Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO

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H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, welcomes the significant step taken by H.E. Dr. Mohamed Younis El-Menfi, President of the Presidential Council of the State of Libya, regarding the signing of the Charter for Peace and National Reconciliation in Tripoli on January 7, 2025. Furthermore, He expresses his profound appreciation for this commitment, which serves the interests of the peace and national reconciliation process in Libya.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission views this act as a decisive step toward achieving lasting peace in Libya. Furthermore, He calls on all Libyan parties to demonstrate full commitment and to engage constructively and in good faith, in a spirit of responsibility, dialogue, and tolerance, so as to ensure that the national interest prevails over all other considerations.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission reiterates his full solidarity with and strong support for Libya and its people, reaffirming the African Union’s determination to continue its tireless efforts toward achieving lasting peace in the country.

In this regard, He reaffirms the supreme priority and steadfast commitment of the African Union to the implementation of the Charter for Peace and National Reconciliation, signed in Addis Ababa in February 2025 under its auspices, while renewing the AU full support for the new UN roadmap in Libya.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Mr. Nuur Mohamud Sheekh I Spokesperson of the Chairperson I African Union Commission I Email: SheekhN@AfricanUnion.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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

Source: APO

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The Ad Hoc Committee established to investigate allegations made by the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, is scheduled to hear oral submissions from Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo, the head of crime intelligence, tomorrow.

The meeting will be in Parliament and live streamed on YouTube. Documents for the committee can be found on: https://www.parliament.gov.za/ad-hoc-committee-gen-mkhwanazis-allegations

Details of the meeting are as follows:
Date: Thursday, 15 January 2026
Time: 11:00
Venue: Good Hope Chamber, Ground Floor, Good Hope Building, Parliament

Parliamentary committees are open to the media and the public. Journalists wishing to cover these meetings (including receiving links to virtual meetings) should send their cell phone numbers to Mlindi Mpindi at mmpindi@parliament.gov.za for inclusion in the Parliamentary Communications Services WhatsApp Group, where such information is shared. Journalists must send these requests from their official email addresses (no private email addresses).

Members of the public may follow sittings live on Parliament TV (DStv Channel 408), via live stream on the Parliament YouTube channel and Twitter page, using the links below. You may subscribe to the Parliament YouTube channel to receive instant notification of live feeds.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ParliamentofRSA
Facebook: https://facebook.com/ParliamentofRSA
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ParliamentofRSA

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES. 

For Media Enquiries:
Name: Rajaa Azzakani (Ms)
Tel: 021 403 8437
Cell: 081 703 9542
E-mail: razzakani@parliament.gov.za
 

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

Source: APO

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Ugandan authorities should immediately restore internet access and refrain from imposing blanket shutdowns that undermine fundamental rights and threaten election integrity, Human Rights Watch said today.

“Uganda’s constitution and international human rights obligations guarantee access to information and freedom of expression, rights that are especially critical to protect during election periods,” said Tomiwa Ilori, senior technology, rights and investigations researcher at Human Rights Watch. “Immediate restoration of full connectivity, together with clear commitments against future shutdowns, is essential to safeguard transparency and the integrity of the vote in Uganda.”

On January 13, 2026, Uganda’s telecommunications regulator, the Uganda Communications Commission, ordered all mobile network operators and internet service providers to suspend public internet access nationwide starting at 6 p.m., two days before the general elections. The directive cited concerns about “online misinformation,” “electoral fraud,” and “preventing … incitement of violence that could affect public confidence and national security during the election period.”

The directive blocked social media platforms, web browsing, video streaming, personal email services, messaging applications, and most online services, leaving only a narrow list for critical services such as hospital systems, banking networks, tax platforms, utilities, and the electoral commission portal. It also halted SIM card sales and disabled outbound data roaming to One Network Area countries.

Multiple network measurement sources, including Cloudflare Radar and Internet Outage Detection Analysis, have confirmed a drop in internet traffic in Uganda.

The internet shutdown is part of a broader crackdown on rights. The government, on January 12, ordered at least 10 non-governmental organizations to immediately cease their operations indefinitely, and on December 30, 2025, arrested a prominent human rights activist and critic, Sarah Bireete.

This move follows a troubling pattern of election-related internet shutdowns in 2016 and 2021 by Ugandan authorities, blocking access to information and undermining transparency and public confidence in the electoral process.

Previous shutdowns in Uganda, including a five-day internet blackout during the 2021 elections, led to a ban on Facebook, which is still in effect. Previous shutdowns are estimated to have caused billions of Ugandan shillings in economic losses that harm livelihoods, particularly small businesses and informal traders who rely on the internet for survival.

Ugandan authorities have disregarded repeated calls from international and regional bodies to end this practice.

Blanket internet shutdowns during elections severely restrict communication and access to information at a critical moment for democracy, obstruct election monitoring, and silence the electorates’ voices. They fail the tests of legality, necessity, and proportionality and “can never be justified,” according to international human rights law.

These shutdowns also violate the provisions of article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa also provides that states shall not interfere with an individual’s right to internet access.

Ugandan authorities should restore internet access immediately and commit to refraining from future disruptions in line with Uganda’s Constitution and international human rights obligations, Human Rights Watch said. The authorities should ensure transparency and accountability during the electoral process, including protection for journalists, election observers, and human rights defenders.

Telecommunications companies should respect human rights and align their practices with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. They should do everything within their power to push back against unjustified internet shutdowns, including demanding a legal basis for any shutdown order and interpreting requests to cause the least intrusive restrictions.

“Ugandan authorities’ repeated internet shutdowns during elections blatantly violate human rights,” Ilori said. “Uganda’s international partners, including the African Union and East African Community, should urge compliance with human rights standards and support independent monitoring during and after the election period.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).

Source: APO

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On January 12, 2026, days before Uganda’s national elections on January 15, the National Bureau for Non-Governmental Organizations ordered at least 10 nongovernmental organizations to immediately cease their operations indefinitely. The suspended organizations include human rights, media, and election monitoring organizations. 

The bureau stated it is “in receipt of intelligence information” that the groups are “engaged in activities that are prejudicial to the law of Uganda” and that it is conducting investigations. It did not provide any further information. 

The following statement can be attributed to Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz, deputy Africa director at Human Rights Watch:

“The indefinite suspension on vague, unsubstantiated grounds of organizations whose work promotes civil and political rights, is further evidence of Uganda’s disregard for free speech and freedom of association. The government should immediately revoke these suspensions.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).

Source: APO – Report:

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The Eritrean community in the United Arab Emirates conducted its annual festival from 9 to 11 January in Dubai under the theme “Our Cohesion – Our Armour.”

The festival, in which Mr. Mohammed Mahmud Selim, head of the Eritrean Consulate General Office in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, and Mr. Tesfu Gebretensae, head of Public and Community Affairs, took part, was conducted with strong participation of nationals.

Mr. Omar Mahmud, chairman of the Eritrean community in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, underlining that Eritrean festivals attest to the national unity and cohesion of the Eritrean people, called for reinforced participation.

Mr. Alamin Ali, chairman of the Eritrean community in Abu Dhabi, on his part urged nationals in general and parents in particular to recognize the significance of festivals in transferring noble societal values to the younger generation and to play their due part in ensuring their sustainability.

The festival featured a photo exhibition focusing on the history of the armed struggle for independence, national development programs, culture and way of life of the Eritrean people, tourism attractions, heritage and resources, as well as activities of the Eritrean community in the United Arab Emirates, in addition to cultural and artistic programs.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO

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The United States Embassy in Abuja has officially reopened the American Center at the Embassy Chancery with a ceremony celebrating American excellence and creativity, and for the reciprocal benefit of the United States and Nigeria. The newly redesigned American Center features modernized spaces and enhanced technology aimed at expanding educational, cultural, and professional opportunities for Nigerians of all ages, with the goal of providing information about the United States; English language teaching and learning; educational advising for study at U.S. institutions; American cultural programs; networking with U.S. exchange program alumni; and professional skills building.  

Speaking at the ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Richard M. Mills, Jr. emphasized the role of the American Center and American Spaces more broadly in fostering opportunity and connection. 

“Today, we are proud to reopen the American Center as a space that celebrates American excellence in arts and reflects the values that define our nation. American Spaces have become trusted venues for young people seeking opportunities to learn about the United States, improve their English, and develop professional skills.  They offer a welcoming environment where students, entrepreneurs, and community leaders can connect, collaborate, and innovate.”    He added that “Through educational advising, entrepreneurship training, and digital literacy programs, American Spaces equip Nigerians with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing global economy.” 

The newly redesigned center features murals which are a series of large public artworks that celebrate American history, culture, and shared values. Created by skilled artists, murals often highlight themes such as freedom, innovation, and community. Through bold imagery and symbolic scenes, the murals are meant to educate, inspire, and reflect the experiences and ideals that have shaped the United States.

“The individuals depicted on this mural embody the values of hard work, determination, and perseverance.  These are hallmarks of American achievement, but they are also qualities we see every day in Nigerian youth.” Ambassador Mills added.

Also speaking during the reopening ceremony, Country Public Diplomacy Counselor, Lee McManis stated that the revitalized space joins twenty-nine other American Spaces across Nigeria, serving as vibrant hubs for cultural exchanges and learning.

“We are thrilled to reopen the American Center here at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja. This revitalized space joins 29 other American Spaces across Nigeria, serving as vibrant hubs for celebrating U.S. leadership in innovation and learning. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the center will foster meaningful connections and provide new opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing. 

McManis said “American Spaces are at the heart of our commitment to bridge building,” adding that “These Spaces offer a welcoming environment where people can access reliable information, develop new skills, and engage in open dialogue. By fostering connections and supporting lifelong learning, American Spaces empower individuals and strengthen the bonds between our nations.” 

As the American Center reopens its doors to the public, the Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to resources and program that strengthen bilateral ties. American Spaces support U.S. interests, foster a greater understanding of the United States, and offer opportunities for the United States to connect with aspiring leaders.  The reopening ceremony welcomed guests both in- person and virtually, including participants from all American Spaces across Nigeria.

For more information about American Spaces and upcoming programs, please visit the U.S. Embassy website and follow Embassy social media platforms.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria.

Source: APO

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On 13 January, at the African Union City, President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi met with the Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG a.i.), Vivian van de Perre. Discussions focused on the deteriorating security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and its humanitarian consequences, particularly the impact on civilians.

The SRSG a.i. underscored the urgent need to enforce an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, in line with Security Council resolution 2773 (2025).

She reiterated the United Nations’ commitment to supporting the DRC, while fully respecting its sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and to backing regional peace efforts aimed at achieving a sustainable resolution.

The meeting followed the adoption of Security Council resolution 2808 (2025), which renews MONUSCO’s mandate and sets new priorities, including protecting civilians, supporting the implementation of resolution 2773 (2025), and assisting stabilization and the strengthening of State institutions in the DRC.

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