NewzIntel.com

Category: Africa

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: People killed by landmines in Deir ez-Zor Syria

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    Amsterdam/Deir ez-Zor – People returning to their war-torn homes and villages in Deir ez-Zor, eastern Syria, are being wounded or even killed after encountering unexploded devices. Between 28 May and 1 June, four incidents resulted in eight casualties, including the deaths of four children, highlighting the urgent need for the area to be cleared of explosive remnants of war and landmines. As Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams supported the reopening of the emergency room at Deir ez-Zor National hospital in response to a high number of injuries caused by explosive devices, we call for the scale-up of landmine clearance, and for medical care in response to be bolstered.

    “Since 7 April, our teams working in the emergency room in Deir ez-Zor hospital have been seeing around one patient per day who has been wounded by explosions of landmines, unexploded ordnance, and booby traps,” says Will Edmond, MSF head of mission in Syria. “People have been injured mostly in the fields or on the road.”

    “Of the people who have arrived to our emergency room, nearly two-thirds have life-threatening or severe injuries, and nearly a quarter have traumatic amputations,” says Edmond. “Shockingly, two out of five of the people we’ve seen have been children.”

    Abdulrazzaq Mustafa Saeed, seen here with his mother, was injured while herding sheep in the desert area of the town of Al-Asharah in the Deir ez-Zor countryside. His right leg was amputated below the knee as a result. Syria, May 2025.
    Asmar Al-Bahir/MSF

    Years of armed conflict have destroyed critical infrastructure in Deir ez-Zor governorate, including healthcare facilities. Streets and fields across the governorate are contaminated with mines and explosive devices, making daily life hazardous for returnees and hampering rehabilitation efforts. MSF teams have already discovered four unexploded devices in health facilities we had planned to support, with more likely hidden underground.

    In Syria, Deir ez-Zor governorate has the highest number of recorded incidents with explosive remnants of war; in the five months to 6 May 2025, just over one-quarter – 26 per cent – of the 471 incidents recorded in the country occurred in Deir ez-Zor.

    Ahmad, a teenage boy from Hawaij, 50 kilometres southeast of Deir ez-Zor city, lost his right leg and part of his left foot while herding sheep in the desert.

    “I feel sad now because I can’t run anymore,” says Ahmad. “But I like playing marbles and riding a motorbike.”

    “He is not the only one from Hawaij,” his mother, Umm Mohammad, added. “The same thing happened to one of his friends, and to other people in the village.”

    Between 8 December 2024 and 14 May 2025, 91 children were killed and 289 injured in accidents involving explosive ordnance across the country, according to Mine Action Area of Responsibility. Many of these tragic cases involve children who come across mines while collecting truffles, herding sheep, or playing in contaminated areas.

    Ali Abd Khalaf, a former wheat farmer, also stepped on a landmine near Az-Zabari, close to Al-Mayadin.

    “Two months ago, I was travelling with my brother on our motorbike,” says Ali. “We decided to stop along the way, so I stepped off the motorbike, took just a few steps, and the explosion happened – I stepped on a landmine.”

    Ali received initial care in a private clinic and was later transported to Deir ez-Zor National hospital, where he underwent two surgeries and had his left leg amputated above the ankle.

    A view of Deir ez-Zor, which has suffered huge destruction throughout more than a decade of armed conflict. Syria, May 2025.
    Asmar Al-Bahir/MSF

    Patients have reported severe challenges in accessing healthcare. Most are forced to rely on expensive private transportation due to an overstretched ambulance network; as a result, many patients from remote towns do not return for follow-up care. Others speak of the high cost of private care.

    “We hurried Ali to a private clinic in Al-Mayadin, where we were required to pay an upfront fee of US$80 to initiate his treatment,” said Ali Abd Khalaf’s relatives. “Though it was a considerable amount, we paid it. Afterwards, we swiftly moved him to the hospital in Deir ez-Zor, where he received comprehensive medical care, free of charge.”

    Urgent funding is needed to support mine action organisations, to scale-up explosive device and landmine clearance, and improve mapping of contaminated areas. This is essential for people to safely return, rebuild their lives, and recover from conflict.

    We also urge the government of Syria, donors, and medical organisations to bolster emergency care capacity, referral systems, and blood banks. Supporting physical rehabilitation, mental health, and psychosocial services is crucial for helping survivors recover as fully as possible.

    Since the fall of the previous Syrian government in December 2024, MSF has been able to gain access to new areas, including Deir ez-Zor governorate where we support public health facilities. In Deir ez-Zor city, MSF is supporting the emergency department of Deir ez-Zor National hospital. In Al-Bukamal, MSF has opened an emergency room in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and is planning obstetric and newborn care services, while rehabilitating a medium-size hospital that will offer additional services.

    MSF was able to support the reopening of the emergency room at Deir ez-Zor National hospital on 7 April after needed rehabilitations were complete and the emergency room in Al-Bukamal on 28 May.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Mining in Motion Highlights Role of Artisanal Small-Scale Miners (ASM)-Large-Scale Miners (LSM) Synergies in Africa

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

    ACCRA, Ghana, June 5, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Ghana is making strides towards fostering greater collaboration between Artisanal Small-Scale Miners (ASM) and Large-Scale Miners (LSM), seeking to unlock greater value from the mining industry while creating newfound opportunities for local communities. A discussion at the Mining in Motion 2025 summit highlighted the value of strengthen ASM-LSM synergies, with speakers underscoring the need to promote cooperation among industry stakeholders.

    The session – titled Fostering Synergies Between ASM and LSM: Maximizing Gold Value through Collaboration – shed light on the role ASMs play, not only in Ghana but across the broader African continent. ASMs make up a large part of Ghana’s mining industry, contributing over 35% to the country’s total gold output.

    According to Okyere Yaw Ntrama, General Manager, Ahafo Mine at Newmont Ghana Gold Limited, “The ASM industry is labor-intensive but they are also the best producers in terms of driving value for the economy. Formalization and synergies are not only about co-existence but about co-creation of knowledge, equal access and prosperity. When we talk about shared value, we also talk about resources that should be optimally mined. If there are areas that cannot be mined by larger companies, they should be given to small-scale miners.” 

    Ntrama further explained that through synergies between the ASM and LSM industry, Ghana can optimize mining operations. Specifically, the country can determine areas which are not commercially viable for LSM players, handing them over to ASMs to develop.

    Otu Solomon Kwame from the Association of Small-Scale Miners of Ghana, emphasized that, “Sometimes small-scale miners feel neglected by the larger companies. We need to devise policies to make sure these companies are fixed into lasting cooperation. We need to work with mining companies to determine areas that have been determined as [unfeasible]. Those areas can be given to small-scale miners.” 

    Meanwhile, Edward Bickham, Senior Adviser, World Gold Council, believes that there needs to be greater trust developed between ASM and LSM companies. He stated: “ASMs need to be treated as other stakeholders are: understood and worked with because they are significant. As an LSM, you need to think of the sustainable development of the communities around you. ASM is an important part of livelihoods. There is also the issue of security and collaboration. You need to think about the dynamics and relationships between the two types of miners. There is a huge trust-building initiative that needs to be taken.”

    Echoing these remarks, Eduard Cornew, Co-founder & President of Mwamba Mining, emphasized that trust is an imperative part of improving cooperation and accelerating productivity across Ghana’s mining sector. Cornew drew attention to the need to create trust between different mining corporations – from small-scale miners to larger corporations.

    Beyond Ghana, major mining producers in Africa are turning to regulation to facilitate collaboration across industry players. Jean-Paul Kapongo, Director General, SAEMAPE at the Ministry of Mining of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), explained that, “It all started in our country with the advent of the mining code and the mining regulations. These two documents provide the possibility and the accessibility to access the DRC’s mines.”

    The DRC is one of Africa’s biggest mineral producers. By promoting synergies between ASM and LSM players, the country seeks to reaffirm its position as global supplier.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) Champions Shift of $4 Trillion in Domestic Savings into Africa’s Infrastructure Transformation

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

    LAGOS, Nigeria, June 5, 2025/APO Group/ —

    • Clarion call for scaling electricity generation and transmission to drive structural economic transformation  
    • Installed power capacity per capita stagnated in Africa vs. doubling in India since 2008 
    • Africa’s railway expansion is gaining speed with 7,000 km of new track investments poised to double growth in the next decade 
    • Africa’s rising supply of strategic resources such as iron ore requires a unified continental approach to integrate production, processing and demand centres for steel 

    Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org ), the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, today publishes the most comprehensive and up-to-date picture of Africa’s investable capital landscape—revealing over $4 trillion of domestic savings in banking assets, institutional funds and reserves.  

    Download report: https://apo-opa.co/4kWVdwh

    The research in the 2025 edition of the State of Africa’s Infrastructure (SAI) Report underscores AFC’s conviction in the capacity for African-led investment as the foundation for scaling provision of power, transportation and industrialisation across the continent. 

    Specifically, the SAI Report provides a conservative estimate of over $1.1 trillion in long-term institutional capital from pensions, insurance, sovereign wealth funds, and public development banks, along with $2.5 trillion in commercial banking assets and over $470 billion in central bank reserves. 

    Despite the scale of these resources, most investments are allocated to low-risk and short-term instruments rather than being channelled into the real economy. AFC’s report calls for targeted policy reforms, financial innovation, increased use of risk-mitigation tools, and the creation of financial structures—such as pooled funds or investment platforms—to reposition African institutions at the heart of the continent’s infrastructure transformation.  

    Thinking Bigger 

    As part of the process of identifying investment opportunities, the SAI Report seeks to shift Africa’s energy narrative—from small-scale access to large-scale, interconnected power systems capable of driving industrialisation, digital sovereignty, and climate resilience.  

    Under-investment in African energy is stark. In 2024, Africa added just 6.5 GW of grid-connected capacity from all sources—compared to over 18 GW from renewables alone in India. Installed power generation per person has stagnated in Africa while more than doubling in India since 2008, highlighting the widening gap in energy access and industrial potential.   

    The report further advocates for regional grid integration and private sector participation in electricity transmission, noting that Africa—in contrast to other developing regions—has yet to see a single independent transmission project. AFC identifies Angola, DRC, Tanzania, and Mauritania as key interconnector markets that could enable countries with excess generation capacity to supply power to those facing deficits—linking multiple power pools and balancing electricity flows across borders.  

    Rail Renaissance 

    In contrast to the under-investment in energy, the SAI Report spotlights the emergence of a new rail infrastructure cycle, signaling renewed momentum across Africa’s transport landscape. From east to west and southern Africa, a growing pipeline of railway projects—public and private—is reversing decades of neglect and disrepair. 

    Under-construction and planned lines total over 7,000 km, potentially doubling the pace of rail expansion in the decade ahead.  

    To showcase this renaissance, AFC has launched the first-ever Digital Map of African Railways (https://apo-opa.co/3ZhLHLT)—a dynamic, interactive platform that provides real-time insights into the continent’s rail corridors. The tool aims to enhance project visibility, foster investor interest, and support coordination along key transport and trade corridors. 

    Industrial Value Chains 

    The report further identifies steel, fertilizers and oil refining as Africa’s three most important strategic industrial inputs—currently dominated by some $300bn of annual imports but ripe for domestic value addition.  

    As a result of local production shortfalls, Africa currently consumes just 24 kg of steel per capita, compared to a global average of 219 kg, and 23 kg of fertilizer per hectare, versus 140 globally. Notably, the ore-to-steel supply chain represents a major untapped industrial opportunity—but realising its potential will require connecting expanding iron ore supply centres in West Africa with processing hubs and growing consumption markets across the continent. 

    AFC calls for coordinated investment in energy, transport, and logistics to unlock competitiveness in these sectors and anchor regional production hubs. 

    Commenting on the findings, Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of Africa Finance Corporation, said: “This report provides a practical roadmap for how Africa can channel its significant financial strength into the infrastructure needed to drive industrial transformation—from scaling electricity supply to revitalising rail and building up strategic industries like steel and fertilisers. The tools exist. The capital is available. What’s needed now is coordinated action to unlock it.” 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: TOP Ships Inc. Announces Ex-Distribution Date for Planned Spin-Off of Rubico, a New Nasdaq-Listed Suezmax Tanker Company

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ATHENS, Greece, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TOP Ships Inc. (the “Company” or “TOP Ships”) (NYSE American:TOPS), an international owner and operator of modern, fuel-efficient “ECO” tanker vessels, announced today that the NYSE American (the “NYSE”) has established an ex-distribution date for the previously-announced proposed spin-off of two of its Suezmax tanker vessels.

    Rubico Inc. (“Rubico”), currently a subsidiary of TOP Ships, would become an independent publicly-traded company listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market as a result of the planned spin-off. The initial assets of Rubico will be the M/T Eco Malibu and M/T Eco West Coast, each a modern, high specification, scrubber-fitted and fuel-efficient 157,000 dwt Suezmax tanker. As part of the spin-off transaction, TOP Ships intends to distribute 100% of the common shares of Rubico pro rata to its securityholders of record as of June 16, 2025.

    The NYSE has established an ex-distribution date for the distribution of Rubico common shares of June 16, 2025. Beginning on that date, TOP Ships common shares will trade without an entitlement by the purchaser of such shares to Rubico common shares distributed in connection with the spin-off.

    TOP Ships securityholders do not need to take any action to receive Rubico shares to which they are entitled, and do not need to pay any consideration or surrender or exchange TOP Ships common shares or warrants.

    TOP Ships expects that approximately 3,057,337 Rubico common shares will be distributed in the Spin-Off at an assumed distribution ratio of one Rubico common share for every two TOP Ships common shares held by TOP Ships common shareholders (and warrantholders on an as-exercised basis) at the close of business on June 16, 2025. However, such distribution ratio will depend on the number of TOP Ships common shares outstanding, as well as the number of common shares into which outstanding TOP Ships common stock purchase warrants are exercisable, on June 16, 2025, the record date for the spin-off distribution.

    Concurrently and conditioned on the spin-off transaction, Rubico expects to raise $1.5 million in a private placement of its common shares at a purchase price of $20.00 per share.

    Rubico has filed a registration statement on Form 20-F with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the proposed spin-off. The transaction remains subject to such registration statement being declared effective and the approval of the listing of Rubico’s common shares on the Nasdaq Capital Market. There can be no assurance that the transaction will occur or, if it does occur, of its terms or timing. TOP Ships may, at any time, decide to abandon the spin-off. A copy of the registration statement on Form 20-F filed by Rubico is available at www.sec.gov. The information in the filed registration statement on Form 20-F is not final and remains subject to change.

    About TOP Ships Inc.

    TOP Ships Inc. is an international owner and operator of ocean-going vessels focusing on modern, fuel-efficient eco tanker vessels transporting crude oil, petroleum products (clean and dirty) and bulk liquid chemicals. For more information about TOP Ships Inc., visit its website: www.topships.org.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    Matters discussed in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides safe harbor protections for forward-looking statements in order to encourage companies to provide prospective information about their business. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts, including statements regarding the proposed spin-off and the prospects and strategies of TOP Ships and Rubico following the spin-off, the valuation of the shares of Rubico and TOP Ships following the spin-off, and the listing of Rubico’s common shares on the Nasdaq Capital Market.

    The Company desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words “believe,” “anticipate,” “intends,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” “plan,” “potential,” “may,” “should,” “expect,” “pending,” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including, without limitation, our management’s examination of historical operating trends, data contained in our records, and other data available from third parties. Although we believe that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond our control, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs, or projections. Please see our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a more complete discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties. The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date hereof, and we disclaim any intention or obligation to update any forward‐looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this communication.

    For further information please contact:

    Alexandros Tsirikos
    Chief Financial Officer
    TOP Ships Inc.
    Tel: +30 210 812 8107
    Email: atsirikos@topships.org

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Join us on 6/26 for a Foreign and Comparative Law Webinar: “Two Sides of the Same Coin: The Evolution of Surrogacy Law in France and Colombia”

    Source: US Global Legal Monitor

    The following is a guest post by Louis Gilbert and Stephania Alvarez, foreign law specialists at the Law Library of Congress. Louis has previously published the following post: “Wait, It Is Not About Wigs?” – The Story of Faso Dan Fani Court Robes in Burkina Faso, and “Join Us on 11/21 for a Foreign and Comparative Law Webinar titled “Review of Law Library of Congress Research Reports Published in 2024.” Stephania has previously published the following blog posts: FALQs: Guyana-Venezuela Territorial Dispute, and Law Library Publishes New Report, “Peru: Civic Space Legal Framework.”

    Please join us on June 26, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. EDT, for another entry into our Foreign and Comparative Law Webinar series with our “Two Sides of the Same Coin: The Evolution of Surrogacy Law in France and Colombia” webinar. Surrogacy and the adoption of children born through this practice have been the focus of significant legislative and jurisprudential developments around the world. The evolution of surrogacy in France and Colombia has different legal implications in each country.

    Register here. 

    In Colombia, surrogacy is neither explicitly regulated nor prohibited. Nevertheless, the Constitutional Court has addressed this topic in various rulings, in which it has established rules and requirements for surrogacy agreements and emphasized the need to protect the child’s fundamental rights.

    On the other hand, surrogacy is forbidden in France, and the recognition of children born abroad is currently at the center of legal discussions. Recent developments in French jurisprudence have enabled numerous French citizens to resort to surrogacy agreements abroad. The questions of filiation and adoption are no longer framed solely around the legality or prohibition of certain practices but are increasingly approached from the perspective of the child’s fundamental rights.

    Although France and Colombia adopt opposing approaches to surrogacy, their legal systems complement each other in safeguarding the best interests of the child. In Colombia, the severance of the legal bond between the surrogate and the baby allows for clear filiation between the intended parents and the child, which France now fully recognizes when it has been validly established abroad. Therefore, the absence of a specific legal framework prohibiting surrogacy in Colombia, in addition to the lower costs and greater accessibility compared to other countries, has made this country an increasingly common destination for surrogacy procedures.

    Stephania Alvarez is a foreign law specialist at the Law Library of Congress. She conducts research and writes reports on a wide range of topics relating primarily to the laws of Central and South American jurisdictions. Stephania has a Bachelor of Laws from Icesi University in Colombia. She completed a dual degree program at Sciences Po in Paris, France, and Georgetown University Law Center, earning a master’s in environmental policy and a Master of Laws in environmental and energy law, respectively.

    Louis Gilbert is a foreign law specialist at the Law Library of Congress. He conducts research and writes reports on topics relating to the laws of French-speaking jurisdictions. He holds a bachelor’s degree in law from the University of Essex, England, a master’s in comparative law from the Université Paris X, France, and a J.D. from American University.

    To learn about other upcoming classes on domestic and foreign law topics, visit the Legal Research Institute. Please request ADA accommodations at least five business days in advance by contacting (202) 707-6362 or [email protected].

    Subscribe to In Custodia Legis – it’s free! – to receive interesting posts drawn from the Law Library of Congress’s vast collections and our staff’s expertise in U.S., foreign, and international law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/NIGERIA – Catholic priest kidnapped: He worked as a chaplain in Alaska and wanted to help Boko Haram victims in Nigeria

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Diocesi di Fairbanks

    Abuja (Agenzia Fides) – “I was able to speak with Father Afina. He is well and in good health. We hope he can be released soon,” said John Bogna Bakeni, Auxiliary Bishop of Maiduguri (capital of Borno State in northeastern Nigeria), to Fides. He confirmed the news reported by some newspapers in Fairbanks (Alaska, USA) about the kidnapping of Father Alphonsus Afina, a Nigerian priest who served for years as a chaplain in the US diocese.”Father Afina was kidnapped on the night of Sunday, June 1, near Gwoza, as he was returning to Maiduguri after celebrating Mass,” Msgr. Bakeni reported. The kidnappers then contacted the Diocese of Maiduguri by phone and provided proof that Father Afina is alive. The area around Gwoza is relatively unsafe due to the presence of the two largest groups into which the Islamist Boko Haram has split. One is the “Jama’tu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad” (JAS). The other, the “Islamic State West Africa Province” (ISWAP), has joined the Islamic State and become the “West Africa Province” (see Fides, 2/7/2024).The news of the Nigerian priest’s kidnapping caused great distress in the US Diocese of Fairbanks, where Father Afina worked in the villages of the Seward Peninsula for six and a half years from 2017 to 2024. During his time in the American diocese, Father Afina took online courses to earn a degree in psychology and counseling, with theintention of founding a trauma center for Boko Haram victims upon his return to Nigeria.On June 3, the Diocese of Fairbanks celebrated a Mass to pray for the priest’s return to his family. More than 200 parishioners attended the Mass, and others watched the live broadcast from the villages where Father Afina served. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 5/6/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Mining in Motion 2025: Niger Eyes Economic Development Fund

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

    ACCRA, Ghana, June 5, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Colonel Ousmane Abarchi, Minister of Mines of Niger, announced plans to establish a national economic development fund during the Mining in Motion 2025 summit – held in Accra. The fund aims to redirect revenues from the mining sector to strengthen other industries while tackling illicit mining.

    “We seek to develop an economic development fund so that revenues from mining bolster other industries. We are also seeking community development, as illicit mining damages the environment. By addressing illegal mining, we are ensuring the purification of water bodies,” Minister Arbachi stated.

    Minister Arbachi emphasized that addressing the widespread challenges of illegal mining across the continent must begin with the inclusion of local communities in decision-making and direct benefits.

    The proposed fund would aim to reinvest mining profits into local companies – supporting sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure and education – to create alternatives to illegal mining and enhance long-term development.

    The initiative aligns with the broader themes of the Mining in Motion summit, which focuses on sustainable resource governance, responsible mining practices and cross-border collaboration.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: DRC: Victims still waiting for justice, truth and reparations 25 years on from Kisangani war 

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Twenty-five years since the six-day war in Kisangani in Democratic Republic of Congo in which hundreds of civilians were killed and thousands more injured, victims are still waiting for truth, justice and, for the most part, reparations, Amnesty International said in a new briefing today. 

    The briefing Is anyone moved by Congo’s pain? 25 years without justice for the six-day war in Kisangani, documents how there has not been a single criminal investigation or trial since the bloody conflict between Rwandan and Ugandan forces. During the fighting in the north-eastern city, which started on 5 June 2000, both armies engaged in intense and indiscriminate shelling of heavily populated civilian areas, intentionally killed civilians, raped women and pillaged houses.  

    It is utterly unacceptable that for 25 years, not a single person has been held to account for crimes perpetrated in Kisangani, not one.

    Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa

    With the DRC courts’ failure to pursue justice and the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) lack of jurisdiction over crimes committed in DRC before 2002, those suspected of criminal responsibility for these crimes have never been prosecuted and punished. 

    “It is utterly unacceptable that for 25 years, not a single person has been held to account for crimes perpetrated in Kisangani, not one,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa. “This lack of criminal accountability for past crimes has led to a cycle of violence in the DRC, with similar actors, similar weapons and similar suffering. Justice cannot wait another 25 years. It is the responsibility of Congolese judicial authorities to investigate and, if there is sufficient admissible evidence, prosecute those suspected of criminal responsibility for crimes committed on DRC territory.” 

    In 2022, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Uganda to pay reparations, following a case brought by the DRC against Uganda and Rwanda. The ICJ did not have jurisdiction over Rwanda. In 2024, some victims finally started to receive compensation, but the process by been wrought by complaints of mismanagement and embezzlement. 

    Amnesty International interviewed over 50 people, mostly survivors, as well as civil society organizations and justice sector officials. 

    The “Three-Day, One-Day and Six-Day wars” in Kisangani 

    The six-day war was one of a series of conflicts between the Ugandan and Rwandan armies in Kisangani between August 1999 and June 2000 that left behind a trail of death and destruction. 

    The first war – “the three-day war”, started on 14 June 1999, with the two armies exchanging indiscriminate fire and shelling, which killed more than 30 civilians  and wounded more than 100.  

    After close to a year of relative quiet, fighting started again on 5 May 2000 and lasted only one day. Exactly a month later, the “six-day war”, which was more intense, started. Without differentiating between civilians and combatants, the two armies indiscriminately shelled Kisangani, killing several hundred civilians and injuring thousands. 

    A civil society activist who survived and reported on the three wars in Kisangani recounted:  

    “For six days there were only bombs falling, we did not know if we were going to live. There were a lot of fatalities…” 

    A woman who was seven at the time of the war, recalled: 

    “I was walking with my grandmother when I was struck by a bomb in my leg. I didn’t know how to get to hospitals, it was dangerous, so we were dealing with the injury at home, but the foot was rotting. On the fifth day I went to the hospital, but it was too late, they cut off my leg.  

    For six days there were only bombs falling, we did not know if we were going to live. There were a lot of fatalities.

    Survivor, Kisangani

    “A gentleman who could not go home until the war ended, returned at the end of the six days and found his wife and three children dead, their corpses decomposing. The house had been hit by bombs. “He went mad and died shortly after.”  

    People want truth, justice and reparations 

    Despite the lack of judicial criminal proceedings either in the DRC or internationally, the people’s demands for justice and reparations remain strong decades later. 

    A man, who also survived the wars, said: “My dearest wish was the establishment of courts. This is the wish of the Congolese people. Now we have a sense of frustration in the population. Why were there blockages? It is unclear why crimes that have already been documented have not been tried. Is there nobody emotionally moved by the crimes committed in Congo?” 

    At least 40 people interviewed told Amnesty International that there was no political will to institute criminal proceedings or deliver justice. Lack of judicial independence has also meant that without the support of political leaders, some of whom are former belligerents, judicial officials could not open investigations. 

    The complete lack of prosecutions has led to a loss of trust in the country’s justice system and the government. 

    With regards to reparation programmes, the Special Fund for the Distribution of Compensation to Victims of Uganda’s Illicit Activities in the DRC (FRIVAO), tasked to manage the millions of dollars Uganda has been ordered to pay for reparations by the ICJ, has been criticised for lack of transparency and adequate consultations with victims of the Kisangani wars.  

    Justice cannot wait another 25 years. It is the responsibility of Congolese judicial authorities to investigate and, if there is sufficient admissible evidence, prosecute those suspected of criminal responsibility for crimes committed on DRC territory

    Tigere Chagutah

    One activist said: “People have no decency; there has been bloodshed… and they are embezzling funds that were intended for public interest work and victims! That is not what we fought for.”  

    Tigere Chagutah said: “Amnesty International reminds DRC of its obligations to investigate and, if enough admissible evidence is found, to prosecute in fair trials those suspected of criminal responsibility for the serious crimes committed in the territory of the DRC for over 30 years, including the Kisangani war.”  

    “The government must also offer adequate, effective and prompt reparations to victims following genuine consultations with survivors and civil society.” 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Amnesty Media Awards 2025: Winners announced

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Winners across the 12 award categories include BBC Radio 4, Channel 4, The Guardian, Financial Times, ITV News and BBC Eye Investigations 

    Owen Jones took home The People’s Choice Award 

    Al-Jazeera’s Gaza bureau chief Wael Al-Dahdouh was presented with an Outstanding Contribution to Human Rights Journalism accolade  

    ‘Journalists around the globe are facing increased attacks and being silenced – it is more important than ever that we champion their work and make a stand for press freedom’ – Sacha Deshmukh 

    Images from the ceremony can be downloaded here  

    Amnesty International UK has announced the winners of its prestigious Amnesty Media Awards 2025 in a ceremony at the BFI Southbank London this evening (4 June), hosted by actor, writer and director Jolyon Rubinstein. 

    The 12 categories commended the most outstanding human rights journalism of the last year, with winners including Channel 4 and BBC Eye Investigations. Financial Times won both the Written Feature and Written News awards, while ITV News took home the Broadcast News trophy.  

    The Guardian won the Written Investigations category for reporting on the violent truth behind Italy’s ‘migrant reduction’, whilst BBC Radio 4 won the Radio & Podcasts award for a programme spotlighting the diary of a woman from Afghanistan.  

    Most categories were judged by a panel of prestigious journalists and media workers, including Ayshah Tull, Lindsey Hilsum, and Alex Crawford, but a new award for 2025 – The People’s Choice Award – saw tens of thousands of people across the UK voting for the journalist who they felt has made the biggest contribution to human rights reporting over the past year. This award was handed to Owen Jones, for his tireless efforts highlighting injustices, especially around the ongoing devastating crisis in Gaza.  

    This year, the Amnesty Media Awards shone a spotlight on the dangers that journalists often face to expose the most pressing human rights issues. 2024 was the deadliest year on record for journalists and media workers – at least 124 journalists and media workers were killed. A staggering 70% of those were a result of Israeli military action in Gaza and Lebanon.  

    A special award for Outstanding Contribution to Human Rights Journalism was presented to Al-Jazeera’s Gaza bureau chief, Wael Al-Dahdouh , who gave a speech during the ceremony about the decades he has spent reporting from the Occupied Palestinian Territory.  

    The ceremony, which also featured a performance by singer Emeli Sandé, was live-streamed and attended by hundreds of journalists, broadcasters, producers and presenters.  

    Sacha Deshmukh, Chief Executive of Amnesty International UK, said: 

    “We’ve seen and commended some truly breathtaking journalism this evening – proof that good human rights reporting is absolutely essential for exposing injustices and holding power to account. Journalism is far more than just reporting on the facts – it can instigate very real, concrete change that impacts peoples’ lives across the planet.  

    “At a time when journalists around the globe are under increased attack and at risk of being silenced, it is more important than ever to champion their work and make a stand for press freedom.   

    “While the footage, words and reports we’ve awarded this evening remind us of the horrors we are living through, they are also proof of the many people committed to highlighting, exposing and ending violence and abuse. That is what the Amnesty Media Awards are all about – recognising, celebrating and inspiring the human rights journalism that makes the world a fairer, more equitable and peaceful place.” 

    FULL LIST OF WINNERS  

    Broadcast Feature 

    Basement Films for Channel 4 

    Kill Zone: Inside Gaza 

    Broadcast Investigation 

    BBC Eye Investigations 

    Settlements Above the Law 

    Broadcast News 

    ITV News  

    The White Flag  

    The Gaby Rado Award for New Journalist 

    Sophie Neiman 

    New Internationalist  

    Nations and Regions supported by the Players of the People’s Postcode Lottery  

    BBC Northern Ireland 

    Spotlight: Katie – Coerced and Killed 

    Photojournalism 

    Kiana Hayeri 

    The Guardian 

    Radio & Podcasts 

    BBC Radio 4 

    Our Whole Life is a Secret 

    Written Feature 

    Financial Times 

    How extremist settlers in the West Bank became the law 

    Written Investigation 

    The Guardian 

    The brutal truth behind Italy’s migrant reduction: beatings and rape by EU-funded forces in Tunisia 

    Written News 

    Financial Times 

    FT investigation finds Ukrainian children on Russian adoption sites 

    People’s Choice  

    Owen Jones 

    Outstanding Contribution to Human Rights Journalism 

    Wael Al-Dahdouh 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Europol’s cooperation with Libyan authorities – E-002104/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002104/2025
    to the Council
    Rule 144
    Özlem Demirel (The Left)

    A number of employees from Libya’s Criminal Police, Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Foreign Affairs have visited Europol, primarily in the context of the fight against migration. There are plans for further shadowing and training, including at Europol’s European Migrant Smuggling Centre.

    • 1.Which Libyan police authorities and ministries have visited Europol on the subject of ‘combating human trafficking and smuggling (and when), and what further visits are planned (and for when)?
    • 2.What kind of possible future cooperation with Europol was envisaged with these visits, and to what extent has this cooperation taken shape since?
    • 3.To what extent were the visits also undertaken with a view to setting up joint international investigation teams, a specialised team of criminal investigators in Libya or cooperation with Europol’s European Migrant Smuggling Centre, and what has been decided in this regard?

    Submitted: 26.5.2025

    Last updated: 5 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Internal tensions throw PNG anti-corruption body into crisis

    By Scott Waide, RNZ Pacific PNG correspondent

    Three staffers from Papua New Guinea’s peak anti-corruption body are embroiled in a standoff that has brought into question the integrity of the organisation.

    Police Commissioner David Manning has confirmed that he received a formal complaint.

    Commissioner Manning said that initial inquiries were underway to inform the “sensitive investigation board’s” consideration of the referral.

    That board itself is controversial, having been set up as a halfway point to decide if an investigation into a subject should proceed through the usual justice process.

    Manning indicated if the board determined a criminal offence had occurred, the matter would be assigned to the National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate for independent investigation.

    Local news media reported PNG Prime Minister James Marape was being kept informed of the developments.

    Marape has issued a statement acknowledging the internal tensions within ICAC and reaffirming his government’s commitment to the institution.

    Long-standing goal
    The establishment of ICAC in Papua New Guinea has been a long-standing national aspiration, dating back to 1984. The enabling legislation for ICAC was passed on 20 November 2020, bringing the body into legal existence.

    Marape said it was a proud moment of his leadership having achieved this in just 18 months after he took office in May 2019.

    The appointments process for ICAC officials was described as rigorous and internationally supervised, making the current internal disputes disheartening for many.

    Marape has reacted strongly to the crisis, expressing disappointment over the allegations and differences between the three ICAC leaders. He affirmed his government’s “unwavering commitment” to ICAC.

    These developments have significant implications for Papua New Guinea, particularly concerning its international commitments related to combating financial crime.

    PNG has been working to address deficiencies in its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) framework, with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) closely monitoring its progress.

    Crucial for fighting corruption
    An effective and credible ICAC is crucial for demonstrating the country’s commitment to fighting corruption, a key component of a robust AML/CTF regime.

    Furthermore, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) often includes governance and anti-corruption measures as part of its conditionalities for financial assistance and programme support.

    Any perception of instability or compromised integrity within ICAC could hinder Papua New Guinea’s efforts to meet these international requirements, potentially affecting its financial standing and access to crucial development funds.

    The current situation lays bare the urgent need for swift and decisive action to restore confidence in ICAC and ensure it can effectively fulfill its mandate.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Vuk Talks Epidsode 40 Surprise Sekgota , Director of Touch SA Marketing

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements-2)

    Vuk Talks Season 2 Epidsode 40 Surprise Sekgota, Director of Touch SA Marketing and a proud beneficiary of the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA).

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Am2Tydzxm5c

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 4 June 2025 Departmental update Global health leaders urge action on immunization priorities at Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly

    Source: World Health Organisation

    During the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly, held from 19 to 27 May 2025, Member States and global health partners urged continued action on vaccine-preventable diseases—such as cervical cancer, measles, meningitis, polio, and rubella—through Assembly agenda items and side events aimed at accelerating global immunization efforts and preventing future outbreaks. 

    Innovation, integration and investment to outsmart outbreaks 

    Immunization discussions kicked off at the high-level side event, “Outsmarting Outbreaks: Innovation, Integration & Investment”, hosted by Chile, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Madagascar, Niger, Somalia, and Zambia, and supported by the Gates Foundation, the United Nations Foundation and other partners. The event underscored the alarming resurgence of measles, cholera, and polio amid escalating conflict and climate threats, urging countries to safeguard immunization progress, complete polio eradication efforts, and strengthen preparedness for emerging health risks.  

    Attendees shared successes and challenges, particularly from countries facing simultaneous outbreaks, while emphasizing the criticality of routine immunization, cross-sector partnerships, and innovative techniques – including wastewater monitoring and digital disease modeling for surveillance and the use of electronic registries for immunization in low-resource settings – to controlling preventable diseases and avoid outbreaks.  

    Discussions also emphasized the necessity of a ‘SMART’ approach—strategic, measurable, aligned, resilient, and timely collaboration—as well as innovative solutions like the AI-powered All Hazard Information Management Toolkit, to enhance rapid response capabilities. A call to action capped the event, urging concerted efforts to sustain investment in immunization programmes, build trust in vaccines through community engagement, and ensure robust pandemic preparedness, including through surveillance. 

    Countries reaffirm commitment to defeat meningitis 

    Member States praised WHO’s launch of new guidelines on meningitis diagnosis, treatment and care, and the continued rollout of new vaccines, including Men5CV, in high-burden countries. They also emphasized the strong commitment of national leaders, partners, civil society organizations and the dedicated teams supporting the road map at all levels of WHO. 

    Despite progress, delegates raised key challenges including vaccine affordability and equitable access, shortages in trained healthcare personnel, insufficient laboratory infrastructure, and gaps in surveillance systems.  

    Member States called for technical and financial support, maintaining emergency vaccine stockpiles, research and innovations, particularly of early detection, strengthened community engagement and awareness campaigns among both communities and health care workers as well as supported rehabilitation services.  

    Meningitis was further discussed during an official side event hosted by Mali, Nigeria and Pakistan, along with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance on integrating solutions to defeat malaria, meningitis and polio. The event aimed to highlight how an integrated approach to elimination or eradication goals of the three diseases could maximize available resources and improve health service delivery for people and communities. 

    “We are at an inflection point in global health,” said Dr Sania Nishtar, Chief Executive Officer, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance in her remarks. “We all know the challenges that we face as partners in global health. Between now and 2030, we will have to work smarter, more collaboratively, and with the needs of countries at the center of everything we do.”  

    Attendees discussed how integration can be achieved within disease surveillance, diagnosis, treatment and long-term care, and prevention through equitable access to vaccines. Several countries presented examples of delivering polio, malaria and meningitis vaccines through integrated campaigns alongside bed net distribution.  The event closed on a call for increased technical and financial support to accelerate integration across the three programmes in order to end polio, malaria, and meningitis. 

    (Left to Right) Derrick Sim, Managing Director of Vaccine Markets & Health Security at Gavi; Dr Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean; Dr Jo Mulligan, Senior Health Advisor,Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, United Kingdom; H.E. Dr Colonel Assa Badiallo Touré, Minister of Health and Social Development, Mali; H.E. Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Nigeria, and Ambassador Bilal Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations. 

    Life-saving power of measles and rubella vaccines emphasized 

    Amidst a global surge in measles outbreaks and with millions of children still lacking protection, global health leaders convened at a high-level side event titled “The Power of Prevention – Immunizing for a Safer, Healthier World” to deliver a unified message: these outbreaks are preventable—if we act decisively and without delay. 

    Co-hosted by Oman, Somalia, the Gates Foundation, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), UNICEF, and the United Nations Foundation, on behalf of the Measles & Rubella Partnership, the side event focused on accelerating global immunization efforts and promoting equity in vaccine access.  

    “The Measles & Rubella Partnership has been a backbone of measles and rubella programs, surveillance and outbreak response across the world,” said Dr Razia Pendse, WHO Chef de Cabinet in her opening remarks. “Yet, these gains are fragile. Measles is making a dangerous comeback threatening communities, economies and global health security. We must remain steadfast in our commitment to investing in measles vaccination and other vaccines, investments that will lead healthier children, communities, and a more resilient future for people of all ages.” 

    Dr Razia Pendse, WHO Chef de Cabinet and Dr. Hilal bin Ali bin Halil Alsabti, Minister of Health of Oman. 

    The meeting was moderated by Mr. Jarrett Barrios, senior vice-president of the American Red Cross. Dr Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance reminded countries of what is at stake if targets for the organization’s ongoing replenishment are not met—millions of children remaining unprotected and increasing outbreaks. 

    A key focus of the discussion was WHO’s updated rubella vaccine recommendation, which removes the requirement for 80% measles coverage before introducing the combined measles-rubella vaccine. This policy shift allows all countries to include rubella vaccination in routine immunization—opening the door for the 13 remaining countries to introduce the vaccine, save lives, and prevent future outbreaks. 

    Grace Melia, an Indonesian mother who recently lost her daughter after a 12-year battle against the devastating effects of congenital rubella, concluded the event by sharing her testimonial and calling for action. “They say knowledge is power,” she said. “With all due respect, knowledge applied into action would be much more powerful. And I hope we are all here today to be part of that action.” 

    Reaffirmed commitments to achieving a polio-free world 

    During the Assembly, Member States reaffirmed their full support for achieving and sustaining a polio-free world, acknowledging WHO and its partners’ efforts to see the job done. Voicing concern about ongoing variant outbreaks and the need for interruption of wild poliovirus transmission in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Member States called for continued resourcing to the effort, and smart integration of polio functions within broader public health services. Other key themes were strengthened routine immunization – including with inactivated polio vaccine – through coordination with GAVI, and the need for strong oral polio vaccine cessation planning, the safe and secure containment of polioviruses in research and vaccine manufacturing facilities.  

    Read more about polio here. 

    World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day announced as official WHO campaign  

    As part of ongoing efforts to eliminate cervical cancer, the Assembly established World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day as an official WHO awareness campaign to be marked on 17 November, annually. World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day will promote actions to end the disease and protect the health of women and girls, including increasing access and update of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines.  

    Historic Pandemic Agreement  

    Member States formally adopted the world’s first Pandemic Agreement. The landmark decision by the World Health Assembly culminates more than three years of intensive negotiations launched by governments in response to the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and driven by the goal of making the world safer from – and more equitable in response to – future pandemics. The agreement boosts global collaboration to ensure stronger, more equitable response to future pandemics. Next steps include negotiations on Pathogen Access and Benefits Sharing system. 

    —- 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Measles outbreaks continue with risk of holidays causing surge

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Measles outbreaks continue with risk of holidays causing surge

    Latest UKHSA data shows outbreaks continuing, with 109 cases confirmed in April and 86 so far in May.

    The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) today publishes its monthly update on measles cases in England, which shows outbreaks continuing, with 109 cases confirmed in April and 86 so far in May. Cases have predominantly been in unvaccinated children aged 10 years and under, with on-going outbreaks in a number of regions and London reporting almost half of all cases in the past 4 weeks.

    There has also been a global increase in measles cases including Europe over the last year and the Agency is concerned, that with travelling for holidays or to visit family this summer, there is a risk this could lead to another surge of measles cases in England.

    The latest measles epidemiology report on the UKHSA Data Dashboard today reports:

    • since 1 January there have been 420 laboratory confirmed measles cases reported in England
    • 109 measles cases were confirmed in April and to date 86 in May (number of laboratory confirmed measles cases by month of symptom onset, data reporting lags impact on most recent 4 weeks and therefore the figures are likely to be an underestimate)
    • the majority (276/420, 66%) of these cases were in children aged 10 years and under, but there are also cases being reported in young people and adults
    • London has seen the highest number of cases overall this year (162/420, 39%) and in the last 4 weeks (35/75, 47%)
    • a number of other regions are also reporting outbreaks – with 25% (19/75) of cases in the North West, and 11% (8/75) in the West Midlands in the last 4 weeks

    Since the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1968, at least 20 million measles cases and 4,500 deaths have been prevented in the UK.

    However, measles remains endemic in many countries around the world, and with declines in MMR vaccine uptake observed over the last decade, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, we have also seen large measles outbreaks in Europe and other countries. 

    An analysis by the World Health Organization (WHO) Europe and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), reported 127, 350 measles cases in the European Region for 2024, double the number of cases reported for 2023 and the highest number since 1997.

    This year outbreaks have been seen in several other European countries, including France, Italy, Spain and Germany, and WHO recently reported that Romania, Pakistan, India, Thailand, Indonesia and Nigeria currently have among the largest number of measles cases worldwide.

    In England, the decline of the uptake of childhood vaccinations including MMR in the past decade (well below the WHO 95% target) means that many thousands of children are left unprotected with the risk of outbreaks linked to nurseries and schools.

    London has the lowest MMR uptake rates compared with other English regions (MMR2 uptake at 5 years is just 73.3% in London compared to English average of 83.9%).

    From Autumn 2023 to summer 2024, England experienced the biggest outbreak of measles since 2012, particularly affecting young children. Since the peak last year cases have declined but local outbreaks continue.

    Measles is one of the most highly infectious diseases and spreads rapidly among those who are unvaccinated. The UKHSA is concerned that more outbreaks may occur again on a larger scale this summer as families with unvaccinated children and adults travel to countries where there are outbreaks.

    It is important that anyone travelling for summer holidays or to visit family, especially parents of young children, check that all members of their family have received both their MMR vaccines.

    Getting vaccinated means you are also helping protect others who can’t have the vaccine, including infants under 1 year and people with weakened immune systems, who are at greater risk of serious illness and complications from measles.

    Dr Vanessa Saliba, Consultant Epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency:

    It’s essential that everyone, particularly parents of young children, check all family members are up to date with 2 MMR doses, especially if you are travelling this summer for holidays or visiting family. Measles cases are picking up again in England and outbreaks are happening in Europe and many countries with close links to the UK.

    Measles spreads very easily and can be a nasty disease, leading to complications like ear and chest infections and inflammation of the brain with some children tragically ending up in hospital and suffering life-long consequences. Nobody wants this for their child and it’s not something you want to experience when away on holiday.

    The MMR vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family from measles. Babies under the age of 1 and some people who have weakened immune systems can’t have the vaccine and are at risk of more serious complications if they get measles. They rely on the rest of us getting the vaccine to protect them.

    It is never too late to catch up, if you’re not sure if any of your family are up to date, check their Red Book or contact your GP practice. Don’t put it off and regret it later.

    Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England, said:

    Tens of thousands of additional MMR vaccinations were delivered following NHS action last year to protect children against measles, mumps and rubella, and the recent increase in cases seen in England and Europe should act as an important reminder to ensure your child is protected.

    Too many babies and young children are still not protected against the diseases, which are contagious infections that spread very easily and can cause serious health problems. MMR jabs are provided free as part of the NHS routine immunisation programme – and I would encourage all parents to act on invites or check vaccination records if they think they may have missed their child’s vaccination.

    The first MMR vaccine is offered to infants when they turn one year old and the second dose to pre-school children when they are around 3 years and 4 months old. 

    Around 99% of those who have 2 doses will be protected against measles and rubella. Although mumps protection is slightly lower, cases in vaccinated people are much less severe. 

    Anyone, whatever age, who has not had 2 doses can contact their GP surgery to book an appointment. It is never too late to catch-up. 

    It’s particularly important to check you’ve had both doses if you are: 

    • about to start college or university 
    • travelling overseas
    • planning a pregnancy 
    • a frontline health or social care worker 
    • if you work with young children or care for people as part of your work

    For more information on measles, mumps and rubella see the UKHSA resource: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mmr-for-all-general-leaflet

    Updates to this page

    Published 5 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC IgniteX Partners with Superteam to Launch Revolutionary “IgniteX Solana Talent Lab” at Solana Summit APAC

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC IgniteX, the $30 million global CSR initiative and innovation arm of MEXC Ventures, successfully announced its groundbreaking strategic partnership with Superteam, the premier talent collective driving growth across the Solana ecosystem. The collaboration was officially unveiled at the Solana Summit APAC (June 5-7, 2025) in Vietnam, where IgniteX introduced the “IgniteX Solana Talent Lab” – a comprehensive initiative designed to accelerate blockchain education and foster the next generation of Solana developers across APAC markets.

    Transforming Blockchain Education Through Strategic Partnership

    The IgniteX Solana Talent Lab represents a first-of-its-kind collaboration that combines MEXC IgniteX’s industry expertise and resources with Superteam’s extensive network of talented developers, creators, and operators across the Solana ecosystem. This multi-faceted program addresses the critical need for structured blockchain education while creating tangible pathways for students to enter and thrive in the Web3 industry.

    “We’re thrilled to partner with Superteam to create meaningful opportunities for the next generation of blockchain innovators,” said Tracy Jin, COO of MEXC. “This collaboration goes beyond traditional educational support – we’re building a comprehensive ecosystem that nurtures talent from learning to professional deployment in the Solana space.”

    Program Framework

    The IgniteX Solana Talent Lab is designed as an initiative that accelerates blockchain education while supporting builders, developers, and students across APAC markets to make meaningful contributions to the Solana ecosystem. The program provides real pathways into the ecosystem for builders around the world through a combination of educational resources, mentorship opportunities, project support, and career development initiatives. By connecting talented individuals with industry experts, funding opportunities, and practical experience, the IgniteX Solana Talent Lab creates a structured pathway from learning to professional deployment within the rapidly growing Solana ecosystem, fostering the next generation of blockchain innovators and contributors.

    Summit Launch Features

    The launch at Solana Summit APAC will focus on the following features:
    IgniteX Solana Scholars Launch Announcement:
    An announcement through speech on stage featuring executives from MEXC IgniteX, Superteam leadership, and Solana ecosystem representatives, highlighting the program’s vision and commitment to blockchain education advancement.

    Strategic Networking Summit:
    Networking opportunities connecting MEXC representatives, Solana team members, Student Ambassadors, and broader ecosystem participants to facilitate relationship building and explore future collaboration opportunities.

    Future Expansion and Impact

    The IgniteX Solana Talent Lab is designed for scalable growth, with plans to expand across multiple regions and educational institutions throughout 2025 and beyond. The collaboration aims to graduate hundreds of skilled blockchain developers annually while contributing to the overall growth and decentralization of the Solana ecosystem.

    About MEXC Ventures
    MEXC Ventures is a comprehensive fund dedicated to driving innovation in the cryptocurrency sector through investments in L1/L2 ecosystems, strategic investments, M&A, and incubation. Upholding the principle of “Empowering Growth Through Synergy,” MEXC Ventures is committed to supporting innovative ideas and active builders.

    MEXC Ventures is an investor and supporter of TON and Aptos, and looks forward to staying at the forefront of TON and Aptos innovations while actively engaging with builders to drive ecosystem growth.

    About Superteam
    Superteam is a cooperative of creatives, operators, and investors helping the most promising projects in the Solana ecosystem launch and grow. Focused on the “Ascending World” — India, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and Africa — Superteam serves as a core engine of grassroots growth in Web3, connecting talented individuals with opportunities to contribute to innovative Solana projects while building sustainable careers in the decentralized economy.

    Source

    Contact:
    Lucia Hu
    lucia.hu@mexc.com

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by MEXC. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

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    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b17fc00c-f54f-4b12-ba01-1c0e076c920b

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: The Global Environment Facility (GEF) backs $8.7m initiative to unite African nations against extreme weather events in the Ubangi River Basin

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

    ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, June 5, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Home to one of the largest tributaries of the Congo River, the Central African Republic (CAR) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will benefit from a pioneering cross-border initiative to prepare for extreme climatic events and develop joint water resource management strategies with $8.7 million in funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). 

    Approved this Monday by the GEF Council, the “Regional program for integrated water resources management in the transboundary basin of the Ubangi River between the CAR and the DRC” aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two African nations while improving technical and institutional capacities for managing increasingly extreme floods, droughts and erratic rainfall patterns affecting the Ubangi River basin.  

    The GEF implementing agencies of the project are the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the African Development Bank. A regional body and two national ministries are ensuring the execution of the initiative: the International Commission of the Congo-Ubangi-Sangha (CICOS), the Ministry of Rural Development of the DRC, and the Ministry of Development of Energy and Water Resources of the CAR. 

     Thierry Kamach, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of CAR said: “The degradation of natural resources is undeniable. The United Nations 2030 Agenda is an inspiring and unifying message to build strong resilience around a transformative project that will further strengthen ecosystem interdependence for a greener and more sustainable future.” 

    Flowing between the CAR, the DRC and the Republic of Congo, the Ubangi stretches over 2,272 kilometres and is the main right-bank tributary of the Congo River. As such, it is part of the Congo River basin, the second-largest river basin in the world and a global biodiversity hotspot with over 1,000 fish species.  

    The river basin’s rainforest harbours more than 10,000 plant species and 2,500 animal species, including two-thirds of all primates, which are under pressure from deforestation and land cover clearing. In parallel, changes in hydrological regimes, riverbank erosion, sedimentation and mining pollution threaten the river’s fish and shore fauna, which are becoming increasingly rare, and the Ubangi’s role as a regulator of regional and global climates. These challenges will be addressed by the new GEF initiative in an integrated fashion, considering the nexus between biodiversity, climate and ecosystem degradation, and between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. 

    “This initiative is vital as it brings together the communities and institutions of two countries to conserve one of Africa’s most ecologically and economically important river basins. By working across borders, these countries will strengthen their resilience to climate change while protecting biodiversity and the natural systems that sustain life” said IUCN Director General, Grethel Aguilar. “Through its strong on-the-ground presence in the Congo basin, IUCN will mobilise actors in the forest and environmental sectors to promote collaborative basin management and community-led nature-based solutions at the regional, national and local levels. Our focus will be as much on biodiversity and water resources, as it will on safeguarding the livelihoods of the region’s 25 million inhabitants, many of whom depend on the Ubangi River for navigation, trade and agriculture”.

     “This initiative is aligned with GEF’s long-standing commitment and investments in the sustainable management of the Congo basin,” said GEF CEO and Chairperson Carlos Manuel Rodríguez. “By funding this crucial effort in support of sustainable management of water and land resources while averting pollution and land degradation, the GEF also contributes to maintaining the ecosystem functions of this gigantic forest system in supporting the stability of the regional and global hydrological cycle.” 

    Over the past 30 years, changes in rainfall patterns have progressively decreased water levels and reduced runoff in the Ubangi River by up to 18%. Coupled with the erosion, this further accentuated the siltation of the river, which is not only detrimental to biodiversity but also cripples navigation, limits trade and restricts access to residential areas. Alternating with drought periods, destructive floods are another harsh reality affecting hundreds of thousands of people in the region over the last decade, leading to population displacement to neighbouring countries.  

    The new GEF initiative will enable more effective binational cooperation in decision-making and the political monitoring of water crises by establishing a joint observatory and shared tools and data protocols between the DRC and CAR to enhance forecasting, prevention, and common crisis management measures. To combat biodiversity loss caused by human activities in the river basin, practical demonstrations of nature-based solutions —such as agroforestry, conservation farming and ecosystem rehabilitation— will be carried out on site. 

    Ensuring social inclusivity and promoting a “whole of society” approach, the project will roll out a framework for dialogue and exchange among stakeholders, including regional and local authorities, the private sector (particularly local small to medium-sized enterprises), young professionals, and female community leaders. This aims to strengthen local actors’ capability to contribute to shared watercourse management through training and capacity-building, and to assist them in formulating strategies to resolve common challenges. 

    Anthony Nyong, Director of the Climate Change and Green Growth Department at the African Development Bank, stated: “The Bank welcomes this GEF-supported initiative to strengthen cooperation in the Ubangi basin, enhance local resilience, and promote women’s leadership. Its nature-based, people-centred approach aligns with our High 5s and offers a model for basin-wide collaboration in Africa.” 

    With $67 million mobilised in co-financing, the GEF initiative complements a pre-existing project entitled “Regional Support Programme for the Development of Cross-border Water Infrastructure and Resources between the Central African Republic (CAR) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – PREDIRE”, being implemented by the African Development Bank, by mainstreaming environmental, ecosystem and participative approaches into the sectors of water, agriculture and transport. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: IT threat evolution in Q1 2025. Non-mobile statistics

    Source: Securelist – Kaspersky

    Headline: IT threat evolution in Q1 2025. Non-mobile statistics

    IT threat evolution in Q1 2025. Non-mobile statistics
    IT threat evolution in Q1 2025. Mobile statistics

    The statistics in this report are based on detection verdicts returned by Kaspersky products unless otherwise stated. The information was provided by Kaspersky users who consented to sharing statistical data.

    The quarter in numbers

    In Q1 2025:

    • Kaspersky products blocked more than 629 million attacks that originated with various online resources.
    • Web Anti-Virus detected 88 million unique links.
    • File Anti-Virus blocked more than 21 million malicious and potentially unwanted objects.
    • Nearly 12,000 new ransomware variants were detected.
    • More than 85,000 users experienced ransomware attacks.
    • RansomHub was involved in attacks on 11% of all ransomware victims whose data was published on data leak sites (DLSs). Slightly under 11% encountered the Akira and Clop ransomware.
    • Almost 315,000 users faced miners.

    Ransomware

    Law enforcement success

    Phobos Aetor, a joint international effort by law enforcement agencies from the United States, Great Britain, Germany, France and several other countries, resulted in the arrest of four suspected members of 8Base. They are accused of carrying out more than 1000 cyberattacks around the world with the help of the Phobos ransomware. The suspects were arrested in Thailand and charged with extorting more than $16 million dollars in Bitcoin. According to law enforcement officials, the multinational operation resulted in the seizure of more than 40 assets, including computers, phones, and cryptocurrency wallets. Additionally, law enforcement took down 27 servers linked to the cybercrime gang.

    An ongoing effort to combat LockBit led to the extradition of a suspected ransomware developer to the United States. Arrested in Israel last August, the suspect is accused of receiving more than $230,000 in cryptocurrency for his work with the group between June 2022 and February 2024.

    Vulnerabilities and attacks, BYOVD, and EDR bypassing

    The first quarter saw a series of vulnerabilities detected in Paragon Partition Manager. They were assigned the identifiers CVE-2025-0288, CVE-2025-0287, CVE-2025-0286, CVE-2025-0285, and CVE-2025-0289. According to researchers, ransomware gangs had been exploiting the vulnerabilities to gain Windows SYSTEM privileges during BYOVD (bring your own vulnerable driver) attacks.

    Akira exploited a vulnerability in a webcam to try and bypass endpoint detection and response (EDR) and encrypt files on the organization’s network over the SMB protocol. The attackers found that their Windows ransomware was being detected and blocked by the security solution. To bypass it, they found a vulnerable network webcam in the targeted organization that was running a Linux-based operating system and was not protected by EDR. The attackers were able to evade detection by compromising the webcam, mounting network drives of other machines, and running the Linux version of their ransomware on the camera.

    HellCat leveraged compromised Jira credentials to attack a series of companies, including Ascom, Jaguar Land Rover, and Affinitiv. According to researchers, the threat actors obtain credentials by infecting employees’ computers with Trojan stealers like Lumma.

    Other developments

    An unidentified source posted Matrix chat logs belonging to the Black Basta gang. The logs feature information about the gang’s attack techniques and vulnerabilities that it exploited. In addition, the logs contain details about the group’s internal structure and its members, as well as more than 367 unique ZoomInfo links that the attackers used to gather data on potential victims.

    BlackLock was compromised due to a vulnerability in the threat actor’s data leak site (DLS). Researchers who discovered the vulnerability gained access to confidential information about the group and its activities, including configuration files, login credentials, and the history of commands run on the server. DragonForce, a rival ransomware outfit, exploited the same security flaw to deface the DLS. They changed the site’s appearance, and made BlackLock’s internal chat logs and certain configuration files publicly available.

    The most prolific groups

    This section highlights the most prolific ransomware groups by number of victims that each added to their DLS during the reporting period. RansomHub, which stood out in 2024, remained the leader by number of new victims with 11.03%. Akira (10.89%) and Clop (10.69%) followed close behind.

    The number of the group’s victims according to its DLS as a percentage of all groups’ victims published on all the DLSs reviewed during the reporting period (download)

    Number of new modifications

    In the first quarter, Kaspersky solutions detected three new ransomware families and 11,733 new variants – almost four times more than in the fourth quarter of 2024. This is due to the large number of samples that our solutions categorized as belonging to the Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Gen family.

    New ransomware variants, Q1 2024 – Q1 2025 (download)

    Number of users attacked by ransomware Trojans

    The number of unique KSN users protected is 85,474.

    Number of unique users attacked by ransomware Trojans, Q1 2025 (download)

    Attack geography

    Top 10 countries and territories attacked by ransomware Trojans

    Country/territory* %**
    1 Oman 0.661
    2 Libya 0.643
    3 South Korea 0.631
    4 China 0.626
    5 Bangladesh 0.472
    6 Iraq 0.452
    7 Rwanda 0.443
    8 Pakistan 0.441
    9 Tajikistan 0.439
    10 Sri Lanka 0.419

    * Excluded are countries and territories with relatively few (under 50,000) Kaspersky product users.
    ** Unique users whose computers were attacked by ransomware Trojans as a percentage of all unique Kaspersky product users in the country/territory

    TOP 10 most common ransomware Trojan families

    Name Verdict* %**
    1 (generic verdict) Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Gen 25.10
    2 WannaCry Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Wanna 8.19
    3 (generic verdict) Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Encoder 6.70
    4 (generic verdict) Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Crypren 6.65
    5 (generic verdict) Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Agent 3.95
    6 Cryakl/CryLock Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Cryakl 3.16
    7 LockBit Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Lockbit 3.15
    8 (generic verdict) Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Phny 2.90
    9 PolyRansom/VirLock Virus.Win32.PolyRansom / Trojan-Ransom.Win32.PolyRansom 2.73
    10 (generic verdict) Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Crypmod 2.66

    * Unique Kaspersky product users attacked by the specific ransomware Trojan family as a percentage of all unique users attacked by this type of threat.

    Miners

    Number of new modifications

    In the first quarter of 2025, Kaspersky solutions detected 5,467 new miner variants.

    New miner variants, Q1 2025 (download)

    Number of users attacked by miners

    Miners were fairly active in the first quarter. During the reporting period, we detected miner attacks on the computers of 315,701 unique Kaspersky product users worldwide.

    Number of unique users attacked by miners, Q1 2025 (download)

    Attack geography

    Top 10 countries and territories attacked by miners

    Country/territory* %**
    1 Senegal 2.59
    2 Kazakhstan 1.36
    3 Panama 1.28
    4 Belarus 1.22
    5 Ethiopia 1.09
    6 Tajikistan 1.07
    7 Moldova 0.90
    8 Dominican Republic 0.86
    9 Kyrgyzstan 0.84
    10 Tanzania 0.82

    * Excluded are countries and territories with relatively few (under 50,000) Kaspersky product users.
    ** Unique users whose computers were attacked by miners as a percentage of all unique Kaspersky product users in the country/territory.

    Attacks on macOS

    The first quarter saw the discovery of a new Trojan loader for macOS. This is a Go-based variant of ReaderUpdate, which has previously appeared in Python, Crystal, Rust, and Nim versions. These loaders are typically used to download intrusive adware, but there is nothing stopping them from delivering any kind of Trojan.

    During the reporting period researchers identified new loaders from the Ferret malware family which were being distributed by attackers through fake online job interview invitations. These Trojans are believed to be part of an ongoing campaign that began in December 2022. The original members of the Ferret family date back to late 2024. Past versions of the loader delivered both a backdoor and a crypto stealer.

    Throughout the first quarter, various modifications of the Amos stealer were the most aggressively distributed Trojans. Amos is designed to steal user passwords, cryptocurrency wallet data, browser cookies, and documents. In this campaign, threat actors frequently modify their Trojan obfuscation techniques to evade detection, generating thousands of obfuscated files to overwhelm security solutions.

    TOP 20 threats to macOS

    (download)

    * Unique users who encountered this malware as a percentage of all attacked users of Kaspersky security solutions for macOS.
    * Data for the previous quarter may differ slightly from previously published data due to certain verdicts being retrospectively revised.

    As usual, a significant share of the most common threats to macOS consists of potentially unwanted applications: adware, spyware tracking user activity, fake cleaners, and reverse proxies like NetTool. Amos Trojans, which we mentioned earlier, also gained popularity in the first quarter. Trojan.OSX.Agent.gen, which holds the third spot in the rankings, is a generic verdict that detects a wide variety of malware.

    Geography of threats to macOS

    TOP 10 countries and territories by share of attacked users

    Country/territory Q4 2024* Q1 2025*
    Spain 1.16% 1.02%
    France 1.52% 0.96%
    Hong Kong 1.21% 0.83%
    Singapore 0.32% 0.75%
    Mexico 0.85% 0.74%
    Germany 0.96% 0.74%
    Mainland China 0.73% 0.68%
    Brazil 0.66% 0.61%
    Russian Federation 0.50% 0.53%
    India 0.84% 0.51%

    * Unique users who encountered threats to macOS as a percentage of all unique Kaspersky product users in the country/territory.

    IoT threat statistics

    This section presents statistics on attacks targeting Kaspersky IoT honeypots. The geographic data on attack sources is based on the IP addresses of attacking devices.

    In the first quarter of 2025, the share of devices that attacked Kaspersky honeypots via the Telnet protocol increased again, following a decline at the end of 2024.

    Distribution of attacked services by number of unique IP addresses of attacking devices (download)

    The distribution of attacks across Telnet and SSH remained virtually unchanged compared to the fourth quarter of 2024.

    Distribution of attackers’ sessions in Kaspersky honeypots (download)

    TOP 10 threats delivered to IoT devices:

    Share of each threat uploaded to an infected device as a result of a successful attack in the total number of uploaded threats (download)

    A significant portion of the most widespread IoT threats continues to be made up of various Mirai DDoS botnet variants. BitCoinMiner also saw active distribution in the first quarter, accounting for 7.32% of detections. The number of attacks by the NyaDrop botnet (19.31%) decreased compared to the fourth quarter of 2024.

    Geography of attacks on IoT honeypots

    When looking at SSH attacks by country/territory, mainland China’s share has declined, while attacks coming from Brazil have seen a noticeable increase. There was also a slight uptick in attacks coming from the United States, Indonesia, Australia, and Vietnam.

    Country/territory Q4 2024 Q1 2025
    Mainland China 32.99% 20.52%
    India 19.13% 19.16%
    Russian Federation 9.46% 9.16%
    Brazil 2.18% 8.48%
    United States 4.90% 5.52%
    Indonesia 1.37% 3.99%
    Hong Kong 2.81% 3.46%
    Australia 1.31% 2.75%
    France 3.53% 2.54%
    Vietnam 1.41% 2.27%

    The share of Telnet attacks originating from China and India dropped, while Brazil, Nigeria, and Indonesia took a noticeably larger share.

    Country/territory Q4 2024 Q1 2025
    China 44.67% 39.82%
    India 33.79% 30.07%
    Brazil 2.62% 12.03%
    Russian Federation 6.52% 5.14%
    Pakistan 5.77% 3.99%
    Nigeria 0.50% 3.01%
    Indonesia 0.58% 2.25%
    United States 0.42% 0.68%
    Ukraine 0.79% 0.67%
    Sweden 0.42% 0.33%

    Attacks via web resources

    The statistics in this section are based on detection verdicts by Web Anti-Virus, which protects users when suspicious objects are downloaded from malicious or infected web pages. Cybercriminals create malicious pages on purpose. Websites that host user-created content, such as forums, as well as compromised legitimate sites, can become infected.

    Countries and territories that serve as sources of web-based attacks: the TOP 10

    This section contains a geographical distribution of sources of online attacks blocked by Kaspersky products: web pages that redirect to exploits, sites that host exploits and other malware, botnet C&C centers, and so on. Any unique host could be the source of one or more web-based attacks.
    To determine the geographical source of web-based attacks, domain names were matched against their actual IP addresses, and then the geographical location of a specific IP address (GeoIP) was established.

    In the first quarter of 2025, Kaspersky solutions blocked 629,211,451 attacks launched from online resources across the globe. Web Anti-Virus detected 88,389,361 unique URLs.

    Geographical distribution of sources of web-based attacks by country/territory, Q1 2025 (download)

    Countries and territories where users faced the greatest risk of online infection

    To assess the risk of online infection faced by PC users in various countries and territories, for each country or territory, we calculated the percentage of Kaspersky users on whose computers Web Anti-Virus was triggered during the reporting period. The resulting data reflects the aggressiveness of the environment in which computers operate in different countries and territories.

    These rankings only include attacks by malicious objects that belong in the Malware category. Our calculations do not include Web Anti-Virus detections of potentially dangerous or unwanted programs, such as RiskTool or adware.

    Country/territory* %**
    1 North Macedonia 10.17
    2 Albania 9.96
    3 Algeria 9.92
    4 Bangladesh 9.92
    5 Tunisia 9.80
    6 Slovakia 9.77
    7 Greece 9.66
    8 Serbia 9.44
    9 Tajikistan 9.28
    10 Turkey 9.10
    11 Peru 8.78
    12 Portugal 8.70
    13 Nepal 8.38
    14 Philippines 8.33
    15 Romania 8.26
    16 Sri Lanka 8.20
    17 Bulgaria 8.19
    18 Madagascar 8.14
    19 Hungary 8.12
    20 Egypt 8.12

    * Excluded are countries and territories with relatively few (under 10,000) Kaspersky product users.
    ** Unique users targeted by web-based Malware attacks as a percentage of all unique Kaspersky product users in the country/territory.

    On average during the quarter, 6.46% of users’ computers worldwide were subjected to at least one web-based Malware attack.

    Local threats

    Statistics on local infections of user computers are an important indicator. They include objects that penetrated the target computer by infecting files or removable media, or initially made their way onto the computer in non-transparent form. Examples of the latter are programs in complex installers and encrypted files.

    Data in this section is based on analyzing statistics produced by anti-virus scans of files on the hard drive at the moment they were created or accessed, and the results of scanning removable storage media. The statistics are based on detection verdicts from the OAS (on-access scan) and ODS (on-demand scan) modules of File Anti-Virus. The data includes detections of malicious programs located on user computers or removable media connected to the computers, such as flash drives, camera memory cards, phones, or external hard drives.

    In the first quarter of 2025, our File Anti-Virus detected 21,533,464 malicious and potentially unwanted objects.

    Countries and territories where users faced the highest risk of local infection

    For each country and territory, we calculated the percentage of Kaspersky product users on whose computers File Anti-Virus was triggered during the reporting period. These statistics reflect the level of personal computer infection in various countries and territories across the globe.

    The rankings only include attacks by malicious objects that belong in the Malware category. Our calculations do not include File Anti-Virus detections of potentially dangerous or unwanted programs, such as RiskTool or adware.

    Country/territory* %**
    1 Turkmenistan 47.41
    2 Tajikistan 37.23
    3 Afghanistan 36.92
    4 Yemen 35.80
    5 Cuba 32.08
    6 Uzbekistan 31.31
    7 Gabon 27.55
    8 Syria 26.50
    9 Vietnam 25.88
    10 Belarus 25.68
    11 Algeria 25.02
    12 Bangladesh 24.86
    13 Iraq 24.77
    14 Cameroon 24.28
    15 Burundi 24.28
    16 Tanzania 24.23
    17 Niger 24.01
    18 Madagascar 23.74
    19 Kyrgyzstan 23.73
    20 Nicaragua 23.72

    * Excluded are countries and territories with relatively few (under 10,000) Kaspersky product users.
    ** Unique users on whose computers local Malware threats were blocked, as a percentage of all unique users of Kaspersky products in the country/territory.

    On average worldwide, local Malware threats were recorded on 13.62% of users’ computers at least once during the quarter.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Minister Ramokgopa announces preferred bidders for the 3rd bid window of the BESIPPPP

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements-2)

    MINISTER RAMOKGOPA TO ANNOUNCE PREFERRED BIDDERS FOR THE 3rd BID WINDOW OF THE BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE INDEPENDENT POWER PROCUREMENT PROGRAMME (BESIPPPP)

    Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, announces the selection of Preferred Bidders under the BESIPPPP Bid Window

    This announcement aligns with the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP 2019) and relevant Ministerial Determinations that govern procurement under the Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme (IPPPP).

    In 2020, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy established a target to procure 28GW of new generation capacity through the IPPPP. To date, eight bid windows have been released, including the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (RMIPPPP), Renewable Energy IPP Procurement (REIPPPP) Bid Windows 5, 6, and 7, Battery Energy Storage IPP Procurement (BESIPPPP) Bid Windows 1, 2, and 3, and the Gas to Power Independent Power Procurement Programme (GASIPPPP) Bid Window 1.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewh-c77zQoY

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Cold front expected to bring adverse weather 

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Thursday, June 5, 2025

    A well-developed cold front is expected to make landfall this weekend, bringing adverse weather to most of the western parts of the country, says the South African Weather Service (SAWS).

    The weather service has advised the public and small stock farmers to prepare for cold to very cold, wet, and windy conditions, including snowfall, very rough seas, and strong winds. 

    The cold front will make landfall early on Saturday morning while progressing eastward over the course of the weekend.

    “The highest 24-hour rainfall amounts are expected on Saturday, with 10 to 20 mm likely over the western parts of the Western Cape and 30 to 40 mm over the mountainous regions. 

    “Elsewhere, light rain and showers are possible. Light snowfall is also likely over the Western Cape mountains and the southern high-lying areas of the Northern Cape,” the SAWS said on Wednesday.

    The weather conditions will result in difficult driving conditions and flooded roads, short disruption to essential services as well as difficulty in navigation at sea due to very rough and choppy seas. –SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Condolences for Rashid Lombard

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent his condolences following the passing of photographer and jazz promoter, Rashid Lombard.

    “We have lost a cultural icon who not only documented our history of struggle but made history in his own right.

    “Rashid Lombard’s fearless depiction of apartheid’s endemic inhumanity and violence and his compassionate focus on the lives of oppressed communities and disadvantaged individuals is a powerful record of our struggle for basic human rights and dignity,” the President said in a statement on Wednesday.

    The renowned photographer, cultural activist and jazz organiser passed away at the age of 74.

    Lombard was an esteemed member of the National Order of Ikhamanga (Silver), which he received in 2014 for his excellent contribution to arts and culture and his dedication to promoting jazz music that has put South Africa on the map for many jazz enthusiasts around the world.

    “His creative and entrepreneurial ability gave rise to his establishment of the Cape Town Jazz Festival through which he bolstered South Africa’s integration into global culture and linked this prestige event to the development of historically disadvantaged communities.

    “Rashid achieved a remarkable feat with his love for the diversity and vibrancy of our nation.
    “He did so with passion and humility that endeared him to everyone with whom he interacted and whose lives he touched. We reflect on his life with gratitude and with liberation and joy he leaves behind as his legacy,” said the President.

    Expressing sadness at his passing, President Ramaphosa offered his condolences to the Lombard family and his extensive network of friends, comrades and creatives nationally and internationally.

    Lombard had been the organiser behind the positioning of South Africa through the arts in the North Sea Jazz Festival, Cape Town, now known as the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, and was the Festival Director of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.

    He was born in North End, Gqeberha, and moved to Cape Town in 1962.

    Originally qualified as an architectural draughtsman, Lombard became an industrial photographer and later a renowned news and documentary photographer, and photographic artist.

    He built on his creative media career by becoming an influential jazz promoter and founder of the then Cape Town edition of the North Sea Jazz Festival. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Deputy President to launch the Clean Cities and Towns campaign

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Thursday, June 5, 2025

    Deputy President Paul Mashatile will launch a nationwide initiative aimed at creating cleaner, greener, and more inclusive urban spaces.

    “The Clean Cities and Towns campaign is envisaged to start a nationwide movement, encouraging citizens to come together for community cleaning activities throughout townships and villages.

    “This unified effort will not only promote cleaner surroundings but also cultivate a sense of community spirit and pride,” the Presidency said in a statement on Thursday.

    Friday’s launch will take place at the Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication in Kliptown, Soweto.

    The movement also seeks to promote sustainability, equality, and solidarity among all citizens.

    The Deputy President’s Office announced that this initiative will enhance the commitments made by the Deputy President at the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) Lekgotla earlier this year, which aim to tackle both environmental and socio-economic challenges. 

    In addition, this initiative will be part of a larger service delivery effort by the government, aligned with the District Development Model (DDM), of which the Deputy President is a champion.

    Deputy President Mashatile, along with Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero, and senior government officials, will participate in clean-up activities. 

    The events will include tree planting and cleaning at the Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Minister McKenzie pays tribute to Rashid Lombard

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has described the late Rashid Lombard as a storyteller who was unafraid to document South African history.

    The acclaimed photographer, cultural activist, and jazz promoter passed away peacefully on Wednesday at the age of 74, surrounded by his loved ones.

    “Rashid Lombard was more than a photographer. He was a storyteller and freedom fighter who used his camera as a weapon for justice. He captured truth when others looked away, showing the world our pain, pride, struggle, and strength. Rashid gave us history and memories that speak louder than words. Today, we honour a true artist who told our story with heart, honesty, and deep respect. South Africa has lost a giant,” the Minister said in his tribute to Lombard.

    This as he joined President Cyril Ramaphosa in conveying his condolences. President Ramaphosa said the country had lost a cultural icon who not only documented the history of the struggle for freedom but made history in his own right.

    Rashid who will be laid to rest according to Muslim rites on Thursday morning, was born on 10 April 1951 in North End, Gqeberha. 

    He relocated with his family to Cape Town in 1962. He initially trained as an architectural draftsman and later pursued a career in industrial photography, beginning his professional path at the construction firm Murray & Roberts.

    “As a young boy in the Eastern Cape, he lived in a community where people of all races coexisted. Black, White, Coloured, Indian and Chinese families shared neighbourhoods, exchanged stories and formed bonds that apartheid later sought to destroy. It was a glimpse of what a united South Africa could be.

    “The arrival of apartheid brought violence and forced removals. Families were relocated based solely on the colour of their skin, and many of Lombard’s childhood friends disappeared, never to be seen again. 

    “This trauma deeply affected him and heightened his awareness of injustice. These early experiences, along with the Black Consciousness Movement, inspired his lifelong commitment to justice and equality,” the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture said.
    He chose to fight not with weapons but with his camera. During South Africa’s struggle for liberation, he worked as a freelance photographer and television sound recordist. 

    His lens witnessed history, capturing the pain, courage and hope of a people longing for freedom.

    He documented key moments such as the growing democracy movement in the 1980s, Nelson Mandela’s release in 1990, and the first democratic election in 1994. His images reached global audiences through major outlets like Agence France-Presse, the BBC and NBC, offering the world a powerful view of South Africa’s journey.

    “As democracy took hold, Lombard turned his energy to jazz, another lifelong passion. He held leadership roles at Fine Music Radio and P4 Smooth Jazz Radio before founding espAfrika in 1997. Through this company, he launched the Cape Town International Jazz Festival in 2000, directing it until 2014.

    “The festival grew into one of Africa’s largest and most respected cultural events, showcasing local talent alongside international stars and putting Cape Town firmly on the global jazz map.

    “Even after retiring, he remained committed to preserving South Africa’s cultural heritage. He undertook the important task of digitising his extensive photographic archive, a project begun by his late wife, Colleen. Working with the National Archives and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, he ensured the collection would be accessible as a national treasure. His family continues this vital work today,” the Ministry said.

    In 2010, he published “Jazz Rocks”, a photographic tribute curated by the late George Hallett. The book captures the spirit, energy and connection of jazz through Rashid’s distinctive lens.

    In 2014, Lombard was honoured with the National Order of Ikhamanga in Silver. This prestigious award recognised his exceptional impact on the arts, cultural preservation and the global celebration of South African jazz. –SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Video: MINISTER RAMOKGOPA ANNOUNCES PREFERRED BIDDERS FOR THE 3RD BID WINDOW OF THE BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements-2)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDsbnJ-ZLIc

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Deputy Minister Kenny Morolong delivers keynote address at North West outreach and community media e

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements-2)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1iyQymatsg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change of British High Commissioner to Lesotho: Martine Sobey

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Change of British High Commissioner to Lesotho: Martine Sobey

    Mrs Martine Sobey has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Kingdom of Lesotho in succession to Mr Harry MacDonald.

    Martine Sobey

    Mrs Martine Sobey has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Kingdom of Lesotho in succession to Mr Harry MacDonald who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mrs Sobey will take up her appointment during September 2025.

    Curriculum vitae         

    Full name: Martine Sunshine Sobey       

    Year Role
    2023 to present Abuja, Climate Change and Nature Team Lead
    2022 to 2023 BEIS-FCDO, Team Leader, Joint International Forests Unit
    2021 to 2022 BEIS, Team Leader Forests, Land Use and Carbon Markets
    2019 to 2020 BEIS, Bilateral Partnerships Lead, International Climate Finance
    2019 Joined Civil Service
    2017 to 2019 Rockefeller Foundation, Senior Manager – Africa Region
    2009 to 2017 Environment, climate and international development consulting roles
    2008 to 2009 King’s College London, Masters in Climate Change, Environment and Globalisation

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Email the FCDO Newsdesk (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 5 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: D. Trump signed a document banning entry from 12 countries

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    LOS ANGELES, June 5 (Xinhua) — U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday evening signed a proclamation banning travel from 12 countries on national security grounds.

    The White House said the document completely bans entry for citizens of Afghanistan, Haiti, Iran, Yemen, Libya, Myanmar, the Republic of Congo, Somalia, Sudan, Chad, Equatorial Guinea and Eritrea. These countries were found to be “deficient in their background checks and determined to pose a very high risk to the United States,” the statement said.

    In addition, the decree partially restricts entry for citizens of seven countries: Burundi, Venezuela, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo and Turkmenistan.

    The ban is set to come into effect on June 9 at 00:01.

    “The restrictions imposed by this proclamation are necessary to secure the cooperation of foreign governments, enforce our immigration laws, and advance other important foreign policy, national security, and counterterrorism goals,” the White House said.

    The ban does not apply to lawful permanent residents of the United States, holders of valid visas, recipients of certain categories of visas, or persons whose entry is in the national interest of the United States. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Atos to deliver key IT services and applications for UEFA Nations League Finals™ 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

                                                                    Press Release

    Atos to deliver key IT services and applications for UEFA Nations League Finals™ 2025

    Paris, France – 5 June, 2025 – Atos, the Official Information Technology Partner of UEFA National Team Football, will deliver key IT services and applications support for the UEFA Nations League Finals™(UNLF) 2025, taking place from June 4 to June 8, 2025, in Germany. Atos’ expertise will once again support hundreds of millions of fans worldwide to share the electrifying experience of one of the highest profile football tournaments.

    To provide the best experience for all stakeholders, from the European football family to fans and media, Atos will be responsible for managing core IT planning and operations systems all requiring the highest level of reliability, efficiency and security. These solutions include:

    • Event Management systems including accreditation, access control solutions, competitions solutions, radio communication and service desk services.
    • Diffusion system like the football service platform, the mobile app, the website including some embedded gaming functionalities such as match predictor and quiz about competitions.
    • End-to-end cybersecurity services, from compliance and threat intelligence to on-the-ground and hybrid-cloud security.

    Since the inception of their partnership in 2022, Atos have assisted UEFA on a day-to-day basis to manage, improve, and optimize its complex technology landscape and in facing new technology challenges. In a new data consumption era, large sport associations need to keep pace with the expectations of their audiences, especially the youth fan base, who are craving for more personalization, technology and data, engagement and real-time information. To meet these challenges, Atos and UEFA have been striving to continuously introduce innovations driving immersive fan experiences with secure, real-time data and deliver best-in class, AI-powered IT solutions.

    Atos, helped make the UEFA EURO 2024™ a tremendous success, supporting over 200 applications, over 6 million app download, almost 1.3 billion email and app push notifications, and a cumulated live audience of over 5 billion. Atos and UEFA also introduced innovative applications like the Football Service Platform, providing data and statistics such as results, line-ups, live match events, players status and ranking of all UEFA teams, transforming all stakeholders’ experience.

    The entire Atos team, from the IT Command Center of UEFA in Nyon (Switzerland) to the delivery centers in Madrid and Barcelona (Spain), as well as Egypt, Poland, Romania and France are committed on daily basis to making sure UEFA is well-prepared to deliver exceptional experiences to fans around the world.

    “We are excited to feel the competition pressure building up as we enter the last stages of UEFA Nations League preparation. Our team is working tirelessly to make sure we once again deliver a secure, flawless and innovative service to UEFA and provide all football fans with an unforgettable tournament experience.” said Nacho Moros, Head of Atos Major Events.

    “Since the beginning of our partnership with Atos in 2022, we have been making advances in the quality of services we are introducing and providing to all the Football stakeholders. We are confident that the 2025 edition of the Nations League will once again leverage the most advanced technologies to provide all football fans an amazing experience”, stated Hosni Ajala, Chief of ICT at UEFA.

    Atos has been serving its partners and customers through a dedicated in-house sports and major events division (“Major Events”) for over 3 decades, giving it an unmatched experience and the flexibility to serve its customers regardless of their exposure, size and scale. From global events to local competitions, Atos consistently strives to deliver technology excellence to its entire customer base. 

    Atos has been involved with the Olympic Movement since 1992 and the Paralympic Movement since 2002 and is the Official Digital Technology Partner of the European Olympic Committees, as well as the official Digital partner for Special Olympics International. The company is also the Official Information Technology Partner of UEFA National Team Football. Most recently, Atos has been instrumental in delivering successful leading-edge IT services for iconic events such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 or inspiring events such as Invictus Games Vancouver 2025 or the Special Olympics Torino Winter Games 2025. 

    To learn more about Atos solutions for sporting events and major events, visit  Atos Major event. 

    ***

    About Atos Group

    Atos Group is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 72,000 employees and annual revenue of c. € 10 billion, operating in 68 countries under two brands — Atos for services and Eviden for products. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, Atos Group is committed to a secure and decarbonized future and provides tailored AI-powered, end-to-end solutions for all industries. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris.

    The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

    Press contact

    Laurent Massicot – laurent.massicot@atos.net – 33 (0)7 69 48 01 80

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Enko Capital welcomes commitment from IFC to new Impact Credit Fund

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  Enko Capital (“Enko”), an African-focused asset management firm managing debt, private debt, equity and private equity investments across Africa, has welcomed commitment from International Finance Corporation (“IFC”) to its new Impact Credit Fund (“EICF”).

    The commitment has been confirmed by IFC with the planned equity investment in the fund being up to the lower of US$25 million or 20% of total Limited Partner (LP) commitment to EICF. The project is being processed under IFC’s Debt Funds Project (DFP) Investment Framework. 

    EICF is Enko’s first private credit vehicle. It has a target LP commitment size of US$150 million, targeting US$80 million at first close, expected to take place in Q3 2025. EICF’s objective is to invest in a diversified portfolio of USD denominated senior secured and unsecured debt to mid-sized corporates in sub-Saharan Africa, excluding South Africa. 

    EICF will seek to invest in SDG-aligned, ESG focused and gender-oriented businesses, while generating commercial returns and utilising guarantees, insurance wraps and collateral to hedge downside credit risks.  

    Alain Nkontchou, Managing Partner of Enko, said, “We are delighted to have received this invaluable support from IFC for our debut private credit fund. The fund will provide critical growth capital for mid-market SMEs on the continent and will deliver both positive social impact and compelling risk-adjusted returns. This growth capital can help address the massive funding gap which businesses on the continent face while driving sustainable development.”

    About Enko:

    Enko Capital (“Enko”), is an African-focused asset management firm managing debt, private debt, equity and private equity investments across Africa. Enko offers deep knowledge of the continent combined with best-in-class investment expertise. Enko was founded in 2008 by Alain and Cyrille Nkontchou, and has over $1bn in assets under management.

    Contact:

    nick.white@enkocapital.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Expands Global Availability of Sleep Apnea Feature on Galaxy Watch Series

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics announced today that the Sleep Apnea feature1 on the Galaxy Watch series — available through the Samsung Health Monitor app2 — is expanding to 34 European markets,3 as well as Australia and Singapore, bringing the global total to 70 markets.4
     
    This growth follows the feature’s receipt of CE (Conformité Européenne or European Conformity) marking for the European Economic Area. The CE marking affirms that Samsung meets the European Union’s health, safety and environmental protection standards, reinforcing its leadership in sleep technology. Additionally, the feature was recently approved by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration and Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority.
     
    The milestone builds on Samsung’s groundbreaking De Novo authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — the first of its kind for a wearable device to detect signs of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.5 The Sleep Apnea feature was also approved by Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Brazil’s health regulatory agency ANVISA and Health Canada.
     
    Recognizing the critical role of sleep in overall health, Samsung is committed to helping users improve sleep quality by understanding their sleep patterns, providing personalized sleep coaching and optimizing their sleep environments. With the Sleep Apnea feature, more users can now detect symptoms6 earlier — helping to prevent health issues associated with this common yet often undiagnosed condition.
     
    The Sleep Apnea feature reflects Samsung’s ongoing commitment to providing users with meaningful insights to support healthy sleep habits. By expanding access to this FDA-authorized feature globally, Samsung is empowering users worldwide to take proactive steps toward better sleep health.
     

     
     
    1 The Sleep Apnea feature is an over-the-counter (OTC), software-only mobile medical application operating on compatible Galaxy Watch series models and Galaxy smartphones. It is intended to detect signs of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in the form of significant breathing disruptions in adult users age 22 and older over a two-night monitoring period. The feature is designed for on-demand use and is not intended for individuals previously diagnosed with sleep apnea. Users should not rely on this feature as a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment by a qualified healthcare provider. The data provided by this device is also not intended to assist clinicians in diagnosing sleep disorders.
    2 Availability may vary by market, carrier, model or paired smartphone. The feature is available on Galaxy Watch4 series and later models running Wear OS 5.0 or later and must be paired with a Galaxy smartphone running Android 12.0 or later. Due to regulatory restrictions in obtaining approval and registration as a Software as a Medical Device (SaMD), the feature only works on supported Galaxy Watch series models and Galaxy smartphones purchased in markets where the service is currently available. Service may be restricted when users travel to unsupported markets.
    3 Availability may vary depending on country-specific registration in some European markets.
    4 Supported markets include Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mexico, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norfolk Island, Norway, Oman, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Réunion, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Venezuela, Vietnam and Yemen.
    5 Considered a common yet serious medical condition, sleep apnea causes someone to stop breathing while asleep, which can result in disruptions in oxygen supply, lower sleep quality, and other health complications such as hypertension, cardiac disorder, stroke or cognitive disorder.
    6 The Sleep Apnea feature utilizes the BioActive Sensor to measure blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂) during sleep. It analyzes changes in SpO₂ levels related to apnea and hypopnea patterns and estimates the Apnea-Hypopnea Index to inform users of potential symptoms.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC Drives Stablecoin Expansion After $20M USDe Purchase and $100M TVL Milestone

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, is shaping its long-term strategy, based on its mission – making crypto more accessible to everyone and building trust within the community. Being a significant player in the market, MEXC drives the whole industry. The effect of its recent investments on the crypto space globally is hard to overestimate.

    As part of this strategy, the exchange has previously made a significant investment of $16 million in Ethena, a leading innovator in the stablecoin space. The investment follows MEXC’s recent acquisition of $20 million worth of USDe, Ethena’s synthetic dollar, which caused a surge in ENA’s trading volume and boosted USDe’s total value locked (TVL).

    In May 2025, the TVL of USDe in MEXC recorded a value above $100 million, making it the second-largest holder of USDe TVL among centralized exchanges. This growth aligns with the broader rise of USDe, whose circulating supply has reached nearly $5.2 billion — making it the fourth-largest stablecoin by market capitalization. The trust in this coin is backed up by several factors. In contrast to some highly volatile crypto assets, USDe exhibits greater price stability. Also, Ethena employs a unique strategy for maintaining the dollar peg, combining derivatives and on-chain liquidity.

    To encourage users to experience and trade USDe, MEXC launched several events and promotional campaigns, including one with an impressive prize pool of $1 million. Other incentives include zero trading fees, presented as a limited-time Trader’s Fest, aimed at attracting crypto professionals and those who are making their first steps. Within this offering, traders can take advantage of zero-fee trading pairs.

    To appeal to risk-averse crypto investors, MEXC comes out with exclusive staking rewards with generous APR (annual percentage rate). These incentives, targeted to various crypto user groups, offer simplicity, innovation and customization. They drive industry as a whole and build confidence among market participants by promoting stablecoins as a more trustworthy instrument and emphasizing transparency and security of operations.

    These efforts, benefiting not only MEXC itself, but the crypto market on a larger scale, are followed by astonishing numbers. For instance, in March, the quantity of ENA holders increased by 30%, ENA TVL increased by 14%, and the daily trading volume of ENA increased by 885%. The average spot daily trading volume in March increased by 557% compared to February’s numbers.

    By May 2025, ENA’s market capitalization reached 1.96 billion USD, marking a substantial growth from February 2025, when its market cap was approximately half that amount at 1.07 billion USD.

    To sum up, MEXC, a cryptocurrency exchange with a years-long history (it was founded in 2018) is making investments in innovative, but at the same time secure instruments. This move emphasizes MEXC’s values and sets positive trends for the crypto industry in the long-term perspective.

    About MEXC
    Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 40 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.
    MEXC Official Website｜ X ｜ Telegram ｜How to Sign Up on MEXC

    For media inquiries, please contact MEXC PR Manager Lucia Hu: lucia.hu@mexc.com

    Source

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by MEXC. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

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    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ee886fd6-a86d-483a-bc84-6114b3f85355

    The MIL Network –