Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO – Report:

With only a few days to go until the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off, AIPS (www.AIPSMedia.com) finds it unacceptable that many colleagues, who have been duly accredited by FIFA to cover the tournament, are facing varying degrees of US visa challenges. 

AIPS is calling on FIFA to intervene and ensure that the affected media representatives are not wrongfully denied entry into the USA.

On Friday (June 5), the AIPS President Gianni Merlo, on behalf of the AIPS Executive Committee, sent the letter below to Bryan Swanson, the FIFA Director of Media Relations, and Jochen Steinhoff, the FIFA Head of Media Operations & Services.

THE LETTER 

In this difficult time for the entire world, on the eve of the futuristic 2026 FIFA World Cup, we find ourselves facing a long-standing and unacceptable problem for us journalists: the denial of entry visas to regularly accredited colleagues.

There are many cases: Iranian colleagues, African colleagues, some of whom have been given single entries, so if their team goes to play in Canada or Mexico and they follow it, they can no longer return to the States. The cases are countless and, I repeat, unacceptable. Politicians always say that sport unites and builds bridges between young people in countries in conflict, but in this case, we are going in the opposite direction.

We believe it is important to allow colleagues to attend the event and work, because their presence will be crucial to the image of sport and what it represents, especially in a country like the United States of America, where freedom of the press is a must.

I hope FIFA can do everything possible to secure visas. We’re already significantly behind schedule, and many colleagues have already lost the opportunity to use plane tickets booked on time, and they’ll also face significant additional expenses.

Thank you for your attention.

Gianni Merlo 
AIPS President 

– on behalf of International Sports Press Association (AIPS).

Source: APO – Report:

President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Minsk to begin a state visit to the Republic of Belarus.

From the airport where he was received by Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Karankevich and a delegation of senior Belarusian officials, President Mahama visited the Victory Monument to lay a wreath in honour of Belarusian and Soviet Army soldiers who died liberating the country in World War II.

The wreath laying ceremony was witnessed by the Governor of Minsk, Vladimir Kukharev Governor, officials of the Belarusian Foreign Ministry, and Ghana’s Ambassador to Russia, Dr Koma Steem Jehu-Appiah.

President Mahama has also visited an agricultural exhibition, Belagro 2026 in the company of the Deputy Prime Minister. On exhibition are latest agricultural equipment, heavy farming and mining machinery, and other sectors.

He toured the Minsk Tractor Works (MTZ) product lineup, Minskyekspo ZAO displays, Bobruiskagromash fertilizer equipment, and a massive BelAZ-75710 haul truck.

In a brief remark, President Mahama said his visit, at the invitation of the Belarusian President, is timely because it feeds into his government’s vision to revolutionise the agriculture sector by tapping the experience of Belarus.

He praised the quality of the machinery but emphasised that flawless technical support, spare parts availability, and after-sales service are strict prerequisites for final transactions.

– on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

Source: APO – Report:

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The dedication ceremony comes less than two years after President Boakai broke ground for the project on October 11, 2024, demonstrating steady progress in the Government’s efforts to strengthen the country’s energy infrastructure.

The project includes the newly constructed 20-megawatt solar photovoltaic facility and supports plans for the expansion of the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant by 42 megawatts.

Speaking at the dedication ceremony, President Boakai described the solar facility as a major addition to Liberia’s energy infrastructure and a significant step toward increasing access to reliable and affordable electricity across the country.

The President noted that the project supports his Administration’s efforts to expand infrastructure, stimulate economic activity, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for Liberians.
He explained that inadequate and expensive electricity has long hindered economic growth, discouraged investment, and limited the delivery of essential services. He emphasized that reliable electricity is vital for hospitals, schools, businesses, agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and other productive sectors of the economy.

President Boakai also announced that his Administration secured an additional US$57 million in World Bank financing in March 2026 to further strengthen Liberia’s energy sector. The funding will support the expansion of solar generation capacity from 20 to 30 megawatts, the installation of a 12-megawatt battery energy storage system, and additional upgrades at the Mount Coffee facility.

The President disclosed that 22 megawatts of lost generation capacity at Mount Coffee have already been restored and revealed plans to further expand the hydropower facility by an additional 42 megawatts.

Highlighting the broader impact of expanded electricity access, President Boakai said the solar farm represents an investment in economic growth, job creation, improved public safety, and a more resilient future. He added that efforts are underway to strengthen transmission and distribution systems so that more communities across Liberia can benefit from reliable electricity services.
President Boakai further noted that, under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, the Government is investing in energy, roads, ports, digital connectivity, and water systems. He stressed that increased electricity generation is essential for industrialization, value addition, private-sector growth, and the development of a vibrant 24-hour economy capable of creating opportunities for young Liberians.

The project is part of the Regional Emergency Solar Power Intervention (RESPITE), an initiative launched in April 2022 by the World Bank and the Governments of Liberia and Sierra Leone to address electricity shortages and accelerate renewable energy development across West Africa.

– on behalf of Republic of Liberia: Executive Mansion.

Source: APO – Report:

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The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has learned with deep sadness of the passing of H.E. Manuel Domingos Augusto, former Minister of External Relations of the Republic of Angola, distinguished diplomat, and a committed Pan-Africanist.

The AUC Chairperson extends his heartfelt condolences, on behalf of the African Union Commission, to the Government and people of the Republic of Angola, as well as to the bereaved family, friends, and colleagues of the late diplomat.

The African Union joins Angola in mourning this profound loss and pays tribute to H.E. Manuel Domingos Augusto’s enduring legacy of service to his nation and to Africa.

May his soul rest in peace.

– on behalf of African Union (AU).

Source: APO – Report:

The ECOWAS Commission welcomed a group of primary school students to its new headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, on 4 June 2026 as part of an educational excursion aimed at introducing young learners to the work and mandate of the regional organization.The visit featured an interactive session during which the students introduced themselves and shared their future career aspirations. The engagement provided a unique opportunity for the children to learn about regional integration, leadership, and the role of ECOWAS in promoting peace, development, and cooperation across West Africa.

Delivering the opening presentation, Mrs. Kete Gillis-Harry, Head of Career Management and Training, provided the students with an overview of ECOWAS, its institutions, and its twelve Member States. She also engaged the students in an interactive discussion, encouraging them to explore the importance of regional cooperation and civic responsibility.

The students also received a presentation from Mrs. Eucharia Onwuneme of the Library Division, Directorate of Communication, who introduced them to the ECOWAS Library and highlighted its unique resources and services. Following the presentation, the students toured the library, gaining firsthand insight into one of the Commission’s key knowledge and information centres.

The visit concluded on a positive note, with the students expressing appreciation for the opportunity to visit the ECOWAS headquarters and learn more about the organization’s activities. The excursion served as an inspiring educational experience, broadening their understanding of regional institutions and encouraging them to pursue their ambitions with confidence.

– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).