MIL Africa Engine

Source: APO

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of Mr Nicholas “Fink” Haysom, human rights lawyer, former Chief Legal Advisor to President Nelson Mandela and United Nations representative in diverse roles.

President Ramaphosa extends his condolences to Mr Haysom’s family and friends, his former colleagues in The Presidency and government more broadly, as well as his associates on the continent and colleagues in the United Nations. Mr Haysom has passed away at the age of 73.

Mr Haysom served as chief legal and constitutional advisor to President Mandela from 1994 to 1999.

He chaired a committee that negotiated constitutional principles in the Burundi Peace Process under President Mandela.

He was a mediator and advisor in the Sudan Peace Process and served the United Nations in different roles, including as Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Afghanistan, Somalia, and South Sudan. He also headed the UN Mission in Iraq.

President Ramaphosa said: “Today we mourn a distinguished diplomat and a pioneer of our democratic administration whose commitment to justice and peace made our country, our continent and the world a better place.

“I remember him for applying his legal acumen, mentorship, wisdom and integrity to the development of our Constitution – attributes that underscored his role in peace-making on our continent and in other world regions.

“As we commemorate Human Rights Month, we pay tribute for Fink for his dedication to human rights and the dignity of all people in all the parts of the world where his guidance was deeply respected and sought-after.

“We reflect on the rich breadth of his life of law, scholarship and creativity, which established him as a writer and, in 1987, as South African Playwright of the Year.

“We are obligated to honour his contribution to our nation and the international community by upholding the fundamental rights and maintaining the peace he advocated so passionately and eloquently.”

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

Source: APO

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The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, extends his warmest congratulations to the Government and people of the Republic of Tunisia on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of their independence.

This momentous day serves as an opportunity to honour the courage and sacrifices of the Tunisian people in their historic struggle for freedom and sovereignty, and to celebrate the nation’s remarkable achievements since independence. Tunisia continues to play a vital role in advancing African solidarity, peacekeeping, and regional integration — in full alignment with the ideals of Pan-Africanism and the vision of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want.

The African Union commends Tunisia’s steadfast commitment to the principles of unity, democracy, and sustainable development, as well as its active contributions to regional stability and continental initiatives. The celebration of Tunisia’s Independence Day is not only a proud national milestone but also a reaffirmation of Africa’s collective aspiration for peace, prosperity, and shared progress.

May Tunisia continue to stand as a beacon of resilience, unity, and hope — inspiring the continent as we work together toward a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated Africa.
Happy Independence Day!

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

Source: APO

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The United Arab Emirates has condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack targeting the city of Maiduguri in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of dozens of people.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) affirmed that the UAE expresses its strong denunciation of these criminal acts, reiterating its permanent rejection of all forms of violence, extremism, and terrorism aimed at undermining security and stability.

The Ministry expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of Nigeria, over this heinous attack, wishing a speedy recovery to all those injured.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Source: APO

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The Ministry of Education organized a workshop focusing on refining and enhancing guidelines for evaluating students’ academic performance, promotion to the next level, and support for weaker students. The workshop was conducted in Dekemhare city from 16 to 18 March.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Halima Mohammed, Minister of Education, said that ensuring students’ competence is the highest priority.

Dr. Halima further noted that efforts have been exerted to introduce new teaching methodologies and evaluation mechanisms based on research. She also said that there is a program to review the guidelines on evaluating students’ academic performance and promotion to the next level, adding that the workshop was aimed at conducting thorough discussions before the guidelines are implemented.

Evaluation of students’ academic performance includes the knowledge students have gained, the capacity they have developed, as well as the results they have registered, including the modalities for promotion and failure to pass to the next level. The Evaluation and National Examination branch, through collecting relevant information from implementing institutions and experts, will revise the guidelines and finalize them.

The participants conducted extensive discussions on the issues raised at the workshop and adopted various recommendations.

Dr. Halima also called on the participants to strengthen their participation in the implementation of the guidelines.

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

Source: APO – Report:

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Maternal deaths annually recorded at Kawempe National Referral Hospital have been slashed over the past three years from 200 to 60, Members of Parliament have been told. 

The revelation was made by the hospital’s Executive Director, Dr Emmanuel Byaruhanga, while appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (Central Government) of Parliament on Wednesday, 18 March 2026.

His remarks followed probing by MPs on whether patients receive free services at the health facility.

Byaruhanga told the MPs that services at the hospital were generally offered free of charge, except for radiology that includes x-ray, ultrasound, CT scan and MRI services, whose charges constitute the hospital’s non-tax revenue.

The only charge levied on c-section operations, Byaruhanga clarified,  is done at the hospital’s six-bed private wing at Shs2.5 million.

Committee chairperson, Hon. Gorreth Namugga, questioned the charges levied on expectant mothers who go through the caesarean section mode of delivery.

“Can a woman walk into Kawempe Hospital and find the c-section operation free? The women out there need to know this and they must be sensitised so that they do not pay for what is supposed to be at zero cost,” Namugga said.

Hon. Hope Nakazibwe (NUP, Mubende District Woman Representative) put the hospital administration to task on whether items like mama kits are offered without a cost to mothers expecting to deliver from the hospital.

“Is there an instance where the theatre or the hospital itself runs out of some of the health supplies and they have to charge patients who come for either an operation or any other medical service?” Nakazibwe asked.

Kalungu West County MP, Hon. Joseph Ssewungu, alluded to the many  pharmacies situated around the hospital, which he said patients are often referred to buy essential medicines for treatment.

“Doctor, confirm to this committee that a patient will come to Kawempe (hospital) and get all those services without spending a single penny. When you move around Mulago hospital, you will notice that it is surrounded by pharmacies. Why is that? it is business,” Ssewungu noted.

“All services in Kawempe (hospital) are 100 per cent free except for radiology. I have heard of patients who were charged but this is not official. Several times we follow up with these patients, but they cannot give us the information,” he said.

He added: “There are pharmacies around the hospital, but this is totally out of our control. There is even a mini hospital about one kilometre from the hospital, but this is out of my control. I think they are registered by KCCA.” 

The hospital team appeared before the Committee to answer queries arising from the Auditor General’s report for the financial year ending 30 June 2025.

– on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

Source: APO – Report:

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HE Prime Minister of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire Robert Beugre Mambe has met with HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the country Mubarak bin Hussein Al Marri.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed bilateral relations and discussed ways to enhance cooperation between Qatar and Cote d’Ivoire. 

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.