Category: MIL-OSI

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Est de la République démocratique du Congo (RDC) : des filles d’à peine 10 ans enlevées et violées collectivement, dénonce l’ONU

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Au Nord-Kivu et au Sud-Kivu, dans l’est de la République démocratique du Congo (RDC), les femmes et les jeunes filles continuent d’être victimes de viols et d’agressions sexuelles commis par des membres de groupes armés et de forces de sécurité, a déploré mardi le chef des droits de l’homme de l’ONU.

Devant le Conseil des droits de l’homme de l’ONU réuni en session à Genève, le Haut-Commissaire Volker Türk a dénoncé les belligérants de tous bords impliqués dans la guerre dans l’est de la RDC, qui font preuve d’une cruauté particulière à l’égard des femmes et des filles, et ce, dans l’impunité la plus totale.

« Depuis des décennies, les violences sexuelles sont utilisées comme arme de guerre en RDC. Aujourd’hui, cette horreur continue. Notre mission a révélé que la plupart des parties au conflit commettent des violences sexuelles à grande échelle », a affirmé M. Türk.

Mortes des suites de viols

Selon le Haut-Commissariat de l’ONU aux droits de l’homme (HCDH), des femmes et des filles, dont certaines n’avaient que 10 ans, ont été enlevées, violées collectivement, réduites en esclavage sexuel et humiliées – totalement déshumanisées. Certaines sont mortes des suites de ces viols.

Les services du Haut-Commissaire Türk ont aussi documenté des cas de violences sexuelles contre des hommes, des garçons et des personnes LGBT. « Ces crimes sont très rarement signalés en raison de la stigmatisation et de la peur ».

Le HCDH a identifié un schéma de violences sexuelles généralisées par des membres des Forces armées de la RDC et de leurs alliés les Wazalendo lors de leur retrait des lignes de front.

Le groupe armé M23, pour sa part, a commis des actes de torture et de mauvais traitements, y compris des violences sexuelles, contre des détenus. « Certaines personnes ont été battues à mort ou sont mortes de blessures, d’asphyxie ou de faim et de déshydratation. D’après les témoignages, certains gardes étaient rwandais ».

Profondes cicatrices

Dans tous les cas, ces crimes ont laissé de profondes cicatrices sur les victimes : traumatismes physiques et psychologiques, grossesses non désirées et risques de problèmes de santé à vie, y compris l’infertilité ou l’infection par le VIH.

« J’ai rencontré des victimes et des survivants dans le site de déplacés de Bulengo en 2024 et j’ai vu de mes propres yeux à quel point les violences sexuelles déchirent les liens familiaux et communautaires, forçant souvent les survivantes à quitter leurs foyers », a dit M. Türk.

Certaines femmes ne révèlent pas avoir été violées, craignant d’être stigmatisées. Les services de santé sont sous-financés et inadéquats, ce qui ne fait qu’aggraver leur souffrance. « Cette question exige l’attention immédiate de la communauté internationale ».

Crimes de guerre et crimes contre l’humanité

Plus largement, les enquêteurs de l’ONU ont établi que toutes les parties impliquées dans la récente et choquante escalade de violence dans les provinces du Nord-Kivu et du Sud-Kivu ont commis des violations graves et des atteintes au droit international des droits humains et de graves violations du droit international humanitaire. 

Le HCDH a constaté que le M23, soutenu par les Forces de défense du Rwanda, ainsi que les Forces armées de la RDC et les groupes armés affiliés, ont commis des crimes de guerre. Elle a aussi conclu que le M23 pourrait avoir commis des crimes contre l’humanité. 

Alors que le conflit se poursuit dans l’Est de la RDC, le rapport exhorte les États à exercer une pression maximale sur le Rwanda et la RDC pour qu’ils cessent tout soutien aux groupes armés connus pour avoir commis de graves atteintes aux droits humains.

Une assistance qui diminue

Pour sa part, la cheffe de la Mission de paix des Nations Unies en RDC (MONUSCO) s’est inquiétée de la multiplication des attaques des Forces démocratiques alliées (ADF) contre les civils au Nord-Kivu et en Ituri, causant la mort d’au moins 200 civils dont des femmes et des enfants ces derniers mois. 

« La situation des victimes de violences sexuelles, particulièrement celle des femmes et des filles, me préoccupe profondément car le nombre de cas augmente tandis que l’assistance ne fait que diminuer », a affirmé Bintou Keita.

Selon elle, la situation humanitaire n’est guère meilleure. Plus de 8 millions de personnes déplacées peinent à recevoir l’aide humanitaire à cause de l’insécurité et du manque de ressources. Et l’on déplore la perte d’au moins 13 travailleurs humanitaires depuis janvier 2025.

Distribué par APO Group pour UN News.

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Côte d’Ivoire – Amelioration des conditions d’etude : Le gouvernement multiplie les cantines scolaires

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

En plus de construire des écoles de proximité et de les équiper pour faciliter l’accès à l’éducation pour tous, le gouvernement accorde une importance croissante aux cantines scolaires.

À l’École Primaire Publique (EPP) Abou Sékakoi, située à 3 km d’Adzopé, la cantine scolaire joue un rôle essentiel dans la vie des élèves. Plus de la moitié des 231 écoliers viennent des villages environnants. Grâce à cette cantine, les enfants peuvent prendre un repas chaque jour pour 25 FCFA.

« Mon campement est situé à des kilomètres de l’école. Grâce à cette cantine, avec 25 FCFA par jour, j’ai droit à un bon repas », explique Charlène Koussoh, élève en classe de CE2.

« Depuis que je me suis inscrit à la cantine, je ne suis plus en retard pour les cours de l’après-midi », confie Mardochée Yao, élève en classe de CM1. 

Cette initiative s’inscrit dans la politique du gouvernement visant à généraliser les cantines scolaires dans toutes les écoles primaires publiques.

Selon le ministère de l’Éducation nationale et de l’Alphabétisation, l’objectif est de faire passer le taux de couverture des cantines scolaires de 36 % en 2024 à 100 % d’ici 2030, pour garantir un meilleur accès à une alimentation saine aux élèves à travers le pays.

Distribué par APO Group pour Portail Officiel du Gouvernement de Côte d’Ivoire.

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SA working the ground in US to secure fair trade deal – President Ramaphosa

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa is actively engaging the United States to secure a fair trade and investment deal, with government representatives currently in Washington for further formal negotiations with the US government.  

Responding to oral questions in the National Assembly on Tuesday, the President emphasised that South Africa’s objective is to safeguard continued access to the US market, encourage investment into both countries and strengthen long-standing economic ties.

“We are on the ground, and we are working the ground in the United States as we speak. Our people, who are in the United States, now are fully fired up with this type of approach, and Minister of Trade and Industry and International Relations will be joining them, and they will be advancing those discussions.

“They are meeting a number of stakeholders, including representatives in the administration, legislators, business people and others,” the President told MPs. 

The President noted that the United States is South Africa’s second largest trading partner and that government has submitted a package to Washington as the basis for discussions. This builds on the previous package submitted on 20 May 2025.   

At the same time, domestic measures are being implemented to support businesses affected by the 30% tariffs imposed on South African products. These include the Localisation Support Fund and the Export and Competitiveness Support Programme, which are designed to boost competitiveness and diversify export markets.

This will include working capital, plant and equipment facilities to address short to medium term needs across all industries.

Working with industry, the President said government is accelerating efforts to diversify export markets and enhance competitiveness to mitigate the economic impact of losing preferential trade access. 

A route of engagement 

In a supplementary question, Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema criticised government’s approach, accusing the President of “appeasement” and “juniorising” the country in its dealings with the US. He questioned why South Africa had not imposed retaliatory tariffs as other countries such as China, Canada and the European Union had done.

President Ramaphosa responded that government had chosen the route of engagement after consultations with exporters, importers, trade unions and the private sector.

“Our option is informed by what we want to gain. And what we want to gain is to continue exporting to the United States as much as possible, and to enable companies also to invest in the United States, but to also get United States’ companies to invest in us,” he said.

Leveraging South Africa’s strengths

The President stressed that South Africa is negotiating from a position of strength, with critical minerals and processing capacity forming part of the discussion.

“Our leverage has to do with the natural resources that we have, the minerals that we have, which the United States needs … Even as we may well want to export critical minerals, we want them to leave the shores of South Africa as finished products, so that we beneficiate what we will finally sell to them,” he said.

The President said South Africa has chosen a strategy of engagement, which he is confident will deliver positive outcomes. He acknowledged that the US administration can at times be unpredictable and retaliatory but stressed that South Africa is not approaching the talks from a position of weakness.

“We have said we will not be bullied. We will stand as a sovereign country and negotiate and get the best deal for South Africa. That’s precisely what we do,” the President said. 

Appointment of new ambassador to Washington

In a further supplementary question, the President was asked about the appointment of South Africa’s new ambassador to the US.

The President confirmed the announcement will be made soon, assuring MPs that the nominee will be suitably qualified.

“Yes, the appointment of South Africa’s ambassador to the United States, which is soon to be finalised and made public, will be a person who is capable, sufficiently well experienced and sufficiently well versed in world views and world politics, and who knows the American market extremely well,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za 

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DPCI new fleet to strengthen fight against crimes

Source: Government of South Africa

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) has received a total of 78 new vehicles, including 14 armoured vehicles, to strengthen its fight against organised and priority crimes across the country.

The new fleet received is aimed at enhancing the DPCI’s capacity to respond decisively to organised crime, strengthen prevention efforts and improve operational effectiveness in the fight against serious and priority crimes across the country.

Speaking at the handover ceremony on Tuesday, Acting National Head, Lieutenant General Siphesihle Nkosi, highlighted that the fleet represents a critical injection of resources to strengthen the investigation of serious commercial and organised crime cases. 

“Mobility constraints have long hampered efficiency. The vehicles will now enable investigators to locate, process, and secure evidence more effectively, while improving engagement with stakeholders, witnesses and prosecutors,” Nkosi said.

Deputy Minister of Police Cassl Mathale expressed his sincere appreciation in handing over the fleet to the DPCI to deliver on the mandate entrusted to them. 

He emphasised that the vehicles are a scarce and valuable resource and urged the members to use them strictly for their intended purpose of crime combatting and investigation.

“Typical of the bird of prey itself, the Hawks should embody clarity, focus, courage, strength and resolve. You must circle around alleged wrongdoing, gather evidence, and when the time is right, pounce and ensure that watertight cases are presented in court,” said Mathale.

Mathale underlined that the news fleet demonstrates government’s commitment to improving service delivery through enhanced operational capacity. 

The vehicles will specifically strengthen operations against serious and violent crimes, such as cash-in-transit (CIT) robberies, police killings, and the dismantling of organised crime syndicates.

The Deputy Minister concluded by expressing confidence that the new fleet will help the Hawks soar higher in their mandate to combat crime and corruption. 

“It is your unwavering commitment, professionalism, and passion for duty that truly make the difference. Use these vehicles responsibly to protect the vulnerable, fight organised crime, and serve with integrity,” he said. 

The event was attended by senior DPCI officials, including Acting National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General (Adv.) Nkosi, Divisional Commissioner for National Priority Offences: Operations, Lieutenant General Mbotho and DPCI Component and Provincial Heads. – SAnews.gov.za

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Nigeria’s use of soldiers for civilian tasks comes with serious costs – how to prevent this

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Sallek Yaks Musa, Lecturer, University of Northampton

Nigerians have experienced what it means for their government to be controlled by the military.

From independence in 1960 until 1999, the country was under democratic rule for only about seven years. Since then, the military has taken a back seat in the affairs of the state. But in 2020, then president Muhammadu Buhari deployed the military to enforce restrictions imposed to manage the COVID pandemic.

This was not unusual. The armed forces have long been used in Nigeria for roles normally assigned to the police, from quelling protests to responding to floods.

In more than 30 states, troops were already involved in counter insurgency, anti-banditry, peacekeeping, and other security missions. COVID related orders extended this presence, making soldiers highly visible on patrols and roadblocks.

The military’s tasks included enforcing curfews, dispersing gatherings and closing markets – functions usually handled by the police. Two presidential regulations under the Quarantine Act expanded the powers of the security agencies.

Alongside enforcement, the military provided medical and logistical support. Military hospitals were used for treatment. The military assigned more than 220 personnel to the overstretched health sector. The Air Force moved medical supplies across the country, and military researchers joined regional vaccine collaborations.

Nigeria’s armed forces number about 223,000, with more than two thirds of this number in the army. Without a robust reserve force, Nigeria’s regular troops remain the main option for emergencies.

I am a security researcher, focusing on the evolving nature of civil-military relations and their implications for peace and security in Nigeria. In my contribution to the book Military Operations in Response to Domestic Emergencies and Global Pandemics, I wrote about treating a public health emergency as a security threat.

I described how the Nigerian military demonstrated adaptability and reach during the pandemic by providing logistics and health support. But reliance on soldiers for civilian enforcement revealed serious costs: human rights abuses, corruption, weak oversight and the diversion of resources from security operations.

In future emergencies, Nigeria needs a more balanced civil-military framework where soldiers act as partners in service rather than feared enforcers. Relying on soldiers for civilian tasks often has immense consequences.

The accountability gap

Nigeria has laws authorising military deployment in aid of civil authorities under presidential order with parliamentary oversight. Section 217(2) of Nigeria’s constitution and section 8(3) of the Armed Forces Act permit internal deployment to restore order and maintain public safety. Section 218 subjects presidential authority to legislative checks and control.

In practice, however, checks are weak. This was evident during the COVID deployment. Other issues evident from that time include:

Command and scope

Buhari’s March 2020 address announcing lockdowns referred vaguely to security agencies, without formal authorisation for the military. Yet the Defence Headquarters declared its readiness to act.

The ambiguity raised questions about authorisation of military deployments and constitutional compliance. With no clear rules of engagement, soldiers had wide discretion. Often, this translated into space for abuse and excessive use of force. Disproportionate punishment of curfew violators became the norm.

Checks and balances

Courts hold the authority to review military action. But during the lockdown judicial deference to the executive and weak legislative scrutiny meant abuses of civilians went unchecked.

Civilian leaders tolerated overreach for political expediency, giving the military more space in civilian matters than is acceptable in a democracy.

The opportunity costs

The deployment of troops placed heavy strain on already stretched forces. Personnel and resources were diverted from counter insurgency and anti banditry campaigns.

Armed groups, especially Boko Haram, shifted from targeting civilians to attacking the military, achieving initial successes despite countermeasures. They also intensified recruitment among people impoverished by lockdown job losses and spread misinformation to weaken public health messaging. More than 100 lives were lost and over 50 attacks by bandits were recorded in the north-west states of Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and Kaduna between April and July 2020.

The closure of military schools and training centres and restrictions on gatherings had an impact on timely completion of training and readiness for missions.

Lockdowns also coincided with a rise in armed robbery.

Corruption

Soldiers at checkpoints extorted money from truck drivers and travellers, often ignoring official permits.

COVID measures undermined

The military approach undermined public health goals. Fear of troops discouraged cooperation with contact tracers, while corruption and unlawful violence deepened public distrust and resistance to preventive measures.

In some areas, civilians refused to cooperate with health officials, obstructed patrols or withheld information about rule-breakers.

Abuses

The military’s reputation in domestic operations was already mixed, with critics citing unprofessionalism and human rights abuses in previous deployments. As the National Human Rights Commission report on COVID-19 enforcement observed, heavy handed enforcement of pandemic restrictions reinforced these perceptions.

Abuses were widespread: curfew violators were beaten; health workers were harassed.

In the first two weeks of enforcement, personnel killed 18 civilians, more than the virus had at that stage. Few of these cases were prosecuted and military trials lacked transparency.

Lessons learnt

The COVID-19 deployment illustrated persistent gaps in Nigeria’s civil-military relations. For future public health or disaster responses, Nigeria’s government could draw five main lessons:

Clear authorisation: Internal military roles should be grounded in explicit presidential orders, endorsed and bounded by parliamentary legislation, with the scope and duration defined.

Rules of engagement: Domestic missions need clear guidelines that stress minimal force, rights protection, and coordination with civil agencies.

Stronger police capacity: Building police capability in equipment, training and community relations would reduce reliance on soldiers for enforcement. The military should focus on logistics and medical support.

Effective oversight: Legislative committees and independent rights bodies must monitor deployments, investigate abuses promptly and refer all over-reach for immediate action.

Rebuild public trust: Training on civilian engagement, human rights and inter-agency coordination would improve professionalism of personnel and restore the public legitimacy of the institution.

– Nigeria’s use of soldiers for civilian tasks comes with serious costs – how to prevent this
– https://theconversation.com/nigerias-use-of-soldiers-for-civilian-tasks-comes-with-serious-costs-how-to-prevent-this-263984

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Should African countries lower the voting age to 16? Views from Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Amanuel Tesfaye, Doctoral Researcher, University of Helsinki

The UK is moving to lower its voting age from 18 to 16. The new legislation takes effect ahead of the country’s next general election in 2029, and is aimed at boosting its democracy. The move has ignited global debate: should 16-year-olds be trusted with the ballot?

For African countries, where young people make up the majority of the population but often feel shut out of politics, the question is especially pressing. We spoke to political researchers from Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria for their views.

– Should African countries lower the voting age to 16? Views from Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria
– https://theconversation.com/should-african-countries-lower-the-voting-age-to-16-views-from-ethiopia-ghana-kenya-and-nigeria-263396

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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member states reaffirm collective action against human trafficking and related crimes at 17th annual review meeting

Source: APO


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The ECOWAS Commission, through its Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs (DHSA), in collaboration with Member States, partners, and civil society organizations, successfully convened the 17th Annual Review Meeting (ARM) of the Regional Network of National Focal Institutions Against Trafficking in Persons Plus (RNNI-TIP+) from the 1st to 5th of September, 2025 in Lagos, Nigeria.

The 2025 Annual Review Meeting assessed the implementation of actions undertaken in 2024, guided by the Annual Synthesis Report as a tool for stocktaking, measurement, advocacy and targeted technical support in collaboration with partner organizations. This year’s meeting also introduced an expanded component to address the allied issues of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and Violence Against Children (VAC). The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) under the Support to Free Movement of Persons and Migration in West Africa – Phase II (FMM West Africa II) Project.

The meeting gathered representatives from the 12 ECOWAS Member States, focal institutions responsible for combating Trafficking in Persons (TIP), Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), and Violence Against Children (VAC). Regional and international partners also participated, including Plan International, ILO, UNODC, UNFPA, IOM, UNICEF, UN Women, and ICRC.

Delivering remarks on behalf of the ECOWAS Director for Humanitarian and Social Affairs, Dr Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe, Mr. Olatunde Olayemi, Programme Officer, Social Dimension of Trafficking in Persons, recalled that: trafficking in persons is a product of several contextual drivers of insecurity, including climate change, conflict-induced displacement, irregular migration, and crime. The TIP Plus Strategy adopted by Member States strengthens cross-border collaboration to protect the most vulnerable.

In her remarks, Ms. Isabelle Wolfsgruber, Head of Mission for the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), emphasized the organization’s longstanding partnership with ECOWAS. She noted that “for over a decade, ICMPD has had the honour of supporting ECOWAS in convening its TIP focal persons Annual Review Meeting with funding from the EU and this year, through the FMM II project, ICMPD continues to stand alongside Member States to strengthen national capacities, address the linkages between trafficking in persons and related crimes, and identify joint actions to protect victims while ensuring accountability for offenders”

UNODC, through its Country Representative, Mr. Cheikh Toure, highlighted the urgency of aligning laws and responses with global standards. He stated that “TIP, GBV and VAC are intertwined evils scarring generations and we must transcend borders and silos, reduce fragmentation, and pool our strengths. And it is only then that we can save lives, protect the innocent and hold perpetrators accountable”.

In her remarks, Adebisi Arije – Partnerships Manager (ECOWAS), UNICEF, Abuja stressed the importance of tackling root causes of trafficking. Noting that “more than half of trafficked persons in West and Central Africa are children and youths. She further noted that trafficking thrives on poverty, unemployment, and deprivation. Therefore, social protection and strong child rights systems are vital to break this cycle”.

In his opening remarks, the chairman of the meeting Mr. Dehunge Siaka, Executive Director of Sierra Leone’s Anti-Trafficking in Persons Secretariat, emphasized that “human trafficking is both a human rights and security challenge in our region. We must build stronger partnerships and design clear pathways to protect children, women, and persons with disabilities at risk of exploitation.”

Following five days of deliberations, participants reached the following outcomes and recommendations: Review of Priorities: Member States assessed 2024 progress and set new priorities for 2025–2026, focusing on scaling up national action plans, TIP Strategy Expansion: Endorsed accelerated roll-out of the ECOWAS TIP and Related Criminal Offences Strategy beyond the initial five pilot countries, Capacity Gaps: Validated the Organizational Capacity Assessment conducted in four countries (Benin, Liberia, Nigeria, and Senegal), recommending replication in other Member States, Operational Tools: Called for the finalization of ECOWAS Guidelines for National Task Forces and Focal Points to standardize regional responses, Data Systems: Urged stronger data management by linking the ECOWAS Annual Synthesis Report Database, Child Rights Information System (ECRIMS), Humanitarian Observatory, and Early Warning Directorate, Child Protection and SGBV: Agreed to work with the ECOWAS Gender Development Centre and partners to design a Joint Operational Plan on SGBV and VAC, Protection Systems: Recommended adoption of an Amber Alert system for missing children and the creation of a Sexual Offenders Register and Victim Support: Commended ECOWAS’s funding support to victims of trafficking and urged a second phase in 2025.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to solidarity, cross-border cooperation and survivor-centered approaches, in line with Article 58 of the Revised ECOWAS Treaty and the ECOWAS Vision 2050. Delegates pledged to transform commitments into action to safeguard the most vulnerable, particularly women and children, from exploitation and abuse.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

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Ghana Advances Adolescent Health with New Regional and Global Guidance

Source: APO


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Adolescents and young people make up a quarter of Ghana’s population and represent the country’s greatest potential for growth and transformation. Yet many face barriers that undermine their health, education, and future opportunities, including early pregnancy, limited access to family planning, mental health challenges, and high exposure to violence and HIV. Recognizing these challenges, Ghana joined countries across Western and Central Africa in committing to invest in adolescents’ well-being to ensure they are educated, healthy, and thriving.

Building on this commitment, Ghana convened a two-day national meeting to disseminate the Western and Central Africa (WCA) Commitment for Educated, Healthy, and Thriving Adolescents and Young People, and to orient stakeholders on the updated the Global Accelerated Action for the Health of Adolescents (AA-HA!2.0) Guidance.

Opening the meeting on behalf of the Minister of Health, the Chief Director, Mr. Desmond Boateng, described the WCA Commitment as a pledge to place young people at the centre of policy and service delivery. 

“This meeting provides us with the platform to disseminate our commitment and orient key stakeholders on tools, strategies, and approaches. Together, this will guide us to improve service delivery, enhance coordination, and ensure the voices and needs of young people remain central.”.

Dr. Katherine Attoh, the National Professional Officer for Reproductive Maternal Newborn, Child, Adolescent and Healthy Ageing at WHO Ghana, highlighted the importance of the updated AA-HA!2.0 guidance, which integrates lessons learned over the past six years and reflects the voices including experiences during COVID-19. 

“WHO remains committed to supporting the Government of Ghana in ensuring that adolescents are healthy, educated, and thriving,” she said.

The meeting highlighted progress and challenges in adolescent health. School completion rates are improving and nearing gender parity, yet setbacks remain. Adolescent pregnancies account for 10% of all pregnancies, while unmet need for family planning among unmarried young women stands at 44%. Mental health concerns affect 26.6% of adolescents, drug use 5.7%, and physical inactivity 82%. Violence, unintended injuries, and HIV/AIDS also remain major risks, with young people accounting for 31% of new HIV infections in 2024.

Speakers underscored the importance of youth engagement in shaping solutions. “Young people must be meaningfully involved in every stage of planning and implementation,” stressed Mrs. Selina Dussey, Head of Quality at the Ministry of Health. A dynamic youth and adult panel further echoed this, with youth representatives calling for accountability, and traditional and religious leaders highlighting the role of culture and community-based approaches.

The discussions also focused on the AA-HA!2.0 guidance. Dr. Prerna Banati from WHO Headquarters explained that the tool is designed to help countries identify priorities, strengthen in-country engagement, and support collaborative implementation. Participants further explored evidence-based interventions, health-promoting schools, and practical approaches to needs assessments and landscape analyses, led by Dr. Geoffrey Bisoborwa, WHO Regional Advisor for Child and Adolescent Health.

Workgroup discussions enabled stakeholders to prioritize adolescent health needs and refine Ghana’s draft action plans developed at the Lomé regional meeting. A key outcome was the agreement to conduct  regional-level dissemination and joint planning with WHO, UNESCO, UNFPA, and the Ministries of Health and Education, to accelerate implementation of Ghana’s national plan for adolescent health and education. 

By advancing the WCA Commitment and adopting the AA-HA!2.0 guidance, Ghana has taken another decisive step toward ensuring that adolescents are not only healthy and educated, but also empowered to thrive.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO), Ghana.

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Ambassador Chen Mingjian Attends “China-Tanzania Friendship Cup” Table Tennis Competition 2025

Source: APO


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On September 6, the Chinese Embassy in Tanzania hosted “China-Tanzania Friendship Cup” Table Tennis Competition 2025 successfully in Dar es Salaam, with China Cultural Center as organizer. H.E. Ambassador Chen Mingjian and Hon. Prof. Palamagamba Kabudi, Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports of Tanzania attended the event.

Amb. Chen stated in her remarks that the scale and influence of “China-Tanzania Friendship Cup” Table Tennis Competition have continued to expand, which makes it a brand event for China-Tanzania people-to-people exchanges. It is hoped that everyone present here will make new friends, exchange table tennis skills and further deepen China-Tanzania friendship.

Hon. Prof. Kabudi said that sports connect the hearts of the two peoples. Tanzania stands ready to strengthen the exchanges and cooperation in sports with China to enhance bilateral friendship.

Nearly 130 competitors of 15 teams from Tanzania Table Tennis Association and all walks of life, Chinese institutions and overseas Chinese community, as well as friends from other countries participated in the competition. Tanzanian mainstream media like Daily News, The Citizen, The Guardian and The Channel Ten covered the event.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United Republic of Tanzania.

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United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (MONUSCO) Anti-fire Unit: An essential bulwark to save lives in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Source: APO

Two fires broke out on Thursday, September 4, in the afternoon in the city of Goma. The first ravaged two vehicles, five offices, a wooden house, and a gas station in the Katoyi neighborhood, Karisimbi commune. The second consumed three wooden residential houses. Material damage occurred but no human casualties were recorded, notably thanks to the rapid and coordinated intervention of numerous firefighters from different teams: MONUSCO’s anti-fire section, Indian Blue Helmets, and civil protection from the city of Goma. In total, nine trucks were deployed to the scene to control the fire which, otherwise, could have caused more significant damage.

As in Goma, MONUSCO’s anti-fire unit is regularly called upon to intervene in several regions of the country where the Mission is present. Since the beginning of 2025, this specialized unit has intervened in often complex, sometimes dangerous contexts, to fight fires in about twenty major incidents in Kinshasa, Goma, and Bunia. Each time, human lives were at stake. A mission to protect people and their property that it fulfills tirelessly day and night.

Of the twenty-two cases recorded since January 2025, Goma remains the most affected area with 14 interventions. The city experiences a high rate of fires in commercial and residential structures, representing nearly 60% of cases. In Kinshasa, seven interventions were recorded, mainly in government installations and residential neighborhoods, while Bunia recorded one major incident affecting private property. A report that demonstrates the importance of close collaboration between all actors.

The most critical period extended from June to August 2025, marked by a notable increase in the frequency of interventions and the severity of fires. These figures underscore the importance of increased presence and constant vigilance by the anti-fire unit.

Difficult Intervention Conditions

The origins of fires prove to be diverse. The most frequent causes include electrical failures, criminal fires, civil unrest as well as domestic carelessness in homes built mainly of wood, particularly flammable during the dry season.

Teams often have to deal with heavy logistical difficulties. Degraded roads, traffic jams, and security problems in certain neighborhoods considerably slow down interventions. “We face major challenges, notably difficult access to certain neighborhoods, but our commitment remains total,” confides Archille Mwana Zaïre, firefighter based in Goma.

MONUSCO’s anti-fire unit operates with a high level of organization and rigor. Every day, teams prepare meticulously. As attested by Maguy Madede Akan Labi based in Kinshasa, one of the few women in charge of a firefighter team: “I ensure that all personnel are ready and that equipment functions perfectly. We receive alerts from different agencies, embassies and even from the government, which requires great responsiveness.” And she continues, highlighting the difficulty of her work: “Faced with danger, everyone flees, but we firefighters advance. Our task requires compassion and a heart full of humanity.“

In Goma, firefighters can be ready to deploy in less than two minutes. This preparation speed is often hampered by external factors such as road congestion or blocked routes. Despite everything, their determination to save lives does not weaken.

Being a firefighter at MONUSCO is perceived as a noble commitment. “For me, it’s an honor to be a firefighter. We save lives and bring comfort in panic situations. It’s work that requires courage, dedication, and a lot of love for others,” explains Archille Mwana Zaïre with pride.

Strengthened Links with the Local Population

Collaboration between MONUSCO, local civil protection services and communities is an essential aspect of firefighting. In Goma, residents express their gratitude. Bauma Shabade testifies: “When the fire broke out, we immediately alerted MONUSCO. Their rapid arrival and perseverance prevented the fire from spreading throughout the neighborhood, especially in this dry season when wooden houses catch fire easily.” Despite the visible fatigue of firefighters after long hours of intervention, the population shows them sincere support, aware of the risks to which they expose themselves.

While the firefighters’ commitment is total, the reality on the ground remains complex. The lack of water constitutes a major obstacle, particularly in Goma where supply sources are far from intervention zones. “Sometimes, our trucks run out of water during intervention, which endangers fire control and therefore lives,” deplores the head of the anti-fire unit, Manuel Taracena.

Limited personnel and precarious security conditions in certain neighborhoods also complicate interventions. Furthermore, incivility and lack of cooperation from road users can sometimes worsen delays. Manuel Taracena makes an appeal: “Every second lost in traffic jams can cost a life. We ask drivers to give us passage without hesitation.“

MONUSCO firefighters must also sometimes face misunderstandings, even aggressions from certain residents. Wrongly accused of slowness, they must nevertheless remain focused on their mission. Fabien Mwingwa, from the Goma section, reminds: “Our priority is to save lives. We are a united and determined team, even in a difficult context like that of the DRC.“

Despite exhaustion, dangers and constant challenges, these men and women remain united in their mission: saving lives and protecting communities throughout the DRC.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).

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