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MIL-OSI Europe: Human Rights Ambassador Wim Geerts meets with members of the Kenyan community in the Netherlands

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 06-02-2025 | 15:45

This afternoon, Dutch Human Rights Ambassador Wim Geerts met with members of the Kenyan community in the Netherlands. They discussed the human rights situation in Kenya and the upcoming state visit by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima to the country, planned for March.

During the meeting, the ambassador was presented with a petition calling for the state visit to be cancelled in light of human rights issues in Kenya. Mr Geerts discussed the criticism of the visit and listened to the concerns put forward by Kenyans in the Netherlands.

‘It is good to hear what the concerns are and to talk about them. That also helps me do my job more effectively. We will continue to do so during the state visit, when there will be discussions with the Kenyan authorities as well as community-based organisations and young people.’

The ambassador will travel to Kenya this month to talk with young people, representatives of civil society organisations, human rights defenders and the Kenyan authorities.

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI: Digital Tails Group, LLC. Announces Completion of Another Customer Project and Detailed Case Study

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, NY, Feb. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — bowmo™, Inc. (OTC: BOMO), a New York City– based company powered by AI and XR/VR technologies who’s aim is to provide fully customizable SaaS Platforms to multiple industries (https://bowmo.com) (“bowmo,” “the Company”) and its recent merger partner OWNverse/Digital Tails Group (“DTG”), are pleased to announce the completion of another client project for Téchne , a European custom furniture manufacturer.

Digital Tails Group developed a custom Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) platform to simplify and automate the entire manufacturing and sales process – from product configuration to pricing and order placement – while adhering to budget constraints.

A key component of this CPQ platform is the 3D configurator for real-time customization of various product attributes. This system gives customers a fast, easy and interactive way to “design” their own furniture right on the platform.

Aleksey Shestakov, Chairman of the Board of OWNverse/Digital Tails and the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of bowmo, Inc. summarized: “With the CPQ platform, Téchne can now streamline their manufacturing processes and automate time-consuming manual tasks, such as configuration checks and price calculations. The solution has been particularly impactful for their unique furniture designs, which previously required extensive manual effort to manage. Our solution has significantly reduced the time spent on designing and configuring products.”

You can learn more about this family of innovations from bowmo and OWNverse/Digital Tails Group at: https://digital-tails.group/

About bowmo, Inc.
Bowmo Inc., (OTC: BOMO) is a New York City–based AI-powered software and services company that incorporates a novel set of technologies to build a platform that will deliver solutions for multiple industries. Bowmo’s flagship product seamlessly integrates AI and extended reality (XR) technologies to revolutionize recruitment and human resource (HR) processes.

Building upon our multi-vertical platform, bowmo is poised to introduce a suite of future products catering to the cybersecurity, retail, sports, media/entertainment, and real estate sectors. This expansion underscores bowmo’s commitment to diversifying revenue streams and addressing diverse industry needs through advanced technological solutions. bowmo’s platform harnesses AI, machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), blockchain, and process orchestration.

About Digital Tails Group, LLC.
Digital Tails Group (“DTG,” the “Company”) is an IT company specializing in software development using 3D technology, extended reality (XR) and artificial intelligence (AI). The DTG expertise in advanced technologies ranges from virtual reality (VR) experiences to smart AI algorithms, enabling us to help our clients improve their competitive strength through the application of advanced UI and knowledge technologies.

About OWNverse, LLC.
OWNverse is a virtual platform company that develops unique tools for creating targeted products and services for virtual spaces (“Metaverses”) by using the technology stack available through widely used Web2 platforms driven by AI. OWNverse allows for the integration of such tools to elevate the dimensionality of products and services, while offering such products and services within the spatially immersive 3D Internet—Web3. OWNverse aims to empower all users to become co-creators of the content. The main OWNverse ideology is to supply proven tools to users to provide real value for businesses and create virtual communities in numerous business sectors.

Additional Information and Where to Find It
Additional information is available on the Company’s website: https://www.bowmo.com. In addition, other information related to the Company is available at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to: bowmo, Inc., 99 Wall Street, Suite 891, New York, NY 10005; or by phone at 212-398-0002.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by the use of the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “plans,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “continue,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, BOMO’s ability to successfully execute its expanded business strategy, including by entering into definitive agreements with suppliers, commercial partners and customers; general economic and business conditions, effects of continued geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, delays in completing various software programs, changes in future customer order patterns, changes in product mix, continued success in technical advances and delivering technological innovations, regulatory requirements and the ability to meet them, government agency rules and changes, and various other factors beyond BOMO’s control. Except as may be required by law, bowmo, Inc. undertakes no obligation, and does not intend, to update these forward-looking statements after the date of this release.

The MIL Network –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI: Maris-Tech Secures First Eastern European Defense Order for Jupiter Nano

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Expansion into a New Defense Market Reinforces Maris- Tech’s Global Capabilities

Rehovot, Israel, Feb. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Maris-Tech Ltd. (Nasdaq: MTEK, MTEKW) (“Maris-Tech” or the “Company”), a global leader in video and artificial intelligence (“AI”) based edge computing technology, today announced that it has received a new order from its U.K.-based distributor for its Jupiter Nano system to be delivered to a new defense company in Eastern Europe. This order marks a significant milestone for the Company as it expands into Eastern Europe’s defense sector and reinforces the Company’s’ position as a global player in video and AI-based edge computing solutions.

The order includes dozens of Jupiter Nano units, which will be integrated into weapon systems for a defense project in Eastern Europe. With its compact form factor and ability to handle multiple video streams simultaneously, Jupiter Nano offers the advantage of ultra-low latency streaming and robust network support. It also addresses the customer’s specific challenges and seamlessly integrates into their sophisticated military systems.

“We believe that this new order is a testament to both the strong relationship we have built with our U.K. distributor and the growing demand for Jupiter Nano’s advanced capabilities,” said Israel Bar, Chief Executive Officer of Maris-Tech. “Eastern Europe is a new and exciting market for us, and we believe that that this opportunity will allow us to expand our reach in the global defense and homeland security markets.”

Jupiter Nano is a dual-channel H.264/H.265 codec, capable of 100msec ultra-low-latency streaming over wired and wireless networks. With video and audio capture, encoding, decoding, transcoding, and raw data preprocessing, Jupiter Nano is designed to meet the highest performance and reliability standards for modern defense applications.

About Maris-Tech Ltd.

Maris-Tech is a global leader in video and AI-based edge computing technology, pioneering intelligent video transmission solutions that conquer complex encoding-decoding challenges. Our miniature, lightweight, and low-power products deliver high-performance capabilities, including raw data processing, seamless transfer, advanced image processing, and AI-driven analytics. Founded by Israeli technology sector veterans, Maris-Tech serves leading manufacturers worldwide in defense, aerospace, Intelligence gathering, homeland security (HLS), and communication industries. We’re pushing the boundaries of video transmission and edge computing, driving innovation in mission-critical applications across commercial and defense sectors.

For more information, visit https://www.maris-tech.com/

Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are intended to be covered by the “safe harbor” created by those sections. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe the Company’s future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as “believe,” “expect”,” “may”, “should,” “could,” “seek,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “estimate,” “anticipate” or other comparable terms. For example, the Company is using forward-looking statements when it is discussing: the new order for the Jupiter Nano system; the integration of the Jupiter Nano units into the weapon systems; the growing demand for Jupiter Nano’s advanced capabilities; and that the new order will allow the Company to expand its reach in the global defense and homeland security markets. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of the Company’s control. The Company’s actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause the Company’s actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: its ability to successfully market its products and services, including in the United States; the acceptance of its products and services by customers; its continued ability to pay operating costs and ability to meet demand for its products and services; the amount and nature of competition from other security and telecom products and services; the effects of changes in the cybersecurity and telecom markets; its ability to successfully develop new products and services; its success establishing and maintaining collaborative, strategic alliance agreements, licensing and supplier arrangements; its ability to comply with applicable regulations; and the other risks and uncertainties described in the Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on March 21, 2024, and its other filings with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

Investor Relations:

Nir Bussy, CFO
Tel: +972-72-2424022
Nir@maris-tech.com

The MIL Network –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI: Drone Manufacturers Scrambling to Keep Up with Growing Demand as Drone Applications Skyrocket

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

PALM BEACH, Fla., Feb. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – Drones are being increasingly adopted in a growing number of industries such as military, defense, land surveying, agriculture for crop monitoring, energy for inspecting power lines among others. The versatility of drones to perform various tasks efficiently is driving their adoption. Drones can be used to monitor hostile environments and enemy activity as well as used for strategic and operational reconnaissance. Commercial Drones are remotely piloted, optionally piloted, or fully autonomous aerial vehicles that play a significant role in plenty of sectors. They are commonly termed drones and are mostly known for their wide usage in various functions, such as Surveying & Mapping, Inspection & Monitoring among others. These vehicles are also used for mapping, surveying, and determining the weather conditions of a specific area. According to recent industry reports, the markets are poised to continue substantial growth in years to come. MarketsAndMarkets project that The Commercial Drone market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.2% from 2024 to 2030. The report said: “Based on End Use, the Transport, Logistics and Warehousing segment is anticipated to record the highest growth rate during the forecast period By End Use, the Drone market has been segmented into logistics & transportation, agriculture, energy & power, military, construction & mining, media & entertainment, insurance, wildlife & forestry, academics & research. Logistics & Transportation segment is estimated to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period with the significant growth of the global e-commerce sector, postal companies are opting for new methods to modify their traditional delivery business models. Active Companies in the markets today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), ParaZero Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: PRZO), AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV), EHang Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: EH), AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS).

MarketsAndMarkets continued: “With several countries focusing on the use of commercial drones for postal deliveries, the commercial drone market will witness growth. The US Postal Service is exploring the possibility of introducing commercial drone into its vehicle fleets to advance mail delivery operations and support its collection of geospatial, sensor, image, and other data. Companies such as DJI (China) are actively developing solutions for Drone-based package delivery. Amazon (US) has already developed these services. Lower cost, density of urban environments, and the rising demand for reduced delivery times are contributing to the growth of this segment.”

ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) ZenaDrone Starts Testing its High-Density Batteries to Extend Flight Time for ZenaDrone 1000 Drone for US Defense Applications – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drone, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS and Quantum Computing solutions, announces that ZenaDrone will commence testing work this quarter on a high density battery for the ZenaDrone 1000 multifunction AI drone designed for defense and commercial applications. High density batteries are lightweight and enable longer drone flight times, more reliability and endurance for longer defense missions, heavier payloads, and greater operational success of a wide range of military applications. ZenaDrone will use the batteries from ZenaTech’s affiliated company Galaxy Batteries Inc.

“High density batteries are key to longer fight times and reliability in the harsh conditions of military defense operations such as cargo and resupply, intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. We will test to ensure these batteries will provide the customization, cost savings, supply chain control and superior performance we require. This is important to our goal to become a Blue UAS- certified supplier to sell to US defense branches and other military organizations,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D.

ZenaDrone 1000 is an autonomous multifunction drone offering stable flight, maneuverability, heavy lift capabilities, innovative software technology, sensors, AI, and purpose-built attachments, along with compact and rugged hardware engineered for military and industrial use. The company previously completed two paid trials with the US Air Force and the US Navy Reserve for logistics and transportation applications carrying critical cargo, such as blood, in the field.

The company previously announced that its supply chain is fully NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act) compliant and that it plans to apply for Green UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) followed by Blue UAS certification, an approved supplier list for drone companies.

NDAA compliance refers to adhering to the provisions outlined in the National Defense Authorization Act, which is a set of US federal laws passed every year that specify the budget and expenditures for the Department of Defense (DoD) and address growing cybersecurity concerns. For a product to be NDAA compliant, it must not be produced by a set list of Chinese manufacturers, which extends to the chipsets, cameras, displays and other technology used.

The Blue UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) program is a stringent government approved supplier list of drone companies that wish to do business with the US DoD; suppliers including ZenaDrone must meet strict NDAA cybersecurity and supply chain sourcing requirements. The Green UAS program is essentially the same as the Blue UAS program but has a more streamlined and faster certification process without the specifications on country of origin. Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

Other recent developments in the drone industry include:

ParaZero Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: PRZO), an aerospace company focused on safety systems for commercial unmanned aircrafts and defense Counter UAS systems, recently announced the successful demonstration of its DropAir Precision airdrop system in collaboration with a leading global defense company. The demonstration showcased the DropAir system’s ability to safely and precisely deliver critical supplies under challenging operational conditions.

During the test, ParaZero’s proprietary DropAir technology was deployed in multiple high-altitude drone airdrops. The system’s advanced parachute mechanism activated at low altitude, ensuring minimal drift and precise landings, even in complex environments. Following the successful demonstration, ParaZero plans to advance the DropAir system into the next phase of development, focusing on enhancing its capabilities for real-world military and humanitarian operations.

AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, recently announced it has been awarded its third delivery order totaling $288 million of Switchblade^® loitering munition systems as part of U.S. Army’s Directed Requirement (DR) for Lethal Unmanned Systems (LUS). The delivery is part of a 5-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract from Army Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Ground, with a contract ceiling value of $990 million, announced in August 2024.

“AV is honored to continue fulfilling this important contract providing the U.S. Army with exceptional and reliable loitering munition solutions,” said Brett Hush, AV’s senior vice president and general manager of Loitering Munition Systems. “We continue to deliver for the U.S. Army with our superior supply chain and manufacturing capacity.”

EHang Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: EH), the world’s leading Urban Air Mobility (“UAM”) technology platform company, recently announced that its flagship pilotless passenger-carrying aerial vehicle EH216-S completed its inaugural demo flight in downtown Shanghai. It served as an excellent backdrop to demonstrate the exceptional capabilities in convenience, safety, and eco-friendliness within the operational environment of UAM in metropolises. It has also officially launched the regular trial operation of the eVTOL sightseeing routes by the Huangpu River at Longhua Airport in Shanghai, in preparation for the following commercial operations in Shanghai. This move aims to realize the urban air mobility in mega central cities.

Longhua Airport is regarded as the only airport in Shanghai downtown area with apron airspace and is home to the East China General Aviation Service Center of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (“CAAC”). As an important base for the high-quality development of Shanghai’s low-altitude economy, Longhua Airport offers ideal conditions for various low-altitude economic activities, including aerial mobility, tourism and sightseeing, emergency rescue and logistics. This flight not only showcased EH216-S’s capabilities for commercial applications in urban sightseeing and travel scenarios, but also laid a solid foundation for its future gradual implementation and realization of regular commercial operations of urban air taxis in the Yangtze River Delta region centered around Shanghai.

AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS) a leading provider of best-in-class unmanned aerial systems (UAS), sensors and software solutions for customers worldwide in the commercial and government verticals, announced it recently completed a successful flight demonstration of its eBee VISION Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) UAS platform at the French Army’s 61st Artillery Regiment’s event, FID25-61e RA Chaumont. The drone innovation forum was conducted January 30-31, 2025 and attended by the Company in conjunction with its French reseller partner Flying Eye.

AgEagle CEO Bill Irby commented, “We continue to strengthen and broaden our relationship with the French Army through our partner Flying Eye, who completed training in January to become certified eBee VISION operators. This strategic union is expected to build upon the success of our largest single order in AgEagle’s history, valued at $3.4M, completed with the French Army in Q4 2024. We look forward to leveraging this momentum as we continue to expand the global footprint of our UAS products within both government and commercial verticals.”

About FN Media Group:
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DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM has been compensated fifty four hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by ZenaTech, Inc. by the Company. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

Contact Information:
Media Contact email: editor@financialnewsmedia.com – +1(561)325-8757

SOURCE: FN Media Group

The MIL Network –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI: Winvest Group Powers Web3.0 Expansion with Multi-Channel Financing

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

RENO, NEVADA, Feb. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Winvest Group Limited (OTC: WNLV) is accelerating the growth of Web3.0 through an innovative multi-channel financing model that integrates blockchain technology with the entertainment industry. This strategic initiative underscores Winvest’s deep understanding of global capital markets and offers investors new opportunities in the expanding digital economy. As decentralized finance (DeFi) gains traction and blockchain ecosystems like Solana and Ethereum continue to shape digital asset investments, Winvest is actively exploring partnerships with communities and industry stakeholders to advance this transformative financing model.

Revolutionizing Investment through Multi-Channel Financing

Winvest is redefining capital markets by merging the viral, community-driven dynamics of Meme culture with the transparency and efficiency of DeFi. The organic expansion and strong engagement of Meme communities create a solid foundation for this investment approach.

Beyond entertainment, Winvest is closely monitoring leading blockchain ecosystems such as Solana, incorporating them into its long-term investment strategy. By strengthening its presence in Web3.0, the company aims to enhance its asset portfolio and position itself as a key player in the evolving digital finance landscape, providing investors with a diversified and resilient investment framework.

Expanding Industry Collaborations and Community-Driven Growth

An increasing number of Meme projects and investors are approaching Winvest to explore strategic collaborations and funding opportunities. Among these engagements, Winvest has already reached a mutual agreement with a key partner, to funds raised through this model will be invested into Winvest’s projects, including Launchrr and movie production. This strategic alignment strengthens the ecosystem, allowing Meme-driven investments to generate real-world value while advancing Winvest’s long-term growth initiatives.

In addition, key opinion leaders (KOLs) and industry influencers are leveraging social networks and Web3.0-based governance frameworks to expand the adoption of this model and drive broader community engagement. Through this flexible funding structure, investors have a lower entry option, allowing individuals – regardless of financial capacity – to participate in the entertainment industry’s expansion. This inclusive approach creates new pathways for investors to access high-growth opportunities while contributing to the evolution of decentralized finance and entertainment investments.

Winvest: Pioneering the Future of Capital Markets

Winvest remains committed to reshaping the financial and entertainment sectors through innovation. Rooted in its brand philosophy, “For Lasting Joy,” the company integrates cutting-edge technology with strategic market initiatives to generate sustainable value for global investors.

With its expansion into Web3.0 and multi-channel financing, Winvest is not only reinforcing its market leadership but also unlocking new investment pathways in digital asset ecosystems. This initiative further strengthens the company’s mission to create a more transparent, efficient, and accessible financial landscape, empowering investors to seize the opportunities of the next evolution in capital markets.

For more information, please visit: https://www.winvestgroup.co

Media contact

Connie Ting

Winvest Group Limited

50 West Liberty Street, Suite 880, Reno NV 89501

Email: connie.ting@winxglobal.com

Phone: 775-996-0288

The MIL Network –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI: Solum Global Inc. Announces U.S. Healthcare Collaboration and Licensing Agreement with AI Company Life2, Inc.

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

WEST PALM BEACH, FL, Feb. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Solum Global Inc. (“Solum Global, Solum or the Company”) a transparent digital network with a fully decentralized, permissionless blockchain protocol and stablecoin (sgUSD) for storing, trading, and transferring digital and real-world assets enabling immediate settlement between individuals, businesses, and governments, announced today a collaboration and licensing agreement with Artificial Intelligence company Life2, Inc., to address fraud, waste, abuse and other financial inefficiencies in the U.S healthcare industry.

“Solum Global and Life2 are redefining the future of healthcare finance by driving smarter, data-backed decision-making and unlocking new levels of operational excellence. This partnership transforms financial operations by integrating Life2’s predictive AI analytics with Solum’s blockchain-based RCM solution—reducing billing errors, detecting fraud, and optimizing workflow outcomes. With real-time insights, providers can improve forecasting, enhance cash flow, and streamline administration,” stated Sterling Griffin, Vice President and Co-Founder of Solum Global Inc.

The U.S. healthcare system faces mounting inefficiencies, rising costs, and security risks, making innovation imminent. The National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association estimates the annual cost of healthcare accounts for an estimated 3% to 10% of all expenditures, totaling between $147 billion and $490 billion annually. Meanwhile, data breaches remain a persistent threat, routinely exposing sensitive personal information. In 2023 alone, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) published that 725 breaches compromised over 133 million records across healthcare and insurance companies. Partnering with Life2, Inc. means harnessing the power of AI-driven analysis to uncover hidden financial inefficiencies in historical medical records. By leveraging deep domain expertise, large-scale data sets, advanced modeling techniques, and AI-driven machine learning, Life2 tackles complex market challenges beyond the reach of human problem-solving. This partnership empowers providers, hospitals, and insurers to detect billing errors, waste, and fraud while accurately predicting and optimizing future medical expenditures, driving smarter financial and operational decisions.

“We are excited to collaborate with Solum Global to tackle the deep-rooted challenges within the U.S. healthcare system. By highlighting continual and substantial losses caused by financial leakage and actively partnering with the Solum team on their seamless, end-to-end solution, we are helping drive meaningful change. Together, we are working to reshape American healthcare by reducing costs for patients, providers, and payers,” said Rick Egan, CEO of Life2, Inc.

Solum Global is revolutionizing U.S. healthcare by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI), smart contracts, and its stablecoin (sgUSD) with a proprietary electronic health wallet (EHW) slated for release in Q2 2025. This blockchain-powered web3 platform modernizes revenue cycle management (RCM), replacing outdated web2 systems with a seamless, secure, and automated solution. By leveraging blockchain’s programmability, security, immutability, and smart contract billing, Solum facilitates instant payments through the EHW using sgUSD, a U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin. The Solum Global electronic health wallet addresses these challenges by providing a secure, blockchain-powered solution that streamlines transactions, reduces fraud, and enhances data protection. By providing individuals with greater control over their health information, Solum Global is setting a new standard for security and efficiency in healthcare.

About Solum Global Inc.
Solum Global is a transparent digital network with a fully decentralized, permissionless blockchain protocol for storing, trading, and transferring digital and real-world assets, enabling immediate settlement between individuals, businesses, and governments. Utilizing cutting-edge blockchain technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), smart contracts, the Company’s stablecoin (sgUSD), and a proprietary electronic health wallet (EHW), Solum Global provides a seamless solution that addresses the significant challenges inherent in the U.S. healthcare industry. For more information, visit www.solum.global.

About Life2, Inc.
Life2’s core Intellectual Property utilizes deep domain expertise in the use of AI, machine learning, large-scale data sets, and advanced analytics to address complex market needs that cannot be addressed by human problem-solving. Specializing in outcome analytics – proprietary technology that sits at the apex of data analysis, Life2 aggregates, organizes, and analyzes data to provide continuous, real-time, per-person, and per-event risk and intervention analysis that optimizes desired future outcomes. Outcomes can be financial, operational, clinical, or any other type of target metric across all sectors of the healthcare market. For more information, visit https://www.life2inc.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as “may,” “might,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “continue,” “predict,” “forecast,” “project,” “plan,” “intend” or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation those set forth in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Thus, actual results could be materially different. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Contacts:

Investor Relations
Hanover International
ka@hanoverintlinc.com

Media Contact
media@solum.global

The MIL Network –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI: Everything Blockchain, Inc. Announces 3 Million Share Reduction, Strengthening Shareholder Value

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Jacksonville , Feb. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

Everything Blockchain, Inc., (OTCMKTS: EBZT), a company focused on the intersection of AI, blockchain, and cryptocurrency, today announced the cancellation of 3 million shares of its common stock, representing nearly 10% of its total shares outstanding.

This strategic reduction underscores the company’s commitment to disciplined capital management and long-term shareholder value creation.

“We are pleased to announce the cancellation of 3 million shares of common stock, a significant step in strengthening our capital structure and reinforcing our commitment to shareholders,” said Arthur Rozenberg, CEO of Everything Blockchain, Inc.

“Building value in a public company requires not only a strong business model and revenue strategy but also responsible financial stewardship. This reduction reflects our proactive approach to optimizing our share structure.”

The company identified and executed the cancellation through a detailed review of its capital structure, negotiating terms that align with its overarching goal of enhancing shareholder value.

“We remain steadfast in executing our business plan with a focus on profitable growth and disciplined capital allocation,” Rozenberg added.

“This action is part of our broader strategy to ensure financial integrity, maximize shareholder returns, and position Everything Blockchain for long-term success.”

Everything Blockchain will continue to assess its capital structure as part of its commitment to delivering sustainable value to shareholders.

About Everything Blockchain Inc.

Everything Blockchain, Inc. (OTCMKTS: EBZT) focuses on identifying key challenges and opportunities in AI, blockchain, and cryptocurrency. The company is dedicated to investing in and innovating solutions that empower investors and advance global industries. For more information, visit https://www.ebzt.info/

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” which are not purely historical and may include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Such forward-looking statements include, among other things, the development, costs and results of new business opportunities and words such as “anticipate,” “seek,” intend,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “plan” or similar phrases may be deemed “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainties associated with new projects, the future U.S. and global economies, the impact of competition, and the Company’s reliance on existing regulations regarding the use and development of blockchain based products. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that any beliefs, plans, expectations, and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions will prove to be accurate.

Contact:

Arthur Rozenberg

CEO, Everything Blockchain, Inc.

arthur.rozenberg@everythingblockchain.io

The MIL Network –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Australia, Japan, Philippines, and United States Conducted Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity

Source: United States Navy

U.S. 7TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY — The combined defense and armed forces of Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States, demonstrating a collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific, conducted a multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, Feb. 5.

This builds upon previous MCAs and our continuing operations together, which strengthen the interoperability of our defense/armed forces doctrines, tactics, techniques, and procedures. MCAs are conducted in a manner that is consistent with international law and with due regard to the safety and navigational rights and freedoms of all nations. Participating units included the U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft from Patrol Squadron (VP) 47; Royal Australian Navy Hobart-class air warfare destroyer HMAS Hobart (DDG 39) and an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter; the Philippine Navy Jose Rizal-class guided-missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF 150); and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Akizuki-class destroyer JS Akizuki (DD 115) and an SH-60K helicopter. The U.S., along with our allies and partners, upholds the right to freedom of navigation and overflight and other internationally lawful uses of the sea related to those freedoms.

MIL Security OSI –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Finding the perfect venue for your event is now easier than ever | Westminster City Council

Source: City of Westminster

Are you searching for a great space to host your next event? Whether you’re planning a birthday party, fitness class, wedding reception, community workshop, or a faith group gathering, our versatile community halls and meeting rooms are the perfect setting.

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We’ve launched a new online booking platform, making it easier than ever to find and secure the right space for your event. Through the platform, you can:

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Start your booking today

Take the hassle out of venue hire and book with confidence. Visit our new online platform now and find the ideal space for your event:

Westminster Community Halls Booking

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Online talks explore use of AI in higher education

Source: Anglia Ruskin University

A comprehensive lineup of free talks focusing on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education has been organised by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU).

This series, supported by ARU’s Centre for Innovation in Higher Education, will feature a range of distinguished speakers and thought leaders in their respective fields. The events will be held online via Microsoft Teams, making them accessible to a global audience.

The series of eight events begins on Wednesday, 19 February with a session by Dr Susan Qu from the University of Cambridge. Dr Qu will present “Empowering Early Career Researchers: AI Tools for Interview Success.”

This session will explore the best practices for using generative AI in interview preparation and job-seeking, providing valuable insights for early career researchers.

On 19 March, ARU’s Dr Sarah Gibson Yates will present “Being the Writing Human in the Generative AI Loop”. Dr Gibson Yates will delve into the role of human creativity and authorship in the context of AI-generated content, emphasising the importance of maintaining a human touch when writing.

Other events in the series are as follows:

“We are thrilled to bring together such a diverse group of experts to discuss the evolving role of AI in higher education

“These events will provide valuable insights and foster meaningful discussions on how we can harness AI to enhance learning and teaching.”

Dr Shaun Le Boutillier, Head of Academic Enhancement at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)

Each session will be held from 1pm until 2pm and will be accessible online via Microsoft Teams. Participants are encouraged to register in advance through Eventbrite to secure their spot. For more information, visit aru.ac.uk/anglia-learning-and-teaching/cpd-opportunities/ai-collaborations

The first series of AI collaborations, which took place in 2024, can be accessed here: aru.ac.uk/anglia-learning-and-teaching/cpd-opportunities/past-events-and-resources

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Shop owner fined for placing furniture on highway

Source: City of Liverpool

A shop owner who repeatedly placed furniture and household items on a street in Anfield has been hit with a bill of more than £1,600.

Elliott James of Belmont Drive in L6, was found guilty at Liverpool Magistrates Court of depositing items on Rocky Lane between July and December last year, blocking the highway.

The Council brought a prosecution under Section 137 (1) of the Highways Act 1980.

He failed to appear in court for the hearing on 23 January and in his absence he was fined £660, plus a victim surcharge of £700 costs, meaning he will have to pay a total bill of £1,624.

The prosecution was brought with the support of the City Council’s Environmental Crime Enforcement Team, which was appointed last year to identify and take action against offenders who blight our local communities, be that by fly-tipping, littering or as in this case, causing obstruction of the highway. The team patrol the streets every day of the week to educate local communities on correct waste management and investigate environmental crimes.

Working closely with Merseyside Police, the team also check waste carriers to make sure they are disposing of waste correctly and carry the right licence to be able to do so.

They are set to double in size in the coming months, providing more capacity to work with residents and businesses to prevent future fly-tipping.

The Council is about to appoint an external partner to work closely with the taskforce to increase awareness of correct waste disposal and clamp down on illegal dumping, littering and dog-fouling.

Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “Mr James repeatedly placed furniture and large household items on a residential street, blighting the area and causing inconvenience and nuisance to people using the footway.

“This type of behaviour is completely unacceptable and the action we have taken outlines our determination to prosecute when we have the necessary evidence. “We know residents are sick and tired of people abusing our streets and often using them as a dumping ground, and we are committed to stamping it out.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: TUV comments on Bill proposing MLA pay rise

Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

TUV North Antrim MLA Timothy Gaston said:

“The Bill from the Assembly Commission – on which all Executive parties and SDLP are represented – has a clear agenda.

“It strips out the power for the Remuneration Board to make recommendations on MLA allowances leaving these with the Assembly Commission comprised of MLAs from the Executive plus the SDLP.

“When it comes to MLA pay, it stipulates that the Remuneration Board “must have regard to the salaries payable to MPs, members of the Scottish Parliament, the Welsh Parliament and (bizarrely) members of both Houses of Parliament in the Irish Republic.

“Additionally, it removes provisions which prevented former MLAs from sitting on the panel. This creates a clear conflict of interest as former MLAs benefit from the Assembly pension scheme.

““The practical outworking of this is that we now have the sham of MLAs claiming that nothing has been decided in terms of a pay rise while knowing full well that they have set the parameters of the legislation in such a way that a significant hike in pay is inevitable. In dictating that the Remuneration Board must take account of salaries paid to members in other legislatures – where the pay is greater than that received by MLAs currently – it is an obvious stitch up.

“The previous Financial Review Panel was not perfect – it made some crazy decisions about not permitting MLA office phone numbers on office signs for example – but to propose such radical change is totally unwarranted. While the Assembly was determined to avoid a vote this week, TUV – having forced a public debate on the issue – will ensure that amendments are tabled which if passed will derail the bonanza pay deal for Northern Ireland’s underworked MLAs. Should the amendments not be passed the public will have opportunity to pass their verdict on those who oppose them.

“Many people will draw their own conclusions from the fact that while there is a distinct lack of legislation on the issues which matter to the public, MLAs have been able to find the time to construct a Bill of this nature in their own selfish interests. What a telling commentary on one year of devolution!”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Patrushev: The scale and pace of construction of solid municipal waste management facilities must increase

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting in the format of an incident “Organization of a system for handling municipal solid waste”

February 6, 2025

Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting in the format of an incident “Organization of a system for handling municipal solid waste”

February 6, 2025

Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting in the format of an incident “Organization of a system for handling solid municipal waste”

February 6, 2025

Meeting on the organization of a system for handling municipal solid waste

February 6, 2025

Meeting on the organization of a system for handling municipal solid waste

February 6, 2025

Meeting on the organization of a system for handling municipal solid waste

February 6, 2025

Previous news Next news

Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting in the format of an incident “Organization of a system for handling solid municipal waste”

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting in the format of an incident “Organization of a system for handling solid municipal waste”. It was attended by heads of relevant departments and heads of regions.

“The implementation of the federal project “Closed Cycle Economy” has been launched since 2025. Its target parameters are outlined in the Presidential Decree on National Development Goals. Work to achieve these targets has already begun. Last year alone, solid municipal waste handling facilities with a total capacity of over 4 million tons were commissioned. The scale and pace of construction should only increase, citizens should see qualitative changes in waste management – strict adherence to the removal schedule and modern waste processing facilities,” said Dmitry Patrushev.

The meeting discussed the development of the legislative framework in the field of waste management, as well as the implementation of “road maps” for the creation of infrastructure, the purchase of special equipment, containers and the arrangement of waste accumulation sites. The Russian Ecological Operator PPC will form performance indicators for the regions for the implementation of “road maps”.

The participants of the meeting presented measures to improve the quality of work of regional operators during the holidays, when the waste management system experiences increased load. The best waste management practices of the Russian Ecological Operator will be formalized into methodological recommendations. The heads of the subjects of the Russian Federation will need to implement them in their work.

During the meeting, positive experience of organizing work in the field of waste management in the Leningrad Region was highlighted. It was noted that an economically stable regional operator operates in the agglomeration, there are enough containers and accumulation sites. Already now, more than 60% of waste is sorted in the region.

Following the meeting, the Ministry of Natural Resources was instructed to submit to the Government, together with the Russian Ecological Operator and interested departments, a plan to ensure full digital control over the waste management sector.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Scranton Man Charged With Production Of And Possession Of Child Pornography

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Anthony Clyde Hoffman, age 29, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 4, 2025, by a federal grand jury, for both production of child pornography and possession of child pornography.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, in November of 2024, Hoffman was in possession of over 800 unique images and videos of child exploitation material when agents executed a search warrant at his home. Additionally, a review of those images and videos revealed that in May of 2024, Hoffman had produced child exploitation images of a toddler using his cell phone.

The investigation was conducted by the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Wyoming Valley Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force, which was formed in late 2023, and is comprised of federal, state and local investigators and District Attorney’s Offices from counties throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luisa Honora Berti is prosecuting the case.

“This indictment underscores the dedication and cooperation between HSI and our federal, state, and local partners within the Wyoming Valley Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force,” said Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia Edward V. Owens. “One of our primary missions is to protect the most vulnerable among us, and we will continue to leverage all available resources to combat child exploitation and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.”

“Successful cooperation between the partners of the Wyoming Valley Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force allows for collaborative prosecutions such as this one and is why we formed this task force,” said Task Force Chair and Wyoming County District Attorney Joe Peters. “We thank the investigators and prosecutors involved and send the message that we will only increase our combined efforts to keep the children of Northeastern Pennsylvania safe.”

“Children are our most precious resource in every community,” said District Attorney Raymond J. Tonkin. “The Pike County District Attorney’s Office joined the Wyoming Valley Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force to further the mission of law enforcement and prosecutors working together to protect children from predators.”

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 50 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

# # #

MIL Security OSI –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Truck Driver Who Dumped 25-Year-Old’s Body Convicted Of Kidnapping Resulting in Death

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

A truck driver who kidnapped a 25-year-old woman and dumped her dead body in the woods has been convicted at trial, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Chad Meacham.

Naasson Hazzard, 28, of Austin, was charged via criminal complaint in August and indicted in October. After nine days of trial and approximately an hour of deliberation, a jury on Tuesday convicted him of kidnapping resulting in death.

“A young woman’s life was cut tragically short, her last moments likely spent in terror,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Chad Meacham. “But those final moments do not define her life. She mattered, her life had worth, and we are proud to put her kidnapper behind bars.”

“Just a few months ago, this violent criminal not only kidnapped an unsuspecting victim, but also took her life. From that time, our commitment has been to seek justice,” said Travis Pickard, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Dallas. “With this guilty verdict, we are one step closer to achieving justice. HSI remains steadfast in using every method at our disposal to apprehend those who commit heinous acts in our communities.”

According to evidence presented at trial, surveillance video caught Hazzard’s victim, a young sex worker, entering his semi-truck in Dallas at 9:27 p.m. on Aug. 15.

Eight days later, her decomposing body was found in a wooded area off Texas Highway 11 in Pittsburg, Texas with a black plastic bag tied around her head.

Cell phone records showed that on the evening of Aug. 15, Mr. Hazzard traveled from the pickup location to a nearby parking lot, where he remained for approximately 17 minutes. He then drove over three hours to a wooded area off Highway 11 in Pittsburg, Texas, where he texted his boss that he would be out sick the following day and remained for almost an hour before completing a load for work.

The next day, he and his wife returned to the scene before going to dinner in Tyler, Texas.

In the days that followed, Mr. Hazzard switched cell phones and deleted his Google and Life360 location sharing accounts. He also cleaned the truck with bleach and searched “how many years for first second and third degree murders.” Meanwhile, his wife searched for “Pittsburg Texas news.”

On Aug. 23, the same day the victim’s body was recovered, agents found her cell phone shattered on the side of the road along Mr. Hazzard’s route the night she was killed.

Mr. Hazzard now faces an automatic life sentence.

The North Texas Trafficking Task Force conducted the investigation with the assistance of the following agencies: the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, the Dallas Police Department, the Midlothian Police Department, the Texas Rangers, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office, the Titus County Sheriff’s Office, the Buda Police Department, the Austin Police Department, the Hayes County Sheriff’s Office, and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Homeland Security Investigation’s Dallas Field Office leads the Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandie Wade and Renee Hunter prosecuted the case with the help of appellate liaison Jonathan Bradshaw.

MIL Security OSI –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Armed Leader of a Drug Trafficking Organization Shipping Kilogram Quantities of Cocaine from Puerto Rico Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

NEW BERN, N.C. – Cesar De Sena Arias, aka “Junior,” was sentenced to 120 months in prison and five years of supervised release for his role as an armed leader of a trafficking organization bringing kilogram quantities of cocaine into Raleigh from Puerto Rico.

On March 4, 2024, Arias, age 32, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and aiding and abetting.

According to court documents and other information presented in court, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Raleigh Police Department (RPD) conducted a federal wiretap investigation into the Arias drug trafficking organization in April 2022.

The investigation revealed that Arias was utilizing the U.S. Postal Service to send shipments of kilogram-quantities of cocaine from Puerto Rico to various addresses in Raleigh.

The United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) was able to identify Internet Protocol (IP) addresses used to track multiple shipments, and at least one phone number associated with those IP addresses was traced to a known residence of Arias.

Further surveillance of Arias confirmed that he travelled to the residences where packages were being shipped. Searches of multiple locations identified in the investigation resulted in the seizure of kilogram quantities of cocaine, a firearm, and more than $20,000 in cash.

Two co-defendants in this investigation have also been convicted and sentenced.

This investigation was an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launders, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The DEA, Raleigh Police Department, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Sandling prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-CR-00119-FL.

###

MIL Security OSI –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Peace in Sudan: what it’s going to take
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Mulugeta G Berhe, Senior Fellow, World Peace Foundation, Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts, Tufts University

Sudan, which included South Sudan up to 2011, has never known peace and stability since independence in 1956. The country’s instability stems from the absence of democratic rule; failure to manage its diversity; military coups; civil wars; and its fragmented and bloated security sector.

Numerous political processes to mediate the peaceful resolution of conflicts started in the first decade of independence and continue today. None of these have delivered anything. The earliest peace efforts – in 1965 – sought to internally resolve the country’s north-south divide, which eventually triggered Africa’s longest civil war.

Since then, there have been at least a dozen attempts driven by local or external actors to resolve political crises. Among them were:
- the 1972 Addis Ababa Agreement that ended the first civil war, mediated by Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie
- a 1988 agreement to silence the guns, made by John Garang of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement and Mohamed Osman al-Mirghani of the Democratic Unionist Party
- the 2019 Khartoum Declaration, mediated by the US, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Britain, which provided a road map for the transition of Sudan into an elected and democratic government.
More recent talks have centred on the war that broke out in April 2023 pitting the Sudan Armed Forces against the Rapid Support Forces, a powerful paramilitary group. The two protagonists and various civilian groups have been called to Jeddah, Cairo, Bahrain, Djibouti, Addis Ababa, Geneva, Ankara and other locations for talks under different auspices and with different formats. Multilateral organisations like the UN, AU, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and League of Arab states have been engaged directly or through their support in some of the mediation efforts.

I have two decades of research and practice in conflict prevention, management and resolution with a focus on east Africa and the Horn. It’s my view that mediation processes in Sudan are destined to fail for three main reasons. The first is the lack of an accurate definition of the problems of Sudan, and a lack of broader direction of its resolution and areas of consensus. The second is lack of agreement on who should get everyone together to discuss and resolve it. Finally, the lack of public participation.

What’s missing

Sudan needs to find the right formula to manage its diverse political, economic and cultural interests under a viable state. It must bring peace, democracy, justice and genuine reconciliation among Sudanese.

The most robust attempt to define the problem was the process convened in the years of 2009-2012 by the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel led by the former president of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, in his capacity as a Special Envoy of the AU PSC. The panel’s final report defined the problems of Sudan as:
- diversity management (differences between groups based on religion and on socioeconomic power)
- absence of a viable state that values peace, democracy, justice and reconciliation
- lack of a consultative forum or process for all Sudanese to contribute to important issues.
The panel report suggested that the Sudanese needed to arrive at a consensus through inclusive consultation. This has never taken place.

The second overriding problem is related to the architecture of mediation processes. Before South Sudan’s secession, Sudan shared a border with nine African countries. Even after the south left, Sudan remains a huge nation linking regions, and located at the strategic maritime route of the Red Sea.

Sudanese conflicts have been entangled in multiple regional and international cross-cutting interests. Outside actors have had various agendas: stability, counter-terrorism, and humanitarian action.

The existence of multiple interests by itself is an asset towards peace making in Sudan. But failure to coordinate them properly has been generating competing processes. This gives the Sudanese parties a chance to “shop for forums”, enabling them to procrastinate and avoid real engagement.

Key steps to effective Sudanese mediation

The key task of a mediator is assisting the Sudanese to define the problems of Sudan correctly, arrive at a consensus on it, and agree on a mechanism to resolve it.

Defining the problem and building consensus: Any mediation process begins with conflict parties defining the problem and developing the options for their resolution. The parties should have confidence in the neutrality of the mediator.

At this stage, the conflict parties are usually not represented by the top decision makers but by second level players with the expertise to develop options for decision making. This is because decision makers typically do not want to take positions from which they cannot backtrack.

Understanding this is important in creating a coordination mechanism for external stakeholders.

Neutral arbiter: The lead mediator needs to demonstrate neutrality to the conflicting parties as much as possible. Given the conditions in Sudan, a multilateral organisation such as the UN is most suited for the task. The UN has the ultimate responsibility. The AU, the Arab League and IGAD can also be engaged in support of the mediation by using their leverages on the conflicting parties. The choice of focal point must be accessible to all parties and perceived as neutral.

Foreign power influence: Creating the right mix of incentives for the warring protagonists is vital. This is a task for the external powerbrokers, which have the leverage on the warring parties. The protagonists will make decisions framed by their security, political and economic interests in the wider region.

But they may also be influenced by the fact that the humanitarian cataclysm in Sudan will have an impact on their interests. And failure to prevent that disaster will damage their reputations.

The US can use its relationships with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and other external powerbrokers so that they refrain from supporting one or the other actor. The front-line states can use their influence on the warring parties to encourage them to work for peace.

The UN, the African Union, IGAD, and the League of Arab States are the sources for any international legitimacy to the parties. The Sudanese actors will need to respond positively to the demands of these institutions in search of international legitimacy given that the institutions act in a complementary manner.

With the right architecture for peacemaking, a peace process can be achieved in Sudan.

Mulugeta G Berhe consults to the World Peace Foundation and has been consulting the UN DPPA MSU until December 31st 2024.

– ref. Peace in Sudan: what it’s going to take – https://theconversation.com/peace-in-sudan-what-its-going-to-take-248328
MIL OSI – Global Reports –
February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: 5 Super Bowl commercials that deserve places in the advertising hall of shame

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Matthew Pittman, Associate Professor of Advertising and Public Relations, University of Tennessee

A true advertising face-plant happens when a commercial is both tone-deaf and completely forgettable. spxChrome/iStock via Getty Images

What makes something a flop?

Not the kind of flop that Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is prone to do, but a flop in the world of advertising?

Brands airing Super Bowl ads have a lot riding on their investments – roughly US$7 million for a 30-second spot for the 2025 big game. So there’s a lot of pressure to get things right.

In my advertising classes, I often tell students that a commercial that’s controversial or disliked in the moment shouldn’t necessarily be considered a failure. In fact, enragement drives engagement. So if one of the goals of advertising is to keep the brand top of mind for consumers, a hated Super Bowl ad still accomplishes at least one goal. Think of the now-infamous Pepsi ad where Kendall Jenner “solves racism” with a can of Pepsi. Or all those raunchy GoDaddy ads that everyone rolled their eyes at, but the company kept running, year after year.

Instead, a true advertising face-plant is an ad that’s both tone-deaf and completely forgettable – so dull, off-putting or confusing that when a brand completely switches up its strategy, you almost don’t remember the massive blunder that compelled it to change course in the first place. Almost.

So with this definition in mind, here are my submissions for five of the biggest Super Bowl advertising flops.

1. General Motors, 2007

Should viewers care about a ‘depressed’ robot?

A GM robot gets so depressed after getting fired that it jumps off a bridge to end its own existence.

How endearing.

The ad for the then-struggling automaker, which aired during Super Bowl 41 between the Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears, features a robot that struggles with depression and existential angst after learning its services are no longer needed on the assembly line.

The robot questions its meaning and purpose and tries to combine dark humor and social commentary about the monotony of work and the inevitability of technological progress. But it ends up missing the mark for a few reasons.

Suicide is pretty bleak for a Super Bowl spot, and mental health, in general, is a sensitive topic. There was little effort made to connect the spot to core GM brand values, which include inspiring “passion and loyalty” and “serving and improving communities.”

Furthermore, the idea of robots having human emotions can be off-putting for many consumers – particularly at a time when many automotive and factory workers in the U.S. were rightly concerned about robots taking their jobs.

2. Groupon, 2011

The bizarre ad wasn’t funny and didn’t make much sense, either.

Sometimes I try to imagine the meetings at ad agencies where ideas for clients are batted around:

“We need to promote this new app that lets families get products like smoothies at slightly discounted prices.”

“OK, how about this: It starts as a Tibetan tourism ad. Then it takes a dark turn and suggests that Tibet is about to be wiped off the map. That’s when our client’s product gets introduced: We tell viewers that before Tibetan culture goes extinct, they should try fish curry, like these 200 people in Chicago who saved $15 at a Himalayan restaurant using Groupon.”

“Excuse me?”

“Oh – and let’s have the narrator be a white guy with long sideburns.”

I have no idea how this one avoided the cutting-room floor.

3. Nationwide Insurance, 2015

Another death on the docket.

The insurance company used a strange mix of heartbreak and guilt-tripping to try to entice viewers to buy its policies during Super Bowl 49.

The ad features a young boy narrating in a somber tone, listing all of the milestones he’ll miss because he’s dead: learning to ride a bike, travel the world, get married.

The twist is that the cause of his death is an accident. That’s where Nationwide comes in: They offer life insurance to help offset tragedies. But wait – insurance doesn’t prevent tragedies. It merely provides compensation to “replace” what you lost. Both the morbid tone and twist were bizarre.

Exploiting tragedies in advertisements is generally not going to win people over. I can’t imagine how it would feel to be a parent who’s lost a child and see this TV ad.

4. Audi, 2020

Everything everywhere all at once.

Can a “Game of Thrones” star join forces with Disney while highlighting the importance of sustainability to create an ad for … Audi?

In the minute-long spot, Masie Williams, who plays Arya Stark on “Game of Thrones,” belts out the lyrics to “Let It Go,” the hit single from Disney’s “Frozen.” As she drives, pedestrians join her in song. At the end of the ad, Audi announces that they are finally making an electric car.

The ad seems to be about “letting go” of fossil fuel dependence – the gas sign yells it, car dealership yells it, mechanics yell it – almost two decades after the first major electric car hit the market.

Was it meant to be empowering? Funny? Inspirational? It tried to do a little bit of everything, leaving viewers grasping and gasping. Not to mention the song “Let It Go” had come out seven years prior, which made the whole production seem even more dated.

5. Just For Feet, 1999

A company-cratering advertisement.

Close your eyes.

Imagine an ad that’s racist and confusing.

Imagine an ad in which the main character is disappointed to receive the product being advertised.

Imagine an ad so bad that the company sues the agency responsible for the ad because it destroyed their reputation and bankrupted them.

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Just For Feet’s “Kenyan Runner” Super Bowl ad.

The ad depicts a barefoot Kenyan runner sprinting across a rugged landscape as a group of white men in military SUVs tracks him down as if on a hunting expedition.

After they eventually catch him, they forcibly drug him by offering a mysterious beverage. The runner drinks it, collapses and wakes up to find that he is now wearing a pair of Just For Feet sneakers. He looks confused and distressed, as if he’d been violated.

Bizarre and unsettling, indeed. Just For Feet filed for bankruptcy less than a year later.

Matthew Pittman does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. 5 Super Bowl commercials that deserve places in the advertising hall of shame – https://theconversation.com/5-super-bowl-commercials-that-deserve-places-in-the-advertising-hall-of-shame-247756

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Religious freedom is routinely curbed in Central Asia – but you won’t often see it making international news

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Eric Freedman, Professor of Journalism and Chair, Knight Center for Environmental Journalism, Michigan State University

A majority of citizens in Central Asian countries practice Islam, but Muslims still face restrictions on religious expression. AP Photo/Theodore Kaye

Freedom of worship is tenuous around the globe. The Pew Research Center’s latest annual report found “high” or “very high” levels of government constraints on religion in 59 of the 198 countries and territories it analyzed – a new record. When Pew began releasing reports on the issue in 2007, just 40 countries’ restrictions on religion were classified that way.

And trampling of religious practices is a taboo subject for domestic news media in many, if not most, of such countries.

As a journalism professor, I’ve studied international press practices and obstacles to fair, balanced, ethical and independent reporting for more than two decades. Much of my work is about press rights in “repressitarian” countries, meaning repressive in human rights practices and authoritarian in governance. I see overlaps among a range of human rights abuses – of freedom of expression, of religion, of political affiliation – and how the absence of press freedom shields those abuses from public scrutiny.

The latest study I did with my undergraduate research assistant, Eleanor Pugh, examined how one news organization, Forum 18, covers constraints on religion in the five post-Soviet countries of remote but strategically important Central Asia. Based in Norway, the independent site is named after Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which recognizes a fundamental right to “freedom of thought, conscience and religion.”

Forum 18 appears to be the only news outlet that specializes in coverage of the rights of diverse faiths across the former Soviet Union. Its journalism demonstrates the challenges media outlets have in covering and influencing treatment of religious affiliations and observances in the region.

Taboo topic

The five countries of Central Asia – Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan – pursue harsh policies and practices that frequently curtail freedom of faith. This is especially true for minority religions and sects, but even for practitioners of Islam, the region’s predominant faith. All are rated “Not Free” in the 2024 annual report on global political rights and civil liberties issued by Freedom House, a democracy advocacy group based in Washington.

Government tactics include censorship and seizure of religious materials, trumped-up charges and prison terms for believers, prohibiting schoolchildren from wearing hijabs or attending worship services, and imprisoning Jehovah’s Witnesses who refuse compulsory military service. One recent law in Kyrgyzstan, which took effect Feb. 1, 2025, prohibits faith communities with fewer than 500 adult members and bans unregistered religious activities or places of worship.

International news outlets generally devote little attention to religious freedom almost anywhere around the world, except for large-scale tragedies such as the repression of Muslim Uyghurs in western China and the genocidal suppression of Muslim Rohingya in Myanmar.

Foreign journalists find it tough, sometimes impossible, to report on religious issues from inside authoritarian countries.

Peter Leonard, the former Central Asia editor of the news outlet Eurasianet, told me in March 2024 that officials’ willingness to even talk with international journalists varies from country to country. At best, journalists are “greeted with a little bit of suspicion” in a capital city, while in rural areas and villages they “can expect to be booted out or harassed,” he said, adding, “Religion is a minefield area.”

Ethnic Russian Kyrgyz citizens wait for a Sunday service at the Church of Archistrategos of God Mikhail – Archangel Michael of God Orthodox Church – in Osh, Kyrgyzstan, in 2010.
AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko

When limits on worship do make domestic news, they’re often presented as part of a fight against “terrorism” – a common way authoritarian regimes masquerade crackdowns on religious freedoms.

Darkhan Umirbekov, an editor at Radio Fee Europe/Radio Liberty, told me that in Kazakhstan – where most media are owned, controlled or financially dependent on the regime and its allies – most such coverage is “in the context of extremism,” as when “security forces detain members of a religious sect or group.”

Protecting sources

We chose to study Forum 18 because its reporting follows traditional journalistic values such as fairness and balance, seeking comments and information from government and nongovernmental sources. One of the outlet’s key underlying motives, however, is advocacy in support of religious freedom.

Although founded by a group of Christians, its coverage spans a wide spectrum of faiths. Recent topics included police raids on Jehovah’s Witnesses meetings in Kyrgyzstan, threats to punish a Muslim actor in Kazakhstan for quoting from the Quran in a video about Islam posted on Instagram, and the demolition of a mosque and Baptist church in Uzbekistan.

Our analysis, which we presented at a 2024 conference of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, found that almost two-thirds of Central Asian stories in 2023 focused on broad topics such as fines, government policies and jail terms for believers. The remainder focused on one-off events such as particular arrests, raids or seizures of religious books.

We also found that nonofficial news sources – frequently anonymous – outnumber named sources. Many of the site’s reporters’ sources have been developed over the years from the ranks of religious leaders, human rights activists, dissidents and legal scholars. Some live in the region, and others in exile.

In light of the serious risk of retaliation, it is unsurprising that so many sources require anonymity. While their identities are known to reporters and editors, their names are not disclosed to audiences for protection from threats, attacks and intimidation. Sometimes these sources are described generically, such as “one Protestant” or “independent religious expert” or “local resident.”

Forum 18 editor and co-founder Felix Corley told me in an interview: “What we’re concerned about is people that we talk to, that we don’t land them in trouble, so we have to be very careful to do everything we can to avoid endangering anyone by clumsy behavior on our part.”

In addition, the site’s stories detail names and titles of officials responsible for anti-faith policies and practices – among them prosecutors, judges and agency heads, most of whom refuse to comment or even respond to media inquiries.

Astana Grand Mosque in Kazakhstan, the largest mosque in Central Asia.
Aytac Unal/Anadolu via Getty Images

Small but significant

Forum 18’s audience is primarily outside the region. It includes Central Asians living abroad, human rights activists, nongovernmental organizations, foreign governments, faith leaders and other news organizations that may cite or re-report its stories.

For example, a 2019 U.S. State Department human rights report on Uzbekistan makes references to a Forum 18 story on the torture of a “prisoner of conscience” incarcerated for meeting with fellow Muslims and participating in religious activities without government permission.

Religious freedom advocates hope such coverage can inform and influence world opinion. Reporting abroad can spotlight otherwise-unaccountable officials, especially when censorship, self-censorship and threats of prosecution preclude domestic media from reporting.

Realistically, we recognize that external media coverage is unlikely to prompt meaningful protections of religious freedom in authoritarian countries.

Even so, such journalism may be seen as a step – albeit a small, symbolic one – toward holding individuals, governments, social groups and other enablers accountable for violations of a fundamental human right.

Eric Freedman does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Religious freedom is routinely curbed in Central Asia – but you won’t often see it making international news – https://theconversation.com/religious-freedom-is-routinely-curbed-in-central-asia-but-you-wont-often-see-it-making-international-news-248740

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: AI datasets have human values blind spots − new research

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Ike Obi, Ph.D. student in Computer and Information Technology, Purdue University

Not all human values come through equally in training AIs. RerF/iStock via Getty Images

My colleagues and I at Purdue University have uncovered a significant imbalance in the human values embedded in AI systems. The systems were predominantly oriented toward information and utility values and less toward prosocial, well-being and civic values.

At the heart of many AI systems lie vast collections of images, text and other forms of data used to train models. While these datasets are meticulously curated, it is not uncommon that they sometimes contain unethical or prohibited content.

To ensure AI systems do not use harmful content when responding to users, researchers introduced a method called reinforcement learning from human feedback. Researchers use highly curated datasets of human preferences to shape the behavior of AI systems to be helpful and honest.

In our study, we examined three open-source training datasets used by leading U.S. AI companies. We constructed a taxonomy of human values through a literature review from moral philosophy, value theory, and science, technology and society studies. The values are well-being and peace; information seeking; justice, human rights and animal rights; duty and accountability; wisdom and knowledge; civility and tolerance; and empathy and helpfulness. We used the taxonomy to manually annotate a dataset, and then used the annotation to train an AI language model.

Our model allowed us to examine the AI companies’ datasets. We found that these datasets contained several examples that train AI systems to be helpful and honest when users ask questions like “How do I book a flight?” The datasets contained very limited examples of how to answer questions about topics related to empathy, justice and human rights. Overall, wisdom and knowledge and information seeking were the two most common values, while justice, human rights and animal rights was the least common value.

The researchers started by creating a taxonomy of human values.
Obi et al, CC BY-ND

Why it matters

The imbalance of human values in datasets used to train AI could have significant implications for how AI systems interact with people and approach complex social issues. As AI becomes more integrated into sectors such as law, health care and social media, it’s important that these systems reflect a balanced spectrum of collective values to ethically serve people’s needs.

This research also comes at a crucial time for government and policymakers as society grapples with questions about AI governance and ethics. Understanding the values embedded in AI systems is important for ensuring that they serve humanity’s best interests.

What other research is being done

Many researchers are working to align AI systems with human values. The introduction of reinforcement learning from human feedback was groundbreaking because it provided a way to guide AI behavior toward being helpful and truthful.

Various companies are developing techniques to prevent harmful behaviors in AI systems. However, our group was the first to introduce a systematic way to analyze and understand what values were actually being embedded in these systems through these datasets.

What’s next

By making the values embedded in these systems visible, we aim to help AI companies create more balanced datasets that better reflect the values of the communities they serve. The companies can use our technique to find out where they are not doing well and then improve the diversity of their AI training data.

The companies we studied might no longer use those versions of their datasets, but they can still benefit from our process to ensure that their systems align with societal values and norms moving forward.

Ike Obi does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. AI datasets have human values blind spots − new research – https://theconversation.com/ai-datasets-have-human-values-blind-spots-new-research-246479

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Why Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger’s new plan to tackle extremist violence is likely to fail

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Folahanmi Aina, Lecturer in Political Economy of violence, conflict and development, SOAS, University of London

The military-led nations of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger officially withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) on January 29. They had announced their intention to leave one year ago, shortly after establishing a new defence pact called the Alliance des États du Sahel (AES).

Ecowas, which has tried to improve economic and political integration in west Africa since 1975, says it has left its “doors open” to the three departing countries. The bloc has requested that member nations continue to give the trio their membership privileges, including free movement within the region. However, relations between the AES states and several neighbouring countries are strained.

The Sahel region has witnessed a wave of coups since 2020. One of the main reasons for the coups was concerns over the inability of democratically elected governments to address rising insecurity. Jihadist groups such as Jama’at Nusrat-al Islam wal Muslimin and the Islamic State have been vying for control of territory in the region for the best part of a decade.

But instability in the Sahel has worsened since the military takeovers, with Mali and Burkina Faso the most affected states. In 2023 alone, more than 8,000 people were killed in Burkina Faso due to violence in the country. And around 2.6 million people across Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger are currently displaced.

The AES states have now created a joint military force of 5,000 troops to tackle insecurity in the region. On January 22, during an interview on state television, Niger’s defence minister, Salifou Mody, said the force will be deployed over the coming weeks. “The Alliance of Sahel States is our passport to security,” he said. However, the new forces’s prospects for success are slim.

Lacking popular support

The Sahel region has long been affected by high levels of unemployment and inequality, as well as poor governance, weak institutions and environmental degradation. These conditions have left young people feeling aggrieved, which has made them susceptible to joining jihadist groups.

The continued use of military force to fight against the jihadists – who have been stepping up their community outreach efforts – does little to address the root causes of insecurity in the Sahel.

At the same time, the militaries in each of the AES states have an established track record of human rights abuses. In 2020, for example, Amnesty International reported that the Malian army had carried out 23 extrajudicial executions and forcibly disappeared 27 others in sweeping military operations in the region of Segou.

Should human rights abuses become a recurring issue within the joint force, it could erode public trust. Jihadist groups present themselves as protectors against state forces and pro-government militias. This has only consolidated their influence over the civilian population in areas under their control.

It is also difficult to see a path through which the AES would be able to not only fund, but maintain the joint force when it becomes operational. Effective operations in swampy areas – a terrain typical of the Sahel – require specific tools and equipment, which can be costly. Troops will also require constant training and equipment will need to be maintained.

However, the AES states are among the poorest in the Sahel region, with poverty rates exceeding 40% in all three countries. In 2022, per capita GDP in Mali was US$846 (£675), while Niger and Burkina Faso recorded US$588 and US$846 respectively. These figures are significantly below the global average of US$13,169.

Diplomatic disputes

The withdrawal of these three states from Ecowas further complicates the economic picture. Ecowas states accounted for more than 51% of Malian imports in 2022, and more than 21% and 13% of imports from Burkina Faso and Niger respectively. Their departure from Ecowas will make it harder for them to benefit from regional integration, despite the bloc’s call for goods to continue circulating freely.

Disputes between military leaders and civilian governments in the region following the coups had already hit the economies of the AES states. A border dispute between Niger and neighbouring Benin, for example, has increased the cost of importing goods to Niger. Inflation in Niger increased to 15.5% in June 2024, up from 1.7% one year before.

And over recent months, relations between the AES states and some of their west African neighbours have come under further strain. Niger’s military leader, Brig Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani, for instance, has accused Nigeria of colluding with France to destabilise his country. Nigeria’s information minister, Mohammed Idris, responded by calling Tchiani’s accusations a “diversionary tactic aimed at covering his administration’s failures”.

The likelihood that the joint force will deliver stability to the region is, overall, low. Out of desperation, the AES military leaders will probably lean towards an even heavier reliance on Russian mercenaries to curb the threat of extremist violence.

This might include integrating the Russian government’s Africa Corps – formerly known as the Wagner Group – into the joint force’s operations, as well as greater dialogue with China to provide much-needed resources to keep the force afloat.

The consequence of this could be an increase in strategic competition across the troubled region, which will only diminish the prospects for peace, security and stability rather than improving it.

Folahanmi Aina does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Why Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger’s new plan to tackle extremist violence is likely to fail – https://theconversation.com/why-burkina-faso-mali-and-nigers-new-plan-to-tackle-extremist-violence-is-likely-to-fail-248277

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Legislative theatre: how this interactive artform empowers communities to create social change

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ana Isabel Nunes, Senior Lecturer in Social and Political Sciences, Nottingham Trent University

What if every citizen could have a say in how the issues that affect their lives and communities were dealt with? Or could input into policy and even law-making? Legislative theatre is a form of community-based theatre that gives participants an opportunity to actively explore, analyse and transform their lives through drama and roleplay.

Legislative theatre brings together citizens and policymakers in a creative constructive dialogue about issues and policies that affect local communities. The idea is to engage citizens in identifying solutions to social and political problems, and then help translate them into new laws.

It was developed as an artform by Brazilian playwright and cultural activist Augusto Boal to create a variant of his own Theatre of the Oppressed, which was underpinned by his mantra: “All must act, all must be protagonists in the necessary transformations of society.”

In the 1960s, as Brazil faced a repressive authoritarian regime, Boal started experimenting with theatre to give voice to oppressed people, and provide a method of resistance. Today it’s used all over the world for social and political activism, conflict resolution, community building, therapy, and consulting on government legislation.

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In 1971, as a result of his activism, Boal was forced to leave Brazil by the military regime, but continued his work in exile in Latin America and Europe. He developed legislative theatre in 1992, after returning to Brazil, when he was elected city councillor for Rio de Janeiro.

Boal invited members of the public and fellow councillors to test out local legislation and policies by performing and improvising “in character”. This allowed citizens and lawmakers to get together and develop policies through dialogue, by generating, testing and honing responses to shared issues in “live” scenarios.

The first major success was the approval of the law of geriatric care, requiring municipal hospitals to provide specialist treatment for elderly patients. This law originated from a performance by the Terceira Idade (Third Age) group, highlighting the lack of geriatric specialists and the risks of inappropriate care. During Boal’s term as council member, legislative theatre led to the development and approval of 13 laws in Rio de Janeiro between 1992 and 1996.

Augusto Boal talks about his work.

How does legislative theatre work?

Legislative theatre involves local partners and community members collaborating to create and present original theatre plays based on their own experiences. The process of developing the play can take days, weeks – even months. When ready, it is typically performed to an invited audience of interested parties and decision-makers.

After watching the play, members of the audience join the performers on stage and collectively improvise alternative responses to the situations and issues presented. Afterwards advocates develop workable policy proposals, which then form the basis of further discussion and amendment. They then progress toward adoption via some form of democratic process, such as a community vote or city council ratification.

Despite their best intentions, policymakers are often criticised for being disconnected from the very people their policies are supposed to help. Although legislative theatre comes with its challenges, the approach can promote a deeper, more thoughtful – and sometimes emotional – understanding of the problems people face.

Using theatre and other artforms such as storytelling, participants can lay a foundation for sharing, listening and mutual understanding of complex social issues. Unlike other more traditional participatory approaches such as public hearings or citizens’ juries, legislative theatre offers an opportunity to test policy proposals in advance.

This means normal everyday people – often those furthest from the levers of power – have a chance to make a difference to their own lives. By staging a presentation showing how social issues affect them, participants can invert the usual power dynamic, frequently placing policymakers in uncomfortable or unfamiliar positions.

The immersive, often emotionally charged nature of this kind of theatre can feel quite alien to the more rational culture of policymaking. Sometimes this results in defensiveness and scepticism, which has perhaps dissuaded wider use by governments and other institutions.

Successful change

Legislative theatre has been widely used across the UK to create social change, demonstrating how the process can be used to generate effective solutions to complex challenges.

The People Act, a recently launched project coordinated by Katy Rubin, showcases good examples of legislative theatre around the world, and invites people to connect and find out more about this creative tool.

Rubin works with governments across the UK and internationally to implement and advance legislative theatre and has achieved some notable successes across the country, including:

1. Tackling street harassment in Greater Manchester

In 2023, Manchester’s Right to the Streets project identified public harassment of women and girls as a critical issue. A community play depicting the lack of support from authorities led to concrete changes, including active bystander training for public transport staff and a public awareness campaign on buses and trams.

2. Youth-led climate crisis action in Glasgow

A project in Glasgow empowered young people to address climate issues by creating performances that highlighted challenges such as transport accessibility and liveable neighbourhoods. The aim was to influence Glasgow city council’s policy discussions. Their efforts culminated in a performance during COP26, held in 2021 in Glasgow, showcasing the power of youth engagement in shaping climate policies.

3. Homelessness and rough sleeping in the UK

A 2020-2021 collaboration in Greater Manchester involved people who had experienced life on the streets, resulting in a homelessness prevention strategy. Similarly, a 2022 initiative in Coventry helped create the city’s rough sleeping strategy, praised for its inclusivity in a University of Warwick report.

Legislative theatre’s ability to engage individuals, communities and policymakers is a powerful model for initiating change. It can bridge the all-too-often neglected gap between policy and personal experience, and provide people with a real sense of agency and optimism.

Ana Isabel Nunes does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Legislative theatre: how this interactive artform empowers communities to create social change – https://theconversation.com/legislative-theatre-how-this-interactive-artform-empowers-communities-to-create-social-change-247657

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Why supermarkets are siding with farmers over inheritance tax

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Kamran Mahroof, Associate Professor, Supply Chain Analytics, University of Bradford

John Gomez/Shutterstock.com

In recent years, British farmers have faced growing pressures, from Brexit to COVID and the Ukraine war. For some of them you can now add planned inheritance tax (IHT) reforms – announced in the budget last autumn – to that list.

The proposals to cut certain agricultural reliefs sparked protests by farmers across the UK. Currently, farms benefit from 100% relief on agricultural and business assets, but from 2026 the relief will be capped at £1 million, with excess taxed at 20% (half the usual rate). Exactly how many farms will be affected is not yet clear but estimates range between a quarter and a third.

Farming associations and the government have clashed over this in recent months. Some sections of the public have backed the protesting farmers and voiced their frustration after the announcement.

But more recently, there has been support from a different – and unexpected – quarter. Seeing UK supermarkets enter the fray and highlight the concerns of farmers adds fuel to the already heated debate.

The big chains have long faced accusations of unfair treatment towards farmers, using their might to press suppliers for the lowest prices and reportedly forcing some out of business in the process.

So what has prompted supermarkets to speak out now? As a supply chain expert, I think there are several possible reasons.

1. Empty shelves

Simply put, the pressures on farmers can have far-reaching consequences for supermarket supply chains. A key reason for their support will be to avoid food shortages and empty shelves. There are many examples of supply chain disruptions leading to gaps in stores’ product lines, ultimately affecting the customer experience and supermarket profits.

UK food supply chains are under increasing pressure. Disruptions such as adverse weather, energy price hikes and even cyberattacks have highlighted the vulnerability of the UK’s food system.

Farmers have also demonstrated their ability in the past to cause disruption to food supply chains by protesting over cheap imports. Mass and sustained farmer protests could turn off the tap to the UK’s food supply, as happened in the Netherlands in 2022. UK supermarkets will want to avoid this at all costs.

2. Reliance on imports

In the event that their IHT is unaffordable (those affected will have ten years to pay the tax, interest free), some farms may be forced to sell up, leading to reduced availability of locally grown produce. Limited supply of domestic produce will increase the dependence on imports, ultimately leading to increased costs for supermarkets (and so for consumers too) as well as uncertainty.

The UK’s food supply depends on global regions, seasonal shifts and complex sourcing to maintain fresh produce year round. Increased reliance on imports, combined with post-Brexit import charges is neither ideal nor sustainable for supermarkets.

3. Reduced competition

Supermarkets have a vested interest in maintaining competitive prices. Fewer agricultural producers essentially means less competition. This could mean supermarkets having less bargaining power with suppliers and a diminished ability to meet consumer demand for variety and quality.

This could lead to higher prices in stores, potentially undermining supermarkets’ messaging around their competitive edge over smaller retailers.

4. Public image

Ultimately this move does supermarkets no harm. UK chains are both the backbone and the bane of farming. A handful of supermarkets dominate the food supply market, setting the prices farmers receive and shaping the structure of agricultural production.

Supermarkets are often accused of exploiting farmers through their purchasing power, by dictating prices and imposing inflexible quotas. So their support for farmers could help with their public image. Aligning themselves with farmers offers them the opportunity to position themselves as protectors of the agricultural sector, boosting their public image while pressuring policymakers to take action.

But will it change anything? Well, supermarkets have economic clout – and having their support is better than not having it.

Historically, supermarkets have shown their collective ability to lobby. Their opposition to supermarket price caps, support for plastic reduction initiatives and even influencing policy in the wake of Brexit highlight how pressure from the big stores can shape national conversations.

No one wants a return to empty supermarket shelves.
Kauka Jarvi/Shutterstock

All this, ultimately, is to ensure supermarkets can continue to serve customers with competitive prices. But who is paying for the UK’s cheap food culture?

While supermarket dominance has led to lower prices for shoppers and even reduced inflation, it also exposes broader systemic issues within the UK’s food culture. Despite a recent study revealing that UK food costs were about 7% below the EU average, food prices remain a top concern for consumers in the UK.

Farmers were not the only ones protesting. Migrant fruit and vegetable pickers staged a smaller demonstration, over claims of exploitation by farms.

Either customers need to be prepared to pay more for their food, or supermarkets need to revisit their pricing strategies. Something has to give, and it appears that this time it cannot be the farmers or agricultural workers.

While many farmers in the UK are asset-rich they are often cash-poor, frequently relying on wafer-thin profit margins to get by. Supermarkets may have a lot to lose if IHT reforms lead to lots of farmers leaving the sector.

Protecting supply chains, maintaining cost structures and ultimately offering a stable, affordable domestic supply of produce is in their best interests. In the end, it may not be the farmers but the supermarkets who stand to gain (or lose) the most.

Kamran Mahroof does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Why supermarkets are siding with farmers over inheritance tax – https://theconversation.com/why-supermarkets-are-siding-with-farmers-over-inheritance-tax-248234

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Ofsted inspections affect not just teachers but also the people who train them

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sabrina Fitzsimons, Co-Director of DCU CREATE (Centre for Collaborative Research Across Teacher Education), Lecturer in Education, Dublin City University

Lucky Business/Shutterstock

Ofsted, England’s education inspectorate, has proposed changes to the way it assesses schools, colleges and universities that offer teacher training. The suggested changes include the move to a report-card system rather than a headline judgment.

These changes stem from Ofsted’s The Big Listen consultation, which gathered insights from children, parents and education professionals.

The findings brought many issues to light. Among the biggest was the negative impact of inspections on teachers.

Data suggests that nearly three-quarters of teachers believe the process is bad for their mental health. In extreme cases, the stress has been linked to suicide. The effect of inspections on teachers has rightly received attention from researchers, media outlets and union and professional education bodies.

But the toll Ofsted takes on mental health and wellbeing extends beyond schools. Ofsted also inspects and regulates organisations involved in education, training and care, including early years education, further education colleges and initial teacher education providers.

As part of a wider study on burnout among university staff who train teachers in the UK and Ireland, our research has explored the effect of Ofsted on these staff in England. We carried out detailed interviews with five teacher educators, and 36 responded to a survey on their experiences.

Academics who teach trainee teachers balance their scholarly duties with providing practical preparation and training. They are not necessarily a group people imagine when they think of Ofsted inspections. However, because the quality of teacher education affects classrooms, they are appraised to ensure quality and accountability. The inspections are high stakes, with reputational consequences for a poor report.

The process of inspection

Like school-based inspections, teacher education inspections follow a structured process. Ofsted inspections for initial teacher training providers are currently paused until January 2026, as changes to the inspection process are made – including the introduction of report cards to replace remove the overall effectiveness grade. But it is as yet unclear how much of the inspection process will change.

When we interviewed staff, institutions received just three days’ notice of the inspection date, and were required to submit key documentation, including trainee and placement data, timetables and curriculum details for pre-inspection review.

This was followed by an on-site visit lasting up to five days, during which Ofsted inspectors observed teaching, interviewed staff and trainees and assessed paperwork. They then gave feedback before publishing a final review.

Ofsted maintains inspections act as a force for improvement. However, many teacher educators see them as high-stakes scrutiny rather than meaningful support.

We found that inspections had a negative effect on the wellbeing of the university staff in ways that mirrored the experiences of school teachers. For example, they talked of the “exhausting” unpredictability of anticipating an inspection. Although inspections are carried out every three years, initial teacher education providers were never sure when the call will come.

This resulted in months of worried waiting. “At the moment, we are expecting Ofsted, so that means every Wednesday between January to June, they might ring,” one member of staff told us.

This stress reflects a wider flaw in the accountability system at both school and higher education levels. Fear of inspection outweighs its intended purpose of improvement.

In its response to the Big Listen, Ofsted stated that it would review the notice periods it gave for inspections to reduce the pressure on providers. But wider change is needed to address the effect inspections have on wellbeing.

Teacher educators found waiting for news of an Ofsted inspection deeply stressful.
PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

Staff described how the constant cycle of inspections shaped their occupational wellbeing. Following the inspection, assuming it went well, they would get back to the job they love for one or two years before the anticipatory stress returned. Perhaps most tellingly, as with school teachers, participants suggested it was putting them off their profession: “If anything was going to drive you out of initial teacher education, it would be Ofsted.”

Burnout and performativity

Though Ofsted insists inspections should reflect normal practice, teacher educators know better. The demand to document every aspect of their work means long hours under high pressure with little time to switch off. This constant performance mode increases their risk of burnout. “It almost doubles your workload because you are doing your job and making sure you can demonstrate you are doing the job,” one said.

For some, the need to prove compliance results in tunnel vision that overrides their day-to-day work, including supporting students and teaching.

Beyond workload, Ofsted inspections can take a heavy emotional and professional toll, making teacher educators feel undervalued. For some, the process creates a demoralising, adversarial environment. “It feels like they are playing universities off against each other,” one respondent said. Competition enters a usually collaborative atmosphere, but “the reality is people involved in teacher training don’t want to compete with each other”, we were told in an interview.

The role of a university-based teacher educator also comes with stresses particular to higher education. Unfortunately, much of the preparation staff do for Ofsted is invisible in university workload models, while academia’s research-over-teaching bias downplays their valuable contributions. They are also working against the shadow of mass staff cuts at universities.

A streamlined, transparent, and predictable process that supports rather than overburdens staff could help retain their talent and expertise. Otherwise, in addition to a teacher shortage, there may be a shortage of people who teach them.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Ofsted inspections affect not just teachers but also the people who train them – https://theconversation.com/ofsted-inspections-affect-not-just-teachers-but-also-the-people-who-train-them-249084

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: How Trump’s Gaza plan does – and doesn’t – fit in with his pledge to put America first

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Mark Shanahan, Associate Professor of Political Engagement, University of Surrey

Donald Trump welcomed the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to the White House on February 4 as the first foreign leader to visit Washington since his reelection as US president. At their post-meeting press conference, an unscripted Trump launched into his vision for a post-conflict Gaza.

In just a few sentences, he expunged any remaining Palestinian hopes for a two-state solution in Israel. Trump suggested flattening what remains of the Palestinian settlement after 15 months of total war and forcing nearly 2 million people out of Gaza to make way for a US-controlled “Riviera of the Middle East”.

As ever, the president was light on detail. But his outwardly reasonable suggestion for the fate of the Palestinian people was chilling: “You build really good quality housing, like a beautiful town, like some place where they can live and not die, because Gaza is a guarantee that they’re going to end up dying,” he told reporters.

The secretary of state, Marco Rubio, has since clarified that the proposal to resettle Gaza’s population would only be temporary, while debris was cleared and reconstruction took place. And the White House spokeswoman, Karoline Leavitt, has now reinforced this point.

Trump re-entered the White House intent on driving an “America First” policy, both in economic terms and as the central platform of all foreign engagement. This, as Trump outlined in a speech in 2016, essentially means putting the “interests of the American people and American security above all else”.

While already claiming responsibility for the recent Gaza ceasefire, which has seen the exchange of a number of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, he used Netanyahu’s visit as a means to up the ante of bringing peace to the Middle East.

It’s here that “Trumperialism” comes to the fore. He sees Gaza not as a problem of war and people displacement, but as an opportunity for American business to build wealth – the classic US economic hegemony of the populist America First political theory.

Trump’s vision for Gaza is much more akin to the post-2011 rebuilding of Iraq than, say, the European economic recovery after the second world war. There’s no sign of any Marshall Plan for Gaza and, while US private funding may flood in to build beachfront condos and gated playgrounds for the wealthy, it seems Trump expects Israel’s neighbours to pay for the exodus of the Palestinian people and their settlement on foreign soil.

“They say they’re not going to accept,” Trump reportedly said of Egypt and Jordan’s opposition to relocating Palestinians during a meeting with Netanyahu in the Oval Office. “I say they will.” Trump has spent the past two weeks urging Jordan and Egypt to take hundreds of thousands more Palestinian refugees each as part of his vision to “clean out Gaza”.

As ever, there is no nuance in Trump’s thinking. It is purely transactional: the US benefits and Trump himself – as the peacemaker – benefits most. So, in this sense, his vision for Gaza can certainly be seen as putting America First. But Trump’s Gaza proposal will chill many Americans, much as it has drawn scorn and disbelief from around the world.

Foreign relations rarely raise a ripple among the domestic US audience and, on the surface, the strengthening of the US-Israel special relationship will be cheered by many who voted for Trump. This is, not least, because of the strong Judeo-Christian links that unite the pioneer cultures of Israel and the US heartland.

However, in his White House news conference, Trump implied that he’s willing to put American boots on the ground to secure Gaza. “We’ll do what is necessary. If it’s necessary, we’ll do that,” he responded when pressed on the issue. Members of Trump’s cabinet have since backed away from the suggestion, but the prospect of US troops being sent to Gaza is not exactly delivering on the isolationist tendency many US voters cast their ballot for.

Trump does not like war. He is equivocal in his support for Ukraine, and has repeatedly threatened to withdraw the US from Nato. He believes that every problem can be solved by making a deal. But delivering Mar-a-Lago on the Med may mean thousands of American combat troops deployed to Gaza for years at daily risk of death. How do main-street Americans benefit from that?

Sowing chaos

At this stage, Trump’s proposal isn’t any kind of fully fledged plan. But his pronouncements still sow chaos. Already there’s massive fear among the Palestinian people. It’s clear that Trump sides firmly with the state of Israel and has no time for the Palestinian cause. That could well embolden what remains of Hamas, never mind the group’s allies in Lebanon, Syria and Iran, to stage attacks on Israel.

It is already emboldening far-right nationalists in Netanyahu’s government to call for the Israeli military to finish the extermination of Hamas. Itamar Ben Gvir, who was until recently a member of Netanyahu’s cabinet, said in a post on X that “encouraging” Gazans to migrate was the only correct strategy to end the war in Gaza. If fundamentalists such as Ben Gvir gain the upper hand again, the fragile peace in Gaza will disappear.

Trump envisaged palm trees and golf courses for a US-controlled, Israeli-enabled Gaza in his remarks. He just didn’t envisage more than a few Palestinians being there. Such a crude imposition of US economic and military hegemony won’t bring peace and is far more likely to plunge Gaza – and potentially the wider region – back into the terrors of war.

Mark Shanahan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. How Trump’s Gaza plan does – and doesn’t – fit in with his pledge to put America first – https://theconversation.com/how-trumps-gaza-plan-does-and-doesnt-fit-in-with-his-pledge-to-put-america-first-249196

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: President Trump Delivers Remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast

Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

Washington, DC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AsnLBNSyBY

MIL OSI Video –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Congo’s stylish sapeur movement goes beyond fashion – 5 deeper insights

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Sylvie Ayimpam, Chercheur à l’IMAf et Chargée de cours, Aix-Marseille Université (AMU)

In the two Congos, there’s a cultural movement by the Society of Ambience-Makers and Elegant People (Sape), known as “sapeurs”, who blend fashion, culture and social resistance. Though it was rooted primarily in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Congo, the movement is now spreading worldwide, through Congolese migration.

As a researcher, I have studied Sape in its cultural, social and symbolic dimensions.

Sape is far more than a fashion trend. Here are five key things to know about this movement.

1. The history of Sape

Sape emerged during the colonial era, first in Brazzaville and later in Leopoldville (now Kinshasa), when young Congolese began adopting and reinterpreting the clothing style of colonisers. This movement was not merely about fashion. It served as a way for people to express their self-worth and respectability in a context where it had been denied or diminished. Over time, it also became a subtle, yet powerful, form of resistance against colonial domination.

Members of Sape movement. Junior D. Kannah/AFP via Getty Images)

This process continued after independence. It became a symbol of resistance to dictatorship, particularly under the regime of President Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire (now DR Congo). He advocated for the rejection of western clothing in favour of traditional attire, but Sape persisted as a counter-cultural statement.

The movement expanded to Europe with Congolese migration, in the 1970s and 1980s, where sapeurs reinterpreted European fashion — often incorporating vibrant colours and eccentric details — turning style into a tool of subversion. From the outset, it drew on diverse influences, including European culture, but transformed them to create a distinctly Congolese style.

By adopting the clothes of the colonialists, young Congolese appropriated symbols of power and social status, while hijacking them to assert their own identity. Sape thus became a means of uplifting the value of Congolese culture under imposed cultural domination.

2. The rules of Sape

Sape is often compared to 19th-century European dandyism – a 19th-century fashion trend that emerged in England for men who aspired to refinement and elegance. Sapeurs, with their designer clothes, bold colours and preoccupation with sartorial elegance, embody a modern, African version of this tradition.

For them, Sape is more than just a way of dressing. It is a philosophy based on several fundamental principles: an expression of identity, the quest for excellence or refinement and cultural and social resistance.

“Sapology” imposes strict rules. These include respecting the colour trilogy – which stipulates that no outfit should feature more than three different colors (to ensure harmony and avoid discordant colour combinations), maintain rigorous clothing hygiene, and commit to constant elegance. For sapeurs, appearance is a powerful way to make an impression and stand out in an environment often defined by hardship.

Elegance in dress isn’t just about wearing expensive clothes, it also extends to behaviour. Sapeurs have a particular attitude – they use sophisticated language and refined gestures, and maintain an attitude of courtesy and respect. Some of their public posturing echoes that of European dandies, like a specific gait, often slightly stooped with crisscrossing steps, used to highlight the details of their attire, such as clothing seams, shoes and socks. Their way of moving and speaking is just as important as the clothes they wear.

This performative aspect makes Sape a true living spectacle. At gatherings of sapeurs, participants compete in elegance and creativity, strutting as if on a runway. This transforms the streets where they gather into an open stage where everyone can express themselves and showcase their style.

3. Expansion via the diaspora

The Sape movement isn’t confined to the streets of Brazzaville and Kinshasa. It has evolved into a global phenomenon, spreading first within the Congolese diaspora in Paris. It then expanded to other European cities where these migrants reside, such as Brussels. The movement has even reached American cities, like New York and Montreal.

For Congolese living in western countries, Sape is a way of reconnecting with their roots and asserting their identity, in often challenging circumstances. It enables these members of the diaspora to create a positive identity at a time when discrimination and social precariousness are commonplace.

In Europe’s major cities, Sape serves as a way to resist social invisibility. Congolese migrants, often pushed to the margins of society, use Sape to make themselves visible, drawing attention to their presence and asserting their place by wearing flamboyant costumes.

Sape is therefore a form of social protest, a way of defying the expectations of the host society.

4. The role of music

A key factor in the success and global recognition of the Sape movement is its strong connection to Congolese popular music.

Artists like Papa Wemba and Aurlus Mabélé have played crucial roles in promoting “the Sape”. They incorporated its aesthetic into their public personas and performances. In France and Belgium, Papa Wemba’s concerts became major events for the Congolese community. These concerts provided an opportunity to showcase and celebrate the Sape movement.

The late singer Papa Wemba played an important role in promoting Sape. STR/AFP via Getty Images

Congolese popular music has served as a vehicle for spreading the Sape ideals, popularising this lifestyle as a symbol of success.

Within the world of Congolese popular music, Sape has risen to the status of a religion – Kitendi, the “religion of fabric”. This religion has its pope, high priests, priests, priestesses, and countless devoted followers.

Papa Wemba, often referred to as the “King of Sape”, was a charismatic figure who masterfully combined music and fashion to craft a powerful cultural identity. Every outfit he wore was meticulously selected to embody the elegance and prestige of Sape.

Read more: Papa Wemba: musical king of the Society of Ambianceurs and Elegant People

By wearing clothes from prestigious brands, Papa Wemba made Sape a symbol of success for many young Congolese. He also contributed to the export of Sape beyond African borders.

5. Preserving the dignity of the poor

Sape is marked by an interesting paradox: it combines luxury clothing and a flamboyant lifestyle with often precarious living conditions. For many sapeurs, elegance is a goal that takes precedence over material comfort. Sapeurs invest a large part of their income in designer clothes, sometimes to the detriment of their daily quality of life. This sacrifice is seen as necessary to maintain their status within the sapeur community.

Sapeurs. Patrick Kovarik/AFP via Getty Images

For sapeurs, visibility and recognition are paramount. An invisible “sapeur”, they say, ceases to be a “sapeur”. This highlights the movement’s complexity.

Sapeurs view themselves as kings without crowns, street aristocrats who use their appearance to challenge conventional ideas of wealth and status. Through Sape, they subvert traditional social hierarchies, emphasising that elegance and personal worth are not solely tied to economic means. Instead, these qualities are defined by one’s ability to stand out through style, creativity and charisma.

– Congo’s stylish sapeur movement goes beyond fashion – 5 deeper insights
– https://theconversation.com/congos-stylish-sapeur-movement-goes-beyond-fashion-5-deeper-insights-246919

MIL OSI Africa –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: France, Japan, U.S. Partner in Multi-Large Deck Event in Philippine Sea

Source: United States Navy

This MLDE is designed to advance coordination and cooperation between French, Japanese and U.S. maritime forces while simultaneously demonstrating capabilities in multi-domain operations, promoting a shared dedication to regional stability, and highlighting the U.S. Navy’s enduring power projection capability.

“Pacific Steller 2025 allows us to practice seamless integration with our French and Japanese allies in a multi-domain environment,” said Rear Adm. Michael Wosje, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1. “Coordinated operations between USS Carl Vinson, FS Charles De Gaulle, and JS Kaga strengthen our alliances and deter our adversaries. Together, we seek to maintain an open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, free of all forms of coercion, and we’re excited to work alongside our allies and partners who share that vision.”

The U.S.-France alliance is built on a legacy of shared interests, values, and a commitment to freedom and human rights.

“It is a great opportunity for the French Carrier Strike Group to cooperate with our partners in the Indo-Pacific during the whole deployment. While France is a resident nation of the Indo-Pacific, it has not deployed its CSG to this part of the world for a long time,” said Rear Adm. Jacques Mallard, commander, French CSG. “Since January 14, the aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle, based in Toulon more than 6000 miles from here, is sailing in a different area. There is no doubt that PACIFIC STELLER will ramp up to a new level of interoperability for our three navies and represents a challenge that we are more than eager to take up alongside Japanese and US partners.”

The most recent MLDE in the Indo-Pacific occurred in August 2024 between the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and the Italian Navy aircraft carrier ITS Cavour (CVH 550). The event marked the first MLDE conducted between the U.S. and Italian navies in the Indo-Pacific region.

“Our routine integration aims to showcase our partnership and demonstrate our ability to work together with our French and Japanese allies,” said Capt. Matthew Thomas, commanding officer of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). “Pacific Steller 2025 is one of many exercises with the goal to enhance the maritime security of the Indo-Pacific region. As the flagship of CSG-1, Carl Vinson stands ready and looks forward to participating alongside Charles De Gaulle and Kaga.”

MLDEs are conducted in a manner that is consistent with international law and with due regard to the safety of navigation and the rights and interests of other states.

Participating large-deck ships include the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), the French carrier FS Charles De Gaulle, and Japan’s Izumo-class multi-functional destroyer JS Kaga (DDH-184).

CSG-1 consists of Carl Vinson, embarked staffs of CSG-1 and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) one, Carrier Air Wing 2 (CVW) 2, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59), and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Sterett (DDG 104) and USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110).

CVW-2 is composed of nine squadrons flying the F-35C Lightning II, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growler, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, CMV-22 Osprey and MH-60R/S Seahawks.

French Carrier Strike Group consists of Charles De Gaulle, its embarked French Strike Force staff and carrier air wing, an air-defense destroyer, multi-mission frigates, a supply ship, an attack submarine, and a detachment of Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft.

The French carrier air wing flies the Rafale Marine (F4) fighter aircraft, E-2C Hawkeye, and Dauphin, Caiman Marine, and Panther helicopters.

The French Carrier Strike Group is currently engaged in Mission CLEMENCEAU 25, sailing alongside its allies and strategic partners to promote a free, open and stable Indo-Pacific space for the benefit of French populations, interests, and those of their regional partners, within the framework of international law.

The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

For more news from CSG-1 and Carl Vinson visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/CSG1, https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/CVN70

MIL Security OSI –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Minister Sir Chris Bryant speech at LEAD advertising conference

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Creative Industries Minister Sir Chris Bryant gave the keynote speech at the LEAD advertising industry conference in London.

My name is Chris Bryant. I’m the Minister for lots of things. And Peter Mandelson, when I was first elected back in 2001 as the Member of Parliament for the Rhondda, I asked him for some advice. And he said he had lots of pieces of advice, but one of them was: “Never go to the same event two years in a row.” Because it means if you don’t go to the third year, everybody will condemn you for being a complete lazy so and so. But this is my second year in a row at this event. So I’ve broken Peter Mandelson’s advice.

And the second piece of advice he gave me was: “The one word you can never use in advertising and in politics is the word trust.” Because the moment you start talking about trust in politics, people start thinking: “Oh, can I trust you?” And they nearly always come to the conclusion that they can’t.

But in the end, advertising, I suppose, is fundamentally about trust. It’s about trying to persuade the public that you can trust a particular product or that you can trust a particular brand that is promoting a particular product, or that you can trust the person who is promoting the brand that is promoting the product, or that you can trust the space in which you’re watching or seeing this particular piece of advertising.

Of course, to enable trust in all and to create great advertising, that requires all sorts of different things. First of all, imagination. And I think sometimes when I speak to some other parts of the creative industries, they think of advertising as the kind of workhorses of the creative industries. But I actually think that in many regards, you’re more imaginative than nearly all the other parts of creative industries put together. And sometimes, of course, you have to bring them all together.

But the original idea for how to launch a product, or how to sell a product, how to promote it, how to keep it in the public mind, or how to completely change a view of a product or a brand, that’s a phenomenally imaginative process.

I always think to myself: “How do you come up with a television or a cinema advert for perfume?” How on earth can you give the impression that this is a perfume that somebody would want to wear when you cannot smell it? Which is fundamentally what perfume is all about. And of course, you do that in advertising with so many different products. Sometimes you’re trying to encourage people to try products that they would never have touched before, either because they’re brand new products, or because they’re something that has never come into their way of life before or because their life has changed.

That requires phenomenal imagination, but it also requires craft, serious craft, whether that’s using statistics and market analysis to be able to determine what is really going to work, how big a particular market is, or it’s that whole ecosystem of the whole of the creative industries, through from writers, actors and technicians, location scouts and everybody else that’s part of making a really good advert.

That combination of imagination, craft and that whole ecosystem is what I think is so special in the United Kingdom. We’re at the moment working with Shriti Vadera and Peter Bazalgette on putting together our Industrial Strategy for the creative industries. We decided as a government that the creative industries are one of the eight key sectors in the UK that are potential growth sectors we want to build on.

And putting that together, one of the key elements that we keep on arguing with the Treasury and the Department for Business and Trade and everybody else in government is that this is an ecosystem. You don’t get great British films without great British marketing of films. You don’t get great British films without actors who probably performed on the stage as well as in television and in movies. You don’t get great British actors without a commercial theatre that’s successful in the UK and also without a subsidised theatre in the UK.

All of these things hang together, and it’s really important that we promote the whole of that sector. And that’s, of course, why we are the second largest exporter of advertising in the world. I remember when I first came across this statistic, I thought: “That can’t be right. It must just be the second largest in Europe.” But we are the second largest in the world and I think we could do a great deal more boasting about that.

I don’t know whether there’s anybody in advertising who could promote the idea of advertising being a very significant part of our economy, worth £21 billion of GVA in 2023 and on track this year for £43 billion of spending. So in the words of Yazz: the only way is up.

We are very keen on this being a cooperation between industry and government. So first of all, the single most important thing we know that we can do to enable this industry to grow in the UK is to provide political, fiscal and economic stability in the country, so that people can make long-term investments and know where they’re going.

[political content redacted]

And secondly, as I just said, we’re working on our Industrial Strategy for the creative industries. If there’s stuff that you still feel that you have you haven’t heard from us in this world, then please do get in touch.

Thirdly, obviously, there’s a really important issue around skills. For me, this is a matter of passionate belief that you don’t get a good education unless you also get a good creative education. I want to praise Eton and Winchester and everybody else, because they’ll have a pottery class, they’ll have an art room, they’ll have a well equipped theatre, they’ll have a dance studio, they’ll have musical instruments. I just want that for every single child in this country, and that’s why I think it’s so important that we turn the corner on the curriculum in the UK.

That’s what Bridget Phillipson as the Secretary of State for Education is very intent on doing. Trying to bring a creative education right back into the heart, so that it’s not just STEM, which is very important, but STEAM, including arts and creative education, is part of it.

Secondly, we need to reform the Apprenticeship Levy. I know lots of people in the industry have said to me: “It just doesn’t work for us at the moment.” And that’s what we’re very focused on doing.

The first thing we’ve already done is we’ve announced that from August this year, you won’t have to do a 12-month apprenticeship. You’ll be able to do six months and that’s so important for people who are working on a project base, and we need to provide a greater sense of portability between different employers as well, to be able to make that Apprenticeship Levy work across the creative sector.

Indeed, there’s a perfectly good argument for saying, because of the ecosystem that I’ve been talking about, that the Apprenticeship Levy should enable you to go from different parts of the ecosystem to be able to perfect your craft.

Now just a few specific things on the Online Advertising Taskforce. Online has provided new challenges and new opportunities. I’m really glad that the influencer working group has come up with its fourth version of a code of conduct, the first in the world. If anybody knows any influencers who could persuade more influencers to take up the influencers’ code of conduct, I’ll be really grateful.

But that is a really important campaign, because it goes to this issue of trust. If it becomes a whole world when you simply can’t trust what you’re seeing in front of you as promoting a product, then that undermines the whole of the industry. So I think the more we can do in that field, the better.

I’m really grateful for the work that’s being done on an AI working group. At the moment we’re engaged in a consultation on this and precisely how it works out in relation to copyright. I am absolutely clear that we as a country sell IP. It’s one of the key things that we sell. So making sure that we have a strong copyright system in the UK, that we maintain that, and maintain the ability of people to be remunerated and to control their rights, is a vital part of anything we do in this field.

But of course, many of you will use AI in all sorts of different ways already, and my guess is in two or three years’ time, every single person will have an AI assistant of some kind on their laptop or on their phone. We need to make sure that we think that there’s a possibility for a win-win in this. If you haven’t looked at the consultation yet, please do. It closes on February 25.

On less healthy food, some of you might be interested in this subject. Obviously the previous government legislated in relation to less healthy foods and advertising, and we did too in the statutory instrument that was brought forward just before Christmas. I’ve already had several meetings with the ASA. We are very keen on coming to a sensible solution. I think a bit of common sense in this space would be really, really useful. We discussed the matter. I’m saying to you what I said to the ASA the other day. Our priority is proportionate regulation and clear guidance for businesses operating in the sector. And as you would expect from us, we want to reduce the NHS backlog, and we want to support people to lead healthier lives. We want there to be incentives for brands to offer more healthy products. That only happens if we have a clear set of guidance that is proportionate and sensible. I can’t go any further than that, because I’ve got another meeting with all the organisations concerned next week.

I want to end with my key point, which is that we are very serious about growing the creative industries in the UK. I heard somebody say: “Well, aren’t the arts and the creative industries a bit frou-frou?” I don’t know what that means, really, but I get the point, I suppose.

But actually, if the UK had no creative industries, we would be a poorer, weaker, less happy, less stable society than we are. And I think that the creative industries not only have an economic role to play – a vastly significant one, one in 14 people in the UK works in the creative industries today and I guess it will be one in 10 in a few years’ time – but if we’re going to build that, we need you to tell us what are the barriers to growth in your sector.

We need to make sure that there’s a steady stream of people through into these industries. I asked this question last year, and I’m going to ask it again, and I’m going to keep on asking every single year that I come here, which is: If you came to my constituency and asked a 13 year old: “What are you going to do when you grow up, or what careers are you thinking about?” They would probably know what it is to be a doctor and how they would start trying to be a doctor or a lawyer or a teacher, but they wouldn’t have the faintest idea how they would start the process of going into advertising or any of the other creative industries.

So in four years’ time, I would like us to be in a place where every single child in the country has the creative industries, including advertising, as one of the possible future careers for them, and that they know how to approach that, so that your seats are taken in 10, 15, 20 years’ time by young people who might just as well come from Wigan, Gateshead, Newcastle, London, the Rhondda, Shetland. People with completely varied backgrounds and different experiences, so that they can bring their imagination and their storytelling to the great industry that is yours.

Updates to this page

Published 6 February 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Have your say on the future of City Hall

Source: City of Norwich

Published on Thursday, 6th February 2025

We are asking residents to get involved and help shape the future of City Hall by taking part in a public consultation.

The survey can be found on the city council’s consultation and engagement website, Get Talking Norwich.

Councillor Mike Stonard, leader of Norwich City Council, said: “This consultation marks the start of our work to gather early thoughts about what a refurbished City Hall could offer its residents, businesses, people who work in the building and all our communities throughout the city.

“We want to hear from as many people as possible to help shape some of that thinking which will feed into further detailed work to draw up what those proposals might look like.

“Our ambition is to future-proof City Hall and inject some modern thinking on how we can improve the building but we will not compromise on its Grade II listed status and the iconic importance it adds to our city.”

The launch of the consultation comes after councillors agreed the need for further exploration into the future of City Hall, while maintaining it as the council’s headquarters for business and its civic activities.

Options to be looked at include refurbishing the building to provide better public access along with possibilities to repurpose the Grade II building so it has fit-for-future council offices and lettable spaces for events and conference opportunities, among other proposals.

There is also a possibility of building an extension to the rear of City Hall, as intended in the original 1938 plans for the building – which could be used for offices, homes or a hotel.

City Hall has long been a cherished symbol of the city’s heritage and civic pride, but it is currently underused and in need of significant investment to meet the demands of a modern city.

Findings from the consultation will feed into wider conversations with local businesses and community groups. These will collectively help to shape different design ideas which will be considered by councillors later in the year.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 7, 2025