Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO

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More than one million people are still being forced to survive on a tiny patch of land, and in dangerous living conditions, in southern Gaza, Palestine. This displacement, along with the massive destruction of civilian infrastructure and the health system by Israeli forces, is creating the perfect storm for disease and illness to spread, warns Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). Israeli authorities should immediately allow a massive scale up of humanitarian assistance to flow freely into Gaza. 

Despite the ceasefire, people in Gaza continue to endure extreme suffering, as Israel’s two-year-long genocidal campaign has left them traumatised, injured, and dangerously exposed to the elements as winter approaches. Without immediate improvements to water, sanitation, shelter, and nutrition, more people will die from entirely preventable causes.

“In southern Gaza, families who have been forced to flee repeatedly are crammed into a sea of makeshift tents, packed into the few remaining schools, or sleeping in the open amid rubble, piles of garbage, animal waste, and overflowing sewage,” says Aitor Zabalgogeazkoa, MSF emergency coordinator in Gaza. “It’s utterly unacceptable.”

As the temperature drops, people’s fragile living conditions will heighten their exposure to extreme weather. This, combined with people’s exhaustion, will further heighten health risks.

MSF medical data from 2025 shows that diseases directly linked to poor living conditions, such as skin, eye, respiratory, and gastrointestinal infections, as well as generalised aches and pains, account for 70 per cent of all outpatient consultations in our healthcare centres in southern Gaza.

“Malnutrition, inadequate sanitation, and poor living conditions are taking a devastating toll on people’s health — they’re especially getting sick because of the conditions they’re forced to live in,” says Adi Nadimpalli, MSF medical coordinator.

Malnutrition, inadequate sanitation, and poor living conditions are taking a devastating toll on people’s health — they’re especially getting sick because of the conditions they’re forced to live in.

The collapse of the water and sanitation system — a direct result of targeted destruction and the systematic blockages on reconstruction materials imposed by Israeli authorities — has triggered a surge in waterborne diseases, particularly diarrhoeal illnesses, since the first week of April 2025. Over the past two years, MSF teams have treated more than 78,000 cases of diarrhoea, including over 24,000 cases since April of this year. Many families are unable to acquire or safely prepare food, and limited access to clean water is worsening the situation.

From October 2024 to September 2025, MSF teams at Nasser hospital, in Khan Younis, screened pregnant women for malnutrition, with 1,366 being diagnosed. In Gaza, many mothers are struggling to safely feed their babies — some are so malnourished that they are unable to produce enough breast milk, while ready-to-use infant formula is in short supply.

Finding clean water and sterile materials to prepare milk is nearly impossible, and even boiling water has become a challenge, with most families lacking access to cooking gas and resorting to burning scarce and expensive wood.

Recovery from trauma is also compromised by these harsh living conditions. The lack of mobility aids, such as crutches and wheelchairs, makes it extremely difficult for thousands of people with amputations or disabilities to move around tents, access latrines, or reach clinics.

“We see many people with large open wounds, burns, or external fixators who are living in tents without proper hygiene, waste management, or climate control,” says Nadimpalli. “Infections that would normally be preventable are now common, leading to worsening health conditions and repeated hospitalisations.”

We see many people with large open wounds, burns, or external fixators who are living in tents without proper hygiene, waste management, or climate control.

Since May — with a sharper increase from mid-August — MSF teams have observed a significant rise in respiratory tract infections, which are typically more common during the winter months. According to the Ministry of Health, acute respiratory infections now account for 67 per cent of total morbidity.

MSF has also witnessed an increase in skin diseases, including scabies, lice, and other infectious and non-infectious conditions, since mid-August.

The Israeli authorities must immediately allow a massive scale up of unimpeded humanitarian assistance into Gaza, so that people’s suffering and vulnerability to the elements can be addressed.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).

Source: APO

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Coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations Charter coming into force on October 24, 1945, the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, in partnership with the United Nations organization, is celebrating the close relationship with the Arab Republic of Egypt, considering it one of the founding countries that has contributed throughout the history of cooperation to advancing multilateral international action for the achievement of sustainable development.

H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, emphasized that the Arab Republic of Egypt is proud of its partnership with the United Nations organization, for the sake of achieving peace and shared prosperity, and advancing development efforts. She explained that Egypt has had an active role over the past decades in upholding the values of international partnerships and multilateral cooperation for the purpose of exchanging expertise, achieving development, and confronting common challenges such as climate change, development finance, enhancing food security, and the economic empowerment of communities.

Dr. Al-Mashat added that while the United Nations celebrates its 80th anniversary, the current international challenges necessitate a reconsideration of the global financial system and the governance of the international system in general, which would allow a greater role for developing and emerging nations, so that the global system reflects the aspirations of those countries and provides the mechanisms and tools they need to face the various challenges.

Minister Al-Mashat highlighted that the partnership between Egypt and the United Nations is witnessing continuous development, through the Strategic Framework for Partnership for Sustainable Development 2023–2027, which translates the priorities of the Egyptian state in the areas of investing in human capital, green transformation, inclusive growth, and the empowerment of women and youth.

Dr. Al-Mashat noted that this cooperation reflects Egypt’s approach based on national ownership of development programs, and the integration of efforts between the government, development partners, the private sector, and civil society, within the framework of Egypt Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Dr. Al-Mashat reiterated that Egypt, stemming from its regional and international role, continues to support the principles of the UN Charter, and seeks to enhance international coordination in the areas of innovative finance, confronting global challenges, and supporting developing countries in their developmental paths, which contributes to building a more sustainable, just, and prosperous future for all humanity.

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

Source: APO

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At an activity assessment meeting conducted in Barentu on 21 and 22 October, the Ministry of Education branch in the Gash Barka Region reported that encouraging efforts are being exerted to enhance educational capacity.

Mr. Franco Kubaba, Director General of Social Services in the region, called for active public participation in ensuring the development of the teaching and learning process with a view to producing competent students.

The participants conducted extensive discussions on ensuring equitable access to education, identifying and addressing the causes of student dropouts, upgrading teachers’ training, the literacy program, students’ summer work program, boarding school administration, as well as cultural and sports activities.

Ms. Silas Asmelash, head of eighth-grade national examination follow-up, stated that out of the students who sat for the 2024/2025 eighth-grade national examination, 14,000 students,  of whom 44% were female, achieved passing marks. She further noted that this represents a 26% increase compared to the previous year.

Ambassador Mahmud Ali Hirui, Governor of the region, noting that efforts to enhance educational capacity are yielding commendable results, called for reinforced initiatives to align the growing number of students attending regular education with the increasing number of educational facilities.

In the Gash Barka Region, there are 699 schools ranging from kindergartens to high schools, providing active educational services to about 211,000 students.

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

Source: APO

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Nearly two-thirds of South Sudanese children surveyed aged between 5 and 17 years are engaged in the worst form of child labour, with rates soaring to as high as 90% in the worst hit regions, according to a new report by the Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, and Save the Children.

The landmark National Child Labour Study involved more than 418 households from across seven states in South Sudan and found that 64% or nearly two in three children surveyed were engaged in the worst form of child labour, which include forced labour, sexual exploitation and involvement in illicit activities e.g. stealing, drug abuse and armed conflict [1]. 

In some parts of the country, the survey found nearly all children were involved in child labour. In Kapoeta South, 90% of children were engaged in child labour, with gold mining, pastoralism and farming combining to keep children out of school and working to support their families. The report also found that local conflict and child marriages are contributing to extremely high rates of child labour in Yambio region, with 90% of children surveyed found to be involved. 

According to the report, children usually move from ‘light’ to hazardous or coercive labour, progressively reaching the worst forms that leave them enslaved, separated from families, exposed to serious hazards, illnesses or left to fend for themselves, said Save the Children.

About 10% of children surveyed reported experiences linked to conflict-related engagement with armed groups, particularly in counties of Akobo, Bentiu, and Kapoeta South.

The children reported to have been involved in a wide variety of activities ranging from tasks such as cattle herding and farming to jobs such as gold mining, brickmaking, street vending, and fighting alongside armed groups.

According to the report, boys are more often exposed to hazardous and military-related labour, while girls face heightened risks of domestic work, child marriage, and exploitation.

The report also revealed that caregiver awareness does not guarantee protection for the children involved, with the survey finding over 70% of children involved in hazardous work come from households where caregivers were aware of child labour laws. 

On their part, children were found to be broadly unaware of existing protection services, with only 33% aware of any protection or support service available in their area, highlighting severe service gaps and fragmented referral systems.

The findings come at a time when a collision of crises has created food shortages across South Sudan with 7.7 million people – or 57% of the population – facing acute levels of hunger and putting 2.3 million children aged under 5 at risk of acute malnutrition. 

Anthony, 16, a Child Representative in South Sudan, said: “No child should have to work when they should be learning. When children are forced into labour, they are denied their basic right to education and the chance to build a better future. Let us stand together and say no to child labour, let us protect every child’s right to grow, learn, and succeed. Every child in South Sudan deserves the opportunity to dream and to become who they are meant to be.” 

Deng Tong, Undersecretary, Ministry of Labour, Republic of South Sudan said, during the launch event in Juba:

“This national study provides a critical foundation for action. We must build on this evidence to establish a national child labour database that enables continuous monitoring and informed decision-making. As the Ministry of Labour, we are at the forefront of protecting our children across the country—raising awareness that child labour is unacceptable and that education is every child’s right. Let us now move from commitment to implementation, from promises to protection, and from words to results. Together, we can make child labour a thing of the past and give every child in South Sudan the chance to dream and to thrive.”

Minister of Public Service, Hon. Dak Duop Bichiok, who was representing the Minister of Labour, said:

“This study has given us the evidence we need to reform policies, strengthen protection systems and ensure that every child in South Sudan enjoys their right to education, safety and a childhood free from exploitation.”  

Save the Children’s South Sudan Country Director Chris Nyamandi said: 

“When nearly two-thirds of a country’s children are working—and in some areas, almost every child—it signals a crisis that goes beyond poverty. 

“Education remains the strongest protective factor, with children who attend school far less likely to be engaged in exploitative labour. This shows the incredible value of education in South Sudan. Equally the report highlights that children from food-secure households and educated caregivers face significantly lower risk, underscoring the link between poverty reduction and child protection.

“If we strengthen education, rebuild livelihoods, and prioritise child protection, we can reverse this trend. Every child deserves the chance to learn and thrive—not to work to survive.”

Barbara Egger, European Union Representative, said: 

 “Every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and become a leader of tomorrow. The European Union stands proudly with the children of South Sudan, the Government, and our partners, including Save the Children, to close legal and policy gaps, strengthen education and social protection, and ensure no child is left behind. Together, we are turning commitments into action, so that every girl and boy in South Sudan can realize the future they rightfully deserve.”

Save the Children has worked in South Sudan since 1991, when it was part of Sudan. The child rights organization provides children with access to education, healthcare and nutritional support, and families with food security and livelihoods assistance.

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Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Save the Children.

Source: APO

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The East African Community (EAC) today officially launched and flagged off its Election Observation Mission (EOM) to observe the General Elections in the United Republic of Tanzania.

The deployment of the mission follows an invitation by the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and is in line with a directive of the EAC Council of Ministers requiring the Secretariat to observe elections in all Partner States. This underscores the EAC’s unwavering commitment to democratic governance, peace, and stability in the region.

The Head of Mission, H.E. Dr. Speciosa Wandira Kazibwe, is the former Vice President of the Republic of Uganda (1994–2003). She is celebrated as the first woman in Africa to hold the position of Vice President in a sovereign nation. A trained surgeon and champion of public health and gender equality, Dr. Kazibwe also served as the United Nations Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa.

“As a Community founded on the principles of good governance, rule of law, and respect for human rights, the EAC considers credible elections a cornerstone of democracy and regional integration,” Dr. Kazibwe noted during the flag-off ceremony.

The EAC Election Observation Mission comprises a multidisciplinary team of 67 observers drawn from all EAC Partner States, including Members of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), representatives of National Electoral Commissions, National Human Rights Commissions, civil society, and the EAC Secretariat. The observers have been carefully selected for their expertise, impartiality, and commitment to the values of the Community.

The observers were officially dispatched to various regions across Tanzania to assess the conduct of the electoral process.

“Their mandate is to evaluate the elections in line with national laws, the EAC Principles for Election Observation and Evaluation, and relevant international standards,” Dr. Kazibwe explained.

On her part, the EAC Secretary General, Hon. Veronica Nduva, noted that the Mission will issue a preliminary statement shortly after the elections, followed by a comprehensive final report.

“These reports will present our findings and offer recommendations aimed at strengthening future electoral processes within the region,” she said.

The Secretary General further explained that the Observers will engage with electoral stakeholders, monitor the final campaign activities, and observe the polling, voting, counting, and transmission of results processes.

The Deputy Head of the Election Observation Mission, Hon. Maina Karobia, who is also a Member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), reiterated the Mission’s mandate.

“We are here in a spirit of partnership and solidarity with the people of the United Republic of Tanzania. Our role is not to interfere but to observe and report objectively,” he emphasized.

He affirmed that all stakeholders have a shared responsibility to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process.

The deployment of the Mission is anchored in Article 6(d) of the EAC Treaty, which obliges Partner States to uphold the principles of good governance, including democracy, the rule of law, accountability, transparency, social justice, equal opportunities, gender equality, and the promotion and protection of human and people’s rights in line with the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of East African Community (EAC).

Source: APO

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, and Joint-Stock Commercial Bank with Foreign Capital Hamkorbank, have reinforced their partnership through the signing of an increase in the Line of Trade Financing Agreement, with an additional US$30 million.

The signing ceremony took place at ITFC Headquarters in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, during the official visit of a high-level delegation from Hamkorbank. The agreement was signed by Eng. Adeeb Y. Al Aama, CEO of ITFC, and Mr. Bakhtiyorjon Juraev, Chairman of the Management Board of Hamkorbank, in the presence of senior officials from both institutions.

This facility brings the total financing between ITFC and Hamkorbank to US$90 million, marking the highest stand-alone ITFC private sector facility in Uzbekistan. The expanded collaboration aims to support SME and private sector growth, promote women’s entrepreneurship, foster green finance, and enhance food security, in alignment with Uzbekistan’s national development priorities.

The financing is part of the US$600 million Framework Agreement signed between the Republic of Uzbekistan and ITFC in March 2024. The Framework Agreement prioritizes support for the private sector and SMEs through trade finance facilities, reaffirming ITFC’s commitment to enhancing economic resilience and promoting sustainable growth in Uzbekistan.

On this occasion, Eng. Adeeb Y. Al Aama, CEO of ITFC, commented: “This expanded partnership with Hamkorbank reflects ITFC’s strong commitment to deepening private sector support and advancing Islamic finance in Uzbekistan. By extending this new facility, we are enabling greater access to trade finance for SMEs and contributing to the country’s efforts to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy.”

Mr. Bakhtiyorjon Juraev, Chairman of the Management Board, JSCB Hamkorbank, stated: “We are delighted to have reached this significant agreement with ITFC, with a total exposure of US$90 million. This collaboration will play a crucial role in supporting and expanding Hamkorbank’s Islamic Financing portfolio, which aligns with our commitment to providing ethical and innovative financial solutions. We believe that this partnership will not only enhance our service offerings but also contribute to the growth of key sectors within the region. We look forward to a long and successful relationship with ITFC as we continue to support sustainable economic development.”

Uzbekistan became a member of ITFC in 2019, and since then, ITFC has played a pivotal role in supporting the country’s trade finance needs, advancing the private sector, and promoting access to Shariah-compliant financial solutions by approving a cumulative US$950 million in favour of the banks in the country.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

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About the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC):
The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) is the trade finance arm of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. It was established with the primary objective of advancing trade among OIC member countries, which would ultimately contribute to the overarching goal of improving the socio-economic conditions of the people across the world. Commencing operations in January 2008, ITFC has provided more than US$90 billion of financing to OIC member countries, making it the leading provider of trade solutions for these member countries’ needs. With a mission to become a catalyst for trade development for OIC member countries and beyond, the Corporation helps entities in member countries gain better access to trade finance and provides them with the necessary trade-related capacity-building tools, which would enable them to successfully compete in the global market.

Source: APO

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By Tom Alweendo, Founder of Alvenco Advisory. 

Namibia is in a narrow window between discovery and decision. TotalEnergies has asked to extend its exploration licence and has already signalled a smaller Venus development, with final investment decision now discussed for 2026. That moves us from big headlines to unglamorous execution: ports, people, permits. If we get those right over the next year, the investment case strengthens. If not, capital that is already mobile will drift somewhere else – Guyana, Brazil or Nigeria.

Start with logistics. Namibia needs a serviceable, phased plan for Lüderitz and a sensible overflow role for Walvis Bay. Instead, the market saw Namport pause southern-harbour upgrades to “clarify scope” and cancel a Lüderitz supply-base tender days after launch. That injects uncertainty into drilling schedules where rig days and marine spreads cost real money. The fix is not a megaproject. It is modular delivery tied to actual rig activity, such as quay length, lay-down, bunkering, and waste handling, that is commissioned in tranches with clear go/no-go gates. Publish a simple 12-month build schedule co-signed by Namport and all the relevant Ministries (Works, Finance and Industries, Mines & Energy), and ring-fence port user charges from Orange Basin activity to repay works. These moves are reversible and protect downside if activity slows.

Investors should meet government halfway. Minimum-throughput and take-or-pay commitments can underwrite the first phase. Operators can synchronise rig sequences to smooth peaks and co-fund common-user assets that reduce everybody’s costs. Baker Hughes’ move to establish a Walvis Bay drilling-fluids base shows how targeted, shared infrastructure can de-risk timelines. It also reminds us that practical bottlenecks—mud, storage, maintenance—matter more than glossy port drawings. Publish quarterly schedule-certainty metrics to make performance visible.

Second, local content. The draft National Upstream Petroleum Local Content Policy sets the right direction, but intent needs teeth. Three design choices will determine whether we get real capability transfer or box-ticking. First, set transparent, phased targets by service category such as logistics, catering, HSE, fabrication. These targets are to be reviewed annually against supplier capacity. Second, require a modest training levy (for example, 1% of contract value) channelled to accredited centres, audited independently. Third, enforce prompt-payment standards for SMEs—say, 15 days—with penalties for late settlement. Pair this with a live supplier register and public spend dashboards by category. For operators, the ask is simple: pre-announce procurement six to twelve months ahead, split packages to fit SME balance sheets, and second engineers into Namibian firms with dual KPIs, namely safety and skills transfer. These steps cost little now and prevent friction later when the basin scales.

Third, permitting. South Africa’s courts have shown how fragile projects become when environmental processes are thin. In August 2025, the Western Cape High Court set aside an environmental authorisation for offshore Block 5/6/7; this month Shell and the government sought leave to appeal. Whatever the outcome, the lesson for Namibia is to build legitimacy into the timetable: cumulative impact assessments along the southern coast, rigorous oil-spill modelling including transboundary scenarios, and funded independent review capacity so regulators can keep pace with submissions. Establish a single-window desk for Orange Basin approvals with statutory service-level agreements, and publish monthly dashboards of decisions taken. Speed and scrutiny are not opposites; done right, they reinforce each other and lower litigation risk.

Capital is watching our signal. Galp is marketing a 40% stake in Mopane and aims to finalise a partnership by year-end. That is both validation and a reminder that portfolios rotate fast. Clear, credible delivery on ports, local content and permitting reduces the country risk premium investors price into Orange Basin projects. Drift raises it.

Mind the base rates. The International Energy Agency estimates that, in recent years, new conventional upstream projects have taken close to 20 years on average from licence award to first production, with five years to discovery, around eight for appraisal and approval, and six for construction. There are quicker tie-back exceptions, but new hubs rarely sprint. Our ambition should be disciplined: build only what is needed for appraisal and early development now; leave option value for scale-up post-FID. That respects our constraints—people, cash, clock, and complexity—and avoids the “risk of ruin” that comes with over-build.

Macroeconomics reinforce the case for restraint with focus. Government has just trimmed the 2025 growth forecast to 3.3%, down from 4.5% in March. In that context, the Orange Basin is not a silver bullet; it is a credibility test. Deliver a few visible, bankable steps in the next six to nine months and we convert promise into jobs and tax. Miss them and scepticism about execution grows, raising costs for everyone.

What does success look like by mid-2026? Lüderitz Phase 1 operating with extended berth, lay-down and night operations; a one-stop permitting desk hitting published timelines; supplier-development cohorts running against a live procurement schedule; and operators reporting local-spend and payment discipline alongside safety performance. None of this is flashy. All of it is doable within existing budgets and institutions if we prioritise and coordinate.

The choice is between narrative and navigation. We can celebrate “frontier basin” status while confusing the market with paused tenders and fuzzy scopes. Or we can move in tight, reversible steps that keep late-2026 FID credible: build the minimum we truly need; codify local content that actually transfers capability; and run permitting at speed with legitimacy. Investors will respond to proof, not promises. Policymakers can set the cadence. If both do their part, the Orange Basin will move from exciting news to investable reality; on our terms, and on time.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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