MIL Africa Engine

Source: APO

The Eritrean community in Egypt celebrated the 65th anniversary of the beginning of the armed struggle for Eritrean independence with patriotic zeal.

The celebratory event in Cairo was attended by a number of nationals and featured cultural programs reflecting the significance of Bahti Meskerem to the Eritrean people.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Aman Abdelwasi’e, Charge d’Affaires at the Eritrean Embassy, said that 1 September, the day on which the Eritrean people began the armed struggle for independence and dignity, is one of the most significant days in the country’s history. He also said that the day reminds every citizen to redouble their efforts in implementing national development programs.

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

Source: APO

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• Report puts best-case scenario peak temperature rise at 1.8°C; others suggest over 2°C
• Above 1.5°C, climate impacts and risks of tipping points intensify with every fraction of a degree
• ‘Overshoot, peak and decline’ pathway best remaining option to help vulnerable nations and communities cope and return to below 1.5°C 

Global temperature rise is set to cross 1.5°C, likely within the next few years, pushing climate risks and impacts to increasingly dangerous heights, but it is still possible to bring temperatures down and achieve global goals in the Paris Agreement, according to a new UN Environment Programme (UNEP) report. 

The report, Limiting Overshoot, identifies an ‘overshoot, peak, and decline’ pathway as the best remaining option to minimize the magnitude and duration of this overshoot and try to return to below 1.5°C as soon as possible. 

“This summer’s scorching heat, raging wildfires and deadly floods are a warning of what lies ahead. We must make the overshoot above 1.5 degrees as small and short as possible. That demands an overshoot of ambition” said UN Secretary-General Antőnio Guterres. 

This pathway would minimize peak temperature rise through immediate and sustained cuts to greenhouse gas emissions, including methane, on the road to net-zero, and bring down temperatures through long-term net-negative emissions, with carefully governed Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) – the process of removing carbon from the air and storing it through afforestation or other means – an essential part of the mix. 

At the same time, following this pathway would involve adaptation actions that reduce vulnerability to the current, expected and unexpected impacts of climate change on societies, communities and economies – although there will likely be limits to adaptation and irreversible impacts, especially if peak temperatures are not minimized. The report stresses such a pathway would reduce risks and impacts, make adaptation less difficult and expensive, and increase the chances of lowering temperatures. 

“There are no good outcomes if we remain above 1.5°C. Across the globe, extreme heatwaves are already proving that climate impacts will strike faster, hit harder, and last longer – costing more lives and causing deeper disruption,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP. “Now is the time we must double down on climate action. We can – and must – get on the right path. By cutting greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening resilience and adaptation, and ensuring exceedance of 1.5°C is as small and short as possible.”

Devastating impacts

The most optimistic scenario will see temperature rise peak at 1.8°C above pre-industrial levels, above the goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C set by the Paris Agreement. Most other scenarios predict higher peaks.

Above 1.5°C, risks and impacts will intensify with every extra fraction of a degree and every year. Anticipated impacts include intensified extreme weather, ecosystem loss, and submersion of Small Island Developing States and low-lying coastal cities. Severe damage to human health, food security, water supplies, nature, cities, infrastructure, and economies is expected.

The report warns that the likelihood of crossing irreversible tipping points increases with the magnitude and duration of higher temperatures. These include the destabilization of major ice sheets, degradation of the Amazon rainforest and disruption of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (the system of currents that moves warm surface water north and cold deep water south, playing a key role in regulating the climate). Some impacts may emerge abruptly, while others will accumulate over time.

Considering the scale of the risks and the co-benefits of climate interventions such as a rapid transition away from fossil fuels to renewable energy – improving air quality and public health, lowering energy costs and increasing access to electricity – the report urges accelerated, collective and global action to get on an overshoot, peak and decline pathway. How quickly and strongly this action happens will define the shape and trajectory of the pathway.

Conditions for success

Strong political will and multilateralism, effective policies, inclusive governance, and finance are all important enabling conditions for action – and equity and justice must underpin all responses. Countries with greater responsibility for climate change should act the fastest with the greatest ambition.

The report also finds that mitigation and adaptation, which are mutually reinforcing, must advance together, while being responsive to emerging risks. Interventions that achieve both mitigation and adaptation goals – such as nature-based cooling – should be prioritized.

Adaptation set up now forms the foundation for efforts to come, but it must become transformational and responsive to evolving non-linear and abruptly arising risks – including those that will harm mitigation efforts.

The report emphasizes that net-zero is a milestone towards net-negative, with CDR needed in addition to, not instead of, sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. However, CDR can only contribute credibly to a return below 1.5°C if peak warming remains well below 2°C and all residual emissions are reduced. Strong governance frameworks for CDR will be critical to allow responsible deployment and manage implications for environmental integrity, equity, scale.

Responding to a changed future

Years of inaction mean that even if a return to below 1.5°C is secured, irreversible losses and permanently changed conditions are certain. Many communities may be forced to relocate or change livelihoods, while societies will face the challenge of re-adjustment. This raises issues of justice, power, and political legitimacy, which will require new, inclusive governance arrangements to resolve difficult issues.

This report is a reminder that an overshoot, peak and decline pathway is a next generation climate frontier, but one which cannot be left unattended to for the next generation to tackle. Immediate action is required for such a pathway to remain possible.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Source: APO

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Today, at Al-Ittihadiya Palace, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and the First Lady, Mrs. Entissar El-Sisi, received the President of the People’s Republic of China, President Xi Jinping, and his spouse,  as part of the Chinese President’s official visit to Egypt.

Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy stated that the reception ceremony included a guard of honor, a 21-gun salute, the playing of the national anthems of the Arab Republic of Egypt and the People’s Republic of China, and concluded with a commemorative photograph featuring both Presidents and First Ladies.

The reception ceremony was followed by an expanded session of talks attended by delegations from both countries, the signing of an agreement and a number of memoranda of understanding. This was followed by a luncheon hosted by President El-Sisi and the First Lady in honor of the President of the People’s Republic of China, his spouse, and the accompanying delegation. At the outset of the talks, President El-Sisi delivered a speech.

For his part, President Xi Jinping expressed his gratitude to President El-Sisi for the warm reception and generous hospitality, emphasizing China’s deep appreciation for the growing and multifaceted cooperative relations with Egypt. He also affirmed China’s keenness to implement the terms of the 2014 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Egypt.

President Xi reiterated China’s interest in elevating the partnership to broader horizons and to continue encouraging Chinese companies to increase their investments in Egypt and leverage the advantages and potential offered by the Egyptian market and its strategic location. 

He also noted ongoing technical cooperation and expertise sharing in the fields of infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, and agriculture, in order to strengthen relations between the two countries and support the achievement of their shared objectives.

The two leaders also discussed a number of regional and international issues of common interest. They underscored the convergence of Egyptian and Chinese perspectives on the necessity of prioritizing diplomatic means for comprehensive, sustainable crisis resolutions.

They also discussed efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the Middle East and affirmed their support for efforts to reach a comprehensive agreement to end the war. In this context, President El-Sisi stressed the priority of de-escalation, respect for the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of the Gulf Cooperation Council states and Jordan, as well as ensuring freedom of navigation, and sparing civilians the negative repercussions of the crisis.

The talks also touched on developments in the Palestinian cause. President El-Sisi reaffirmed the need to reach a just settlement in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions. The President highlighted Egypt’s efforts toward implementing the second phase of the agreement to end the war in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the importance of delivering adequate humanitarian aid to the Strip, particularly medical equipment and supplies.

President El-Sisi also praised China’s support for the rights of the Palestinian people and the two-state solution as the only path toward achieving a just and lasting peace for the Palestinian and Israeli peoples and for the whole region.

President El-Sisi further underscored the vital importance of the Nile River to Egypt as its primary lifeline, and stressed Egypt’s legitimate right to protect its water and food security as well as its development interests. The President called on all Nile Basin countries to adhere to international law, including the obligation not to cause harm.

President Xi Jinping expressed his country’s appreciation for Egypt’s efforts, under President El-Sisi’s leadership, to establish peace and stability in its regional surroundings in the Middle East and Africa.

He affirmed China’s keenness to strengthen the existing level of coordination between the two countries in various international forums and on regional and international issues of common interest, in a manner that contributes to supporting security and development, and peaceful dispute resolution.

President Xi also reviewed China’s vision on a number of regional and international issues, asserting the importance of continuing joint efforts between the two countries to defend the interests of developing countries and enhance their role in shaping the future of the international order.

The two presidents agreed to continue working to strengthen bilateral relations and intensify consultations on issues of common interest. On the sidelines of the visit, a number of important documents were also signed between Egyptian and Chinese entities, in addition to those signed in the presence of the two Presidents.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Source: APO – Report:

DHL and Absa Group have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand DHL’s GoTrade programme across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), formalising a strategic partnership that paves the way for the rollout of the DHL GoTrade programme across key markets in SSA.

By combining DHL’s logistics expertise with Absa Group’s extensive banking, digital and financial capabilities, the partnership will equip SMEs with practical tools, training and access to services that support cross-border trade, e-commerce growth and sustainable business development.

Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Zuko Godlimpi said the partnership will help SMMEs address the critical constraints to regional growth.

“This partnership brings together the finance, logistics, market knowledge and public support that SMMEs need to trade beyond our borders. By building the capacity of South African enterprises to enter African markets, we are not only growing individual businesses – we are strengthening intra-African trade, creating jobs and using the African market to power South Africa’s economic growth.”
the Deputy Minister said.

The agreement was signed by Hennie Heymans, CEO of DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa, and Faisal Mkhize, Managing Executive for Business Development, Business Banking Pan-Africa at Absa Group.

“Every successful business starts with someone brave enough to dream bigger. Across Africa, there are thousands of entrepreneurs with incredible ideas, determination and ambition, but many still face stumbling blocks when it comes to trading globally.” said Hennie Heymans.

“By partnering with Absa Group, we are creating a powerful ecosystem that combines logistics excellence with financial expertise, ensuring that SMEs across the continent to grow sustainably. To be clear, this is really about helping African SMEs turn big ambitions into real opportunities. Whether it’s understanding how to export for the first time, finding the right financial support, reaching new customers online, or expanding into international markets,” he added.  

Approximately 1,600 SMEs have been trained in Uganda, one of the earliest markets to implement the programme, with more entrepreneurs also benefitting from Kenya, Botswana and Zambia. Mozambique and Tanzania are next in line for rollout.

“SMEs are at the heart of Africa’s economic future. They create jobs and strengthen communities.  Our partnership with DHL Express is about giving business owners practical support, and access to trade solutions that can help them move beyond their local markets and realise their growth ambitions,” said Absa Group’s Mkhize.

As the SME sector across SSA continues to play a critical role in driving economic growth, innovation and job creation, the partnership between DHL and Absa Group is a commitment to helping entrepreneurs overcome barriers to trade and unlock new opportunities beyond their borders. Together, the two organisations aim to equip more businesses with the knowledge, networks and support they need to grow sustainably, compete globally and contribute to Africa’s economic growth.

– on behalf of DHL Express SSA.

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Media Contact:
DHL Express SSA
Lerato Moeletsi-Banda
Mail: lerato.moeletsi-banda@dhl.com

Absa Group Limited:
Daniel Munslow
Managing Executive: Group Communications, Group Marketing and Corporate Affairs
Mail: prmedia@absa.africa
Follow us at: Absa Group (https://apo-opa.co/4x2W444)

DHL – The logistics company for the world:
DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With approximately 389,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.

DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of approximately 82.9 billion euros in 2025. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

About Absa Group Limited:
Absa Group Limited (‘Absa Group’) is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and is one of Africa’s largest diversified financial services groups.  Absa Group offers an integrated set of products and services across personal and business banking, corporate and investment banking, wealth and investment management and insurance. Absa Group owns majority stakes in banks in Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania (Absa Bank Tanzania and National Bank of Commerce), Uganda and Zambia and has insurance operations in Kenya and South Africa. Absa also has representative offices in the People’s Republic of China, Namibia, Nigeria and the United States, as well as securities entities in the United Kingdom and the United States, along with technology support colleagues in the Czech Republic.

For further information about Absa Group Limited, visit www.Absa.Africa 

About GoTrade:
GoTrade is DHL’s strategic initiative to unlock global trade opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By partnering and building an ecosystem with public and private sector stakeholders, and collaborating with international development and intergovernmental agencies, GoTrade addresses systemic barriers to SME participation in international markets and promotes sustainable trade growth worldwide.

The program leverages DHL’s unparalleled global network, logistics expertise, and market insights to connect SMEs with cross-border opportunities. Through Capacity Building and Trade Advocacy, GoTrade equips businesses with the skills, resources, and support needed to scale internationally and operate sustainably. This approach not only accelerates SME growth but also drives economic development in emerging markets, creating long-term value for stakeholders and contributing to resilient global supply chains.

GoTrade represents DHL’s commitment to inclusive trade and sustainable economic progress. For more information on GoTrade, click here: https://apo-opa.co/4gN8SWj

Source: APO

The recovery of funds disbursed under the Parish Development Model (PDM) programme in Nakaseke District has come under scrutiny after legislators on the Public Accounts Committee (Local Government) learned that only shs28.2 million has been recovered over the past year.

The committee Hon. Betty Nambooze, heard that of the shs25 billion that was disbursed to SACCOs in the district, a total of shs6.46 billion was to be paid back in financial year 2025/2026, under the Parish Revolving Fund (PRF) arrangement.

The district focal person for the PDM programme, Robert Kaggwa said that 2,500 families benefitted from the funding but that the shs28 million was recovered on a voluntary basis.

Nambooze observed that the recovery rate of the district was wanting.

“Government is investing a lot of money; if Nakaseke alone has been given shs25 billion and they have failed to recover even shs100 million in the first phase of recovery, how are other districts performing on the parish revolving fund?” Nambooze asked.

She also tasked Kaggwa to explain how the shs6.46 billion shall be recovered by government.

“Tell us how we can get this money back, and show us that you have done your part, and that it is the beneficiaries refusing to pay,” Nambooze added.

Kaggwa attributed the poor recovery rate to absence of modalities to guide PDM beneficiaries on how to pay back the funds following the two-year grace period.

“The recovery is now via the Wendi app where the money paid back goes to the SACCO account. The beneficiary and SACCO chairperson receive a message, and it also received by the Ministry of Finance,” Kaggwa said.

He added that communication has been made to lower local government accounting officers to monitor and enforce recovery of PDM money.

“We are also sensitising the public through radio talk shows and community meetings. We take them through the guidelines for recovery of these funds,” Kaggwa said.

The committee also learned that funds disbursed under the Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP) were not received by the listed groups presented by Denis Batalingaya, the District Community Development Officer (DCDO) for Nakaseke.

According to the Auditor General’s report on Nakaseke District Local Government for the audit year ended December 2025, only shs3 million was recovered from beneficiary groups out of the outstanding balance of shs923 million.

“Failure to repay in a timely manner implies that other eligible groups were unable to access the funds. The accounting officer explained that most of the groups had disintegrated and therefore, it was practically unfeasible to enforce recovery,” reads the report in part.

Batalingaya added that invitations for interactions with groups under YLP were sent out, however, respective team leaders did not honour the invitations. He added that quarterly field reports on the matter were submitted to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

Source: APO

The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean and Badr University in Cairo have signed an agreement to strengthen One Health education, training and collaboration across the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

The partnership brings together WHO’s public health and One Health leadership and Badr University’s academic leadership at a time when the threat of diseases spreading between animals and humans, the risks posed by antimicrobial resistance, food safety concerns and the health impacts of climate change are increasing.

The One Health approach foregrounds the links between the health of people, animals and the environment. Activities under the agreement will include regional training programmes, public awareness campaigns, technical workshops and the development of educational resources for health professionals, with Badr University’s International One Health Centre expected to play a key role.

“Health threats do not respect borders or sectors,” said Dr Adham Ismail Abdel-Moneim, Director, Programme Management and Officer-in-Charge of the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean. “Protecting communities requires public health experts, veterinarians, environmental specialists, researchers and educators to work together. Through this collaboration with Badr University, we look forward to enhancing capacity-building efforts that contribute to advancing One Health across the Region.”

Prof. Dr Ashraf Mohamed El-Shihy, president of Badr University in Cairo said, “The health of human populations is intricately linked to animal health and environmental stability. The signing of this collaboration agreement between Badr University in Cairo and WHO EMRO establishes a critical infrastructure for regional health security.”

A regional awareness campaign and a regional conference bringing together experts, policymakers and academics to exchange experiences and knowledge are among the first collaborative activities planned.

The collaboration, which will be guided by regular implementation reviews, is expected to contribute to improved regional awareness, workforce development and enhanced support for countries pursuing One Health initiatives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization – Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean.

Source: APO

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• The Tunisian government has systematically cracked down on civil society groups and their members since 2024, all but shutting down the vibrant civic space that emerged after the 2011 revolution.
• Civil society plays a key role in holding power to account, delivering essential services, and advocating for human rights. The authorities are abusing every tool at their disposal to close the space for civil society and shut these organizations down.
• The authorities should immediately end their crackdown on civil society and allow space for civic groups to operate fully and freely.

The Tunisian government has systematically cracked down on civil society groups and their members since 2024, all but shutting down the vibrant civic space that emerged after the 2011 revolution, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. The authorities should immediately end their crackdown on civil society and allow space for civic groups to operate fully and freely.

The 49-page report, “‘We Are Living on Borrowed Time’: Repression of Civil Society in Tunisia” documents the Tunisian authorities’ escalating repression of local and international civil society groups, workers, members, and affiliates through the weaponization of abusive prosecutions, arbitrary arrests, detention, financial and criminal investigations, mass suspensions, and threats of dissolution. 

“Civil society groups in Tunisia play a key role in holding power to account, delivering essential services, and advocating for people’s human rights,” said Bassam Khawaja, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch. “It is clear that the authorities are abusing every tool at their disposal to close the space for civil society in Tunisia and shut these organizations down.”

Since 2022, President Kais Saied has publicly demonized civil society and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), portraying them as a threat to national sovereignty. Between May and December 2024, the authorities arrested several workers at groups that provide aid to refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants and those that fight racism and discrimination. They have since prosecuted at least 47 people connected to nongovernmental groups and held at least 10 people in preventive detention for longer than 14 months, the maximum period permitted under Tunisian law.

The authorities have used laws criminalizing assistance to foreigners with irregular immigration status and the 2015 counterterrorism and money laundering law to bring abusive charges against human rights defenders and workers at nongovernmental groups.

Following trials in 2025 and 2026, at least 14 people connected to civil society have been convicted and sentenced to prison. A prominent human rights defender, Saadia Mosbah, was sentenced to eight years in prison and a heavy fine based on abusive charges of financial crimes on March 19, 2026. Five employees of asylum groups have been convicted on abusive charges in connection with their work and the mandates of their legally registered associations.

The targeted associations have since ceased their activities. 

The authorities have also targeted associations en masse with financial and criminal investigations. At the end of 2024, shortly before the presidential election, the Tax Evasion Investigation and Prevention Brigade notified at least a dozen associations—including Amnesty International’s regional office and the local anti-corruption group I Watch—that it was investigating them. The investigations are an administrative and operational burden and have resulted in the freezing of at least two associations’ bank accounts. 

The widespread and systematic use of such investigations against a broad swath of civil society raises serious concerns that the government is weaponizing such processes to target and intimidate civil society organizations. 

Between July-October 2025 and between April-May 2026, the authorities have abused Decree-Law 2011-88 on associations to mass suspend associations. Human Rights Watch identified at least 20 suspended civil society associations, though it is impossible to determine the exact number without official data. 

These suspensions appear to have circumvented due process and been marred by irregularities. Some associations did not receive the formal warnings required by law, which would enable them to respond to or remedy allegations of violations. Others attempted to respond but received no reply. Suspending an association is a drastic measure that should only be taken as a last resort with clear justification and independent review, Human Rights Watch said.

These groups face serious risk of dissolution once all avenues of appeal have been exhausted. Lawyers who provided support to suspended groups told Human Rights Watch that officials have dismissed the appeals from approximately 30 associations that had filed appeals. Al Khatt (publisher of the independent media outlet Inkyfada) and Mnemty, are currently facing dissolution proceedings.

The judiciary, which orders the suspensions, has been under the control of the executive since 2022, when President Saied took expansive measures to crush judicial independence.

Associations have also faced additional restrictions alongside this crackdown. Private banks have imposed unwarranted restrictions on many associations, such as revoking their access to hard currency or convertible dinar accounts, blocking or returning foreign funds sent to Tunisian accounts, or closing their bank accounts. Some groups have reported that authorities have denied their election observation accreditation, imposed more stringent regulations on their access to prisons and detention facilities, or banned certain public events.

The Tunisian authorities have repeatedly sought to replace and tighten the current legislative framework governing associations in ways that would seriously undermine their right to freedom of association. Two bills, one leaked in early 2022 and another submitted to parliament in October 2023, would give the government significant control and oversight over the establishment, activities, operations, and funding of independent groups.

The Tunisian authorities should stop restricting freedom of association and end abusive investigations, judicial harassment, and criminalization of civil society groups’ work and their members, Human Rights Watch said. They should release all NGO workers, activists, and human rights defenders arbitrarily detained in connection with their legitimate work and overturn unjust convictions. Parliament should ensure that associations can operate freely, including by withdrawing draft laws that would violate the right to freedom of association. 

The international community, including the European Union and its member states, should privately and publicly urge Tunisian authorities to release all nongovernmental organization workers, human rights defenders, activists, and others arbitrarily detained, overturn convictions in connection with groups’ legitimate work, and end the crackdown on civil society.

Tunisia is a state party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantee the rights to freedom of association, assembly and expression, to not be subject to arbitrary arrest or detention, and to a fair trial. 

“By dismantling the space for civil society, the authorities are trying to ensure no one is left to hold them accountable,” Khawaja said. “The international community needs to take urgent action to help preserve what remains of civic space in Tunisia, ensure protections for rights defenders, and end this drastic backsliding on human rights.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).