MIL Africa Engine

Source: APO – Report:

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The Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements kick -started its two-day oversight visit to the municipalities in the Garden Route District Municipality in Knysna yesterday where it received briefings on the implementation of the Human Settlements Development Grant (HSDG), Informal Settlements and Upgrading Partnership Grant (ISUPG).

The committee expressed its displeasure with the absence of the MEC for Human Settlements and the Head of the department who failed to communicate their apologies in advance.

The committee also received briefings from the Western Cape Provincial Department of Human Settlements, Knysna Local Municipality, George Local Municipality, and Mossel Bay Local Municipality on the implementation of the human settlements’ strategic plans, projects and programmes.

The committee expressed its disappointment to learn that a total budget of about R300 million, which was allocated to the municipalities during the 2024/25 financial year, had to be given to other provinces due to poor performance of the municipalities and R100 million of that amount was initially budgeted for HSDG.

The Deputy Director-General of the National Department of Human Settlements, Dr Nana Mhlongo told the committee that the allocation of the budget to other provinces was due to the department’s due diligence in terms of monitoring performance within the province.

The HSDG is a key funding mechanism for human settlements development, while ISUPG focuses on upgrading of informal settlements. These programmes are being implemented by the Garden Route District Municipality, and they include the development of new housing units, infrastructure upgrades, and the formalisation of informal settlements.

Also, part of these programmes is the Integrated Human Settlements Strategic Plan that has been
developed by the Garden Route District Municipality which incorporates George, Mossel Bay, and Knysna local municipalities. This plan aims to guide the coordinated development of human settlements, and to ensure alignment with national, provincial strategic goals and performance plans.

Outlining the purpose of the visit, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements, Mr Mammoga Seabi, highlighted the committee’s role regarding oversight over any executive organ of state that falls within its portfolio. He said: “This is in line with the mandate of the committee to undertake provincial oversight visits to evaluate progress made in the service delivery and to identify challenges.”

The Chairperson said the committee undertook this oversight due to the need for the improvement of institutional capacity at the local municipal level and the lack of strong instruments for implementation in the district municipality. “These issues hinder service delivery, economic development, and overall community well-being,” he said.

The committee heard that the Garden Route District Municipality faces challenges that include limited funding and implementation of non-human settlements related mandate in informal settlements upgrading, bulk infrastructure capacity constraints prevalence in most municipalities, municipal capacity challenges, lengthy statutory approval processes, lack of clear and coherent understanding, and response from stakeholders involved in upgrading process.

The committee conducted site visits to the Knysna Bungalos, temporal relocation site and the houses built for the Knysna Bungalo beneficiaries. The committee was unhappy with the appalling state of the temporary structures and requested the municipality, provincial and national departments of human settlements to review the project and provide a report to the committee in 30 days.

The committee will today conduct site visit in Mossel Bay as follows:

• Site visits in Mossel Bay from 09:00 to 13:00 to Sinethemba Project, Breaking New Ground Project (New Rest), Mountain View First Home Finance Project, and Izinyoka Informal Settlements.
• Site visits in George from 14:00 to 16:00 to projects: Moeggehuur Informal Settlements (Houtkapperjie), Syferfornein Project (ERF 325), Rosedale Informal Settlements, Metro Grounds and George Collapsed Building.

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

Source: APO – Report:

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The African Union’s (AU) appointment of Burundi’s president as its special envoy for the Sahel region strengthens the AU’s capacity to address the most pressing human rights challenges facing Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, Human Rights Watch said today in a letter to President Evariste Ndayishimiye. 

The appointment of Ndayishimiye on July 17, 2025, comes at a critical juncture in the Sahel, marked by increased threats to civilians caught in armed conflict, emboldened authoritarianism of the military juntas, and growing marginalization of independent institutions, including the AU and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). These dynamics have eroded the rule of law, widened impunity for serious human rights abuses, and left civilians increasingly vulnerable.

“Despite Burundi’s very troubling human rights record, President Ndayishimiye has an opportunity to promote human rights and rights-based governance in the Sahel,” said Allan Ngari, Africa advocacy director at Human Rights Watch. “A failure to do so would signal a dangerous tolerance for authoritarianism under the guise of diplomacy.” 

Ndayishimiye should make respect for human rights and the rule of law prominent in the AU’s approach to the Sahel and address the following major concerns:

Islamist armed groups and government security forces continue to commit serious violations of international humanitarian law, including war crimes and possible crimes against humanity. As of mid-2025, the armed conflicts in the Sahel had killed at least tens of thousands of civilians, resulting in one of the world’s most acute humanitarian crises, forcing over three million people from their homes. 

Since 2020, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have experienced military coups. The ruling military juntas have shown intolerance for political opposition and dissent. Civic and political space has shrunk as a crackdown on journalists, civil society activists, and opposition party members has increased, through arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, and unlawful conscription. The military leaders of the three countries have solidified their power without elections, delaying the return to democratic civilian rule. 

The authorities in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have ignored calls for accountability and failed to uphold their international legal obligations to investigate serious rights violations by their security forces, and hold those responsible accountable, allowing impunity to fester and emboldening the abusers. In 2025, the three countries officially left ECOWAS, depriving their citizens of the opportunity to seek justice for human rights violations through the ECOWAS Court of Justice.

“The AU special envoy should open a meaningful dialogue with the authorities of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger on their governments’ obligations to protect human rights,” Ngari said. “He should ensure that the AU’s strategy on the Sahel prioritizes the protection of civilians at risk, the need to respect civil and political rights, and the promotion of justice and accountability.”

– on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).

Source: APO – Report:

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The Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies has recommended Ms Moipone Malefane and Dr Natalie Skeepers for appointment on the Board of the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA).

There are two vacancies on the MDDA Board currently, and the committee was tasked with recruiting suitably qualified individuals to be considered for appointment in terms of section 4 of the MDDA Act 14 of 2002.

On 8 April this year, the committee, in line with the Act, published an advertisement inviting members of the public to submit nominations.

A total of 159 nominations were received and screened, followed by a shortlisting of nine candidates. The shortlisted candidates were interviewed on 15 July 2025.

On Friday (25 July) morning, the committee deliberated on the outcomes of the interviews and agreed to recommend Ms Malefane and Dr Skeepers.

The committee Chairperson, Ms Khusela Sangoni Diko, thanked all the interviewed candidates. She said that the interviewed candidates collectively possessed a tapestry of knowledge, experience and skill set required on the MDDA Board.

The committee report will be tabled in the National Assembly for adoption, and once adopted, it will be forwarded to the President for his appointment in terms of section 4(1)(b) of the MDDA Act.

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

Source: APO – Report:

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The ongoing rainy season in South Sudan is slowing cholera response efforts in some locations, raising concerns about further transmission and undermining progress the country has made so far in combating the outbreak.

South Sudan experiences heavy rainfall between mid-July and October. The States of Jonglei, Unity, Upper Nile, Northern Bhar el Ghazal, Warrap, parts of Central Equatoria, and others experience seasonal flooding, resulting in massive displacement, and affecting the delivery of basic health services. The rainy season worsens access and sanitation, disrupts the shipment of medical supplies, hinders deployment of rapid response teams, and vaccination impedes efforts, making it difficult to protect communities and save lives.

The country declared a cholera outbreak in October 2024, since then, the Ministry of Health with support from World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners, has mounted a comprehensive response, including deployment of rapid response teams, prepositioning medical supplies and coordination efforts across all levels to protect communities and safe lives. This is the longest cholera outbreak in the country’s history, since independent in September 2011.

As of 30 June 2025, South Sudan has reported a cumulative total of 77 555 suspected cases and 1 401 deaths these cases have been reported from 55 counties, across 9 States and all 3 Administrative areas. A cumulative total of 11 554 tested positive using the rapid diagnostic test kits (RDT), and an additional 424 cases had laboratory isolation of Vibrio Cholera.

In response, the country has successfully conducted an oral cholera vaccination campaign, reaching over 6.9 million people in 40 Counties. affected counties, these campaigns have significantly slowed the spread of the outbreak and is estimated to have saved hundreds of lives with a total of 19,987 deaths averted.

To support vaccination efforts, South Sudan secured over 8.7 million doses of oral cholera vaccines from the International Coordination Group (ICG) to protect communities, and deployment. the country has applied for additional doses.

WHO has played a critical role by training over 2000 health workers and community members on various aspects of the response including case management, risk communication and community engagement, IPC/WASH, vaccination and surveillance. The organization has also supported establishment of 102 oral rehydration points (ORPs), 88 cholera treatment units. (CTUs) and 19 cholera treatment centers (CTCs) through implementing partners, which have significantly reduced fatalities. Over 175 Metric Tons of medical supplies have been distributed across the affected Counties. Additionally, WHO has conducted extensive water quality testing and provided treatment to the affected communities.

Several factors have contributed to the outbreak, including high population density, population movement, limited access to water and sanitation facilities, open defecation, and poor hygiene practices, created a highly vulnerable situation that led to imported cases and local transmission.

Mr Kereni Gong, Acting Director General, Unity State Ministry of Health highlighted the urgent need for interventions in response to the ongoing flooding, emphasizing the importance of immediate action to save lives of the flooding and call for urgent interventions to save lives

‘Unity state is the epicentre of the current cholera outbreak. With support from WHO and other partners The State Ministry of Health managed to bring down the number of cases, but we need more support as we enter the rainy season, during which cases have already begun to rise. We are also aware that floods are coming from the southern part of Unity State which will further worsen the situation” he said

Dr Humphrey Karamagi, WHO Representative in South Sudan, underscored the gravity of the situation and express gratitude on the effectiveness of the ongoing cholera response efforts: “The scale of the current outbreak is unprecedented, the onset of the rainy season poses significant challenge in addition to the prevailing humanitarian crises” said Dr Karamagi “Under the leadership of the Ministry of Health we have been able to protect the communities by mounting effective response including vaccinating over 7 million people, now Is the time to up our game in strengthening case management, surveillance and coordination to save lives.”

Additional funding is required to contain the outbreak, as the rainfall poses the risk of transmission., WHO requires additional funding to bolster current operations by deploying swift response teams to newly identified hotspots, maintaining essential health services for affected communities, and procuring, shipping, and distributing more emergency supplies to support the ongoing response.

– on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – South Sudan.

Source: APO – Report:

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Today, 25 July 2025, we proudly join the continent in commemorating the Africa Day of Seas and Oceans.

Established in 2015 as part of the 2015–2025 Decade of African Seas and Oceans, this day was first marked on 25 July during the closing of the 22nd Ordinary Session of Heads of State and Government at the African Union (AU) Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Today, we reflect on how the FishGov2 Project—an EU funded initiative, continues to deliver on its mandate of supporting the sustainable use and conservation of Africa’s aquatic resources, through the implementation of key policy instruments: the PFRS & the Africa Blue Ecocomy Strategy. 

Over the past year, FishGov2 has:
– Strengthened governance frameworks that safeguard our seas and oceans.
– Promoted sustainable fisheries and aquaculture management, ensuring ecosystems remain productive and resilient.
– Shared practical tools, policy guidance, and best practices that empower Member States to protect marine biodiversity while enhancing food security, livelihoods, and the blue economy.

Through these efforts, FishGov2 contributes to a future where Africa’s seas and oceans are managed responsibly, for the benefit of current and future generations.

– on behalf of The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).

Source: APO – Report:

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The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in collaboration with partner organisations, has successfully wrapped up a critical a nine-month emergency response in support of the Government of Namibia’s Emergency Drought Response Plan to the El Niño-induced drought.

With a contribution of US$3 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (UN-CERF), WFP supported the government in delivering life-saving food and nutrition assistance to over 63,000 vulnerable people across Kavango East, Kavango West, and Omaheke regions between October 2024 and June 2025.

In addition to food assistance, the project served as a platform for integrated service delivery. At food distribution sites, UNICEF provided outreach and basic health screenings for more than 83,500 people and facilitated referrals for malnourished children. UNFPA reached more than 22,400 people with Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) services through daily mobile outreach in schools and communities. A community feedback mechanism system was also established, enabling affected populations to share their needs, concerns and suggestions to help shape and improve the response. 

“This emergency response was about more than just delivering food, it was about restoring dignity and hope to communities hit hardest by the drought,” said Naouar Labidi, WFP Country Representative in Namibia. “Thanks to the generous support from UN-CERF and our collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister and UN partners, namely the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), we reached tens of thousands of people with vital humanitarian assistance. But we also used this moment to invest in local capacity, strengthen partnerships, and helping communities build the resilience they need to face climate shocks.”

The contribution from CERF allowed over 41,000 people (nearly 7000 households) to receive three rounds of food vouchers, enabling them to purchase essential items such as maize meal, canned fish and cooking oil from 25 participating retailers. This not only supported immediate needs, but also helped boost the local economy, laying the groundwork for longer-term resilience by supporting local businesses, creating employment opportunities, and strengthening local supply chains. At the same time, 22,000 children received hot and nutritious meals from 155 conveniently located soup kitchens.

WFP remains committed to working closely with the Government of Namibia, UN agencies and partners to strengthen food systems, build community resilience and enhance emergency preparedness to future climate shocks.

– on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).

Source: APO – Report:

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Togo took a bold step toward inclusive trade. One hundred women entrepreneurs from across the country gathered in Lomé for a series of intensive trainings that aimed to do more than just transfer skills. The goal? To equip women entrepreneurs with the tools, confidence, and networks needed to enter and compete in international markets.

As part of GIZ’s PROCOMP initiative, the AMI COMMERCE Togo project, led by the International Trade Centre (ITC), brought together more than 100 women entrepreneurs with one goal: to expand their businesses beyond national borders.

PROCOMP promotes competitiveness across Togo’s private sector, and with the support of ITC’s SheTrades Initiative, women were placed at the centre of this economic transformation. The collaboration ensured that as Togo strengthens its export capacity, women-led businesses are not only included but also empowered.

Practical, tailored training

Held throughout June, the trainings targeted the real needs of women-led mico, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), many of whom operate informally or have limited access to capital and market information. Sessions were adapted to participants’ digital and export readiness.

For women less familiar with digital tools, the training focused on using WhatsApp Business, social media, and low-cost platforms to reach more customers. Export-ready participants explored EU buyer requirements, documentation, and trade fair preparation. Additional sessions supported those in agri-food and fresh produce, covering export logistics and sanitary and phytosanitary standards.

Building skills, confidence and collaboration

The trainings combined technical knowledge with interactive methods—roleplays, group work, and mock buyer meetings brought concepts to life. Participants reflected on their business models, shared challenges, and developed solutions together.

Importantly, the sessions strengthened market-related soft skills like communication and negotiation, critical for pitching products, responding to buyer inquiries, and navigating trade fairs. Many women gained more confidence to formalize their businesses and expand their reach.

Beyond skills-building, the sessions created a supportive environment for connection and collaboration. For many, it was the first time being in a space fully dedicated to their growth as entrepreneurs. Participants left not only with strategies but with new networks and a sense of community.

Toward inclusive economic growth

As Togo deepens its regional integration and export potential, women entrepreneurs are vital to achieving inclusive, resilient growth. With targeted support, they are now better equipped to enter international markets—not as a distant dream, but as a tangible opportunity.

In parallel, the project also strengthened key national trade facilitation mechanisms. The Mécanisme d’Alerte aux Obstacles au Commerce (MAOC) was relaunched with institutional backing and regional outreach, enabling businesses to report and resolve trade barriers more effectively. 

In addition, the Togo Trade Portal was developed as a digital one-stop shop for import-export procedures, offering transparency and easier access to essential trade information, including for products commonly traded by women entrepreneurs.

– on behalf of International Trade Centre.

Source: APO – Report:

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The World Health Organization (WHO) is betting on an innovative approach to stop preventable diseases: engaging digital influencers to directly convey prevention messages to the public through social media.

This strategy comes in the context of the cholera outbreak that has been affecting the country since January 2025, with 27,609 cases and 769 deaths recorded in 18 provinces. In addition to containment actions on the ground, the WHO has recognized the importance of occupying the digital space with life-saving content, especially among young people, where incorrect information often circulates.

Between May 15 and July 22, the WHO launched the digital campaign “Together Against Cholera,” which featured six Angolan influencers: Dr. Aurea de Carvalho, Carla Morais, Xofela, Leocádia Tamara, Maria Correia, and Stela de Carvalho. Six educational videos were produced and shared on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, with content focused on hygiene, sanitation, and public health.

Monitoring data from the WHO’s social media pages show that the impact was significant: the videos exceeded 600,000 views, with an average of 3,353 likes, 100 shares, and 70 comments per post, totaling more than 20,000 interactions. 

Television presenter Stela de Carvalho, who supported the initiative, highlighted its importance, stating: “Participating in this campaign was a way to use my voice to save lives.” For her part, influencer Xofela reinforced the social role of social media, emphasizing: “Campaigns like this show that social media can be used for the common good.”

According to João Carlos Domingos, WHO communications assistant in Angola, this approach is increasingly necessary: “Digital has become the main channel of information for many young people, but it is also where a lot of misinformation circulates. We need to fill that space with content that saves lives.”

With the encouraging results of this campaign, the WHO in Angola intends to extend this strategy to other areas of public health, namely the prevention of communicable and non-communicable diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, measles, and hepatitis.

The influencers involved have already expressed interest in continuing to collaborate, reinforcing the idea that digital communication, when well guided, can be a powerful ally of public health.

– on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Angola.

Source: APO – Report:

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Four years since they were imprisoned solely for peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association, and political participation, Amnesty International today designated Eswatini Members of Parliament Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube, as prisoners of conscience.

“The imprisonment of MPs simply for speaking out is a red line that must never be crossed. Authorities must quash their convictions and sentences and immediately and unconditionally release them. Authorities must repeal or amend legislation that criminalizes human rights and political activism and bring any such legislation in line with international human rights standards.”

“By designating Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube as prisoners of conscience, Amnesty International affirms that they should never have been arrested in the first place,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa. “Their continued arbitrary detention shows Eswatini’s deepening climate of repression and misuse of the justice system to punish those who dare criticise the government.”

“Amnesty International has repeatedly raised concerns over the Eswatini authorities’ increasing intolerance of peaceful dissent, including the arbitrary detention, harassment, and prosecution of activists, opposition leaders, and pro-democracy campaigners.

Background

Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube were arrested on 25 July 2021 following their vocal support for legal reforms and calls for constitutional change in Eswatini. They were convicted of trumped-up charges, including those under the Suppression of Terrorism Act of 2008 and the Sedition and Subversive Activities Act of 1938 – laws that have been widely criticised for their vague definitions and chilling effect on human rights including the right to freedom of expression.

On 31 July 2024, the High Court of Eswatini sentenced Mabuza and Dube to 85- and 58-year jail terms, respectively.

Amnesty International’s designation of “prisoner of conscience” applies to individuals who are imprisoned or otherwise physically restricted because of their political, religious or other conscientiously held beliefs, ethnic origin, sex, colour, language, national or social origin, economic status, birth, sexual orientation, or other status – provided they have neither used nor advocated violence.

– on behalf of Amnesty International.