Category: MIL-OSI

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Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission and World Bank Convene 18th West Africa Unique Identification for Regional Integration and Inclusion (WURI) Coordination Committee Meeting to Advance Regional Identity Integration

Source: APO – Report:

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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission and the World Bank as co-secretariat, convened the 18th meeting of the Coordination Committee of the West Africa Unique Identification for Regional Integration and Inclusion (WURI) Programme. The virtual meeting, held on the 11th March, 2026 gathered Project Coordinators from five participating countries; Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger, and Togo, alongside representatives from the ECOWAS Commission and the World Bank to review progress in the implementation of the project since the last Coordination Committee meeting, along with plans and priorities for the second and third quarters of 2026.

The WURI Programme, funded by the World Bank, aims to increase the number of persons in participating countries who have government-recognized proof of identity, facilitating their access to services both within and across national borders. The programme focuses on three key areas: strengthening the legal and institutional frameworks for foundational identification (fID) systems; establishing robust and reliable fID infrastructure; and enabling access to services through fID-issued identity credentials.

On behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, the meeting was opened with welcome remarks by the Director of Free Movement of Persons and Migration and the Project Coordinator of the WURI Project, Mr Albert  Siaw-Boateng, followed by remarks from the representative of the World Bank and a representative of the Chair of the Coordination Committee, Mr. Moniyiel Kantchoa.

During the meeting, chaired by Mr. Moniyiel Kantchoa, project coordinators from each participating country presented key achievements recorded, updates, plans and priorities for the second and third quarters of 2026. The World Bank also provided an update on programme-level developments.

Another key agenda item was the review and endorsement of the agenda for the upcoming Supervisory Committee meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 10:00 WAT. The Supervisory Committee serves as the highest governance body of the WURI Programme and is responsible for validating decisions and recommendations submitted by the Coordination Committee.

The Coordination Committee serves as a key Governance structure of the WURI Programme, responsible for the facilitating opertaional sterring of its common objectives, mobilizing technical expertise through the Technical Committee, and promoting the sharing of experiences and harmonization of tools among participating countries. Its decisions and recommendations are subsequently submitted to the Supervisory Committee for validation.

The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of ECOWAS, participating countries and development partners to advancing inclusive and interoperable identification systems that support regional integration, improve service delivery and enhance the implementation of the ECOWAS Free Movement framework.

– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

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Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Lays the Foundations for a Regional Open Data Ecosystem to Advance Transparency, Innovation and Digital Governance

Source: APO – Report:

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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has taken a significant step toward strengthening transparency, innovation and digital governance in West Africa by advancing efforts to establish a harmonised regional framework for open data.

Through its Directorate of Digital Economy and Post, the Commission convened a Validation Workshop in Abuja, Nigeria, on the Regional Open Data Legal Framework. The meeting brought together representatives of ECOWAS Member States and digital governance experts to review and refine the proposed regional framework for the publication, access and reuse of public sector data.

The two-day workshop provided a platform for Member States to collectively examine and validate the draft legal framework designed to guide open data governance across the region. The initiative reflects the growing recognition that open data plays a pivotal role in strengthening transparency, supporting digital transformation and fostering economic innovation.

Opening the workshop, Mrs. Folake Olagunju, Director of Digital Economy and Post at the ECOWAS Commission, emphasised the importance of strengthening governance mechanisms for public sector data. She noted that improving access to government-generated data has the potential to stimulate innovation, promote transparency and enable businesses, researchers and civil society organisations to develop solutions addressing key socio-economic challenges across West Africa.

Chairing the session, Ing. Abdulai Sankoh (PhD), Director of Technology at Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation, underscored the importance of developing a regional framework that enables governments to fully harness the value of public sector data. He highlighted that a coordinated approach to data governance would support evidence-based policymaking, enhance service delivery and strengthen innovation ecosystems within ECOWAS Member States.

During the workshop, participants from Member States reviewed the draft legal framework article by article with the objective of consolidating national inputs and reaching consensus on a harmonised regional framework. The proposed directive promotes the principle of open-by-default public sector data while ensuring appropriate safeguards for privacy, security, intellectual property and commercially sensitive information. Discussions also focused on enhancing interoperability between national data systems and encouraging the publication of high-value datasets in accessible formats that support responsible reuse, innovation and digital entrepreneurship.

Through this initiative, the ECOWAS Commission aims to establish a coherent regional open data ecosystem capable of driving digital transformation, strengthening regional integration and promoting knowledge-based economic growth. By facilitating responsible access to public sector information, the future legal instrument is expected to empower entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers and citizens to develop digital solutions that improve public service delivery and strengthen institutional accountability across West Africa.

– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

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Deputy President to attend Mosiuoa Lekota funeral

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President to attend Mosiuoa Lekota funeral

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will, on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa, deliver the eulogy at the funeral of the late former Minister of Defence Mosiuoa Gerard Patrick “Terror” Lekota this weekend.

In honour of his contribution to South Africa’s liberation struggle and democratic development, President Ramaphosa declared that he will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2. 

Lekota, a veteran of the liberation struggle and former Premier of the Free State and inaugural Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, passed away on Wednesday, 04 March 2026, at the age of 77.

He was also the founding President of the Congress of the People (COPE).

“Lekota dedicated his life to the struggle for freedom and democracy. As a member of the South African Students’ Organisation and a leading figure in the United Democratic Front (UDF), he played a significant role in mobilising communities against apartheid. 

“He was imprisoned on Robben Island for eight years alongside struggle leaders, including Tata Nelson Mandela,” the Presidency said.

In the democratic era, Lekota served as the first Premier of the Free State (1994–1996), the inaugural Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (1997–1999), and Minister of Defence from 1999 to 2008.

The President has directed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast at all flag stations until the evening of the funeral on 14 March 2026. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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NPA officials to undergo lifestyle audits

Source: Government of South Africa

NPA officials to undergo lifestyle audits

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will proceed with lifestyle audits for its officials in a phased-in approach.

This was announced by NPA National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Advocate Andy Mothibi during a media briefing this week.

“The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has made a call for all the entities under the Justice Portfolio and those in the Justice Crime Prevention and Security Cluster to implement lifestyle audits, over and above the financial disclosures framework that is regulated by the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA).

“The NPA has been exploring the implementation thereof for some time and we have now made a firm decision to proceed with lifestyle audits, in a phase-in approach. We will commence with ExCo and ManCo members with immediate effect and other NPA officials, especially those in high-risk work environments, will then follow,” Mothibi announced.

He noted that officials have already been subject to regular integrity checks in terms of the NPA Ethics and Accountability Program which includes some form of lifestyle auditing.

“A lifestyle audit is a proactive integrity measure designed to strengthen trust and accountability. It ensures that declared income and financial interests align with observable standards in line with governance standards.

“As a key institution within the criminal justice system, the NPA has a duty to the public to ensure that its staff can be trusted to deliver justice to the people of South Africa,” the NDPP said.

Ethical prosecutions

Mothibi acknowledged allegations that some prosecutors are interfering in investigations and prosecutions of “certain cases in the commercial crimes environment in the Gauteng Local Division in Johannesburg”.

“We are taking these allegations very seriously. The NPA’s Office for Ethics and Accountability will thoroughly investigate these allegations; and we have already shared the preliminary findings on some of these investigations with the public through the media, and in the more complex cases, the investigations are still underway,” he revealed.

The prosecutions boss committed to full transparency with South Africans once the matters have been fully fleshed out.

“We commit to transparency on these complaints and we will keep the public informed as and when the investigations are finalised.

“Where the findings reveal any malfeasance or misconduct, appropriate consequence management measures will be put in place,” he said.

Civil litigation

Mothibi stated that the prosecutorial body has been the subject of civil litigation stemming from prosecutorial decisions.

“The NPA has through the Legal Affairs Division (LAD) consistently defended these civil litigation matters. This is demonstrated by the 81.3 % success rate in defending claims of malicious prosecution and unlawful detention against the NPA,” he said.

He highlighted that the amount of money paid towards civil litigations has reduced from some R9.7 million in the 2023/2024 financial year down to R5.5 million in 2024/2025.

“Efforts are being made to further reduce these payments during this year, with initiatives or measures meant to empower prosecutors to effectively prosecute and make prosecutorial decisions that are legally sound, with a view to minimise exposure to civil litigation.

“The NPA, through LAD continues to monitor significant issues coming out of the many Commissions of Inquiry and the Ad Hoc Committee, and reflection sessions are undertaken at a management level to consider any interventions to be made where necessary,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Ramaphosa authorises SANDF deployment in fight against crime

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa has in line with section 201 (3) (a)(b)(c) and (d) of the Constitution informed the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces of his decision to deploy two thousand two hundred (2 200) members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) for service in cooperation with the South African Police Service (SAPS).

This deployment serves to prevent and combat crime, and support and preserve law and order under Operation Prosper which is targeting illegal mining and gangsterism. 

The deployed members of the SANDF will assist the South African Police Service to prevent and combat illegal mining and gangsterism in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, North West and Western Cape.

The deployment is for the period 01 March 2026 until 31 March 2027.

Section 201(2) (a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, directs that “Only the President, as head of the national executive, may authorise the employment of the defence force in co-operation with the police service”.

Expenditure for this employment is estimated at R823 153 960.00.

During the State of the Nation Address 2026, President Ramaphosa announced the intention to deploy the South Africa National Defence to areas afflicted by illegal mining and gang violence. 

President Ramaphosa calls on communities to welcome and work more closely with the South African Police Service and the South African National Defence Force to identify and alienate criminal elements and make neighbourhoods safer in the process.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya Spokesperson to the President media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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Cabo Verde: Ministro do Mar encerra formação em combate a incêndios e resgate promovida pela Escola do Mar em São Vicente

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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Trinta formandos receberam, nesta sexta-feira, 13 de março, os seus certificados no encerramento da ação de formação em combate a incêndios e resgate, promovida pela Escola do Mar (EMar), em parceria com a Operation Florian, de Manchester e com o Corpo de Bombeiros de São Vicente.

O Ministro do Mar, Jorge Santos, que encerrou o evento, destacou a importância da iniciativa para o reforço das capacidades nacionais no domínio da proteção civil e da resposta a emergências.

A formação, que decorreu durante as últimas duas semanas em São Vicente, incidiu sobre três módulos: “Conhecimento e Manuseamento de Equipamentos de Combate a Incêndio”, “Instrutores de Combate a Incêndio e Busca e Salvamento em Espaços Confinados” e “Combate a Incêndio e Busca e Salvamento em Espaços Confinados”. A iniciativa enquadra-se no processo de capacitação associado aos equipamentos e viaturas recentemente doados pela Operation Florian à Escola do Mar.

Na sua intervenção, Jorge Santos felicitou a Escola do Mar pela iniciativa e sublinhou o valor da cooperação internacional, destacando a presença da Operation Florian como exemplo da histórica relação entre Cabo Verde e o Reino Unido, particularmente com a cidade do Mindelo, que ao longo dos séculos manteve fortes ligações com instituições e empresas britânicas.

Esta ação de formação reuniu participantes de diversas instituições nacionais, incluindo entidades ligadas à proteção civil, empresas estratégicas e forças de segurança, reforçando o espírito de cooperação necessário para enfrentar situações de emergências. O governante sublinhou que, em momentos de catástrofe, todas as instituições devem atuar de forma coordenada, com um comando claro e com o objetivo comum de salvar vidas, reduzir prejuízos e recuperar rapidamente os danos.

Durante a sua intervenção, o Ministro destacou ainda o papel fundamental desempenhado pelos bombeiros e pelas estruturas de proteção civil em vários momentos difíceis vividos pelo país nos últimos anos, desde acidentes e incêndios de grande dimensão até situações de emergências climática e sanitária.

O Ministro do Mar defendeu também que o conhecimento adquirido pelos formandos deve agora ser multiplicado nas respetivas instituições, criando uma verdadeira rede nacional de capacitação na área da segurança e proteção civil.

Como próximo passo, foi manifestada a disponibilidade para organizar uma missão técnica a Manchester, permitindo que representantes das instituições participantes possam conhecer no terreno o funcionamento do sistema de proteção civil britânico e reforçar a cooperação entre as duas partes.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

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Qatar Welcomes Broad Access Granted by Syrian Government to Independent International Commission of Inquiry

Source: Government of Qatar

Geneva, March 13, 2026

The State of Qatar welcomed the broad access granted by the Syrian government to the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic and its continued cooperation with the Commission. Qatar noted that such engagement strengthens the complementarity between national efforts and the Commission’s work in supporting investigations into human rights violations, providing technical assistance and expertise to Syrian national authorities, promoting justice and accountability, and assisting Syria in meeting its international human rights obligations.
This came in a statement delivered today by Second Secretary of the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office at Geneva, Hamad Mohammed Al Suwaidi, during his participation in the interactive dialogue with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic under Item 4, within the framework of the 61st session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
He highlighted that Syria has endured decades of turmoil and conflict, the repercussions of which continue to be felt today. Rebuilding and effectively managing national institutions therefore remains a complex and long-term undertaking that requires sustained efforts, as well as the support of the international community to strengthen national capacities and enable them to address existing challenges. Such efforts are vital to meeting the aspirations of the Syrian people for stability, equality, the protection of rights, and the establishment of a unified and sovereign state that embraces all components of Syrian society.
The statement also commended the efforts undertaken by the Syrian government and its engagement with various UN mechanisms, including the establishment of national commissions on transitional justice and missing persons. It further welcomed the recent agreement on the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces into the Syrian National Army, describing it as a positive step toward reinforcing stability, fostering national consensus, and advancing the building of a state grounded in strong and inclusive institutions.
The statement called on the international community to continue providing technical, humanitarian, and developmental support to the sisterly Syrian Arab Republic, to work toward lifting sanctions, and to take the necessary measures to halt Israeli aggression and end its occupation of Syrian territory. 

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Qatar Participates in Joint Ministerial Meeting of GCC Foreign Ministers with Morocco, Egypt, Jordan

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, March 12, 2026

The State of Qatar participated in the joint ministerial meeting of Their Highnesses and Excellencies foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states with the Kingdom of Morocco, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, held Thursday via videoconferencing.

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi represented the State of Qatar at the meeting. 

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Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Receives Copy of Credentials of Kuwaiti Ambassador

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, March 12, 2026

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi received on Thursday a copy of the credentials of HE Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to the State of Qatar Ahmad Abdulrahman Al Shuraim.

HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs wished the Ambassador success in his duties, assuring him of all support to enhance bilateral relations and foster closer cooperation in various fields.

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Bénin – Renforcement de la coopération judiciaire : Les acteurs de la justice en formation à École de Formation des Professions Judiciaires (EFPJ)

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


L’École de Formation des Professions Judiciaires (EFPJ) accueille depuis le jeudi 12 mars 2026 un atelier de renforcement de capacités consacré à la coopération et à l’entraide judiciaire en matière pénale. Cette activité, qui se déroule sur deux jours, réunit plusieurs acteurs du système judiciaire béninois autour d’un objectif commun : améliorer la maîtrise des mécanismes juridiques permettant une collaboration efficace entre juridictions dans le traitement des affaires pénales. 

Cette session de formation s’inscrit dans le cadre du projet BEPI, avec l’appui technique de l’organisation internationale Expertise France. L’initiative vise à renforcer les compétences des professionnels de la justice face aux nouvelles formes de criminalité, souvent marquées par leur dimension transfrontalière. Dans un contexte où les infractions liées au crime organisé, au blanchiment d’argent ou à la cybercriminalité dépassent les frontières nationales, la coopération judiciaire devient un outil indispensable pour assurer l’efficacité des enquêtes et des poursuites. 

La cérémonie d’ouverture de cet atelier a enregistré la présence de plusieurs personnalités du secteur judiciaire. Parmi elles figurent Madame Inoncentia APOVO MONTEIRO, Directrice du Bureau de Coopération et d’Entraide Judiciaire (BCEJ), Madame Bernadette HOUNDEKANDJI CODJOVI, Directrice de l’École de Formation des Professions Judiciaires, Monsieur Montesquieu HOUNHOUI, Coordonnateur national du projet BEPI, ainsi que Monsieur GBODOU Florentin, Directeur de cabinet du Garde des Sceaux, Ministre de la Justice et de la Législation. 

Dans leurs différentes interventions, les responsables présents ont mis l’accent sur la nécessité de renforcer les capacités des Magistrats, des Officiers de police judiciaire et des autres professionnels de la chaîne pénale. Ils ont rappelé que la coopération judiciaire internationale constitue aujourd’hui un levier essentiel dans la lutte contre les réseaux criminels qui opèrent au-delà des frontières. 

Durant ces deux jours de formation, les participants suivront plusieurs communications techniques animées par des experts du domaine. Des travaux de groupe et des études de cas pratiques sont également prévus afin de favoriser les échanges d’expériences et de permettre aux acteurs judiciaires d’approfondir leur compréhension des procédures d’entraide judiciaire. 

À travers ce type d’initiative, le projet BEPI, soutenu par Expertise France, contribue au renforcement des institutions judiciaires et à l’amélioration de la gouvernance dans le secteur de la justice. L’objectif est de doter les professionnels béninois de compétences solides afin de bâtir une justice plus efficace, capable de répondre aux défis contemporains et de garantir une meilleure protection des citoyens.

Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.