Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO – Report:

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In response to the decision by the administrative tribunal in Algiers to dissolve the National Autonomous Union of Education and Training Workers (CNAPESTE), Sar Hashash Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International said:  

“Today’s decision to dissolve the CNAPESTE is a serious assault on the rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly and a devastating blow to independent trade union activity in Algeria. Using restrictive laws to disband a teachers’ union because its members challenged legislation affecting their working conditions is entirely inconsistent with Algeria’s obligations under international human rights law.  
 

“The dissolution of a trade union must never be used as a means of punishing workers for exercising their rights or silencing independent voices. Algerian authorities must immediately rescind this ruling, end the judicial harassment of trade unionists, and ensure that workers and their organizations can operate freely without fear of reprisals or arbitrary interference. ” 

Background  

On 28 July 2026, the Administrative Tribunal in Algiers ordered the dissolution of the CNAPESTE, an independent teachers’ union registered since 2007. According to the union’s legal representatives, the ruling followed a petition by the Ministry of Labour, supported by the Ministry of Education, seeking the union’s dissolution under Law 23-02, a restrictive trade union law adopted in April 2023. Law 23-02 grants authorities sweeping powers to suspend or dissolve trade unions on broad and vaguely defined grounds, including the alleged failure to update or comply with internal bylaws or the organization of “illicit” strikes deemed to affect “the continuity or functioning of the public service”.  

This ruling comes amid a wider assault on civic space in Algeria, where the authorities have increasingly targeted independent trade unions, civil society organisations and social movements. In 2025, at least five union members faced arbitrary arrests and prosecutions for organizing peaceful protests against deteriorating working conditions and contested legal reforms, including two CNAPESTE representatives who remain under judicial supervision. In February 2026, an appeals court sentenced trade union leader Ali Mammeri to 10 years’ imprisonment notably in relation to his activity at the National Union of Civil Servants in the Field of Culture and Arts (SNFC). 

In 2021 and 2022 Algerian authorities also used spurious legal provisions in the associations law to dissolve two civil society and human rights organizations. 

– on behalf of Amnesty International.

Source: APO – Report:

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More than 70 entrepreneurs and policymakers met International Trade Centre (ITC) Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton on 14 June for a conversation on digital trade, e-commerce and inclusive growth.

The dialogue brought together small businesses from the African Digital Innovation Accelerator with government officials and business support organisations, all in China for training delivered by the Academy for International Business Officials under China’s Ministry of Commerce.

Trading experiences, not presentations

Rather than a formal briefing, the session let participants speak directly with ITC’s leadership. Entrepreneurs described building export businesses through digital platforms; policymakers shared national strategies for e-commerce. Several praised the training’s exposure visits to Chinese digital companies and matchmaking with buyers, crediting ITC initiatives such as the African Digital Innovation Accelerator with strengthening their online presence and market access.

Regional trade still holds the biggest potential

Coke-Hamilton told participants that while China offers real opportunities, regional and intra-African trade remains largely untapped. She pointed to stronger value chains, aligned standards and access to finance as priorities, alongside ITC’s SheTrades initiative for women entrepreneurs, and urged small businesses to make full use of China’s zero-tariff policy for least developed countries.

A seat at the table on digital trade rules

Participants also raised the WTO’s e-commerce negotiations. Coke-Hamilton put it plainly: ‘It is better to be in the tent than outside it.’ It was the same message she carried through her China visit that week – from her address at Peking University on South-South cooperation, to her remarks at the Qingdao Multinationals Summit, and in her own reflection on the trip, ‘Be in the tent, bring the paint’.

The dialogue was part of ITC’s long-running work with China’s Ministry of Commerce and the China International Development Cooperation Agency, which trains policymakers and entrepreneurs from developing countries to navigate the digital economy.

– on behalf of International Trade Centre.

Source: APO – Report:

Adm. George Wikoff, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, met July 21 with Chief of Navy Staff, Madagascar Navy Rear Adm. Kalobe Mickael Sam Hieng Twion, during the African Maritime Forces Summit (AMFS) to discuss professional military education, maritime domain awareness and approaches to strengthening enduring maritime capability.

Madagascar has participated in all four African Maritime Forces Summits, underscoring its continued commitment to professional exchange and regional maritime cooperation. During the discussion, the leaders exchanged perspectives on preparing the next generation of maritime professionals, strengthening the institutions that support long-term operational readiness, and advancing maritime domain awareness across the western Indian Ocean.

“One of the strongest investments a navy can make is in its people,” said Wikoff. “Madagascar’s commitment to professional education and leader development reflects an understanding that well-trained sailors and leaders strengthen their institutions, adapt to new challenges and contribute to lasting maritime security.”

The discussion also highlighted the value of professional exchanges, shared operational experience and continuous learning in developing maritime expertise and strengthening cooperation among regional partners.

“The strongest maritime partnerships are built on trust, professionalism and a willingness to learn from one another,” Wikoff said. “When maritime professionals exchange ideas, strengthen their institutions and apply those lessons in their daily operations, they build enduring capability that benefits the entire region.”

Co-hosted by the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, the African Maritime Forces Summit brought together representatives from more than 40 African and partner nations under the theme, “Innovation and Partnership to Strengthen Maritime Security.”

– on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Madagascar.

Source: APO

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Seychelles intervenes on the African Union (AU) Summit theme and call for increased climate resilience water infrastructure and inclusion of the blue economy agenda within this theme.

Minister Faure intervened on the AU theme of the year “Ensuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063” and commended the commission for the progress achieved towards implementation of the theme with the recent launch of the Africa Vision and Policy 2063. The need to consider inclusive implementation of the theme noting the various vulnerabilities of both island and coastal states was also highlighted to the Council meeting.

Minister Faure also called for increased financing for climate resilient water infrastructures and closer integration of the blue economy agenda recognizing that “the sound stewardship of our oceans cannot be separated from the sound stewardship of our water resources”.

Minister Faure shared with the meeting a recent initiative being piloted in Seychelles called Island Watch, a citizen science initiative that equips communities, students, researchers and government officials with digital tools to monitor freshwater ecosystems strengthening environmental data collection that in turn supports climate resilient decision-making in Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

In concluding his intervention on the theme, Minister Faure also placed emphasis on the meaningful participation of women and youth in water governance and he said that he “looks forward to Africa presenting a unified voice at the upcoming UN water conference 2026 which will take place in December in the United Arab Emirates”.

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

Source: APO

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President Adama Barrow will host the President of the Gabonese Republic, His Excellency Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, for a State Visit to The Gambia from 30th July to 2nd August 2026, aimed at strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries.

During the visit, the two Heads of State will hold a tête-à-tête, followed by official bilateral talks at State House in Banjul to review existing areas of cooperation and explore new opportunities for partnership between the two countries.

President Oligui Nguema will also visit key government infrastructure projects and historical areas. These include:

• The National Food & Drug Quality Control Laboratory in Brusubi
• The University of The Gambia, Faraba Campus
• The National Emergency Treatment Centre in Farato
• Kachikally Crocodile Pool in Bakau

The visit will be marked by a State Banquet hosted by President Barrow in honour of his distinguished guest, and will reaffirm the shared commitment of The Gambia and Gabon to deepening bilateral cooperation and promoting sustainable economic development. H.E. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, 51, was officially inaugurated as Gabon’s fourth President in May 2025, following the country’s first democratic presidential election in decades.

President Oligui Nguema’s term is expected to focus on good governance, economic reform and improved livelihoods as he delivers on his campaign promises

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Office of The President- Republic of the Gambia.

Source: APO

Emirates Skywards is expanding how its global base of members can explore Europe, unlocking access to more than 12,000 rail destinations across the continent with the newly launched Skywards Rail (https://apo-opa.co/4wvGmPw).

With access to over 40 major operators across 12 European countries, Emirates Skywards members can now use their Miles to purchase rail tickets seamlessly via the dedicated booking tool (www.SkywardsRail.com) either online or via their mobile devices, in five different languages.

With the ability to search a variety of schedules, select cabins and ticket types, members can choose to pay fully with their Miles or by using a combination of Cash + Miles. Miles can even be used to purchase rail tickets for family and friends. Once purchased, e-tickets are conveniently delivered via email.

Dr Nejib Ben Khedher, Divisional Senior Vice President Emirates Skywards, said:

‘Our members are looking for more flexible ways to use their Skywards Miles, and Skywards Rail is another step in expanding the programme beyond air travel. By unlocking affordable access to more than 12,000 rail destinations across Europe, we’re giving members the freedom to create seamless journeys using Miles, whether that’s travelling between major cities, connecting onwards from an Emirates or flydubai flight, or discovering somewhere new. It’s all part of our commitment to offering more choice, greater value and rewarding travel experiences at every stage of the journey.’

Popular routes, exceptional value

With unparalleled access across domestic, international and high-speed rail travel, Emirates Skywards members can unlock some of Europe’s most popular routes from leading rail operators including Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn, SNCF, Trenitalia, TGV, Renfe, ÖBB, as well as extensive UK services such as Heathrow Express, Gatwick Express, Thameslink, Great Western Railway and ScotRail:

•        Heathrow Express starting from 4,700 Skywards Miles
   
•        Barcelona to Madrid from just 5,400 Skywards Miles
   
•        Rome to Milan from just 8,100 Skywards Miles
   
•        London to Paris from just 9,400 Skywards Miles
   
•        Berlin to Frankfurt from 4,100 Skywards Miles

Turning Miles into meaningful travel experiences

By expanding redemption opportunities beyond air travel, Emirates Skywards continues to evolve as a lifestyle loyalty programme, enabling members to travel more freely and seamlessly across Europe.

Since its inception in 2000, Emirates Skywards has grown at a rapid pace into a multi award-winning loyalty programme serving a global customer base. Having recently celebrated 25 years of success, Emirates Skywards is now used by more than 39 million members across 190 countries, with more than 78,000 new enrolments every week.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Emirates Group.

Source: APO

Afrobarometer (www.Afrobarometer.org) highlighted the value of citizen-generated data for policy making through a hands-on technical workshop at the 2026 Africa Evidence Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 23-24 July 2026. 

Convened by the Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA), the Network of Impact Evaluation Researchers in Africa (NIERA), and the Policy Studies Institute (PSI), the summit gathered more than 400 researchers, scholars, policy makers, civil society organisations, and development practitioners to strengthen the use of evidence in policy making across Africa. 

“Each year, this summit brings together a diverse community spanning disciplines, sectors, and continents to explore how high-quality research in Africa can inform policy making across the continent,” said Carson Christiano, executive director of CEGA. “Together, we have the opportunity to build a more connected, evidence-informed ecosystem, equal to the complexity of the challenges ahead.” 

In her keynote address, Fitsum Assefa, Ethiopia’s minister of planning and development, emphasised the importance of high-quality data for development.  

“To achieve our national goals and Africa’s Agenda 2063, we need reliable, real-time evidence,” she said. “Strengthening our data systems is essential. We should actively build a culture in which data are routinely collected, transparently shared, and effectively used to guide policy from start to finish.” 

During the technical workshop, Kamal Yakubu, Afrobarometer’s capacity-building manager (advanced track), and Daniel Iberi, Afrobarometer’s communications coordinator for East Africa, guided participants through Afrobarometer’s survey methodology, thematic and geographical scope, and online data analysis tool. The workshop also equipped participants with practical skills in accessing, analysing, and applying Afrobarometer data for research, advocacy, and development programming.  

“Attending the Afrobarometer workshop reinforced how valuable these data are,” said workshop participant Juba Kafumba, a doctoral student in public policy at the University of North Carolina. “I’ve relied extensively on Afrobarometer data sets in my past research because they help turn raw numbers into meaningful stories that can inform evidence-based policy. If you want to move beyond simply looking at data to truly understand what citizens are experiencing, these data sets are unmatched.” 

Afrobarometer also presented a poster highlighting survey findings on climate change, demonstrating that Africans’ lived experiences and perceptions offer important evidence for climate research, adaptation planning, and policy responses. 

The 2026 Africa Evidence Summit was the 14th edition. These summits are annual in-person gatherings that bring together African scholars, policy makers, and practitioners to discuss the latest research on economic development and poverty alleviation in Africa. The summit also promotes discussion of new ways to integrate evidence into decision making, elevate African scholars’ voices, and engage stakeholders in the process. ​

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afrobarometer.

For more information, please contact: 
Daniel Iberi 
Afrobarometer communications coordinator for East Africa 
Telephone: +254725674457 
Email: diberi@afrobarometer.org ​

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About Afrobarometer: 
Afrobarometer (AB) is a trusted source of high-quality data and analysis on what Africans are thinking. With an unmatched track record of 440,000+ interviews in 45 countries, representing the views of more than 75% of the African population, AB is leading the charge to bridge the continent’s data gap. AB data inform many global indices, such as the Ibrahim Index of African Governance, Transparency International’s Global Corruption Barometer, and the World Bank’s Worldwide Governance Indicators. The data are also used for country risk analyses and by credit rating and forecasting agencies such as the Economist Intelligence Unit. All AB data sets are publicly available on the website (www.Afrobarometer.org) and may be analysed free of charge using AB’s online data analysis tool (https://apo-opa.co/4pGmlmB).

Visit us online at www.Afrobarometer.org  ​