Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO

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H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, expresses deep concern over the reported Israeli strike in Doha, Qatar, warning that the attack risks endangering an already fragile situation in the Middle East.

The Chairperson reaffirmed the AU’s call for restraint, respect for sovereignty, and the protection of civilians.

He further noted Qatar’s longstanding role in peace, mediation, and diplomacy, underscoring the urgent need for renewed dialogue towards a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

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

Source: APO

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The Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) opened today in Addis Ababa with a clear call from African leaders to move from rhetoric to action—positioning Africa not as a victim of climate change, but as a driving force of solutions and the next global climate economy.

Convened by the African Union Commission (AUC) and hosted by Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE), the Summit convened Heads of State and Government, ministers, diplomats, and international partners under the theme:
“Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development.”

PRIME MINISTER ABIY AHMED: “WE ARE NOT HERE TO NEGOTIATE OUR SURVIVAL”

During his keynote address, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) urged the world to rethink Africa’s role in addressing climate change. “Too often, Africa’s story at climate summits starts with what we lack—finance, technology, time. Let’s start instead with what we have,” he said.

He highlighted Africa’s unique assets:

• “The youngest population in the world, bursting with creativity and innovation.”
• “The fastest-growing solar belt on Earth.”
• “The planet’s last great carbon vaults—our forests, wetlands, and coasts.”
• “Vast arable land capable of feeding a growing continent and beyond.”

The Prime Minister outlined Ethiopia’s own record of action, including the Green Legacy Initiative (48 billion trees planted in seven years), the Climate-Resilient Wheat Initiative, and the imminent commissioning of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), set to generate 5,000 MW of renewable energy.

“We are not here to negotiate our survival. We are here to design the world’s next climate economy,” he said. “When Africa’s land heals, when our rivers run clean, and our air is fresh, Africa wins—and the whole world breathes easier.”

He also announced Ethiopia’s candidacy to host COP32 in 2027, inviting the world to Addis Ababa as “Africa’s capital of diplomacy and climate ambition.”

AU COMMISSION CHAIRPERSON CALLS FOR FAIR CLIMATE FINANCE

Opening the Summit, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, stressed the need for justice and equity in climate finance.

 “The African Union Commission firmly believes that climate finance must be fair, significant, and predictable,” he said. “The vulnerability of our member countries—exacerbated by climate change, debt burdens, and structural inequalities in the global financial system—must be addressed through climate justice and genuine cooperation.”

The aspirations of our countries for substantial and meaningful financing must be taken seriously and with determination. This must be achieved through a genuine fund for loss and damage, endowed with sufficient financial resources. Carbon credits should not be managed by polluting states at their discretion but rather by an independent international body with supranational authority. The Green Fund must also be renewed and redirected towards financing projects that deliver regional and continental climate value.’’ He underscored.

The full statement of the Chairperson can be accessed on: https://au.int/en/speeches/20250908/statement-auc-chairperson-2nd-africa-climate-summit

PRESIDENT RUTO: “AFRICA IS A SOURCE OF SOLUTIONS”

H.E. President William Ruto of Kenya, host of the inaugural Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, praised Ethiopia for building on that momentum.

“In Nairobi, we introduced a bold new perspective of Africa as a continent of opportunity and solutions, not merely a victim,” he said. “We framed climate action not as a burden, but as a driver of economic growth, transformation, and job creation.”

President Ruto highlighted Africa’s progress since the Nairobi Declaration, including green infrastructure, climate-smart agriculture, and renewable energy advances. But he also cautioned:

“No nation can solve this crisis alone. Only bold, united, and sustained collaboration can avert a climate catastrophe. Isolation is not a winning strategy—it is courting failure.”

TREE PLANTING: A SYMBOL OF AFRICAN SOLIDARITY

The official opening of ACS2 began with a symbolic tree-planting ceremony at the Addis Ababa International Convention Center (AICC).

African Heads of State, ministers, and dignitaries planted trees as a powerful gesture of unity and commitment to ecosystem restoration. Each tree stands as a living testament to Africa’s resolve to safeguard the environment for future generations.

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

Source: APO

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Shortly after presenting a mandated report to the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Tuesday, chair of the Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan, Mohamed Chande Othman, insisted that both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia had carried out atrocity crimes.

Among the testimonies gathered for the report, survivors from RSF detention sites described the locations as “slaughterhouses”.

Tortured, staved, denied medical care

In one notorious RSF facility, dozens of detainees died between June and October this year after being tortured, denied food and medical care, the independent rights expert said.

Equally, in SAF-run detention facilities, “civilians were also subjected to torture, including electric shock, sexualized abuse and they were held in cells so overcrowded that some prisoners had to sleep standing,” he added.

In addition, girls as young as 12 were forced into marriage, “sometimes under the threat of death to their families”, the fact-finding mission chair continued.

“Men and boys were also subjected to sexualized torture and such acts are rooted in racism, prejudice and impunity and they devastate entire communities.”

Highlighting the lack of diplomatic solutions to the conflict which began in April 2023, and its massive impact of the war on civilians, report co-author Mona Rishmawi insisted that “everybody knows you cannot rape, you cannot loot, you cannot destroy property. You cannot starve people…But if there is no accountability, of course they will continue doing it.”

Extermination goal

Asked why the report had decided not to describe what has been happening in Sudan as genocide, Ms. Rishmawi replied that the evidence “basically looks at more or less the same kind of violations as genocide”.

She added: “You kill, [you provide] no food, no water, you don’t allow food production. You don’t allow access to food, to markets…and you don’t allow access to humanitarian aid. What you do want is to kill the population…So, the effect of this is really the crime against humanity…of extermination.”

Hunger crisis

The investigative body created by the Human Rights Council in October 2023 highlighted the devastating humanitarian emergency that has resulted from the war.

“In displacement camps such Zamzam and Abu Shouk, witnesses describe children dying of hunger and dehydration in the streets, including people eating animal food,” said Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, Expert Member of the Fact-Finding Mission.

Addressing the council earlier, fact-finding mission chair Mr. Othman insisted that the war was “destroying not only lives but also the means of survival”, with hospitals, markets, water and electricity systems – and even humanitarian convoys – systematically attacked.

“Markets, the backbone of food access, have been repeatedly bombed,” he said, adding that in October 2024, SAF airstrikes on El Koma market killed at least 45 civilians.

Dying of thirst

“Two months later, Kabkabiya market was struck, killing more than 100. In March this year, SAF bombed Tora market during peak hours, killing and injuring hundreds.”

The mission report underscored how the RSF had also shelled markets, pillaged entire areas and destroyed Zamzam camp’s market.

RSF drone strikes hit the Merowe Dam and water towers, leaving communities without drinking water, while “one mother told us she lost all four of her children to thirst while fleeing”, said Mr. Othman, who like the other members of the panel is an independent human rights expert and not a UN staff member.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

Source: APO

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Government welcomes the latest economic figures released by Statistics South Africa, which indicate that the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 0.8% in the second quarter of 2025 (April–June), following a modest increase of 0.1% in the first quarter.

This growth reflects a broad-based recovery across key sectors of the economy. The manufacturing industry expanded by 1.8%, contributing 0.2 percentage points to overall GDP growth. Seven of the ten manufacturing divisions reported positive growth, with the largest contributions coming from petroleum, chemical products, and rubber and plastic products. The motor vehicles, parts and accessories, and other transport equipment divisions also supported growth.

The trade, catering, and accommodation sector showed strong performance, increasing by 1.7% and contributing 0.2 percentage points to GDP growth. This was driven by increased activity in retail trade, motor trade, accommodation, and food and beverages.

Amid challenging global economic conditions, these figures demonstrate the resilience of South Africa’s economy. Government views this as a positive sign of the impact of ongoing initiatives to stimulate growth, support local industries, and create jobs. Government remains committed to policies that foster inclusive and sustainable economic development for all South Africans.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.

Source: APO – Report:

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From 8–10 September 2025, the Africa Climate Summit 2 (ACS2) is bringing together over 100 speakers, accelerating Africa’s resilient and green development. Guided by Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want and rooted in multilateralism, the Summit is highlighting Africa-led climate solutions and re-greening landscapes across the continent to address climate impacts and promote sustainable development.

AU-IBAR is actively participating, reflecting its mandate of promoting sustainable management of animal resources to support food security, livelihoods, and climate resilience. Today, AU-IBAR contributed to the IGAD-led side event on “Harnessing Economic Cooperation and Regional Integration to Address Climate Change in the IGAD Region.”

At the session on Advancing Blue Economy Governance and Climate Resilience, leaders and experts discussed ways to strengthen governance frameworks, unlock investment, and safeguard marine and inland ecosystems in the Horn of Africa. AU-IBAR’s Dr. Mohamed Seisay, Fisheries Management and Blue Economy Expert, was joined by Dr. Jakob Granit, Director-General of SIDA; Dr. Keriako Tobiko, Special Advisor on Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability at AUDA-NEPAD; Ms. Anene Kejela Wodajo, Maritime Lawyer & Advisor from Ethiopia’s Ministry of Transport; and Mr. Harsen Nyambe Nyambe, Director for Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy at the African Union Commission.

Through its participation, AU-IBAR is demonstrating the critical role of sustainable fisheries and aquaculture governance in Africa’s climate agenda, and is advancing resilient, inclusive, and green development solutions across the continent.

More Details on ACS 2

– on behalf of The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).

Source: APO – Report:

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The Arab Republic of Egypt expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the aggression carried out by the Israeli occupation forces today against the State of Qatar.

The attack targeted a meeting of Palestinian leaders in the Qatari capital, Doha, to discuss means to reach a ceasefire agreement. The attack is a flagrant violation of international law and the principles of respect for the sovereignty of states and their territorial inviolability.

Egypt affirms that this attack sets a dangerous precedent and an unacceptable development, and is considered a direct assault on the sovereignty of the State of Qatar, which plays a key role in mediation efforts to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Egypt views that this escalation undermines international efforts aimed at calming the situation and threatens security and stability in the entire region.

Egypt announces its full solidarity with the leadership and people of the State of Qatar and calls on the international community to assume its legal and moral responsibilities regarding this flagrant Israeli violation, to take immediate action to halt the Israeli aggression, and to hold those responsible accountable, so that it does not add to Israel’s usual impunity.

– on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Source: APO – Report:

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His Majesty King Mohammed VI has sent a message of congratulations to the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, on the occasion of his country’s national day.

In this message, the Sovereign extends His warmest congratulations and best wishes for good health and happiness to President Rahmon, and for continued progress and prosperity to the brotherly people of Tajikistan.

“I should like to take this opportunity to say how much I value the special, fraternal relations between our countries. I therefore keenly look forward to continuing to work with Your Excellency to strengthen and diversify our ties, for the benefit of our peoples and our two sister nations,” HM the King writes.

– on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.

Source: APO – Report:

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Political leaders in the local government sphere are set for a pay rise beginning in the 2026/27 financial year following a directive by President Yoweri Museveni.

The Minister of Local Government, Hon. Raphael Magyezi, announced the development while presenting a statement before Parliament on Tuesday, 09 September 2025, in response to a petition by the Uganda Local Governments Association (ULGA) and the Urban Authorities Association of Uganda (UAAU) on service delivery challenges.

“Appropriate facilitation and pay of duty bearers is a statutory obligation. Unfortunately, the local government political leaders across board are poorly paid and facilitated. We commend them for their patience, selfless service, and sacrifice to the country,” Magyezi told Parliament.

Magyezi revealed that he is prepared to present a Cabinet Paper on the remuneration to cover all political leaders starting with LC I chairpersons up to district/city level.

Other interventions, the minister said, included induction of councillors next fiscal year at Shs30 billion, procurement of vehicles for district chairpersons and mayors, recruitment to fill critical vacancies, road equipment for cities and municipalities, and increased physical planning grants to curb unplanned urbanisation.

The minister confirmed that LC I and II elections would be harmonised with the 2026 general elections and that subvention to ULGA and UAAU would double to Shs600 million and dismissed claims that service delivery in local governments was deteriorating.

“The annual assessment of local governments by the Office of the Prime Minister and other bodies shows improvement in services, attributed to government programmes funded under appropriation by Parliament.

The situation is promising, and the task ahead is to deepen decentralisation as a key policy of Government for service delivery and wealth creation,” he argued.

However, Speaker Anita Among, disagreed, saying the reality in districts reflects the concerns raised in the petition. “In most districts you visit, classes are empty, there are no teachers, hospitals lack medics, and roads are in poor condition because they lack equipment,” she said.

“Honourable Minister, what local government people are saying is an eye-opener. We should not sugarcoat it and say everything is okay. For us to reach the end user of PDM, the roads should be worked on. We must resolve it,” she added.

Hon. Gilbert Olanya (FDC, Kilak South County) and the Chairperson of Public Accounts Committee – Local Government, questioned the state of road equipment.

“Most equipment supplied works for less than a year and is now grounded. Many districts cannot afford repairs, and some regional offices hire out machinery to private contractors,” he said.

Hon. Godfrey Onzima (NRM, Aringa North County) highlighted staffing gaps in health and education. “The whole health unit grade three had only two midwives. One was on study leave, the other on maternity leave. Women coming for delivery are just referred,” he said, warning many schools operate with very few teachers.

Hon. Paul Omara (Indep., Otuke County) expressed concern over dwindling funding. “Local government used to receive 15 percent of the total budget annually, but now it has dropped to 7 percent. More funding is needed rather than centralising revenue,” he said.

The Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (General Duties), Hon. Henry Musasizi, defended revenue centralisation. “Many local governments understated revenue. All revenues must go to the consolidated fund. Local governments collect revenue on behalf of government,” he said.

Closing the debate, Magyezi cited chronic under funding as the root problem. “At some time, 34 percent of the national budget went to local governments. We went down to 26, then 18, now 9 percent. You cannot decentralise 80 percent of responsibilities and give only 10 percent,” he said, urging the budget share to be progressively raised.

The Speaker agreed: “Local government takes only 9.5 percent of the national budget. If we stood firm for increased funding, these issues would be resolved,” she said.

– on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

Source: APO – Report:

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The Kingdom of Morocco has strongly condemned Israel’s heinous aggression and denounced the violation of the sovereignty of the brotherly State of Qatar.

The Kingdom of Morocco reiterates its full solidarity with the State of Qatar against anything liable to jeopardize its security, its territorial integrity, and the peace of its citizens and residents.

– on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.

Source: APO – Report:

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Government can now borrow up to US$99.6 million to finance the proposed Resilient Livestock Value Chain Project (ReLiV) in 55 districts.

The loan, approved by Parliament, will be borrowed from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

The Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (General Duties), Hon. Henry Musasizi, presented the loan request during plenary sitting on Tuesday, 09 September 2025 chaired by Speaker Anita Among.

“The goal of the project is to contribute to improved livelihoods of smallholder livestock farmers in Uganda. The project development objective is to enhance income, nutrition and resilience of smallholder dairy and beef producers,” said Musasizi.

He added that the ReLiV project will benefit the 55 selected districts in the cattle corridor selected based on high incidence and density of poverty, food insecurity and malnutrition, among others.

“The project will directly benefit 400,000 households and 20,000,000 beneficiaries indirectly through the different components with a minimum target of 40 percent women and 25 percent youths,” Musasizi said.

Presenting the report of the Committee on National Economy, Committee Chairperson, Hon. John Bosco Ikojo recommended approval of the loan, but quickly called for its re-negotiation.

“The loan should be re-negotiated to move resources from consumptive items to acquisition of goods, services and inputs, as well as equipment and materials,” he said.

Ikojo stated that the committee’s observation indicated that Shs600 million was earmarked for purchase of vehicles, wherein he argued that such expenditure is not necessary.

The committee further noted that whereas the loan was highly concessional, they were not given adequate time to scrutinise the loan.

“The committee notes that the proposed financing terms of IFAD are highly concessional with long-term maturing and grace periods. Of recent, government has not been having access to such concessional loans,” Ikojo said.

Hon. Ibrahim Ssemujju (FDC, Kira Municipality), however, urged the lawmakers not to approve the loan, saying that Parliament should consider the committee’s recommendation on re-negotiation.

“With the proposals that the committee has made, they have left us with no options but to say no to this loan request. I think they are only polite not to make government look bad,” said Ssemujju.

Musasizi, however, justified the urgency of the loan, saying that the timelines dictate that it should be signed by 12 September 2025.

“To allay Hon. Ssemujju’s fears, I would like to clarify that this loan has the best terms. The interest rate is zero and the repayment period is 50 years,” Musasizi said.

Hon. Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi (NUP, Butambala County) questioned the project finance components, saying that most of it supports government entities, citing that US$59 million out of US$99 has been earmarked for projects under the National Agricultural Research Organisation and Kawanda Agricultural Research Institute, among others.

“You do not see a farmer, you only see government ranches being financed. So, who is benefiting from this loan?” he asked.

According to the committee’s report, US$8 million will be spent on management and Muwanga Kivumbi criticised the proposed expenditure, saying it is misplaced.

“This looks like a classical failed project that is intended to benefit only the elite, and I am not convinced that this committee has had time to look at the benefits of this project,” he added.

– on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.