said: “Realising Africa’s full trade potential requires reliable systems that connect producers, processors, manufacturers and markets. This facility strengthens ATDC’s ability to aggregate supply, mobilise working capital and move goods efficiently across value chains. Together with Afreximbank, we will support stronger supply chains, value addition, import substitution and intra-African trade.”

Beyond financing individual transactions, the facility will help ATDC develop repeatable trade corridors and expand access to dependable sourcing and distribution networks across African markets. It will support commercially sustainable trade flows, greater processing of African commodities and increased regional availability of raw materials, inputs and value-added products.

– on behalf of Afreximbank.

Media Contact:
Vincent Musumba
Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations)
Email: press@afreximbank.com

Follow Afreximbank on:
X: https://apo-opa.co/4yaQpdE
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/477xGDN
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/4AnsOIf
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/477xKU3

About ATDC:
The Africa Trade & Distribution Company (ATDC), an Afreximbank-backed pan-African trading and distribution platform, was established to strengthen Africa’s trade infrastructure and advance implementation of the AfCFTA. Through commercially sustainable trading, aggregation, logistics and distribution platforms, ATDC connects producers, manufacturers and markets across the continent, improving market access, supply chain efficiency and value addition. With initial local operations in Egypt, Nigeria, Malawi and Zimbabwe, the company is developing scalable models to deepen intra-African trade, strengthen regional value chains and enhance the competitiveness of African products in global markets.

About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A strong supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2025, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$48.5 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$8.4 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), GCR (A), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-), Moody’s (Baa2) and S&P Global Ratings (BBB+). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

Source: APO – Report:

.

Faith, family unity and spiritual growth is fundamental to nurturing a strong and resilient military community. In this spirit, Roman Catholic faith and their families gathered at St Raphael Catholic Church, Defence Force Memorial Hospital (DFMH), for a Family Day and Confirmation Mass, an occasion that brought together worship, fellowship and celebration.

The event provided a unique opportunity for families to step away from their daily routines and share moments of prayer, reflection and togetherness. Beyond the spiritual significance, the celebration reinforced the importance of family support in promoting the wellbeing, morale and resilience of service personnel.

A key highlight of the occasion was the Confirmation Mass, during which candidates received the Sacrament of Confirmation, marking a significant milestone in their faith journey. The ceremony reaffirmed the importance of spiritual guidance and commitment to Christian values in shaping responsible and principled members of the military community.

Shepherding the faithful and offering spiritual guidance, the Bishop of the Catholic Military Ordinariate of Kenya, Rt Rev Wallace Ng’ang’a, encouraged the faithful to be a source of encouragement and remain steadfast in their faith and to make their families centres of love, unity and mutual support.

Underscoring the importance of family support, the Chief Medical Officer, Defence Forces Memorial Hospital, Brigadier (Dr) James Mwika, highlighted the role of strong family relationships in promoting the physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of service personnel.

The Family Day and Confirmation Mass served as a reminder that strong faith builds strong families, and strong families contribute to a stronger and more resilient military community.

– on behalf of Ministry of Defence – Kenya.