Category: MIL-OSI

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Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) Forecasts 20% Growth in Global Energy Demand by 2055, Calls for New Gas Investment

Source: APO

Global energy demand is projected to increase by 20% by 2055, rising from 641 exajoules (EJ) in 2024 to 768 EJ, driven by economic and population growth, according to Abubakar Abbas, Senior Energy Forecast Analyst at the Gas Exporting Countries Forum.

Speaking during the Energy Finance Forum at African Energy Week 2026 in Cape Town, Abbas said renewable energy and natural gas are expected to account for much of the anticipated growth, creating significant opportunities for investment in new gas developments and supporting infrastructure.

Natural gas is expected to play an increasingly important role in power generation, providing reliable and flexible supply as renewable energy capacity expands. According to Abbas, the share of global natural gas demand attributable to power generation is projected to increase from 35% in 2024 to 39% by 2055, while the share used for residential purposes, including heating, is expected to decline.

“LNG’s share of power generation is projected to increase from 35% currently to 39% by 2055, while its share of demand for domestic use and heating is expected to decline,” Abbas pointed out.

The growth in demand will also reshape global gas trade, with LNG expected to play a greater role in connecting producing regions with international markets. North America, Eurasia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America are expected to contribute to future supply, while demand growth is anticipated across the Middle East, Eurasia, North America and Africa over the next three decades.

Highlighting the importance of investment and financing in developing new projects, Abbas said 86% of global natural gas production by 2055 is expected to come from fields that are not currently producing, underscoring the need to accelerate exploration, resource development and project execution.

Africa alone will require an estimated $1 trillion in cumulative investment across the natural gas value chain to develop new resources and supporting infrastructure, Abbas added. This presents significant opportunities for upstream operators, infrastructure developers and financial institutions as the continent seeks to expand production, strengthen domestic supply and increase gas exports.

As global energy needs and development priorities evolve, Abbas said demand for more carbon-intensive fuels, such as coal, is expected to decline, while natural gas and renewable energy are projected to play increasingly important roles in meeting future energy requirements. This transition will also be critical to advancing global environmental and sustainability goals, including efforts to eradicate energy poverty.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Senegal Opens 104 Blocks to Investors, Targets New Upstream Contracts

Source: APO

Senegal has 104 oil and gas blocks available to investors and is seeking new upstream contracts to accelerate exploration and production, El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf, Minister of Energy and Petroleum, said at African Energy Week 2026 in Cape Town. Of the 113 blocks in Senegal’s reorganized acreage, four are under contract and five have been allocated to Eni for studies, leaving substantial opportunities for international and regional operators.

“We hope to sign a number of contracts…” he said, adding that the country aims to “show investors that Senegal remains the country it has always been: open, hospitable and respectful of international procedures.”

Senegal reorganized its upstream acreage into 113 blocks in March 2026, comprising 65 onshore and 48 offshore blocks. The country also signed an agreement with Eni to assess the oil and gas potential of five offshore blocks.

Beyond new exploration acreage, Senegal is seeking partners to develop the Yakaar-Teranga gas project alongside national oil company Petrosen. Petrosen took full control of the project after Kosmos Energy withdrew in April 2026. Minister Diouf said Yakaar-Teranga will supply gas for power generation, industrial applications including fertilizer production, and exports. Advancing the project will require a coherent development structure, credible buyers and a clear investment program.

“Our strategy is to build the value chain from the well to the factory, with gas at the heart of our industrial ambition,” he said.

Downstream, Minister Diouf pointed to a planned second refinery that will process Sangomar crude, with investment estimated at $2 billion to $3 billion. The Société Africaine de Raffinage (SAR) and Turkey’s Yamata signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the four-million-ton-per-year refinery in New York on September 23, 2026. Minister Diouf said the project opens further opportunities in storage, logistics, distribution and petrochemicals.

Minister Diouf invited investors to examine Senegal’s data, work with its technical teams and bring proposals backed by the capacity to invest and execute. He also asked partners to involve Senegalese companies and skills from the outset, with support from the national local content monitoring committee.

 “Capital must earn a return. Senegal must gain a stronger economy. The partnership we seek must serve both purposes,” he said.

According to Minister Diouf, Senegal hopes to expand the MSGBC alliance beyond its five host countries of Senegal, Mauritania, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea, but he did not specify which countries are being considered.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Ivory Coast Details Investment Opportunities, Seeks Partners for $10B Energy Expansion

Source: APO

Ivory Coast is seeking more than $10 billion in energy investment by 2030, with the country’s state-owned Petroci Holding identifying new upstream developments, exploration acreage and gas infrastructure as priorities for incoming partners. The investment drive covers refining, petroleum storage and distribution, positioning the country to expand production and supply regional markets.

Karim Coulibaly, Deputy Managing Director of Petroci, outlined the opportunities during the Invest in Ivory Coast: Unlocking the Next Wave of Upstream and Investment panel at African Energy Week 2026 on October 14. He said the country was seeking partners able to contribute financing and technical expertise across the energy value chain.

“Our country offers proven resources, growing demand, access to regional markets and a national partner committed to delivery. We welcome partners that bring capital and expertise and will connect them to industries our region needs,” Coulibaly said.

Upstream opportunities include the Calao and Calao South developments, farm-in opportunities in blocks CI-523 and CI-525, and an operatorship opportunity in block CI-26. Petroci is also seeking investment in pipeline infrastructure, LNG facilities, gas processing, power generation, LPG storage and distribution, gas-to-industry partnerships, and integrated logistics.

The Baleine field remains central to the country’s production growth. Operated by Eni alongside Petroci and Vitol, the project’s third phase received final investment approval in May 2026. The planned $4 billion development targets peak production of 150,000 barrels of oil per day and 200 million cubic feet of gas daily.

Jean Michel, Managing Partner and CEO of KeysFinance Partners, said the investment proposition extends beyond resource development to the infrastructure and services needed to bring projects into operation.

“Our country is a grounded market where international expertise and local capabilities create competitive advantages. We have a number of opportunities across the entire value chain, including exploration, development, construction, operations, maintenance and logistics,” Michel said.

Petroleum storage and distribution projects are intended to strengthen domestic supply and expand cross-border trade. Ivory Coast’s state-owned Gestoci – responsible for managing national petroleum reserves and fuel storage infrastructure – is advancing 40,000-m3 depot projects in Odienné and San Pedro, alongside rehabilitation of the Bouaké depot, supporting a wider strategy to decentralize storage capacity and improve access to inland and neighboring markets.

“These projects will increase supply to our neighbors while delivering shorter supply routes and lower logistics costs across the region,” said André Noël Koné, Commercial Coordinator at Gestoci. “We aim to strengthen supply security and position Ivory Coast as a regional petroleum logistics hub.”

Refining is another major investment opportunity. A proposed second refinery in San Pedro, with a planned capacity of 170,000 barrels per day and estimated investment of $5 billion to $7 billion, would significantly expand national processing capacity. Existing refiner Société Ivoirienne de Raffinage (SIR) is also prioritizing capacity, fuel quality and environmental performance.

“The three priorities that are poised to shape SIR’s next growth cycle include quality and standards, capacity and demand, and transition and climate,” said Myriam Kouame, Director of Commercial and Economic Affairs at SIR. “We strive to deliver cleaner fuels while supporting growth and increasing local value.”

Olivia Eti, Policy Officer within the Office of the Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, linked the investment drive to the government’s wider economic strategy. “Our government has an ambition to make mining resources and energy a firm pillar of the country’s economy,” she said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Africa shifts from carbon market potential to delivery as Carbon Markets Africa Summit (CMAS) 2026 opens in Kigali

Source: APO

Africa must move beyond carbon market potential towards delivery, building high-integrity, investable markets that attract long-term capital while protecting national climate priorities and ensuring greater value reaches African countries and communities.

That was the central message from the opening keynote sessions of the Carbon Markets Africa Summit (CMAS) 2026 in Kigali, Rwanda, where policymakers, investors, project developers, development finance institutions and international climate organisations gathered to accelerate Africa’s participation in global carbon markets.

Representatives from 45 countries, including 21 African nations, are participating in the summit, where discussions have shifted decisively from market readiness to implementation, investment and transactions.

Officially opening the summit, Hon. Dr Bernadette Arakwiye, Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, said Africa’s carbon markets must be shaped by African priorities and deliver tangible benefits for the continent.

“The question before us is therefore no longer simply whether Africa is ready. It is whether we can deliver at scale, with integrity and with innovation.”

Minister Arakwiye said progress is already evident as African countries establish carbon market frameworks, grant authorisations, sign bilateral agreements and develop projects. However, she cautioned that carbon finance remains concentrated in a relatively narrow range of project types. She called for diversification into renewable energy, electric mobility, sustainable waste management, industrial decarbonisation, agriculture and landscape-scale nature-based solutions.

Minister Arakwiye identified three priorities for scaling Africa’s carbon markets: accessible methodologies suited to African contexts; project preparation and readiness finance; and long-term demand at fair value.

“Trust is the currency of this market,” she said. “To our buyers and investors, I say: look closely at these efforts. Reward them with long-term demand, fair prices and patient capital.”

From potential to execution

The call for delivery was echoed by Hon. Hamad Yusuf Masauni, Tanzania’s Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office responsible for Union Affairs and Environment, who said the continent now has an opportunity to reposition itself in global carbon markets.

“For too long, Africa has been spoken about as a continent of potential. At the Carbon Markets Africa Summit, we declare that the era of potential is giving way to the era of execution.”

Minister Masauni stressed the importance of moving high-quality, bankable projects through to issuance and offtake rather than focusing solely on the size of project pipelines.

“Credibility is built one verified tonne, one closed deal and one community that sees real benefit at a time.”

The importance of ensuring value reaches communities was also central to remarks from Maxwell Gomera, UNDP Resident Representative in South Africa and Director of the Africa Sustainable Finance Hub.

Gomera called for market infrastructure capable of carrying value “from the buyer all the way to the farmer”, backed by strong community rights, enforceable benefit-sharing, early-stage finance and partnerships focused on delivery.

Africa urged to compete on integrity, not price

Speakers also stressed that Africa’s competitive advantage should be the quality and integrity of its carbon assets rather than simply offering the lowest-priced credits.

Perumal Arumugam, Manager of Markets and Non-Markets and Stakeholder Interaction at UN Climate Change (UNFCCC), said Africa should move beyond asking how it can participate in carbon markets and instead consider how carbon markets can advance African priorities.

“Africa should not compete simply by offering the cheapest tonnes. Africa should compete by offering credible and creditable tonnes, a sustainable tonne, and a tonne that the world can trust.”

He said success should ultimately be measured not only in credits issued, but in investment mobilised, mitigation unlocked, value reaching communities, stronger economies and African countries retaining control over their climate transitions.

Speaking on behalf of AUDA-NEPAD, Esterine Fotabong similarly called for African countries to scale carbon markets on their own terms, supported by predictable authorisations, functioning registries and credible monitoring, reporting and verification systems.

She also highlighted the need to build greater African capacity in validation and verification and expand access to carbon finance in sectors such as agriculture.

Global demand will reward quality

Representing the European Commission, Lukas Visek, Deputy Head of the Directorate-General for Climate Action Task Force for Carbon Pricing and Carbon Markets, signaled future European demand for international carbon credits while stressing that quality requirements would be stringent.

“Additionality and permanence are not negotiable,” he said. “Quality, however, will be rewarded.”

The message to developers was clear: projects being developed for future international demand will need robust data, genuine additionality, strong community participation and demonstrable alignment with national and global climate goals.

Turning carbon projects into investable assets

The summit’s opening programme then moved directly from policy to capital and deal flow, with leaders from the African Development Bank (AfDB), Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC) examining the practical barriers preventing more investment from reaching African projects.

Policy certainty, early-stage project preparation, bankable pipelines, robust governance and appropriate financial risk-sharing were identified as critical to accelerating capital flows.

Dr Anthony Nyong, Director of Climate Change and Green Growth at the African Development Bank, emphasised that carbon markets should ultimately be viewed through the lens of African development.

“We don’t have carbon projects. We have development projects.”

Greg Fyfe, Chief Investment Officer at DBSA, highlighted the catalytic role development finance institutions can play by supporting project preparation, providing patient capital and absorbing risks private investors are unable to take.

The opening sessions underscored a decisive shift in the African carbon market conversation: from readiness to delivery, from fragmented projects to investable pipelines, and from selling credits to building markets capable of delivering lasting economic, social and climate value.

As CMAS 2026 continues in Kigali, attention now turns to connecting credible African projects with buyers and capital, unlocking transactions and ensuring Africa plays a leading role in shaping the next generation of global carbon markets.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

For more information or registration:
https://CarbonMarketsAfrica.com/   

Media enquiries and interview requests:
Elize Engle
Pr1@tishalacommunications.com
+27 63 574 5249

Princess Malungani
Pr3@tishalacommunications.com
+27 60 931 8366

About Carbon Markets Africa Summit (CMAS):
The Carbon Markets Africa Summit (CMAS), powered by VUKA Group, is a leading platform connecting the people, projects, capital, and policy shaping Africa’s carbon markets. The summit brings together governments, investors, project developers, corporates, financiers, and market experts to explore opportunities across voluntary and compliance carbon markets. Through high-level dialogue, knowledge exchange, strategic networking, and deal-making, CMAS supports the development of credible, scalable carbon markets and helps unlock climate finance for projects across Africa.

About VUKA Group:
VUKA Group is a purpose-driven business that connects people and organisations to drive meaningful impact across Africa’s key industries. Through its portfolio of events, digital platforms, and insights, VUKA enables collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and business growth in sectors critical to the continent’s future.

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Handwashing with soap can save children’s lives

Source: Government of South Africa

Handwashing with soap can save children’s lives

As South Africa marks Global Handwashing Day, Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister Jack Bloom has urged parents, teachers, and caregivers to promote handwashing with soap and clean water to help prevent disease and save lives. 

Observed annually on 15 October, Global Handwashing Day is a global advocacy day dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives. 

Keeping hands clean can help prevent diarrheal illnesses and respiratory infections, such as the common cold or flu. 

Global Handwashing Day takes place with this year’s campaign continuing the multi-year theme: “Be a Handwashing Hero.”

The theme recognises the people who help make handwashing an everyday practice that protects health, while emphasising that everyone can play a role.

Everyone, from young children to senior business and government officials, can be a handwashing hero. Anyone who wants to see the benefits of good hand hygiene in their community or country can lead efforts in their workplaces, schools, and communities to champion clean hands for all.

Bloom said nearly 3 000 South African children under the age of five died from diarrhoea, influenza, and pneumonia in 2024, according to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), an average of about eight children daily.

“Many of these deaths are preventable, and one of the most effective defenses is washing our hands with soap and clean water,” Bloom said. 

To promote handwashing among young children, the Deputy Minister visited Kido’s Educare Centre in Protea South, Soweto, where principal Julia Maseko demonstrated how to teach children the importance of hand hygiene.

International research by the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention shows that handwashing with soap can reduce diarrhoeal illness by 23% to 40% and respiratory illnesses by up to 21%.

UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) also reports that children who consistently wash their hands with soap after using the toilet and before eating can reduce their risk of diarrhoeal disease by more than 40%.

However, handwashing practices remain a concern in South Africa.

According to Stats SA’s General Household Survey 2024, only 54% of households wash their hands with soap and water after using the toilet.

A community survey in Soweto also found that households with inadequate hand hygiene were more likely to have experienced a bout of diarrhoea in the preceding two weeks.

Bloom urged parents, teachers, and caregivers to wash their hands with soap before eating, preparing food, or feeding children, and after using the toilet, changing nappies, working in the garden, or handling animals.

He also encouraged adults to teach children to practise proper hand hygiene from an early age.

“Be a Handwashing Hero because clean hands save lives!” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Cabo Verde: Presidente da República Interina ressalta importância da Internet na democratização do acesso aos livros

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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A Presidente da República Interina, Janira Hopffer Almada, destacou esta tarde, em entrevista à comunicação social durante a visita à Grande Feira do Livro 2026, que a democratização do acesso ao conhecimento exige não só a promoção da leitura, mas também o investimento em internet gratuita e na disponibilização de livros digitais, ferramentas essenciais para ultrapassar os desafios da condição arquipelágica de Cabo Verde e garantir que o saber chegue ao maior número possível de jovens.

“Leitura é conhecimento, conhecimento é crescimento”, frisou a Presidente da República Interina, ao justificar a necessidade de apostar no acesso digital como solução inovadora de promoção da leitura, para complementar a distribuição física e ampliar o alcance da educação.

A Presidente da República Interina lembrou que a aposta na educação tem sido, desde a independência, uma das grandes ferramentas que transformaram Cabo Verde numa história de sucesso em vários domínios.

Hopffer Almada reforçou ainda que iniciativas como a Grande Feira do Livro são determinantes para consolidar esse caminho, ao mesmo tempo que promovem os autores nacionais e incentivam a participação das escolas e comunidades.

A edição 2026 da Feira decorre até 17 de outubro, na Cidade da Praia, sob o lema “Herança Literária”, reunindo mais de 20 mil obras, escritores de Cabo Verde, Portugal, Moçambique e Guiné-Bissau, além de debates e conferências internacionais sobre diásporas, identidades e mobilidades no espaço transatlântico.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Presidência da República de Cabo Verde.

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Qatar Reaffirms Commitment to Leveraging Resources, Expertise to Support Countries and Communities Affected by Disasters and Crises

Source: Government of Qatar

New York | October 15, 2026

The State of Qatar has reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging its resources and expertise to support countries and communities affected by disasters and crises. Through Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and national humanitarian institutions, Qatar has established air bridges that include the International Search and Rescue Group of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), medical personnel and field hospitals, in addition to providing medical supplies such as medicines, food baskets, and shelter materials, as well as advanced equipment to assist those affected in disaster-stricken areas.
This was stated in a declaration by the State of Qatar, delivered by Second Secretary at the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Abdulaziz Fadala Al Sulaiti during a meeting of the Sixth Committee of the UN General Assembly, its 81st session, regarding agenda item 88, entitled ‘United Nations Conference of Plenipotentiaries on Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters,’ held at the UN’s headquarters in New York.
Al Sulaiti noted that the State of Qatar places special importance on the protection of individuals during disasters, a matter of growing concern given the increasing frequency and severity of such events. He pointed out that all countries across the globe are vulnerable to devastating natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes, which result in human and material losses that can sometimes be difficult for any single nation to confront alone. This necessitates strengthening international cooperation to protect lives and uphold human dignity, in embodiment of the principles and purposes of the UN Charter.
He explained that the State of Qatar has developed a comprehensive legal and institutional framework for addressing emergencies and disasters, managed by specialized national entities. These include the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management, the Civil Defense Council, the Doha Joint Rescue Coordination Center, the Standing Committee for Rescue and Relief Operations and Humanitarian Aids for Areas Afflicted by Catastrophes in Brotherly and Friendly Countries, and the Regulatory Authority for Charitable Activities.
Al Sulaiti noted that the State of Qatar supports the adoption of an international convention on the protection of persons in disaster situations, as a natural and appropriate development that provides a unified international framework for reducing disaster risks and providing relief assistance, in accordance with the provisions of international law. This is particularly significant given that there is no explicit rule in public international law obligating states to provide humanitarian assistance in the event of disasters; such a convention would provide a legal basis for taking necessary measures and establish a new mechanism for international cooperation in responding to disasters.
He emphasized that the agreement must strike a balance between ensuring the right of individuals to receive humanitarian assistance and respecting the sovereignty of states and the principle of non-interference in their internal affairs. This includes upholding the right of an affected state to choose the entity providing aid, ensuring that assistance is not imposed without a formal request, as well as covering all phases of a disaster, clearly defining the parameters for delivering aid, protecting relief personnel, and establishing effective mechanisms for coordination and implementation within the UN’s framework.
The State of Qatar welcomes the convening of the United Nations Conference on Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters, to be held in Bangkok from January 25 to February 12, 2027. Qatar further expresses its hope that the conference will contribute to the development of a legally binding instrument, based on the draft articles, that strengthens the protection of those affected by disasters and facilitates the delivery of humanitarian aid to them, in accordance with the provisions of international law.
The State of Qatar reiterated its support for international efforts aimed at enhancing the protection of individuals in disaster situations, as well as its commitment to participating constructively in the conference proceedings, with the goal of establishing an effective international legal framework that respects the sovereignty of states and the principles of international law, while upholding human dignity and rights. 

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Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar in Geneva Participates in High-Level Dialogue on Afghan Refugees and Returnees

Source: Government of Qatar

Geneva | 14 October 2026

The Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva today participated in the High-Level Dialogue on Afghan Refugees and Returnees, held on the sidelines of the 77th session of the Executive Committee of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

During the dialogue, the Permanent Mission highlighted the major humanitarian, economic and development challenges facing Afghanistan amid the return of large numbers of Afghans, stressing the need to strengthen international solidarity, intensify humanitarian and development aid, and maintain channels of constructive dialogue with Afghanistan.

It noted that the State of Qatar continues its efforts to facilitate international dialogue on Afghanistan, including by hosting meetings of Special Envoys and working groups under the auspices of the United Nations, which contributes to strengthening international coordination, supporting stability, and facilitating the reintegration of Afghanistan into the international community.

The Permanent Mission reiterated the State of Qatar’s commitment to the Afghan Refugee Solutions Strategy and its Support Platform, noting that Qatar takes pride in chairing the Platform’s first Core Group. It also stressed the importance of strengthening international support for the countries and communities that have hosted Afghan refugees for decades, in light of the ongoing challenges and pressures they face.

The Mission affirmed the importance of ensuring that Afghan returnees have access to basic services, shelter, education and livelihood opportunities in support of their sustainable reintegration. It noted that the State of Qatar, through its humanitarian and development institutions, continues to support various sectors in Afghanistan, particularly education, health care and livelihoods.

The Permanent Mission stressed the importance of strengthening burden-sharing, coordinating humanitarian and development aid, and intensifying regional and international cooperation, which contributes to durable solutions for Afghan refugees and internally displaced persons. It also reiterated that the State of Qatar stands ready to continue working with UNHCR and all relevant partners in support of a future in which the Afghan people can live in dignity, peace and stability.

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République démocratique du Congo (RDC) : le choléra progresse sur fond d’épidémie d’Ebola

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

L’épidémie de choléra continue de s’étendre en République démocratique du Congo (RDC), où plus de 125 000 cas suspects et 3 644 décès suspects ont été recensés entre janvier 2025 et fin septembre 2026, a alerté mercredi l’Organisation mondiale de la santé (OMS). Alors que le pays lutte contre Ebola dans l’est, le choléra gagne du terrain dans plusieurs régions, favorisé par le manque d’accès à l’eau potable et aux infrastructures d’assainissement.

Depuis le début de 2026, plus de 51 412 cas suspects de choléra, dont 1 487 décès, ont été signalés dans 21 provinces, selon l’OMS.

Pour la seule semaine du 21 au 28 septembre, les autorités sanitaires ont recensé 2 932 cas suspects et 86 décès, contre 2 506 cas et 62 décès la semaine précédente. Le nombre de cas a ainsi augmenté de 17 % en une semaine, tandis que le taux de létalité hebdomadaire s’est établi à 2,9 %.

Avec près de 3 000 cas signalés en sept jours, le niveau de notification reste près de six fois supérieur au seuil d’alerte de 500 cas hebdomadaires.

Les Kivu et le Haut-Katanga particulièrement touchés

Les provinces du Sud-Kivu, du Nord-Kivu et du Haut-Katanga concentrent près de 60 % des cas suspects signalés. La transmission reste soutenue dans les provinces où le choléra est endémique. Au cours de la dernière période de surveillance, quatre nouvelles zones de santé ont été touchées : trois dans la province de la Tshuapa et une au Sud-Kivu.

Les opérations de riposte se heurtent toutefois à des difficultés sécuritaires et logistiques. Dans l’est du pays, l’insécurité restreint l’accès des équipes médicales à certaines zones, notamment à Kibua et Masisi. L’éloignement de villages par rapport aux structures de soins retarde également la prise en charge des malades, augmentant le risque de décès, souligne l’OMS.

Les conditions environnementales aggravent la situation. Le recours à l’eau des puits et les pluies, qui peuvent entraîner des eaux contaminées vers les sources utilisées par les ménages, favorisent la transmission de la maladie.

Pour réduire les risques de contamination, les équipes de riposte préparent l’installation de quatre sites de chloration de l’eau dans les zones les plus touchées du Nord-Kivu. Au Tanganyika, elles prévoient de désinfecter près de 4 000 ménages et 5 900 latrines.

Les préparatifs d’une campagne de vaccination orale se poursuivent également dans les îlots du corridor du fleuve Congo. La RDC et la République du Congo élaborent un plan conjoint de vaccination transfrontalière. Au Sud-Kivu, les campagnes de vaccination réactive se poursuivent dans les zones de santé de Mulungu et de Shabunda, parallèlement aux actions de sensibilisation des communautés.

Ebola : plus de 9 000 cas et 4 300 décès

Cette progression du choléra intervient alors que la RDC fait face à une épidémie d’Ebola qui met à rude épreuve les capacités sanitaires du pays.

Selon les dernières données de l’OMS publiées mardi, 9 066 cas et 4 381 décès ont été recensés dans sept provinces et 65 zones de santé, soit un taux de létalité de 48,3 %. Le bilan fait également état de 2 389 guérisons.

L’épidémie, causée par la souche Bundibugyo du virus Ebola, a également suscité des inquiétudes dans les pays voisins. L’Ouganda, qui avait signalé 20 cas et deux décès, a été déclaré exempt d’Ebola en août. La semaine dernière, le Kenya a confirmé à Nairobi le décès d’un ressortissant kényan infecté après un voyage depuis la RDC via l’Ouganda. Il s’agit du premier cas importé signalé par le pays dans le cadre de cette épidémie.

En RDC, la riposte se poursuit avec l’appui de l’OMS et de ses partenaires. Dans la province du Haut-Uele, le centre de traitement d’Ebola d’Isiro a été agrandi afin d’accueillir davantage de patients, tout en préservant les services de santé essentiels à l’hôpital général de référence de la ville.

L’OMS a également livré une tonne supplémentaire de matériel médical pour renforcer les opérations sur le terrain.

Distribué par APO Group pour UN News.

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BMA official arrested for fraud and corruption

Source: Government of South Africa

BMA official arrested for fraud and corruption

The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, has confirmed the arrest of a 56-year-old BMA official stationed at the Maseru Port of Entry on the border with Lesotho.

At the time of the arrest, the official was allegedly found in possession of 22 stamped passports belonging to Lesotho nationals, although the lawful holders were not present, as well as R2 100 in cash.

The arrest followed an intelligence-driven operation conducted by the BMA Integrity Management Unit, the Department of Home Affairs Counter Corruption Unit, the South African Police Service (SAPS) Ladybrand Detectives and K9 Unit, and Crime Intelligence Free State.

The arrest took place just over 10 days after the fifth instalment of the Anti-Corruption Awareness Campaign, which was hosted under the auspices of the Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum at OR Tambo International Airport.

The operation was initiated after the State Security Agency provided information about several passports belonging to Lesotho nationals that had been placed under monitoring.

Intelligence indicated that the passports had allegedly been transported from Limpopo to Ladybrand to be stamped unlawfully, thereby extending the holders’ visa validity and stay in the Republic of South Africa without their being physically present, as required by law.

Acting on this information, law enforcement authorities conducted an operation that led to the BMA official’s arrest.

The suspect is expected to appear before the Ladybrand Magistrate’s Court on charges related to corruption, possession of passports without lawful authority and immigration offences.

The investigation is ongoing, and further arrests have not been ruled out.

Since the BMA was established three years ago, several officials have been arrested under Masiapato’s leadership and direction.

“The BMA was established to address longstanding challenges related to illegal migration and corruption within the border management ecosystem. South Africa is beginning to see the tangible benefits of the BMA leadership’s firm and uncompromising stance against corruption.

“The BMA is currently finalising more than 60 labour relations and disciplinary cases involving breaches of internal controls, fraud, corruption and other misconduct affecting organisational integrity. In the past three months, 17 officials have been dismissed from the BMA, and more dismissals are expected,” Masiapato said.

Masiapato, who brings extensive intelligence experience to his leadership role, has made it unequivocally clear that the Border Management Authority remains committed to combating corruption and safeguarding the integrity of South Africa’s ports of entry.

The Authority will continue to work closely with law enforcement and security agencies to detect and investigate unlawful conduct and ensure that officials involved are prosecuted. – SAnews.gov.za

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