MIL Africa Engine

Source: APO – Report:

.

On 15 October, the third Mine Action Implementing Partners meeting took place at the Ministry of Defense in Tripoli, bringing together 34 participants, including three national and four international mine action NGOs, as well as representatives from the European Union, Italy, Spain, Türkiye, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

Co-chaired by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL)’s Mine Action Programme   and the Libyan Mine Action Centre (LibMAC), the meeting aimed to strengthen coordination among national and international partners working to address explosive contamination and improve the safe management of ammunition across Libya.

The session opened with remarks by Ms. Ulrika Richardson, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Resident Coordinator in Libya, and Brigadier General Mohamed Al-Daeri, representing the Ministry of Defense.

Ms. Richardson underlined the urgent need for stronger collective action to address explosive contamination and strengthen comprehensive victim assistance throughout Libya, underscoring the devasting impact of incidents such as the 31 August explosion in Misrata.

“Each unexploded ordnance or poorly managed ammunition site represents a potential tragedy waiting to happen,” she said. “Our shared responsibility is to prevent these tragedies by working together to build capacity, improve coordination and put safety at the heart of Libya’s recovery and stability.”

Brigadier General Al-Daeri welcomed all participants and reaffirmed the Ministry of Defense’s commitment to supporting and hosting future coordination meetings. He expressed deep appreciation for the continued cooperation between the UN, LibMAC and their national and their partners to enhance safety, security and well-being of communities affected by explosive remnants of war.

The meeting reviewed progress in explosive ordnance clearance and risk-education activities, both of which have significantly contributed to improving the safety and mobility of civilians, including children, across affected areas across Libya.

Brigadier General Khalil Al-Shibli, Director of LibMAC, presented updates on the Centre’s recent activities and emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration and support from both national and international partners to advance mine action operations nationwide. He commended all initiatives contributing to the safe and secure management of ammunition sites, particularly in populated areas. He also shared progress on the development of the Libyan Mine Action Strategy, noting ongoing consultations with the Ministries of Health and Education to ensure the strategy’s inclusiveness and community-focused approach.

Ms. Fatma Zourrig, Chief of the Mine Action Programme, presented key achievements for the third quarter of 2025 and outlined strategic priorities for the coming period. She reiterated the UN’s commitment to supporting Libyan ownership of the mine action sector and enhancing national capacities. She also expressed appreciation to Member States for their continued support and generous contributions to the UN and LibMAC partners, both through multilateral and bilateral cooperation.

Seven NGOs presented updates on their operations from July to September 2025, reporting progress in clearance activities and risk education despite ongoing challenges, including reduced funding, limited access to the eastern region, and the gradual resumption of previously suspended activities.

Participants agreed on the need to improve coordination, enhance visibility and to activate the Victim Assistance pillar to ensure a more comprehensive response to community needs. Discussions also focused on improving coordination with line ministries, particularly those of Health and Education, and on expanding risk-education and clearance activities in emergency and post-incident contexts.

– on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

Source: APO – Report:

.

Specialised Financial Courts will soon be established to deal with infractions in the Auditor General’s Annual Report, the illegal mining (galamsey) menace and other environment-related crimes.

President John Dramani Mahama made the announcement at the end of a meeting with the Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, Attorney General and Minister for Justice Dr Dominic Ayine and the Auditor General Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu.

The meeting recommended that the specialised courts would hold circuit adjudications across the country. In addition, the Auditor General will in line with Article 187(7)(b) of the Constitution continue to “disallow” illegal expenditures and “surcharge” the persons responsible for them.

Present at the meeting were Supreme Court Judge Justice Gabriel Pwamang, Judicial Secretary Musah Ahmed, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, Legal Counsel to the President Marietta Brew, Presidential Advisor Joyce Bawah Mogtari, and the Minister of State for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu.

– on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

Source: APO – Report:

.

President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the Ministry of Transport to facilitate the extension of the railway line from Tema Port to the Dawa Industrial Enclave in the Greater Accra Region.

He says while awaiting the completion of the Mpakadan Inland Port on the Volta Lake, the Tema Port – Dawa Industrial Enclave Railway line project should be executed and operationalised to facilitate the transportation of cargo from the Port to the Dawa Industrial Enclave.

The route he said, when completed will also facilitate the transportation of workers from the Ashaiman enclave to the Industrial Enclave.

The President gave the directive during a meeting with Organized labour led by the Secretary General of the TUC Joshua Ansah to address salary arrears of rail sector workers.

President Mahama said the Minister for Finance will be appraised about the salary issue to make allocations to clear the arrears.

He also disclosed that, based on the recommendations from the transport minister, over a hundred railway workers will be transferred from the Western Region to Tema to manage the Tema-Mpakadan line, while those on retirement will be adequately compensated.

Touching on dismantling old railway tracts, the President directed the transport minister to ensure the project is executed by railway workers. He also instructed that the metals are transported directly to factories for recycling.

The Secretary General of the TUC thanked President Mahama for his proactive and prompt response to issues affecting organised labour.

Present at the meeting were Presidential Adviser and Special Aide to the President Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Minister for Transport Joseph Bukari Nikpe, Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment Dr Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Railway Development Authority, Dr Frederick Appoh.

– on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

Source: APO – Report:

.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) announce the arrival, on 20th October 2025, of their Joint Election Observation Mission to the 25th October 2025 presidential election, in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire. The purpose of the Joint Mission is to observe the electoral campaign, the voting process and counting on election day. The Mission will remain in Côte d’Ivoire until 29th October 2025.

At the invitation of the Ivorian authorities, the President of ECOWAS, H.E. Omar Alieu Touray and the Chairperson of the AU Commission, H.E. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, have deployed a Joint Election Observation Mission to the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire. The Joint Mission is comprised of 251 Short-Term Observers, including 187 from ECOWAS and 66 from the AU, representing the geographic and institutional diversity of the continent. The observers are drawn from 28 African countries comprising experts in election administration, gender, conflict management, security, legal and constitutional issues, and the media.

The Joint Mission is led by H.E. Professor Oluyemi Oluleki Osinbajo, Former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with the support of His Excellency, Baboucar Blaise Jagne, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Gambia, and His Excellency Mahamat Saleh Annadif, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Chad. The mission is further strengthened by the presence of the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, H.E. Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, the Chair of the AU Panel of the Wise, Professor Babacar Kanté, and Ambassador Babacar Carlos Mbaye, member of the ECOWAS Council of the Wise.

The mandate of the Joint Mission is based on various ECOWAS and AU instruments related to democratic elections, as well as international principles governing election observation and monitoring missions.

As part of its mandate, the mission will meet with Ivorian authorities, political stakeholders, electoral management bodies, and various parties and candidates involved in the electoral process of the presidential election.

Following its observations, the Joint Mission will deliver its preliminary statement on 27th October 2025, at the Noom Hotel at 2:00 pm, in Abidjan.

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

Source: APO – Report:

.

The Government of The Gambia, in partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Gambia Red Cross Society, has officially signed a Project Cooperation Agreement on the 17th of October, 2025 in Banjul, The Gambia, to launch a humanitarian initiative aimed at supporting Persons of Concern, including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Refugees, Returnees, Stateless Persons, Asylum Seekers and their host communities.

The agreement was signed by key national stakeholders including the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, the Gambia Refugee Commission, the National Nutrition Agency (NaNA), and the Gambia Red Cross Society. This collaborative effort marks a significant milestone in The Gambia’s commitment to inclusive humanitarian response and regional solidarity.

Funded by the ECOWAS Humanitarian Department, the six-month project is valued at US$699,425.09 is expected to benefit over 2,100 vulnerable individuals across all seven regions of The Gambia. The initiative will deliver life-saving assistance and sustainable livelihood support to those most in need.

Under the agreement, the Gambia Red Cross Society will serve as the lead implementing agency, working closely with NaNA, the Gambia Refugee Commission, and the Ministry of Trade to ensure effective delivery of services. Key interventions include: Cash assistance to vulnerable households, construction of solar-powered boreholes to improve access to clean water and the establishment of community gardens in Foni to enhance food security and resilience.

Beyond immediate relief, the project aims to foster long-term social cohesion and gender equity through:Community engagement platforms, protection training for local authorities and promotion of peaceful coexistence between refugees and host communities.

This initiative reflects a shared commitment to uphold human rights, dignity, and security for all individuals affected by displacement and crisis. It also reinforces ECOWAS’s regional mandate to support member states in addressing humanitarian challenges through coordinated and inclusive action.

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

Source: APO

.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Zimbabwe hosted a courtesy call by the World Food Forum (WFF) Zimbabwe Youth Chapter, reaffirming FAO’s commitment to empowering young people as key actors in transforming agrifood systems.

The meeting brought together youth leaders, entrepreneurs, and FAO officials to discuss collaboration in advancing innovation, leadership, and policy advocacy for sustainable food systems.

Hosted by FAO, the World Food Forum is a global network launched in 2021 to mobilize action for a better food future. The Zimbabwe Chapter engages young people across provinces to drive national efforts toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through innovation, inclusion, and entrepreneurship.

“FAO is here to help the youth,” said Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and Representative in Zimbabwe. “The future of agriculture is in the hands of young people. While many face challenges such as access to finance and land, through platforms like the World Food Forum we are working together to build opportunities and nurture a global movement for food.”

Representing the FAO Office of Youth and Women in Rome, Sabin Lamichhane, Local Youth Action Specialist, emphasized the importance of youth-led partnerships. “The World Food Forum is building bridges between youth and institutions,” he said. “We are pioneering social partnerships that empower young people across Africa to lead change in agrifood systems through innovation, financing, and collaboration.”

From the youth side, Cinderella Ndlovu, National Leader of the WFF Zimbabwe Chapter, reaffirmed the chapter’s mission to mobilize young people from all walks of life. “Our generation carries the responsibility to reshape the future of food,” she said. “Through collaboration with FAO, we are building a platform where youth voices influence policy, drive innovation, and inspire action in every province.”

Sharing his journey, Bhoko Desmond, a young entrepreneur from Chimanimani and member of the WFF Zimbabwe Provincial Committee, reflected on how FAO’s support helped shape his enterprise.

“Through the FAO Green Jobs Project, I received funding and mentorship that enabled me to start Kopa Green Ventures, a solar energy and agribusiness company,” he said. “By linking renewable energy with farming and agrifood processing, we are proving that young people can build green, resilient, and profitable livelihoods.”

Tafadzwa Manyanye, representing the Masvingo Province WFF youths, also shared an inspiring story of his youth-led agribusiness, FoodWealth. Together with a small team, he launched the initiative to help smallholder farmers reduce post-harvest losses by providing mobile grain shelling, grading, and packaging services.

“With just one 20-horsepower diesel shelling machine, our small team has shown how innovation and collaboration can strengthen local agrifood systems and create opportunities for other young people,” said Tafadzwa Manyanye.

The engagement reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with youth-led networks under the World Food Forum, ensuring that young Zimbabweans continue to shape the future of sustainable and resilient agrifood systems.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

Source: APO

.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Subregional Office for Southern Africa (FAO SFS), hosted in Harare, Zimbabwe, joined the global FAO family in commemorating the Organization’s 80th anniversary. Staff members gathered in solidarity, donning navy blue “FAO 80” shirts to mark this historic milestone, reflecting on eight decades of commitment to ending hunger and transforming agrifood systems.

“The journey of eighty years has been one filled with dedication towards achieving food security and sustainable agriculture. Our subregional office remains committed to supporting our member states through strategic initiatives and technical expertise. As we look ahead, we are focused on deepening partnerships, embracing innovation, and accelerating action to transform agrifood systems for future generations,” Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa.

Over the years, FAO SFS has played a pivotal role in advancing FAO’s mandate across the region. As a strategic coordination hub, the office supports SADC Member States in implementing programmes that promote sustainable agriculture, food security, and natural resource management. It houses lead technical officers who provide direct support to country offices, driving FAO’s technical agenda through evidence-based solutions, capacity building, and regional policy alignment.

“This milestone not only marks our achievements but also reinforces our commitment to addressing plant protection and health challenges across the region. We look forward to continuing our work with renewed vigour,” Mathew Abang, Lead Technical Officer, Coordinating Unit for Plant Protection and Health.

The celebration coincided with the recently held World Food Day, observed globally and at FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy. This alignment offered a powerful moment of reflection, not only on FAO’s legacy over the past 80 years but also on its evolving role in addressing today’s food system challenges.

World Food Day 2025 celebrated last week and annually on 16 October focused on building resilient agrifood systems and ensuring access to nutritious food for all, themes that resonate deeply with the work of the Subregional Office. The timing of the anniversary celebrations reinforced FAO’s continued relevance and its commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability in the face of climate change, conflict, and economic uncertainty.

“Celebrating 80 years reminds us how far we have come in pest management practices while highlighting areas where we need further innovation,” Ivy Saunyama, Lead Technical Officer, Pest and Pesticide Management in the subregional office.

To further mark this milestone, the subregional office will host a Family & Wellness Day, dubbed “Fit@80” at the end of the month. This event will feature a series of engaging activities, including participation from stakeholders and partners to demonstrate solidarity and FAO’s commitment to strategic partnerships for effective and sustainable programme delivery. The celebrations will also include Staff Recognition and Sporting Awards, aimed at appreciating the dedication and contributions of FAO personnel in driving sustainable agrifood systems transformation.

“This milestone is not just about institutional achievement, it’s about the people behind the vision of FAO. Recognizing staff and their families during this celebration is a testament to the dedication, resilience, and passion that drive FAO’s work every day,” said Wilbert Mbiza, Human Resources Officer, FAO Subregional Office for Southern Africa.

Founded in 1945 alongside the United Nations, FAO has been instrumental in advancing the UN’s mandate, promoting peace, prosperity, and sustainable development through the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

Happy 80 years @ FAO! 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

Source: APO – Report:

.

The Ad Hoc Committee to Investigate Allegations made by SAPS KwaZulu-Natal provincial head Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is scheduled to meet tomorrow to continue to hear from Minister Senzo Mchunu’s main submission.

The meeting will be in Parliament and will be 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: Tuesday, 21 October 2025
Time: 9:00
Venue: Committee Room M46, Ground Floor, Marks 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 cellphone numbers to Mlindi Mpindi on email mmpindi@parliament.gov.za for inclusion in the Parliamentary Communications Services WhatsApp Group, where such information is shared. Journalists must send these requests using their official email addresses (no private emails).

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

– on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.