Prime Minister of Georgia Meets with Qatari Ambassador

Source: Government of Qatar

Tbilisi, January 20, 2026

HE Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze met on Tuesday with HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Georgia Ali Youssef Abdulrahman Al Mulla.

Discussions during the meeting focused on bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Southern Region: Annual Cultural and Sports Activities Assessment Meeting

Source: APO


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The Administration of the Southern Region recently conducted an annual assessment meeting on cultural and sports activities in region in Mendefera.

During the meeting, heads of culture and sports branches from the region’s twelve sub-zones presented their annual activity reports. Extensive discussions followed, focusing on the achievements, strengths, and challenges encountered in the implementation of cultural and sports programs.

Addressing the meeting, Mr. Abraham Yohannes, Director General of Culture and Sports, stated that significant archaeological exploration and excavation activities have been carried out in the Adewhaza area of Mendefera Sub-Zone, as well as in the Hadamu and Adi-Deglel areas of Dekemhare Sub-Zone. He further noted that research has been conducted on the nomenclature, origins, and meanings of villages and historical sites across the Southern Region.

The Governor of the Southern Region, Mr. Habteab Tesfatsion, expressed the regional administration’s readiness to strengthen its contribution to ongoing efforts aimed at fostering competitiveness and a spirit of victory among athletes. He called on relevant institutions and government bodies to ensure that athlete transfers are conducted in accordance with the law and that equity is maintained, emphasizing the need to develop and advance all sports disciplines within the framework of the allocated budget.

For his part, the Chairperson of the Southern Region Congress, Mr. Welday Gebre, underscored that cultural and sports activities are complementary and serve as essential foundations for societal development and continuity. He called for intensified efforts to promote a culture of reading among all segments of society.

Participants discussed the reports in detail and adopted various recommendations.

Furthermore, it was noted that key priorities of the 2026 Action Plan include enhancing research on tangible and intangible cultural heritage, conducting awareness-raising campaigns on the preservation of historical relics, strengthening the Awra Award, and improving artistic capacity, among other initiatives.

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

Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation Reviews the Performance indicators of the Egyptian Economy, Growth Prospects, and the Pillars of Egypt’s Narrative for Comprehensive Development

Source: APO


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H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, emphasized that Egypt’s participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos comes within the framework of its commitment to strengthening global dialogue on international economic issues, trade, and artificial intelligence. She noted that this participation takes place alongside government officials, decision-makers, and heads of global companies.

This came during the Minister’s interview with CNBC Arabia. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted the most prominent economic developments in Egypt, the performance of growth indicators during the current fiscal year, as well as the features and objectives of Egypt’s Narrative for Comprehensive Development.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat pointed out that Egypt concluded FY 2024/2025 with a growth rate of 4.4%, while the first quarter of FY 2025/2026 recorded a growth rate of 5.3%, exceeding expectations. This was driven by growth in the industrial sector and the strong performance of the tourism, communications, and information technology sectors.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat reiterated that the tourism sector witnessed a notable increase in tourist arrivals and revenues, reaching unprecedented levels. She also stressed that economic growth in Egypt has become diversified and no longer dependent on a single sector. The real economy is experiencing broad momentum as a result of ongoing reforms, reflecting the beginning of a genuine recovery in preparation for a strong economic takeoff.

The return of navigation in the Suez Canal and its impact on economic growth

Regarding the impact of the return of navigation to the Suez Canal on growth indicators, the Minister mentioned that the first quarter of FY 2025/2026 saw a positive contribution from the Canal after two years of negative contributions. She noted that major global shipping companies have begun to return, which will lead to increased positive contributions during the second quarter of the current fiscal year.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat reaffirmed that the Suez Canal represents a vital artery for global trade, with around 12% of global trade passing through it. Stability of navigation in the Canal contributes to reducing the cost of transporting goods and thus curbing global inflation rates. She added that this represents a positive signal for Egypt, the region, and the world, as the Canal enhances global supply chains and facilitates trade flows.

Egypt’s Narrative for Comprehensive Development as a strategic framework for growth

The Minister also referred to the second edition of Egypt’s Narrative for Comprehensive Development. She underscored that Egypt possesses an integrated economic model based on increasing productivity and expanding exports, following massive investments in infrastructure over recent years.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat explained that the first edition of the Narrative was launched last September and was developed through an extensive societal dialogue involving more than 120 experts. This resulted in a clear executive plan that will be presented to the new House of Representatives.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat added that the second edition includes a full pillar on human development, considering the citizen as the core of the development process. The Narrative is not limited to economic and fiscal policies, but extends to social dimensions such as education, comprehensive health insurance, and social protection.

The National Structural Reforms Program

In response to questions on whether Egypt’s Narrative for Comprehensive Development is a crisis-management path or a pathway for economic growth, H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat reaffirmed that the objective is to achieve strong and sustainable economic growth based on continuous structural reforms over the medium and long term.

The Minister pointed out that the government has a clear and publicly announced structural reform plan with performance indicators and implementation timelines. She also noted the application of program- and performance-based budgeting across all ministries, ensuring the achievement of specific targets, including per capita growth and the private sector’s contribution to GDP.

Fostering the role of the private sector in economic activity

With regard to the private sector’s contribution, the Minister mentioned that the government is working to govern public investments in order to allow for an expanded role for the private sector in economic activity. The private sector currently accounts for about 65% of total investments, with a target to exceed 70% by 2030.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat added that this approach is based on structural reforms in tradable sectors such as tourism, agriculture, energy, communications and information technology, and manufacturing industries. She emphasized that the industrial sector is currently witnessing a strong resurgence, reflecting growing confidence in the Egyptian economy, particularly in light of available investment opportunities and Egypt’s strategic location as a hub for manufacturing and exporting to Africa and Europe.

The National Structural Reforms Program

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat also spoke about the National Structural Reforms Program, explaining that it is one of the most important pillars of economic reform in Egypt. The program aims to achieve three main objectives: macroeconomic stability, improving the business environment and competitiveness, and supporting the green transition and new and renewable energy.

She confirmed that the program is characterized by full transparency, as its details have been published publicly for the first time. The Minister also clarified the responsibilities of each ministry and the timeline of implementation progress, thereby opening the door to local and foreign investments.

Improving the quality of life for citizens

In concluding her remarks, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat reiterated that the primary goal of economic reforms is to improve the quality of life for Egyptian citizens. She noted that the reforms are based on an interconnected cycle that begins with macroeconomic stability, passes through structural reforms that support economic, human, and industrial development, and culminates in the creation of decent job opportunities and improved public services. The Minister added that this year’s World Economic Forum theme is “A Spirit of Dialogue” which fully aligns with the direction of the Egyptian state.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat further noted that these reforms aim to create adequate fiscal space for both investment and current spending to improve quality of life, in addition to enhancing private sector investments to increase employment opportunities and achieve sustainable development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.

Senegal transforms the childbirth experience through World Health Organization (WHO)‑recommended care models

Source: APO


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In less than a decade, Senegal has reduced its maternal mortality rate by more than 50%, from 392 deaths per 100 000 live births in 2015 to 153 in 2023. Behind this progress, however, a more complex reality persisted: in many health facilities, women continued to experience childbirth marked by fear, lack of information and impersonal health care. 

Tina, 32, a mother of three, remembers her first two deliveries as moments filled with anxiety: limited explanations, minimal communication with health staff and a feeling of being alone in the face of pain. “They were very difficult births for me. After my first experience, I carried that fear with me during every pregnancy,” she says. 

Tina’s experience is far from unique. Her story reflects the reality faced by many women in Senegal, despite the significant progress made in maternal health outcomes. 

To address these challenges and ensure that every birth is a positive experience, the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene (MSHP), with support from World Health Organization (WHO) and a major donor, introduced the Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) initiative. This approach aims to place dignity, emotional well‑being and women’s choices at the centre of health care practices, going beyond survival alone. 

Respectful Maternity Care is built on three essential pillars: birth preparedness for pregnant women; use of the Labour Management Guide by health workers and psychological support for women throughout pregnancy and during childbirth. 

“The goal goes far beyond survival,” explains Dr Ousmane Dieng, Maternal and Newborn Health Expert at the WHO Country Office in Senegal. “It is about offering every woman a positive experience in which she feels heard, informed and fully involved in her childbirth.” 

At the Yeumbeul Reference Health Centre, in the suburbs of Dakar, the RMC approach has been implemented for two years. Every other Wednesday, women who are six months pregnant or more meet with midwives for birth preparation sessions. These sessions follow a comprehensive curriculum covering the biological aspects of pregnancy, danger signs, simulations of childbirth positions, breathing techniques, mobility exercises and newborn care. 

Following a pilot phase conducted between 2019 and 2023 at the Yeumbeul reference hospital, the initiative has been scaled up since November 2023 to all health facilities in the health district of the Yeumbeul North and South municipalities. To support effective implementation, 45 midwives in the district have been trained in this approach and more than 430 women have received support. 

For her third pregnancy, Tina participated in the programme. Aware of her previous experiences, the midwives reassured her and taught her techniques to better manage pain, understand the different stages of labour, and prepare mentally for childbirth. Sitting in the postnatal ward of the Yeumbeul hospital, Tina gently cradles her newborn as she recounts her story. “During labour, I was assisted by the same midwife who had guided me during the preparation sessions. Together, we practiced the exercises again and it allowed me to experience the birth of my son differently—with more confidence and calm,” she says. 

This birth‑preparation approach, combined with the use of the new Labour Management Guide, helps reduce preventable maternal and neonatal deaths. The guide simplifies the monitoring of labour and enables early detection of complications, while promoting a more humane approach to care. WHO has supported the training of 2700 midwives in its use across the country. 

“Before, midwives were very focused on complex charts, sometimes at the expense of continuous support,” acknowledges Dr Alassane Tall, Head of the Gynecology Unit at Yeumbeul Hospital. “Today, the tool is more intuitive and allows more time for listening to women and adapting care accordingly.” 

To support this shift, WHO has also assisted in the adaptation and dissemination of a complementary module on stress management for midwives, with 235 health professionals trained. Beyond technical procedures, the emphasis is placed on communication, adaptation to each woman’s needs and the well‑being of midwives, thereby strengthening the quality of care. 

“The preparation sessions with pregnant women allow us to better anticipate their needs and build a relationship of trust by integrating listening and emotional support into care, beyond technical acts alone,” says Gnima Sonko, Senior Midwife at the Yeumbeul Health Centre, trained with WHO support. “The modules focused on strengthening our own mental health help us work with greater peace of mind, which directly improves the quality of support we provide to pregnant women.” 

This integrated approach is transforming the childbirth experience. “Every woman deserves to experience childbirth in dignity and safety. This is a fundamental right, not a privilege,” stresses Dr Michel Yao, WHO Representative in Senegal. “Collaboration between the Ministry of Health, health districts and WHO is essential to scaling up these good practices.” 

For Tina, the change was tangible: “My baby was born in joy, not fear. I am leaving with a light heart.” A testimony that shows how humane health care transforms lives — one pregnancy, one birth, one family at a time.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Senegal.

Courtesy Call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs HORII by Mr. KETU CIRIMWAMI, Chief of Staff to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Democratic Republic of the Congo

Source: APO


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On January 20, commencing at 4:30 p.m., for approximately 40 minutes, Mr. HORII Iwao, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, received a courtesy call from Mr. Patient KETU CIRIMWAMI, Chief of Staff to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Democratic Republic of the Congo. The overview of the courtesy call is as follows:

  1. At the outset, State Minister HORII welcomed Chief of Staff KETU CIRIMWAMI’s visit to Japan and expressed his expectation for further cooperation with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as DRC is serving as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for two years from 2026. State Minister also welcomed the progress in bilateral cooperation following the two visits to Japan by H.E. Mrs. Judith SUMINWA Tuluka, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, last year.
  2. In response, Chief of Staff KETU CIRIMWAMI stated that DRC would like to further deepen cooperation both bilaterally and in the international arena, including the UN Security Council.
  3. They also exchanged views on regional issues, such as their policies toward North Korea including on the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue, cooperation toward the realization of UN Security Council reform, and efforts to maintain and strengthen the international order based on the rule of law. They concurred to cooperate closely in the international arena.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus S.Lukashevich receives copies of Credentials from Ambassador of Tanzania

Source: APO


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On January 20, 2026 the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus Sergey Lukashevich received copies of credentials from the Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania to the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus concurrently, Fredrick Ibrahim Kibuta.

During the meeting the main topics of the bilateral agenda were discussed, with an emphasis on the implementation of agreements reached during the visit of the Prime Minister of Tanzania to Belarus in July 2025, including trade and economic issues and establishment of coordination mechanisms for interaction.

It was agreed to intensify events and exchanges of visits at various levels between Belarus and Tanzania in 2026 and to take measures to develop the legal framework.

The parties confirmed the commitment to long-term cooperation, both bilaterally and internationally, in the interests of our friendly nations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus.

5th India-Namibia Foreign Office Consultations

Source: APO


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The fifth round of India-Namibia Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) was held on January 19-20, 2026, in New Delhi. The FOC was co-chaired by Mr. Janesh Kain, Joint Secretary (East & Southern Africa), Ministry of External Affairs, India and Amb. Charles Josob, Acting Head of Department for Bilateral Relations and Cooperation in the Ministry of International Relations and Trade, Namibia.

2. During the FOC, the two sides undertook a comprehensive review of the entire gamut of India-Namibia relations encompassing key areas of bilateral cooperation including trade, investment, health & pharmaceuticals, education, capacity building, defence, agriculture, infrastructure development, consular matters, people-to-people and cultural exchanges. Both sides agreed to further deepen bilateral ties in key areas such as health, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), agriculture, defence and critical minerals. Discussions were also held on regional and international issues of mutual interest including co-operation at the UN.

3. The FOC was held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere. It provided an excellent opportunity to review progress of the outcomes emerging from recent high-level exchanges, and discuss ways to further strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation across diverse sectors. Both sides also agreed to hold the next round of Foreign Office Consultations in Windhoek at a mutually convenient date.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of External Affairs – Government of India.

President El-Sisi Heads to Davos to Participate in World Economic Forum

Source: APO


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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi heads to Davos, Switzerland, to participate in the activities of the World Economic Forum, which will be held from January 19 to 23, 2026, under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue”.

Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy stated that the forum’s agenda includes a series of events with the participation of world leaders, heads of international and regional organizations, as well as representatives from major private sector institutions. The forum’s sessions will cover topics related to enhancing international cooperation, supporting global prosperity pathways, expanding the reliance on technology and innovation as drivers of growth, as well as investing in human capital.

On the sidelines of the forum, President El-Sisi will meet with the U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss the latest regional and international developments of mutual interest and explore ways to strengthen cooperation and coordination between Egypt and the United States, in a manner that serves the interests of both countries and promotes regional and international stability.

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

Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Rasha Kelej meets The First Lady of Nigeria & 6 African First Ladies of Africa at the 12th Africa Asia Luminary 2025 in The Gambia

Source: APO

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 12th Edition of their annual conference, “Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary”, in partnership with the Government of The Gambia. The conference was co-chaired by H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, First Lady of Gambia & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother and Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation & President of More Than a Mother. First Lady of Nigeria, H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, along with The First Ladies of Burundi, Central Africa, Liberia, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Senegal joined as the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers.

Dr. Rasha Kelej said, “I was delighted to meet my dear sister, H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria & Ambassador of ‘Merck Foundation More Than a Mother’, at our 12th Africa Asia Luminary 2025. We discussed our joint programs to build and advance healthcare capacity by providing scholarships for local Nigerian doctors. I am proud to share that till now we have provided 82 scholarships for local Nigerian healthcare providers in many critical and underserved specialties like Fertility, Embryology, Sexual and Reproductive Care, Women’s Health, Oncology, Diabetes, Endocrinology, Preventative Cardiovascular, Cardiology and Obesity & Weight Management, Acute Medicine, Respiratory Care, Dermatology, Rheumatology, Critical Care, Psychiatry, Care for Older Person and Pain Management. Together, we will continue to work closely to transform future of patient care in Nigeria.”

H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria & Ambassador of ‘Merck Foundation More Than a Mother’ emphasized, “I deeply value our meaningful partnership with Merck Foundation and also appreciate all their programs. I am particularly excited about Educating Linda Program through which we will be providing annual scholarships to 71 of our top-performing but under privileged schoolgirls in secondary school until their graduation. I firmly believe in empowering girls through education, as it plays a crucial role in building stronger and healthier nations, this is one of the key objectives of my office’s strategy. Moreover, I am happy to share that Merck Foundation has provided 82 scholarships for our healthcare providers, in many critical specialties.”

Watch the Video of The First Lady of Nigeria & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother during the Day 2 of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/49FzuVy

Watch the video of Merck Foundation CEO, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej receiving H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria & Ambassador of ‘Merck Foundation More Than a Mother’: https://apo-opa.co/4jPtoXm

On Day 1 of the conference, the Plenary Session of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 took place, featuring keynote speeches of First Ladies of Africa. Moreover, a high-level ministerial panel discussion was also held with African Ministers to discuss the Merck Foundation African Research Summit MARS strategy to build scientific research capacity and empower women in STEM with special focus on scientific research. 

On Day 2 of the conference, Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative- MFFLI committee meeting was conducted between The First Ladies of Africa and Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO, where the African First Ladies shared the impact report of Merck Foundation programs in their respective countries, and future strategy was discussed.

Watch the video of MFFLI committee meeting: https://apo-opa.co/4babEnm

Together with Nigeria First Lady, Merck Foundation has provided 82 scholarships for local doctors in Nigeria in many critical and underserved specialties. Summary of 82 scholarships:

  • 14 Scholarships have been provided for Fertility, Embryology and one year diploma and two-year master degree in Sexual and Reproductive Care, Women’s Health and Family Medicine. These scholarships are very critical for enhancing women’s health in general, and reproductive health in particular.
  • 39 scholarships are being provided one year diploma and two-year master degree of Diabetes, Endocrinology, Preventative Cardiovascular, Cardiology and Obesity & Weight Management, under the Merck Foundation Nationwide Diabetes Blue Points Program. Upon completing the course, these doctors can establish diabetes or hypertension clinics within their respective health centers or hospitals, which will enable them to provide essential care, helping to prevent and manage these conditions within their own communities.
  • 3 scholarships have been provided for Oncology Research, Medical Oncology and Pain Management, as part of Merck Foundation Cancer Access Program.
  • Moreover, 26 scholarships have been provided for Acute Medicine, Respiratory Care, Dermatology, Rheumatology, Critical Care, Dermatology, Infectious Diseases, Psychiatry, and Care for Older Person.

“Merck Foundation has always believed in the importance of building healthcare capacity and has been working for it since 2012. We have so far provided more than 2400 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties. We will continue to provide scholarships of doctors from Nigeria and beyond,” added Dr. Kelej.

Merck Foundation also announced the Call for applications for their 8 important awards in partnership with The First Lady of Nigeria for Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields.

Moreover, in partnership with The First Lady of Nigeria, Merck Foundation is launching their children’s storybooks, “More Than a Mother”, “Educating Linda”, “Jackline’s Rescue”, “Not Who You Are”, “Ride into the Future” and “Sugar free Jude”, “Mark’s Pressure”, and “Ray of Hope”. The storybooks address various social and health issues like breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, stopping GBV, diabetes and hypertension awareness. Thousands of copies of the storybooks will be distributed to school children.

The 12th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary was streamed live on the social media handles of Merck Foundation and Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation.

@ Merck Foundation: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/4a2Lba5), X (http://apo-opa.co/4jOuhiE), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/4jSgOGO), and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/4a14Yqq).

@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/49B55HK), X (http://apo-opa.co/49vUnDV), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/49M82FA), and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/4sQ5qPC).

Link to the YouTube live stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies High Level Panel: https://apo-opa.co/4a1OjD3

Summarizing Merck Foundation’s initiatives and impact:

Merck Foundation is transforming the Patient care landscape and making history together with their partners in Africa, Asia, and beyond, through:

  • 2400+ Scholarships provided by Merck Foundation for healthcare providers from 52 Countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

Merck Foundation is also creating a culture shift and breaking the silence about a wide range of social and health issues in Africa and underserved communities through:

  • 3700+ Media Representatives from more than 35 countries trained by Merck Foundation to better raise awareness about different social and health issues
  • 8 Different Awards launched annually for best Media coverage, Song, Films, and Fashion.
  • Around 30 songs to address health and social issues, by local singers across Africa
  • 9 Children’s Storybooks in four languages – English, French, Portuguese, and Swahili
  • 6 Awareness Animation Films in five languages – English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili to raise awareness about breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education and prevention and early detection of Diabetes, Hypertension & Cancer.
  • Pan African TV Program “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” addressing Social and Health Issues in Africa through “Fashion and ART with Purpose” Community
  • 1200+ Scholarships provided annually to high performing but under-privileged African schoolgirls from 18 countries, to help them to complete their studies and empower them to reach their full potential
  • 15 Social Media Channels with more than 8.5 Million Followers.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager 
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
Facebook: http://apo-opa.co/4a2Lba5 
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Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com 
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/4qC86PE

About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/4a2Lba5), X (http://apo-opa.co/4jOuhiE), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/4jSgOGO), YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/4a14Yqq), Threads (http://apo-opa.co/3LrIk1c) and Flickr (http://apo-opa.co/3LLQhhD).

The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.

Media files

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Fighting climate change in the Sahel is worsening conflicts – new research shows how

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Folahanmi Aina, Lecturer in Political Economy of Violence, Conflict and Development, SOAS, University of London

The Sahel, the semi-arid African region stretching from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Red Sea in the east, has become the epicentre of global terrorism, given the high number of attacks by armed groups and the resulting fatalities, including those suffered by civilians. This development is rooted in a complex interplay of factors. They include state fragility, illicit economies, limited presence of government in rural areas, and conflicts driven by resource scarcity due to climate shocks.

I am a political scientist with regional expertise in conflict, security and development in west Africa. In a recent policy brief for a research programme, I set out how climate change mitigation efforts in Sahelian communities have intensified pre-existing tensions.

The research involved extensive fieldwork and interviews in July and August 2025 with community members in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Nigeria. The aim was to understand the interaction between various pressure points and crises playing out in their lives.

Livelihoods are under pressure as a result of climate change. Resources are scarce and unevenly allocated. Governance structures are weak and armed groups compete for control.

The findings were clear: climate action can either exacerbate or alleviate crises.

Many climate mitigation efforts are large-scale projects, like building solar farms, extensive reforestation initiatives, or bio-fuel plantations. The Great Green Wall initiative and the Agriculture Climate Resilient Value Chain Development Project in Niger are examples.

These projects are deemed vital for reducing carbon footprints. But carrying them out in fragile states poses a risk. In the Sahel, misconceived environmental security policymaking can have adverse impacts and even fuel the very insecurity it aims to prevent. Top-down approach objectives can be at odds with local social and ecological realities.

I conclude from my findings that the United Nations’ approach to climate change mitigation in the Sahel requires a re-evaluation. What’s needed are adaptation interventions that are:

  • conflict-sensitive

  • community-led and context-specific

  • designed using a transboundary process. This is because interventions are capable of shaping political economies, security arrangements and community relations across borders, not just within them.

A fragile environment

My research confirms that climate change in Sahelian communities has intensified pre-existing tensions. These include:

Insecurity: Local populations are exposed to conflicts that are made worse by climate-induced pressures. This includes farmer-herder disputes over diminishing grazing land, intercommunal clashes for access to scarce water resources, and ethno-religious tensions aggravated by competition over livelihood opportunities.

Interviews conducted with farmers, pastoralists and community heads, among others, highlighted how shifts in rainfall patterns, long droughts and unpredictable harvests are directly undermining livelihoods. People are being forced into daily coping strategies that sometimes heighten local conflicts.

State fragility: Interviews with key informants, including local vigilantes, paint a picture of governments’ inability to provide security, deliver basic services or mediate rising disputes.

As a result communities have been forced to find alternative forms of governance and protection. These include local vigilante groups, traditional community elders and informal resource management committees.

Criminal networks: Climate vulnerability and state fragility have created an environment that allows violent extremist organisations to operate and expand their influence. These groups range from armed bandits to violent extremist organisations such as Boko Haram and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM). They are not merely a result of ideology. They are consequences of a system in distress. They strategically exploit the insecurities and grievances that climate change and state fragility have created.

A Malian community leader put it perfectly. He warned that if a community

becomes a dry land … the armed group can use this opportunity to install themselves.

Towards a conflict-sensitive approach

Statements from people interviewed reflect simple, yet profound, solutions.

The central message is the need for local ownership and community involvement.

A traditional ruler from Burkina Faso, for instance, insisted that:

if projects come, they must include the community from the beginning, to ensure people feel respected, build trust, and ensure that solutions respond to real needs.

A respondent in Nigeria, too, said that “when the locals engage with government many solutions come aboard”. In Niger, a local actor stressed the need to “involve the population more in the decision-making process concerning them”.

These comments point to policy directives. They argue for a departure from the top-down, expert-driven model of development.

For climate change mitigation to be a force for peace, it must be integrated with peacebuilding and state-building efforts. Involving local authorities and community-level institutions in making decisions can lead to interventions that are context-sensitive, legitimate and responsive to local realities.

This translates to linking climate finance to projects that provide not only renewable energy infrastructure but also schools, health centres and sustainable livelihoods. It means transparent, community-led dialogue to resolve conflicts before they escalate across the Sahel region.

Next steps

The Sahel’s plight is a powerful lesson for the global community. The interconnectedness of climate change, state fragility and conflict is a complex adaptive system. It cannot be solved with single-sector interventions. The challenges are too intertwined, and the stakes are too high.

International development and climate policy must shift. Climate change mitigation is not a technical exercise, but an opportunity to rebuild broken social contracts, foster community resilience and promote equitable development.

Addressing root causes instead of symptoms can turn a vicious cycle of fragility into one of peace and development.

– Fighting climate change in the Sahel is worsening conflicts – new research shows how
– https://theconversation.com/fighting-climate-change-in-the-sahel-is-worsening-conflicts-new-research-shows-how-273673