Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO – Report:

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From 2 to 4 June 2026, Lomé will host the 8th Annual Forum of National Volunteer Agencies in the ECOWAS region. Organised under the theme ‘From knowledge to action: practical tools and reliable data to strengthen the role of volunteering in the ECOWAS region’, this forum brings together stakeholders in the volunteering sector from our Community’s member states, as well as technical and institutional partners.

This high-level meeting will feature plenary sessions and working groups aimed at developing a reference document on the collection and management of data relating to volunteering. The national volunteering agencies and institutions represented will share their experiences and best practices in order to contribute to the harmonisation of data collection mechanisms across the community space.

Through its Volunteer Programme, implemented by the Youth and Sports Development Centre, ECOWAS is firmly committed to making volunteering a driving force for regional integration, the promotion of peace and the acceleration of sustainable development in the region.

The Lomé Forum therefore provides a unique opportunity to harmonize approaches, strengthen cooperation between stakeholders in the voluntary sector and share experiences with a view to consolidating the contribution of volunteering to development within the ECOWAS region.

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

Source: APO

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UN human rights experts* today expressed deep concern over the resurgence of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, warning that the deadly virus predominantly impacts Indigenous Peoples.

“Declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organisation, the Ebola outbreak is most prominent within or near Indigenous Peoples’ territories,” the experts said.

Highlighting the Pygmy Indigenous Peoples, the experts note that they often face structural exclusion. “These communities, whose way of life is mobile, depend closely on their territories and natural resources for their subsistence, identity and well-being. Moreover, their limited access to health services makes them particularly exposed to this epidemic.”

The experts welcomed ongoing initiatives by concerned States to contain the outbreak. They called on other States, the international community and United Nations agencies engaged in this effort to ensure equitable and non-discriminatory access to healthcare, as well as to strengthen targeted support for Indigenous Peoples affected or at risk from this epidemic.

“Responses to Ebola must be guided by international standards relating to the rights of Indigenous Peoples, including their rights to health, equal protection and cultural identity. The particular vulnerability of Indigenous Peoples to this epidemic must be recognised and integrated into response strategies,” the experts said.

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

Source: APO

On June 3, from 3:50 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. ONISHI Yohei, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Wallace Cosgrow, Principal Minister and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Blue Economy of the Republic of Seychelles, who is currently visiting Japan.

1. At the outset, Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI extended his congratulations on the occasion of Seychelles’ 50th anniversary of independence on June 29 of this year, as well as the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Seychelles this year. He also expressed Japan’s desire to further strengthen cooperation with Seychelles, which is strategically located in the Indian Ocean and shares fundamental values with Japan, as an important partner in realizing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).
2. In response, Principal Minister and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Blue Economy Cosgrow expressed his gratitude to Japan’s support in areas including fishing harbour, and expected for understanding and support for vulnerabilities faced by Seychelles as a small island state.
3. Both sides confirmed their commitment to further deepening cooperation between the two countries, taking the opportunity of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Source: APO

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An elementary school has been constructed in Dele administrative area, Gogni sub-zone, at a cost of over 3 million Nakfa.

Eng. Mengisteab Berhane, head of town planning and infrastructure in the Gash Barka Region, said that the school, constructed in collaboration with the regional administration and members of the Defense Forces, includes five classrooms and offices, among other facilities.

Noting that the construction of the ‘Aimsa’ Elementary School is part of the effort being carried out to ensure social justice, Eng. Mengisteab commended the strong participation of the residents and members of the Defense Forces.

Brigade Chief of Staff Sub-Lieutenant Habtemariam Gebremeskel, noting that members of the Defense Forces are conducting effective development programs in collaboration with the public, said that the construction of the elementary school is a continuation of that effort.

Mr. Franco Kubaba, Director General of Social Services in the Gash Barka Region, and Mr. Yemane Mehari, managing director in Gogni sub-zone, on their part called on parents to play their due role in motivating their children in general and school-aged girls in particular to attend regular education.

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

Source: APO

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Today, at the opening session of the 52nd Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC), AUC Chairperson H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf highlighted the Committee’s critical role in advancing the Union’s agenda and laying the groundwork for the forthcoming Mid-Year Coordination Meeting (MYCM) between the AU, Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Regional Mechanisms (RMs), to be held in Egypt later this month.

He noted that ongoing crises, geopolitical tensions, and economic pressures continue to impact Africa’s development and security priorities, underscoring the need for greater coordination and more effective collective responses.

The Chairperson stressed that strengthening the resilience of the African Union and ensuring sustainable financing for continental priorities remain essential to enabling the Union to respond to growing challenges and the expectations of African citizens.

He reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to support the proposals and guidance of Member States, emphasizing its continued commitment to advancing the Union’s priorities and effectively delivering its mandate.

In his concluding remarks, the Chairperson commended the Permanent Representatives for their sustained engagement in advancing the Union’s priorities and wished for the Committee for every success in its work.

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

Source: APO

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The eighth-grade national examination for the 2025/2026 academic year commenced today, 3 June, across the country, including in the Eritrean community schools in Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and in Kassala, Sudan.

This year’s examination, which runs until 5 June, is being taken by 68,197 students, including 48% female students, at 535 centers. Apart from schools inside the country, the centers include two at the Rehabilitation and Prison Service, two at schools for visually and hearing-impaired citizens, two at the Eritrean community schools in Riyadh and Jeddah, and one in Kassala.

The examination will cover Mathematics, English Language, Civic Education, and Science.

The Ministry of Education previously announced that it had deployed over 8,000 personnel and supplies to facilitate the examination.

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

Source: APO

Africans continue to rely on both formal and informal justice systems to resolve legal disputes, and many question whether the courts deliver fair, affordable, and timely justice, the latest Afrobarometer Pan-Africa Profile (https://apo-opa.co/3PCQJRy) shows.

The new report, based on 50,961 interviews across 38 African countries in 2024/2025, shows that while many citizens would turn first to the police or local courts to resolve legal problems, about one-quarter prefer traditional leaders, traditional courts, or elders. Confidence in formal justice systems is not strong: Only half of Africans believe ordinary people can obtain justice through the courts. Majorities say people are frequently treated unequally under the law, and almost half think powerful individuals who break the law get off too lightly.

Financial barriers also limit access to justice: Fewer than half of citizens believe they could afford legal assistance or court costs if needed.

Key findings

• Formal and informal justice systems continue to coexist: Across 38 countries, almost half of citizens see the police (41%) or local courts (7%) as their first point of contact for resolving legal problems, but 26% would go first to traditional leaders, traditional courts, or elders (Figure 1).
• On average, only half (50%) of Africans express confidence that ordinary citizens can obtain justice in the courts. Perceptions of fairness and timeliness in courts are similarly weak: A bare majority (51%) believe they could obtain a fair court outcome, while only 43% think cases are likely to be resolved in a reasonable time (Figure 2).
• Perceived inequality in the courts is a widespread problem: A majority (59%) of Africans believe people are “often” or “always” treated unequally under the law (Figure 3).
• Cost presents a significant barrier to using the courts to resolve problems. Only 46% think they could afford legal assistance, and just 44% believe they could afford court costs (Figure 4).
• Concerns about inequality are also widespread when it comes to the penalties imposed by courts: Almost half (48%) of respondents say the powerful get off too lightly, while only 13% say the same is true for ordinary people (Figure 5).

Afrobarometer surveys

Afrobarometer is a pan-African, nonpartisan survey research network that provides reliable data on African experiences and evaluations of democracy, governance, and quality of life. Ten survey rounds in up to 45 countries have been completed since 1999. Round 10 surveys (2024/2025) cover 38 countries.

Afrobarometer’s National Partners conduct face-to-face interviews with nationally representative samples of adults in the language of the respondent’s choice that yield country-level results with margins of error of +/-2 to +/-3 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afrobarometer.

For more information, please contact:
Maame Akua Amoah Twum
Communications manager
Email: maameakua@afrobarometer.org
Telephone: +233 208 326 343
Visit us online at www.Afrobarometer.org.

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Source: APO

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Prof. Benedict Oramah, former President and Chairman of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and current Chairman of Africa Trading Minerals (ATMIN), will chair the African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 Finance Summit, taking place from October 12–16 in Cape Town. Oramah’s participation places one of Africa’s most influential development finance leaders at the forefront of discussions on energy investment, infrastructure financing and industrial growth, reaffirming the event’s role as the continent’s premier deal-making platform.

Taking place within the main strategic conference program, the AEW 2026 Finance Summit will address one of the most pressing challenges facing Africa’s energy sector: a lack of investment. With an annual energy investment gap estimated between $31 billion and $50 billion, the Summit will explore tangible strategies to mobilize private capital, expand development financing and unlock new avenues for domestic funding across the energy value chain. Oramah’s participation ensures these discussions remain central to the event.

Having previously led Afreximbank, Oramah played a pivotal role in positioning the institution as one of the continent’s most active financiers of strategic infrastructure and energy projects. The bank has been instrumental in supporting African-led energy development, including backing refining infrastructure, advancing regional trade integration and facilitating capital access for major projects. In recent years, the bank increased its capital base by $25 billion, enhancing its capacity to finance large-scale energy and infrastructure initiatives. It has also played a leading role in the development of the Africa Energy Bank (AEB), which is expected to begin operations in 2026 and deploy billions in capital toward African energy projects.

Recent developments underscore Afreximbank’s continued role in financing African projects and highlight the importance of development finance in accelerating infrastructure rollout. South Africa joined Afreximbank in 2026, unlocking an $8 billion country program focused on energy, manufacturing and trade, alongside a $3 billion Transformation Fund aimed at supporting black-owned businesses and SMEs. Meanwhile, a new trading house – ATMIN – was launched in 2025 by a group of former Shell traders, with financial backing from Afreximbank.

The bank has underwritten $2.5 billion of a $4 billion syndicated term loan for Nigeria’s Dangote Petroleum Refinery; launched the African Continental Free Trade Area Adjustment Fund; introduced its flagship Accelerator Program to boost intra-African trade; and committed financing packages to Ecobank Zimbabwe, Egypt’s SAMCO and Malawi’s NBS Bank.

Afreximbank has also expanded its developmental mandate through initiatives such as the African Medical Center of Excellence (AMCE), reflecting the growing recognition that energy, healthcare and industrialization are interconnected pillars of long-term economic growth. The $300 million tertiary medical facility was developed in partnership with King’s College Hospital London, offering world-class services across oncology, hematology, cardiology and general medicine. The center officially opened in 2025.

“Prof. Benedict Oramah represents the type of leadership Africa needs as the continent works to finance its own energy future. His participation at AEW 2026 comes at a defining moment, as Africa strengthens energy security, expands industrial capacity and builds financing institutions capable of supporting long-term growth,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

AEW 2026’s Finance Summit is expected to serve as a key platform for advancing new financing structures, facilitating investment partnerships and accelerating commercially driven dealmaking across Africa’s energy sector. The Summit will focus on project bankability, African-led financing mechanisms, infrastructure investment, risk mitigation strategies and the evolving role of development finance institutions in supporting the continent’s energy expansion.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.