VICTORIA, Seychelles, May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, has taken center stage on the crypto market with the release of the Futures Grid Bot on May 21, 2025. The new product provides users with a host of advantages and is unique as a market offering with an entry threshold as low as 10 USDT and high leverage rates for improved capital efficiency.
The MEXC Futures Grid Bot is an advanced trading instrument that opens up entirely new opportunities for traders in terms of leveraging available assets via innovative approaches. The principle of grid trading relies on applying a fully automated strategy that lets traders set multiple equidistant buy and sell orders within a predetermined price range. The given method allows traders to generate profits based on any market sentiment and at lowered risks.
Traders who rely on the Futures Grid Bot yield profits by taking advantage of market-induced price fluctuations. This lets traders use the Futures Grid Bot to generate profits, regardless of bull or bear markets.
MEXC designed the Futures Grid Bot with a number of distinct advantages, which make it highly attractive to a wide range of trader audiences. Apart from the low entry threshold, the bot grants high leverage rations, uninterrupted operation, and low transaction fees.
Among the potential users of the bot are short-sell traders, giving them effective risk dispersal in case of market falls. Leveraged traders and those seeking risk mitigation can also benefit from the Futures Grid Bot, as it can help them distribute dense orders. The automated nature of the bot makes it ideal for full-time traders, freeing them from monitoring their trades nonstop. Novice traders will find the Futures Grid Bot an excellent stepping stone into their trading careers, considering its low 10 USDT entry threshold and that the instrument automatically adjusts its parameters to suit their modes.
The workflow of the Futures Grid Bot has been intentionally simplified and streamlined to ensure that both novice and professional traders can use its interface with minimal navigation. In order to initiate their first trade with the Futures Grid Bot, users must first determine the price range of their orders within the price range that suits their requirements. The next step is setting the trade intervals into an equidistant grid and placing buy and sell orders within each grid cell. Futures Grid Bot takes over as the final step, launching automated buy-low and sell-high orders.
The MEXC exchange is confident that the Futures Grid Bot will prove to be a valuable addition to the platform’s ever-expanding range of products. The functionality of the bot and its ability to allow traders to generate positive yields under different market conditions makes it an attractive instrument for both novice and professional users, upping the exchange’s market status and audience inflow.
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.
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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Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
CAIRO, Egypt, May 28, 2025/APO Group/ —
African Export-Import Bank’s (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) Advisory and Capital Markets (ACMA) department has been appointed and mandated as the exclusive financial advisor to raise capital for the US$1.7-billion Suiso Project, a transformative coal-to-fertiliser facility to be developed in Kriel, Mpumalanga Province, in South Africa.
As financial advisor, ACMA’s role will involve leveraging its network and expertise to structure and mobilise the capital required for the project’s execution.
The Suiso Project, which aims to promote sustainable agriculture, will use cutting-edge fertiliser technology, such as air products gasification, and is expected to enhance the food security situation in the region. Sponsored by a consortium of leading energy and industrial companies committed to sustainable development and economic growth in the region, the project represents a significant investment in South Africa’s industrial agriculture sector aimed at reducing dependency on imported fertilisers.
This appointment is a reflection of the increasing recognition of Afreximbank’s capacity and commitment to supporting large-scale projects with the potential to drive industrialisation and economic development across Africa.
Suiso was formed recently to focus on the manufacture of ammonia and fertiliser, using a fossil-fuel gasification process. It intends to build a more resilient and sustainable fertiliser and agricultural market across Sub-Saharan Africa with more efficient fertiliser application rates and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Suiso plans to establish a blue ammonia production facility with a capacity of 2,200 tonnes per day (TPD). This facility will produce approximately 2,600 TPD of Urea, 1,600 TPD of Ammonium Nitrate (TAN), and a low-density Ammonium Nitrate using prilling technology, with any excess ammonia being sold in bulk.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, May 28, 2025/APO Group/ —
Africa Day is here, bringing with it the flood of inspirational quotes, curated pan-African playlists, and the sudden resurgence of brands eager to celebrate the continent, if only for a day.
But for some of us, Africa is not a campaign. It’s not a market. It’s home.
At APO Group, we don’t just “show up” for Africa Day. We’ve been here, every day, for almost two decades, amplifying African stories, building brands and reputations, and connecting the continent to the world.
Africa is not a monolith. It is 54 nations, over 2,000 languages, and countless nuances that demand deep respect. Understanding it takes commitment. And APO Group, the leading, award-winning pan-African media relations and communications consultancy, has it.
APO Group has helped thousands of African CEOs land global coverage, launch pan-African unicorns, and turn local brands into international headlines. This Africa Day, we’re not launching a campaign. We’re just reminding everyone that if you want to do communications in Africa, it helps to know Africa.
At a time when global PR firms headquartered in the USA are announcing their new Africa-focused teams — complete with four pins on a map and a flurry of buzzwords — APO Group is celebrating the one thing no one can copy overnight: authentic, home-grown, on-the-ground experience.
From Dakar to Dar es Salaam, Cairo to Cape, APO Group’s pan-African team has been delivering real impact across the continent; not just in press releases, but in powerful results. With expert consultants in every region, local insights and expertise, and a reputation built on trust, APO Group is more than a communications consultancy. It is Africa’s most established strategic communications powerhouse.
“Africa Day is a reminder of what makes this continent extraordinary – its people, its voices and its unstoppable momentum”, said Rania El Rafie, Vice President of Public Relations and Strategic Communications at APO Group. “Africa is more than a continent to us — it’s our home, our expertise, and our commitment.” “While others are hiring team members for Africa, our people are already embedded in the culture, language, and industries that drive the continent forward.”
With clients spanning multinational corporations, African companies and organisations, public sector institutions, NGOs, and other stakeholders, APO Group has earned its reputation as the leading communications partner of choice for organisations serious about Africa. What sets us apart is our remarkable performance:
A network that spans all 54 African countries, with local experts in every region;
Strategic guidance grounded in local insight;
A legacy of hundreds of successful campaigns, from strategic communications to crisis response;
Longstanding media partnerships that foster transparency, credibility, and positive storytelling.
“We believe great communication in Africa starts with listening, not just broadcasting. And it takes consistency, not just campaigns,” said Laila Bastati, Chief Commercial Officer at APO Group. “This is why we’ve built trust with stakeholders from all over, by showing up year after year, and delivering every time.” While others are just mapping out how to enter Africa’s fast-moving markets, APO Group is already there — co-creating growth stories with African businesses, institutions, and communities.
“For us, Africa isn’t a new frontier — it’s the centre of everything we do,” added Bastati. “Our track record speaks for itself. This Africa Day, we’re building on a legacy.”
APO Group is reflecting on a proven track record and preparing for the next decade of growth and storytelling that elevates Africa on the global stage.
“This Africa Day, we’re not launching — we’re reaffirming,” said Bastati. “Reaffirming our commitment to the continent, to our clients, and to the people and stories that shape Africa’s future.”
Work with the team that’s already there!
Happy Africa Day. From Africa’s strategic communications leader.
One UI 8 is coming, and early access is now available through its beta program — kicking off a new era of software intelligence that brings a true multimodal AI agent designed for various Samsung Galaxy form factors.
One UI is Samsung’s integrated software platform, designed to help Galaxy devices simplify everyday routines and enhance productivity and convenience. Thanks to the mutual partnership between Samsung and Google, One UI 8 will debut on Samsung’s newest foldables this summer and will gradually expand to more Galaxy devices so users can now enjoy an enriched, more personalized mobile experience with the latest version of Android.
Through open communication, Samsung and Google actively shared their respective design systems and real-time feedback with one another, accelerating software development that made One UI 8 one of the first UI platforms to adopt Android 16.
In addition to being the first generation of upgrades to launch alongside new foldable devices, the launch of One UI 8 also initiates a new rhythm for Samsung’s software evolution with major UX and AI updates. You can get a first glimpse of this innovation by signing up for the beta program kicking off today, starting with the Galaxy S25, S25+ and S25 Ultra in Germany, Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Personalized AI for Seamless, Natural Interactions
The official rollout of One UI 8 will introduce an AI experience that will make your everyday smarter and more convenient by enhancing the AI features first introduced in the Galaxy S25 series. There are three main factors that realize this: multimodal capabilities, UX tailored to different device form factors, and personalized, proactive suggestions. Intelligent multimodality enables you to have natural, seamless communication with AI that understands what you’re looking at or watching in the moment. The updated UX is optimized for the unique form factors across the Galaxy product portfolio, boosting your everyday productivity and efficiency. One UI 8 will also recognize your context, offering personalized, proactive suggestions that support your unique daily routine. Features like Now Bar1 and Now Brief2 will deliver even more customized insights and suggestions to help you stay on top of tasks and support your daily routine, through curated AI information.
This intelligent, personalized AI experience did not just come out of nowhere. It is made possible by robust security that safeguards your data. Samsung Knox Vault combines a dedicated secure processor with secure memory to isolate sensitive data from the rest of your user data and ensure that no one else can physically or remotely reach your personal information. One UI 8 also provides settings where you can choose to process data only on the device, as many of our Galaxy AI experiences use both on-device and cloud-based AI processing. With transparency and user choice at its core, One UI 8 will deliver a personalized AI experience without compromising privacy.
Enhanced Everyday Convenience
One UI 8 is not only about providing the AI experience, but also includes convenient, intuitive tools designed to make your day-to-day experiences with your mobile devices even more seamless. Auracast3 — a broadcast audio technology based on Bluetooth LE Audio4 — will support effortless audio connection via QR code scanning and sharing, allowing multiple Auracast devices5 — like Galaxy Buds3 and hearing aids — to join a shared audio stream without the hassle of a complex manual setup. Additionally, customer support at repair centers will be faster and more convenient, thanks to QR- and NFC-enabled support6 accessible right in Samsung Account. You can now register with QR or NFC without having to write any registration forms, reducing wait times and simplifying service requests.
The Reminder app will be your travel supporter with more convenient and intuitive features. If you are planning a trip to New York with your family, you can manage all your reminders in one place as soon as you open the app with a UX that is easy-looking even for first-time users. You can also share a list of to-dos for your trip with the press of a button. When your hands are full of shopping bags, you can use your voice to add reminders on the go as it is voice enabled.
Sharing memories with family and friends will also be easier than ever with enhanced Quick Share.7 A single tap of the Quick Share button in the Quick settings panel will let you instantly send and receive files.
The future of Galaxy AI starts now. Sign up through the Samsung Members app to be among the first to experience the power of One UI 8.
1 Availability of functions supported may vary by country and model. Some functions may require a network connection and/or Samsung Account login.
2 Now Brief feature requires a Samsung Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language, device model or apps. Some features may require a network connection.
3 The quality of the Auracast audio stream may vary depending on the application, network connection and other factors.
4 Available on devices with Bluetooth 5.2 and above that support Auracast.
5 Auracast Transmitter/Assistant supported devices: Samsung Galaxy flagship smartphones, tablets released in 2023 or later with Samsung One UI version 6.1 or above. Auracast Receiver supported devices: Galaxy Buds3, Buds3 Pro, Buds2 Pro. May require software update. Availability may vary by market and model.
6 Available on 36 countries: U.S., Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, France, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Türkiye, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam. Availability may vary by country. The feature availability will expand to more countries via further updates. The feature is available in limited number of repair shops, and will be expanded further afterwards. Available on with Android 10 or above, NFC availability may vary by device, Samsung Account app is available on devices with Android 10 or above. Availability may vary by NFC Memory support availability.
7 Bluetooth Low Energy and Wi-Fi connection are both required for Quick Share. Number of devices Quick Share can share to at the same time may vary depending on the Wi-Fi chip hardware of the sharing device. Actual speed may vary depending on device, network condition and user environment.
In a solemn ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honour, posthumously on the celebrated folk exponent Dr. Sharda Sinha. The award recognises her unparalleled contributions to the preservation and popularisation of India’s rich folk music traditions.
Known affectionately as “Bihar Kokila” and “Swar Kokila,” Dr. Sinha’s voice transcended generations and boundaries, establishing her as one of the most revered figures in India’s folk music tradition. Her songs, steeped in cultural richness and social narratives, have become an inseparable part of Indian festivals, especially Chhath Puja, with her soulful melodies gracing homes across Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Indian communities around the world.
Born on November 1, 1952, in Hulas village of Bihar’s Supaul district, Sharda Sinha began her musical journey under the guidance of Pandit Raghu Jha of the Panchgachiya Gharana. She later honed her skills with stalwarts like Pandit Sitaram Hari Dandekar and Panna Devi, a contemporary of Begum Akhtar, learning the classical intricacies of khayal, thumri, and dadra. Her academic accomplishments include a Master’s degree in Indian Classical Vocal Music, a Ph.D., and a Nritya Visharad in Manipuri dance.
Dr. Sinha’s breakthrough came with the release of her Maithili composition “Dularua Bhaiya” in 1971, which heralded a new era in regional music. Her fame grew internationally after her 1983 tribute to poet Vidyapati, resonating with audiences in Russia, China, the UK, and the US. Between 1985 and 1989, she released several albums—“Kekra Se Kahan Mile Jala,” “Piritiya,” “Mehndi,” “Bhajan Sagar,” “Chhathi Maiya”—many of which remain etched in public memory. Songs like “Paniya Ke Jahaj,” “Koyal Bin Bagiya,” and “Patna Se Baida” have become timeless, cherished across generations.
Her voice carried not only melody but also the stories, rituals, and ethos of Indian life. This unique ability earned her titles such as “Bhojpuri Ki Sita,” “Sanskritik Paharua,” and “Bihar Ki Lata Mangeshkar.” Her contribution extended beyond the folk tradition into mainstream Bollywood, with memorable songs in films like “Maine Pyar Kiya,” “Hum Aapke Hain Koun,” “Gangs of Wasseypur-2,” “Kaagaz” and a special appearance in the web series “Maharani-2.”
As a cultural ambassador for the Government of India, she represented India’s musical heritage in Mauritius and Suriname in 1988, and later in Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Egypt, and again in Suriname in 2003. A “Top Grade” artist of All India Radio, she performed at countless concerts and cultural festivals across the nation, and inspired a generation of musicians during her four-decade-long teaching tenure at the Women’s College in Samastipur under L.N.M.U. Darbhanga, which awarded her an honorary Doctor of Literature in 2018.
Over the years, Dr. Sinha was honoured with numerous accolades including the Padma Shri (1991), the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2000), and the Padma Bhushan (2018). She also received state and national recognitions such as Folk Queen of Bharat, Bihar Kala Puraskar, Bhojpuri Ratna, and Mithila Vibhuti Samman, among others.
Dr. Sharda Sinha passed away on November 5, 2024. Her legacy, however, continues to echo in the hearts of millions through her voice and vision.
LONDON, May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Global Business Complexity Index (GBCI) studies over 250 indicators of complexity in 79 jurisdictions that represent 94% of the world’s GDP. The complexity that the report measures is a dead-weight burden on business that stifles local innovation and deters foreign direct investment with no obvious societal benefit. The report has consistently shown that countries in Southern Europe and Latin America are the most complex for doing business and that continues to be true in 2025. At the other end of the scale, the least complex places to do business tend to be in Northern Europe and several of the offshore investment hubs. These all compete for investment on the basis of the ease of doing business there and have adopted less onerous requirements, as well as more efficient ways for firms to manage them.
The report notes that complexity is relatively straightforward to navigate, at least for larger multinationals able to absorb the cost of complying with local rules. What is much harder to deal with is uncertainty. US-led sanctions, lockdowns in China and the Suez blockage had already begun a shift in globalisation towards more diversified supply chains, with companies seeking to reduce their reliance on single countries for sourcing, building or selling their products. A part of that solution noted in last year’s report was the rise of connector economies like Mexico, Philippines and Vietnam, bridging trade between China and the US in the so-called ‘China plus one’ strategy. That strategy has now fallen foul of US tariffs, set to reflect a country’s trade surplus in goods with the US and so punishing countries with connector status.
Even if tariffs abate, their launch and rapid shifts point to an underlying risk for companies trading from countries with a high US trade surplus. The report notes a drop in confidence in stability, with the majority of jurisdictions (55%) reporting prioritisation of trade corridor diversity. It identifies a number of countries that might now emerge as the new connectors — with low levels of complexity pointing to business-friendly rules, a low US trade surplus pointing to less likely retaliatory action, a reasonable size and sophistication of economy to support a variety of activity at scale and absorb investment without tipping heavily into US trade surplus, and a multipolar stance that should allow them to trade across different blocs. Those countries include the UK and the Netherlands in Europe, Egypt and Saudi Arabia in the Middle East and Australia and Hong Kong in Asia Pacific.
The report finally notes that at a time of great uncertainty for global trade — and in particular, trade with the US — governments should focus on making their countries less complex places to do business whilst seeking trade agreements across different blocs to encourage cross-investment. It also notes that companies will need to further diversify their supply chains. That will add to their internal complexity and costs. At the same time, companies can help themselves by simplifying their arrangements for managing those supply chains, with many having excessive numbers of legal entities for their geographic scope along with large numbers of suppliers to help manage them.
TMF Group’s CEO Mark Weil, said:
“The real challenge for businesses today isn’t complexity, it’s uncertainty. With rising trade tensions, a shifting geopolitical landscape and economic unpredictability, companies are forced to make decisions in an environment that can change overnight. Tariffs are just the latest signal of the risks of supply chain concentration. Diversification is a necessity in this context, although it comes with a cost. The good news is that businesses can offset some of the complexities of diversification by reducing their own internal intricacies. Our benchmarking reveals stark differences in structural complexity among similar firms. We see an opportunity here: by simplifying their structures and support models — for example, by having fewer legal entities and a few trusted global partners — businesses can gain flexibility. Done right, this can improve efficiency and agility as firms navigate an uncertain world.”
In the Darfur region of Sudan, and in eastern Chad, MSF teams are caring for women and girls who have survived horrific sexual violence.
Victims and survivors need tailored and accessible care.
These brutal attacks and rapes must stop.
BRUSSELS/AMSTERDAM – Women and girls in Sudan’s Darfur region are at near-constant risk of sexual violence, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) warned today. The true scale of this crisis remains difficult to quantify, as services remain limited, and people face barriers in seeking treatment or speaking about their ordeal. Yet all the victims and survivors who speak with MSF teams in Darfur and across the border in Chad share horrifying stories of brutal violence and rape. With men and boys also at risk, the extent of the suffering is beyond comprehension.
“Women and girls do not feel safe anywhere. They are attacked in their own homes, when fleeing violence, getting food, collecting firewood, working in the fields. They tell us they feel trapped,” says Claire San Filippo, MSF emergency coordinator. “These attacks are heinous and cruel, often involving multiple perpetrators. This must stop. Sexual violence is not a natural or inevitable consequence of war, it can constitute a war crime, a form of torture, and a crime against humanity. The warring parties must hold their fighters accountable and protect people from this sickening violence. Services for survivors must immediately be scaled up, so survivors have access to the medical treatment and psychological care they desperately need.”
Sexual violence has become so widespread in Darfur that many people chillingly speak about it as unavoidable.
“Some people came at night to rape the women and take everything. I heard some women being raped at night. The men were hiding in toilets or in some rooms where they could close the doors. The women didn’t hide because it was just beating and rape for us, but the men would get killed,” a woman told MSF’s team in West Darfur.
It is not only during attacks on villages and towns or during the journey to safety that people have been raped and beaten. Limited humanitarian assistance is forcing people to take risks to survive. People are walking long distances to meet their basic needs and taking work in dangerous places. Others decide against taking the risk but are then cut off from their sources of income, further reducing their access to water, food and healthcare. This itself is no guarantee of safety, as people can be attacked at home as well.
MSF provided care to 659 survivors of sexual violence in South Darfur between January 2024 and March 2025:
86% reported that they were raped.
94% of survivors were women and girls.
56% said they were assaulted by a non-civilian (by a member of military, police or other security forces or non-state armed groups).
55% reported additional physical violence during the assault.
34% faced sexual violence while working in, or travelling to, the fields.
31% were younger than 18, with 7% younger than 10 years old and 2.6% younger than 5 years old.
These disturbing statistics are likely an underestimate of the true scale of sexual violence in South Darfur.
94%
94%
were women and girls
56%
56%
said they were assaulted by a non-civilian
31%
31%
were younger than 18 years old
The situation is similar in other places where MSF is able to provide care for victims and survivors such as eastern Chad, which currently hosts over 800,000 Sudanese refugees. In Adré, almost half of the 44 victims and survivors treated by MSF since January 2025 were children. In Wadi Fira Province, 94 victims and survivors were treated between January and March 2025, 81 under the age of 18. The testimonies of patients and caregivers in both eastern Chad and Sudan’s Darfur region bear this out.
“Three months ago, there was a little girl of 13 years old who was raped by three men…They caught her and raped her, then they abandoned her in the valley… They called some people to carry the girl to the hospital. I was one of them,” one man told MSF’s team in Murnei, West Darfur.
Many survivors report being raped by more than one person. In Metché in eastern Chad, 11 out of 24 victims and survivors treated between January and March 2025 were attacked by multiple assailants.
“When we arrived in Kulbus, we saw a group of three women with some RSF [Rapid Support Forces] men guarding them. The RSF also ordered us to stay with them,” says a 17-year-old survivor. “They told us, ‘You are the wives of the Sudanese army or their girls.’ … Then they beat us, and they raped us right there on the road, in public. There were nine RSF men. Seven of them raped me. I wanted to lose my memory after that.”
In some cases, the attackers directly accused the survivors of supporting the other side.
“I have a certificate for first aid nursing. [When they stopped us], the RSF asked me to give them my bag. When they saw the certificate inside, they told me, ‘You want to heal the Sudanese army, you want to cure the enemy!’ Then they burnt my certificate, and they took me away to rape me,” says one woman. “They told everyone else to stay on the floor. I was with some other women, including my sister. They only raped me, because of my certificate.”
It is vital that victims and survivors access services after the attack, as sexual violence is a medical emergency. The immediate and long-lasting physical and psychological consequences which can be life-threatening. Yet survivors struggle to access medical care and protection because of a lack of services, limited awareness of the few services that exist, the high cost of traveling to facilities, and a reluctance to speak about the abuse due to shame, fear of stigma or retaliation.
“I cannot say anything to the community because it will be a shame for my family. So, I didn’t say anything about what happened to me before today. I’m only asking for medical help now,” says a survivor in eastern Chad. “I was too afraid to go to the hospital. My family told me, ‘Don’t tell anybody’.”
Where services exist, survivors need clear and accessible referral pathways to get the help they need. In South Darfur, the state with the greatest number of displaced people in Sudan, in late 2024, MSF added a community-based component to our care for survivors of sexual violence. Midwives and community healthcare workers were trained and equipped to provide emergency contraceptives and psychological first aid to survivors. They also supported survivors’ referral to clinics and hospitals where MSF teams work for comprehensive care. Since the addition of this community-based model, we have seen a steep increase in women and adolescents seeking care.
MSF teams continue to see new survivors of sexual violence. In Tawila, where people continue to arrive after attacks on Zamzam camp and in El Fasher, North Darfur, the hospital received 48 survivors of sexual violence between January and the beginning of May, most of them since the start of fighting in Zamzam camp in April.
“Access to services for survivors of sexual violence is lacking and, like most humanitarian and healthcare services in Sudan, must urgently be scaled up. People – mostly women and girls – who suffer sexual violence urgently need medical care, including psychological support, and protection services,” says Ruth Kauffman, MSF emergency medical manager. “Care must be tailored from the outset to mitigate against the many overwhelming barriers survivors face when seeking medical care in the aftermath of sexual violence.”
Brutal attacks and rapes must stop, warring parties must ensure that civilians are protected, respecting their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians, and medical and humanitarian services for victims and survivors of sexual violence must be scaled up urgently in Darfur and eastern Chad.
Papua New Guinea’s state broadcaster NBC wants shortwave radio reintroduced to achieve the government’s goal of 100 percent broadcast coverage by 2030.
Last week, the broadcaster hosted a workshop on the reintroduction of shortwave radio transmission, bringing together key government agencies and other stakeholders.
NBC had previously a shortwave signal, but due to poor maintenance and other factors, the system failed.
The NBC’s 50-year logo to coincide with Papua New Guinea’s half century independence anniversary celebrations. Image: NBC
Its managing director Kora Nou spoke with RNZ Pacific about the merits of a return to shortwave.
Kora Nou: We had shortwave at NBC about 20 or so years ago, and it reached almost the length and breadth of the country.
So fast forward 20, we are going to celebrate our 50th anniversary. Our network has a lot more room for improvement at the moment, that’s why there’s the thinking to revisit shortwave again after all this time.
Don Wiseman: It’s a pretty cheap medium, as we here at RNZ Pacific know, but not too many people are involved with shortwave anymore. In terms of the anniversary in September, you’re not going to have things up and running by then, are you?
KN: It’s still early days. We haven’t fully committed, but we are actively pursuing it to see the viability of it.
We’ve visited one or two manufacturers that are still doing it. We’ve seen some that are still on, still been manufactured, and also issues surrounding receivers. So there’s still hard thinking behind it.
We still have to do our homework as well. So still early days and we’ve got the minister who’s asked us to explore this and then give him the pros and cons of it.
DW: Who would you get backing from? You’d need backing from international donors, wouldn’t you?
KN: We will put a business case into it, and then see where we go from there, including where the funding comes from — from government or we talk to our development partners.
There’s a lot of thinking and work still involved before we get there, but we’ve been asked to fast track the advice that we can give to government.
DW: How important do you think it is for everyone in the country to be able to hear the national broadcaster?
KN: It’s important, not only being the national broadcaster, but [with] the service it provides to our people.
We’ve got FM, which is good with good quality sound. But the question is, how many does it reach? It’s pretty critical in terms of broadcasting services to our people, and 50 years on, where are we? It’s that kind of consideration.
I think the bigger contention is to reintroduce software transmission. But how does it compare or how can we enhance it through the improved technology that we have nowadays as well? That’s where we are right now.
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
An all-party Indian parliamentary delegation led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Eknath Shinde has successfully concluded its diplomatic mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), emphasising India’s firm stand against Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism and garnering the African nation’s support for its anti-terror stance.
The visit marks a significant outreach in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 innocent tourists were killed.
On Tuesday, the Indian MPs met senior Congolese leaders, including President of the Committee of Foreign Affairs of Congo’s National Assembly Berthold Ulungu, Deputy President Christophe Bowulu, President of Sub-Commission in-charge of Foreign Affairs Jethro Muyombi Tshimbu, and Committee Member Igwabi Mushengezi Pauline.
The meetings highlighted India’s decisive action against terrorism through Operation Sindoor and conveyed its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy towards terror networks operating from across the border.
The delegation underscored the gravity of the Pahalgam attack and shared details of India’s Operation Sindoor, carried out to neutralise terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
In a symbolic show of solidarity, Berthold Ulungu strongly condemned the Pahalgam attack and extended condolences on the behalf of the Committee to victims’ kin.
“Berthold Ulungu condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack and conveyed that DRC shares the pain and grief of the people of India who are facing these atrocities. He conveyed condolences on behalf of the Committee to the families of the victims of the terrorist attack,” the Indian Embassy in Congo said in a statement.
As a mark of respect, a moment of silence was observed during the meeting to honour those who lost their lives in the attack. Shrikant Shinde expressed gratitude for the gesture and the unequivocal condemnation of terrorism by the Congolese leadership.
The delegation also engaged with the local media, where they briefed journalists on Operation Sindoor, India’s evolving approach to national security, and the country’s resolve to eliminate cross-border terrorism.
Shinde provided insights into the fruitful discussions held with Congolese officials and appreciated the expressions of support and empathy received from the DRC government.
“The meetings were productive and reaffirmed the growing global understanding of India’s new normal in dealing with terrorism. We are thankful for the solidarity shown by Congo and its leaders during this critical time,” Shinde told reporters.
The diplomatic outreach in Congo is part of a broader Indian initiative to raise international awareness and support in its battle against cross-border terrorism, particularly from Pakistan-based networks.
Following the Congo visit, the delegation will now visit Sierra Leone, continuing India’s diplomatic efforts to garner support from the Global South in its fight against terrorism.
An all-party Indian Parliamentary delegation led by MP Supriya Sule interacted with members of the Indian community in South Africa, reaffirming India’s strong and unified stance against terrorism.
“All-party delegation led by Hon’ble MP Supriya Sule interacted with Indian community in South Africa. They emphasised India’s national consensus and collective resolve against terrorism in all its forms. Commended the wholehearted support of Indian diaspora to eradicate the scourge of terrorism,” the Indian High Commission in South Africa posted on X.
The community interaction in Johannesburg marked the beginning of the delegation’s official engagements in South Africa.
According to the High Commission of India in Pretoria, the delegation conveyed India’s zero-tolerance policy towards cross-border terrorism and reiterated the country’s commitment to counter-terrorism without escalating regional tensions.
The delegation briefed the community about Operation Sindoor, India’s recent calibrated and proportionate response to a terror incident, which underscores the country’s firm yet measured approach to safeguarding national security.
The MPs stressed the importance of dismantling terrorism infrastructure that has been used for decades against India and called for a global end to differentiating between terrorists and their sponsors.
Earlier in the day, the delegation was welcomed by High Commissioner Prabhat Kumar, who briefed them on the key dimensions of the India-South Africa bilateral relationship and the upcoming engagements.
The delegation is scheduled to continue its South Africa visit in Cape Town on May 28 (Wednesday), where meetings with members of the South African Parliament and government ministers are planned.
The delegation includes prominent MPs from across the political spectrum: Supriya Sule, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Vikramjeet Singh Sahney, Manish Tewari, Anurag Singh Thakur, Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, Anand Sharma (former Minister of Commerce & Industry), V. Muraleedharan (former Minister of State for External Affairs), and Syed Akbaruddin (former Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations).
The IMF team and the Egyptian authorities made good progress on the assessment of economic performance and implementation of policy commitments under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement.
As Egypt’s macroeconomic stabilization is taking root, it is now time to accelerate and deepen the reform efforts to reduce the state footprint, level the playing field, and improve the business environment.
Discussions will continue virtually to finalize agreement on remaining policies and reforms that could support completion of the fifth review.
Washington, DC: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team led by Ms. Vladkova Hollar visited Cairo from May 6 to May 18, and held productive discussions with the Egyptian authorities on economic and financial policies that could underpin the completion of the Fifth Review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement.
At the end of the mission, Ms. Vladkova Hollar issued the following statement:
“The Egyptian authorities and IMF staff held constructive discussions which have advanced the technical work and policy discussions as part of the Fifth Review under the Extended Fund Facility.
“Egypt has made substantial progress toward macroeconomic stability. Growth is expected to continue strengthening, and we upgraded our forecast for FY24/25 to 3.8 percent, in light of the stronger-than-expected outturn in the first half of the year. At the same time, the private investment share in total investment rose from 38.5 percent in H1 FY23-24 to almost 60 percent over the same period in FY24-25. Inflation rose slightly to 13.9 percent in April but remains on a downward trend. The current account remains wide, as rising imports, reduced hydrocarbon output, and Suez Canal disruptions offset strong tourism, remittances, and non-oil exports. Greater fiscal prudence—including through better oversight and control over large public sector infrastructure projects—is helping to contain demand pressures, with total public investment spending remaining below the established ceiling for July – December 2024.
“We welcome the authorities’ recent efforts to modernize and streamline tax and customs procedures to increase efficiency and build confidence. These reforms are starting to yield positive results. Alongside these efforts, domestic revenue mobilization will need to continue, mainly by widening the tax base and streamlining tax exemptions, to support the government’s capacity to spend sufficiently on priority development and social needs. We also welcome the authorities’ efforts to develop a medium-term debt management strategy that aims to improve transparency and gradually reduce the large debt service cost in the budget.
“With the macroeconomic stabilization now underway, it is critical for Egypt to carry out deeper reforms to unlock the country’s growth potential, create high-quality jobs for a growing population, and sustainably reduce its vulnerabilities and increase the economy’s resilience to shocks.
“In order to deliver on these objectives, decisively reducing the role of the public sector in the economy and leveling the playing field for all economic agents should be key policy priorities. The implementation of the State Ownership Policy and the asset divestment program in sectors where the state has committed to reduce its footprint will play a critical role in strengthening the ability of the private sector to better contribute to economic growth in Egypt. Complementing this, efforts need to continue to improve the business environment.
“We are grateful for the warm hospitality extended by the authorities during this mission. Discussions will continue virtually to finalize agreement on the remaining policies and reforms that could support the completion of the fifth review.”
Source: The Conversation – France – By Justine Loizeau, Postdoctoral research fellow in sustainability and organization, Aalto University
As early as 1917, the Michelin company invested in plantations to produce rubber in what is now Vietnam. Here, hevea trees are seen in Southeast Asia in 1913.W. F. de Bois Maclaren, The Rubber Tree Book.
Half of the world’s forests were destroyed during the 20th century, with three regions mainly affected: South America, West Africa and Southeast Asia. The situation has worsened to the point that, in 2023, the European Parliament voted to ban the import of chocolate, coffee, palm oil and rubber linked to deforestation.
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A long-standing dependence on raw materials
These products are at the heart of our economies and consumption habits. The case of rubber is particularly emblematic. Without this material, there would be no tyres and, thus, no cars, bicycles, sealing joints or submarine communication cables. Industrial rubber production depends on extracting latex, a natural substance that rubber trees such as hevea produce. Under pressure from corporations and states, Brussels last October announced a one-year postponement of its law regulating rubber imports.
This dependence on the rubber industry is not new. Rubber was central to the second industrial revolution, especially with the rise of automobiles and new management methods. While this history often centres on factories, citing contributions from figures such as Frederick Taylor and Henry Ford and industrial giants like Michelin, its colonial roots are less well known.
Indeed, rubber – like the other resources mentioned above – has been and continues to be primarily produced in former colonial territories. In many cases, rubber trees are not native to the regions where they have been cultivated. Rubber seeds from South America, where latex was already extracted by picking, were transported by colonists to empires for the development of plantations. In particular, the French colonial empire, spanning Africa and Southeast Asia, saw a significant expansion of hevea plantations at the expense of primary forests. Monocultures of rubber trees replaced thousands of hectares.
Ford in the Amazon, Michelin in present-day Vietnam
This management model was favoured because it allowed for lower extraction costs from the coloniser’s perspective. For example, in 1928, Henry Ford negotiated an agreement with the Brazilian government granting him a 10,000 km2 concession of forest land to establish Fordlandia, a settlement designed to produce the rubber needed for his factories. However, this industrial utopia in the Amazon failed due to resistance from Indigenous people and a fungal disease that ruined the plantations.
Business Insider reports on the Fordlandia fiasco.
Following the same model, Michelin invested in plantations in present-day Vietnam as early as 1917. The plantation model and new management methods reduced the cost of rubber production and accelerated its global distribution. These management practices spread across the British, Dutch and French empires, becoming dominant in Southeast Asia in the early 20th century at the expense of primary forests.
Rubber plantations resulted from applying Taylorism not only to workers – especially colonised workers – but also to nature. Both people and trees were subjected to a so-called “scientific” organisation of labour. In our article, L’arbre qui gâche la forêtThe Tree That Spoils the Forest, published in the Revue française de gestion (French Journal of Management) in 2024, we analysed historical archives, including a variety of newspapers from 1900 to 1950, covering national, local, colonial and thematic (scientific, cultural, etc.) perspectives. We show that this organisational model is based on an accounting undervaluation of indigenous people’s labour and of nature. This undervaluation is embodied in the metric of the cost price (i.e. the total cost of production and distribution) and in the shared concern to see it lowered. “Ultimately, it’s the cost price that must determine the fate of rubber,” stated the newspaper L’Information financière, économique et politique on February 1, 1914.
In the eyes of some, Asians who were labelled as “coolies” and Brazilian “seringueiros” comprised a low-cost labour pool, with no mention of their working conditions and despite very high mortality rates. “Coolie” is a derogatory colonial term that refers to agricultural labourers of Asian heritage, while “seringueiros” refers to workers in South American rubber plantations.
“By the way, in the Far East, there are reservoirs of labour (Java Island, English Indies), which supply plantations with workers who, while not the most robust, provide regular work at a very advantageous cost price.” (L’Information financière, économique et politique, November 11, 1922)
Concerning trees, only the plantation costs were considered, silencing the human and ecological costs of primary forest destruction.
“In the first year, some 237 francs will have to be spent on the clearing itself; then the planting, with staking […] and weeding, will represent an expense of 356 francs. […] For the following years, all that remains to be done is to consider the maintenance costs, cleaning, pruning, care, supply of stakes, replacement, etc. This will result in an expenditure of 1,250 francs for the first five years.” (L’Information financière, économique et politique, January 31, 1912)
The ‘Cheapization’ of life
The focus on cost price leads to standardisation of management practices by aligning with what is cheapest, at the expense of ever more intense exploitation of human and non-human workers. In other words, these assumptions about the construction of accounting metrics and the circulation of these metrics play a role in the “cheapization” of human and non-human labour. We borrow the concept of “cheapization” from the environmental historian Jason W. Moore. In his view, the development of capitalism is marked by a “cheapization of Nature”, which includes, within the circuits of capitalist production and consumption, humans and non-humans whose work does not initially have a market value. Living beings are thus transformed into a commodity or factor of production: “animals, soils, forests and all kinds of extra-human nature” are being put to work.
These ways of managing people and nature continue to this day. Many industries still rely on the extraction of natural resources at low cost and in large quantities in the countries of the global south. Rubber is not the only resource whose exploitation dates to the Industrial Revolution: palm oil, sugar, coffee and cocoa have also had, and still have, an impact on the forests of the global south and are based on the work of local people. The exploitation of these resources is also often the fruit of colonial history. In 1911, the Frenchman Henri Fauconnier brought the first palm oil seeds, a plant originally from Africa, to Malaysia. More than a century later, the country remains a leading palm oil producer, a resource largely responsible for the deforestation of primary forests.
Beyond the case of rubber alone, we question the link between the pursuit of profit in formerly colonised territories, the destruction of the environment and the exploitation of local populations on two levels. Not only are primary forests destroyed to feed short-term profits, but habituation to this mode of environmental management is a historical construct. We must remember this when looking at news from countries with colonial pasts. Whether we’re talking about preserving the Amazon rainforest, poisoning soil and human bodies with chlordecone in the Antilles, or building a pipeline in Uganda, we need to take a step back. What are the historical responsibilities? What are the links between creating economic activities here and exploiting ecosystems and local populations there? What role do management theories and tools play in realising or reproducing these exploitative situations?
At a time when the ecological and social emergency is constantly invoked to call for the transformation of management practices and business models, the rubber example invites us to consider the colonial matrix of managerial practices and the Western historical responsibilities that led to this same emergency. And suppose we have to turn to other forms of management tomorrow: who may legitimately decide how to bring about this change? Are former colonisers best placed to define the way forward? Knowledge of colonial history should encourage us to recognise the value of the knowledge and practices of those who were and remain the first to be affected.
The COCOLE project is supported by the French National Research Agency (ANR), which funds project-based research in France. The ANR’s mission is to support and promote the development of fundamental and applied research in all disciplines, and to strengthen dialogue between science and society. To find out more, visit the ANR website.
Antoine Fabre has received funding from the French National Research Agency
via the programme “Counting in a colonial situation. French Africa (1830-1962)” (ANR-21-CE41-0012, 2021-2026).
Pierre Labardin is a professor at La Rochelle University. He has received funding from the French National Research Agency via the programme “Counting in a colonial situation. French Africa (1830-1962)” (ANR-21-CE41-0012, 2021-2026).
Clément Boyer et Justine Loizeau ne travaillent pas, ne conseillent pas, ne possèdent pas de parts, ne reçoivent pas de fonds d’une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n’ont déclaré aucune autre affiliation que leur poste universitaire.
With unwavering courage, United Nations peacekeepers step into danger – to help protect those who need protection, preserve peace, and restore hope in some of the world’s most challenging contexts.
Today, we honour their service.
We draw inspiration from their resilience, dedication and courage.
And we remember all the brave women and men who made the ultimate sacrifice for peace.
More than 4,400 peacekeepers have died in service – 57 last year alone.
We will never forget them – and we will carry their work forward.
The focus of this year’s International Day of Peacekeepers is on “the future of peacekeeping”.
Today, peacekeepers face increasingly complex situations in an increasingly complex world:
Growing polarization and division around the globe …
Operations made even more dangerous from a multiplicity of threats such as terrorism…
Targeting of peacekeepers through deadly misinformation…
And challenges that transcend borders – from the climate crisis to transnational crime.
As we look ahead, it is essential that peacekeepers have what they need to do their jobs.
This is the shared responsibility of the United Nations and Member States.
The Pact for the Future – adopted last year at the United Nations – includes a commitment to adapt peacekeeping to our changing world.
This challenge is also an opportunity:
To analyse what makes peacekeeping operations successful…
To better understand what hinders them…
And to help design new future-focused models that are anchored in political solutions, adequately resourced, and have mandates that are achievable, with clear exit strategies.
The first step – reviewing our peace operations – is underway.
And together, we will keep pushing this vital effort forward.
Now more than ever, the world needs the United Nations — and the United Nations needs peacekeeping that is fully equipped for today’s realities and tomorrow’s challenges.
***
C’est avec un courage inébranlable que les soldates et soldats de la paix des Nations Unies bravent le danger pour aider à protéger celles et ceux qui en ont besoin, préserver la paix et restaurer l’espoir, dans des contextes parmi les plus difficiles au monde.
Aujourd’hui, nous rendons hommage à leur travail.
Leur résilience, leur dévouement et leur courage nous inspirent.
Et nous nous souvenons de ces femmes et de ces hommes courageux qui ont consenti le sacrifice ultime au service de la paix.
Plus de 4 400 Casques bleus sont morts en service, dont 57 rien que l’année dernière.
Nous ne les oublierons jamais et nous poursuivrons leur œuvre.
Cette année, la Journée internationale des Casques bleus des Nations Unies a pour thème « l’avenir du maintien de la paix ».
Les soldates et soldats de la paix font face à des situations de plus en plus complexes, dans un monde de plus en plus complexe :
Une polarisation et des divisions de plus en plus marquées partout dans le monde…
Des opérations rendues plus dangereuses encore par la multiplicité des menaces, dont le terrorisme…
Une mésinformation qui peut avoir des effets meurtriers pour les Casques bleus…
Et des défis qui dépassent les frontières – de la crise climatique à la criminalité transnationale.
Pour l’avenir, il est essentiel de s’assurer que les Casques bleus disposent des moyens nécessaires pour s’acquitter de leur mission.
Il s’agit là d’une responsabilité partagée de l’Organisation des Nations Unies et de tous les États Membres.
Dans le Pacte pour l’avenir, adopté l’an dernier au Siège de l’ONU, les États Membres se sont engagés à adapter le maintien de la paix à un monde en mutation.
Ce défi est également l’occasion :
D’analyser ce qui fait le succès des opérations de maintien de la paix…
De mieux comprendre ce qui leur fait obstacle…
Et d’aider à concevoir de nouveaux modèles tournés vers l’avenir, fondés sur des solutions politiques, dotés de ressources suffisantes et associés à des mandats réalisables et à des stratégies de sortie claires.
La première étape, à savoir le réexamen de nos opérations de paix, est en cours.
Ensemble, nous poursuivrons cette action indispensable.
Aujourd’hui plus que jamais, le monde a besoin de l’ONU – et l’Organisation a besoin d’un maintien de la paix pourvu de tous les moyens nécessaires pour s’adapter aux réalités d’aujourd’hui et relever les défis de demain.
HOUSTON, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — APA Corporation (Nasdaq: APA) today announced that Aneil Kochar has been promoted to vice president and treasurer, effective May 22.
Kochar will head APA’s Treasury department, providing global oversight for the company’s capital structure analysis, financing strategies, risk insurance, banking policies, and cash and liquidity management. The role of treasurer was previously held by Ben C. Rodgers who was recently promoted to chief financial officer.
“I am pleased to welcome Aneil to APA’s leadership team. He has vast financial experience in the oil and gas industry and has played a crucial role in APA’s financial strategies over the past five years, driving value creation and improving cash management. Aneil will be a strong addition to our executive team,” said Ben C. Rodgers, APA’s Chief Financial Officer.
Kochar has held the position of assistant treasurer for APA since 2022, having joined the company in 2020 as the director of Finance. Before joining APA, Kochar was vice president Finance and treasurer at Chisholm Oil and Gas, where he oversaw FP&A and treasury activities. Prior to that, he worked at EIG Global Energy Partners as an investment professional, focusing on origination and management of oil and gas debt and equity investments. Kochar began his career in energy investment banking at Morgan Stanley. He holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin.
About APA APA Corporation owns consolidated subsidiaries that explore for and produce oil and natural gas in the United States, Egypt and the United Kingdom and that explore for oil and natural gas offshore Suriname and elsewhere. APA posts announcements, operational updates, investor information and press releases on its website, www.apacorp.com.
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Under the Exchange offer, the Noteholders of Notes ISIN LT0000405938 (EUR 2021/2025 Notes) may exchange the EUR 2021/2025 Notes to new senior unsecured Notes ISIN LT0000134439 (EUR 2025/2027 Notes) to be issued at an exchange ratio of 1 to 1. These EUR 2025/2027 Notes will carry an annual interest rate of 8.0% and be issued under Final Terms and Base Prospectus approved on 27 May 2025.
Investors participating in the Exchange offer will receive unpaid accrued interest in cash from 14 December 2024 until 13 June 2025 (including) to be paid on 16 June 2025.
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The Exchange offer period for Noteholders of EUR 2021/2025 Notes will run from 28 May 2025 to 11 June 2025, 2:30 pm CEST/3:30 pm Vilnius time.
Cash Tender offer period for Noteholders of EUR 2021/2025 Notes will run from 28 May 2025 to 12 June 2025, 2:30 pm CEST/3:30 pm Vilnius time.
Closed – End Investment Company Intended for Informed Investors UAB “Atsinaujinančios energetikos investicijos” has launched its public offering of EUR 2025/2027 Notes and an offer to exchange its EUR 2021/2025 Notes for new EUR 2025/2027 Notes, or alternatively, to tender the EUR 2021/2025 Notes (Denomination of EUR 100,000 and integral multiples of EUR 1,000) for a cash payment of EUR 99.00 per Denomination. The objective is to refinance the EUR 2021/2025 Notes and issue new EUR 2025/2027 Notes in an amount up to EUR 65 million. Manager of Closed – End Investment Company Intended for Informed Investors UAB “Atsinaujinančios energetikos investicijos”: “With the exchange offer, we are offering existing EUR 2021/2025 Notes investors a possibility to conveniently switch their investment maturing on December 2025 to the newly issued debt securities. As to the cash offer, since after the sale of Polish PV portfolio at the end of 2024 the company has collected excess cash proceeds, it was decided to provide an additional liquidity opportunity for existing investors to tender their notes to the Issuer. The company has allocated up to EUR 10 million for the tender offer which can be increased up to EUR 30 million subject to demand of new EUR 2025/2027 Notes.” Closed – End Investment Company Intended for Informed Investors UAB “Atsinaujinančios energetikos investicijos” has appointed FMĮ UAB Orion Securities to act as the Lead Manager to UAB “Atsinaujinančios energetikos investicijos” in Exchange and Cash Tender offer for EUR 2021/2025 Notes.
EXCHANGE AND CASH OFFER Noteholders of the EUR 2021/2025 Notes (ISIN LT0000405938) are invited to:
Exchange their existing EUR 2021/2025 Notes (ISIN LT0000405938) at a 1:1 ratio for new senior unsecured EUR 2025/2027 Notes (ISIN LT0000134439) with a denomination of EUR 100,000 and integral multiples of EUR 1,000, carrying an annual interest rate of 8.0% to be issued under Final Terms and Base Prospectus approved on 27 May 2025.
In case there is an oversubscription of EUR 2025/2027 Notes the investors shall be satisfied and the number of EUR 2025/2027 Notes to be allocated to each investor shall be determined upon the discretion of the Issuer.
Alternatively, the Noteholders of the EUR 2021/2025 Notes (ISIN LT0000405938) may:
Tender their existing EUR 2021/2025Notes (ISIN LT0000405938)for cash payment of 99 per cent of Denomination per each EUR 2021/2025 Note tendered to be paid on 13 June 2025, plus accrued and unpaid interest from 14 December 2024 until 13 June 2025 (including) to be paid on 16 June 2025.
Cash offer is of minimum EUR 10 million; cash offer maximum amount of EUR 30 million is subject to demand of new EUR 2025/2027 Notes.
The existing EUR 2021/2025 Notes not exchanged or tendered will remain outstanding and be redeemed at maturity.
INFORMATION ON OFFERING PROCESS All noteholders will be notified of the offer through their depository banks. Upon instructing their custodian to participate—either by exchanging notes or tendering for cash—the respective EUR 2021/2025 Notes will be restricted from trading. Notes not instructed for participation will remain freely tradable. Exchange Offer Period: 28 May 2025 – 11 June 2025, closing at 2:30 pm CEST / 3:30 pm Vilnius time. Results Announcement: On or around 13 June 2025.
NEW EUR 2025/2027 NOTES
Closed – End Investment Company Intended for Informed Investors UAB “Atsinaujinančios energetikos investicijos” intends to issue new EUR 2025/2027 Notes in an amount of EUR 65 million with the following features:
Listing on Nasdaq Vilnius Stock Exchange (Regulated Market).
Distribution period: from 28 May 2025 to 11 June 2025, 2:30 pm CEST/3:30 pm Vilnius time.
INVESTOR PRESENTATIONS Manager of Closed – End Investment Company Intended for Informed Investors UAB “Atsinaujinančios energetikos investicijos” Mantas Auruškevičius will present the offer via webcast/conference call:
English-language session: 4 June 2025 at 13:00 CEST / 14:00 Vilnius time. Please register in advance to attend:
IMPORTANT INFORMATION The information contained herein is not for release, publication or distribution, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States of America, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa or any other countries or otherwise in such circumstances in which the release, publication or distribution would be unlawful. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, the notes in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration, exemption from registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. Persons into whose possession this announcement may come are required to inform themselves of and observe all such restrictions. This announcement does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States of America. The notes have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or under the applicable securities laws of any state of the United States of America and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, within the United States of America or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined under Regulation S under the Securities Act) except pursuant to an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. This announcement does not constitute an offer of notes to the public in the United Kingdom. No prospectus has been or will be approved in the United Kingdom in respect of the notes. Accordingly, this announcement is not being distributed to, and must not be passed on to, the general public in the United Kingdom. The communication of this announcement as a financial promotion may only be distributed to and is only directed at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”) or (iii) high net worth companies, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons in (i), (ii) and (iii) above together being referred to as “Relevant Persons”). Any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, Relevant Persons. Any person who is not a Relevant Person should not act or rely on this announcement or any of its contents.
Mantas Auruškevičius Manager of Closed – End Investment Company Intended for Informed Investors UAB “Atsinaujinančios energetikos investicijos” mantas.auruskevicius@lordslb.lt
NEW YORK, 27 May — The United Nations Headquarters will observe the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers on Thursday, 29 May.
In 1948, the historic decision was made to deploy military observers to the Middle East to supervise the implementation of Israel-Arab Armistice Agreements, in what became the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization.
Since that time, more than 2 million peacekeepers have served in 71 operations around the world. Today, some 68,000 women and men serve as military, police and civilian personnel in 11 conflict zones across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. 119 countries currently contribute uniformed personnel.
During ceremonies at United Nations Headquarters, Secretary-General António Guterres will lay a wreath to honour the more than 4,400 UN peacekeepers who have lost their lives since 1948. He will also preside over a ceremony in the Trusteeship Council Chamber, at which Dag Hammarskjöld Medals will be awarded posthumously to 57 military, police, and civilian peacekeepers who lost their lives serving under the UN flag last year.
The Secretary-General will also present awards to the 2024 Military Gender Advocate of the Year, Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme from Ghana, and the UN Woman Police Officer of the Year award to Superintendent Zainab Gbla of Sierra Leone. Both of them serve with the United Nations Interim Security Force in Abyei (UNISFA).
This year’s theme for the Day is “the Future of Peacekeeping”. The theme emphasizes that the Pact for the Future — adopted last year at the United Nations — includes a commitment to adapt peacekeeping to our changing world, as expressed by Member States’ pledges presented to fill capability gaps and help adapt UN peacekeeping to emerging challenges and new realities at the recent Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin.
In his message, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said: “Today, peacekeepers face increasingly complex situations in an increasingly complex world… Now more than ever, the world needs the United Nations — and the United Nations needs peacekeeping that is fully equipped for today’s realities and tomorrow’s challenges.”
“Today, we honour their service,” Mr. Guterres stated. “We draw inspiration from their resilience, dedication and courage. And we remember all the brave women and men who made the ultimate sacrifice for peace. We will never forget them — and we will carry their work forward.”
“Our personnel are our most important capability. The sacrifices made by our peacekeepers call for more than remembrance; they demand action,” said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations. “Throughout its history, peacekeeping has always adapted to ever-changing contexts to achieve results. The future of peacekeeping hinges on our collective commitment to continue to adapt and invest—so we can continue delivering hope and protection where it’s needed most,” he added.
The International Day of UN Peacekeepers was established by the UN General Assembly in 2002, to pay tribute to all men and women serving in peacekeeping, and to honour the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace.
For media inquiries and further information, please contact: Department of Global Communications: Douglas Coffman, at email: coffmand@un.org; Department of Peace Operations: Sophie Boudre, at email: boudre@un.org, or Hector Calderon, at email: hector.calderon@un.org.
NEW YORK, 27 May — The United Nations has announced the 2024 recipients of the Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award and the Woman Police Officer of the Year Award.
Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme of Ghana will receive the Military Gender Advocate Award and Chief Superintendent Zainab Gbla of Sierra Leone will receive the Woman Police Officer of the Year Award during a ceremony marking the International Day of UN Peacekeepers on 29 May.
The awards will be presented at United Nations Headquarters in New York by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Sharon Syme of Ghana has been named the 2024 Military Gender Advocate of the Year in recognition of her exceptional commitment in promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls during her tour of duty with the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).
Since her deployment in 2024 as the Mission’s Military Gender Adviser, Ms. Syme’s work has directly impacted local communities, ensuring the voices and needs of women and girls are integrated into security and peacebuilding initiatives.
As part of her efforts, she conducted an intensive health campaign for the women and men of the local communities on the dangers and health implications of gender-based violence and harmful traditional practices like child marriage.
Ms. Syme also helped strengthen the gender awareness and capacity of UNISFA’s military components, spearheading patrols composed of men and women able to address diverse community needs, and engaging with local women’s groups to promote trust and collaboration. Her approach emphasized inclusivity, respect and cultural awareness, setting a benchmark for gender-responsive peacekeeping operations.
“Squadron Leader Syme exemplifies the principles of gender advocacy in peacekeeping,” said Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix. “Her dedication has not only improved the effectiveness of UNISFA’s operations, but also ensured that the mission is more reflective of and responsive to the communities it serves.”
“Applying gender perspectives into daily tasks is the responsibility of every peacekeeper,” Ms. Syme said. “Success comes through diversifying military representation at checkpoints, operating bases and on patrols it also comes from having gender-responsive leaders, who listen and respond to the voices of their male and female peacekeepers”.
Zainab Gbla of Sierra Leone has been named the Woman Police Officer of the Year for her innovative community engagement initiatives that helped strengthen relations between host communities and the mission while establishing new crime-reporting channels in Abyei, where there is no functional police service.
In an area that had no schools when she arrived, she initiated an educational programme, providing materials and visual aids for teaching disadvantaged children. She also established a mentorship programme for girls. Projects she also initiated to support crop cultivation and livestock sale at the local markets gave the women sustainable sources of income, allowing them to provide for their families and send their children to school in nearby Abyei town.
Currently serving as UNISFA’s Chief Police Training Officer, Ms. Gbla spent her teenage years displaced within her home country of Sierra Leone and later as a refugee in Guinea — experiences that motivated her to enter the police service and to empower women affected, like her, by conflict.
“Having been inspired by seeing the positive impact of the police first hand, including the rebuilding and restructuring of the Sierra Leone Police following years of conflict, Chief Superintendent Gbla embodies the work of the United Nations to improve lives and shape futures,” said Under-Secretary-General Lacroix.
“This award symbolizes the tireless work of the women in uniform who serve under the UN flag,” said Ms. Gbla upon hearing of her award. “Each of us faces unique challenges in our respective missions, yet our collective goal remains the same: to foster peace and protect the vulnerable.”
About the Awardees
Chief Superintendent Zainab Mbalu Gbla joined the Sierra Leone Police in 2002, where she has since held various roles in operations, training and leadership. She has been serving with UNISFA since April 2023 as Officer-in-Charge of the Community-Based Disarmament Unit and UNPOL Chief Training Officer. This is her third peacekeeping deployment, after serving with the United Nations – African Union Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) in 2010–2013 and 2020–2021.
Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme graduated from the Ghana Military Academy after obtaining her first master’s degree in international health at Japan’s Tokyo University. A year later, she joined the Ghana Armed Forces Medical Corps and is the Deputy Chief Dietician at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra, Ghana. Her first peacekeeping deployment, she joined UNISFA in March 2024 as the Mission’s Military Gender Adviser.
About the Awards
The United Nations Woman Police Officer of the Year award was established in 2011 to recognize the exceptional contributions of women police officers to UN peace operations and to promote women’s empowerment, in line with UN Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security. The UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award is presented annually since 2016 to a military peacekeeper — male or female — who has shown outstanding commitment and leadership in promoting the principles of resolution 1325 (2000). The resolution calls on actors to mainstream a gender perspective in all aspects of peacekeeping and peacebuilding and to ensure women’s participation in peace and political processes. The resolution also calls for the protection from, and prevention of, conflict-related sexual violence and for an expansion of the role and contribution of women in UN operations, including of uniformed women peacekeepers.
The awards ceremony will be held at UN Headquarters on 29 May from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. and broadcast live on UN Web TV.
More information, photos and digital assets on the awardees are available on a dedicated Trello Board.
For media inquiries and further information, please contact: Douglas Coffman, Department of Global Communications, at email: coffmand@un.org; or Sophie Boudre, Department of Peace Operations, at email: boudre@un.org and Hector Calderon, Department of Peace Operations, at email: hector.calderon@un.org.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
LAGOS, Nigeria, May 27, 2025/APO Group/ —
Africa Finance Corporation (www.AfricaFC.org), the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, today announced that it has provided a EUR 100 million, 5year term facility to Mota-Engil Africa (MEA), the regional arm of the global construction giant, Mota -Engil Group. The funding will support the acquisition of equipment, inventories, and site infrastructure for the execution of three new gold- mining contracts in Côte d’Ivoire and Mali.
AFC’s funding will enable Mota-Engil Africa to scale up operations in West Africa’s burgeoning mining sector, where gold remains a critical export commodity and a driver of local employment and foreign exchange earnings. The new mining contracts represent a significant boost for the mining industries in both Côte d’Ivoire and Mali, countries with substantial untapped mineral potential.
The facility is another milestone in AFC and MEA’s longstanding strategic relationship with MEA, which began in 2016. AFC has played a leading advisory role in several of the institution’s recent landmark transactions including the new Bugesera International Airport project in Rwanda, the US$2 billion Kano Moradi rail project in Nigeria and the 1,289km Lobito I rail line project in Angola, where AFC is acting as financial adviser to Lobito Atlantic Railway- the consortium comprising Mota Engil Africa, Trafigura and Vecturis SA.
Commenting on the transaction, Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of Africa Finance Corporation, said:
“This transaction underscores the strength of our decade-long relationship with Mota-Engil Africa and our shared vision to deliver sustainable economic transformation across Africa. Gold continues to be a vital economic driver for many African nations, and through this investment, AFC is helping to unlock long-term value- supporting export earnings, job creation, and broader industrial development of the region.”
Manuel Mota, Chairman, Mota-Enjil Africa said: “Today marks a significant milestone for Mota-Engil Africa. We are proud to announce the successful closing of financing for three new mining projects, in partnership with Africa Finance Corporation. This achievement reflects not only the strength of our project portfolio but also the confidence that premier institutions like AFC place in our strategy, our capabilities, and our people.”
This latest investment builds on AFC’s strategy to expand its portfolio into critical contractor financing initiatives across Africa; not only supporting the execution of critical public and private sector projects but unlocking much needed on and off-balance sheet financing opportunities. Notably, AFC is also the commercial tranche financier of the 186 Metallic Bridges project being constructed by Conduril Engenharia S.A. in Angola. AFC continues to work with contractors, providing critical funding to unlock value and to close the infrastructure gap, driving industrialisation, economic resilience, and sustainable development across the continent.
The EU and South Africa (SA) have a Strategic Partnership based firmly on democratic values and human rights, as exemplified by the recent EU-SA Summit, which resulted inter alia in the announcement of the Global Gateway Investment Package with SA to which the Honourable Members refer. In the context of this partnership, the EU and SA are engaged in a regular human rights dialogue.
The Commission follows the programming procedures that are outlined in the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) — Global Europe Regulation (Articles 13 and 14)[1]. These programming procedures are designed to enhance the effectiveness and responsiveness of EU external action, ensuring that funding is strategically allocated to support sustainable development and address global challenges.
Applying a human rights-based approach to all interventions is an obligation enshrined in the NDICI — Global Europe Regulation (Article 8). With Global Gateway, the EU aims to embed democratic principles, good governance and transparency in all investments. The EU assesses in each country whether the required pre-conditions for investments exist, including regarding human rights.
The new Financial Regulation[2] requires that the EU budget be implemented in full respect of EU values, including human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and the rights of minorities.
DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL
The Deputy Secretary-General is travelling to Dushanbe, Republic of Tajikistan, later today to take part in the International Conference for Glaciers’ Preservation on behalf of the Secretary-General. At the conference, Ms. Mohammed will emphasize the need to accelerate climate action to achieve the 1.5 degree target, in order to reduce the negative impact of melting glaciers on people and planet. During the trip, the Deputy Secretary-General will also meet with senior government officials to strengthen the UN-Tajikistan partnership, youth and women’s groups and other constituencies to discuss priority action to support SDG acceleration.
On 31 May, she will travel to Marrakech, Morocco, to attend the 2025 Ibrahim Governance Weekend where she will deliver a keynote address at the Opening Ceremony and meet with senior government officials and other stakeholders.
The Deputy Secretary-General will then travel to Geneva, Switzerland, to deliver opening remarks at the Global Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction 2025. The platform is a critical mechanism, held every two years, to identify ways to further accelerate the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. She will also meet with senior government officials of Switzerland and heads of delegation at the Global Platform.
The Deputy Secretary-General will return to New York on 4 June.
OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
Turning to the situation in Gaza. We have been watching the video coming out of Gaza around one of the distribution points set up by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, and frankly these video images are heartbreaking to say the least. As the Secretary-General noted last week, we and our partners have a detailed, principled, operationally sound plan – supported by Member States – to get aid to a desperate population. We continue to stress that a meaningful scale-up of humanitarian operations is essential to stave off famine and meet the needs of all civilians, wherever they are.
Meanwhile, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that continued bombardment and shelling across the Strip has had horrific impacts on civilians. Today, the Ministry of Health reported dozens of people killed and over 150 injured in the past 24 hours.
On Sunday night, a school sheltering displaced people in Ad Daraj, in eastern Gaza city, was hit, with the attack igniting a fire and reportedly killing 36 people, including women and children. Many of the bodies were reportedly severely burned.
Amid ongoing hostilities, thousands of people continue to be displaced. Yesterday, another Israeli displacement order was issued, covering about 155 square kilometres in Rafah, Khan Younis and central Gaza and affecting more than 60 neighbourhoods.
This represents over 40 per cent of the Gaza Strip, which overlaps with previous displacement orders.
In North Gaza, our partners tell us that sites for internally- displaced people in Beit Hanoun, Izbat Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya, are nearly empty, in the wake of Israeli displacement orders issued for these areas.
In Khan Younis, displaced people continue to live in the open, where they are exposed to the heat and elements. Many are physically exhausted and frail after having walked long distances on damaged roads with no food to sustain them.
Since the renewed escalation of hostilities in March, our partners estimate more than 632,000 people have been forced to flee yet again. They are left to survive on very small areas of the territory, with barely anything to survive on.
OCHA underscores that civilians must be protected, including those fleeing and forced to leave through displacement orders and those who remain despite those orders. Civilians who flee must be allowed to return as soon as circumstances allow. OCHA reiterates that civilians must be able to receive the humanitarian assistance they need, wherever they are. All of this is required by international humanitarian law.
Meanwhile, our partners working in health report that there are even fewer health facilities operating this week. Since last Monday, more than two dozen health centres and mobile clinics and one hospital have suspended their services because of hostilities, attacks or displacement orders in their areas.
On the water and sanitation front, some 200 thousand litres of fuel are needed per week across Gaza to sustain those critical facilities. However, the situation in the south of Gaza is particularly concerning, as no fuel is currently available there, and only one third of the required supply was received last week. (…)
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=27%20May%202025
The global cost of disasters is growing but, just as the costs of disasters have been under-estimated, so have the benefits of investing now to reduce disaster risk.
Drawing on dozens of positive examples from around the globe, the below case studies are selected from the full GAR report and show how effective disaster risk reduction (DRR) investment can accelerate both sustainable development and economic stability at a time when catastrophic risk is increasing globally.
The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.
Dotted line represents approximately the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir agreed upon by India and Pakistan. The final status of Jammu and Kashmir has not yet been agreed upon by the parties.
Final boundary between the Republic of Sudan and the Republic of South Sudan has not yet been determined.
A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Malvinas).
Droughts often unfold slowly, but with far-reaching impacts on agriculture, water supplies, and economic stability.
Like floods, droughts are also widespread and affect countries in every region of the world. In the decade to 2017, drought affected at least 1.5 billion people and cost USD 125 billion globally. The number of recorded droughts has increased by 29 per cent over the past 20 years. Since 2000, most drought-related deaths have occurred in Africa. Droughts often have a range of indirect impacts such as increased water scarcity, with significant direct and indirect impacts on human and planetary wellbeing.
These impacts are especially acute for marginalized groups, including children. As of 2025, over 920 million children (over one-third of the global child population) were highly exposed to water scarcity, which in turn impacts on their nutritional access. Africa and Asia demonstrate the most severe extremes. Children who lack adequate nutrition are more susceptible to severe diseases, impairing physical and cognitive development and are more susceptible to conditions such as stunting and wasting.
A drought is a period of abnormally dry weather characterized by a prolonged deficiency of precipitation below a certain threshold over a large area and a period longer than a month (WMO, 2020).
Impact of water scarcity on child nutrition
Source: UNICEF 2021
Water scarcity in many parts of the world is also associated with a decrease in women’s well-being. For instance, daily average water collection time for women in households without on-site water access at the local level across Africa can exceed 60 minutes in parts of Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda. These countries also report very low rates of access to safe drinking water services, with just 10-20% of the total population covered. Rising temperatures are expected to further exacerbate this global burden of water collection. However, the impacts of water scarcity can be significantly reduced by disaster risk reduction action, investments that also deliver a range of additional benefits.
Agriculture is the most vulnerable economic sector to adverse climate impacts. Some 82% of all damage and loss caused by drought was borne by agriculture in low- and lower-middle-income countries between 2008 and 2018. Meteorological drought does not always lead to agricultural drought, which depends on factors like the timing and amount of rainfall during the crop season, and how well the soil retains water. Drought causes short- and medium-term water shortages to livestock and crops (including fodder), potentially lowering yields and ultimately threatening food security. In the case of prolonged or recurring droughts, longer-term impacts can transpire, such as land subsidence and seawater intrusion along river systems with reduced water flow.
Based on historical data, recent estimates suggest that their impacts cost approximately USD 307 billion annually. These losses however, as estimated by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), are not confined solely to direct damage in affected sectors but also encompass indirect, long-term costs that ripple through the economy, such as loss of livelihoods and land degradation.
Remarkably, despite their significant and growing impacts, and studies that have provided estimates for specific sectors, but a robust, cross-sectoral AAL estimate for drought and extreme heat is still missing. For instance, recent research by UNCDD on droughts highlights how they weaken agricultural production, reduce water availability and compromise the resilience of natural ecosystems, thereby affecting the livelihood of more than 1.8 billion people annually. Initial work has been done by CDRI to estimate the AAL of drought on the hydro-power sector, suggesting that roughly 12.9% of average hydropower production (the equivalent of 135.3 TWh/h of electricity) was impacted. Being able to have similar estimates for other drought sensitive sectors would help countries to design better risk reduction policies and investments.
Future Drought risk
Drought risk continues to intensify in many parts of the world, driven by climate change, water scarcity, poor resource management and unsustainable land use. According to forecasts, by 2050 droughts may affect over three-quarters of the world’s population. Human activity is also contributing to the increasing frequency of drought and has knock-on direct impacts on food security and human wellbeing. Assessing the current economic impact of drought, let alone its potential effects in future, is not easy given that so many of its impacts are indirect, and even the start and end dates of drought events are not always clear. However, at present drought-induced losses are estimated to cost approximately USD 307 billion each year, representing 15% of disaster-related economic losses globally, and are responsible for 85.8% of livestock deaths.
Nevertheless, there is promising work underway to improve risk analysis, using advanced modelling and the deployment of machine learning. The 2024 Drought Resilience +10 Conference (DR+10) affirmed joint efforts to strengthen drought resilience through integrated drought management and other proven approaches. However, more is needed to strengthen international collaboration around the drivers of globally networked risks – for instance, the trade and food security impacts from droughts in different parts of the world) – across regions, nations, sectors and communities.
For the big five major hazard groups (earthquakes, floods, storms, drought and heat) the recorded direct economic costs came to over USD 195.7 billion in 2023, constituting 0.015% of global GDP that year.
1 / 8Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard, discuss procedures with the crew of a Moroccan CH-47 Chinook, Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, ahead of a multinational sling load exercise at Cap Draa, Tantan, Morocco, May 17, 2025, during African Lion 2025 (AL25). This exercise required this multinational team to stage an ammunition package on the landing zone for retrieval by Moroccan air assets, demonstrating how munitions can be transported. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations – preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) VIEW ORIGINAL2 / 8Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard, sling load a reduced range practice rocket to a Moroccan CH-47 Chinook during a multinational sling load operation at African Lion 2025 (AL25), May 17, 2025, in TanTan, Morocco. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations – preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) VIEW ORIGINAL3 / 8Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard, sling load a reduced range practice rocket to a Moroccan CH-47 Chinook during a multinational sling load operation at African Lion 2025 (AL25), May 17, 2025, in Tan Tan, Morocco. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations – preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) VIEW ORIGINAL4 / 8Show Caption +Hide Caption –A member of a CH-47 Chinook crew with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces guides a reduced range practice rocket during a multinational sling load exercise alongside U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard at Cap Draa, Tantan, Morocco, May 17, 2025, during African Lion 2025 (AL25). AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations – preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) VIEW ORIGINAL5 / 8Show Caption +Hide Caption –A member of a CH-47 Chinook crew with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces guides a reduced range practice rocket, during a multinational sling load exercise alongside U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard at Cap Draa, Tantan, Morocco, May 17, 2025, during African Lion 2025 (AL25). AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations – preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) VIEW ORIGINAL6 / 8Show Caption +Hide Caption –The crew of a CH-47 Chinook with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces inspect a reduced range practice rocket, ahead of a multinational sling load exercise with U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard, at African Lion 2025 (AL25), May 17, 2025, in TanTan, Morocco. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations – preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) VIEW ORIGINAL7 / 8Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Army National Guard Sgt. Kyle Almonte, a motor transport operator with the 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard walks through the rotor wash of a Moroccan CH-47 Chinook as it lands at Cap Draa, ahead of sling load operations at Cap Draa, Tantan, Morocco, May 17, 2025, during African Lion 2025 (AL25). AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations – preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) VIEW ORIGINAL8 / 8Show Caption +Hide Caption –The crew chief of a CH-47 Chinook with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces observes the landing zone during a multinational sling load exercise conducted alongside U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard at Cap Draa, Tantan, Morocco, May 17, 2025, during African Lion 2025 (AL25). AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations – preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) VIEW ORIGINAL
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U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF)
TAN TAN, Morocco – Soldiers assigned to the 744th Forward Support Company (744TH FSC), 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard partnered with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR), for a sling load exercise, May 17, 2025, at Tan Tan, Morocco, during African Lion 25.
The Royal Kingdom of Morocco was recently approved to purchase High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and related equipment, and the exercise demonstrated air transportation of munitions for the system. U.S. Army Sgt. Jeff Splain, a motor transport operator with the 744th FSC led his soldiers through the training event where the FAR, using their CH-47 Chinook, flew into the training area, retrieved a reduced range practice rocket pod, departed, and then returned the pod to the landing zone.
A Moroccan pilot with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces explains the process for using the static discharge wand to U.S. Army Sgt. Dylan Dibernardo, a wheeled vehicle mechanic assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard, to ensure the aircraft is properly grounded for safe sling load operations at African Lion 2025 (AL25), May 17, 2025, in TanTan, Morocco. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations – preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) VIEW ORIGINAL
“My team spent five days rehearsing concepts of this operation,” Splain said. “We brainstormed with the pilot and his crew what the best way to hook up the pod was, keeping safety in mind.”
A Royal Moroccan Armed Forces CH-47 Chinook pilot discusses safety with U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard, ahead of a multinational sling load exercise at Cap Draa, Tantan, Morocco, May 17, 2025, during African Lion 2025 (AL25). AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations – preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) VIEW ORIGINAL
Military operations require a combined force, which demands rigorous training as teams integrate with allies and partners. This ensures combat experience and readiness to dominate and win on contemporary battlefields.
U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard, inspect a reduced range practice rocket, alongside a CH-47 Chinook crew with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, ahead of a multinational sling load exercise at Cap Draa, Tantan, Morocco, May 17, 2025, during African Lion 2025 (AL25). The exercise demonstrated the capability of aircraft to retrieve and deliver munitions. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations – preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) VIEW ORIGINAL
The multinational team worked together to determine the best way to complete the sling load by inspecting the pod, sling legs and apex, as well as the individual hookup equipment which includes the static discharge wand; keeping safety at the forefront of the mission.
Members of a CH-47 Chinook crew with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces outfit a U.S. Soldier assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard, during a multinational sling load exercise at African Lion 2025 (AL25), May 17, 2025, in TanTan, Morocco. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations – preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) VIEW ORIGINAL
U.S. Army Sgt. Kyle Alomonte, a motor transport operator with the 744th FSC played a key role in ensuring safety.
U.S. Army Sgt. Kyle Almonte, a motor transport operator assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard, guides a Royal Moroccan Armed Forces CH-47 out of the landing zone during a multinational sling load exercise at African Lion 2025 (AL25), May 17, 2025, in TanTan, Morocco. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations – preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester)U.S. Army Sgt. Kyle Almonte, a motor transport operator assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard, adjusts the sling legs on a reduced range practice rocket alongside a Royal Moroccan Armed Forces CH-47 Chinook crew member during a multinational sling load operation at African Lion 2025 (AL25), May 17, 2025, in TanTan, Morocco. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations – preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester)VIEW ORIGINAL
After the best course of action was determined, the teams took their respective places on the landing zone, completing two successful hookups.
“This sling load exercise was a great success. It was a culminating event following months of training on both sides,” said Splain. “I’m very proud of my team and what they’ve done, and the knowledge they’ve shared with our Moroccan partners. There’s been no other training I’ve done so far that’s comparable to this.”
About African Lion
AL25 is set to be the largest annual military exercise in Africa, bringing together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies, and about 10,000 troops. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), on behalf of U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM), the exercise will take place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. AL25 is designed to restore the warrior ethos, sharpen lethality, and strengthen military readiness alongside our African partners and allies This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win.
1 / 2Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Army Spc. Austin Crider, a paratrooper assigned to 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade, left, has his T-11 parachute inspected by 1st Lt. Corbin Hoppe, a jumpmaster assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, in preparation for an airborne operation during exercise African Lion 2025 (AL25), Ben Ghilouf Training Area, April 29, 2025. AL25 is set to be the largest annual military exercise in Africa, bringing together over 40 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Mariah Y. Gonzalez) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Mariah Gonzalez) VIEW ORIGINAL2 / 2Show Caption +Hide Caption –A U.S. Soldier assigned to the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Utah National Guard, leads Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, Ghana Armed Forces, and Hungarian Defence Forces Special Operations soldiers during a field training exercise at African Lion 2025 (AL25), Tifnit, Morocco, May 18, 2025. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win. (Photo altered for security purposes) (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. Daniel Alejandro Luna) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Daniel Luna) VIEW ORIGINAL
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U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF)
AGADIR, Morocco–The 21st edition of African Lion concluded this week with over 10,000 multinational troops from more than 50 nations executing synchronized operations across four countries, marking the largest and most dynamic iteration in the exercise’s over-25-year history.
This year’s exercise featured first-time integration of defensive cyber operations and expanded chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear (CBRN) scenarios, along with rigorous multinational academic instruction. African Lion 25 validated the United States’ commitment to building enduring partnerships, enhancing joint and combined force readiness and strengthening regional security. The exercise included HIMARS fire missions, airborne operations, amphibious landings, maritime interdiction, and planning exercises with partners from Africa, Europe, and the U.S.
Setting the Theater, Building Trust
“African Lion 25 was a clear demonstration that a combined approach of joint and multinational capabilities enhanced the readiness and lethality of our warfighters,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Andrew C. Gainey, commanding general, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF).
“The integration of cutting-edge technologies alongside our partners and allies reinforced our commitment to remain ready to address the most complex strategic challenges.”
Medical Reach with Tactical Impact
Medical professionals treated more than 10,000 patients across Morocco, Ghana and Senegal as part of AL25’s humanitarian civic assistance (HCA) programs.
“This has been one of the most diverse and capable teams we’ve brought to African Lion,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Micah Smith, commander of 151st Medical Group, Utah Air National Guard and HCA commander. “With members from 37 different units and expertise spanning cardiology, dermatology, pulmonology and more, we’ve been able to provide care many here wouldn’t otherwise receive.”
“Working alongside about 180 Moroccan partners, we’ve operated 17 clinics and treated roughly 1,000 patients a day,” added Smith. “The Moroccan people have been incredibly gracious; it’s been an honor to be here with them.”
Logistics at Scale
Logistics efforts moved several thousand short tons of cargo across borders, validating the U.S. military’s ability to set the theater, sustain distributed operations, and integrate movement control teams across multiple entry points.
“The African Lion Exercise gives us the opportunity to put into practice the planning we have completed to set the theater for sustainment operations.” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Tim Dowd, lead AL25 sustainment planner for the 79th Theater Sustainment Command.
“The complexity of moving several thousand short tons of cargo to four different countries spanning the distance of the continental United States, demonstrates that we can build, sustain, and adapt our logistical networks in support of any mission, anywhere in Africa.”
Regional Training, Local Impact
In Morocco, U.S. and partner forces conducted the largest array of academic instruction, including joint planning, cyber defense, and public affairs courses. CBRN response and HIMARS missions were integrated alongside a multinational planning exercise and humanitarian civic assistance missions in rural communities.
U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire National Guard, fire the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) at Cap Draa during African Lion 25 (AL25) in TanTan, Morocco, May 23, 2025. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win. (Photo by Libby Weiler, AFRICOM Public Affairs) (Photo Credit: Libby Weiler) VIEW ORIGINAL
“African Lion enhances the United States’ interoperability with Morocco and other key partners to strengthen our collective ability to address regional security threats,” said Aimee Cutrona, Chargée d’Affaires for the U.S. Embassy in Rabat.
“As a major non-NATO ally and historic security partner, Morocco plays a pivotal role in promoting regional stability and security.”
“Guided by President Trump and King Mohamed VI, our bilateral cooperation benefits both Americans and Moroccans, making us safer and stronger,” added Cutrona.
Innovation and Burden-Sharing in Tunisia
In Tunisia, several notable firsts marked AL25’s evolution: for the first time, cyber offense training expanded beyond the usual defensive focus, enabling red-team experimentation. The 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment employed the Avenger Weapon System, demonstrating mobile short-range air defense with Stinger missiles.
U.S. Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, operate the Avenger Air Defense System, showcasing the FIM-92 Stinger missile, as part of exercise African Lion 2025 (AL25), at Ben Ghilouf Training Area, Tunisia, April 25, 2025. AL25 is set to be the largest annual military exercise in Africa, bringing together over 40 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jose Lora) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Jose Lora) VIEW ORIGINAL
Additionally, the 173rd Airborne Brigade received host-nation approval to deploy drone systems during maneuvers—another milestone in multilateral technological integration.
U.S. Army paratroopers with 4th Battalion, 319th Field Artillery Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, conduct live-fire drills alongside Tunisian troops with a M119 howitzer as part of exercise African Lion 2025 (AL25), at Ben Ghilouf Training Area, Tunisia, April 26, 2025.
AL25 is set to be the largest annual military exercise in Africa, bringing together over 40 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win.
(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jose Lora) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Jose Lora)
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“Through African Lion, Tunisia aspires to enhance joint coordination among partner countries, exchanging knowledge to achieve desired goals,” said Tunisian Senior Col. Majid Mguidich, the host nation AL25 exercise director.
“This training enables the Tunisian Armed Forces to increase its influence as a training and educational hub at the regional and international levels.”
Partnering for Readiness in Ghana
In Ghana, U.S. and partner forces conducted a multinational medical readiness exercise (MEDREX), a medical civic action program (MEDCAP) and a planning exercise (PLANEX). These engagements strengthened regional health resilience and interoperability among African and U.S. planners.
“Exercises like African Lion are a cornerstone of our bilateral military relationship,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Mary Stuever, director of trauma for Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and the officer in charge of the Ghana MEDREX.
“Ghana continues to be one of our most capable and trusted partners in West Africa.”
Fighting Fit in Senegal’s Extreme Conditions
In Senegal, U.S. Soldiers trained in extreme heat exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, conducting HIMARS fire coordination, airborne operations, and civil-military engagements.
These conditions showcased the Army’s readiness to operate in austere and climate-challenged environments while validating rapid deployment and sustainment capacity.
U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to Dog Company, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade provide instruction on the M240B machine gun to soldiers from the Senegalese Armed Forces during live-fire training at Centre d’Entraînement Tactique 2 (CET2) in Dodji, Senegal, May 8, 2025. The training session focused on weapons handling and fire control, reinforcing tactical proficiency and multinational cooperation during African Lion 2025 (AL25). AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win. (U.S. Army photo by CJay Spence) (Photo Credit: Sgt. C jay spence) VIEW ORIGINAL
“Our primary objectives here in Senegal for African Lion are threefold,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Daniel Cederman, SETAF-AF deputy commanding general for the Army Reserve. “First, to achieve lethality and readiness for all participating forces—including the United States, Senegal, the Netherlands, Mauritania and Côte d’Ivoire. Second, we’re focused on building true interoperability, so if a crisis occurs on the continent, we can fight together side by side with a shared understanding of command and control, tactics and systems.”
“Finally, we aim to exchange best practices and culture, because every force brings something unique to the fight,” Cederman said. “Together, these efforts help us achieve peace through strength and address regional security challenges as a unified team.”
A Message of Deterrence and Enduring Presence
As AL25 concludes, the scale and complexity of this year’s exercise reflect more than tactical success, they demonstrate enduring strategic value. From live-fire exercises and cyber innovation to humanitarian outreach and multinational planning, the exercise reinforced trust with key partners and proved the U.S. military’s ability to project power, set the theater, and operate decisively alongside allies across the African continent.
U.S. Marines and Soldiers from the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces pose for a group photo while F16 fighter jets pass overhead at Cap Draa during African Lion 25 (AL25) in TanTan, Morocco, May 23, 2025. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win. (Photo by Libby Weiler, AFRICOM Public Affairs) (Photo Credit: Libby Weiler) VIEW ORIGINAL
“I want to thank Morocco for hosting African Lion and helping strengthen our collective security and readiness through rigorous, multinational training,” said U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, commander of U.S. Africa Command. Exercises like African Lion showcase the value of our relationships with African partners, demonstrating our readiness to confront common threats and promote peace through demonstrated military.”
About African Lion
AL25 is set to be the largest annual military exercise in Africa, bringing together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies, and about 10,000 troops. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), on behalf of U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM), the exercise will take place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. AL25 is designed to restore the warrior ethos, sharpen lethality, and strengthen military readiness alongside our African partners and allies This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win.
For all photos, videos and article throughout the exercise, visit the African Lion feature page on DVIDS.
About SETAF-AF
U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.
Mahe, Seychelles, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BitMart Research, the research arm of BitMart Exchange, has released a comprehensive report examining a pivotal moment in the evolution of digital finance. As the U.S. accelerates efforts to regulate the stablecoin ecosystem through the groundbreaking GENIUS Act, the launch of USD1—a fully fiat-backed stablecoin associated with former President Donald Trump’s family—signals a major shift in both regulatory alignment and market power. This in-depth analysis explores the legal, financial, and political implications of the GENIUS Act and USD1’s rapid ascent, highlighting their combined potential to redefine the stablecoin landscape and solidify U.S. dominance in the global digital asset economy.
Preface
Since the collapse of TerraUSD (UST) in 2022, the market share of algorithmic stablecoins has continued to decline. As an algorithmic stablecoin, UST was not backed by any fiat currency or assets but relied solely on an algorithmic mechanism to maintain its peg to the U.S. dollar. Once confidence collapsed and the mechanism failed, a chain reaction ensued in the market. In contrast, fiat-backed stablecoins—such as USDT, USDC, and USD1—which are supported by highly liquid assets like U.S. dollars and Treasury bonds, have gradually become the mainstream. However, even these stablecoins continue to face scrutiny regarding their regulatory compliance and transparency. To address these challenges, the United States has recently accelerated the advancement of the GENIUS Act, aiming to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for the stablecoin market.
GENIUS Act
Significance of the GENIUS Act to the Crypto Market
The GENIUS Act plays a pivotal role in the regulation of the crypto market, particularly in the realm of stablecoins. Its core provisions include restrictions on issuance eligibility, reserve requirements, compliance obligations, user protection, and international applicability. The Act clearly stipulates that stablecoins must be fully backed by an equivalent amount of highly liquid assets, ensuring that users can redeem their holdings at any time. To protect token holders, the assets of an issuer must be prioritized for user repayment in the event of bankruptcy.
Moreover, issuers must strictly comply with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) requirements to prevent the misuse of stablecoins for illicit purposes. Overall, while the GENIUS Act enhances regulatory oversight and protects user rights, it also raises the entry bar for stablecoin issuers in the short term. Existing issuers will be required to restructure their asset reserves, disclosure practices, and internal systems, which may entail significant costs and operational complexity.
Key Provisions of the GENIUS Act
1. Licensing and Regulatory Framework
The Act permits only three types of entities to issue payment stablecoins:
Subsidiaries of banks or credit unions
Non-bank financial institutions approved by federal regulators (e.g., institutions regulated by the OCC)
State-licensed issuers that meet federal “substantive equivalence” standards
The Act adopts a dual regulatory system:
Issuers with a market cap over $10 billion must be subject to federal oversight
Smaller issuers may be regulated at the state level, provided they meet federal baseline requirements
2. Reserve and Asset Segregation Requirements
All stablecoins must be backed by 100% reserves and can only use highly liquid assets, such as:
Cash and demand deposits
Short-term U.S. Treasury securities (≤ 93 days)
Short-term repurchase agreements (≤ 7 days, under central bank oversight)
Central bank reserves
Customer assets must be strictly segregated from operating funds, cannot be re-pledged, and may only be temporarily pledged for short-term liquidity purposes.
3. Transparency, Auditing, and Accountability Mechanisms
Issuers are required to disclose reserve asset compositions monthly and undergo audits by certified public accounting firms.Regulators will also establish standards for capital adequacy, liquidity, and risk management.
Issuers with a market cap over $50 billion will face stricter audit and compliance standards
CEOs and CFOs must sign monthly compliance certifications
False statements may lead to criminal liability
4. AML and National Security Compliance
Stablecoin issuers are classified as financial institutions under the Bank Secrecy Act and must implement AML and sanctions compliance programs, including:
Transaction monitoring
Risk assessments
Filing of suspicious activity reports
5. Restrictions on Foreign Issuers and Big Tech
Foreign stablecoin issuers that fail to comply with U.S.-equivalent standards will be prohibited from operating in the U.S.Large technology companies (e.g., Meta, Amazon) must meet stringent financial compliance, user privacy, and fair competition requirements to prevent monopolistic behavior and systemic risks.
6. Consumer Protection and Bankruptcy Priority
Stablecoin holders will have priority claims on issuer assets in the event of bankruptcy.To avoid conflicts of interest, the Act prohibits members of Congress and senior executive officials from participating in stablecoin issuance during their term in office.
7. Legal Classification and Regulatory Clarity
The Act explicitly states that payment stablecoins are not classified as securities or commodities, thus excluding them from SEC and CFTC jurisdiction. This provides legal clarity and prevents overlapping regulation.
Legislative Progress
As of May 22, the GENIUS Act passed a motion to proceed to debate with 69 votes in favor and 31 against, entering the amendment phase. With the House and Senate rapidly advancing their respective versions of stablecoin legislation and a rare bipartisan consensus on crypto regulation, the Act is widely expected to complete the legislative process by Q4 2024.
Introduction to USD1
Background of USD1
USD1 is a U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin launched in March 2025 by World Liberty Financial Inc. (WLFI), a DeFi platform controlled by members of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s family. Each USD1 token is designed to maintain a 1:1 peg to the U.S. dollar and is fully backed by reserves consisting of short-term U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. dollar deposits, and cash equivalents.
The project emphasizes regulatory compliance and transparency, with reserve assets regularly audited by a third-party accounting firm and custodied by BitGo, a leading digital asset custody provider. The project’s key figures include Zach Witkoff, co-founder of WLFI, and Eric Trump, Donald Trump’s son, who also serves as WLFI’s head.
Current Status of USD1
As Bitcoin recently broke its all-time high and interest in USD1 surged, ecosystem partners associated with the USD1 network have gained significant market attention. Tokens from partnered projects—such as Buildon, Lista DAO, StakeStone, Haedal, and Cookie—have experienced sharp price increases, fueling enthusiasm around the “WLFI + USD1” narrative.
As of mid-May 2025, USD1’s market capitalization surpassed $2.1 billion, making it the seventh-largest stablecoin. Since its launch in March, USD1 has rapidly expanded across Ethereum, BNB Chain, and more recently, the Tron network.However, according to official statements from WLFI, USD1 is primarily targeted at institutional users. Its most notable real-world application to date is its selection by MGX, an Abu Dhabi-based investment firm, as the official stablecoin for a $2 billion investment into Binance, marking USD1’s first major institutional use case.
USD1 Ecosystem Partnerships
BUILDon
BUILDon is a meme token representing the cultural mascot of the BSC (BNB Smart Chain) builder community. On May 17, the project officially announced the addition of a USD1 trading pair, and has since actively engaged with WLFI on social media. On May 22, WLFI publicly disclosed the purchase of BUILDon’s native token B, triggering a price surge of over 450%.
StakeStone
On May 9, StakeStone announced a partnership with WLFI to provide omnichain liquidity infrastructure and cross-chain staking yield services for USD1 users. On May 22, following Binance’s listing of USD1, StakeStone’s native token STO rose over 20% in a single day.
Lista
On May 7, Lista DAO announced a strategic partnership with WLFI. The Lista ecosystem plans to add USD1 to its treasury, introduce a USD1/lisUSD LP pair, and support USD1 as CDP collateral. On May 22, following the Binance listing news, Lista’s token price jumped 37.9% in one day.
In addition to these core partners, USD1 is now supported across various DeFi protocols including Venus Protocol, Aster, Meson Finance, and Falcon Finance, enabling its use for trading, collateralization, and liquidity provisioning.
On the custody and liquidity side, BitGo is responsible for holding the reserve assets, while BitGo Prime offers institutional-grade liquidity and trading services. DWF Labs has deployed several DeFi liquidity pools for USD1 and has committed $25 million in WLFI token purchases to support the ecosystem.For wallets and consumer applications, USD1 has been integrated into platforms like TokenPocket, HOT Wallet, Pundi X, and Umy, enabling its use in payments, hotel bookings, and merchant settlements within various Web3 scenarios.
Comparison Between USD1 and Competitors
Mechanically, USD1 shares many similarities with leading stablecoins such as USDT and USDC. It follows a 1:1 reserve model, backed primarily by U.S. Treasury securities, cash, and other highly liquid assets, with third-party custody and periodic audits to ensure transparency and regulatory compliance.What sets USD1 apart is its unique political brand value. Backed by the Trump family through WLFI, USD1 has experienced exceptionally rapid early-stage growth, most notably being selected as the official stablecoin for MGX’s $2 billion investment in Binance. This momentum is largely driven by the Trump family’s public influence and political capital, which has bolstered confidence in the stablecoin’s credibility and regulatory soundness.
However, it’s worth noting that the previously launched $TRUMP meme coin, also associated with the Trump name, experienced significant price volatility, raising concerns about its stability and long-term value. This historical context may impact investor confidence in USD1—especially when considering the broader political dynamics that can influence sentiment and risk in the crypto market.
Future Outlook
The GENIUS Act is not merely a regulatory framework for stablecoins—it represents a broader strategic initiative by the United States to strengthen the international dominance of the digital dollar. By promoting the issuance of compliant, USD-pegged stablecoins, attracting global capital inflows into U.S. Treasury assets, and imposing stricter controls on foreign issuers, the Act aims to enhance both the security and stability of the overall crypto market while mitigating the risk of incidents like the TerraUSD collapse.
Against this backdrop, highly compliant stablecoin projects are well-positioned to gain greater market recognition. For instance, USD1, with its strong political and institutional backing, may benefit significantly as the GENIUS Act moves forward. Its ecosystem partners and integrations could play an increasingly important role in the future digital asset landscape.
About BitMart
BitMart is the premier global digital asset trading platform. With millions of users worldwide and ranked among the top crypto exchanges on CoinGecko, it currently offers 1,700+ trading pairs with competitive trading fees. Constantly evolving and growing, BitMart is interested in crypto’s potential to drive innovation and promote financial inclusion. New users can register here to unlock an $8,000+ welcome bonus.
Risk Warning:
The information provided is for reference only and should not be considered a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any financial asset. All information is provided in good faith. However, we make no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of such information.
All cryptocurrency investments (including returns) are highly speculative in nature and involve significant risk of loss. Past, hypothetical or simulated performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. The value of digital currencies may rise or fall, and there may be significant risks in buying, selling, holding or trading digital currencies. You should carefully consider whether trading or holding digital currencies is suitable for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial situation and risk tolerance. BitMart does not provide any investment, legal or tax advice.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
LOMÉ, Togo, May 27, 2025/APO Group/ —
Ecobank (www.Ecobank.com), the leading private pan-African financial services Group which has unrivalled African expertise, is delighted to have been named Best Bank in Africa 2025 in Global Finance’s World’s Best Banks 2025 Awards. The Awards also selected Ecobank Gambia and Ecobank Togo as the Best Banks 2025 in their respective countries.
Jeremy Awori, Chief Executive Officer, Ecobank Group, said, “Driving intra-African trade is an important focus of our Growth, Transformation and Returns strategy and we are continuously leveraging technology and partnerships to further enhance our continental digital payments platform and to position Ecobank as Africa’s trade bank of choice.
“These awards are a testament to Ecobank’s intense focus on putting our customers at the centre of our decision making, and the quality of our comprehensive suite of financial products, services and solutions that we provide to global and regional corporates, financial institutions and international organisations. Our expertise and integrated coverage, which is networked across our 35-African country footprint, enable us to structure complex local and cross-border transactions. We maximise our impact across our markets by deploying our key product pillars of cash management; trade finance; fixed income currencies and commodities; loans and liquidity; investment banking; and securities, wealth and asset management.”
In selecting the best bank winners, Global Finance’s judges considered factors including growth in assets, profitability, geographic reach, strategic relationships, new business development and innovation in products. They also sought the opinions of equity analysts, credit rating analysts, banking consultants and others involved in the industry, and held extensive consultations with corporate financial executives, bankers, banking consultants and analysts. The winners are banks that attend carefully to their customers’ needs in difficult markets and accomplish strong results while laying the foundations for future success.
Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, Ecobank Gambia and Ecobank Togo will be presented with their awards at the Global Finance Awards Ceremony at the National Press Club in Washington DC, USA, on 18 October 2025, which is being held during the IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings.
India attracted a record USD 81.04 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the fiscal year 2024–25, up 14% from the previous year, driven by a liberalized policy regime and strong inflows into the services and manufacturing sectors, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry said on Tuesday.
The services sector emerged as the top recipient of FDI equity in FY 2024–25, attracting 19% of total inflows, followed by computer software and hardware (16%) and trading (8%). FDI into the services sector rose by 40.77%, reaching USD 9.35 billion, up from USD 6.64 billion in the previous year.
India is also becoming a hub for manufacturing FDI, which grew by 18% in FY 2024–25, reaching USD 19.04 billion compared to USD 16.12 billion in FY 2023–24.
Maharashtra accounted for the highest share (39%) of total FDI equity inflows in FY 2024–25, followed by Karnataka (13%) and Delhi (12%). Among source countries, Singapore led with a 30% share, followed by Mauritius (17%) and the United States (11%).
Over the last eleven financial years (2014–25), India attracted FDI worth USD 748.78 billion, reflecting a 143% increase over the previous eleven years (2003–14), which saw USD 308.38 billion in inflows. This constitutes nearly 70% of the total USD 1,072.36 billion in FDI received over the past 25 years.
Additionally, the number of source countries for FDI increased from 89 in FY 2013–14 to 112 in FY 2024–25, underscoring India’s growing global appeal as an investment destination.
In the regulatory domain, the government has undertaken transformative reforms across multiple sectors to liberalize FDI norms. Between 2014 and 2019, significant reforms included increased FDI caps in the Defence, Insurance, and Pension sectors, as well as liberalized policies for Construction, Civil Aviation, and Single Brand Retail Trading.
From 2019 to 2024, notable measures included allowing 100% FDI under the automatic route in coal mining, contract manufacturing, and insurance intermediaries. In 2025, the Union Budget proposed increasing the FDI limit from 74% to 100% for companies investing their entire premium within India.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, May 27, 2025/APO Group/ —
At the 10th annual Cyber Security Weekend – META 2025 conference held recently, Kaspersky (www.Kaspersky.co.za) Global Research and Analysis Team experts shared their insights on the latest trends in the mobile threat landscape across the Middle East, Turkiye, and Africa (META) region.
While the overall attack rate in the region remained relatively stable in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous quarter, the Middle East experienced a significant surge, with attacks increasing by 43%, reaching over 57,000 attacks.
In contrast, both Africa and Turkiye showed a positive trend, with a decline in mobile attacks. Africa saw a 17% decrease, with 94,270 recorded attacks, while Turkiye experienced a 16% reduction, totaling 28,592 attacks.
“The decline in the number of mobile attacks in some parts of the META region is certainly a positive sign and may indicate that awareness and protective measures are starting to pay off,” said Tatyana Shishkova, Lead Security Researcher at Kaspersky. “However, the threat is far from gone. Cybercriminals are becoming more skilled and selective, increasingly leveraging sophisticated AI-powered and targeted attacks.”
All of these recorded threats were successfully blocked by Kaspersky’s mobile security solutions, with data from Kaspersky protection systems running on Android devices. The company’s experts highlight that the latest trends point to a cascade-style infection strategy, where attackers find multiple ways to sneak onto victims’ devices. As more services shift to mobile platforms – and as people increasingly rely on smartphones for nearly every aspect of their lives – mobile devices have become highly attractive targets for cybercriminals.
Many of these threats are distributed via social media platforms or unofficial app stores, as seen in the Tria Trojan campaign, which spread through fake wedding invitations shared over WhatsApp and Telegram. Victims were tricked into downloading and installing a malicious APK file disguised as a legitimate app.
However, even big official platforms are not immune. A recent discovery revealed SparkCat, a sophisticated data-stealing Trojan leveraging artificial intelligence. Distributed through both the App Store and Google Play, SparkCat was downloaded more than 242,000 times. It used machine learning to scan for cryptocurrency and sensitive data in nine different languages.
Alarmingly, even brand-new phones can be compromised before they reach their owners, arriving with pre-installed malware. Counterfeit versions of popular smartphone models, often sold at discounted prices, have been discovered to come preloaded with a modified variant of the Android malware known as Triada.
“Even the most vigilant individuals can miss a well-crafted threat. That’s why cybersecurity must be proactive—not reactive. Staying ahead of cybercriminals takes innovation from tech companies, expertise from security professionals, and awareness from users. It’s a shared responsibility,” adds Tatyana Shishkova.
To protect yourself from mobile threats, Kaspersky recommends:
Download apps only from official stores like Apple AppStore, Google Play or Amazon Appstore. Apps from these markets are not 100% failsafe, but at least they get checked by the moderators and there is some filtration system — not every app can get onto these stores. It’s worth looking through user reviews of an app to see if there is any negative feedback on its functionality.
Check the permissions of apps that you use and think carefully before permitting an app, especially when it comes to high-risk permissions such as Accessibility Services.
A reliable mobile security solution like Kaspersky Premium (https://apo-opa.co/3H90T7B) can help you to detect malicious apps and adware before they start behaving badly on your device.
Update your operating system and important apps as updates become available. Many safety issues can be solved by installing updated versions of software.
Kaspersky calls on the mobile industry to enhance cyber protection at all levels, including security for users, by providing tailored cybersecurity services. Kaspersky Consumer Business Alliances enable companies to offer their customers complete cybersecurity portfolios by backing them with Kaspersky’s global support and expertise.
The idea of “lived experience” – knowledge gained through direct, personal experience – is now central in activism, academia and politics. Popularised by feminist thinkers like Simone de Beauvoir and concepts like standpoint theory, it makes sense that people see the world differently based on what they’ve been through. And movements like #MeToo showed how sharing personal stories, particularly for oppressed, marginalised or victimised groups, can drive real change.
Lived experience lends authority to those long excluded from public debate, offering insight traditional expertise may miss. But it also raises questions about who gets to speak. Those without direct experience of an issue can find their place in activism questioned.
High-profile cases like Rachel Dolezal and Andrea Smith, activists who falsely claimed black and Native American ancestry, respectively, highlight how powerful the claim to lived experience has become – so much so that some feel compelled to lie about it in order to be heard.
My research, based on in-depth interviews with 20 activists from a range of movements and backgrounds across Europe, India and the US, shows what challenges arise when lived experience is treated as the ultimate credential in activism. The interviewees revealed how emphasis on personal testimony can shift activism away from political action, toward guilt, polarisation and disengagement.
This matters, because it affects who feels able to participate in movements pushing for social change.
One trans activist stressed the importance of lived experience in leading the fight for transgender rights, warning that without trans voices at the centre, the movement risks overlooking key perspectives that are often absent from research and politics.
For others, the emphasis on lived experience creates internal dilemmas. Activists without lived experience can feel unsure of their place. One white anti-racist activist based in the UK put it this way: “I would definitely be silent in a lot of things, and I wouldn’t be proud of it. But I wouldn’t have the right to speak up.”
Another white female activist working in international development described a growing discomfort with her role: “I fundamentally question whether I have legitimacy in leadership. Can I legitimately show up? Or do I just need to leave the development sector entirely?”
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In some activist spaces, speaking without relevant lived experience is seen as a transgression. Identity becomes a kind of moral litmus test for who gets to speak and lead.
Activists described an overwhelming sense of guilt about their own social advantages. One reflected on how acknowledging those advantages, by recognising the privileges they hold (and their subsequent lack of marginalised lived experience) can be a barrier to activism: “I think it is important to engage in self-awareness, but sometimes it moves into self-criticism. You can stall if you’re always feeling guilty.”
One interviewee observed a “collective inertia” among allies, activists and academics who, unsure of their place, chose silence over action.
Another described how guilt about having a privileged lived experience shifts the focus away from collective political action and toward perfecting the self — a kind of confessional self-work that risks becoming inward-focused, rather than leading to meaningful social change.
These comments reflect concerns raised in social justice research about how guilt, humility and lived experience can shape or stall activism. My findings suggests that while lived experience remains vital, the way it’s used matters — when it isolates rather than unites, or fuels self-focus over action, we need to use it more carefully, in ways that build connection and drive change.
Identity, experience and diversity of opinion
Some activists strongly defended the idea that those with the least privilege should have the most say. As one LGBTQ+ activist put it: “The person who has the least privilege in society gets to decide what is true. If you’re straight and cis, and you’re a guy, middle-aged, and white, check your privileges.”
While this perspective centres voices long pushed to the margins, it can also wrongly assume everyone with a particular lived experience will have the same views on an issue.
Many writers and philosophers, such as Frantz Fanon, have challenged the idea that identity alone dictates political outlooks. As British writer Kenan Malik recently argued: “Black and Asian communities are as politically diverse as white communities.”
Latino and black voters’ support for Donald Trump in the US has challenged many people’s assumptions about how identity dictates political allegiance.
This tension has prompted some activist organisations to rethink their approach. The UK charity Migrant Rights Network shifted their messaging from “lived experience-led” activism to “lived experience and values-led” activism in 2023.
They argued that figures like Rishi Sunak and Suella Braverman demonstrate that lived experience alone does not guarantee shared values. Both come from immigrant backgrounds and have experienced racism, yet their support for restrictive immigration policies has led critics to question whether their personal histories count as valid lived experience.
At the heart of this is an uncomfortable question: should lived experience only be recognised when it aligns with certain political values?
My research suggests that if we only value lived experience when it confirms our own views, we risk turning it into a selective tool rather than a genuine commitment to listening.
If we say lived experience matters, we have to be willing to engage with it across the spectrum — even when it challenges us. That doesn’t mean we have to agree, but it does mean staying open to dialogue.
None of this means lived experience should be dismissed – it provides essential insight into how injustice is felt, understood and navigated by those most affected. However, when it becomes the sole measure of credibility, it can create divisions within activist spaces and silence people who want to contribute.
A more productive approach would be to view lived experience not as the final word or the end of a conversation, but as a starting point — one that invites listening, dialogue and ultimately, collective action.
As one activist in my study reflected: “If you take the time to talk and listen, you’re not disqualified just because you didn’t grow up in that context. The key is humility.”
Dr Jody Moore-Ponce does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.