Category: Africa

MIL-OSI Video: Responsibility to Protect, Palestine & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (25 June 2025)

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

Highlights:
Secretary-General/Responsibility to Protect
Security Council
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Democratic Republic of the Congo
SALIENT 2.0
Day of the Seafarer
**Guests

SECRETARY-GENERAL/RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT
This morning, the Secretary-General was at the General Assembly, where he delivered remarks on the Responsibility to Protect.
Mr. Guterres warned that we are witnessing the highest number of armed conflicts since the end of the Second World War. These are marked by rising identity-based violence, widespread violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law, as well as deepening impunity.
Mr. Guterres said that we must recognize that the Responsibility to Protect is more than just a principle. It is a moral imperative, rooted in our shared humanity and the UN Charter.
He added that credibility as the guardian of peace and security, development, and human rights requires consistency with the [UN] Charter.
And tomorrow, at 10 a.m., in the General Assembly, the Secretary-General will deliver remarks to commemorate the Eightieth Anniversary of the Signing of the Charter of the United Nations.

SECURITY COUNCIL
This morning, the Security Council heard a briefing from Virginia Gamba, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for children and armed conflict, who was presenting the Secretary-General’s report. She said, and as you have seen in the report, that 2024 marked a devastating new record: the United Nations verified 41,370 grave violations against children—a staggering 25 per cent increase compared to 2023. She added that the report she is presenting also includes the highest number of children killed or maimed since the mandate was established by the Security Council. Cases of sexual violence, she added, also rose by 35 per cent with 1,982 verified cases.
The way forward is clear, she said, we must call on all parties to conflict, particularly the armed forces and groups listed in the annexes to the report, to engage with the United Nations to develop, to sign, and to fully implement action plans that end and prevent grave violations against children.
Also briefing from the UN side was Sheema Sen Gupta, UNICEF’s Director of Child Protection. She said that we cannot allow these grave violations against children to continue unchecked, and she called on council members to act with urgency, with courage and with the conviction that every child, no matter where they are, deserves to live in peace.

Full Highlights:
https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=25%20June%202025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeZwWRHdBOo

MIL OSI Video –

June 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Responsibility to Protect, Palestine & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (25 June 2025)

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

Highlights:
Secretary-General/Responsibility to Protect
Security Council
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Democratic Republic of the Congo
SALIENT 2.0
Day of the Seafarer
**Guests

SECRETARY-GENERAL/RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT
This morning, the Secretary-General was at the General Assembly, where he delivered remarks on the Responsibility to Protect.
Mr. Guterres warned that we are witnessing the highest number of armed conflicts since the end of the Second World War. These are marked by rising identity-based violence, widespread violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law, as well as deepening impunity.
Mr. Guterres said that we must recognize that the Responsibility to Protect is more than just a principle. It is a moral imperative, rooted in our shared humanity and the UN Charter.
He added that credibility as the guardian of peace and security, development, and human rights requires consistency with the [UN] Charter.
And tomorrow, at 10 a.m., in the General Assembly, the Secretary-General will deliver remarks to commemorate the Eightieth Anniversary of the Signing of the Charter of the United Nations.

SECURITY COUNCIL
This morning, the Security Council heard a briefing from Virginia Gamba, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for children and armed conflict, who was presenting the Secretary-General’s report. She said, and as you have seen in the report, that 2024 marked a devastating new record: the United Nations verified 41,370 grave violations against children—a staggering 25 per cent increase compared to 2023. She added that the report she is presenting also includes the highest number of children killed or maimed since the mandate was established by the Security Council. Cases of sexual violence, she added, also rose by 35 per cent with 1,982 verified cases.
The way forward is clear, she said, we must call on all parties to conflict, particularly the armed forces and groups listed in the annexes to the report, to engage with the United Nations to develop, to sign, and to fully implement action plans that end and prevent grave violations against children.
Also briefing from the UN side was Sheema Sen Gupta, UNICEF’s Director of Child Protection. She said that we cannot allow these grave violations against children to continue unchecked, and she called on council members to act with urgency, with courage and with the conviction that every child, no matter where they are, deserves to live in peace.

Full Highlights:
https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=25%20June%202025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeZwWRHdBOo

MIL OSI Video –

June 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Autonomous AI systems can help tackle global food insecurity

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Woo Soo Kim, Professor, Mechatronic Systems Engineering & Founding Director, Global Institute for Agritech, Simon Fraser University

There is a growing and urgent need to address global food insecurity. This urgency is underscored by reports from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, which states that nearly 828 million people suffer from hunger worldwide.

Climate change is further escalating these issues, disrupting traditional farming systems and emphasizing the need for smarter, resource-efficient solutions.

But imagine a future where indoor farming systems can operate entirely on their own, managing water, nutrients and environmental conditions without human oversight. Such autonomous systems, driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and powered by robotics, could revolutionize how we produce food, especially in regions with limited arable land.

Tackling food and water insecurity requires innovative solutions like precision agriculture, using AI and robotics to foster sustainable development.

My research team at Simon Fraser University’s (SFU) School of Mechatronics Systems Engineering has developed a prototype of an AI-powered sensing robot capable of autonomously monitoring the water needs of tomato plants.

Simon Fraser University researchers and students at the Arusha Climate and Environmental Research Centre, Aga Kahn University, a 3700-acre ecological reserve, tested drone technology to improve farming operations in Tanzania.
(Woo Soo Kim)

AI-powered farming

In conventional greenhouses, several water management techniques are used to enhance efficiency and minimize waste. These include drip irrigation and using soil moisture sensors and automated irrigation systems.

Despite their effectiveness, these methods have limitations in responsiveness and accuracy, and can lead to over- or under-watering, wasting resources and impacting crop health.

Agriculture takes up the vast majority of the water humanity uses. As water scarcity affects over two billion people worldwide, it is critical to find innovative ways to more efficiently use water.

At SFU, we’ve built an innovative robot that uses electrical signals from plants, also known as plant electrophysiology responses, as real-time indicators of plant health and hydration needs. The system integrates advanced AI algorithms to interpret these signals and determine when water should be supplied.

This technology eliminates the traditional guesswork and manual labour involved in irrigation, promoting efficient water use and reducing waste while optimizing plant health.

Recent research highlights the potential of integrating AI innovations into agriculture. AI-powered systems can significantly improve water efficiency, reduce chemical runoff and optimize crop yields.

Advances in robotics are also facilitating non-invasive and continuous monitoring of plant health, enabling interventions that are both precise and timely.

Recent advances in plant physiological signal monitoring have shown that sensors capable of capturing electrical signals reflecting plant stress, hydration and overall health can provide highly specific, real-time data.

A research team at SFU has developed an AI-powered sensing robot capable of autonomously monitoring water needs of tomato plants using the plant’s own electrical signals.
(Woo Soo Kim)

Our non-invasive sensing robot improves this process by enabling continuous and efficient monitoring of plant health, making automation more responsive and effective.

When combined with AI, these signals enable precision watering that is dynamically adapted to the plant’s actual needs, representing a significant leap in intelligent plant care.

Furthermore, recent innovations using multi-spectral imaging and machine learning have vastly improved our ability to detect disease and when plants are stressed. This can be integrated with electrical sensing robots like ours to develop comprehensive systems to monitor plant health.

With these improvements fully autonomous agriculture is becoming feasible. This technology goes beyond irrigation, using robotic sensing to interpret plant signals and enable autonomous nutrient management and environmental monitoring.

These multifunctional robots aim to optimize resource use, reduce waste, and increase crop yields, supporting global food security through holistic plant health management.

From greenhouses to fields

Our prototype shows promise in greenhouses. However, the real potential of AI water management lies in scalable, adaptable solutions. Addressing global food and water security requires international collaboration to share knowledge, technology and develop region-specific strategies for areas impacted by scarcity and climate change.

In recent years, our team has engaged deeply with agricultural communities in Tanzania and Asia-Pacific nations such as Singapore, Philippines, Japan and South Korea, understanding their unique challenges.

These regions face acute water shortages, limited access to sophisticated technology and the adverse impacts of climate change. To be effective, solutions developed in controlled environments must be adapted and made accessible to farmers.

This means developing sensor tools that are affordable and simple to use, and scalable AI and robotic systems that can operate effectively under variable environmental and infrastructural conditions.

The real potential of AI water management lies in developing scalable, adaptable solutions.
(Alana McPherson)

International collaboration plays a vital role here. Sharing knowledge through cross-border research partnerships, capacity-building programs and technology transfer initiatives can accelerate the deployment of smart agriculture solutions worldwide.

The Food and Agriculture Organization, the Association of Pacific Rim Universities and the World Bank are actively fostering such collaborations, emphasizing that sustainable agriculture progress depends on integrating cutting-edge technology with local knowledge.

Our goal is to develop affordable, easy-to-deploy AI sensing robots for smallholder farms that can provide real-time plant monitoring to reduce waste and improve yields.

These systems can foster resilient farming ecosystems, and contribute toward meeting the UN’s sustainable development goal of ending hunger and malnutrition.

Ultimately, scaling prototypes like ours from greenhouses to global agriculture requires strong international collaboration. Supportive policies and knowledge sharing will accelerate the deployment of intelligent water management systems. This will empower farmers globally to achieve more sustainable and resilient food production.

Woo Soo Kim receives funding from Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and Mitacs.

– ref. Autonomous AI systems can help tackle global food insecurity – https://theconversation.com/autonomous-ai-systems-can-help-tackle-global-food-insecurity-258788

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 26, 2025

MIL-OSI Africa: International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board Concludes the 2025 Article IV Consultation with Libya

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV Consultation with Libya.[1] The Executive Board’s decision was taken on a lapse-of-time basis.

Real GDP growth is estimated to have declined to around 2 percent in 2024 from 10 percent in 2023, driven by a contraction in the hydrocarbon sector. At the same time, non-hydrocarbon growth remained robust on the back of sustained government spending. Both the current and the fiscal accounts have swung from a surplus in 2023 to a deficit in 2024. Reported inflation remained low.

The outlook continues to be dominated by developments in the oil sector. Real GDP growth is projected to rebound in 2025, primarily driven by an expansion of oil production, before moderating to about 2 percent over the medium term. Non-hydrocarbon growth is set to remain between 5 and 6 percent in the medium term, supported by sustained government spending. The current account is slated to post a small surplus in 2025 (0.7 percent of GDP) before turning into a small deficit over the medium term, as oil prices remain subdued. The fiscal balance is projected to remain in deficit—albeit at a much lower level than in 2024—under the weight of continued large government spending.

Risks are tilted to the downside. Domestic risks stem from political instability, potentially evolving into active conflict, disrupting oil production and exports, and preventing progress on much-needed economic reforms. The economy is exposed to global downside risks through its heavy dependence on oil exports and a large import bill.

Executive Board Assessment[2]

Economic activity and fiscal and external accounts are poised to remain heavily dependent on developments in the oil sector and subject to downside risks. Following a rebound in oil production, economic growth is expected to be in double digits in 2025, before moderating over the medium term. Despite the expected increase in oil exports, the current account and fiscal balances are set to remain in deficit over most of the forecast horizon, weighed down by the projected softening of oil prices and large fiscal spending. The outlook is subject to downside risks, including the potential intensification of domestic political tensions, which could disrupt oil production and exports, and adverse global economic and geopolitical developments, which would put additional downward pressure on oil prices. To mitigate these risks, accelerating reforms aimed at restraining fiscal spending and diversifying the economy away from oil will be crucial.

Controlling expenditure will be key to ensure sustainability and to achieve intergenerational equity. The authorities should remain steadfast in their efforts to agree on a unified budget that outlines priority spending and enhances the transparency and credibility of government fiscal operations. Until such an agreement is reached, pressures to increase spending on salaries and subsidies should be resisted. Over the medium term, a sizable adjustment will be required to set the fiscal position on a sustainable trajectory and preserve intergenerational equity. The adjustment should be carefully designed to rationalize current spending, particularly wages and energy subsidies, and mobilize non-oil revenues, while maintaining capital expenditures at levels that support economic diversification.

A well-designed monetary and exchange rate policy framework will be essential to help manage economic cycles and mitigate the depreciation pressures. Introducing a well-defined policy rate will enhance the CBL’s capacity in smoothing the economic cycle and alleviating pressures on the dinar and provide a benchmark for the pricing of credit by both conventional and Islamic banks. Phasing out the foreign exchange tax alongside other exchange restrictions in line with Libya’s Article VIII obligations will reduce distortions, lower economic agents’ need to resort to the parallel market and help unify the exchange rate.

Reforms are needed to reinforce the banking sector’s contribution to economic activity. Impediments to a more active role by banks in the economy remain pervasive. Introducing well-designed savings plans will help to reduce cash hoarding, expand banks’ deposit base, establish bank-customer relationships, and support the provision of credit to the private sector. Enhancing transparency and accountability within the banking sector and promoting financial literacy among the public would foster confidence in banks and increase their footprint in Libya’s economy. Strengthening the AML/CFT framework, including by aligning it with international standards, will be paramount to support the stability of correspondent banking relationships and to ensure that Libyan banks’ operations remain uninterrupted.

Structural and governance reforms would foster the emergence of a diversified, sustainable, and private sector-led economy. Forging a comprehensive reform program aimed at reducing dependence on oil revenues should be at the top of the authorities’ agenda. Key elements of the reform program should promote a more active engagement of the private sector in economic activity, including by enhancing the business environment and access to finance and introducing labor market measures that encourage private sector employment. Taking decisive actions to tackle corruption, strengthen governance, and enhance the rule of law will support economic diversification further.

There is a need to enhance data provision and statistical capacity. Data gaps continue to significantly hamper staff’s ability to conduct analysis and provide policy advice. There is a need for the authorities to implement the technical assistance recommendations in the areas of national accounts and external sector statistics, and monetary and financial statistics, and improve data collection and reporting.

(Main Export: Crude Oil)

				Est.	Proj.
	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025	2026	2027	2028	2029	2030
(Annual percentage change, unless otherwise indicated)
National income and prices
Real GDP (at market price)	28.3	-8.3	10.2	1.9	16.1	4.4	1.6	1.7	1.9	2.2
Nonhydrocarbon	5.9	7.9	-0.6	14.3	2.9	5.9	4.2	4.4	4.8	5.3
Hydrocarbon	45.0	-17.0	17.8	-5.5	25.6	3.6	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0
Nominal GDP in billions of Libyan dinars 1/	159.0	208.2	211.9	234.3	251.2	254.2	265.5	277.9	292.0	306.6
Nominal GDP in billions of U.S. dollars 1/	35.2	43.3	44.0	48.4	47.2	47.7	49.8	52.2	54.8	57.6
Per capita GDP in thousands of U.S. dollars	5.2	6.4	6.4	7.0	6.8	6.8	7.0	7.3	7.5	7.8
GDP deflator	90.4	42.7	-7.6	3.6	-3.3	-3.1	2.8	2.9	3.1	2.8
CPI inflation
Period average	2.9	4.5	2.4	2.1	2.3	2.3	2.3	2.3	2.3	2.3
End of period	3.7	4.1	1.8	2.3	2.3	2.3	2.3	2.3	2.3	2.3
(In percent of GDP)
Central government finances
Revenues	79.5	85.8	73.6	69.8	67.9	61.1	58.5	56.6	54.5	52.4
Of which: Hydrocarbon	78.1	83.9	71.6	55.4	62.1	59.2	56.7	54.7	52.6	50.4
Expenditure and net lending	64.7	62.2	65.4	94.8	73.2	64.6	61.8	59.5	57.1	54.8
Of which: Capital expenditures	10.9	8.4	8.7	34.6	20.1	12.8	12.1	11.4	11.0	10.9
Overall balance	14.8	23.6	8.2	-25.1	-5.3	-3.5	-3.3	-2.9	-2.7	-2.5
Overall balance (in billions of U.S. dollars)	5.2	10.2	3.6	-12.1	-2.5	-1.7	-1.6	-1.5	-1.5	-1.4
Nonhydrocarbon balance	-63.3	-60.3	-63.4	-80.5	-67.5	-62.7	-60.0	-57.6	-55.2	-52.9
(Annual percentage change unless otherwise indicated)
Money and credit
Base Money	2.8	-16.9	47.9	6.6	36.8	9.0	9.2	10.0	10.2	16.7
Currency in circulation	-20.0	-1.4	37.6	13.3	10.5	2.2	1.5	5.0	5.0	5.0
Money and quasi-money	-20.3	12.0	28.3	12.2	4.0	4.5	4.5	5.0	5.0	5.0
Net credit to the government (Libyan Dinar, billion)	-94.1	-114.9	-110.9	-128.8	-130.4	-121.4	-112.7	-104.6	-96.8	-89.3
Credit to the economy (% of GDP)	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1
(In billions of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated)
Balance of payments
Exports	25.9	32.1	30.9	28.4	32.0	31.3	31.6	32.0	32.5	32.9
Of which: Hydrocarbon	24.5	30.0	28.8	26.3	29.9	29.1	29.2	29.7	30.3	29.9
Imports	17.0	17.2	17.7	21.6	21.9	20.5	20.6	20.8	21.0	21.2
Current account balance	5.7	10.0	8.0	-2.0	0.3	-0.3	-0.2	-0.2	-0.1	-0.1
(As percent of GDP)	16.1	23.2	18.3	-4.2	0.7	-0.5	-0.4	-0.3	-0.3	-0.1
Capital Account (including E&O)	-7.0	-5.3	-3.8	6.5	-2.8	-1.4	-1.4	-1.4	-1.3	-1.3
Overall balance 2/	1.1	4.7	4.3	4.5	-2.5	-1.7	-1.6	-1.5	-1.5	-1.4
Reserves
Gross official reserves	69.4	74.1	78.4	82.9	81.1	79.4	77.8	76.3	74.8	73.4
In months of next year’s imports	32.2	32.8	34.2	29.6	31.0	32.3	31.5	30.5	29.6	28.8
Gross official reserves in percentage of Broad Money	317.0	318.2	261.3	250.3	262.9	246.4	230.9	215.6	201.4	188.2
Total foreign assets	79.7	84.2	88.5	93.6	91.6	89.7	87.9	86.2	84.5	82.9
Exchange rate
Official exchange rate (LD/US$, period average)	4.5	4.8	4.8	4.8	…	…	…	…	…	…
Parallel market exchange rate (LD/US$, period average)	5.1	5.1	5.2	6.9	…	…	…	…	…	…
Parallel market exchange rate (LD/US$, end of period)	5.0	5.2	6.1	6.4	…	…	…	…	…	…
Crude oil production (millions of barrels per day – mbd)	1.2	1.0	1.2	1.1	1.4	1.5	1.5	1.5	1.5	1.5
Of which: Exports	1.0	0.8	1.0	0.9	1.1	1.2	1.2	1.2	1.2	1.2
Crude oil price (US$/bbl) 3/	64.4	89.6	75.0	73.6	66.9	62.4	62.7	63.6	64.3	64.9

Sources: Libyan authorities; and IMF staff estimates and projections.

1/ Nominal GDP data are at market prices.

2/ Includes revaluation of gold holdings of U$10.5 billion in 2024.

3/ The crude oil price was adjusted for Libya up to 2024.

[1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

[2] The Executive Board takes decisions under its lapse-of-time procedure when the Board agrees that a proposal can be considered without convening formal discussions.

– on behalf of International Monetary Fund (IMF).

MIL OSI Africa –

June 26, 2025

MIL-OSI Africa: The Success Story of Tamura Oil – Burundi’s Red Gold

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

Beneath the shade of oil palms, a quiet yet powerful revolution is underway. The Dukundane Cooperative, led by women (95% of its members), stands as a beacon of resilience and innovation, having transformed a once small-scale activity into a thriving semi-industrial enterprise.

Founded in 2014 following women’s leadership training under the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF), the cooperative initially brought together women crafting and selling brooms from palm fibers. By 2020, they had taken a transformative step – launching artisanal palm oil production.

The foundation for this transformation was laid in 2018 under axe 6 of the WPHF, which supports the socio-economic recovery and political participation of women and girls in peacebuilding contexts. That year, 175 women peace actors and dialogue facilitators – locally known as Abakanguriramahoro or “women mediators”—received financial support in Karonda. These women had already been active in conflict prevention and community mediation.

With a grant of USD 180,000 from the WPHF, they expanded their economic activities using a holistic approach to palm tree valorization: from palm oil extraction to soap production from palm nuts and organic fertilizer from processing residues.

This marked a turning point in women’s economic empowerment in the region. Yet, the initiative still faced challenges due to limited equipment and technical capacity, underscoring the need for more structured support.

By 2025, with new backing from the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) and UN Women, the group officially became the Dukundane Cooperative. With a total investment of 603 million Burundian francs, a modern semi-industrial processing plant was established with the help of the implementing partner FVS “Amie des Enfants.” The plant features: a Sterilizer, Sorting table, Destemmer, Kneader, Oil press, Decanters, Steam cooking pots, Water tank and Steam boiler.

Today, the cooperative processes 10,000 kg of palm bunches daily, yielding approximately 2,500 to 3,000 liters of oil under the Tamura Oil brand.

“We thank all our partners who made it possible to establish this semi-industrial unit capable of producing refined oil that can compete in the market,”
— Frida Ndagijimana, President of the 185-member cooperative, including 175 women.

A Tool for Peace and Empowerment

Beyond oil production, the cooperative now manages over two hectares of oil palm plantations. The facility includes a sorting shed, storage shed, staff toilets and changing rooms, and an office building.

With support from national technical bodies such as the National Center for Food Technology (CNTA), Burundi Bureau of Standards (BBN), Palm Oil Office (OHP), and implementing partner CREOP-JEUNES, Dukundane has become a national model for women’s economic empowerment and local development.

But the story doesn’t end with economic gains. This initiative is a concrete manifestation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which emphasizes the critical role of women in peacebuilding. In Karonda, that vision is now firmly rooted—and bearing fruit.

– on behalf of UN Women – Africa.

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MIL OSI Africa –

June 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Djibouti: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2025 Article IV Mission

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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Djibouti has been navigating regional tensions well, with robust growth, moderate inflation, and recovering reserves. In response to global uncertainties and domestic debt challenges, the authorities plan significant fiscal consolidation, including leveraging state-owned enterprises (SOE) dividends meaningfully, and advancing creditor dialogue. The authorities remain dedicated to investing in human capital and creating favorable investment conditions for job creation.

Djibouti’s economic resilience and contribution to regional stability

Djibouti helps maintain regional stability by supporting maritime security and facilitating humanitarian responses during crises. Djibouti’s GDP per capita has effectively doubled over the past decade thanks to significant investments that have contributed to the modernization of the economy. However, declining government revenues and increasing debt service have placed considerable strain on public finances, leading to unsustainable levels of public debt and diminishing reserves. Growth has not created enough jobs in the formal sector, while fiscal space to finance development needs is limited.

The authorities are leveraging Djibouti’s growth resilience to advance fiscal consolidation and rebuild reserves. Growth is expected to have exceeded 6.5 percent in 2024 due to increased transshipments amid Red Sea tensions, while moderate international food and energy prices kept inflation in check. The government deficit was reduced from 3.5 percent of GDP in 2023 to 2.6 percent in 2024 following a brief period of fiscal overruns and deficit monetization, and reserves have begun to recover partially offsetting the decline observed since late 2023, though they remain below the monetary base.

The outlook is positive but subject to risks in an uncertain global context. Growth is projected to remain dynamic at around 6 percent this year and to continue over the medium term, albeit at a slower pace. Ethiopia’s robust economy is expected to boost Djibouti’s port activities; however, fiscal consolidation and the phasing out of large-scale investments may temper growth. Key risks include regional conflicts potentially increasing migration and affecting social stability amid a constrained fiscal space, and trade policy shifts that could depreciate the dollar and Djibouti franc, enhancing service exports but also raising inflation. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that Djibouti has successfully navigated several shocks over the past few years, including COVID-19, the 2022 Tigray crisis, the Ukraine war, and the 2024 Red Sea maritime disruptions.

Leveraging resilience for fiscal sustainability and rebuilding reserves

In the face of high global and regional uncertainty, Djibouti needs to quickly strengthen its economic resilience by restoring debt sustainability, safeguarding the currency board, and fostering inclusive growth. To this end, the authorities intend to strengthen fiscal consolidation and enhance financial transparency and governance of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to unlock sustainable and meaningful dividend contributions to the national budget, restore reserves, and encourage private sector growth while protecting vulnerable populations.

Durable fiscal consolidation is essential for restoring debt sustainability. The substantial fiscal adjustment frontloaded in the 2025 budget and the balanced budget target for 2026 onward are welcome steps. To sustain progress, it is essential that all governmental entities endorse annual fiscal targets that align with a medium-term fiscal consolidation strategy. Success depends on robust expenditure management via the diligent operationalization of the recently approved Public Financial Management Reform Strategy and Action Plan 2024–27. Furthermore, a comprehensive fiscal roadmap should continue to broaden the tax base by enhancing VAT and capital income taxation, rationalizing tax exemptions included in the investment code and the Free Zones regime, and finalizing the digitization of tax agencies. The effective establishment of the tax policy unit remains a priority for accurately assessing tax bases and enhancing tax reform efficiency. Operationalizing the recently created large taxpayer office will also bolster compliance and revenue collection.

As Djibouti negotiates new terms for debt liabilities with creditors, well-managed and profitable SOEs can significantly aid national fiscal consolidation and restore reserves at the Central Bank of Djibouti (CBD), particularly following the dissolution of the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF). Building on ongoing efforts to improve SOE transparency and governance, it will be critical for the Executive Secretariat in charge of the State Portfolio (SEPE) to collect all SOEs’ financial statements and monitor their performance. Swiftly implementing the Code of Good Governance is also essential for establishing a more transparent dividend policy tied to SOE performance, thereby mobilizing dividends more consistently and meaningfully for the budget, improving SOE efficiency and services, and appropriately right-size them. Additionally, fiscal transparency can be strengthened by discontinuing financial settlement practices for clearing government arrears with SOEs, and by improving coordination among the Ministry of Budget, line ministries, and SEPE for more effective budget risk management.

Alongside fiscal consolidation, completing ongoing debt negotiations and addressing outstanding arrears with external partners are critical for debt sustainability. Equally important is implementing binding limits on borrowing for the central government, SOEs, including their participation in public-private partnerships, and ensuring these are enforced by the Public Sector Debt Committee.

The mission is encouraged by the recent recovery in reserves and urges continued progress. To strengthen the currency board, the authorities plan to amend the CBD law to enhance its autonomy, which will help sustain reserves, exchange rate, and inflation stability. They also plan to introduce reserve requirements as a prudential tool, with implementation expected to follow a phased approach. Additionally, under MENAFATF’s enhanced monitoring, Djibouti is reforming its AML/CFT framework, improving the business climate, and enhancing oversight of the banking sector due to its significant offshore component and rising government exposure. To facilitate policy making, the authorities are leveraging technical assistance provided by the IMF to enhance their coverage and quality of statistics relevant to surveillance, with a focus on national accounts, the fiscal and external sectors.

Advancing inclusivity through private sector development and employment creation

The government aims to foster economic growth and social equity. They aim to improve the existing targeting of the current fuel subsidy scheme. In order to create a more effective and equitable social protection system and reduce budget exposure to international energy prices, the authorities should gradually replace the current subsidy system with the strengthening of targeted cash transfers to the most vulnerable households, relying on the national social register. To attract investments and create jobs, they are enhancing access to education and job training under the 2021–35 education master plan. They aim to diversify the economy in sectors such as logistics and connectivity, tourism, agribusiness, and fisheries. To enable economic diversification, it is essential to develop a comprehensive roadmap with specific actions aimed at enhancing access to finance, streamlining administrative procedures, and expanding reliable and affordable internet services and electricity, including through increased bill collection, technical efficiency, and the adoption of cost-efficient renewable energy. These initiatives will enhance Djibouti’s business environment, which is already supported by a stable macroeconomic climate, a currency board, ports infrastructure, and connectivity to Ethiopia’s large market, all aligning with the objectives of Djibouti Vision 2035.

“The mission team expresses deep appreciation to the Djiboutian authorities and other counterparts for their warm hospitality, excellent cooperation and candid discussions, and looks forward to continuing close engagement.”

– on behalf of International Monetary Fund (IMF).

MIL OSI Africa –

June 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Eritrea: Human Rights Council must vote to extend Special Rapporteur’s mandate

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

Ahead of the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) which is scheduled to decide on numerous draft resolutions between 4th and 7th July, among them a resolution to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Eritrea and another to end the mandate of the Special Rapporteur, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, said:

“The Special Rapporteur’s work in Eritrea is far from finished – member states of the UN Human Rights Council must vote to extend the Special Rapporteur’s mandate and address the ongoing human rights violations as well as the lack of accountability for ongoing and past abuses. The European Union, which is leading the resolution to extend the mandate, should further strengthen it and heed the Special Rapporteur’s calls on the need for accountability, as we prepare to mark a decade since the Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in Eritrea warned that crimes against humanity may have been committed in the country.

“Eritrea’s attempt to table a counter resolution, designed to force an end to the Special Rapporteur’s mandate, is a cynical attempt to undermine the UN human rights system. HRC member states should reject this show of open defiance against the body’s mechanisms by voting against it”

Background

The mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Eritrea was created by the UN Human Rights Council in 2012 and supplemented by a two-year Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in Eritrea from 2014 to 2016.

Initial resolutions maintaining the Special Rapporteur on Eritrea were led by Djibouti and Somalia since 2012 until 2019.

Speaking to the ongoing HRC session on 16 June the Special Rapporteur emphasized that “nearly a decade has passed since the Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in Eritrea concluded that crimes against humanity may have been committed in a context of widespread and systematic human rights violations. Yet, no meaningful progress has been made toward accountability.”

Following this presentation, Eritrea announced that it would counter the annual EU-led resolution with a resolution of its own to terminate the mandate of the Special Rapporteur.

– on behalf of Amnesty International.

Media files

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MIL OSI Africa –

June 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: United Nations (UN) Women Executive Board lauds progressive gender equality and women’s empowerment work in Zimbabwe

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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UN Women Executive Board’s visit to Zimbabwe from 4-10 May 2025 marked a pivotal moment in the country’s ongoing efforts to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment. The visit, led by H.E. Ms. Nicola Clase, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sweden to the United Nations and President of the UN Women Executive Board, provided an opportunity to showcase the impact of UN Women’s programming in the country while strengthening strategic partnerships with key stakeholders.

“I note the strong legal frameworks for gender equality and women’s empowerment,”acknowledged Ambassador Nicola Clase, President of the UN Women Executive Board. “We encourage the government and partners to focus on the effective implementation of these laws.”

High-Level Engagements

Throughout the week, the delegation engaged with government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, the private sector, and women’s rights organizations to deepen collaboration and assess progress on gender-responsive policies and initiatives.

In a productive meeting with the country’s president , H.E Emmerson Mnangagwa, there was reaffirmation of Zimbabwe’s commitment to gender equality. “We believe gender equality is not only a fundamental right, but also a necessity for national growth. Zimbabwe remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering women and girls,” assured President Mnangagwa.

The delegation also met Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, and Small and Medium Enterprises Development. She highlighted the government’s ongoing initiatives saying,”Zimbabwe has made significant strides in advancing women’s rights, and will continue to strengthen policies that ensure women’s full participation in economic and social development.”

Jacob Francis Mudenda, Speaker of Parliament, emphasized the importance of inclusive governance. “Ensuring women’s full participation in governance and business will drive Zimbabwe forward into a more inclusive future,” he said.

Field Visits Showcasing Impact

The Executive Board members visited Umzingwane Safe Market, Epworth Safe Market, Maker Space Innovation Hub, and the Knowledge Hub at Rosaria Memorial Trust where the team saw the impact of innovative approaches to supporting women’s economic empowerment and safety in informal marketplaces. These engagements demonstrated UN Women’s commitment to creating sustainable opportunities for women, improving livelihoods, and fostering gender-responsive practices.

Speaking about her transformation as a clothing trader in the market, Sarah Muchengeti had this to say, “The biggest challenge before the Epworth Safe Market was finding a secure and reliable place to work. This initiative gave me a proper workspace, where I can now take larger orders and grow my operation. My vision has changed—I am no longer just working to survive; I am building a legacy. My family now sees me as a successful businesswoman, and my children are inspired by what I have accomplished.”

Reflections from the Region and Country

The visit by the board was a proud moment for the UN Women Zimbabwe team, whose extensive preparations ensured a seamless and impactful experience.

Anna Mutavati, Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, emphasized the significance of the engagement, “This visit reinforced the importance of partnerships in driving change. It is inspiring to see the Executive Board acknowledge the progress we’ve made in Zimbabwe.”

Fatou Lo, UN Women Zimbabwe Country Representative, who spearheaded the visit, highlighted the collaborative effort involved, “This was a collective achievement, the dedication of our teams and partners made it possible to showcase our work and deepen strategic discussions on gender equality.”

Lovenes Makonense, Deputy Country Representative, reflecting on the experience, said, “Being able to present the tangible impact of our work was incredibly rewarding. The enthusiasm from stakeholders reaffirmed our mission to empower women across all sectors.”

Looking Ahead

As the Executive Board concluded its visit, the momentum gained from these discussions will continue to shape UN Women’s programming in Zimbabwe. The visit amplified the power of collaboration and the need for sustained investment in gender equality initiatives.

UN Women Zimbabwe remains deeply appreciative of all partners, stakeholders, and government officials who contributed to the success of this visit. As the team reflects on the week-long engagements, one message remains clear: the commitment to empowering women in Zimbabwe is stronger than ever.

– on behalf of UN Women – Africa.

MIL OSI Africa –

June 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: LEADER JEFFRIES: “THE FACT THAT THE ADMINISTRATION CONTINUES TO RUN AWAY FROM CONFRONTING THESE SITUATIONS ON CAPITOL HILL IS VERY PROBLEMATIC”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on MSNBC’s Morning Joe where he emphasized that Iran is a sworn enemy of the United States and the Trump administration must follow the Constitution and stop hiding its actions in the Middle East from Congress and the American people.

JOE SCARBOROUGH: Leader Jeffries, thanks so much for being with us. I’m wondering, do you consider his win last night in New York City, do you think it provides a roadmap for Democrats running in 2026 on how to energize the base?

LEADER JEFFRIES: I think what’s clear is that the relentless focus on affordability had great appeal all across the City of New York. He also clearly out-worked, out-organized and out-communicated the opposition. And when someone is successful in being able to do all three things at the same time, it’s usually going to work out for them.

JOE SCARBOROUGH: Yeah, The New York Times editorialized that he was not qualified to be mayor. Of course, The Wall Street Journal and others say that he is far too extreme on economic issues and even issues involving Israel. I’m curious what your thoughts are on him ideologically. Is that—does he have an ideology that you would want your candidates in 2026 to have?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, from the standpoint of House Democrats and what our focus has been, clearly, we have an affordability crisis in the United States of America, and our focus will continue to be on driving down the high cost of living in this country. Donald Trump promised to lower costs on day one. Costs haven’t gone down. They’re going up. He’s crashing the economy in real time, his tariffs are going to impose thousands of dollars in additional cost on everyday Americans per year and he may even be driving us toward a recession. That’s the reason why Donald Trump has become so unpopular, it’s because he’s failed the country on the economy. And so, our vision is going to be for an affordable America—work hard, play by the rules, live the good life, provide a comfortable living for yourself and for your family. That means being able to actually afford a home, educate your children, have access to healthcare, go on vacation with your children and your family every now and then and, of course, Joe, one day retire with grace and dignity.

JOE SCARBOROUGH: Democrats look at Donald Trump’s approval ratings and you have a lot of other Democrats and people on media asking the question, why is the Democratic Party’s approval ratings, why are they lower than Donald Trump’s? I take it that’s something that you all grapple with every day. Why has the Democratic Party over the past year found itself at sort of its lowest ebb in recent history? And how do Democrats get out of that?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Yeah, no, it’s a very important question and, listen, institutions are unpopular right now in the United States of America and that includes, of course, the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. The dynamics that we have to work through, of course, one, Donald Trump and Republicans have given the American people every reason to run away from them, and it’s going to be important for us to continue to make clear why this administration failed on the economy, failed foreign policy, trying to take away healthcare from tens of millions of Americans, ripping food out of the mouths of children and seniors and veterans. Of course, all of that is problematic, all of that is unpopular. That’s why the One Big Ugly Bill has such a high disapproval rate in the United States of America. We also recognize, as Democrats, that it’s going to be important for us to articulate our affirmative agenda, what we stand for, this principle of working hard and playing by the rules, being able to live the good life, an affordable life for hardworking American taxpayers. And that is something that we’re going to have to lean into. The other thing I’d note, Joe, as you know, perhaps the most important thing in terms of a midterm election dynamic, is what’s the generic ballot say to us? Every single significant generic ballot poll has House Democrats beating House Republicans consistently, including a recent Fox News poll that had us up by about eight points. And so, at the end of the day, yes, we have to lean into improving the Democratic brand. But at the end of the day, what will be most significant, most important is how our vision contrasts with the management of this President, which has been a failure in the United States of America.

JONATHAN LEMIRE: Leader Jeffries, let’s turn you now to the situation in Iran. We played some sound from you earlier in the show, expressing unhappiness that the administration briefing was postponed. The White House saying it’s well, it’s so Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense can be part of it later this week. Is that acceptable to you, and do you have concerns that the administration is not being fully forthcoming as to what actually transpired in Iran over the weekend?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Yes, there’s every reason to be concerned. There was this briefing that had been scheduled to take place in the House of Representatives and in the Senate. There was absolutely no reason that we’ve been provided that it should have been canceled in terms of the important questions that need to be asked and answered by the Trump administration. What was the imminent threat to the safety and security of the United States of America that justified this strike without seeking the congressional authorization required by the Constitution? What is the assessment of the damage that was done to Iran’s nuclear program? Was it completely and totally decimated? No evidence to date has been provided to suggest that that representation made by Donald Trump is accurate. What is the plan to avoid another costly failed war in the Middle East? Why was aggressive diplomacy abandoned by the Trump administration, notwithstanding the success that had taken place under President Obama’s administration in actually pushing back Iran’s nuclear aspirations. These are questions that need to be answered by the administration. And the fact that they continue to run away from confronting these situations on Capitol Hill is very problematic.

JONATHAN LEMIRE: So, Leader Jeffries, to that point, you and many people who have had your position in the decades before this, have expressed frustration when presidents don’t seek congressional authority for military action like this. Do you feel like that a greater good was achieved here if Iran’s program was, if not destroyed, but at least significantly delayed? What should be the next steps for this administration in this process?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, to be clear, Iran can never be allowed to become a nuclear-capable power. Iran is a sworn enemy of the United States, of Israel, of Jordan, of our allies in the Middle East, a sworn enemy of the free world. But the question, of course, is, was this strike successful in meaningfully pushing back Iran’s nuclear aspirations, or is it going to complicate things in the Middle East in ways that put our men and women in uniform, American troops and America in harm’s way? That’s simply the reason that having an all-Member briefing on Capitol Hill sooner rather than later is important so these answers can be obtained for the American people, the representatives of the American People, in the United States Congress. That is the reason, fundamentally, why it’s been Congress that was given the power to declare war, to authorize military force and when administrations act differently, they have an obligation and a responsibility to provide the facts, the evidence and the truth, justifying their actions to the American people.

JOE SCARBOROUGH: Well, this has been the debate, and we talked about it yesterday with another Member of Congress. This has been a debate going back 30, 40, 50 years. Obviously Republicans were saying this after Barack Obama attacked Libya. Republicans were saying this with Bill Clinton in the 1990s on Kosovo. But if you’re going to have a surprise attack with B-2 bombers that are going to be going over to Iran, striking their nuclear facilities. Do you think it’s a good idea to inform 535 members of Congress before that operation takes off?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, the key here is what was the imminent nature of the threat that justified immediate military action and surprise military action—

JOE SCARBOROUGH: Right—

LEADER JEFFRIES: If there was no imminent threat—

JOE SCARBOROUGH: Well, the United Nations, I’m curious if you’re concerned, like the United Nation’s nuclear agency, the IAEA had said that Iran had already enriched uranium up to 60 percent, and as you know, the jump from 60 to 100 percent is negligible, and had enough enriched uranium for several weapons. Would you consider that to be considerable enough? A considerable enough threat to strike Iran under those circumstances?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, certainly it’s a challenging situation, but one of the reasons why we need a briefing, Joe, is to have an understanding, was that enriched uranium even damaged or was it removed by the Iranians prior to the strike? We don’t know the answers to that question. It certainly is something that should be talked about, and the American people should be informed about the reality of whether it was a successful strike or not. In terms of the Iranian nuclear threat, I think we’ve all been clear that Iran can never be permitted to become nuclear capable. But the constitution is not a mere inconvenience, it’s the reality and if members of the executive branch, if hawkish individuals across the country want to change things, there’s Article I, Section 8, Clause 11. They can put forward a constitutional amendment but the framers of this country saw fit to vest this authority within the House and the Senate, not the executive branch.

JOE SCARBOROUGH: Right. And at what point should that be triggered? Should it be triggered by every strike, like, for instance, Barack Obama in 2011 in Libya, or countless strikes by the Bush administration and the Obama administration after September the 11th? Is it every strike or is it when you are going in sending troops in? When do you think that action is triggered?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Seems to me, and it’s a great question, Joe, that it has to relate to whether the step that was taken, one, is in response to an imminent threat to American interests, and two, whether it’s an act of war. And part of the reason why, after the fact, it’s important for Members of Congress to be able to have a briefing with the administration that is comprehensive and that gives Members the opportunity to ask questions so we can provide these answers to the American people who clearly do not want another failed, costly, deadly war in the Middle East.

JOE SCARBOROUGH: All right. Leader Hakeem Jeffries, thank you so much for being with us.

Full interview can be watched here.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

June 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Secretary General, Palestine, Congo & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (25 June 2025)

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

———————————

Highlights:
Secretary-General/Responsibility to Protect
Security Council
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Democratic Republic of the Congo
SALIENT 2.0
Day of the Seafarer
**Guests

__________________________________________

SECRETARY-GENERAL/RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT
This morning, the Secretary-General was at the General Assembly, where he delivered remarks on the Responsibility to Protect.
Mr. Guterres warned that we are witnessing the highest number of armed conflicts since the end of the Second World War. These are marked by rising identity-based violence, widespread violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law, as well as deepening impunity.
Mr. Guterres said that we must recognize that the Responsibility to Protect is more than just a principle. It is a moral imperative, rooted in our shared humanity and the UN Charter.
He added that credibility as the guardian of peace and security, development, and human rights requires consistency with the [UN] Charter.
And tomorrow, at 10 a.m., in the General Assembly, the Secretary-General will deliver remarks to commemorate the Eightieth Anniversary of the Signing of the Charter of the United Nations.

SECURITY COUNCIL
This morning, the Security Council heard a briefing from Virginia Gamba, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for children and armed conflict, who was presenting the Secretary-General’s report. She said, and as you have seen in the report, that 2024 marked a devastating new record: the United Nations verified 41,370 grave violations against children—a staggering 25 per cent increase compared to 2023. She added that the report she is presenting also includes the highest number of children killed or maimed since the mandate was established by the Security Council. Cases of sexual violence, she added, also rose by 35 per cent with 1,982 verified cases.
The way forward is clear, she said, we must call on all parties to conflict, particularly the armed forces and groups listed in the annexes to the report, to engage with the United Nations to develop, to sign, and to fully implement action plans that end and prevent grave violations against children.
Also briefing from the UN side was Sheema Sen Gupta, UNICEF’s Director of Child Protection. She said that we cannot allow these grave violations against children to continue unchecked, and she called on council members to act with urgency, with courage and with the conviction that every child, no matter where they are, deserves to live in peace.

Full Highlights:
https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=25%20June%202025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeZwWRHdBOo

MIL OSI Video –

June 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Secretary General, Palestine, Congo & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (25 June 2025)

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

———————————

Highlights:
Secretary-General/Responsibility to Protect
Security Council
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Democratic Republic of the Congo
SALIENT 2.0
Day of the Seafarer
**Guests

__________________________________________

SECRETARY-GENERAL/RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT
This morning, the Secretary-General was at the General Assembly, where he delivered remarks on the Responsibility to Protect.
Mr. Guterres warned that we are witnessing the highest number of armed conflicts since the end of the Second World War. These are marked by rising identity-based violence, widespread violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law, as well as deepening impunity.
Mr. Guterres said that we must recognize that the Responsibility to Protect is more than just a principle. It is a moral imperative, rooted in our shared humanity and the UN Charter.
He added that credibility as the guardian of peace and security, development, and human rights requires consistency with the [UN] Charter.
And tomorrow, at 10 a.m., in the General Assembly, the Secretary-General will deliver remarks to commemorate the Eightieth Anniversary of the Signing of the Charter of the United Nations.

SECURITY COUNCIL
This morning, the Security Council heard a briefing from Virginia Gamba, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for children and armed conflict, who was presenting the Secretary-General’s report. She said, and as you have seen in the report, that 2024 marked a devastating new record: the United Nations verified 41,370 grave violations against children—a staggering 25 per cent increase compared to 2023. She added that the report she is presenting also includes the highest number of children killed or maimed since the mandate was established by the Security Council. Cases of sexual violence, she added, also rose by 35 per cent with 1,982 verified cases.
The way forward is clear, she said, we must call on all parties to conflict, particularly the armed forces and groups listed in the annexes to the report, to engage with the United Nations to develop, to sign, and to fully implement action plans that end and prevent grave violations against children.
Also briefing from the UN side was Sheema Sen Gupta, UNICEF’s Director of Child Protection. She said that we cannot allow these grave violations against children to continue unchecked, and she called on council members to act with urgency, with courage and with the conviction that every child, no matter where they are, deserves to live in peace.

Full Highlights:
https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=25%20June%202025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeZwWRHdBOo

MIL OSI Video –

June 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Bombing Iran: has the UN charter failed?

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Caleb H. Wheeler, Senior Lecturer in Law, Cardiff University

The recent US attack on Iran’s nuclear sites has prompted renewed questions about whether the UN charter’s prohibition on the use of force is meaningful.

Considered one of the keystones of international law, article 2(4) of the charter specifically forbids member states from using force – or threatening to do so – against the territorial integrity or political independence of another state, or “in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations”.

A significant amount of commentary exists about what the prohibition entails. This tries to clarify ambiguities around the terms “force”, “threats of force”, “territorial integrity” and “political independence”. Although no absolute consensus has been reached, it is commonly thought that member states are prohibited from launching armed attacks against other states, or threatening to do so, unless acting in self-defence or with the authorisation of the UN security council.

Other exceptions have been suggested. These include use of force as part of a larger humanitarian intervention operation. There’s also a question of whether it’s permissible when a state is rescuing its nationals abroad. But the legality of either of these situations is contentious and remains unsettled.

Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

Early in its existence, the UN made concerted efforts to protect and respect article 2(4) and to comply with its provisions. In 1950, the security council authorised UN member states to provide South Korea with the assistance necessary to repel the armed attack launched by North Korea, triggering the increased internationalisation of the Korean war.

While article 2(4) was not explicitly mentioned in resolution 83, it was alluded to through repeated references to North Korea’s “armed attack” against South Korea. As such, it can be interpreted as an effort by the security council to use its authority to address a violation of article 2(4), even if it did not clearly frame it in those terms.

The security council also authorised member states in 2011 to take all necessary measures to protect civilians in Libya. Unfortunately, it quickly became apparent that the member states may have exceeded their authority in Libya and carried out acts that could themselves be construed as violations of the UN charter.

Rather than just protecting civilians, as the security council resolution instructed, legal experts were concerned they had effectively intervened in a civil war. Any possible violations went unpunished by the security council.

Security council actions taken with regard to Korea were, in many ways, the high watermark for the prohibition of the use of force, given the scale of the conflict. There are two reasons for that. First, a significant proportion of the wars taking place after 1945 have been domestic and not subject to the provisions of article 2(4). The prohibition specifically applies to a member state’s international relations so is not inapplicable when a member state attacks a group within its own borders.

Second, the UN has failed to address many of the acts occurring after 1945 that might fall under the provisions of article 2(4). The reason for this inaction lies primarily in the flawed structure on which the UN is built.

Chapter VII of the charter makes the security council responsible for addressing acts of aggression that would constitute uses of force under article 2(4). But it has repeatedly failed to fill that role, allowing states to commit these acts without meaningful response.

The UN veto problem

UN security council decisions can only be enacted when at least nine members vote in favour. This must also include the affirmative vote or abstention of all five of the permanent members: the US, Russia, China, the UK and France. This essentially gives each of the permanent members the right to veto security council resolutions.

Permanent members have commonly used the threat of their veto in their own political interests. This can be seen in a variety of instances, most notably the 2003 US invasion of Iraq and the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Both situations clearly involved uses of force prohibited by article 2(4), and in both situations the security council was prevented from acting by some of its permanent members.

This inaction is consistent with the UN’s failure to address many other acts that might fall under the provisions of article 2(4), including US involvement in south-east Asia in the 1960s and the Russian invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s.

The security council’s failure to adequately perform its role has caused some to try and find a workaround. The Council of Europe, disappointed at the lack of accountability for Russia’s acts of aggression against Ukraine, has entered into an agreement with Ukraine to establish a special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.

In the special tribunal’s draft statute, an act of aggression is defined to almost exactly mirror the type of conduct that would constitute a use of force under the UN charter.

Bombing Iran

Which brings us to the current situation in Iran. There is little question that the US violated article 2(4) when it bombed Iranian nuclear sites in Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan on the evening of Saturday June 21. This is a clear use of force against the territory of another state.

But even if the attacks themselves were not enough to establish a violation, they were also accompanied by US president Donald Trump’s suggestion that a regime change in Iran might be appropriate. These comments, coming immediately after the initial attack, could be construed as a threat of further force against Iran’s political independence should such a change not occur.

Under the UN charter, such threats and uses of force should elicit a response from the security council. But just as with Iraq in 2003 and Ukraine in 2022, none will probably be forthcoming as the US will block any efforts to hold it to account.

But equally chilling is the lack of condemnation of the US actions by its allies. German chancellor Friedrich Merz saw “no reason to criticise” the bombings, and Nato secretary general Mark Rutte insisted that the bombings did not violate international law.

As the respected Dutch scholar of international law André Nollkaemper suggests, this refusal to condemn a clear violation of the prohibition of the use of force creates a real danger that the bar for when a state can legally use force will be lowered.

Should that be allowed to happen it could further hollow out the prohibition, effectively making it less likely that states will be held to account for violating international law. Further, it could also lead to the return of a world where “might makes right”. This would undo more than a century of legal evolution.

Caleb H. Wheeler 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. Bombing Iran: has the UN charter failed? – https://theconversation.com/bombing-iran-has-the-un-charter-failed-259751

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: The South African apartheid movement’s close relationship with the American right – then and now

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Daniel Conway, Reader in Politics and International Studies, University of Westminster

The allegations of a “white genocide” against Afrikaner farmers that emerged during the tense Oval Office meeting between the US president, Donald Trump, and South Africa’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, on May 21 shocked many around the world. But it was merely the latest example of what has been a long-running obsession for Trump, which has been evident since well before he took office in January.

In early February, Trump issued an executive order: “Addressing Egregious Actions of The Republic of South Africa”. The order included the allegation of “unjust racial discrimination” against the white Afrikaner community and recommended the establishment of an Afrikaner refugee scheme. In his meeting with Ramaphosa, Trump doubled down on US hostility to the South African government. He repeatedly claimed – and produced purported evidence of – so-called genocide against Afrikaner farmers.

This level of hostility towards multi-racial, post-apartheid South Africa may seem to have come out of the blue. Some may think it was inspired by Trump’s close relationship, at the time at least, with South Africa-born business leader Elon Musk – who could be seen standing in the corner of the Oval Office watching the uncomfortable scene unfold. But the claim that white Afrikaners are victims of violent and vengeful black South Africans has a much longer history.

It’s a history that goes back almost five decades. It connects white supremacy in southern Africa and the apartheid government’s international disinformation strategy with the evangelical Christian right in American politics. Some of the individuals and institutions that were vocal advocates of white-minority rule against the threat of black government in South Africa are the same people who have the Trump administration’s ear today.

As the South African academic Nicky Falkof has observed, the claim of white victimhood is nothing new. She believes that “entire political agendas develop around the idea that white people must be protected because they face exceptional threats”.

Read more:
Trump and South Africa: what is white victimhood, and how is it linked to white supremacy?

The apartheid years

The idea that white South Africans face an existential threat emerged in the violent final decade of apartheid rule. It was a key narrative that the National Party government of president P.W. Botha liked to present to the outside world.

In 2021, a former apartheid intelligence officer named Paul Erasmus published his autobiography detailing his work for Stratcom, the apartheid government’s international covert communications and intelligence agency. Erasmas detailed his work in the US and, in particular, Stratcom’s close links with Republican policymakers.

One of the primary US conservative contacts was said to be Dr Edwin Feulner, a founder and president of the Heritage Foundation. Erasmus wrote that Feulner, who was a foreign policy advisor to Ronald Reagan in the 1980s, was “already well positioned to serve Stratcom the kind of high-level advice that we needed to temper growing international affection for the ANC as the first ruling party of a democratic South Africa”.

The Conversation approached Dr Feulner through the Heritage Foundation to seek his comments on specifically whether he had any past association with the apartheid-era government in South Africa and received no reply on the matter. But in 1986, during Feulner’s presidency of the Heritage Foundation, it published a report presenting alleging “close links between the ANC [African National Congresss] and the communists and the way in which the communists exploit the ANC to manipulate Western opinion”.

This history is key to understanding Trump Oval Office meeting with the South African president. The Heritage Foundation continues to have close links with Afrikaner nationalists. And it is well known that the foundation is central to Trump’s governing strategy, having published its Project 2025 on which much of this administration’s policy is based.

The South African media outlet, the Daily Maverick, has investigated links between the self-defined Afrikaner minority rights movement, Afriforum, the Heritage Foundation and the Republican Party. Since Trump was first inaugurated in 2017, Afriforum representatives – including CEO Kallie Kriel and his deputy Dr Ernst Roets – have made several visits to Washington, most recently in February 2025, to speak with senior representatives of the Trump administration and representatives of the Heritage Foundation. For some time, Afriforum has claimed there is a white genocide against Afrikaner farmers.

When asked directly about its relationship with Afriforum, a Heritage Foundation spokesperson denied any particularly close links between the two organisations, saying: “We meet with hundreds of individuals and groups every year.” He pointed to the Heritage Foundation’s recent round table and stressed the foundations’s “well-documented and long-running effort to work with leaders from across Africa”.

Trump began to tweet about the killing of farmers in South Africa in 2018 and is very opposed to South Africa’s recently passed Expropriation Act. This act allows for the expropriation of land without compensation, but only if it is “just and equitable and in the public interest” to do so.

In May 2024, the Heritage Foundation called for the cancellation of US aid to South Africa. It accused the ANC government of supporting Hamas and not aligning “with American values”.

Religious links

America’s evangelical Christian community was a strong supporter of the apartheid regime in South Africa. This is a key constituency of Trump’s electoral base. The historian Augusta Dell’Omo has documented the South African government lobbying of US televangelists such as Pat Robertson – an outspoken supporter of apartheid South Africa. As Dell’Omo argues, Christian evangelicals were not just vexed by threats to apartheid in South Africa. They were drawing a “direct link between the causes of Black grievances in the US and South Africa and a global threat to conservative and religious values”.

There is not just an historical – but also an ideological – link between Trump’s attitudes to farm killings and land expropriation in South Africa and his vehement opposition to diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) programmes in the US. This white grievance politics continues to consider South Africa as a symbol of the overthrow of white privilege and the disorder that multiculturalism and black-led government ostensibly creates.

As academic Nicky Falkof has argued in The Conversation: “The architecture of white supremacy depends on the idea that white people are extraordinary victims. This is the driving notion beneath the great replacement theory, a far-right conspiracy theory claiming that Jews and non-white foreigners are plotting to ‘replace’ whites.”

Trump’s accusations against the current government in South Africa have their roots in the murky international disinformation campaigns of apartheid’s final years and the willing cooperation of key actors on the right of US politics and society. That white-supremacist politics from the past would continue to have currency in today’s White House is shocking. It should be opposed by all who support a democratic, multiracial and prosperous South Africa.

Daniel Conway 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. The South African apartheid movement’s close relationship with the American right – then and now – https://theconversation.com/the-south-african-apartheid-movements-close-relationship-with-the-american-right-then-and-now-257663

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Sudanese refugees in Chad are safe from bombs but struggling to survive

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In Tine and Oure Cassoni camps in eastern Chad, close to the border with Sudan, Médecins Sans Frontières is increasing our support for recently arrived Sudanese refugees. In these overcrowded camps, people face harsh conditions and limited access to food, shelter, water, and healthcare. The current humanitarian response is grossly insufficient, and greater support from additional organisations is urgently needed.

An estimated 80,000 people have crossed the border from North Darfur, Sudan, to eastern Chad, arriving in or passing through Wadi Fira and East Ennedi provinces, since the end of April.1 These newly arrived refugees, a majority of whom are women and children, fled El Fasher and its surrounding camps after intense attacks from the Rapid Support Forces. While they are safe from bombs in Tine and Oure Cassoni camps, which are separated by 130 kilometers, they are now enduring severe overcrowding and have only limited access to essential medical services.

For them, the road from El Fasher to Chad, which can take up to 10 days travelling, was plagued by violence and hardship. In both camps, our teams are hearing harrowing stories of violence suffered in North Darfur and on the journey to eastern Chad. Many people have been hurt or seen men and boys beaten, injured or killed, and women and girls raped. Some people reportedly died of thirst on the way.

Care after surgery

Mahanat, who is 11 years old, lost his left hand on 11 April, when the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched a massive ground offensive on Zamzam camp, which housed 500,000 people, near El Fasher. According to the UN, hundreds of people were killed in April alone and the camp has been completely emptied.2 Mahanat escaped the deadly attacks and is now in Tine camp with his mother.

“Mahanat’s father was killed during the attack on Zamzam camp. His left hand got ripped off by a shrapnel bomb, some got stuck in his right eye,” says Mahanat’s mother. “He arrived at the MSF clinic in the Tine camp several weeks ago. Each time, doctors and nurses struggled to even access the wound as the child was traumatised and in immense pain. Over the days, with time, patience and trust, Mahanat accepted care.”

Our teams have been treating people’s physical wounds from gunshots, shrapnel bombs and landmines. We are helping patients with amputations through pain management and infection prevention and control measures, such as applying sterile bandages to keep wounds clean and dry. In Tine, we have recently added a mental health component to our work to better support patient recovery.

Meeting people’s growing needs

While we scaled up our activities in Tine camp in April, the overall situation remains largely unchanged due to people’s overwhelming needs. MSF continues to do our utmost but a coordinated and strengthened response from other humanitarian actors is essential to meet the urgent demands on the ground.

“Again, we ask donors, the UN and humanitarian organisations to start providing or scale-up support in terms of food, shelter, sanitation and medical care including mental health services. The current response is grossly insufficient,” says Claire San Filippo, MSF’s emergency coordinator for Sudan.

We are increasing the availability of essential healthcare services in Tine and Oure Cassoni camps.

Since April 2025 to the time of writing of the article, we have carried out over 7,700 consultations at the Tine health post. We are concerned about the global rate of malnutrition among children under five in the camp, which is as high as 18%, with 3% being severely malnourished. To assist in curbing the spread of measles in the camp, we have vaccinated 5,755 children.

Pregnant women and survivors of sexual violence can receive care at the health post, and our staff are able to refer critical patients to local hospitals. From April 2025 until now, 1,322 consultations on sexual and reproductive health have been carried out. During the last four weeks of activities, 16 survivors of sexual violence were seen at the health post. To support people’s overall health in the camp, we have built 40 emergency latrines. MSF is the only organisation in the camp providing people with water, which remains a huge problem for residents. Whilst we were providing the minimum requirement per person per day, the sudden increase of the number of people in the camp due to the halt of relocations means that the needs have now increased.

“Again, we ask donors, the UN and humanitarian organisations to start providing or scale-up support in terms of food, shelter, sanitation and medical care including mental health services. The current response is grossly insufficient.” Claire San Filippo, MSF’s emergency coordinator for Sudan

In Oure Cassoni camp, we carried out a rapid evaluation of the situation in order to understand people’s needs and prepare for an appropriate response. For the time being, we are supplying water through Water Trucking whilst exploring more sustainable interventions. While this camp was already home to 56,000 people, an additional 40,000 refugees have been accommodated there last April. These new arrivals have set up with what they have, but they are living in makeshift shelters and without latrines and other basic infrastructure. While a humanitarian response in underway for these newly arrived refugees, our teams are aware of the many unmet needs, and of the many more people expected to arrive from North Darfur.

“The number of people arriving at the Tine border point is not expected to decrease over the coming weeks,” says San Filippo. “The upcoming rainy season is likely to worsen the already poor living conditions, spread disease, exacerbate food insecurity and the lack of sanitation. We are deeply alarmed by the difficult conditions in the Tine and Oure Cassoni camps. Large-scale humanitarian action is urgently needed to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).

MIL OSI Africa –

June 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Special Representative Simão concludes visit to Burkina Faso, expresses solidarity and renews United Nations Support

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The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Leonardo Santos Simão, concluded yesterday a four-day visit to Burkina Faso.

Following his visit to Niger, this trip was also part of UNOWAS ongoing commitment to support the people of Burkina Faso in their efforts to consolidate peace, security, and development.

In Ouagadougou, Mr. Simão held a series of meetings with the authorities. He was received in audience by the Prime Minister, Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo. He also held discussions with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and Burkinabè Abroad, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré; the President of the Transitional Legislative Assembly, Ousmane Bougouma; the Commander and Minister of Humanitarian Action and National Solidarity, Ms. Passowendé Pélagie Kabre Kabore; and the Minister of Sports, Youth and Employment, Anuuyirtole Roland Somda. He also met with representatives of civil society, the United Nations country team, and the diplomatic corps.

The discussions covered various topics related to the national and regional situation, particularly the security situation in the sub-region and the need to coordinate efforts to effectively combat terrorism, which is using more sophisticated weapons and children.

In this regard, the Special Representative welcomed the successful meeting held in Bamako on May 22 between the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and called for regional and international cooperation in the fight against terrorism, which threatens all states in the region.

The Special Representative reiterated the United Nations’ commitment, in coordination with its partners, to continue supporting the people of Burkina Faso in their quest for peace and prosperity, including in the area of food self-sufficiency.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS).

MIL OSI Africa –

June 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Strengthening Communication for Better Food Safety in Senegal

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Association of Journalists in Health, Population and Development (AJSPD), organized a five‑day capacity‑building workshop in Thiès (June 16–20, 2025) to train Senegalese media professionals on food safety issues. The training aimed to deepen their understanding of the key challenges, legal frameworks, technical tools, and best practices related to food safety.

In her opening remarks, Mrs Bintia Stephen‑Tchicaya, FAO’s Acting Sub‑Regional Coordinator for West Africa, complimented AJSPD for its outstanding work in health and development journalism. “You are essential actors in building a culture of prevention and responsibility around food safety. Through your investigations, reports, and columns, you can shift mindsets, influence behaviors, and hold decision makers to account. We count on your renewed commitment to consistently include food safety in your reporting,” she said.

Food safety remains a major challenge across Africa. According to a 2015 WHO estimation, more than 91 million people in Africa fall ill annually from foodborne illnesses, resulting in around 137 000 deaths. These alarming figures highlight the urgent need to raise public awareness and influence policymakers, professionals, and consumers alike.

Professor Amadou Diop, Chair of the National Codex Committee in Senegal, reminded participants that the Codex Alimentarius – fully endorsed by Senegal – sets rigorous, science‑based international food safety standards. “These standards only have impact,” he said, “if they are understood, communicated, and applied – especially by media professionals. Journalists are not only messengers but educators, preventers, and mobilizers who can translate complex scientific data into accessible, actionable messages.”

The workshop featured theoretical lectures, panel discussions, case studies, and practical field work. Journalists visited Thiès’s main transport hub to assess street food safety issues firsthand. Captain Armand Seck of the Thiès hygiene brigade reported numerous violations: cramped stalls, poor ventilation, inadequate lighting, and makeshift food stands under tarpaulins.

Recognizing the lack of formal training among journalists on food safety, the program covered legal frameworks, international standards like Codex, microbiological, physical, and chemical hazards, surveillance systems, and safe handling practices for food preparation and sale.

Participants proposed several recommendations to improve communication, awareness, and advocacy: fostering stronger collaboration between media, health authorities, and partners; organizing regular specialized training; publicizing safe food-handling practices; educating policymakers including parliamentarians; and creating regional professional networks.

This workshop marks an important milestone in promoting quality information on food safety to benefit consumers in Senegal and across West Africa. It is part of the project “Strengthening capacity to respond to food safety emergencies and improving street food quality in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Senegal,” funded by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, with the goal of enhancing emergency response to food safety threats and improving street food hygiene standards in West Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

MIL OSI Africa –

June 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Eritrea: Dekemhare Technical School Graduates 139 Students

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Dekemhare Technical School today graduated 139 students, including 63 females, who completed two years of theoretical and practical training in auto mechanics, electricity, metal and woodwork, and construction.

Mr. Wuhab Mohammed-Ali, Director of the school, congratulated the students and urged them to further enhance their skills through practical experience in the workplace.

Mr. Tesfay Seium, Director General of Technical and Vocational Education at the Ministry of Education, emphasized the Government of Eritrea’s significant investment in education and called on the youth to take full advantage of these opportunities to improve their livelihoods and contribute to national development.

Mr. Yemane Abera, Administrator of Dekemhare Sub-zone, also congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to serve the country and people who provided them with educational opportunities.

Established in 1999, Dekemhare Technical School has so far graduated 3,433 students in diploma programs and 3,846 in certificate programs.

In a related development, the Indomaso Award was presented to 17 outstanding students in the Adi-Keih Sub-zone who scored 80 and above in the eighth-grade national examination. The awards were given during a graduation ceremony for 328 youths who completed vocational training programs ranging from one to four months.

The training covered areas including motor maintenance, plumbing, beauty salon services, and social science.

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

MIL OSI Africa –

June 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Eritrea: Training of Trainers to Control Hepatitis B Virus Infection

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The Ministry of Health has organized a training of trainers program to introduce a vaccination initiative aimed at controlling Hepatitis B, a virus that causes liver inflammation and is transmitted vertically from mother to child. Representatives from regional health branches, vaccination program heads, and partners are participating in the training.

Mr. Tedros Yihdego, Head of the National Vaccination Program at the Ministry of Health, stated that the objective of the training is to enhance understanding of the vaccination program, which is set to begin on 1 August and will administer the vaccine within the first 24 hours of birth.

Dr. Nonso Ejiofor, WHO Representative in Eritrea, and Dr. Nande Putta, Chief of Child Survival and Development at UNICEF, noted that in Eritrea due to the equal implementation of the vaccination program in both urban and rural areas, the rates of infection and death have significantly declined. They expressed full support for the program.

Mr. Tedros also expressed confidence that the national program will be successfully implemented through the coordinated participation of all relevant institutions.

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

MIL OSI Africa –

June 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Financial crime: South African fraud gang dismantled

Source: Interpol (news and events)

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – A fraud gang suspected of swindling a US-based company out of some EUR 455,000 has been taken down in raids across Johannesburg led by investigators from the Hawks Serious Commercial Crimes Unit and US Secret Service agents, and supported by INTERPOL.

With investigations on-going, the operation led to the arrest of seven people allegedly linked to a Nigerian organized crime syndicate that specializes in online fraud. The suspects allegedly bought luxury vehicles with the proceeds of their crimes.

The fraud gang suspects allegedly bought luxury vehicles with the proceeds of their crimes

The operation was part of a global initiative under the framework of INTERPOL’s Global Financial Crime Task Force (IGFCTF), where 14 countries including South Africa and the United States work closely together to tackle the global threat of cyber enabled financial crime.

The suspects – four men and three women aged between 25 and 42 – are believed to be key figures in a global crime syndicate involved in fraud and money laundering.

The gang is also believed to be behind romance scams, using fake online identities to lure vulnerable men and women to transfer money. Romance scams generate millions of US dollars worldwide.

Commending the collaborative work of the multi-disciplinary team which led to the arrests, Hawks head Lt-Gen Godfrey Lebeya said: “Organized criminal groups should know law enforcement agencies are collaborating on an international level to dismantle criminal networks.”

The Johannesburg operation is one of several global operations under the framework of IGFCTF where law enforcement authorities are working together to crack down on West African fraud syndicates targeting individuals and businesses worldwide.

The authorities involved are now working closely with INTERPOL to track the movements of the gang’s money worldwide, with investigations focusing on a worldwide criminal syndicate known as Black Axe, which allegedly used business email compromise (BEC) scams to defraud a US-based mental health institute.

BEC scams usually target third-party vendors to gain access to business email accounts after which payments are diverted to the bank accounts of money mules.

Michael K. Burgin of the US Secret Service said: “The fight against cyber-enabled crime knows no boundaries, and the collaborative efforts in this case show how vital it is to work collectively with our international partners to execute impactful takedowns of these highly organized transnational criminal syndicates.”

Eight suspected Black Axe leaders were arrested in Cape Town and Johannesburg in 2021, leading to a massive drop in the group’s activities and similar crimes. They face extradition to the US, where they are charged with stealing more than EUR 6.25 million from romance scam victims there.

“Taking advantage of globalization and digitization processes, criminals are able to commit financial crimes with increasing efficiency and sophistication,” said Rory Corcoran, Acting Director, INTERPOL Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre (IFCACC).

“The Johannesburg arrests highlight the importance of international cooperation between INTERPOL and its global law enforcement partners to target and disrupt the criminal syndicates involved in all forms of financial crimes and corruption,” added Mr Corcoran.

Since its creation in January, the Centre has helped INTERPOL member countries intercept more than EUR 4.5 million tied to BEC and romance frauds.

MIL Security OSI –

June 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: In Ituri, authorities and armed groups seek to reinforce the 2023 peace accord

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In Aru, a new round of peace talks is building on earlier efforts to bring stability to Ituri province. The dialogue, known as “Aru 2”, brings together authorities, armed groups, local leaders, and civil society to reinforce the process launched in 2023.

That previous initiative, supported by MONUSCO, led to the signing of a peace protocol by several armed groups including CODECO, ZAIRE, FRPI, FPIC, TCHINI YA TUNA, and MAPI pledged to cease hostilities and work towards peace, security and cohesion in the province.

Their commitment to end hostilities resulted in tangible gains: displaced families returned home, local markets reopened, and roads such as the Nizi-Mongbwalu route became passable again. This new round of discussions aims to safeguard and expand those gains .

At Aru, the participants now intend to build on these achievements. For five days, they will review the commitments made in 2023. “Aru 1 was half a success. Not all commitments were met, but progress was made,” says Firmin Kone Massagnou of MONUSCO’s Civil Affairs section.

Renewed Expectations

Over the course of five days, participants are reviewing past commitments and negotiating a new ceasefire. “We must also restart socio-economic activities to support the lasting return of displaced communities.” said Massagnou.

Civil society representative Jean-Marie Ezadri urged local leaders to encourage fighters to disarm and join the national reintegration programme (PDDRC-S). Sarah Muderwa, from Synergie des jeunes filles de l’Ituri, said she hoped this renewed engagement would help stop sexual violence.

Another priority is the return of traditional and administrative authorities to their communities, seen as essential for restoring local governance.

At the launch of the talks, General Antoine David Mushimba, commander of the 32nd military region, appealed to armed youth to embrace peace. MONUSCO reiterated its commitment to supporting this process alongside national institutions, in line with its mandate to protect civilians.

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

MIL OSI Africa –

June 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa: National Assembly Approves the Public Pension and Related Payments Bill

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The National Assembly, during its hybrid plenary sitting yesterday, approved the Public Sector Pension and Related Payments Bill.

The Bill, introduced by the Minister of Finance as part of the 2025 Budget, proposes that public sector-related pension, post-retirement medical and other benefits in terms of statutory and collective agreement obligations become direct charges against the National Revenue Fund (NRF).

This means the Bill will make it easier for the government to pay pensions and medical benefits to retired public servants, such as former presidents, Members of Parliament, military veterans, and other government employees. Instead of using the National Treasury’s budget, these payments will now be made directly from the NRF – the central account for government funds.

The current payment system makes it difficult for National Treasury to pay the benefits, as there are administrative requirements to track which department each retired claimant worked in, causing delays and complications. The new Bill will fix this by simplifying how and where the payments come from.

In line with the requirements of the Money Bills Amendment Procedure and Related Matters Act, the Standing Committee on Appropriations held public hearings and submissions were received from key stakeholders, including the Financial and Fiscal Commission, which supported the Bill’s intent but raised concerns regarding fiscal transparency and the clear delineation of responsibilities between the government, the Government Employees Pension Fund and public servants.

The Parliamentary Budget Office agreed with the Bill and said Parliament should always have a chance to approve any changes. The Congress of South African Trade Unions fully supported the Bill, saying it protects pensions and respects worker agreements.

While the Standing Committee supports the Bill, it raised its concern with a clause that says if Parliament does not approve or reject changes to the list of benefits within three months, those changes will automatically become law. The committee does not agree with this and asked the Minister of Finance to remove that clause in the next round of changes.

The committee further recommended that the Minister of Finance report back to Parliament in writing on the concerns raised and that the committee should be kept informed and involved in all future decisions about these pensions.

The NA adopted the Bill and it will now be sent to the National Council of Provinces for concurrence.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

MIL OSI Africa –

June 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Comoros: Blue Economy Offers a Transformative Path to Sustainable Growth

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Comoros’ economy shows signs of recovery, surpassing pre-COVID-19 levels. Growth rose from 3 percent in 2023 to 3.4 percent in 2024, driven by household consumption supported by a 5.4 percent increase in remittances and strong services sector performance. Average annual inflation declined from 8.5 to 5.0 percent in 2024, reflecting the stabilization of global commodity prices and lower inflation in the Eurozone. Growth is projected to reach 4 percent by 2027, fueled by consumption and planned investments. However, poverty is projected to decline only slightly, due to modest GDP growth, high inequality, and weak social protection. Using the lower middle-income poverty line of $3.65 per day, the poverty rate is estimated at 38.1 percent in 2024 and expected to fall marginally to 37.2 percent in 2025.

“Persistent poverty and high inequality in Comoros reflect deep regional disparities and structural challenges. Low labor participation, underemployment, and limited access to quality education continue to hold back productivity and incomes. While remittances offer short-term relief, they cannot replace a dynamic, self-sustaining economy,” said Boubacar-Sid Barry, World Bank Resident Representative in Comoros. “Without bold reforms, poverty may deepen. The World Bank is committed to supporting Comoros on its path toward more inclusive and sustainable growth.”

The first edition of the Comoros Economic Update: An Ocean of Opportunities from the World Bank highlights that, without addressing structural barriers to investment and external competitiveness, growth will remain fragile. This will hamper job creation and income growth needed to reduce poverty and strengthen resilience to future shocks. The report also warns of significant downside risks. Comoros remains highly vulnerable to climate-related disasters, while rising fiscal pressures, contingent liabilities from state-owned enterprises, and a fragile banking sector increase macroeconomic risks. The current account deficit is expected to widen in the medium-term due to structural trade imbalances and infrastructure-driven imports, emphasizing the need for export diversification, stronger external buffers, and sustainable financing strategies.

The blue economy offers a transformative opportunity for Comoros to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth, according to the focus section of this report. With targeted reforms and strategic investments, it has the potential to elevate Comoros to upper-middle-income status by 2050, requiring sustained annual GDP growth of 6.1 percent. Fisheries have demonstrated strong performance, averaging 11.4 percent of GDP between 2018 and 2024. Modernizing the sector could increase its contribution to 16 percent by 2035. Marine tourism also holds significant promise, with the potential to quadruple visitor arrivals by 2030 and contribute over 6 percent of GDP by mid-century. Integrated development of eco-tourism, sustainable fisheries, and marine conservation can further promote inclusive growth while protecting natural ecosystems. However, achieving this vision will depend on restoring natural capital, expanding renewable energy, upgrading infrastructure, and strengthening environmental safeguards.

“Comoros stands at a turning point. The shift toward services and the blue economy has the potential to make Comoros a regional leader in sustainability. By 2040, services could contribute nearly two-thirds of GDP, with tourism and fisheries driving inclusive growth. Strong governance and sustained investment in these sectors can unlock lasting opportunities for people and protect the country’s natural wealth,” said Patrick John McCartney, Senior Economist at the World Bank in Comoros and author of the report.

A well-executed blue economy strategy can position Comoros as a regional leader in sustainable marine resource management while driving economic diversification, job creation, and resilience. Fully leveraging the synergies between fisheries, tourism, and conservation will be key to maximizing economic benefits while protecting vital natural assets. Strategic investments in governance, infrastructure, market access, and environmental sustainability can help transform the blue economy into a pillar of national development. This vision aligns with the objectives of the Plan Comoros Émergent 2030 (PCE 2030). By capitalizing on its rich marine resources, Comoros can pave the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future, achieving its ambition of reaching upper-middle-income status by 2050.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.

MIL OSI Africa –

June 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Morocco: His Majesty the King Congratulates Qatari Amir on Accession to Power Anniversary

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His Majesty King Mohammed VI sent a message of congratulations to the Amir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, on the occasion of the anniversary of his accession to power.

In this message, the Sovereign extends, on His own behalf and that of the Moroccan people, His warmest congratulations and sincere wishes for good health and long life to the Amir of the State of Qatar, in order to continue to lead, under his guidance, the brotherly Qatari people towards greater progress and prosperity.

On the same occasion, HM the King conveys His high appreciation for the strong brotherly bonds linking Morocco and Qatar, based on mutual esteem and constructive cooperation, underlining His firm determination to elevate them to the highest levels, in line with the shared ambitions and aspirations of the two brotherly peoples.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.

MIL OSI Africa –

June 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Minister bids farewell to Tunisian Ambassador

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Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi received Azzedine el–Tayse, Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia, on the occasion of the end of his tenure.

The Foreign Minister expressed his appreciation for the Ambassador’s efforts in strengthening relations between the two brotherly countries and wished him success in his future endeavours.

The meeting was attended by Sayyid Najeeb Albalushi, Head of the Protocol Department, and Sheikh Faisal Almarhoon, Head of the Arab Department.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Foreign Ministry of Oman.

MIL OSI Africa –

June 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Morocco: His Majesty the King Congratulates Slovenian President on National Day

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His Majesty King Mohammed VI addressed a congratulatory message to the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, on the occasion of his country’s national day.

In this message, the Sovereign extends His warmest congratulations to Musar, and His best wishes for further progress and prosperity to the Slovenian people.

“I should like to take this opportunity to say how much I value the close relations rooted in friendship and mutual esteem between our countries. We look forward, in the Kingdom of Morocco, to continuing our coordination with the Republic of Slovenia, in order to strengthen and expand our fruitful cooperation in all sectors,” the Sovereign writes.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.

MIL OSI Africa –

June 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Illegal alien, wife who scammed elderly, others out of more than $3 million sentenced to 15 years following investigation by ICE Houston

Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

HOUSTON — An illegal alien from Nigeria and his wife have both been sentenced for operating a nationwide fraud ring that targeted elderly victims and other vulnerable populations using romance scams and other financial schemes.

The investigation that exposed and dismantled the scheme was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Houston.

Darlington Akporugo, a 47-year-old illegal alien from Nigeria, and his wife Jasmin Sood, a 37-year-old Houston resident, were sentenced June 24 to 188 months and 121 months in prison, respectively, for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. Akporugo pleaded guilty earlier this year on Feb. 28, while Sood pleaded guilty Dec. 17, 2024. Both must also serve three years of supervised release following their sentences and are required to pay full restitution of $3,123,073.

“Romance scams and other financial schemes like this exploit our nation’s elderly and vulnerable populations out of their hard-earned retirement savings and other critical funding that they need to survive,” said HSI Houston Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz. “As a result, they are often left emotionally devastated and financially ruined with limited options for recovery once the money has been laundered out of the U.S. Thanks to the courage of the victims in this case who came forward quickly to report it to law enforcement, we were able to successfully track down the two criminals responsible and hold them accountable before they could take advantage of additional victims.”

At the hearing, four victims testified about the couple’s persistent lies and false promises, which led them to send large sums of money. One victim told the court how the pair coerced her into buying a luxury vehicle and renting a mansion for them. Authorities arrested the couple while they were driving the victim’s vehicle and living in her rented home. In handing down the sentence, the court described the scheme as heartless and far-reaching, noting Akporugo and Sood deliberately targeted older women, including several widows.

Akporugo admitted to leading the long-running romance scheme based in Houston that targeted victims from Chicago to Kentucky. He and others lured victims through online romances and convinced them to send money to bank accounts he controlled. Sood created fake businesses and bank accounts under aliases and used disguises to deposit the funds.

To carry out the scheme, Akporugo and his co-conspirators used fake names on social media to gain victims’ trust and persuade them to invest in nonexistent businesses or provide funds for invented personal circumstances. Akporugo admitted to directing victims — mostly older individuals — to send money through platforms like Facebook. The funds were spent extravagantly or passed to co-defendants.

He also admitted to having victims open lines of credit in his name and, in one case, having the victim purchase a luxury vehicle for his personal use. Authorities identified over 25 victims during the multiyear scheme.

Losses from the fraud ring’s operation total more than $3 million.

Both will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Carter prosecuted the case.

For more news and information on how ICE HSI combats financial crimes and other transnational criminal activity in Southeast Texas follow us on X at @HSIHouston.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Record 769 arrests and USD 65 million in illicit pharmaceuticals seized in global bust

Source: Interpol (news and events)

25 June 2025

Operation reveals growing demand for semaglutides and peptides as ‘lifestyle enhancers’

SINGAPORE – An INTERPOL-coordinated operation across 90 countries has resulted in the seizure of 50.4 million doses of illicit pharmaceuticals worth USD 65 million, highlighting the alarming scale of the global trade in unapproved and counterfeit medicines.

Operation Pangea XVII, which took place from December 2024 to May 2025, saw the arrest of 769 suspects and the dismantling of 123 criminal groups worldwide.

The seizures and arrests are the largest in the operation’s 17-year history.

Nervous system agents, including psychostimulants, anti-anxiety drugs, and medications for Parkinson’s disease, topped the list as the most seized product type, with erectile dysfunction medicines, the second highest.

Other commonly seized product types include anabolic steroids, anti-diabetic medicines, anti-smoking products, dermatological agents, health supplements, herbal products and psychotherapeutic agents.

David Caunter, Director pro tempore of Organized and Emerging Crime at INTERPOL, said:

“Fake and unapproved medications are a serious risk to public health. They can include dangerous or illegal ingredients potentially resulting in severe illness, or even death.

“The rapid growth of online platforms has made it easier for these unsafe drugs to reach people as well as opening new opportunities for criminal networks to exploit.

“Working together through Operation Pangea, countries are taking action to protect people’s health and keep healthcare systems safe.”

Ethiopian authorities discovered illicit pharmaceuticals hidden inside a container.

Seizures of anti-diabetic medication in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.

Customs inspection at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia.

Inspection at a warehouse in Malaysia.

Illicit pharmaceuticals seized in Türkiye.

Illicit pharmaceuticals seized in Malaysia.

Growing demand for anti-diabetic medications and peptide supplements

The operation revealed growing demand for anti-diabetic drugs and peptide supplements, driven by increasing self-medication, among other factors.

This trend is being driven by the widespread promotion and availability of these medicines across social media and online marketplaces, creating lucrative and relatively low-risk opportunities for criminal networks selling low-quality or counterfeit products.

Data from participating countries indicate increasing circulation of illicit anti-diabetic medicines globally due to their off-label weight loss effects, with unapproved and potentially fake drugs seized in the Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America.

Estimates suggest that a single semaglutide pen may sell for several hundred US dollars on the secondary market.

The seizures corroborate recent alerts from the World Health Organization and various national health regulatory agencies warning of emerging risks associated with GLP-1-related injectable drugs.

Operation Pangea XVII revealed another emerging trend – growing demand for peptide supplements for their perceived cosmetic and performance-enhancing benefits, especially in high-income countries across Europe, North America and Oceania.

These supplements, such as BPC-157, ipamorelin, and melanotan, remain unapproved in many regions due to potential health risks and the lack of sufficient human trials, and until recently, seizures of such peptide-based biologically active substances were rare.

Ethiopian authorities discovered illicit pharmaceuticals hidden inside a container.

Illicit pharmaceuticals seized in Argentina.

Unapproved pregabalin medicines seized in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.

Suspected counterfeit tramadol and other medicines seized in Gabon.

Illicit pharmaceuticals found in a clandestine clinic in Mozambique.

Illicit erectile dysfunction medicines seized in Bulgaria.

Operational highlights

In total, law enforcement agencies worldwide launched 1,728 investigations and issued 847 search warrants targeting criminal networks engaged in the illicit distribution of pharmaceutical products.

93 per cent of the illicit pharmaceuticals seized lacked regulatory approvals from national health authorities.

Such products may contain counterfeit, substandard or falsified substances which have not been identified.

The remaining seven per cent were confirmed as either counterfeit, diverted, or misbranded products.

Australia recorded the largest seizures globally, with psychostimulants such as modafinil and armodafinil being the most common category seized nationally. This was followed by anti-smoking pouches and erectile dysfunction medicines.

Professor Tony Lawler, Head of Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) said:

“During this operation, the TGA assessed over 9,500 imports referred by the Australian Border Force and facilitated the seizure of over 5.2 million units of unlawfully imported therapeutic goods, including products that were found to be substandard or falsified.

This operational partnership represents a significant disruption of dangerous medicines from entering our community, and diversion of profits from those that would usually benefit from the illegal sale and supply.”

Large seizures of various illicit pharmaceuticals were similarly reported in Canada, Ireland, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States, among other countries.

Operation Pangea XVII also saw the shutdown of approximately 13,000 criminal-linked websites, social media pages, channels, and bots used to market and sell illegal or falsified medicines.

Malaysia removed the greatest number of online listings (7,000), followed by Russia, Ireland, Singapore and Iran. The five countries collectively accounted for 96 per cent of all listings taken down.

In Burkina Faso, 816,000 tablets including analgesics and anti-inflammatories were discovered hidden in vehicles.

In Mexico, authorities intercepted 27,000 clonazepam tablets and 20,000 alprazolam tablets passing through a courier facility in Tijuana.

In Portugal, anabolic steroids were discovered in eight prisons across the country, unveiling evidence of a criminal network smuggling illicit substances into correctional facilities.

Notes to Editor

Operation Pangea is an annual INTERPOL operation targeting the online sale of illicit pharmaceuticals. The 17th edition of the operation marked a departure from previous iterations with enforcement action taking place over six months instead of the traditional one week. This extended duration allowed for a more comprehensive and sustained effort to disrupt criminal networks.

Additional support was provided by national health regulatory agencies, Europol, the International Narcotics Control Board, the Pharmaceutical Security Institute, the Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Universal Postal Union, the World Customs Organization and the World Health Organization.

The following countries participated in Operation Pangea XVII: Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Curacao, Cyprus, Czech Rep., Democratic Rep. of Congo, Denmark, Dominican Rep., Ecuador, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Greece, Guyana, Hong Kong (China), India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Jamaica, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Northern Ireland (United Kingdom), Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Palestine, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Rep San Marino, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Serbia, South Africa, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Sri Lanka, St Lucia, Sweden, Thailand, Togo, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela and Zimbabwe.

MIL Security OSI –

June 26, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The United Kingdom is deeply concerned about the worsening situation for children in conflicts around the world: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Speech

The United Kingdom is deeply concerned about the worsening situation for children in conflicts around the world: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on children and armed conflict.

The UK remains committed to supporting Syrians as they rebuild after years of suffering, with an inclusive transition that reflects a wide range of voices, including those of Syria’s youth.

I will make three points today.

First, the United Kingdom is deeply concerned about the worsening situation for children in conflicts around the world.

The Secretary-General’s report highlights a shocking 25% increase in grave violations against children in the past year.

We call on all parties to armed conflict to immediately end and prevent grave violations against children. Perpetrators need to be held to account.

We also echo the Secretary-General’s call for all listed parties to engage with the United Nations to develop and implement action plans to end and prevent grave violations.

Second, as we’ve heard today, cases of rape and other forms of sexual violence against children have increased by over a third in the past year.

In Sudan, children as young as one are reportedly subject to sexual violence.

The United Kingdom unequivocally condemns sexual violence against children and has championed the rights of child survivors and rallied global action through the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative.

Third, in too many conflicts, children are bearing the brunt of violence.

The conflict in the Occupied Palestinian Territories is having a catastrophic impact on children, with thousands killed and maimed as a result of Israeli military action.

Palestinians, desperate to feed their families, have been killed as they try to reach the few aid sites permitted by Israel.

This is unacceptable.

We call on Israel to abide by its obligations under international humanitarian law to protect children and urgently lift restrictions to enable aid to enter Gaza at scale.

Israeli children have also suffered as a result of Hamas’ despicable crimes, with children killed and taken hostage on 7 October.

The UK repeats its call for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all remaining hostages.

And Russia continues to kill and maim children and attack schools and hospitals in its illegal war in Ukraine.

We call on Russia to cease this unprovoked war and return forcibly deported children to Ukraine.

President, the United Kingdom remains steadfast in its commitment to the Children and Armed Conflict mandate and ending grave violations against children.

We need to do more to protect children. They are the next generation of leaders and peacebuilders. They are our future.

Updates to this page

Published 25 June 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

June 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: G20 Sherpa meeting to focus on global solidarity and sustainable development

Source: South Africa News Agency

G20 Sherpa meeting to focus on global solidarity and sustainable development

The third Sherpa meeting of the Group of 20 (G20) kicked off on Wednesday, focusing on global collaboration, sustainable development, and addressing new international challenges.

The Sun City Convention Centre was filled with representatives from the world’s largest economies and organisations as Zane Dangor, the Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and South Africa’s G20 Sherpa, delivered his opening remarks.

The meeting, which will run for three days, brings together international representatives to discuss critical global challenges and explore potential collaborative solutions.

The meeting will take place under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”.

Dangor announced that the Foreign Ministers will lead detailed discussions on global geopolitical issues, focusing on international law and mutual accountability while emphasising the need to prioritise substantive matters.

“The meeting also provides an opportunity for Sherpas to have a discussion, dare I say it, on the geopolitical issues as part of the agenda.

“And I think, we’ve always shied away from geopolitical issues, but given the events not only of the last two years but particularly of the last month, we’re going to have some discussion in a measured but robust way,” he told delegates.

He recognised that the G20 serves as a platform for international economic cooperation, making it a crucial focus.

“But the ongoing conflict worldwide, as it has been pointed out before, is definitely now even more detrimental not just to peace and security but economic development and the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals.

“So, we will discuss it, but we will also make sure it doesn’t hold us back.”

However, he said, only the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and ultimately the leaders will engage in the geopolitical issues, following the example set by Brazil, while the working groups will concentrate on the technical issues.

Today’s meeting marked the beginning of a series of 10 sessions, during which Dangor announced leadership changes, including the appointment of several new Sherpas and representatives from Brazil, India, China, and the United Kingdom.

This shift indicates a new approach to international cooperation.

“The discussions will provide us with the opportunity to refine objectives. We will report back from some of the working groups and task teams, and we’ll look at how they align with the priorities we’ve set up to ensure that we do reach out to inclusivity and that also reflect our own collective aspirations.”

Dangor stressed the importance of creating actionable, measurable declarations that go beyond aspirational statements, with a commitment to reducing global inequalities.

“It is our responsibility, collectively as Sherpas, to resolve the challenges that are being presented to us within the working groups or task teams, even the new emerging challenges, and there are many new emerging challenges. I do think that we should work to ensure that none of the working group fails to reach consensus.”

According to South Africa’s G20 Sherpa, the gathering also aims to shape a clear and actionable G20 Leaders’ Declaration, with a strong emphasis on sustainable development, reducing inequalities, and achieving measurable goals.

Dangor said he hoped that the G20 Leaders’ Declaration has concrete, measurable, and time-bound actions, not just aspirational statements.

He announced that, out of the 132 planned meetings, the Presidency has already hosted 70, and most of the working groups have completed their third sessions.

The Sherpa also announced the upcoming social summit.

He concluded the opening remarks, expressing confidence in the fruitful deliberations over the next three days. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 06/25/2025 – 12:40

MIL OSI Africa –

June 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Canada renews support to protect the world’s children against infectious diseases

Source: Government of Canada News (2)

June 25, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

Vaccines are one of the world’s most effective, evidence-based health interventions. This is true no matter where in the world a child lives. Each year, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, provides immunizations for more than half the children born into the world, saving millions of them from life-threatening diseases like human papillomavirus (HPV), malaria, measles and polio.

Today, the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), concluded his participation in Gavi’s pledging conference held in Brussels, Belgium, on June 25, 2025.

At the conference, Secretary Sarai reiterated Canada’s renewed commitment to global immunization efforts through its previously announced pledge of $675 million over the next five years (2026-2030), for Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance.

Gavi’s work has significant implications for global economic growth and health security and is projected to create more than $100 billion in economic benefits for supported countries over the next 5 years. Canada’s support will help Gavi provide life-saving vaccines to at least 500 million more children, preventing over 8 million deaths, protecting the world against future pandemics and disease outbreaks, as well as strengthening health systems and global health security. It will also support exciting innovations, including the rollout of the groundbreaking new malaria vaccine, as well as practical, climate-smart solutions, such as installing more than 20,000 solar-powered fridges and freezers to ensure life-saving doses stay cold in remote areas.

On the sidelines of the conference, Secretary Sarai met with key leaders in global health, including representatives from implementing countries and heads of major organizations. These included Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, Catherine Russell, UNICEF’s Executive Director, Dr. Mekdes Daba, Ethiopia’s Minister of Health, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, Nigeria’s Minister of Health, and Bill Gates. They discussed the future of global health efforts and the importance of sustained collaboration and innovation, to protect the progress made so far. Secretary Sarai also reaffirmed Canada’s steadfast commitment to Gavi and to making vaccines more accessible as the cornerstone of global health security.

MIL OSI Canada News –

June 26, 2025

Category: Africa

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Religious links

Growing demand for anti-diabetic medications and peptide supplements

Operational highlights

The United Kingdom is deeply concerned about the worsening situation for children in conflicts around the world: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Updates to this page