Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO – Report:

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World Olympics Day was observed at the national level in Akordet on 1 November. The event was attended by senior Government and PFDJ officials, as well as heads of national and regional sports federations.

Mr. Michael Teklemicael, President of the National Olympic Committee, said that holding the event in Akordet aimed to recognize the role and contribution of the Gash-Barka Region in producing Olympians and to highlight the region’s vast potential in sports resources.

Noting the strong responsibility that comes with hosting the event, Mr. Idris Saleh, Director General of Culture and Sports in the region, expressed his conviction to nurture athletes who will bring pride to their names and nation in international sports competitions.

Ambassador Mahmud Ali Hirui, Governor of the Gash-Barka Region, noted that the research papers presented in connection with the event underscored the need for government institutions and the public to integrate sports development into their activities. He called for community-based initiatives to produce competent youth capable of excelling in international competitions.

The event featured cultural and educational programs marking the occasion, as well as mass sports activities.

World Olympics Day is being observed for the 77th time globally and for the 16th time at the national level.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO

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The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission) joins the international community celebrating the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, which is commemorated annually on 02 November.

In December 2013, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/68/163 on the safety of journalists and the issue of impunity, giving due regard to the fact that the work of journalists often puts them at risk of intimidation, harassment and violence. In proclaiming 02 November as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, the General Assembly unequivocally condemned all attacks and violence against journalists and media workers and resolved to promote a safe and enabling environment for journalists to perform their work independently and without undue interference. 

Journalists play a fundamental role in society, especially with regards to freedom of expression and the free flow of information. Silencing journalists stifles not only the flow of information, but it also impacts citizen’s ability to exercise their democratic rights. This important role is reflected in the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa (the Declaration), adopted by the Commission to elaborate on the scope of Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which recognizes ‘the key role of the media and other means of communication in ensuring full respect for the right to freedom of expression, promoting the free flow of information and ideas, assisting individuals in making informed decisions and facilitating and strengthening democracy.’ [1]

In Africa, attacks against journalists continue to be on the rise and there has also been a rising trend of these attacks, apart from being perpetrated physically are also increasingly being conducted online. Digital attacks against journalists occur in a wide range of formats which are constantly evolving as new technologies emerge. The rise of digital violence, which is increasingly gendered disproportionately affecting women, with female journalists facing the brunt of this rising phenomenon. Silencing women journalists constitutes an attack on democracy.

Women in the media are especially at risk, facing targeted and disproportionate attacks in both digital and physical spheres. [2]  According to the International Center for Journalists, 73% of female journalists surveyed experienced online violence, with 25% of the messages they received threatening physical violence and 18% threatening sexual violence. [3]

‘While the digital realm should be a space of innovation and empowerment, it has become a battleground where women face harassment, intimidation, and violence.’ [4] Regrettably, the digital revolution has both exacerbated existing forms of gender-based violence, such as sexual harassment, stalking, hate speech, misinformation, defamation and impersonation and created new forms of abuse such as hacking, astroturfing, video and image-based abuse such as doxing, cyberbullying and online grooming. [5]  In addition, ‘AI-driven threats, including the spread of gendered disinformation, surveillance, deepfakes and other forms of harassment have developed with this emerging issue, also known as technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV), become alarmingly prevalent particularly with the rise of generative artificial intelligence.” [6] 

In addition to constituting violations of Article 9 of the African Charter, which guarantees individuals the right to receive information, as well as the right to express and disseminate information, these attacks against women undoubtedly constitute violations of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (the Maputo Protocol), which defines violence against women to include acts causing psychological or economic harm, or threats to undertake arbitrary restrictions on or deprivation of fundamental freedoms. In addition, its Article 3 guarantees the right to dignity and calls on States to implement appropriate measures to ensure the protection of every woman from all forms of violence particularly sexual and verbal violence.

This is buttressed by the Declaration which provides in Principle 5, that “the exercise of the rights to freedom of expression and access to information shall be protected from interference both online and offline, and States shall interpret and implement the protection of these rights in this Declaration and other relevant international standards accordingly.” Furthermore, Principle 20(6) requires States to “take specific measures to ensure the safety of female journalists and media practitioners by addressing gender-specific safety concerns, including sexual and gender-based violence, intimidation and harassment.”

In view of this emerging concern, the Commission adopted Resolution ACHPR/Res.522(LXXII)2022 on the Protection of Women Against Digital Violence in Africa [7] which called on States to, inter alia, review or adopt legislation aimed at combating all forms of digital violence, in addition to expanding the definition of gender-based violence to include digital violence against women including cyber-harassment, cyberstalking, sexist hate speech amongst other related violations.

During this year’s commemoration of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, the Commission takes this opportunity to condemn all forms of violence against journalists, be it physical threats, murder, kidnapping, hostage-taking, intimidation, arbitrary detention and torture, as well as online harassment. In addition, in view of the pressing concern which has emerged during the digital era disproportionately affecting female journalists, the Commission unreservedly condemns this form of violence and calls on States to take concrete measures, such as the adoption of gender-responsive laws and policies in order to ensure an enabling environment in which all female journalists can work without fear of any form of harassment and intimidation. In addition, these violations, which include threats of sexual assault and physical violence, abusive language, harassing private messages, threats to damage their professional or personal reputations, digital security attacks, misrepresentation via manipulated images and financial threats, should be consistently investigated, with the perpetrators prosecuted and redress provided to the victims, including medical and psychological support. Equally important are public advocacy campaigns through which States can raise awareness on digital violence to ensure the protection of the rights of persons who face these violations. 

Online assaults targeting female journalists pose one of the most concerning threats to media freedom and the democratic process, which aids and abets impunity for crimes against journalists. Addressing this violence requires an intersectional approach involving a wide range of stakeholders, including States, social media platforms, journalist associations, civil society organizations among others. Tech companies, through which these abuses are circulated, are slow to support journalists who are being targeted, let alone block the attackers. The Commission remains committed to working with all stakeholders to address this, and all forms of crimes against journalists, in order to ensure real media freedom in Africa. Ending impunity for crimes against journalists remains a challenge of modern times. Unfortunately threats of violence and attacks on journalists are not properly investigated. This impunity emboldens the perpetrators of these crimes, whilst at the same time has a chilling effect on journalists. African States should therefore vocally condemn all attacks on journalists whenever they occur and whether they occur online or offline, vigorously investigate such attacks and judicial authorities should investigate and expedite prosecution of these crimes against journalists. Tech companies should increase risk assessments about online threats against journalists and take decisive action to deal with such rights violations via their service. Media actors have to better mobilise when there are such threats against their colleagues and campaign for justice. Civil society should demand that the rule of law applies with regard to the right of journalists and finally society as a whole should recognise that the safety of journalists contributes to them having access to reliable and credible information. When all these actors work together then the message will be sent to society at large that such attacks on journalists will not be tolerated. This will also contribute to creating a safe and enabling environment for journalists to perform their work independently and without any interference is a public good for society at large. Journalists are the purveyors of credible information which contributes to having a functioning democracy. By ending the impunity for crimes against journalists, we are fortifying the flow of information and consolidating democracy.

Banjul, 02 November 2025

Commissioner Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo
Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa
African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights

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Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR).

Source: APO

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ECOWAS strengthens mediation, negotiation and conflict resolution capacities of its senior officials at the Clingendael Institute of international relations in the Netherlands.

From 27 to 31 October 2025, in The Hague, Kingdom of the Netherlands, senior officials, Special Representatives, Resident and Permanent Representatives, Members of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council (MSC) at ambassadorial level, as well as Members of the ECOWAS Council of the Wise, participated in an advanced capacity-building programme on negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution. The training formed part of the 10th Edition of the Clingendael Academy Programme on Peace Negotiations and was organised by the Netherlands Institute of International Relations “Clingendael”, with financial support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Throughout the five-day programme, participants strengthened their practical understanding of the principles and processes of negotiation and mediation, including the qualities of effective negotiators and mediators, the strategic application of mediation support, and approaches for building consensus among parties with diverse interests, values and beliefs. The training further provided insights into the distinctions between negotiation and mediation, the objectives and phases of mediation, and the contribution of mediation to sustainable peace outcomes.

The sessions also offered an opportunity to reflect on ECOWAS’ mediation engagements from a comparative perspective, highlighting achievements, challenges and lessons learnt to inform future interventions. Scenario-building exercises and group simulations enabled participants to analyse key conflict drivers, assess uncertainties, and develop scenario matrices to support informed planning and response strategies in mediation processes.

ECOWAS and the Clingendael Academy have collaborated since 2015 to strengthen the Commission’s regional conflict prevention and resolution capacities. Training approximately 750 diplomats and 2,500 professionals annually, the Clingendael Academy is recognised as one of the world’s leading independent diplomatic training institutions. By preparing practitioners to operate effectively in complex and politically sensitive international environments, it equips diplomats, mediators, peacebuilding practitioners, humanitarian personnel, civil society actors and government officials with the skills required to deliver impactful and sustainable peace efforts across the region and beyond.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO

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H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, met with H.E. Dr. Amer Bisat, Minister of Economy and Trade of the Republic of Lebanon, to discuss avenues of joint cooperation within the activities of the Egyptian-Lebanese Joint Higher Committee in its 10th session, co-chaired by the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation and the Lebanese Ministry of Economy and Trade.

At the beginning of the meeting, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat affirmed the depth and distinguished nature of Egyptian-Lebanese relations, as well as the political understanding at the summit level between the leaderships of both countries. She also highlighted the directives of the political leadership to continue developing and strengthening cooperation between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Republic of Lebanon across all fields, with a particular focus on enhancing economic and trade relations between the two nations.

H.E. emphasized the interest of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, in advancing cooperative relations with the Republic of Lebanon and elevating them to the level of strategic partnership. She stressed the government’s keenness to convene the 10th session of the Egyptian-Lebanese Joint Higher Committee and to ensure the regularity of its meetings, as it represents the most significant mechanism for coordinating economic policies and promoting cooperation between the two countries.

Dr. Al-Mashat noted that holding the 10th session of the Egyptian-Lebanese Joint Higher Committee will open broader prospects for cooperation in light of both countries’ commitment to promoting joint development. She reaffirmed Egypt’s support for its sister nation, Lebanon, in its efforts to restore security, stability, and development. The Minister also highlighted that the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation will collaborate with the Lebanese side to enhance efforts to exchange expertise in economic and development policymaking, as well as in the fields of planning, development, and international cooperation.

H.E. further underscored the readiness of Egyptian companies—with their extensive experience and proven capabilities—to contribute to Lebanon’s reconstruction process. She pointed out that Egyptian companies have successfully participated in the implementation of major national projects, including the establishment of industrial and agricultural zones, modern urban communities, and numerous fourth-generation and smart cities.

For his part, H.E. Dr. Amer Bisat, Minister of Economy and Trade of the Republic of Lebanon, affirmed his country’s keenness to expand the scope of cooperation with Egypt and to benefit from its successful development experience. He also extended an invitation to H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat to participate in the First Beirut Investment Conference, scheduled to be held this November, aimed at stimulating investment in the Lebanese economy and discussing key related issues.

Both ministers emphasized the importance of continued coordination to follow up on the implementation of the outcomes of the 10th session of the Committee, and to strengthen cooperation between the relevant entities in both countries—reflecting positively on the development and deepening of bilateral relations.

It is worth noting that the 9th session of the Committee witnessed the signing of four documents in the fields of tax expertise exchange, communications and information technology, investment promotion, and the import of Egyptian building materials. In this context, trade exchange between the two countries reached $1 billion in 2024, compared to $774 million in 2023—an increase of 29.3%.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.

Source: APO

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H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, signed an agreement with H.E. Mr. Juraj Blanár, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, to establish a Joint Committee for Economic Cooperation between the two countries. This took place during the Slovak Minister’s visit to Egypt to attend the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum. The agreement comes in light of the two countries’ keenness to expand the scope of economic partnership and explore more areas of cooperation, which will reflect on developing relations to meet shared priorities.

During the signing ceremony, the two ministers held a joint discussion session. They emphasized the importance of the Joint Committee Agreement for Economic Cooperation, as it will lead to an increase in areas of cooperation between the two countries, in light of the strategic partnership between Egypt and the European Union, and the recent development of relations, which was embodied in the first Egyptian-European Summit recently held in Brussels. This summit was an extension of the continuous momentum in the joint relations since March 2024.

The meeting discussed the date for the first session of the Egyptian-Slovak Joint Committee for Economic Cooperation, and the commitment to utilizing this committee to form an effective framework for cooperation that maximizes the benefit from the substantial economic potential in both countries, and the available opportunities to advance the partnership, particularly in increasing joint investments and boosting the number of tourists arriving in Egypt, specially after the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which is the largest museum in the world showcasing artifacts of a single civilization. This is in addition to supporting national priorities in industrial localization and private sector empowerment.

In this context, the Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation reaffirmed that Egypt cherishes its relationship with the friendly country of Slovakia, which began in the nineties of the last century. Dr. Al-Mashat added that within the framework of the evolving Egyptian-European relations, the partnership with Slovakia is of great importance given its growing role within the European Union and its endeavor to strengthen its relations with countries in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Minister Al-Mashat said that she looks forward for the Joint Committee to build upon the achievements in economic relations between the two countries, to contribute to increasing the volume of trade exchange, developing relations with the private sector, and increasing investments, particularly in the areas of industrial localization and exchange of expertise, in addition to coordinating joint economic stances in international forums. She stressed that the current volume of investments and trade exchange rates do not meet the aspirations of the two countries nor do they reflect their true potential.

For his part, the Slovak Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated that Slovakia is working to intensify dialogue with Global South and African countries, which are receiving attention from Slovak entrepreneurs, and that Egypt holds an important position with Slovakia.

The Slovak Minister of Foreign Affairs mentioned that the signing of the Economic Cooperation Agreement represents a significant step to strengthen joint relations, as it provides a new governmental framework for bilateral cooperation between the two countries and contributes to increasing the volume of trade exchange.

It is worth noting that the Egyptian market includes about 45 Slovak companies with investments exceeding $560 million in the fields of tourism, services, industry, construction, telecommunications, agriculture, and information technology. Furthermore, the number of tourists arriving in Egypt from Slovakia in 2024 reached about 1.4 million tourists, reflecting the strength of tourism relations and the inbound flows from the Slovak market to Egypt. Meanwhile, the volume of trade exchange between the two countries is about $340.4 million. Slovakia’s exports to Egypt are concentrated in the industrial and transport sectors, such as vehicles, machinery, and equipment, while Egyptian exports to Slovakia are more diverse and include a large percentage of electronics, in addition to rubber products, fireworks, and others.

It is noteworthy that the Joint Committees mechanism is one of the main mechanisms through which Egypt seeks to enhance economic, commercial, and investment relations, as well as cultural, scientific, and technical cooperation with sisterly and friendly countries. The Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation supervises approximately 55 joint committees between Egypt and many countries from various continents around the world.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.