Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO

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The UN designated Expert on the human rights situation in Sudan, Radhouane Nouicer, today expressed alarm at the sharp escalation in drone strikes by both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in recent weeks, and the devastating consequences for civilians throughout the country.

On 21 and 22 October, RSF drones targeted Khartoum International Airport, just prior to its planned reopening for the first time since the conflict began in April 2023. RSF drones also struck dams and electricity infrastructure in Blue Nile and Sennar states on 21 October, injuring six technical workers and causing widespread power outages. The strikes plunged cities into darkness and hindered access to essential services.

“The intensifying use of drone strikes is putting civilian lives at additional risk, deepening the humanitarian crisis and further destabilizing the country. This escalation has the potential for far-reaching consequences beyond Sudan’s borders,” warned Nouicer.

Increased drone attacks by the RSF have devastated the besieged city of El Fasher, including strikes on a shelter for internally displaced persons on 10 and 11 October which claimed the lives of at least 57 civilians. On 19 and 20 October, SAF drones struck multiple locations in North Darfur and West Darfur, killing at least 13 civilians and damaging civilian objects, such as homes, markets and public buildings.

In the Kordofan region, intensified drone strikes by both SAF and RSF are placing civilians at increased risk. On 17 October, a SAF drone strike in El Mazroub, North Kordofan, killed at least 18 civilians, five days after an RSF drone strike in Dalami, South Kordofan, which claimed the lives of at least four civilians.

“The continued targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure violates international humanitarian law and contradicts express commitments to the protection of civilians. Concrete measures are urgently needed to protect civilians and ensure accountability,” stressed Nouicer. The Expert called on the parties to cease attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, de-escalate the situation and prioritize the protection of civilians.

Nouicer was appointed by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights as his Designated Expert on the situation of human rights in the Sudan on 16 December 2022, pursuant to Human Rights Council resolutions A/HRC/S-32/1, A/HRC/50/1, and A/HRC/S-36/1.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Source: APO

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In a decisive move to strengthen physiotherapy services across Liberia, the Ministry of Health, through its Non-Communicable Diseases and Injuries Unit, in collaboration with World Physiotherapy and World Hope International, has concluded a one-day stakeholder workshop focused on establishing physiotherapy education in the country.

The meeting brought together key partners and stakeholders to discuss the development of a framework that aligns with Liberia’s national health and education priorities. Discussions centered on understanding the current context of physiotherapy and rehabilitation in Liberia, introducing the global education framework and its pillars of work, as well as identifying stakeholder roles, potential partnerships, and opportunities. Participants also contributed ideas toward the development of a roadmap for establishing physiotherapy education in Liberia.

Declaring the discussion open, Dr. Cuallau J. Howe, Assistant Minister for Preventive Services, highlighted the importance of rehabilitation in supporting the country’s broader goals for universal health coverage.

”Rehabilitation contributes to improving patient outcomes, enhancing functional independence, reducing the burden of disability, and supporting the country’s broader goals for universal health coverage and inclusive health services,” she said.

To achieve these goals, several strategies were outlined, including coordinating efforts to lay the foundation for physiotherapy education in the country, consolidating stakeholder inputs to define a shared vision, and ensuring alignment with national priorities. These actions will guide the next steps in building a skilled physiotherapy workforce and strengthening Liberia’s health system.

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

Source: APO

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The Ministry of Finance has organized a two-day stakeholder consultation as part of preparations for the 2026 Annual Budget, scheduled for presentation in November 2025. The engagement sought to solicit inputs from key sectors of the economy and deepen citizens’ participation in the national budget process.

The consultations brought together representatives from banking and non-banking financial institutions, think tanks, professional bodies, trade organizations, social partners, and other organized groups. Also in attendance were civil society organizations (CSOs), faith-based organizations (FBOs), academia, and various associations.

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Minister for Finance, Mr. Thomas Nyarko Ampem, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuous engagement with citizens throughout the budget process. He cited the Ministry’s visit to Makola Market prior to the presentation of the 2025 Budget in March as an example of efforts to gather firsthand feedback on how government policies affect ordinary Ghanaians.

“Today’s engagement provides an avenue for the government to listen to your perspectives, your proposals, and your expectations as we shape the 2026 Budget. The insights gathered from stakeholders such as yourselves will guide us in designing policies that promote growth, equity, and resilience,” he emphasized.

Mr. Ampem highlighted several strategic policy measures implemented by the government that have yielded positive results for the economy. These include achieving a primary balance surplus of 1.4% of GDP, reducing the overall fiscal deficit to 1.5%, and bringing public debt down significantly to 44.9% of GDP.

“The recent successful staff-level agreement with the IMF under the Extended Credit Facility and the credit rating upgrade by Moody’s reaffirm international confidence in Ghana’s economic direction,” he said. He noted that these gains serve as the foundation for sustained economic recovery and shared prosperity.

The Deputy Minister reiterated the government’s resolve to sustain the momentum of economic recovery while building a resilient economy that creates opportunities for all. “Our focus areas include economic stabilization and fiscal discipline, infrastructure and social development, social protection, education and youth empowerment, as well as employment creation,” he added.

The Ministry of Finance reaffirmed that input from the consultations would play a crucial role in shaping policies and interventions in the 2026 Budget. The Minister for Finance is required under Section 21 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), to prepare the annual budget in consultation with relevant stakeholders.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Finance – Republic of Ghana.

Source: APO

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Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has called on all stakeholders to rally behind the newly launched Ghana Infrastructure Plan (GIP), describing it as a defining step toward building a modern, connected, and resilient nation.

Speaking at the launch of the infrastructure plan in Mr. Nyarko Ampem reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensuring that the GIP becomes the cornerstone of Ghana’s infrastructure transformation agenda.

“This launch is a milestone that marks a decisive step toward transforming our nation’s infrastructure landscape and accelerating Ghana’s journey toward sustainable, inclusive growth,” the Deputy Minister said.

He noted that the Ghana Infrastructure Plan is a practical expression of President John Dramani Mahama’s vision for continuity and long-term national development that transcends political cycles. He said the Plan not only sets a clear roadmap for infrastructure investment but also strengthens coordination and accountability across government and private sector actors.

He explained that the Ministry of Finance is particularly focused on three imperatives essential for success, collaborative financing, effective coordination, and strategic communication. According to him, these pillars will ensure that the Plan does not merely remain a policy document but becomes a living framework that drives real transformation.

“We at the Ministry of Finance stand ready to co-lead in all fronts. Infrastructure financing is a foremost priority of President Mahama’s government. Through the Big Push Initiative, we have allocated GH¢13.9 billion — part of a US$10 billion medium-term programmed financing — to accelerate infrastructure expansion,” he announced.

The Deputy Minister further revealed that government is strengthening the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) to serve as a key vehicle for blended financing, while also reforming the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework to attract more private capital into major infrastructure projects.

Mr. Nyarko Ampem emphasised that beyond technical soundness, the success of the Ghana Infrastructure Plan would depend heavily on strategic communication and public engagement. “This Plan represents a grand national vision,” he said. “We must communicate it effectively to inspire collective ownership and attract private sector partnerships for its implementation.”

He reaffirmed the Finance Ministry’s readiness to partner the NDPC, Parliament, and the private sector to execute the Plan effectively, stressing that its full implementation would mark a turning point in Ghana’s economic renewal.

The Ghana Infrastructure Plan, prepared by the National Development Planning Commission, provides a comprehensive roadmap for infrastructure development over the next three decades, focusing on transport, energy, water, sanitation, digitalization, and housing. It is designed to promote inclusive growth, enhance productivity, and ensure long-term resilience for Ghana’s economy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Finance – Republic of Ghana.

Source: APO – Report:

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On 18 and 19 September, Minister Qin Zhanpeng met separately in Polokwane, Limpopo Province, with Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the Provincial Commissioner of Police, Baldwin Matibe Tshitereke, MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs , and Nakedi Grace Kekana, MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development.

Minister Qin stated that China stands ready to work with South Africa to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, to advance practical cooperation with Limpopo Province. Chinese citizens and enterprises have made positive contributions to advancing the province’s economic growth and employment. The Chinese government consistently requires its citizens and enterprises to comply with local laws and regulations and fulfil their social responsibilities. China hopes South Africa will give priority to preserving the safety and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens, and provide a favourable business environment for Chinese companies investing and operating in the province.

The South African side provided an overview of the safety situation and socio-economic development in Limpopo Province. They said they take China’s concerns seriously, will work more closely with China, and welcome more Chinese citizens and companies to invest in Limpopo.

– on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of South Africa.

Source: APO – Report:

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On October 22, Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania H.E. Chen Mingjian met with Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation H.E. Samwel William Shelukindo in Dar es Salaam. DCM and Minister Wang Yong was present. The two sides had an in-depth discussion on China-Tanzania relations and bilateral exchanges and cooperation in the near future.

– on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United Republic of Tanzania.

Source: APO – Report:

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On October 22, Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania H . E . Cheng Mingjian met with Tanzanian Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Hon. Mahmoud Thabit Kombo in Dar es Salaam. DCM and Minister Wang Yong was present. Both sides spoke highly of China-Tanzania relations, and expressed their willingness to further promote high-level exchanges and interactions at various levels, expand cooperation in economic and other wide-ranging sectors, and contribute to closer relations beteen the two countries.

– on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United Republic of Tanzania.

Source: APO – Report:

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Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has scaled up activities in Mueda town, Mozambique and the district following yet another wave of displacement after repeated violent incursions of a non-state armed group in Mocímboa da Praia and other areas of northern Mozambique. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than 92,000 people have been forced to flee their homes in Cabo Delgado and the neighbouring Nampula province since late September, including about 23,000 people who have arrived in Mueda. 

MSF teams have strengthened activities in three camps for displaced people (Eduardo Mondlane, Nandimba and Lianda) in Mueda, where we have run a medical project since 2021. We have also started activities in Nanili, a community near the border between Mueda and Mocímboa da Praia districts, to address the increased needs following recent arrivals. MSF health promoters and community health workers are sensitising communities on hygiene and disease prevention and ensuring that the referral system for medical care remains functional. 

Between 3 and 15 October, MSF teams visited 970 families across the three camps in Mueda, referring 315 people in need of medical care to Mueda District Hospital or the nearest health centre. MSF teams also ran more than 400 group sensitisation sessions, which were attended by over 4,500 people.

Many of those now arriving in Mueda have been forced to flee their homes several times during the eight years of conflict in Cabo Delgado, where hundreds of thousands of people remain displaced. Several have previously lived in these same camps. Often, people decide to flee because they no longer feel protected or safe in their communities. One family of five told MSF they walked nearly 100 kilometres to the interior of the province from the coastal town of Mocímboa da Praia after hearing widespread rumours of an impending attack. 

“We had no money, so we came here on foot. It took us about three days. This is the second time we’ve come to [seek refuge in] Mueda,” recounts Saidia Albino, who has settled in Eduardo Mondlane displacement camp with his wife and three children. “The first time we left because the fighting was getting worse in Mocímboa da Praia [in 2022], and now the war has started again. Everyone was leaving; there was no reason to stay. For now, if I can find work, it’s better to try to build a life here.” 

In response to the psychological impact of repeated displacement and prolonged insecurity, MSF is also conducting mental health and psychosocial support activities in Mueda, complementing ongoing community-based interventions. Anxiety, psychosomatic and post-traumatic symptoms are the most frequently reported conditions in the camps. So far, MSF teams have conducted 65 mental health group sessions with over 600 participants.

Living conditions in the camps are also deteriorating, particularly due to limited access to safe water and sanitation. The situation is expected to worsen with the imminent onset of the rainy season and an increased risk of waterborne diseases. “Even if we don’t see many acute medical emergencies at the moment, health needs persist. The local health system is unable to cope with the continuous arrival of people seeking safety, which puts pressure on already stretched resources,” says Pedro Basílio, MSF outreach supervisor.

In recent months, Cabo Delgado has experienced an upsurge of violence, with attacks and armed incursions taking place in several districts such as Mocímboa da Praia, Balama, Montepuez and Chiúre, as well as in the neighbouring provinces of Nampula and Niassa.

In late September, MSF was forced to temporarily suspend activities in Mocímboa da Praia town due to insecurity. In addition to Mueda, MSF teams continue to run medical projects in Palma and Macomia, which have not been spared by the ongoing surge in violence.  MSF teams are also assessing the areas of Mueda and Mocímboa da Praia districts, where significant pockets of displaced people have recently arrived.

– on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).