Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO

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The Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources has concluded an oversight visit to Ekapa Mine in Kimberley, Northern Cape, following the tragic incident on 17 February 2026, which led to the entrapment of five mineworkers underground.

During the visit, the committee urged the management of Ekapa Mine to continue its efforts around the clock to ensure the safe recovery of the four remaining workers still trapped underground.

On 17 February 2026, a sudden and unexpected water flood, coupled with a mud rush, occurred at the mine’s Du Toitspan Joint Shaft, causing water, mud, and debris to rapidly inundate the working area, trapping five workers who were unable to exit the affected zone.

With profound sadness, the committee acknowledges that on 9 March 2026, after 20 days of intensive rescue operations, the body of one of the trapped workers was recovered.The remaining four workers continue to be the focus of the ongoing rescue operations.

The committee Chairperson, Mr Mikateko Mahlaule, said: “Our primary concern at this point is the retrieval of workers still trapped underground. We urge the mine management to keep their efforts going, ensuring that all safety standards are met while working tirelessly to bring the remaining workers to safety.”

The committee has expressed its deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the affected workers. It, however, acknowledged the company’s commitment to providing continuous support to the families, which includes regular communication, counselling services, and ensuring the dignity and privacy of those affected.

Furthermore, the committee is saddened to learn about placing of the company under provisional liquidation by the High Court. The company is currently awaiting the appointment of provisional liquidators by the Master of the High Court.

“We are concerned about the financial impact on the workers and their families with the liquidation proceedings now in motion. We implore the relevant authorities to ensure that all workers’ rights are protected during this process, and that families receive the support they need,” said Mr Mahlaule.

The committee has reiterated the need for a full investigation into the causes of the incident, as well as a comprehensive review of safety protocols at all mining operations in South Africa. It will continue to monitor the situation closely and ensure that necessary measures are implemented to protect the lives of mineworkers.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

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Africa’s first summit dedicated to fungal diseases concluded with a multi-stakeholder commitment to strengthen surveillance, capacity building, access to diagnostics and treatment across the continent.

Co-hosted by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the Global Action for Fungal Infections (GAFFI), the summit brought together researchers, clinicians, policymakers, health activists and funders to address what experts increasingly describe as a silent epidemic affecting millions of people worldwide, with Africa bearing a disproportionately high burden.

Fungal infections remain a major public health challenge across the continent. They contribute to nearly half of AIDS-related deaths and complicate diseases such as tuberculosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and cancer. Fungal keratitis is also a leading cause of blindness. In addition, millions suffer from common skin infections, including zoonotic strains that are becoming more virulent, easily transmitted and increasingly resistant to treatment.

A 2022 survey by GAFFI and Africa CDC revealed severe gaps in the availability and accessibility of essential diagnostics for fungal diseases across 48 African Union Member States, leading to delayed diagnoses and preventable deaths. Experts also highlighted growing concerns about superficial fungal infections driven by newer drug-resistant strains, as well as the emerging threat of Candida auris, which is spreading in several regions.

Participants at the summit agreed to enhance collaboration in research and development (R&D), capacity building, surveillance and clinical care. They also committed to aligning continental initiatives with the forthcoming World Health Organization (WHO) Fungal Priority Pathogens List (FPPL) Blueprint, while adapting these priorities to Africa’s unique contexts to strengthen diagnosis, monitoring and treatment outcomes across the continent.

A recurring theme was the importance of engaging African stakeholders, including civil society and frontline community specialists, in designing effective responses. Patient advocates shared difficult experiences of delayed diagnosis and inappropriate treatment for fungal infections in resource-constrained settings, underscoring the need to raise awareness of these infections among health workers and vulnerable populations.

“The way forward calls for patient‑centred, priority‑driven and impact‑focused collaboration, supported by networks that build and leverage capacity through a hub‑and‑spoke model. It also requires innovative, sustainable local financing for R&D and healthcare to strengthen Africa’s ability to address these diseases, a major cause of morbidity and mortality,” said Dr Elvis Temfack, Africa CDC’s Head of Division, R&D and Clinical Trials Coordination. He added that this aligns with Africa CDC’s wider strategy to reinforce laboratory networks, expand surveillance and build resilient public health systems.

Participants also stressed that sustained political commitment and coordinated action are vital, especially as antifungal resistance rises and new pathogens continue to emerge. “This summit has set a new course for collective action across the continent,” said Emma Orefuwa, GAFFI’s Africa Lead. “We are laying the groundwork for stronger partnerships, improved diagnostic capacity and expanded access to treatment – all essential to reducing the preventable burden of fungal infections in Africa.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

Source: APO

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UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk said on Tuesday he was horrified by growing accounts of serious violations during the ongoing conflict in South Sudan, including gruesome killings of civilians, the destruction and poisoning of key water sources, and fresh waves of mass displacement.

Over the past 17 days, over 160 civilians have been killed, including at least 139 on 1 March by fighters from the Bul Nuer ethnic group in Abiemnom locality in the Ruweng Administrative Area in the north of the country.

On 21 February, 21 civilians were killed by government forces in Pankor village, Ayod County, Jonglei State in the east. The soldiers lured them into gathering at one place promising to give them food aid then opened fire on them. Fifteen women and three girls were among those killed. On the same day, soldiers reportedly tied up and beheaded four civilians – one elderly man, a woman, a boy, and a girl – in Thiam village of Wau Payam, Western Bahr al Ghazal State in the northwest.

On 6 March, the military issued an evacuation order for all civilians in Akobo town and surrounding villages in the east. It also directed the closure and withdrawal of the UN Mission in South Sudan’s temporary operating base in Akobo, in Jonglei State, as well as other UN agencies and NGOs. UNMISS responded saying at its peacekeepers will remain in Akobo, providing a protective presence for civilians. Latest reports indicate that thousands of civilians have fled the town.

“Civilians are being brutally killed, injured and displaced on a daily basis across South Sudan as hostilities escalate between the army and opposition forces,” said Türk. “Some of these acts may amount to war crimes.”

The South Sudanese armed forces have also reportedly destroyed or intentionally contaminated community water sources. Civilians who spoke to the UN Human Rights Office said approximately 99 wells were destroyed or poisoned with unidentified substances during government airstrikes.

“There must be prompt, impartial, thorough and effective investigations into these and all other alleged violations of the laws of war and of international human rights law which are taking place. And those found responsible must be fully held to account, including those bearing superior and command responsibility.”

More than 280,000 people have been displaced in South Sudan since late December – in Jonglei, Lakes and Upper Nile States.

“The displacement of thousands of civilians from Akobo over the weekend and the chilling spectre of armed violence will only serve to compound the anxiety and suffering the civilian population has endured since hostilities resumed in January,” said Türk.

“There must a ceasefire as promptly as possible, to save lives and turn this conflict in the direction of a negotiated solution.”

He called for intensified engagement by the international community with the parties to the conflict, to bring an end to the surging violence. He also urged the parties to the conflict to desist from attacking civilians and civilian objects, and to ensure safe and sustained flow of humanitarian aid to all in need, consistent with their obligations under international law.

The UN Human Rights Chief renewed his call on parties to the conflict to urgently return to dialogue. “Both parties must take prompt and meaningful steps, with the support of the international community, to rescue the fledgling peace agreement. South Sudan must be pulled back from the brink of all-out civil war,” said Türk.

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

Source: APO

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Burundi is facing a growing humanitarian emergency as thousands of people fleeing violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo continue to cross the border, placing increasing strain on health services and infrastructure in refugee-hosting communities.

Since late 2025, more than 100 000 people have arrived in Burundi, most of them women and children, escaping armed violence in South Kivu. Settled in camps, they require urgent assistance including health, food, shelter, safe water and sanitation as well as protection.

The situation is unfolding alongside other challenges affecting the country. Burundi continues to face food insecurity, climate-related displacement caused by floods and landslides, and outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and mpox. Health facilities in affected districts are reporting rising consultations as they work to provide care for both displaced families and local communities.

“Burundi’s solidarity in hosting people fleeing crisis across the border is remarkable,” said Dr Marie Roseline Darnycka Belizaire, Emergencies Director at the World Health Organization (WHO)Regional Office for Africa. “WHO is supporting national authorities to expand health services and strengthen preparedness efforts.”

During a recent visit to Burundi, WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr Mohamed Janabi met with the national authorities and partners to review the situation and reinforce support for the country’s health response.

At the Busuma refugee site, which hosts more than 75 000 refugees living in extremely difficult conditions, Dr Janabi witnessed firsthand the scale of humanitarian needs and the efforts underway to provide displaced families with essential health services.

“No family should be left without access to health care simply because they have been forced to flee their homes,” said Dr Janabi. “WHO remains committed to supporting Burundi to deliver lifesaving health services to refugees and host communities while strengthening preparedness for future health threats.”

To support the refugees and host communities, WHO has established a health post at the site and deployed mobile clinic services. Since its establishment, the facility has provided more than 16 000curative consultations, supported 78 safe deliveries, and vaccinated over 28 000 children against measles. Health teams have also provided mental health and psychosocial care and identified several cases of malnutrition, ensuring patients are referred for appropriate treatment.

These services are helping ensure that families who have fled violence receive timely care, including treatment for common illnesses, maternal health services, vaccination and mental health support.

WHO is also working closely with the Government of Burundi and partners to strengthen disease surveillance, vaccination and community engagement in areas affected by displacement and overcrowding.

During the visit, Dr Janabi met with His Excellency President Evariste Ndayishimiye, the President and expressed gratitude for the country’s generosity in hosting refugees and pledged solidarity with the government to address the health and humanitarian challenges.

Dr Janabi also met with the First Lady of Burundi, Her Excellency Angeline Ndayishimiye, to discuss collaboration between the Office of the First Lady and WHO on advancing national health priorities, particularly maternal and child health.

In discussion with the Minister of Public Health, Dr Lydwine Baradahana, Dr Janabi and his team committed to supporting the government to strengthen health services and responding to emergencies. WHO handed over 24 tonnes of essential medicines to support the cholera response, as well as three vehicles to reinforce emergency health response and improve service delivery in the affected areas.

As Burundi works to address the growing humanitarian and health needs, WHO and its partners remain committed to supporting the efforts to expand access to essential health services, prevent disease outbreaks and strengthen the resilience of the national health system.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Burundi.