Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO

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The ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions, in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Senegal, will hold the second joint meeting of the ECOFEST Regional Organising Committee in Dakar from the 14th to 17th of October 2025. This meeting aims to consolidate preparatory efforts and ensure effective coordination between the regional and national organising committees, with a view to harmonious planning and a successful hosting of the ECOFEST Dakar 2025 Regional Cultural Festival.

The overall objective of this meeting is to assess the progress of preparations for the festival and to strengthen synergy between stakeholders. It will also provide an opportunity to validate technical, logistical and administrative arrangements, refine the communication and visibility strategy, mobilise strategic partnerships and sponsorships, finalise the artistic, cultural and thematic content of the programme, and define monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for the various implementation phases.

Scheduled to take place from the 30th of November to the 7th of December 2025, the ECOFEST Dakar 2025 Festival promises to be a major event for West African culture. Under the theme ‘‘Political change and crises in West Africa: what can culture do?’’, it aims to reposition culture as an instrument of peace, social cohesion and transformation in a region undergoing rapid change.

For a week, Dakar will vibrate to the rhythm of West Africa’s creativity and cultural diversity. The opening ceremony will take place at the Dakar Arena, and the closing ceremony will be held at the Grand Théâtre Doudou Ndiaye Coumba Rose, two venues emblematic of Senegalese artistic excellence. Between these two highlights, the public will discover a rich programme of live performances, artistic competitions, exhibitions, professional forums, seminars, dialogue with young people, trade fairs and film screenings.

Beyond the celebration, ECOFEST Dakar 2025 aims to be a space for encounters and dialogue between artists, decision-makers, entrepreneurs and citizens. More than just a festival, it embodies the dynamic of a united, resilient and open-minded West Africa.

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

Source: APO

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Keih-Bahri, Mai-Nefhi, Halay, Warsai, Daero-Paulos, and Hadinet schools in the Central Region have recognized outstanding students who scored high marks in the 2024/2025 national school leaving and eighth-grade examinations.

Accordingly, Mai-Nefhi School recognized 22 outstanding students who scored grades qualifying them for degree programs and 17 students who qualified for diploma programs.

Keih-Bahri Secondary School awarded 20 outstanding students who scored between 3.0 and 4.0 GPA in the national school leaving examination.

Similarly, Halay Secondary School recognized 42 outstanding students who scored between 3.0 and 4.0 GPA, while Warsai Junior School awarded 53 outstanding students who scored over 90 points in the eighth-grade national examination. Daero-Paulos Junior School also recognized 38 students who achieved high scores in the same examination.

Hadinet Junior School encouraged 39 outstanding students, including 25 female students, who scored high marks in the eighth-grade national examination.

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

Source: APO

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A potable water project that includes the renovation of old pipelines and the construction of a reservoir was inaugurated on 11 October in Beleza administrative area, Serejeka sub-zone, Central Region.

Mr. Aron Kiflemicael, Administrator of the Beleza administrative area, indicated that the project was implemented in collaboration with the concerned Government institutions and the local residents.

Noting that the project was part of the ongoing effort to ensure potable water supply to the public across the country, Mr. Misgina Gebreselasie, Director of Water Development at the Ministry of Land, Water and Environment, commended the contribution of the residents to the project.

Mr. Misgina also stated that 95% of the residents of the administrative area have already become beneficiaries of the project, while the remaining 5% are expected to benefit in the near future.

Mr. Kiflemariam Gebremeskel, Administrator of the Serejeka sub-zone, said that the project, beyond creating satisfaction among the residents, is expected to ease the burden on women who used to travel long distances to fetch water for their households. He also called for regular follow-up to ensure the sustainability of the project.

Mr. Zerit Tewoldebrhan, Managing Director of the Central Region, called on other administrative areas to emulate the commendable initiative of the residents of Beleza in implementing potable water projects in their localities.

Beleza administrative area is located 12 km northeast of Asmara and is home to over 910 families.

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

Source: APO

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Banadir Hospital in Mogadishu – Somalia’s largest paediatric referral public hospital – is at the forefront of efforts to address severe acute malnutrition.

Inside the stabilization centre, small hospital beds are lined up, each holding a child fighting not only hunger but illnesses like pneumonia, diarrhoea and dehydration. Nurses move quickly between them, administering essential medicines, checking oxygen and comforting worried mothers who have often walked long distances to find help. For many, Banadir Hospital is their last hope.

“Most of the cases we see are extremely, severely malnourished, and often come with many complications,” says Dr Mohamed Jama Hashi, a paediatric specialist at Banadir Hospital. “Some children arrive swollen, some need oxygen, others come in shock – their small bodies are fighting for survival – and severely dehydrated. The family members who bring them are often visibly malnourished themselves.”

Over the past few months the Hospital’s stabilization centre – Somalia’s main referral point for malnourished children – has seen a sharp increase in emergency cases. Families travel for hours, sometimes days, to reach the hospital, clinging to the hope that their children will survive.

Timely access to essential medicines supports recovery and saves lives. For families struggling to feed their children amid drought and rising prices, finding free treatment here offers a rare sense of relief. “The medicines are critical because they address complications and play an important role in rehabilitation,” says Dr. Hashi. “They also prevent struggling mothers from having to search outside the hospital for treatment they could never afford.”

Supplies mean survival

Inside the ward, treatment begins immediately with essential medicines supplied through the World Health Organization’s (WHO) paediatric severe acute malnutrition (PED/SAM) kits. Delivered with support from European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), the kits are designed for inpatient care of severely acute malnourished children with medical complications.

“These medicines are essential for managing the most complicated cases,” explains Dr Abdulmunim Mohamed, Nutrition & Health Technical Focal Point, WHO Somalia. “They help prevent and treat life-threatening complications. Their timely use is crucial in reducing mortality and giving these children a chance to recover.”

The supplies mean the difference between life and death for thousands of Somali children. According to Dr Abdulmunim, “ECHO’s support has been critical in saving lives today and strengthening systems for tomorrow, ensuring that Somalia’s most vulnerable children not only survive severe acute malnutrition but also access integrated health services that safeguard their long-term recovery.”

At Banadir hospital, the results are visible every day. Severely malnourished children who arrive on the edge of survival gradually regain strength. Family members, many exhausted from their own struggles with hunger, find hope in the knowledge that their children can recover. Parents who bring critically ill children to Banadir Hospital Stabilization Centre can trust that the Hospital is stocked with the essential medical supplies needed to provide quality treatment and reduce preventable child deaths.

ECHO’s contribution has been vital in ensuring that essential medicines reach families who would otherwise have had no access to them. “It is a programme we deeply appreciate,” Dr Hashi said. “Without it, many Somali children would not have survived.”

WHO and ECHO provide essential aid for malnourished children in SomaliaIn Somalia, drought, diseases, conflict and poverty continue to put children’s lives at risk. For many, quick access to therapeutic food and medical care is the difference between life and death. With support from WHO and ECHO, thousands of children aren’t just being treated – they’re getting a chance to live, grow and thrive.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization – Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean.

Source: APO

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H.E Amb. Selma Malika Haddadi, the Deputy Chairperson has concluded a fruitful working visit to Pretoria, South Africa, marked by high-level political engagement, solemn remembrance, and a reinforced commitment to Pan-African solidarity.

The Inaugural Diaspora Week initiated and hosted from 8 to 10 October 2025 by the Government of South Africa, under the theme “Promoting Socio-Economic and Cultural Rights as forms of Reparatory Justice,” anchored the Deputy Chairperson’s visit to Pretoria.

The Diaspora Week activities highlighted reparatory justice, memorialization, spirituality and healing, emphasizing the African Union’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with the Republic of South Africa and engaging meaningfully with its diaspora community during this significant week.

In line with the AU theme of the year, the Deputy Chairperson Haddadi Championed Reparatory Justice at the Diaspora Week.

H.E. Amb. Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, delivered a compelling address during Diaspora Week, spotlighting the AU’s 2025 theme: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.” Speaking at a high-level panel on socio-economic and cultural rights, she emphasized the need for reparatory justice that goes beyond symbolism calling for economic empowerment and cultural reclamation to heal the enduring legacies of slavery and colonialism.

Honoring Africa’s Liberation Heroes at Freedom Park

In a solemn tribute, Amb. Haddadi visited the Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum, laying a wreath at the Wall of Names to honor Africa’s fallen freedom fighters. This tribute underscored the AU’s commitment to preserving the memory of those who sacrificed for the continent’s dignity and liberation.

Keynote on Memorialization and Africa’s Healing Journey

At a dedicated ceremony, Amb. Haddadi delivered a keynote on “Memorialization and Healing and the Role of the AUC” reaffirming the Commission’s leadership in continental remembrance initiatives.The Deputy Chairperson highlighted projects like the AU Human Rights Memorial and the Great Museum of Africa as pillars of cultural revival, urging global and intergenerational collaboration to transform historical grief into unity, resilience, and a dignified future for Africa.

Fruitful discussions with the Government of South Africa

During this visit, H.E. Amb. Haddadi held a substantive meeting with His Excellency Mr. Alvin Botes, the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) of South Africa. The discussions highlighted the important and supportive role of South Africa to the African Union and South Africa’s particular emphasis on continental integration, G20, and collaborative efforts within the frameworks of Agenda 2063 and the United Nations. Both parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing Africa’s development and global positioning.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

Source: APO

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The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, extends his warmest congratulations to the Government and people of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea on the occasion of their Independence Day.

This historic day is a moment of pride and reflection, celebrating Equatorial Guinea’s enduring journey toward freedom, unity, and nation-building. The African Union salutes the resilience, determination, and achievements of the people of Equatorial Guinea, and reaffirms its solidarity with their aspirations for peace, stability, and inclusive development.

The African Union remains steadfast in its commitment to working closely with Equatorial Guinea to advance regional integration, promote sustainable growth, and uphold the shared values of Pan-Africanism, unity, and cooperation.

Happy Independence Day!

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

Source: APO

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• Somalia has maintained strong reform implementation and program performance. IMF staff and the Somali authorities have reached a staff-level agreement on the 4th review of Somalia’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement.
• Somalia’s economy continues to show resilience, despite external headwinds, and the 2025-26 growth is expected to reach 3-3¼ percent. However, the near-term economic outlook is clouded by foreign aid cuts and adverse climate events. The authorities requested an augmentation of access under the ECF arrangement to mitigate the negative impact of these shocks and support their policy efforts, including expanding social spending.
• Advancing reforms along with continued assistance from international partners remains critical to support Somalia’s efforts to secure a more robust and sustainable economic future.

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team, led by Ran Bi, conducted discussions with the Somali authorities, led by H.E Bihi Egeh during September 16 – October 8, 2025, and reached a staff-level agreement on the fourth review under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement. This agreement is subject to approval of the IMF’s Executive Board.

At the conclusion of the discussions, Ms. Bi issued the following statement:

“I am pleased to announce that the Somali authorities and the IMF team have reached a staff-level agreement on policies to complete the fourth review under the ECF arrangement approved in December 2023 for total access of SDR 75 million (about US$100 million) (Press Release No. 23/463). To mitigate the negative impact of foreign aid cuts and support their reform efforts, the authorities have requested an augmentation of access under the ECF arrangement of SDR 30 million (about US$40 million), to be disbursed in equal tranches at the conclusion of the 4th and the 5th ECF review, respectively. The agreement is subject to approval by the IMF’s Executive Board. Board approval would enable access to SDR 22.5 million (about US$30 million), bringing total disbursements under the arrangement to about US$100 million.

After robust growth of 4.1 percent in 2024, economic prospects have weakened in 2025 – 26 amid significant foreign aid cuts and adverse weather shocks. Real GDP growth is projected at 3 and 3.3 percent in 2025 and 2026, respectively. Inflation is expected to remain stable at around 3.5 percent, while food price pressures are more elevated. Downside risks continue to dominate the near-term outlook, including from protracted foreign aid disruptions and weather shocks which could further worsen the economic outlook.

Despite the difficult economic environment, the authorities remain committed to improving domestic revenue and maintaining fiscal discipline. Fiscal outturn in 2025 has been broadly in line with expectations. In particular, income tax collection has been strong, following the enactment of the new income tax law, and expenditure has remained well within the program target. An overall deficit of 0.3 percent of GDP is expected for 2025. The preliminary 2026 budget plan envisages continued progress in domestic revenue mobilization and expenditure discipline while accommodating additional security and election-related spending. It will also support an expansion of social spending using budget resources to mitigate the negative social impact of foreign aid cuts. With these plans, the overall fiscal deficit in 2026 is projected to be around ¾ percent of GDP.

Fiscal structural reforms have progressed steadily. Key domestic revenue reforms include the ongoing customs modernization and enforcement, implementation of the new income tax law, and improving enforcement of sales and income tax collection. Debt and public financial management should continue to strengthen. The authorities are also building capacity to implement the recently completed legal framework to ensure transparency and accountability in the extractive industries.

The Central Bank of Somalia (CBS) has continued to strengthen its institutional capacity and regulatory framework, promote financial deepening and advance the preparation for the currency exchange and the currency board arrangement. Steady progress has also been made to further strengthen the AML/CFT framework and improve governance.

Continued assistance from multilateral and bilateral partners remains crucial to support the authorities’ policy efforts, especially in light of the high uncertainty and significant downside risks.

The mission would like to thank our counterparts for a constructive and fruitful dialogue. Meetings were held with the Minister of Finance, the Central Bank Governor, other government officials, development partners and private sector representatives.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Source: APO

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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received Chairman of the China National Chemical Engineering Corporation (CNCEC), Mr. Mo Dingge. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Eng. Karim Badawi, as well as Vice Chairman of the CNCEC Group, Mr. Wu Xiangong, and the Chairman of TCC Company.

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said that , at the beginning of the meeting, President El-Sisi praised the strength and distinction of Egyptian-Chinese relations. The President reaffirmed Egypt’s keenness to consolidate economic and investment cooperation with China and with Chinese companies across various fields of mutual interest. 

President El-Sisi expressed appreciation for the existing cooperation with the CNCEC Group, emphasizing that the Egyptian state will work to facilitate the procedures for implementing the company’s project in Egypt for producing the soda ash.

The Chairman of the Chinese CNCEC Group reviewed the company’s expertise in the field of petrochemicals. He confirmed that the company is looking forward to cooperating with the Egyptian government to expand the company’s investments in Egypt. President El-Sisi welcomed this, stressing that the state offers many benefits and incentives to foreign and local investors and is also working to attract more foreign direct investments. 

The President affirmed that the Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) project is considered one of the strategic projects of significant importance to Egypt, given its pivotal role in supporting self-sufficiency for local industries and reducing imports. The President expressed his confidence in TCC’s ability to execute the project with high efficiency in accordance with the highest international standards.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.