MIL Africa Engine

Source: APO

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The United States Embassy in Abuja has officially reopened the American Center at the Embassy Chancery with a ceremony celebrating American excellence and creativity, and for the reciprocal benefit of the United States and Nigeria. The newly redesigned American Center features modernized spaces and enhanced technology aimed at expanding educational, cultural, and professional opportunities for Nigerians of all ages, with the goal of providing information about the United States; English language teaching and learning; educational advising for study at U.S. institutions; American cultural programs; networking with U.S. exchange program alumni; and professional skills building.  

Speaking at the ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Richard M. Mills, Jr. emphasized the role of the American Center and American Spaces more broadly in fostering opportunity and connection. 

“Today, we are proud to reopen the American Center as a space that celebrates American excellence in arts and reflects the values that define our nation. American Spaces have become trusted venues for young people seeking opportunities to learn about the United States, improve their English, and develop professional skills.  They offer a welcoming environment where students, entrepreneurs, and community leaders can connect, collaborate, and innovate.”    He added that “Through educational advising, entrepreneurship training, and digital literacy programs, American Spaces equip Nigerians with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing global economy.” 

The newly redesigned center features murals which are a series of large public artworks that celebrate American history, culture, and shared values. Created by skilled artists, murals often highlight themes such as freedom, innovation, and community. Through bold imagery and symbolic scenes, the murals are meant to educate, inspire, and reflect the experiences and ideals that have shaped the United States.

“The individuals depicted on this mural embody the values of hard work, determination, and perseverance.  These are hallmarks of American achievement, but they are also qualities we see every day in Nigerian youth.” Ambassador Mills added.

Also speaking during the reopening ceremony, Country Public Diplomacy Counselor, Lee McManis stated that the revitalized space joins twenty-nine other American Spaces across Nigeria, serving as vibrant hubs for cultural exchanges and learning.

“We are thrilled to reopen the American Center here at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja. This revitalized space joins 29 other American Spaces across Nigeria, serving as vibrant hubs for celebrating U.S. leadership in innovation and learning. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the center will foster meaningful connections and provide new opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing. 

McManis said “American Spaces are at the heart of our commitment to bridge building,” adding that “These Spaces offer a welcoming environment where people can access reliable information, develop new skills, and engage in open dialogue. By fostering connections and supporting lifelong learning, American Spaces empower individuals and strengthen the bonds between our nations.” 

As the American Center reopens its doors to the public, the Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to resources and program that strengthen bilateral ties. American Spaces support U.S. interests, foster a greater understanding of the United States, and offer opportunities for the United States to connect with aspiring leaders.  The reopening ceremony welcomed guests both in- person and virtually, including participants from all American Spaces across Nigeria.

For more information about American Spaces and upcoming programs, please visit the U.S. Embassy website and follow Embassy social media platforms.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria.

Source: APO

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On 13 January, at the African Union City, President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi met with the Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG a.i.), Vivian van de Perre. Discussions focused on the deteriorating security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and its humanitarian consequences, particularly the impact on civilians.

The SRSG a.i. underscored the urgent need to enforce an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, in line with Security Council resolution 2773 (2025).

She reiterated the United Nations’ commitment to supporting the DRC, while fully respecting its sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and to backing regional peace efforts aimed at achieving a sustainable resolution.

The meeting followed the adoption of Security Council resolution 2808 (2025), which renews MONUSCO’s mandate and sets new priorities, including protecting civilians, supporting the implementation of resolution 2773 (2025), and assisting stabilization and the strengthening of State institutions in the DRC.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).

Source: APO

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The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Informa Markets, a London-listed global leader in events and knowledge services. The partnership will strengthen the planning, delivery, and sustainability of the Africa CDC International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA) and other flagship public health convenings at a time of heightened demand for coordinated health leadership across the continent.

Africa CDC Director-General Dr Jean Kaseya and Informa Markets President for Middle East, India, Türkiye & Africa Mr Peter Hall signed the agreement, which combines Africa CDC’s scientific leadership with Informa’s global expertise in large-scale event management to enhance the quality, reach, and long-term sustainability of Africa’s premier public health platforms.

“This partnership reinforces Africa CDC’s commitment to strengthening continental ownership of public health priorities,” said Dr Kaseya. “CPHIA has become a critical forum for African experts and leaders to set the continent’s health security agenda. Informa Markets’ support will help expand the conference’s reach and impact while preserving Africa CDC’s full scientific, strategic, and convening leadership.”

Under this partnership, Africa CDC reinforces the institution’s central role in advancing continental priorities, including its 2023–2027 Strategic Plan and the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty (AHSS) agenda. Informa Markets, a member of the FTSE 100 Index, global exhibition leader and organizer of World Health Expo, will leverage its global reach, industry expertise and experience to elevate CPHIA’s scale, visibility and impact across Africa and internationally.   

Peter Hall, President for Middle East, India, Türkiye & Africa at Informa Markets, added:

“This partnership reflects a strong alignment of vision between Informa Markets and Africa CDC. Drawing on over 50 years’ experience delivering trusted global healthcare events, Informa Markets is proud to support CPHIA’s continued growth. Together, we will ensure CPHIA 2026 delivers lasting value for Africa’s public health ecosystem”.

Since its inaugural edition in December 2021, Africa CDC has convened four editions of CPHIA, each building momentum as the continent’s leading forum for public health dialogue, policy alignment, and scientific exchange. The conference has brought together Heads of State, Ministers of Health, researchers, frontline health workers, private-sector leaders, and global institutions, cementing CPHIA’s role as a central platform for shaping Africa’s public health agenda. The fifth edition, CPHIA 2026, will be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with thousands of delegates expected to attend.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

Source: APO

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Minister Ronald Lamola has arrived in Juba, leading a High-Level African Union Ad-hoc Committee of Five (C5) Visit to South Sudan from 14 to 15 January 2026. He is leading the delegation in his capacity as the Chairperson.

This visit is a follow-up to the previous C5 Ministerial Visit to Juba, which took place exactly a year ago.

The visit serves as a precursor to a Peace and Security Council (PSC) Meeting of the African Union, scheduled for 19 January 2026, which will assess the situation in South Sudan. It also precedes the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government and the proposed C5 Plus Summit, which will convene on the margins of the AU Assembly from 14 to 15 February 2026.

The year 2026 marks a pivotal moment for South Sudan, as the country is earmarked to hold its first-ever elections since gaining independence from Sudan in July 2011. The role of the C5 is to oversee the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

South Sudan is currently led by a Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity, with elections expected to be held in December 2026.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Source: APO

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The Office of the President advises the public to exercise caution when engaging with online profiles claiming to represent President Patrick Herminie. We have noted the emergence of fake accounts and posts promoting fraudulent offers, including housing schemes and payments.

We remind citizens that the President does not conduct private promotions, giveaways, or financial solicitations through social media. Any official communication will be shared exclusively through verified State House channels, namely Facebook, X, YouTube, and WhatsApp.

If you encounter suspicious accounts or content, please refrain from engaging and report it immediately.

Public vigilance helps protect our community from scams and misinformation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

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The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has welcomed the overwhelming passage by the United States House of Representatives of a three-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

The Chairperson commends the bipartisan support demonstrated by Members of the U.S. House, reflecting the enduring commitment of the United States to strengthening trade, investment, and shared prosperity with African economies. “For over two decades, AGOA has served as a cornerstone of U.S.–Africa economic relations, supporting industrialisation, job creation, regional value chains, and inclusive growth across the continent,” said Mr. Youssouf.

He added that AGOA has been instrumental in fostering mutually beneficial economic ties and reinforcing Africa’s role as a reliable partner in global commerce.

As the bill proceeds to the United States Senate, the Chairperson appealed to the Senate to give favourable and timely consideration to the extension, in a spirit that upholds partnership, and shared strategic interests.

The African Union Commission reaffirms its commitment to working closely with the Government of the United States, Congress, and all stakeholders to ensure that AGOA continues to serve as a bridge for economic cooperation and a symbol of the enduring friendship between Africa and the American people.

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

Source: APO

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The State of Qatar participated in the Fifth Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts for Sudan, which took place in the Arab Republic of Egypt.

HE Director of the Arab Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nayef bin Abdullah Al Emadi represented the State of Qatar at the meeting.

This meeting comes as part of efforts to support pathways towards a peaceful solution in the Republic of Sudan and to strengthen coordination among concerned parties in a manner that contributes to achieving security and stability.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.

Source: APO

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Colonel Aliou Tine, the newly appointed force commander of the Economic Community of west African states (ECOWAS) Mission in the Gambia (ECOMIG), has pledged his commitment to refional security and supporting peaceful elections in close collaboration with Gmbian authorities and armed forces.

He made this pledge at a handing-and-taking-over ceremony at the ECOMIG Headquarters in Bakau on Thursday 8 January 2026, marking the official transfer of command from the outgoing Force Commander, Colonel Ndiagne Diouf.

The solemn ceremony was highlighted by the symbolic exchange of the ECOMIG command flag, signifying the transfer of authority and responsibility between the two senior officers.  The event brought together high-level dignitaries, including the Senegalese High Commissioner to The Gambia, the National Security Adviser, representatives of the Chief of Defence Staff, senior officers of the Gambia Armed Forces, contingent commanders, as well as officers and men of ECOMIG.

In his acceptance remarks, Colonel Aliou Tine described his appointment as a great honour bestowed by ECOWAS and the Government of The Gambia.

He commended Colonel Diouf and his team for their achievements and pledged to preserve and build upon the legacy they have established. He also acknowledged the strategic importance of the forthcoming electoral period, reaffirming his commitment to supporting peaceful elections in close collaboration with Gambian authorities and armed forces.

In her remarks, Miata Lily French, ECOWAS Head of Mision, expressed gratitude to Colonel Diouf for his dedicated service to The Gambia and the sub-region.  She noted that at a time when security challenges are increasing globally and regionally, ECOMIG’s role remains vital in ensuring stability and creating an environment conducive for economic growth.

Madam French reiterated that since its deployment in 2017, ECOMIG has played a central role in maintaining peace and supporting democratic governance in The Gambia. Colonel Tine was assured of full support from mission headquarters and contingent commanders to ensure a successful completion of the ECOMIG mandate.

The outgoing Force Commander Colonel Ndiagne Diouf reflected on his one-year tenure, expressing deep appreciation to the Government and people of The Gambia, ECOWAS authorities, and mission leadership for their unwavering support.

He highlighted key achievements of his command, including medical assistance to over 8,000 people, the conduct of more than 100 security missions, and over 40 joint patrols with Gambian security forces.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).