Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO – Report:

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The World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a contribution of over US$625,000 (approximately BIF two billion) from the Government of Japan to provide life-saving food assistance for refugees fleeing the recent violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Burundians returning from refugee camps in Tanzania.

In December, Burundi received 85,000 refugees fleeing renewed violence and insecurity in eastern DRC. WFP has rapidly scaled up assistance to provide hot meals and dry foods for 80,000 new arrivals. With the latest influx, WFP is now supporting double the number of refugees with the same resources.

“The generous support from the Government and people of Japan comes at a critical moment for families fleeing violence and insecurity as well as for those returning from exile with almost nothing. This contribution enables WFP, in close collaboration with the Government of Burundi, to deliver food assistance that saves lives and protects dignity during this emergency,” said Jean-Noel Gentile, WFP’s Country Director in Burundi.

With up to 93,000 returnees also expected from Tanzanian refugee camps by mid-2026 due to planned closures, pressure on WFP’s limited resources has further intensified. Currently, around 1,500 returnees are arriving in Burundi each week, and estimates indicate this could rise to 3,000 per week. 

“The Embassy of Japan is honoured to support the urgent food needs of refugees from DRC and returnees from Tanzania. Japan’s humanitarian assistance is based on the philosophy of Human Security – highlighting human-centred cooperation, dignity, and solidarity,” said Mr. Kazuya Nakajo, Ambassador of Japan to Burundi.

The Government of Japan has been a major contributor to WFP in Burundi, providing US$16 million to humanitarian operations since 2016. This contribution is part of a US$1 million allocation from the Government of Japan for WFP and UN Women to support refugees from DRC and returnees from Tanzania. 

– on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).

Source: APO

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The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Dr. Patrick Herminie, has conveyed his deepest condolences to H.E. Mr. Guy Bernard Parmelin, President of the Swiss Confederation, following a tragic fire that occurred in the Swiss resort town of Crans -Montana on New Year’s Eve.

In his message to President Parmelin, President Herminie stated:

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives caused by a fire on New Year’s Eve in the Swiss resort town of Crans -Montana. 

On behalf of the Government and People of the Republic of Seychelles and in my own name, I extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, and to the People and Government of Switzerland.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragedy.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Republic of Seychelles.

Source: APO

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The Government of Liberia has taken a key step towards implementing the 2024 amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) following the signing of a national declaration of commitment after a three-day national technical workshop held in Monrovia from 15–17 December 2025, with support from World Health Organization (WHO).

The workshop brought together 80 multisectoral experts from government institutions, partner organizations, academia and civil society to review the amended regulations and agree on national steps for domestication. The process concluded with the signing and endorsement of a national declaration outlining Liberia’s commitment to implementing the amended International Health Regulations.

During the policy and domestication session on 18 December 2025, Dr Sia Wata Camanor, Chair of the One Health Technical Committee and Acting Director-General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), presented the agreed steps for domestication, including institutional arrangements and an implementation roadmap. These were formally endorsed by senior ministers and signed by His Excellency Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Vice President of the Republic of Liberia.

In his closing remarks, Vice President Koung, who also serves as Chair of the One Health Steering Committee, expressed appreciation for WHO’s continued support and emphasized the importance of preparedness and coordinated leadership in addressing public health threats.

“Public health threats do not respect borders.Therefore, preparedness, coordination and decisive leadership are essential to protecting lives and development,” he said.

He noted that reaffirming Liberia’s commitment to the International Health Regulations (2005), as amended in 2024, reflects national ownership of health security responsibilities and lessons learned from past and ongoing public health emergencies.

The vice president highlighted the designation of the Ministry of Health as the National International Health Regulations Authority and NPHIL as the National International Health Regulations focal point, noting that this clarification strengthens accountability and enables timely, high-level decision-making.

“This declaration reflects Liberia’s resolve to align national laws and preparedness plans with the amended Regulations, strengthen multisectoral coordination through a One Health approach, and invest in surveillance, laboratory systems, workforce capacity and sustainable domestic financing,” he said.

Vice President Koung also underscored Liberia’s decision not to opt out of the 2024 amendments, reaffirming the country’s commitment to solidarity, transparency and shared responsibility, while ensuring that implementation remains guided by constitutional processes, national priorities and sovereign interests.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr Olushayo Oluseun Olu, WHO Representative to Liberia, commended the country’s resilience in responding to recent health emergencies, including COVID-19, mpox and other emerging public health threats.

“The amendments adopted by the World Health Assembly were shaped by the real experiences of countries, including Liberia, over the past two decades,” Dr Olu said. “They respond to the need for clearer national authority, stronger coordination across government and faster, more decisive action when public health threats emerge.”

He added that Liberia’s commitment to domesticating the amended International Health Regulations and strengthening coordination through a One Health approach demonstrates strong national ownership of its health security agenda.

Speaking on behalf of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Dr Musa Abdullahi, Acting Country Director, said the key areas of the 2024 amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) are aligned with Africa CDC’s continental priorities.

“Africa CDC will support Liberia in strengthening its core capacities for preparedness and response,” Dr Abdullahi said.

Other speakers at the event included representatives from the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Education, the Civil Service Agency, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, as well as development partners, academia, civil society organizations and the media.

The International Health Regulations (2005), revised in 2024, are a legally binding global framework that guides 196 countries to prevent, detect and respond to public health risks that may spread internationally, while avoiding unnecessary interference with international travel and trade.

WHO continues to support Liberia through legal, policy and operational assistance, capacity-building and multisectoral collaboration. The amended International Health Regulations provide an opportunity for Liberia to strengthen disease surveillance, modernize emergency response systems, reinforce laboratory networks and advance implementation of the National Action Plan for Health Security, in line with national priorities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization – Liberia.

Source: APO

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the new cohort of the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) for the 2026–2030 tenure, in terms of the Climate Change Act, 2024 (Act No 22 of 2024). 

Following due consideration of all submitted nominations, President Ramaphosa has appointed a total of twenty five(25)  commissioners who are representative of broader sections of South African society including business, labour, civil society, traditional leadership, youth and South African Local Government Association as the new commission

The commissioners bring in diverse experience and  relevant experience in climate change, environmental policy, sustainable development, economic development, energy, social justice and were appointed with a strong consideration to achieving diversity in gender, age, geographic spread and background in line with national transformation goals and procedural justice principles.

The appointments are a culmination of a public nomination process, which was initiated in August this year in accordance with Section 10(4)(a) of the Climate Change Act. 

The initial establishment of the PCC was an outcome of the 2018 Presidential Jobs Summit, where social partners agreed to create a multi-stakeholder body to coordinate and oversee South Africa’s just transition to a low-carbon, inclusive and climate-resilient economy and society.

President Ramaphosa has reiterated his appreciation for the outgoing commissioners on their leadership and achievements over the first five years and commends their role in shaping domestic climate policy, fostering inclusive national dialogue, and amplifying South Africa’s Climate Diplomacy. 

The President calls on the new commissioners to individually and collectively continue to fulfil their role and mandate of providing independent, evidence-based advice; facilitate inclusive dialogue in the pursuit of a consensus to address South Africa’s complex climate and development agenda and to put into practice, the country’s just transition framework.

The President will announce the Deputy Chairperson at the first Meeting of the Commission in 2026 and further outline high-level priorities for the Commission for the next five years.  

Herewith is the list of the appointed commissioners.

1. Dr Phindile Masangane
2. Dr Ntombifuthi Nxumalo
3. Ms Ndiambani Magadagela
4. Ms Shaamela Soobramoney
5. Dr Sarushen Pillay
6. Ms Catherine Constantinides
7. Ms Tracy-Lynn Field
8. Ms Khungeka Njobe
9. Ms Zaynab Sadan
10. Dr Dipak Patel
11. Dr Zwanani Titus Mathe
12. Cllr. Kenalemang Phukuntsi
13. Cllr Dr Nasiphi Moya
14. Dr Moegamad Riedwaan Gallant
15. Mr Cecil Monnanyana Mahlangu
16. Queen Neo Mononelo Mopeli 
17. Ms Thandile Zonke
18. Mr Errol Andile Mlambo
19. Prof Imraan Valodia
20. Prof Azwihangwisi Edward Nesamvuni
21. Ms Joanne Yawitch
22. Ms Boitumelo Molete
23. Mr Brandin Abdinor
24. Mr Waheed Hoosen
25. Ms Shamini Harrington

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Source: APO

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the loss of life resulting from a devastating fire in the Swiss town of Crans-Montana in Switzerland on New Year’s Day, 1 January 2026.

On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of South Africa, President Ramaphosa conveys heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, as well as to the people and Government of the Swiss Confederation during this time of profound grief.

“South Africans stand in solidarity with the people of Switzerland as they mourn this tragic loss of life. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families and all those affected by this heartbreaking incident,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa also extended words of support to the emergency services and first responders who acted with courage and dedication in the face of this tragedy, and expressed confidence that the Swiss people will draw strength from their unity and resilience in this difficult moment.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Source: APO

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The executive committee of the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers conducted an activity assessment meeting of 2025 and held discussions on the plan of action for 2026 in Asmara on 29 and 30 December.

The meeting conducted extensive discussions on the reports presented, focusing on labor relations; foreign relations; administration and finance; human resources development; women and youth workers; as well as public relations. The meeting also discussed the action plan for 2026.

According to the reports presented, the number of new employment opportunities increased by 18%; training programs were organized with a view to enhancing the capacity of workers and productivity; seminars focusing on safety and health were conducted; commendable initiatives were undertaken to develop relations with international organizations as well as newly established professional associations; and vocational training in seven fields was provided to 150 workers at the Massawa Workers’ Vocational Training Center.

The reports also indicated that special attention was provided to workers across the regions of the country, and encouraging activities were conducted to enhance the capacity of women workers.

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

Source: APO

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Three months of theoretical and practical vocational training has been provided to 220 youth in Central sub-zone of the Central Region.

Mr. Sened Michael, head of the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students branch in the sub-zone, said that 129 youth were provided training in first aid, 54 in beauty salon skills, and 39 in computer technology.

Noting that the training program was part of the effort exerted by the union branch to enhance the overall capacity of youth, Mr. Yohannes Berhane, head of projects of the union branch in the Central Region, called on the trainees to practically apply the knowledge they gained from the training.

The administrator of the sub-zone, Ms. Hiwet Mogos, on her part, indicating the significance of the training in enhancing the capacity of youth, called on the trainees to apply the knowledge they gained in improving their livelihoods.

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

Source: APO

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, has announced the signing of key financing agreements for the Lobito Atlantic Railway Project in Angola. AFC alongside Eaglestone, acted as Co-Financial Adviser, to Lobito Atlantic Railway S.A. (LAR), the Borrower and Concessionaire of the 1,300-kilometre brownfield railway corridor.

This transformational transport infrastructure initiative is backed by leading sponsors including Mota-Engil, a multinational engineering and construction group with a strong presence across Africa; Trafigura, one of the world’s leading independent commodities trading and logistics companies, and Vecturis, an international rail operator with extensive experience in freight rail concessions, mobilising world-class technical, operational and commercial expertise to ensure the long-term success of the corridor.

The signing of the US$753 million financing package- consisting of US$553 million from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and US$200 million from the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA),  marks a major milestone for the Lobito Atlantic Railway, a flagship regional infrastructure project that will rehabilitate, upgrade and operate the 1,300-kilometer brownfield rail line connecting the Port of Lobito on Angola’s Atlantic coast to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) border, strengthening regional integration and improving access to global markets.

Beyond its trade and logistics benefits, the project is expected to deliver substantial development impact, including job creation during construction and operation, skills development, improved safety standards, and long-term economic opportunities for communities along the corridor. The financing package is expected to increase Lobito’s transportation capacity ten-fold to approximately 4.6 million metric tonnes per annum and to reduce the cost of transporting critical minerals by an estimated 30 percent.

“The signing of the financing agreements for the Lobito Atlantic Railway demonstrates the strength of AFC’s financial advisory expertise in structuring and advancing complex, cross-border infrastructure transactions of strategic significance. This initiative aligns with AFC’s broader development efforts to deliver a transformational transport corridor linking Angola, the DRC, and the wider Southern Africa region, reinforcing the critical role of integrated rail and port infrastructure in unlocking regional trade, industrial growth and supply-chain resilience”, said Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of Africa Finance Corporation. The Lobito Corridor is also of particular importance for Angola, one of AFC’s valued member countries and shareholders, reaffirming our long-standing commitment to supporting the country’s infrastructure development and economic priorities”, he added.

Nuno Gil, Founding Partner of Eaglestone, said: “We are delighted to have advised LAR in this landmark transport infrastructure transaction that is a key milestone to unlock regional trade and boost economic activity along the Lobito Corridor. The Eaglestone (http://apo-opa.co/49hIMqp) team can be proud in once again delivering world-class services within the project finance advisory industry in Southern Africa.”

Manuel Mota, Deputy CEO of Mota-Engil, said: “The signing with DFC, DBSA, and the Government of Angola marks the culmination of long-term collaboration, together with our partner, Trafigura, to advance the Lobito Corridor. This strategic agreement will expand transport capacity, reduce transit costs, and open access to the mineral-rich regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia. Mota-Engil’s participation underscores its commitment to deliver an infrastructure that supports Angola’s national priorities, economic diversification, and regional connectivity. This strategic financing not only enables further investment in the project but also reinforces confidence in Angola’s institutional capacity to attract interest for world-class infrastructure initiatives. We appreciate the expert advisory support from Eaglestone and AFC, whose guidance was instrumental in structuring this financing.”

Richard Holtum, CEO of Trafigura, said: “We are pleased that Lobito Atlantic Railway has secured financing from DFC and DBSA to further advance the rehabilitation and operation of the line in Angola. As a shareholder of LAR, we see the railway as a key domestic and regional asset that will drive economic development and support the movement of critical metals to global markets.”

AFC and Angola have forged a strong and mutually beneficial partnership over the years, strengthened by Angola’s accession as an AFC member state in 2022 and its progression to shareholder status in 2025. Today, AFC is deepening its footprint in the country through a growing portfolio of advisory and investment engagements across infrastructure, energy and industrial sectors, including AFC’s complementary greenfield railway project connecting to Angola.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

Media Enquires:
Yewande Thorpe
Communications
Africa Finance Corporation
Mobile: +234 1 279 9654
Email: yewande.thorpe@africafc.org

About AFC:
AFC was established in 2007 to be the catalyst for pragmatic infrastructure and industrial investments across Africa. AFC’s approach combines specialist industry expertise with a focus on financial and technical advisory, project structuring, project development, and risk capital to address Africa’s infrastructure development needs and drive sustainable economic growth.

Eighteen years on, AFC has developed a track record as the partner of choice in Africa for investing and delivering on instrumental, high-quality infrastructure assets that provide essential services in the core infrastructure sectors of power, natural resources, heavy industry, transport, and telecommunications. AFC has 47 member countries and has invested over US$17 billion in 36 African countries since its inception.

www.AfricaFC.org