Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO

Sudan stands at the epicentre of one of the world’s “most severe” humanitarian crises, according to the UN.

Over 30 million people now need urgent humanitarian assistance, among them 9.6 million displaced from their homes and nearly 15 million children caught in a struggle for daily survival.

“This is one of the worst protection crises we’ve seen in decades,” said Kelly Clements, Deputy High Commissioner at the UN refugee agency (UNHCR).

The agency, along with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the World Food Programme (WFP) have issued a joint humanitarian call to action, appealing for immediate international attention to address “the immense suffering and growing dangers” confronting millions across Sudan.

Return to rubble

As fighting eases in the capital Khartoum and other parts of Sudan, nearly 2.6 million people are returning to damaged homes, many without access to water, healthcare, or education.

“I met people coming back to a city still scarred by conflict, where homes are damaged and basic services are barely functioning. Their determination to rebuild is remarkable, but life remains incredibly fragile”, said Ugochi Daniels, IOM’s Deputy Director General for Operations.

To make matters worse, the spread of diseases such as cholera, dengue, and malaria, combined with soaring malnutrition rates, is putting thousands at imminent risk of death without immediate assistance, according to IOM.

Over 260,000 civilians besieged

Meanwhile, over 260,000 civilians, including 130,000 children, remain trapped under siege in El Fasher, North Darfur, in what the UN agencies have called a “deeply concerning” situation.

For more than 16 months, families have been cut off from food, water, and healthcare. As health systems collapse, reports of killings, sexual violence, and forced recruitment into armed militias continue to rise.

“Entire communities are surviving in conditions that defy dignity”, warned Ted Chaiban, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director.

“Children are malnourished, exposed to violence, and at risk of dying from preventable diseases. Families are doing everything they can to survive, showing extraordinary resolve in the face of unimaginable hardship,” he added.

Challenges ahead

So far, the humanitarian response in Sudan has reached over 13.5 million this year.

Despite this, funding shortfalls are making it increasingly difficult for the UN and its partners to deliver the appropriate aid.

Totalling US$4.2 billion, the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan for Sudan remains critically underfunded at only 25 per cent.

IOM, UNHCR, UNICEF, and WFP remain committed to working together to provide life-saving aid and protection to children and families across Sudan.

“The humanitarian community is ready to respond, but it cannot do it alone —urgent global support is needed to save lives and help communities rebuild”, underscored the humanitarian agencies.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

Source: APO

In South Sudan, the cascading effects of climate change have become increasingly visible and devastating with torrential rainfall displacing communities all across the country. In regions like the Greater Pibor Administrative Area, one of the most affected, high-water levels have surged across six counties, threatening to tip the region into a full-scale humanitarian crisis. 

Considered by many in the community to be among the worst floods in recent memory, the disaster has affected over 43,000 people taking with it homes, livelihoods and critical infrastructure.

For communities of GPAA, the Pibor dyke remains a vital barrier against rising floodwaters.  Constructed by South Korean peacekeepers under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) this cordon serves as the only protection for the airport, parts of the market, and key administrative buildings.  With all roads linking to the capital Juba remaining impassable until February, the Pibor airport strip serves as the only lifeline for delivering essential supplies to the isolated region.

Sharing the tragedy he has been witnessing over the past weeks, Deputy Chief Administrator Ogebe Omot Ochan, also stresses the importance of this connection:

“The situation is worse.  Farmlands are destroyed, disease is spreading and currently, support from the international community is our only chance of survival.”

With water levels escalating, health concerns are, too. In the stagnant water, malaria and waterborne diseases are spreading fast. Over 5,000 cases have been reported in just two months.

And there is no end in sight. 

“We do not know if the water is increasing or decreasing so we need to be prepared for anything,” explains Pibor resident Marang Rafayal the great uncertainty that has taken over previously bustling areas. 

For many, the means to earning a living have been washed away. Nyalimakol Bicham is one such example—once the proud owner of a thriving tea stall serving daily cups of chai to customers outside a ministry building.

“I’ve had to start over here because the dyke keeps this area safe,” she said. “But my customers are gone, and the home I once knew is now underwater.” 

Affected communities remain resilient, but resilience alone cannot hold back the waters. With continued maintenance and construction, there is hope that the dyke will safeguard the airstrip and maintain access for both peacekeeping and humanitarian operations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Source: APO – Report:

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I extend my heartfelt thanks to His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium for the gracious reception today in Brussels, and for the strong and distinguished bilateral relations that bind our two nations. I also express my sincere appreciation to Mr. António Costa, President of the European Council, and Ms. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, for hosting the inaugural summit between Egypt and the European Union within the framework of our strategic partnership.

The discussions with the European Union were rich and constructive, reaffirming the depth of our relations, which have reached an unprecedented level of alignment. I look forward to the implementation of the agreements and outcomes we have achieved, and to the second summit, which Egypt will host in 2026.

– on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Source: APO – Report:

RichAfrica Consultancy is proud to announce that the Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) will return to Windhoek for its 8th edition from 14–16 April 2026. Building on the success of its previous editions, this milestone event will shape Namibia’s next chapter in its energy journey as the country moves towards first oil production by 2029.

Endorsed and supported by the Government of Namibia and the African Energy Chamber, NIEC 2026 offers a platform for international companies and their Namibian counterparts to connect, sign deals and advance the country’s energy agenda. Backed by leading international and local institutions, the conference is proud to confirm Standard Bank Namibia and Rand Merchant Bank as Sapphire Sponsors, reflecting confidence in Namibia’s energy sector and the conference as a platform that contributes to growth, collaboration, and creation of in-country value.

This next edition comes at a time when the energy industry is rapidly growing, with companies such as Rhino Resources making new discoveries (Voltans-1X), Galp Energia seeking partners to develop its Mopane field and TotalEnergies preparing to reach a final investment decision for its Venus project in 2026. It also comes as Namibia drives a clean energy agenda, with green hydrogen, solar and power developments at the forefront. As the country strives to position itself as the next African energy hub, NIEC 2026 provides a platform for the industry to discuss investments, partnerships and the road ahead.

Since its inaugural edition in 2012, themed “The Road to Discovery & Beyond,” NIEC has grown into Namibia’s leading platform for high-level dialogue, strategic partnerships and industry collaboration. The conference continues to attract government leaders, global investors and the business community, providing a platform that contributes to Namibia’s energy growth and supports the achievement of first oil while building a diversified and resilient energy future.

In 2026, this trend will continue. NIEC2026 will bring together senior government leaders, investors, operators, service providers, financial institutions, academics, innovators, and civil society. Discussions will cover oil and gas, renewables, nuclear, and power generation. Strategic topics include recent developments; creation and sharing of in-country value; human capital development and skills transfer; active participation of local enterprises and service companies; infrastructure development and export readiness; and energy security, supply chain resilience and renewable integration. Beyond dialogue, the conference will explore inclusive programs such as the Future Energy Leaders Initiative and the Internship Program, equipping the next generation and insuring youth participation.

The curated program includes plenary sessions, panel discussions, technical masterclasses, B2B matchmaking, networking receptions and an interactive exhibition showcasing technologies, services and investment-ready projects. NIEC 2026 offers strategic opportunities for sponsorship, speaking engagements and exhibition participation, providing investors and key stakeholders with insights, connections and an opportunity to shape Namibia’s energy landscape.

“From our first theme, ‘The Road to Discovery & Beyond,’ to today’s ‘The Road to First Oil & Beyond’ NIEC has mirrored Namibia’s energy journey — from ambition to achievement. This edition is not just another conference, it is a defining moment where we celebrate progress, confront challenges, and unlock opportunities together. More than a gathering of leaders, NIEC is a catalyst for collaboration, investment, and innovation — strengthening the enabling environment and laying the foundations for an energy future that goes beyond first oil to deliver diversification, security, growth, and shared prosperity,” states Ndapwilapo Selma Shimutwikeni, CEO and Founder, RichAfrica Consultancy.

Over 12 years, NIEC has established a legacy of industry leadership. Over 12 editions, the conference has evolved to become one of the most strategic platforms for the country’s energy sector. The event welcomes 2,537 delegates from 46 countries, features 410 speakers and has over 1,500 companies represented. Additionally, the event features over 90% homegrown vendor participation. Beyond energy, the conference promotes tourism and supports the hospitality sector, enhancing Namibia’s visibility as a premier business and leisure destination.

For more information, participation, or customized opportunities, contact info@ RichAfricaCo.com or visit www.NIEConference.com.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO – Report:

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Cassava Technologies (Cassava) (www.CassavaTechnologies.com), a global technology leader of African heritage, proudly announces that it has received an investment from NVIDIA.

According to Hardy Pemhiwa, President & Group CEO of Cassava Technologies, “Cassava is Africa’s leading technology company, driving the continent’s digital transformation with digital infrastructure and digital services. Securing this investment is an important milestone that we expect to unlock additional value from and catalyze the further expansion of our digital infrastructure and services to bridge the digital divide on the continent”

Cassava’s impressive roster of investors now includes Econet Group, British International Investment, Finnfund, Fund for Export Development in Africa (Afreximbank/FEDA), Gateway Capital, Google LLC, International Finance Corporation (IFC), NVIDIA, Public Investment Corporation and Royal Bafokeng Holdings.

Cassava Technologies operates across Africa, the Middle East and Latin America through a strong portfolio of business units comprising Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Africa Data Centres, Liquid C2, Cassava.ai, and Sasai Fintech, all of which are leaders in their respective sectors. The organisation will continue collaborating with its partners and customers on the continent and beyond, establishing it as a leading technology company of African heritage.

– on behalf of Cassava Technologies.

About Cassava Technologies:
Cassava Technologies is a global technology leader of African heritage, providing a vertically integrated ecosystem of digital services and infrastructure, enabling digital transformation. Headquartered in the UK, Cassava has a presence across Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and the United States of America. Through its business units, namely, Cassava AI, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Liquid C2, Africa Data Centres, and Sasai Fintech, the company provides its customers’ products and services in 94 countries. These solutions drive the company’s ambition of establishing itself as a leading global technology company of African heritage.