NewzIntel.com

Category: Africa

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Health partnerships are key

    Source: European Investment Bank

    Recognising the imperative to be even better prepared for the next pandemic, we have continued to build on this previous success. The EIB is providing Gavi with €1 billion in liquidity to accelerate access to vaccines for viruses with pandemic potential (such as Ebola), and to support routine vaccination against preventable diseases like measles, malaria, and the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a leading cause of cervical cancer. (A new vaccine against tuberculosis could also be on the horizon.)

    This innovative approach has also inspired others and catalysed their efforts. For example, the G7 development-finance institutions, together with the EIB, MedAccess, and the International Finance Corporation, are working on a new surge-funding instrument to mobilise vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and other medical goods that low- and lower-middle income countries will need to respond to future pandemics.

    Boosting regional vaccine production is a critical priority. Africa accounts for 20% of the world’s population, but produces just 0.1% of the world’s supply of vaccines. Building the continent’s vaccine-manufacturing base is a key part of any strategy to strengthen overall pandemic preparedness.

    Here, too, the EIB’s partnership and financial innovation are a game changer. Gavi’s $1.2 billion African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator – backed by over €750 million from European governments, as well as institutions including the EIB – is designed to dismantle barriers to local vaccine production. To help Africa achieve vaccine sovereignty, the EIB is also directly financing production facilities in Ghana, South Africa, and Senegal, through the Institut Pasteur de Dakar.

    Africa accounts for 20% of the world’s population, but produces just 0.1% of the world’s supply of vaccines.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Recital 72 of the Horizon Europe Regulation on academic freedom and its implementation with regard to Egypt – E-001949/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001949/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Christian Ehler (PPE)

    Recital 72 of the Horizon Europe Regulation states that, in order to guarantee scientific excellence, and in line with Article 13 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, the programme should promote respect for academic freedom in all countries benefiting from its funds.

    • 1.How is the Commission going to implement this recital with regard to Egypt?
    • 2.How is the Commission going to ensure that researchers involved in EU projects can work on them freely?

    Submitted: 14.5.2025

    Last updated: 22 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DHS Reacts to Activist Judge Ruling to Halt the Deportation of Barbaric Criminal Illegal Aliens Including Murderers, Rapists, and Pedophiles

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: DHS Reacts to Activist Judge Ruling to Halt the Deportation of Barbaric Criminal Illegal Aliens Including Murderers, Rapists, and Pedophiles

    WASHINGTON – DHS conducted a deportation flight to remove some of the most barbaric, violent individuals illegally in the United States

    All of these individuals had final orders of removal

      Now a federal judge in Massachusetts is halting their deportation and trying to force President Trump to bring these criminals back to American soil

    “This ruling is deranged

    These depraved individuals have all had their day in court and been given final deportation orders

     A reminder of who was on this plane: murderers, child rapists, an individual who raped a mentally & physically disabled person,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin

    “The message this activist judge is sending to victims and their families is we don’t care

    President Trump and Secretary Noem are working every day to get vicious criminals out of our country while activist judges are fighting to bring them back onto American soil

    ” 

    Below are the individuals ICE removed from American communities:  
    Enrique ARIAS-Hierro, a Cuban national, was arrested by ICE Miami on May 2, 2025

    His criminal history includes convictions for homicide, armed robbery, false impersonation of official, kidnapping, robbery strong arm

    He was issued a final order of removal on September 13, 1999

    Image

    On April 30, 2025, ICE Miami arrested Cuban national, Jose Manuel RODRIGUEZ-QUINONES

    He has been convicted of attempted first degree murder with a weapon, battery and larceny, cocaine possession and trafficking

    He was issued a final order of removal on December 4, 2012

    Image

    Thongxay NILAKOUT, a citizen of Laos, was arrested by ICE Los Angeles on January 26, 2025

    NILAKOUT is Convicted of first-degree murder and robbery; sentenced to life confinement

    He was issued a final order of removal on July 12, 2023

    Image

    On May 12, 2025, ICE Miami arrested Mexican national, Jesus MUNOZ-Gutierrez

    He is Convicted of second-degree murder; sentenced to life confinement

    He was issued a final order of removed on June 16, 2005

    Image

    Dian Peter DOMACH, a citizen of South Sudan, was arrested by ICE St

    Paul on May 8, 2024

    DOMACH is convicted of robbery and possession of a firearm, of possession of burglar’s tools and possession of defaced firearm and driving under the influence

    He was issued a final order of removal on July 19, 2011

    Image

    Kyaw MYA, a citizen of Burma was arrested by ICE St

    Paul on February 18, 2025

    MYA is convicted of Lascivious Acts with a Child-Victim less than 12 years of age; sentenced to 10 years confinement, paroled after 4 years

    He was issued a final order of removal on March 17, 2022

    Image

    Nyo MYINT, a citizen of Burma was arrested by ICE St

    Paul on February 18, 2025

    MYINT is convicted of first-degree sexual assault involving a victim mentally and physically incapable of resisting; sentenced to 12 years confinement

    MYINT is also charged with aggravated assault-nonfamily strongarm

    He was issued a final order of removal on August 17, 2023

    Image

    On May 3, 2025, ICE Seattle arrested Tuan Thanh PHAN, a Vietnamese national

    PHAN is Convicted of first-degree murder and second-degree assault; sentenced to 22 years confinement

    He was issued a final order of removal on June 17, 2009

    Image

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Kenyan farmers, civil society, and advocates take seed fight to court in landmark case for food sovereignty

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Soundbytes: Click here, Photos: Click here

    In the quiet court corridors of Machakos, a storm has been brewing—one not about legal technicalities, but about seeds, sovereignty, and the survival of a farming culture.

    On 20 May, fifteen smallholder farmers from across Kenya stepped into the High Court to challenge the constitutionality of Kenya’s Seed and Plant Varieties Act (Cap. 326), a law they say criminalises their very way of life. The case, supported by Greenpeace Africa, Seed Savers Network, and the Biodiversity and Biosafety Association of Kenya (BIBA), could redefine the country’s agricultural future.

    At the centre of the petition is a clause that forbids the exchange, sale, or use of uncertified seeds, including traditional and indigenous varieties. Farmers argue that these laws, enforced with steep fines and even jail time, target the country’s poorest growers and sever ties to centuries-old seed practices.

    “This law criminalises the legacy of our grandmothers,” said Justus Mwololo, one of the petitioners. “We’re not just defending seeds—we’re defending a whole history of resilience.”

    The courtroom was packed with advocates and farmers alike, many in traditional attire, bearing placards that read: “Our grandmothers fed nations, now you call them criminals?” Outside, the air was charged with chants and song as a peaceful procession marched through Machakos town.

    Inside, the arguments were precise and passionate.

    “The Constitution guarantees the right to culture and food,” said Alvin Munandick, appearing on behalf of Greenpeace Africa. “Seed sharing is not a crime. It’s an ancestral practice.”

    “What these provisions allow is shocking,” added Wambugu Wanjohi, representing the Law Society of Kenya. “Seed inspectors are empowered to raid farmers’ homes and seize property. This is a violation of privacy, property rights, and human dignity.”

    The case has rallied broad support from civil society. According to Ann Maina, National Coordinator of BIBA, this legal battle is about much more than seeds.

    “It’s about food security. About biodiversity. About resisting a top-down system that tries to put our food under lock and key,” she said.

    Daniel Wanjama, from the Seed Savers Network, pointed out that over 80% of seeds used by Kenyan farmers come from informal, farmer-managed systems.

    “To criminalise this is to criminalise the backbone of our food system,” he warned. “And it puts us all at risk of hunger.”

    The government has yet to formally respond to the petitioners’ claims, but the stakes are already clear. If the court rules in favour of the farmers, it could upend a seed policy landscape long dominated by private agribusiness and shift the power back to communities.

    “This case is a fight for the right to exist as a farmer,” said Penninah Ngahu, another petitioner. “If the government wants more seeds, why not invest in us? We’ve been growing food for generations.”

    As the court adjourned, the date of judgment, 27 November 2025, was etched into the minds of everyone present. For the farmers, it marks not just a legal verdict but a test of Kenya’s constitutional commitment to cultural heritage, food rights, and ecological justice.

    “Seed is life,” said Claire Nasike Akello, food scientist and food sovereignty advocate. “And life cannot be patented, regulated out of reach, or stolen from the hands that feed us.”

    For further information, interviews, or media inquiries, please contact:

    Ferdinand Omondi, Communication and Story Manager, Greenpeace Africa, Email: [email protected], Cell: 0722 505 233

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: British High Commissioner presents credentials to the President

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    British High Commissioner presents credentials to the President

    The new British High Commissioner to Namibia, Neil Bradley, presented his credentials to the President of the Republic of Namibia, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

    The newly appointed British High Commissioner to Namibia, Mr Neil Bradley officially presented his Letter of Credence to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at State House on Wednesday, 7 May 2025, marking the formal beginning of his diplomatic mission in the country.

    The presentation of credentials is a significant diplomatic tradition, symbolising mutual respect and the commitment to continued cooperation between nations.

    Mr Bradley’s appointment comes at a time of growing collaboration between the UK and Namibia, particularly in areas such as trade and economic growth, climate change and education.

    As High Commissioner, Mr Bradley will lead the UK’s efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties with Namibia, working closely with government, civil society, and the private sector.

    You can read his full biography here.

    The British High Commissioner to the Republic of Namibia, Neil Bradley arrives at statehouse to deliver his letter of credence to president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

    The British High Commissioner to the Republic of Namibia, Neil Bradley hands over his credentials to the President of Namibia, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

    The President of Namibia, Netumbo Nandi- Ndaitwah and members of her cabinet met with British High Commissioner Neil Bradley and representatives of the British High Commission.

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese automaker unveils new lightweight SUV model in Egypt

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    CAIRO, May 22 (Xinhua) — Chinese auto brand Jetour Auto on Tuesday unveiled its new lightweight SUV model T1 at a launch near Egypt’s pyramids as part of its international expansion strategy.

    The event, held under the motto “Time to Wake Up,” attracted about a thousand participants, including car dealers, industry experts and media representatives.

    “During our global development, Jetour has received many travel stories from users around the world. We are committed to developing world-class products with world-class technology to serve our customers,” said Dai Lihong, president of Jetour Auto.

    In recent years, Jetour has become one of the fastest growing brands in the automotive sector. The company’s cumulative sales worldwide in the six years of its existence have exceeded 1.7 million units. In 2024 alone, sales volume exceeded 560,000 units, an increase of 80 percent compared to 2023, Dai Lihong noted.

    Jetour also signed an agreement with Egypt’s KASRAWY Group to supply assembly kits for its T1 and T2 models. These will be used to assemble cars in Egypt, increasing local production and creating new jobs. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former Defense Contractor Pleads Guilty to Tax Crimes

    Source: US State of California

    Defendant Admits Concealing 50% Ownership of $7B Defense Contracting Business to Evade Taxes

    A former defense contractor pleaded guilty today to tax crimes related to his scheme to defraud the United States and evade taxes on income that he earned from his contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense.

    The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: Douglas Edelman founded and owned 50% of Mina Corp. and Red Star Enterprises (Mina/Red Star), a defense contracting business that received more than $7 billion from contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense to provide jet fuel in the United States’ post-9/11 military efforts in Afghanistan and the Middle East.

    Working with others, Edelman engaged in a lengthy scheme to hide his Mina/Red Star profits to evade U.S. taxes, including by concealing his income in undisclosed foreign bank accounts, creating false documents and making false statements that one of his co-conspirators — a French citizen residing abroad and without U.S. tax obligations — founded and owned Mina/Red Star.

    For example, when the company became profitable in 2005, Edelman began taking distributions which he deposited into Swiss bank accounts, primarily at Credit Suisse, in the name of other companies he owned. In 2008, Credit Suisse informed Edelman that he had to either close his accounts or disclose them to U.S. authorities. Rather than come into compliance with his tax and reporting obligations, Edelman closed his accounts and opened new ones at Bank Julius Baer in Singapore in the name of a nominee entity, the beneficiaries of which were purportedly Edelman’s daughters. He then directed the subject income he earned from Mina/Red Star to those bank accounts.

    In 2010 the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Government Reform’s Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs began investigating allegations of corruption in connection with Mina/Red Star’s contracts with the Department of Defense. As part of this inquiry, the subcommittee became interested in the identity of Mina/Red Star’s owners. At this time, Edelman had not filed U.S. tax returns to report the millions of dollars he had earned from Mina/Red Star and had not paid U.S. taxes on his income.

    Rather than disclose his ownership, Edelman caused his attorneys to tell Congress a false story that a French co-conspirator who had no U.S. tax or reporting obligations founded and co-owed Mina/Red Star with another individual. To corroborate the false story, Edelman and a co-conspirator caused false and backdated paperwork to be created.

    To continue the scheme, Edelman conveyed the false story about Mina/Red Star’s ownership to other arms of the U.S. government, including to the Department of Defense during contract negotiations in 2010 and 2011, to the IRS in a 2016 application to the Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program, and to the Justice Department in a 2018 presentation.

    In conjunction with his 2016 application to the IRS’s Voluntary Disclosure Program, Edelman filed false tax returns for several prior years that only reported income from gifts or purported consulting payments, continuing to conceal the millions he had earned from his company. On the returns, he  also concealed profits he had earned from a separate business to provide internet service to members of the armed forces at Kandahar Air Base in Afghanistan.

    Instead of paying the taxes that he knew he owed, Edelman used the money to fund his lifestyle and additional investments. He invested in a music television franchise in Eastern Europe, a land venture in Tulum, Mexico, and a farm in Kenya, and purchased property around Europe, including a home in Ibiza, Spain, and a townhouse in London.

    Edelman faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each count to which he has pleaded. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro for the District of Columbia, and Executive Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter of the Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Washington, D.C., Field Office made the announcement.

    Special agents from IRS-CI’s International Tax & Financial Crimes specialty group, a team based out of Washington, D.C., that is dedicated to uncovering international tax crimes, along with the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction are investigating the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs assisted in the investigation. Also providing assistance were His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs of the United Kingdom; the Joint Chiefs of Global Tax Enforcement (J5), which brings together the taxing authorities of Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States; and authorities from Belize, Israel, and Cyprus.

    The Government of the Kingdom of Spain arrested and extradited Edelman to the United States. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs also provided substantial assistance in securing Edelman’s arrest and extradition.

    Assistant Chief Sarah Ranney and Trial Attorney Ezra Spiro of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Gold for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: PNG journalists warned over lawfare – ‘we don’t have any law to stop SLAPPs’, says Choi

    By Patrick Muuh in Port Moresby

    Journalists in Papua New Guinea are likely to face legal threats as powerful individuals and companies use court actions to silence public interest reporting, warns Media Council of PNG president Neville Choi.

    As co-chair of the second Community Coalition Against Corruption (CCAC) National Meeting, he said lawfare was likely because Parliament had passed no laws to protect reporters and individuals from such tactics.

    Choi said journalists were being left unprotected against Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) — legal actions used by powerful individuals or corporations to silence criticism and reporting.

    “In Papua New Guinea right now, we don’t have any law to stop SLAPPs,” Choi said.

    “Big corporations or organisations with more money can use lawsuits to silence people, civil society and the media. That’s the reality.”

    SLAPPs are lawsuits filed not to win on merit, but to drain resources, silence critics, and stop public debate.

    In some other countries, anti-SLAPP laws exist to protect journalists and whistleblowers. But in PNG, no such legal shield exists.

    Legal pressure for speaking out
    “We’ve seen it happen,” Choi added, referring to ACTNOW PNG’s Eddie Tanago, a civil society advocate who has faced legal pressure for speaking out.

    “He’s experienced it. And we know it can happen to journalists too.”

    Participants in the second CCAC National Meeting in Port Moresby . . . journalists are being left unprotected from corporate lawfare. Image: PNG Post-Courier

    Despite increasing threats, journalists do not have access to legal defence funds or institutional protection.

    Choi confirmed that there was no system in place to defend reporters who were hit with defamation lawsuits or other forms of legal retaliation.

    “Our advice to journalists is simple. Do your job well. The truth is the only protection we have,” he said.

    “If you stick to facts, follow professional ethics and report responsibly, you reduce your risk. But if you make a mistake, you leave yourself open to lawsuits.”

    The Media Council, in partnership with Transparency International under the CCAC, are discussing the idea of drafting an anti-SLAPP law but no formal proposal has been put forward yet.

    Republished from the PNG Post-Courier with permission.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: Best Online Casinos Australia: JACKBIT Ranked #1 for Real Money Pokies for Australian Players!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BRISBANE, Australia, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In the fast-evolving world of online gambling, JACKBIT has been recognized as the top choice among the best online casinos in Australia in 2025. In a highly competitive iGaming landscape, JACKBIT surges ahead with its player-friendly features, particularly its no KYC policy and instant crypto withdrawals, earning it the number one spot among the best online casinos Australia offering real value for Aussie players.

    “We’re thrilled to be named a leader among the best online casinos Australia for 2025. At JACKBIT, we’ve focused on creating an experience that puts players first, with seamless crypto payouts, exciting bonuses, and a massive game selection. It’s all about delivering trust, fairness, and fun,” said a JACKBIT spokesperson.

    Australian online casino fans know that fast payouts and diverse games are key to a great experience. These features are especially appealing for players wanting to dive into real money pokies without delays or complications.

    Recognizing this demand, JACKBIT has elevated its offerings in 2025, with tailored features designed for both new players and seasoned gamblers alike. JACKBIT sets a new standard among the best online casinos Australia with its instant crypto rewards and access to top pokies and table games, no lengthy verification needed.

    ✅SIGN UP WITH JACKBIT TO GET 100 NO-WAGERING FREE SPINS!

    How to Sign Up at JACKBIT – The Best Real Money Online Casino in Australia

    Joining JACKBIT is fast, easy, and takes less than five minutes. Just follow these simple steps to get started at one of Australia’s top crypto-friendly online casinos:

    1. Visit the Official JACKBIT Website
    Open your preferred browser and head to the official JACKBIT site to begin the signup process.

    2. Click “Sign Up.”
    Look for the “Sign Up” or “Register” button, usually located in the top-right corner. Click it to launch the registration form.

    3. Enter Basic Details
    Fill in a few essentials like your email, a secure password, and choose your preferred currency (crypto or fiat). No long forms – just the basics.

    4. Deposit Funds Using Your Preferred Method
    Once your account is created, choose a deposit method. JACKBIT supports both cryptocurrencies and traditional payment options. Fund your account to start playing.

    5. Claim Your Welcome Bonus
    New players can unlock a 30% Rakeback and 100 Free Spins. Don’t forget to activate this offer to maximize your first play session.

    6. Explore the Casino & Sportsbook
    With your bonus ready and account funded, explore JACKBIT’s massive game library of over 7,000 titles, or place bets in the fully loaded sportsbook.

    7. Confirm You’re of Legal Age
    Before registering, make sure you’re of legal gambling age in your jurisdiction – typically 18 or 19 years old. JACKBIT promotes safe and responsible gaming.

    JACKBIT’s Bonuses: A Game-Changer for Aussie Gamblers

    Bonuses are a big deal when choosing the best online casino Australia, and JACKBIT doesn’t disappoint. Its welcome offer is a 30% rakeback plus 100 free spins with no wagering requirements, meaning you keep what you win.

    This is a rare gem among the best online casinos Australia, as most platforms impose hefty wagering conditions. Whether you’re spinning the reels of the best online pokies or betting on sports, this bonus gives you a head start.

    JACKBIT keeps the rewards coming with a variety of promotions:

    • Weekly $10,000 Giveaways: Compete for cash prizes and up to 10,000 free spins every week.
    • VIP Rakeback Program: Earn up to 30% rakeback based on your loyalty tier, rewarding long-term play.
    • Pragmatic Drops & Wins: Join tournaments with a €2,000,000 prize pool for slots and table games.
    • Sports Welcome Bonus: Get a 100% bonus up to $100 with insurance for sports betting fans.
    • NBA Playoffs Cashback: Special offers for basketball enthusiasts.
    • Social Media Bonuses: Follow JACKBIT’s channels for exclusive free spins and rewards.

    These promotions make JACKBIT a top online casino for value, catering to both casual players and high rollers. Always review the terms to understand any conditions. Claim your welcome bonus and start winning at JACKBIT!

    ✅CLICK HERE TO CLAIM YOUR 30% RAKEBACK + 100 FREE SPINS!

    A Comprehensive Review Focused on the Player

    The review process that crowned JACKBIT as the top choice among the best online casinos Australia was player-centric, evaluating key factors that matter most to Aussie gamblers. The criteria included:

    • License: Ensuring the platform operates under a reputable authority.
    • Fairness: Verifying that game outcomes are unbiased and audited.
    • Quality of Games: Assessing the variety and quality of the game library.
    • Bonuses and Promotions: Evaluating the value and fairness of offers.
    • Payment Methods: Checking for flexible, secure, and fast options.
    • Online Security: Confirming robust data protection measures.
    • Mobile Experience: Testing accessibility on smartphones and tablets.
    • Quality of Sportsbook: Reviewing betting options and odds.
    • KYC: Assessing ease of verification processes.
    • Deposit and Withdrawal Limits: Analyzing flexibility for all players.
    • Customer Support: Measuring responsiveness and helpfulness.

    JACKBIT excelled across all these areas, earning its place as the best payout online casino and a trusted online casino in Australia for 2025. “JACKBIT offers over 6,600 games from leading providers, which is one of the largest libraries among the best online casinos Australia,” noted the review team. “This vast selection ensures an exceptional experience, especially for fans of real money pokies.”

    Here’s a detailed breakdown of why JACKBIT, the best online casino Australia, was chosen as the top online casino:

    • License: Licensed by the Curacao eGaming Commission, ensuring regulatory compliance.
    • Fairness: Games are audited by independent firms, with RNG technology guaranteeing unbiased outcomes.
    • Quality of Games: Over 6,600 titles from providers like NetEnt, Microgaming, Pragmatic Play, and Play’n GO.
    • Bonuses and Promotions: 30% rakeback + 100 free spins with no wagering, plus weekly giveaways and tournaments.
    • Payment Methods: Supports AUD, crypto (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether), Visa, MasterCard, and e-wallets with instant crypto payouts.
    • Online Security: Uses 128-bit SSL encryption and secure servers with no history of data breaches.
    • Mobile Experience: Fully optimized HTML5 website for seamless play on Android and iOS.
    • Quality of Sportsbook: Covers 30+ sports and esports with competitive odds and exclusive bonuses.
    • KYC: No KYC required for crypto users, simplifying the signup process.
    • Limits for Deposits and Withdrawals: Minimum deposit of $50, withdrawals from $50, with a $25,000 weekly cap.
    • Customer Support: 24/7 support via live chat, email, and social media with fast response times.

    The review team expressed their excitement in finding a platform that delivers what Aussie players deserve: “JACKBIT scores high in every category, offering a safe, exciting, and fair experience that sets it apart among the best online casinos Australia.”

    Best Online Casino Australia: Game Selection

    JACKBIT’s game library is a standout, offering over 6,600 titles from industry leaders like Microgaming, NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, and Evolution Gaming. This vast selection makes it the best online casino Australia for game variety. Fans of real money pokies will find plenty to love, with popular titles including:

    • Book of Dead (Play’n GO): An Egyptian-themed adventure with free spins and high payouts.
    • Starburst (NetEnt): A vibrant slot with frequent wins and stunning visuals.
    • Mega Moolah (Microgaming): A progressive jackpot slot known for life-changing prizes.
    • Gonzo’s Quest (NetEnt): Features cascading reels and exciting multipliers.

    Beyond the best online pokies, JACKBIT offers classic table games like blackjack, roulette, poker, and baccarat. The live casino, powered by Evolution Gaming, delivers an authentic experience with professional dealers and HD streaming. Games like live blackjack, roulette, and unique titles like Dream Catcher bring the casino floor to your screen.

    Sports fans aren’t left out, as JACKBIT’s sportsbook covers over 30 sports, including AFL, NRL, basketball, and esports. With intuitive filters and a user-friendly interface, finding your favorite game is easy, whether you’re on desktop or mobile. Explore over 6,600 games at JACKBIT now!

    ✅CLICK HERE TO JOIN JACKBIT AND START WINNING TODAY!

    Payment Methods: Fast, Flexible, and Secure

    JACKBIT shines as a best payout online casino with payment options designed for Aussies. It supports both fiat and crypto, ensuring flexibility:

    Payment Method Fast Deposit Fast Withdrawal Processing Time
    Visa/MasterCard Yes Yes 3-5 business days
    E-Wallets Yes Yes 1-2 business days
    Bank Transfer Yes Yes 3-5 business days
    Bitcoin Yes Yes Instant
    Ethereum Yes Yes Instant
    Tether Yes Yes Instant
    Binance Coin Yes Yes Instant
    Solana Yes Yes Instant

    With a minimum deposit of $50 and instant crypto withdrawals, JACKBIT ensures quick access to winnings. The no KYC policy for crypto users adds convenience, making it the best online casino Australia.

    ✅CLICK HERE TO DEPOSIT AND PLAY AT JACKBIT NOW!

    Security and Fairness: Play with Peace of Mind

    JACKBIT operates under a Curacao eGaming Commission license, ensuring compliance with strict standards. Advanced 128-bit SSL encryption protects player data, and RNG technology guarantees fair game outcomes. Regular audits by independent firms reinforce its credibility, making JACKBIT the best online casino Australia.

    Mobile Experience: Game on the Go

    JACKBIT’s HTML5-powered website is fully optimized for mobile devices, offering seamless play on Android and iOS without an app. Whether you’re spinning pokies or betting on sports, the responsive design ensures a smooth experience, making JACKBIT the best online casino Australia for mobile gaming.

    Customer Support: Always Ready to Help

    JACKBIT provides 24/7 support via live chat, email (support@jackbit.com), and social media. The professional team responds quickly, ensuring players get help when needed. This dedication enhances JACKBIT’s status as a top online casino among the best online casinos Australia.

    JACKBIT Promotes Responsible Gambling

    Responsible gambling is a priority at JACKBIT, which offers tools like deposit limits, self-exclusion, and access to support organizations. The platform uses technology to detect problematic gambling patterns, providing assistance to ensure a safe experience. “Safety is key among the best online casinos Australia, and JACKBIT’s commitment to responsible gambling is why it stands out,” said the review team.

    Why JACKBIT is the Best in 2025, But What About 2026?

    “After our in-depth review, JACKBIT is clearly the best online casino in Australia for 2025,” said the review team. “But the iGaming world moves fast, with new platforms emerging constantly. We’ll revisit our analysis in 2026 to see if JACKBIT holds its crown or if another contender takes the lead among the best online casinos Australia.”

    To celebrate its top ranking, JACKBIT is offering new players a 30% rakeback plus 100 free spins with no wagering requirements.

    Player Reviews: What Aussies Say

    JACKBIT has earned a 4-star rating on Trustpilot based on hundreds of reviews.

    • “The instant crypto withdrawals are a game-changer,”- Jake from Brisbane.
    • “I love the huge pokie selection,” – Sarah from Perth.
    • “I’ve tried a bunch of online casinos, but Jackbit’s interface and payout speed are unbeatable. Cashed out in under 10 minutes with zero hassle!” – Liam, Melbourne
    • “Jackbit’s live dealer games make it feel like a real casino night from home. Plus, their crypto bonuses are the best I’ve seen in Australia.” – Emily, Adelaide

    These testimonials highlight why JACKBIT is the best online casino Australia.

    Tips for Maximizing Your JACKBIT Experience

    To get the most out of JACKBIT, consider these tips:

    • Use AUD: Avoid conversion fees by depositing in Australian dollars.
    • Try Demo Mode: Test games for free to hone your skills before betting real money.
    • Play Blackjack: Its low house edge makes it ideal for better odds.
    • Set Limits: Use responsible gambling tools to manage your budget.

    Comparing JACKBIT to Other Platforms

    Compared to other best online casinos Australia, JACKBIT’s no KYC policy, instant crypto payouts, and 6,600+ games give it an edge. While competitors offer similar features, JACKBIT’s blend of speed, variety, and player-focused policies makes it unmatched.

    ✅CLICK HERE TO JOIN JACKBIT NOW & GET EXCLUSIVE REWARDS!

    Final Thoughts About The Best Online Casinos Australia

    JACKBIT is likely the best online casino in Australia for 2025, delivering an unmatched mix of games, bonuses, and fast payouts. It’s no KYC policy, and instant crypto withdrawals appeal to players who value privacy and speed. Whether you’re chasing jackpots on real money pokies, enjoying live dealer games, or betting on sports, JACKBIT has it all.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About The Best Online Casinos Australia

    1. Why are online casinos popular among Australian players in 2025?

    Online casinos have gained immense popularity among Aussie players due to their accessibility, wide variety of real money games, fast payouts, and crypto-friendly options. The ability to play from anywhere and take advantage of generous welcome bonuses has made them a top entertainment choice in Australia.

    2. Is it legal to play at online casinos in Australia?

    While operating an online casino from within Australia is restricted, Australian players are legally allowed to access and play at offshore online casinos. Make sure the platform is licensed and regulated by a reputable international authority to ensure safety.

    3. What types of games can I play at Australian online casinos?

    Top Australian online casinos offer a broad selection, including pokies (slots), blackjack, roulette, baccarat, video poker, and live dealer games. Many platforms, like Jackbit, also include crypto games and instant-win titles.

    4. Are mobile casinos reliable for real money gaming in Australia?

    Yes, most top online casinos are fully optimized for mobile play. Whether you use Android or iOS, you can enjoy smooth gameplay, secure transactions, and full access to bonuses and game libraries directly from your smartphone or tablet.

    5. How fast are withdrawals at Australian online casinos?

    Withdrawal speeds depend on the method used. Crypto withdrawals are often processed within minutes, while traditional banking methods may take 1–5 business days. Platforms like Jackbit are known for instant or same-day crypto payouts.

    6. What bonuses can I claim at the best Aussie online casinos?

    Australian players can access a range of promotions such as welcome bonuses, no-deposit offers, free spins, cashback, and reload bonuses. Always read the terms and wagering requirements before claiming.

    7. How do I choose the best online casino for my needs?

    Look for licensed casinos with strong reputations, a wide range of games, fast payouts, responsive customer support, and user-friendly interfaces. Reading reviews and checking forums can also help you make an informed decision.

    8. What tools are available to help players gamble responsibly?

    Top Australian online casinos offer responsible gambling tools like deposit limits, session timers, self-exclusion options, and access to support resources. These tools are essential to maintaining healthy gaming habits.

    Email: support@jackbit.com

    Disclaimer & Affiliate Disclosure

    The information in this article is for informational and promotional purposes only and is not legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive for accuracy, no warranties are made regarding completeness or timeliness. Readers should verify information independently. The publisher, affiliates, and contributors are not liable for errors, omissions, or losses from using this content.

    This article may contain affiliate links. Clicking these links and making a deposit may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. These relationships do not affect our editorial integrity, and all evaluations are based on independent research.

    Online gambling is for those of legal age (19+ in Australia). Gambling carries financial risks and may lead to addiction. Play responsibly and seek help if needed. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. This content is not endorsed by any brands unless stated.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/485f0d51-c3ad-496c-a269-ceba1851cf4e

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/392641a0-20e8-45a8-856a-abfa70f0adc5

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Refugees in Kenya at risk of worsening hunger as WFP faces critical funding shortfall

    Source: World Food Programme

    NAIROBI – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today warned that refugees in Kenya are at risk of heightened levels of food insecurity as critical funding shortages force the agency to reduce food assistance to the lowest levels ever recorded.

    Around 720,000 refugees supported by WFP in Kenya will from June receive an in-kind food ration of just 28 percent and all cash assistance will halt, unless additional funding is received.

    Over the past five years, the number of refugees and asylum seekers in Kenya has increased by over 70 percent – from around 500,000 to 843,000 – as people have fled conflict and drought in neighbouring countries like Somalia and South Sudan. But, despite generous support from many donors, growing needs among refugees has outstripped the availability of funds.

    “WFP’s operations supporting refugees in Kenya are under immense strain,” said Baimankay Sankoh, WFP’s Deputy Country Director in Kenya. “With available resources stretched to their limits, we have had to make the difficult decision to again reduce food assistance. This will have a serious impact on vulnerable refugees, increasing the risk of hunger and malnutrition.”

    Many refugee households in Kenya are already experiencing high levels of food insecurity. The Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) rate among refugee children and pregnant or breastfeeding women in Kenya is above 13 percent. A GAM rate over 10 percent is classed as a nutrition emergency, particularly in refugee settings, meaning urgent intervention is required to prevent life-threatening complications from malnutrition. WFP nutrition programmes for children and mothers ended in late 2024 due to a lack of resources.

    In 2024, WFP, in partnership with Kenya’s Department of Refugee Services (DRS) and UNHCR, provided monthly food assistance – mostly as a mix of cash and in-kind food – to 720,000 refugees in Dadaab and Kakuma camps and Kalobeyei settlement. WFP has repeatedly adjusted rations sizes to align with available funds. The latest reduction in February gave refugees 40 percent of a full food ration based on a daily recommended intake of 2,100 kcal. 

    WFP also supports refugees and host communities with programmes that foster self-reliance and integration by supporting access to fields for crops, building water infrastructure for irrigation and livestock, and constructing food markets to help the community sell their produce. These programmes continue. 

    “Less support will force refugees to make heartbreaking choices — parting with essential belongings, withdrawing children from school, or even a return to home countries despite the dangers,” said Sankoh. “Food assistance is a vital safety net, and we remain committed to doing all we can to support refugees who are trying to rebuild their lives in safety.”

    WFP urgently requires US$44 million to provide full rations and restore cash assistance for all refugees through August.

    #                    #                       #

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

    Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media @wfp_africa @wfp_kenya

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Algeria officially becomes member country of New Development Bank

    Source: New Development Bank

    Algeria has officially become a new member country of the New Development Bank (NDB).

    On May 19, 2025, Algeria deposited its instrument of accession, in line with the provisions of the Articles of Agreement of the New Development Bank.

    “On behalf of New Development Bank, I truly congratulate Algeria for joining the Bank. Algeria plays an important role not only in the economy of Northern Africa, but also at a global scale, and will definitely contribute to enhancing NDB’s position in the global financial arena,” said H.E. Mrs. Dilma Rousseff, NDB President.

    “Rich in natural resources, with a dynamic economy and strategic geographic position, Algeria has immense potential for growth and development. NDB is fully committed to becoming a reliable and trustworthy partner for Algeria, supporting its sustainable development agenda,” said President Dilma Rousseff.

    “The New Development Bank is a financial institution mobilizing resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects. It is a platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing among its member countries. Together with Algeria, we will work to finance impactful projects that drive progress, improve lives, and contribute to development,” added President Dilma Rousseff.

    “We are delighted to announce the formalization of Algeria’s membership of the New Development Bank and thus becoming a full member of this prestigious international financial institution,” said H.E. Mr. Abdelkrim Bouzred, Minister of Finance of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria. “This membership is a testament to our belief in this institution’s vital role in financing global development, and its status as a key player capable of providing alternative and innovative solutions to promote the growth and resilience of its member countries’ economies.”

    “I remain convinced that my country’s membership of the NDB will create promising opportunities for collaboration and mutual support,” said Mr. Abdelkrim Bouzred.

    NDB’s membership expansion is in line with the Bank’s strategy to become a leading provider of solutions for infrastructure and sustainable development for emerging market economies and developing countries (EMDCs).

     

    Background information

    Established in 2015 by BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), the New Development Bank is a multilateral development bank aimed at mobilizing resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other EMDCs. Complementing the ongoing efforts of other multilateral and regional financial institutions, NDB aims to contribute to global growth and development by helping address the needs and aspirations of EMDCs.

    Since its establishment in 2015, NDB approved over 120 investment projects totalling USD 40 billion and spanning several key areas, including clean energy and energy efficiency, transport infrastructure, environmental protection, water supply and sanitation, social infrastructure and digital infrastructure.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Unlocking trade opportunities between the UK and Namibia

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    World news story

    Unlocking trade opportunities between the UK and Namibia

    Stakeholder Workshop on SACU+M-UK Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) Implementation in Namibia.

    The British High Commission in Namibia in collaboration with the Ministry of International Relations and Trade (MIRT) hosted a workshop for implementers focused on the execution of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) plus Mozambique-UK Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

    Held at the Hilton Hotel in Windhoek on 7 May 2025, the session brought together key government ministries, agencies, and trade associations to discuss next steps towards broader implementation and to explore the potential for significant downstream benefits. This session marked a crucial advancement in strengthening trade relations within the EPA framework for Namibia and the UK. 

    The workshop allowed the exchange of ideas on how the Namibian trade community and policymakers can work together to brain-storm tangible outcomes for the EPA implementation in Namibia. Participants delved into critical topics, including the implications of the EPA for the Namibian market, strategies for export development to enhance access to international markets, and shared practical experiences in implementing the agreement.

    Key discussions also addressed accessing the UK market for agricultural products, compliance with rules of origin, and the UK Trade for Development partnership with Namibia, which offers valuable support and opportunities. The event concluded with a participant discussion focused on actionable next steps for leveraging these insights.

    Ambassador Elvis Shiweda, Deputy Director, Bilateral Relations and Cooperation for the Europe Ministry of International Relations and Trade said:

    This dialogue has provided us with critical insight into what the SACUM-UK EPA means for the Namibian market, highlighting both opportunities to be seized and the challenges that must be addressed in particular, rules of origin, cumulation, Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures (SPS), Technical barriers to trade (TBT), and access to vital information. These elements are instrumental in shaping the effective utilisation of the agreement for our economic benefit and prosperity.

    Ben Stride, British Deputy High Commissioner to Namibia said:

    Trade is the engine that drives economic growth, and Namibian businesses are poised to thrive through stronger partnerships. By forging closer trade ties, we’re not just growing the potential—we’re ensuring everyone gets greater access. Together, we can unlock opportunities, create jobs, and build a prosperous future for Namibia and the UK.

    Hosting this session underscores the UK government’s commitment to fostering mutual prosperity while supporting Namibia’s aspirations to become a trade-driven economy. The SACU+M – UK EPA establishes a reliable framework to develop supply chains and drive competitiveness.

    Natasha Stotesbury, Regional Trade for Development Adviser for the UK Department for Business and Trade said:

    We want to see this treaty (EPA), increasingly come to life to support greater job creation and growth in both our countries and the region.

    The SACUM-UK Economic Partnership Agreement was created to sustain preferential trade relations between the UK and SACU member states plus Mozambique. Effective from January 2021, this agreement ensures duty-free quota-free access to UK markets for eligible goods that originate from EPA partner countries.

    Further information

    • total trade in goods and services between the UK and Namibia reached £385 million in the year leading up to the end of Q3 2024. This reflects a significant increase of 61.8% or £147 million compared to the previous year, ending Q3 2023
    • UK exports to Namibia were £233 million, which is a 42.1% rise, amounting to an additional £69 million from the previous year
    • UK imports from Namibia totalled £152 million, showing a remarkable increase of 105.4%, or £78 million, compared to the same period last year

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: 2025 Annual General Meeting – Notice

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    2025 Annual General Meeting – Notice 

    Notice is hereby given that the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Members of BW Energy Limited will be held at 18 Rebecca Road, Southampton, SN04, Bermuda, on 26 May 2025 at 14:00 AST. 

    Please see the attached documents in relation to the Annual General Meeting: 

    1. Notice of the 2025 AGM 
    1. Form of Proxy 
    1. Chairman’s Letter 
    1. Recommendation from the Nomination Committee 

    For further information, please contact: 

    Brice Morlot, CFO BW Energy

    +33.7.81.11.41.16 

    ir@bwenergy.no

    About BW Energy:  

    BW Energy is a growth E&P company with a differentiated strategy targeting proven offshore oil and gas reservoirs through low risk phased developments. The Company has access to existing production facilities to reduce time to first oil and cashflow with lower investments than traditional offshore developments. The Company’s assets are 73.5% of the producing Dussafu Marine licence offshore Gabon, 100% interest in the Golfinho and Camarupim fields, a 76.5% interest in the BM-ES-23 block, a 95% interest in the Maromba field in Brazil, a 95% interest in the Kudu field in Namibia, all operated by BW Energy. In addition, BW Energy holds approximately 6.6% of the common shares in Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. and a 20% non-operating interest in the onshore Petroleum Exploration License 73 (“PEL 73”) in Namibia. Total net 2P+2C reserves and resources were 599 million barrels of oil equivalent at the start of 2025.   

    This information is published in accordance with the disclosure requirements in Regulation EU 596/2014 (MAR) article 19, section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act, and the Oslo Rule Book II, as well as in accordance with Section 4-2 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Euronext launches an offering of bonds due 2032 convertible into new shares and/or exchangeable for existing shares (“OCEANEs”) for a nominal amount of €425 million

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Euronext launches an offering of bonds due 2032 convertible into new shares and/or exchangeable for existing shares (“OCEANEs”) for a nominal amount of €425 million

    Amsterdam, Brussels, Dublin, Lisbon, Milan, Oslo and Paris – 22 May 2025 – Euronext (ISIN Code: NL0006294274) (the “Company”), the leading European capital market infrastructure, announces today the launch of an offering of senior unsecured bonds due 2032 convertible into new shares and/or exchangeable for existing shares of the Company (“OCEANEs”) (the “Bonds”), by way of a placement to qualified investors only (within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation (as defined below)), for a nominal amount of €425 million (the “Offering”).

    On 17 April 2025, the Company entered into a bridge loan facility with, among others, affiliates of the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering, to finance the acquisition of Admincontrol. The net proceeds from the Offering will be used by the Company for the repayment of a portion of such bridge financing and general corporate purposes.

    Main terms of the Bonds

    The Bonds will be issued with a denomination of €100,000 each (the “Principal Amount”), will be convertible and/or exchangeable into new and/or existing shares of Euronext (the “Shares”) and are expected to pay a fixed coupon at a rate between 1.5% and 2.0% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrear on 30 May and 30 November of each year (or on the following business day if this date is not a business day), and for the first time on 30 November 2025.

    The initial conversion price of the Bonds will be set between 30% and 35% above the Company’s reference share price on the regulated market of Euronext in Paris (“Euronext Paris”)1. The final terms and conditions of the Bonds are expected to be determined following the completion of the bookbuilding process later today, and settlement and delivery of the Bonds is expected to take place on 30 May 2025 (the “Issue Date”).

    Unless previously converted, exchanged, redeemed or purchased and cancelled, the Bonds will be redeemed at par on 30 May 2032 (or on the following business day if such date is not a business day) (the “Maturity Date”).

    The Bonds may be redeemed prior to the Maturity Date at the option of the Company, under certain conditions.

    In particular, the Bonds may be fully redeemed early at par plus any accrued interest at the Company’s option, subject to a prior notice of at least 30 (but not more than 60) calendar days, (i) at any time from 20 June 2030 (inclusive), if the arithmetic average, calculated over a period of 10 consecutive trading days chosen by the Company from among the 20 consecutive trading days preceding the day of the publication of the early redemption notice, of the daily products on each of such 10 consecutive trading days of the volume weighted average price of the Shares on Euronext Paris over the applicable conversion price on each such trading day, exceeds 130%; or (ii) at any time if 80% or more in principal amount of the Bonds issued (which shall, for the avoidance of doubt, include any tap issues of the Bonds) have been converted/exchanged and/or redeemed and/or purchased by the Company and cancelled.

    Bondholders will be granted the right to convert or exchange the Bonds into new and/or existing Shares (the “Conversion/Exchange Right”) which they may exercise at any time from the 41st day (inclusive) following the Issue Date up to the 7th business day (inclusive) preceding the Maturity Date or, as the case may be, the relevant early redemption date.

    The conversion ratio of the Bonds will be set at the Principal Amount divided by the prevailing initial conversion price, subject to standard adjustments, including anti-dilution and dividend protections, as described in the terms and conditions of the Bonds. Upon exercise of their Conversion/Exchange Right, holders of the Bonds will receive at the option of the Company new and/or existing Shares, carrying in all cases all rights attached to existing Shares as from the date of delivery.

    Application will be made for the admission of the Bonds to trading on Euronext AccessTM in Paris to occur within 30 calendar days from the Issue Date.

    Legal framework of the Offering and placement

    The Bonds will be issued by way of a placement to qualified investors only (within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (as amended, the “Prospectus Regulation”)) (excluding the United States of America, Australia, Japan, Canada or South Africa), pursuant to the authorization granted by the Company’s annual general meeting held on 15 May 2025 (15th and 16th resolution), without an offer to the public (other than to qualified investors) in any country.

    Existing shareholders of the Company shall have no preferential subscription rights, and there will be no priority subscription period in connection with the issuance of the Bonds or any underlying new Shares to be issued upon conversion.

    Intentions of existing shareholders

    The Company is not aware of the intention of any of its main shareholders to participate in the Offering.

    Lock-up undertaking

    In the context of the Offering, the Company will agree to a lock-up undertaking with respect to its Shares and securities giving access to share capital of the Company for a period starting from the announcement of the final terms of the Bonds and ending 90 calendar days after the Issue Date, subject to certain customary exceptions or waiver from the joint global coordinators appointed in the context of the Offering.

    Dilution

    For illustrative purposes, considering a nominal amount of €425 million, a reference share price of €145.02 and a 32.5% conversion premium corresponding to the mid-point of the marketing range, the potential dilution would represent approximately 2.1% of the Company’s outstanding share capital, if the Conversion/Exchange Right was exercised for all the Bonds and the Company decided to deliver new Shares only upon exercise of the Conversion/Exchange Right.

    Available information
            
    Neither the offering of the Bonds, nor the admission of the Bonds to trading on Euronext AccessTM is subject to a prospectus approved by the Stichting Autoriteit Financiële Markten (AFM) in Netherlands or the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) in France. No key information document required by the PRIIPs Regulation or the UK PRIIPs Regulation (as defined below) has been or will be prepared. Detailed information about Company, including its business, results, prospects and the risk factors to which the Company is exposed are described in the Company’s universal registration document for the financial year ended 31 December 2024, filed with the AFM on 28 March 2025 and the Company’s first quarter 2025 results press release which includes the unaudited financial statements of the Company as at and for the three months ended 31 March 2025, which are all available on the Company’s website (https://www.euronext.com/en/investor-relations).

    Important information

    This press release does not constitute or form part of any offer or solicitation to purchase or subscribe for or to sell securities to any U.S. person or to any person in the United States, Australia, Japan, Canada or South Africa or in any jurisdiction to whom or in which such offer is unlawful, and the Offering of the Bonds is not an offer to the public in any jurisdiction (other than to qualified investors within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation) or an offer to retail investors as such term is defined below.

    CONTACTS  

    ANALYSTS & INVESTORS – ir@euronext.com

    Investor Relations        Aurélie Cohen                 

            Judith Stein        +33 6 15 23 91 97          

    MEDIA – mediateam@euronext.com 

    Europe        Aurélie Cohen         +33 1 70 48 24 45   

            Andrea Monzani         +39 02 72 42 62 13 

    Belgium        Marianne Aalders         +32 26 20 15 01                 

    France, Corporate        Flavio Bornancin-Tomasella        +33 1 70 48 24 45                 

    Ireland        Catalina Augspach        +33 6 82 09 99 70                

    Italy         Ester Russom         +39 02 72 42 67 56                 

    The Netherlands        Marianne Aalders         +31 20 721 41 33                 

    Norway         Cathrine Lorvik Segerlund        +47 41 69 59 10                 

    Portugal         Sandra Machado        +351 91 777 68 97                                 

    About Euronext  

    Euronext is the leading European capital market infrastructure, covering the entire capital markets value chain, from listing, trading, clearing, settlement and custody, to solutions for issuers and investors. Euronext runs MTS, one of Europe’s leading electronic fixed income trading markets, and Nord Pool, the European power market. Euronext also provides clearing and settlement services through Euronext Clearing and its Euronext Securities CSDs in Denmark, Italy, Norway and Portugal.

    As of March 2025, Euronext’s regulated exchanges in Belgium, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and Portugal host nearly 1,800 listed issuers with €6.3 trillion in market capitalisation, a strong blue-chip franchise and the largest global centre for debt and fund listings. With a diverse domestic and international client base, Euronext handles 25% of European lit equity trading. Its products include equities, FX, ETFs, bonds, derivatives, commodities and indices.

    For the latest news, go to euronext.com or follow us on X and LinkedIn.

    Disclaimer

    This press release is for information purposes only: it is not a recommendation to engage in investment activities and is provided “as is”, without representation or warranty of any kind. While all reasonable care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the content, Euronext does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Euronext will not be held liable for any loss or damages of any nature ensuing from using, trusting or acting on information provided. No information set out or referred to in this publication may be regarded as creating any right or obligation. The creation of rights and obligations in respect of financial products that are traded on the exchanges operated by Euronext’s subsidiaries shall depend solely on the applicable rules of the market operator. All proprietary rights and interest in or connected with this publication shall vest in Euronext. This press release speaks only as of this date. Euronext refers to Euronext N.V. and its affiliates. Information regarding trademarks and intellectual property rights of Euronext is available at www.euronext.com/terms-use.

    © 2025, Euronext N.V. – All rights reserved. 

    The Euronext Group processes your personal data in order to provide you with information about Euronext (the “Purpose”). With regard to the processing of this personal data, Euronext will comply with its obligations under Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and Council of 27 April 2016 (General Data Protection Regulation, “GDPR”), and any applicable national laws, rules and regulations implementing the GDPR, as provided in its privacy statement available at: www.euronext.com/privacy-policy. In accordance with the applicable legislation you have rights with regard to the processing of your personal data: for more information on your rights, please refer to: www.euronext.com/data_subjects_rights_request_information. To make a request regarding the processing of your data or to unsubscribe from this press release service, please use our data subject request form at connect2.euronext.com/form/data-subjects-rights-request or email our Data Protection Officer at dpo@euronext.com.

    Disclaimer

    The contents of this announcement have been prepared by and are the sole responsibility of the Company.

    The information contained in this announcement is for information purposes only and does not purport to be full or complete. No reliance may be placed by any person for any purpose on the information contained in this announcement or its accuracy, fairness or completeness.

    This announcement is not for publication or distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States. The distribution of this announcement may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions and persons into whose possession any document or other information referred to herein comes should inform themselves about and observe any such restriction. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

    This announcement is an advertisement and not a prospectus within the meaning of Prospectus Regulation.

    This announcement does not contain or constitute an offer of, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, Bonds to any U.S. person or to any person in the United States, Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan or in any jurisdiction to whom or in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. The Bonds and the Shares, if any, to be issued upon exercise of the Conversion/Exercise Right (together, the “Securities”) referred to herein may not be offered or sold in the United States, or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons unless registered under the US Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) or offered in a transaction exempt from, or not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

    In addition, until 40 days after the commencement of the Offering, an offer or sale of Bonds within the United States by a dealer (whether or not it is participating in the Offering) may violate the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

    The offer and sale of Securities referred to herein has not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or under the applicable securities laws of Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan. Subject to certain exceptions, the Bonds referred to herein may not be offered or sold in Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan or to, or for the account or benefit of, any national, resident or citizen of Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan. There will be no public offer of the Securities in the United States, Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan or elsewhere.

    In member states of the European Economic Area (the “EEA”), this announcement and any offer is directed exclusively at persons who are “qualified investors” within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation (“Qualified Investors”). In the United Kingdom this announcement and any offer is directed exclusively at persons who are “qualified investors” within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (“EUWA”) (i) who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the “Order”), (ii) who fall within Article 49(2)(A) to (D) of the Order, or (iii) to whom it may otherwise lawfully be communicated (all such persons together with Qualified Investors in the EEA being referred to herein as “Relevant Persons”). This document is directed only at Relevant Persons and must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not Relevant Persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to Relevant Persons and will be engaged in only with Relevant Persons.

    This announcement may include statements that are, or may be deemed to be, “forward-looking statements”. These forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms “believes”, “estimates”, “plans”, “projects”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “intends”, “may”, “will” or “should” or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, plans, objectives, goals, future events or intentions. Forward-looking statements may and often do differ materially from actual results. Any forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current view with respect to future events and are subject to risks relating to future events and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to the Company’s and its group’s business, results of operations, financial position, liquidity, prospects, growth or strategies. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made.

    Each of the Company, the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering and their respective affiliates expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update, review or revise any forward-looking statement contained in this announcement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

    Each of the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering is acting exclusively for the Company and no-one else in connection with the Offering. They will not regard any other person as their respective client in relation to the Offering and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company for providing the protections afforded to their respective clients, nor for providing advice in relation to the Offering, the contents of this announcement or any transaction, arrangement or other matter referred to herein.

    In connection with the Offering, the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering and any of their affiliates may take up a portion of the Bonds in the Offering as a principal position and in that capacity may retain, purchase, sell, offer to sell for their own accounts such Bonds and other securities of the Company or related investments in connection with the Offering or otherwise. Accordingly, references to the Bonds being issued, offered, subscribed, acquired, placed or otherwise dealt in should be read as including any issue or offer to, or subscription, acquisition, placing or dealing by, the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering and any of their affiliates acting in such capacity. In addition, the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering and any of their affiliates may enter into financing arrangements (including swaps, warrants or contracts for differences) with investors in connection with which the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering and any of their affiliates may from time to time acquire, hold or dispose of Bonds and/or Shares. The joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering do not intend to disclose the extent of any such investment or transactions otherwise than in accordance with any legal or regulatory obligations to do so.

    None of the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, advisers or agents accepts any responsibility or liability whatsoever for or makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information in this announcement (or whether any information has been omitted from the announcement) or any other information relating to the Company, its subsidiaries or associated companies, whether written, oral or in a visual or electronic form, and howsoever transmitted or made available, or for any loss howsoever arising from any use of this announcement or its contents or otherwise arising in connection therewith.

    Information to Distributors: Solely for the purposes of the product governance requirements of Directive 2014/65/EU on markets in financial instruments, as amended and supplemented (“MiFID II”) and local implementing measures (together, the “Product Governance Requirements”), and disclaiming all and any liability, whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise, which any “manufacturer” (for the purposes of the Product Governance Requirements) may otherwise have with respect thereto, the Bonds have been subject to a product approval process, which has determined that: (i) the target market for the Bonds is eligible counterparties and professional clients only, each as defined in MiFID II; and (ii) all channels for distribution of the Bonds to eligible counterparties and professional clients are appropriate. Any person subsequently offering, selling or recommending the Bonds (a “distributor”) should take into consideration the manufacturers’ target market assessment; however, a distributor (for the purposes of the Product Governance Requirements) is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the Bonds (by either adopting or refining the manufacturers’ target market assessment) and determining appropriate distribution channels.

    The target market assessment is without prejudice to the requirements of any contractual or legal selling restrictions in relation to any offering of the Bonds.

    For the avoidance of doubt, the target market assessment does not constitute: (a) an assessment of suitability or appropriateness for the purposes of MiFID II; or (b) a recommendation to any investor or group of investors to invest in, or purchase, or take any other action whatsoever with respect to the Bonds.

    PRIIPs Regulation / Prospectus Regulation / Prohibition of sales to EEA and UK retail investors – The Bonds are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the EEA or the UK. For these purposes, a “retail investor” means (a) in the EEA, a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97 as amended or superseded (the “Insurance Distribution Directive”), where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (iii) not a Qualified Investor as defined in Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation and (b) in the UK, a person who is one (or more) of (i) a retail client within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No. 2017/565 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA or (ii) a customer within the meaning of the provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 of the UK (the “FSMA”) and any rules or regulations made under the FSMA to implement Directive (EU) 2016/97, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No. 600/2014 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA or (iii) not a Qualified Investor as defined in Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA. Consequently, no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (as amended, the “EU PRIIPs Regulation”) or the EU PRIIPS Regulation as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the “UK PRIIPS Regulation”) for offering or selling the Bonds or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA or UK has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the Bonds or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA or the UK may be unlawful under the EU PRIIPs Regulation and/or the UK PRIIPs Regulation.

    1 The reference share price will be equal to the volume-weighted average price (VWAP) of the Shares recorded on Euronext Paris from the launch of the Offering today until the determination of the final terms (pricing) of the Bonds on the same day.
    2 i.e. Euronext’s share price on Euronext Paris, at close of trading on 21 May 2025

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: D. Trump Accuses South Africa of “White Genocide” at Meeting with S. Ramaphosa

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    SACRAMENTO, USA, May 22 (Xinhua) — US President Donald Trump on Wednesday got into a dispute with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa over conspiracy theories about “white genocide” in South Africa, which the South African leader strongly denied.

    During a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House, D. Trump accused South Africa of “white genocide” and an unfair land grab, and then showed materials allegedly proving his accusations.

    Ramaphosa, who was in Washington to improve trade terms and ease bilateral tensions, rejected Trump’s statement during the meeting. He rejected the claim that white South Africans are fleeing the country because of racist policies. According to the president, South Africa has a crime problem and most of the victims are black citizens.

    News outlets were shocked by Trump’s rudeness, saying that much of the information he presented during the meeting as evidence of “white genocide” in South Africa had been “repeatedly debunked.”

    “Almost all of the conspiracy theories presented at Trump’s meeting with South African President S. Ramaphosa today have been debunked, with some South Africans saying they believe the information is “propaganda from AfriForum,” an Afrikaner lobby group criticized for its white nationalist leanings,” CNN reported.

    The row between the US and South African presidents comes at a time of tense relations between the two countries, which worsened after Ramaphosa signed an expropriation law in January that Trump criticised for “discriminating” against the country’s white population. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s top diplomat to chair third China-Pacific Island countries foreign ministers’ meeting

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

    China’s top diplomat to chair third China-Pacific Island countries foreign ministers’ meeting

    BEIJING, May 21 — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, will chair the Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Xiamen, Fujian Province from May 28 to 29, a foreign ministry spokesperson announced on Wednesday.

    Foreign ministers or representatives from 11 island countries having diplomatic relations with China, namely President and Foreign Minister Taneti Maamau of Kiribati, Premier and Foreign Minister Dalton Tagelagi of Niue, Crown Prince and Minister for Foreign Affairs Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala of Tonga, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Lionel Rouwen Aingimea of Nauru, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Lorin S. Robert of Federated States of Micronesia, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Peter Shanel Agovaka of Solomon Islands, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Trade Marc Ati of Vanuatu, Minister for Foreign Affairs Justin Tkatchenko of Papua New Guinea, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration Tingika Elikana of the Cook Islands, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Lenora Qereqeretabua of Fiji, and representative of the government of Samoa and Ambassador of Samoa to China Luamanuvae A. Mariner, and Deputy Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Esala Nayasi will attend the meeting upon invitation, according to the spokesperson.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • Trump confronts South Africa’s Ramaphosa with false claims of white genocide

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump confronted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday with explosive false claims of white genocide and land seizures during a tense White House meeting that was reminiscent of his February ambush of Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

    South Africa has one of the highest murder rates in the world, but the overwhelming majority of victims are Black.

    Ramaphosa had hoped to use Wednesday’s meeting to reset his country’s relationship with the U.S., after Trump canceled much-needed aid to South Africa, offered refuge to white minority Afrikaners, expelled the country’s ambassador and criticized its genocide court case against Israel.

    The South African president arrived prepared for an aggressive reception, bringing popular white South African golfers as part of his delegation and saying he wanted to discuss trade. The U.S. is South Africa’s second-biggest trading partner, and the country is facing a 30% tariff under Trump’s currently suspended raft of import taxes.

    But in a carefully choreographed Oval Office onslaught, Trump pounced, moving quickly to a list of concerns about the treatment of white South Africans, which he punctuated by playing a video and leafing through a stack of printed news articles that he said proved his allegations.

    With the lights turned down at Trump’s request, the video – played on a television that is not normally set up in the Oval Office – showed white crosses, which Trump asserted were the graves of white people, and opposition leaders making incendiary speeches. Trump suggested one of them, Julius Malema, should be arrested.

    The video was made in September 2020 during a protest after two people were killed on their farm a week earlier. The crosses did not mark actual graves. An organizer of the protest told South Africa’s public broadcaster at the time that they represented farmers who had been killed over the years.

    “We have many people that feel they’re being persecuted, and they’re coming to the United States,” Trump said. “So we take from many … locations, if we feel there’s persecution or genocide going on,” he added, referring specifically to white farmers.

    “People are fleeing South Africa for their own safety. Their land is being confiscated, and in many cases, they’re being killed,” the president added, echoing a once-fringe conspiracy theory that has circulated in global far-right chat rooms for at least a decade with the vocal support of Trump’s ally, South African-born Elon Musk, who was in the Oval Office during the meeting.

    South Africa, which endured centuries of draconian discrimination against Black people during colonialism and apartheid before becoming a multi-party democracy in 1994 under Nelson Mandela, rejects Trump’s allegations.

    A new land reform law, aimed at redressing the injustices of apartheid, allows for expropriations without compensation when in the public interest, for example if land is lying fallow. No such expropriation has taken place, and any order can be challenged in court.

    South African police recorded 26,232 murders nationwide in 2024, with 44 linked to farming communities. Eight of those victims were farmers.

    Ramaphosa, sitting in a chair next to Trump and remaining poised, pushed back against his claims.

    “If there was Afrikaner farmer genocide, I can bet you, these three gentlemen would not be here,” Ramaphosa said, referring to golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen and billionaire Johann Rupert, all white, who were present in the room.

    That did not satisfy Trump.

    “We have thousands of stories talking about it, and we have documentaries, we have news stories,” Trump said. “It has to be responded to.”

    ‘THERE IS JUST NO GENOCIDE’

    Ramaphosa mostly sat expressionless during the video presentation, occasionally craning his neck to look at the screen. He said he had not seen the material before and that he would like to find out the location.

    Trump then displayed printed copies of articles that he said showed white South Africans who had been killed, saying “death, death” as he flipped through them, eventually handing them to his counterpart.

    Ramaphosa said there was crime in South Africa, and the majority of victims were Black. Trump cut him off and said: “The farmers are not Black.”

    Ramaphosa responded: “These are concerns we are willing to talk to you about.”

    The South African president cited Mandela’s example as a peacemaker, but that did not move the U.S. president, whose political base includes white nationalists. The myth of white genocide in South Africa has become a rallying point for the far right in the United States and elsewhere.

    “I will say: apartheid, terrible,” Trump noted. “This is sort of the opposite of apartheid.”

    The extraordinary exchange, three months after Trump and Vice President JD Vance upbraided Ukraine’s Zelenskiy inside the same Oval Office, could prompt foreign leaders to think twice about accepting Trump’s invitations and risk public embarrassment.

    Unlike Zelenskiy, who sparred with Trump and ended up leaving early, the South African leader kept his calm, praising Trump’s decor – the president has outfitted the Oval Office with gold accessories – and saying he looked forward to handing over the presidency of the Group of 20 next year.

    Trump declined to say whether he would attend the G20 meeting in South Africa in November.

    Later in the meeting, Rupert, the business tycoon, stepped in to back up Ramaphosa, saying that crime was a problem across the board and many Black people were dying too.

    Following the meeting, Ramaphosa sought to focus on trade, telling reporters the two countries had agreed to discuss critical minerals in South Africa. His trade minister said the government had submitted a trade and investment proposal that included buying liquefied natural gas from the U.S.

    But the president also flatly denied Trump’s allegations about a wave of racial violence against white farmers.

    “There is just no genocide in South Africa,” he said.

    (Reuters)

  • Indian Parliamentary Delegation Arrives in UAE for Counter Terrorism Outreach

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Multi party parliamentary delegation led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde arrived in Abu Dhabi on Thursday morning as part of India’s global diplomatic initiative to highlight its counter-terrorism efforts and to brief the international community on operation Sindoor

    The delegation was officially received by Ahmed Mir Khoori, Member of the Federal National Council of the UAE, and Indian Ambassador to the UAE Sunjay Sudhir. The multi-party group represents a cross-section of India’s political landscape and aims to brief international counterparts on India’s counter-terrorism responses while strengthening cooperation with global partners.

    The delegation comprises BJP MPs Bansuri Swaraj, Atul Garg, and Rajya Sabha member Manan Kumar Mishra, who is also a senior advocate. Also included are Indian Union Muslim League MP ET Mohammed Basheer, Biju Janata Dal MP Sasmit Patra, BJP leader SS Ahluwalia, and former diplomat Sujan Chinoy. The group’s broader itinerary extends beyond the UAE to include visits to Liberia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sierra Leone.

    During their two-day stay in the UAE, the delegation will participate in high-level meetings in Abu Dhabi, beginning with an interaction with Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence. They are also scheduled to hold discussions at the Federal National Council with Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuami and other senior council members.

    Additional meetings have been arranged with officials from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Media Office. The delegation will engage with local media through an interaction with The National newspaper and participate in a session with strategic political affairs analyst Amjad Taha.

    A significant component of the visit includes outreach to the Indian diaspora community, with an event planned at the Indian Embassy’s auditorium in Abu Dhabi. This engagement reflects India’s emphasis on maintaining strong connections with its overseas communities while advancing diplomatic objectives.

  • MIL-OSI China: WADA welcomes additional funding from Qatar for scientific research

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

    The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has welcomed Qatar’s decision to provide additional funding to support the organization’s scientific research efforts.

    The Ministry of Sports and Youth in Qatar will contribute an extra 1.5 million U.S. dollars, in addition to the country’s annual payment of more than 200,000 dollars to WADA, the agency announced on Wednesday.

    “WADA is appreciative of the continued support of our partners within Qatar’s Ministry of Sports and Youth. The additional funding will make a significant impact on anti-doping research globally and within Qatar itself,” said WADA President Witold Banka.

    “This is another indication of the strong support WADA receives from governments around the world, which believe in and trust us to deliver on our clean sport mission and understand the importance of cutting-edge scientific research to being ahead of those who seek to cheat the system.”

    Earlier this month, Japan pledged an additional 196,000 dollars to support anti-doping capacity and capability development in Asia and Oceania. According to WADA, Japan has contributed roughly 2.5 million dollars in additional funding over the past two decades.

    In the past 10 years, WADA has also received additional contributions from countries including Australia, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Egypt, France, India, Kuwait, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland and the United States.

    Banka stated earlier this year that WADA invests heavily in anti-doping research, allocating about 10 percent of its annual budget to scientific and social science initiatives. The agency has also called on its partners to support ongoing research efforts, including recent work focused on unintentional doping.

    WADA has set a budget of more than 50 million dollars for 2025.

    The United States, which failed to pay its 2024 annual fee of 3.62 million dollars–amounting to 14 percent of WADA’s budget–automatically loses its seat on the organization’s executive committee for the year.

    “It is so important for athletes that WADA is properly resourced and that it has certainty around the funds it receives,” said Yuhan Tan, Belgium’s former badminton player and WADA Athlete Council representative on the Foundation Board.

    “I call on all governments to fulfill their commitments and make their annual contributions to WADA in a predictable and timely fashion so the work upholding the World Anti-Doping Code and supporting athletes around the world can continue. Clearly, anti-doping is becoming more and more politicized, which must be avoided as it puts all athletes and the entire system at risk,” he commented when WADA released its budget plan earlier this year. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: New Development Bank admitted Algeria, further expanding its membership

    Source: New Development Bank

    The New Development Bank (NDB) has officially admitted Algeria as a new member country.

    On May 19, 2025, Algeria deposited its instrument of accession, in line with the provisions of the Articles of Agreement of the New Development Bank.

    “On behalf of New Development Bank, I truly congratulate Algeria for joining the Bank. Algeria plays an important role not only in the economy of Northern Africa, but also at a global scale, and will definitely contribute to enhancing NDB’s position in the global financial arena,” said H.E. Mrs. Dilma Rousseff, NDB President.

    “Rich in natural resources, with a dynamic economy and strategic geographic position, Algeria has immense potential for growth and development. NDB is fully committed to becoming a reliable and trustworthy partner for Algeria, supporting its sustainable development agenda,” said President Dilma Rousseff.

    “The New Development Bank is a financial institution mobilizing resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects. It is a platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing among its member countries. Together with Algeria, we will work to finance impactful projects that drive progress, improve lives, and contribute to development,” added President Dilma Rousseff.

    “We are delighted to announce the formalization of Algeria’s membership of the New Development Bank and thus becoming a full member of this prestigious international financial institution,” said H.E. Mr. Abdelkarim Bouzerd, Minister of Finance of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria. “This membership is a testament to our belief in this institution’s vital role in financing global development, and its status as a key player capable of providing alternative and innovative solutions to promote the growth and resilience of its member countries’ economies.”

    “I remain convinced that my country’s membership of the NDB will create promising opportunities for collaboration and mutual support,” said Mr. Abdelkarim Bouzerd.

    NDB’s membership expansion is in line with the Bank’s strategy to become a leading provider of solutions for infrastructure and sustainable development for emerging market economies and developing countries (EMDCs).

     

    Background information

    Established in 2015 by BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), the New Development Bank is a multilateral development bank aimed at mobilizing resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other EMDCs. Complementing the ongoing efforts of other multilateral and regional financial institutions, NDB aims to contribute to global growth and development by helping address the needs and aspirations of EMDCs.

    Since its establishment in 2015, NDB approved over 120 investment projects totalling USD 40 billion and spanning several key areas, including clean energy and energy efficiency, transport infrastructure, environmental protection, water supply and sanitation, social infrastructure and digital infrastructure.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Security: DHS Reacts to Activist Judge Ruling to Halt the Deportation of Barbaric Criminal Illegal Aliens Including Murderers, Rapists, and Pedophiles

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    All eight of these heinous convicted criminals have final orders of removal 

    WASHINGTON – DHS conducted a deportation flight to remove some of the most barbaric, violent individuals illegally in the United States. All of these individuals had final orders of removal.  Now a federal judge in Massachusetts is halting their deportation and trying to force President Trump to bring these criminals back to American soil.  

    “This ruling is deranged. These depraved individuals have all had their day in court and been given final deportation orders. A reminder of who was on this plane: murderers, child rapists, an individual who raped a mentally & physically disabled person,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “The message this activist judge is sending to victims and their families is we don’t care. President Trump and Secretary Noem are working every day to get vicious criminals out of our country while activist judges are fighting to bring them back onto American soil.” 

    Below are the individuals ICE removed from American communities:  

    Enrique ARIAS-Hierro, a Cuban national, was arrested by ICE Miami on May 2, 2025. His criminal history includes convictions for homicide, armed robbery, false impersonation of official, kidnapping, robbery strong arm. He was issued a final order of removal on September 13, 1999.  

    On April 30, 2025, ICE Miami arrested Cuban national, Jose Manuel RODRIGUEZ-QUINONES. He has been convicted of attempted first degree murder with a weapon, battery and larceny, cocaine possession and trafficking. He was issued a final order of removal on December 4, 2012.  

    Thongxay NILAKOUT, a citizen of Laos, was arrested by ICE Los Angeles on January 26, 2025. NILAKOUT is Convicted of first-degree murder and robbery; sentenced to life confinement. He was issued a final order of removal on July 12, 2023.  

    On May 12, 2025, ICE Miami arrested Mexican national, Jesus MUNOZ-Gutierrez. He is Convicted of second-degree murder; sentenced to life confinement. He was issued a final order of removed on June 16, 2005.  

    Dian Peter DOMACH, a citizen of South Sudan, was arrested by ICE St. Paul on May 8, 2024. DOMACH is convicted of robbery and possession of a firearm, of possession of burglar’s tools and possession of defaced firearm and driving under the influence. He was issued a final order of removal on July 19, 2011.  

    Kyaw MYA, a citizen of Burma was arrested by ICE St. Paul on February 18, 2025. MYA is convicted of Lascivious Acts with a Child-Victim less than 12 years of age; sentenced to 10 years confinement, paroled after 4 years. He was issued a final order of removal on March 17, 2022.   

    Nyo MYINT, a citizen of Burma was arrested by ICE St. Paul on February 18, 2025. MYINT is convicted of first-degree sexual assault involving a victim mentally and physically incapable of resisting; sentenced to 12 years confinement. MYINT is also charged with aggravated assault-nonfamily strongarm. He was issued a final order of removal on August 17, 2023.   

    On May 3, 2025, ICE Seattle arrested Tuan Thanh PHAN, a Vietnamese national. PHAN is Convicted of first-degree murder and second-degree assault; sentenced to 22 years confinement. He was issued a final order of removal on June 17, 2009.  

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump confronts South African president with conspiracy claims

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

    U.S. President Donald Trump confronted visiting South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday with conspiracy theories on “white genocide” in South Africa, which Ramaphosa firmly denied.

    During their meeting in the Oval Office, Trump accused South Africa of “white genocide” and unfair land seizures, and then unexpectedly presented a video and a stack of printed news articles which he said proved his allegations.

    Ramaphosa, who arrived in Washington in hopes of improving trade terms and easing bilateral tensions, rejected Trump’s assertions during the meeting. He refuted the notion that white South Africans are fleeing the country due to racist policies. He said there was crime in South Africa and the majority of victims were Black.

    News outlets were shocked by Trump’s rudeness, saying most of the information that he used during the meeting to try to prove that “white genocide” was happening in South Africa had “repeatedly been disproven.”

    “Of the laundry list of conspiracy theories brought out at Trump’s meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa today, almost everything has been debunked. Some South Africans have said that they believe that the information is ‘AfriForum propaganda’ — a White Afrikaner lobby group criticized as being a White nationalist group,” the CNN reported.

    The clash came at a time of strained relations between the two countries. Since Ramaphosa signed the Expropriation Act into law in January, Trump has criticized the land reform law for “discriminating” against the country’s white people.

    In recent months, Trump has repeatedly criticized South Africa, most notably by canceling the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief funding and claiming that a “genocide” against white South Africans is underway, an allegation denied by the South African government.

    In March, the United States expelled then South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, further straining their relations. The expulsion came after Rasool addressed a webinar organized by the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection, commenting on the Trump administration.

    “What Donald Trump is launching is an assault on incumbency, those who are in power, by mobilizing a supremacism against the incumbency at home and I think I’ve illustrated abroad as well,” Rasool said during the webinar.

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday that Trump would not participate in the upcoming meeting of the Group of 20 (G20) leaders in South Africa later this year.

    “We decided not to participate in this year’s G20 hosted by South Africa, either at the level of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or at the level of the president, and this was largely due to some of these issues that they put on their agenda and which, as we think, they do not reflect the priorities of this administration,” Rubio told a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing.

    South Africa has pushed back against the Trump administration’s accusations, saying the executive order of freezing aid “lacks factual accuracy and fails to recognize South Africa’s profound and painful history of colonialism and apartheid.”

    “We are concerned by what seems to be a campaign of misinformation and propaganda aimed at misrepresenting our great nation. It is disappointing to observe that such narratives seem to have found favor among decision-makers in the United States of America,” said the country’s Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation in a statement in February. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Youth sports exchange to bridge cultures, strengthen ties

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

    NANJING, China, May 21 — The 2025 Belt and Road Youth Sports Exchange Week (Jiangsu) officially launched on Wednesday in Jiangyin, east China’s Jiangsu Province, gathering nearly 500 international students from 66 countries and regions.

    Held at Jiangyin Feima Water City from May 20 to 27, the event features a lineup of activities, including youth men’s 3×3 basketball invitational, youth outdoor sports challenge, and youth orienteering training camp. These initiatives aim to create a dynamic platform for cross-cultural dialogue and friendly competition.

    “Sports transcend barriers. They are a universal language that connects everyone, regardless of nationality or background,” said Mutai Ronald Kipsang, a Kenyan doctoral student at Nanjing Agricultural University. “Through teamwork and our shared pursuit of excellence, we unite. This event isn’t just about skills. It’s about building lasting friendships and exchanging ideas.”

    Now in its fifth consecutive year, the exchange week has evolved into a flagship cultural initiative for Jiangsu, a province renowned for its economic vitality, educational resources, and strategic ties with Belt and Road partners. By integrating sports with storytelling, the event highlights Jiangsu’s cultural heritage while strengthening bonds among global youth through shared athletic experiences.

    Leveraging its geographic advantages and robust economic and academic infrastructure, Jiangsu has deepened collaboration with Belt and Road countries and regions in trade, technology, and people-to-people exchanges.

    The annual event underscores this commitment, using sports as a medium to promote Chinese culture, share local narratives, and nurture a spirit of peace, friendship, and cooperation among participants.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: South Africa Persecution: “When it gets exposed, it’ll get fixed.”

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

    “This is a very serious situation. If we had a real press, it would be exposed. When it gets exposed, it’ll get fixed. But people don’t talk about it. And I’ll tell you who is talking about it, thousands of people that are fleeing South Africa right now.” –President Trump

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTyCnt2JNLw

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Defense Contractor Pleads Guilty to Tax Crimes

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant Admits to Concealing 50% Ownership of $7B Defense Contracting Business to Evade Taxes

               WASHINGTON – Douglas Edelman, 73, a former defense contractor, pleaded guilty today to tax crimes related to a scheme to defraud the United States and evade taxes on income he earned from his contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense.

               The sentence was announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, and Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter with IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Washington, D.C. Field Office. 

               Edelman pleaded guilty to 10 felony counts: conspiracy to defraud the United States, seven counts of tax evasion, and two counts of making a false statement.  U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly scheduled a hearing on issues related to sentencing on Nov. 17, 2026. Trial on the remaining counts of the indictment will be in 2026.

               According to court documents and statements made in court, Edelman founded and owned 50% of Mina Corp. and Red Star Enterprises (Mina/Red Star), a defense contracting business that received more than $7 billion from contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense to provide jet fuel in the United States’ post-9/11 military efforts in Afghanistan and the Middle East. 

               Working with others, Edelman engaged in a lengthy scheme to hide his Mina/Red Star profits to evade U.S. taxes, including by concealing his income in undisclosed foreign bank accounts, creating false documents and making false statements that one of his co-conspirators — a French citizen residing abroad and without U.S. tax obligations — founded and owned Mina/Red Star. 

               For example, when the company became profitable in 2005, Edelman began taking distributions which he deposited into Swiss bank accounts, primarily at Credit Suisse, in the name of other companies he owned. In 2008, Credit Suisse informed Edelman that he had to either close his accounts or disclose them to U.S. authorities. Rather than come into compliance with his tax and reporting obligations, Edelman closed his accounts and opened new ones at Bank Julius Baer in Singapore in the name of a nominee entity, the beneficiaries of which were purportedly Edelman’s daughters. He then directed the subject income he earned from Mina/Red Star to those bank accounts. 

               In 2010 the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Government Reform’s Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs began investigating allegations of corruption in connection with Mina/Red Star’s contracts with the Department of Defense. As part of this inquiry, the subcommittee became interested in the identity of Mina/Red Star’s owners. At this time, Edelman had not filed U.S. tax returns to report the millions of dollars he had earned from Mina/Red Star and had not paid U.S. taxes on his income. 

               Rather than disclose his ownership, Edelman caused his attorneys to tell Congress a false story that a French co-conspirator who had no U.S. tax or reporting obligations founded and co-owed Mina/Red Star with another individual. To corroborate the false story, Edelman and a co-conspirator caused false and backdated paperwork to be created. 

               To continue the scheme, Edelman conveyed the false story about Mina/Red Star’s ownership to other arms of the U.S. government, including to the Department of Defense during contract negotiations in 2010 and 2011, to the IRS in a 2016 application to the Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program, and to the Justice Department in a 2018 presentation. 

               In conjunction with his 2016 application to the IRS’s Voluntary Disclosure Program, Edelman filed false tax returns for several prior years that only reported income from gifts or purported consulting payments, continuing to conceal the millions he had earned from his company. On the returns, he also concealed profits he had earned from a separate business to provide internet service to members of the armed forces at Kandahar Air Base in Afghanistan. 

               Instead of paying the taxes that he knew he owed, Edelman used the money to fund his lifestyle and additional investments. He invested in a music television franchise in Eastern Europe, a land venture in Tulum, Mexico, and a farm in Kenya, and purchased property around Europe, including a home in Ibiza, Spain, and a townhouse in London.

               Edelman faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each of the 10 counts to which he has pleaded. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

               This case is being investigated by special agents from IRS-CI’s International Tax & Financial Crimes specialty group, a team based out of Washington, D.C., that is dedicated to uncovering international tax crimes, along with the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs assisted in the investigation. His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs of the United Kingdom also provided assistance, as did the Joint Chiefs of Global Tax Enforcement (J5), which brings together the taxing authorities of Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The Guardia Civil of Spain assisted with the arrest. 

               This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Gold for the District of Columbia and Assistant Chief Sarah Ranney and Trial Attorney Ezra Spiro of the Tax Division.

    24cr239

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: ReconAfrica Announces the Appointment of Mark Friesen as Managing Director, Investor Relations and Capital Markets, an Update on the Transaction with NAMCOR and Proposed Warrant Extension

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. (the “Company” or “ReconAfrica”) (TSXV: RECO) (OTCQX: RECAF) (Frankfurt: 0XD) (NSX: REC) announces an update to its investor relations contact, an update on the transaction with Namcor Exploration and Production (Pty) (“NAMCOR”) announced in the Company’s news release dated September 22, 2022 and that it intends to extend the expiry date of certain common share purchase warrants of the Company.

    UPDATE TO INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT

    Mr. Grayson Andersen has left ReconAfrica to pursue new career opportunities. The Company, its Board of Directors and Management thank Grayson for his contributions and wish him the best in his future endeavours.

    Effective immediately, Mark Friesen has joined ReconAfrica as Managing Director, Investor Relations and Capital Markets and is based in Calgary. Mark has extensive energy finance and investor relations experience in the Canadian and U.S. markets. Mark’s prior corporate experience includes being the Director of Investor Relations with Kiwetinohk Energy Corp. and doing business development and corporate planning with Kiwetinohk, Murphy Oil Corporation and through his own consulting company. Mark began his career in equity research covering the energy sector at Bank of Montreal (BMO), FirstEnergy Capital Corp., TD Bank and Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). Mark holds a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) designation and received a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) degree in Finance from the University of Manitoba.

    Investors can continue to contact the Company by email at investors@reconafrica.com or by phone at +1-877-631-1160.

    UPDATE ON NAMCOR TRANSACTION

    The Company and NAMCOR have not yet completed the transaction pursuant to the definitive purchase and sale agreement announced September 22, 2022, but report that discussions are ongoing.

    PROPOSED WARRANT EXTENSION

    The Company intends to extend the expiry date of an aggregate 6,795,454 outstanding common share purchase warrants of the Company (the “July Warrants”) by 18 months to January 18, 2027 and an aggregate 1,071,500 outstanding common share purchase warrants of the Company (the “September Warrants” and collectively with the July Warrants, the “Warrants”) by 18 months to February 1, 2027 (collectively with the extension of July Warrants, the “Extension”).

    The July Warrants were issued pursuant to a public offering which closed on July 18, 2023 and are set to expire on July 18, 2025. The July Warrants were issued pursuant to a warrant indenture dated July 18, 2023 between the Company and Odyssey Trust Company. Each July Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one common share of the Company at a price of CAD $1.35 and all other terms of the July Warrants, including exercise price, will remain the same.

    A total of 295,227 outstanding compensation warrants issued as compensation to the underwriters for part of the financing in July 2023 cannot be extended and will expire on July 18, 2025.

    The September Warrants were issued pursuant to a non-brokered private placement which closed on September 1, 2023 and are set to expire on September 1, 2025. Each September Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one common share of the Company at a price of CAD $1.40 and all other terms of the September Warrants, including exercise price, will remain the same.

    220,000 of the July Warrants are held by parties who are considered to be “related parties” of the Company. The September Warrants are all held by parties who are considered to be “related parties” of the Company. Therefore, the amendment of Warrants constitutes a “related party transaction” as contemplated by Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Shareholders in Special Transactions, and TSXV Policy 5.9 Protection of Minority Shareholders in Special Transactions. However, the exemptions from formal valuation and minority approval requirements provided for by these guidelines have been relied upon as the fair market value of the Warrants held by insiders does not exceed 25% of the market capitalization of the Company.

    The Extension remains subject to receipt of approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

    About ReconAfrica

    ReconAfrica is a Canadian oil and gas company engaged in the exploration of the Damara Fold Belt and Kavango Rift Basin in the Kalahari Desert of northeastern Namibia, southeastern Angola, and northwestern Botswana, where the Company holds rights to petroleum licences comprising over 13 million acres. The Company will be drilling its next well, Prospect I which is located onshore Namibia in Petroleum Exploration Licence 073 (“PEL 73”). This will be the Company’s largest exploration prospect drilled to date. In all aspects of its operations, ReconAfrica is committed to minimal disturbance of habitat in line with international standards and implementing environmental and social best practices in all of its project areas.

    Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    For further information contact:

    Brian Reinsborough, President and Chief Executive Officer | Tel: +1-877-631-1160

    Mark Friesen, Investor Relations | Tel: +1-877-631-1160

    IR Inquiries Email: investors@reconafrica.com

    Media Inquiries Email: media@reconafrica.com

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

    Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian, United States and other applicable securities laws, rules and regulations, including, without limitation, the Company’s commitment to minimal disturbance of habitat, in line with best international standards and its implementation of environmental and social best practices in all of its project areas. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words “could”, “intend”, “expect”, “believe”, “will”, “projected”, “estimated” and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on ReconAfrica’s current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as the Company’s actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of the factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section in the Company’s annual information form for the period ended December 31, 2024, available under the Company’s profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Actual future results may differ materially. Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to ReconAfrica. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and ReconAfrica undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: President Trump is Right About What’s Happening in South Africa

    Source: The White House

    Today, President Donald J. Trump showed the world the shocking treatment of white farmers in South Africa — including with a video montage that highlighted the discrimination and violence targeted at the innocent minority victims.

    President Trump was exactly right.

    • “We left because of the attacks. You can’t stay on a farm as a white person in South Africa. You know you’ll be killed,” said one South African refugee.
    • New York Post: White South African couple say they’re victims of racial attacks — and can’t wait to be in Trump’s America
    • The Daily Mail: Why white South Africans are fleeing surging violence and ‘racist’ laws for new lives in America
    • BBC: ‘I didn’t come here for fun’ – Afrikaner defends refugee status in US
    • Breitbart: Trump Vindicated as South Africa Considers Bill to Redistribute Land on Racial Lines
    • BBC: South African president signs controversial land seizure law
      • The law is vague, stating that expropriation is allowed in circumstances where it is “just and equitable and in the public interest” to do so.
    • BBC: “Close to 70,000 South Africans have expressed interest in moving to the US following Washington’s offer to resettle people from the country’s Afrikaner community, a business group has said.”
    • The New York Times: ‘Kill the Boer’ Song Fuels Backlash in South Africa and U.S.
      • “The political rally was winding down when the brash leader of a leftist South African party grabbed the microphone and began to stomp and chant. Thousands of supporters joined in, and when he reached the climax, they pointed their fingers in the air like guns. ‘Kill the Boer!’ Julius Malema chanted, referring to white farmers. The crowd in a stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday roared back in approval.”
    • The New York Times: Killing of White Farmer Becomes a Flash Point in South Africa
    • Sky News: ‘Anti-white racism’: Farmers being targeted in South Africa
    • news.com.au: South Africans trapped ‘like frogs in boiling water’ as racial violence escalates
    • The Independent: South Africa: Taking farms from whites is justified because ‘it’s not really their land’, says EFF spokesman
    • New York Sun: From Murdered White Farmers to ‘Racially Disfavored Landowners’: Why Trump and Musk Are Targeting South Africa
    • The Independent: Farmers in South Africa claim they are being targeted in ‘horrific’ attacks
    • news.com.au: South Africa farm attacks: Brutal crimes landowners face
    • The Daily Mail: There’s been a murder a week on farms in South Africa this year. Now a race-baiting Marxist who loves singing Kill the Boer is set to become Vice President
    • Fox News: South African political leader calls for violence against White citizens at rally: ‘Kill the Boer, the farmer’

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Africa – Joint Statement of Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) and Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) ahead of the AU – EU Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on 21 May 2025

    SOURCE: Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM)

    Africa needs a transformation rooted in the Gospel values of care for creation, solidarity with the poor, and the pursuit of peace

    ACCRA, Ghana, May 21, 2025 – As shepherds of the Catholic Church in Africa and in Europe, we, the bishops of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) (www.SECAM.org) and of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), speak today with a voice formed by the lived realities of our people – farmers, fisherfolk, pastoralists, women and youth – whose lives are shaped by the land, and whose hope depends on justice, peace, and dignity. We welcome the convening of the joint African Union–European Union Foreign Ministers’ Meeting as an opportunity to examine not only shared ambitions but the very nature of our partnership. 
    As SECAM and COMECE have already stated five years ago, “we are firmly convinced that Africa and Europe could become the engines for a reinvigoration of multilateral cooperation by reinforcing their longstanding ties marked by our common roots and geographical proximity […] towards an equitable and responsible partnership that puts the people at its centre”.

    We are, however, deeply concerned about certain developments in this partnership over recent years. We have witnessed a profound shift in European priorities – away from solidarity with the most fragile regions and communities, and from development cooperation aimed at eradicating poverty and hunger, towards a more narrowly defined set of geopolitical and economic interests. Notwithstanding the commendable intention behind some projects promoting human development at the grassroots, certain initiatives supported under the EU’s Global Gateway – while presented as mutually beneficial – too often seem to replicate extractive patterns of the past: privileging European corporate and strategic aims over the real needs and aspirations of African people.

    Land, water, seeds, and minerals – the very foundations of life – seem to be once again treated as commodities for foreign profit rather than as common goods to be stewarded with care. Africa is being asked to sacrifice its ecosystems and communities to help Europe meet its decarbonisation goals – whether through massive land deals for so-called “green” energy projects, the expansion of carbon offset plantations, or the outsourcing of industrial agriculture’s toxic inputs and waste. This is not partnership. This is not justice.

    “The earth herself, burdened and laid waste, is among the most abandoned and maltreated of our poor” (Laudato Si’, §2)

    The Catholic Church, inspired by late Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, shares the understanding that we must hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor. These cries are loud and clear across Africa. Climate change is wreaking havoc on those who depend on the land, even as our continent has contributed least to the crisis. Soil degradation, poisoned water, and the loss of biodiversity are destroying the foundation of rural life. Hunger in Africa is growing, not because we lack food, but because we have allowed systems to dominate that put profit above people and that treat agriculture as an industrial process, not a way of life.

    We urge the ministers gathered in Brussels to place the dignity of African peoples at the heart of the AU-EU partnership. This means supporting a transformation of agriculture that breaks free from dependency on imported fertilisers, chemical inputs, and genetically modified seeds. It means protecting and promoting farmer-managed seed systems, which are the repositories of Africa’s agricultural biodiversity and the key to food sovereignty. These systems are not backward or inefficient – they are resilient, rooted in tradition, and adapted to local ecologies. Criminalising farmers for saving seeds or imposing rigid intellectual property regimes aligned with UPOV or corporate agendas violates both their rights and the planet’s needs.

    We call for an immediate ban on the export and use of Highly Hazardous Pesticides in Africa. It is a grave injustice that chemicals banned in Europe for their risks to health and ecosystems are still manufactured there and marketed to African farmers. This double standard must end. Instead, we must invest in agroecology – a science, a practice, and a social movement that nourishes the land, respects cultural traditions, and empowers women and youth. Agroecology offers a truly African path to climate adaptation and rural regeneration. It is rooted in the wisdom of our communities and validated by science. It is our future.

    Moreover, we remind our political leaders that land is sacred. For most Africans, land is not merely a factor of production or a tradable asset. It is a gift from God, entrusted to us by our ancestors and held in common for future generations. Large-scale land acquisitions by foreign investors or development finance institutions, carried out without free, prior, and informed consent, are an affront to this sacred trust. They displace communities, erode customary rights, and contribute to conflict and forced migration. Ministers must act decisively to end land grabbing and ensure legal protection for communal and customary tenure systems.

    We are particularly disturbed by growing use of African territory as a site for Europe’s resource needs and climate ambitions. Decarbonisation must not come at the cost of African ecosystems or the rights of African communities. It is ethically untenable to demand that Africa become the dumping ground for Europe’s “green transition” – whether through extractive mining for critical minerals or vast land projects that reduce our continent to a carbon sink.

    Let us be clear: Africa does not need charity, nor does it need to be a battleground for external interests. What it needs is justice. What it needs is a partnership grounded in mutual respect, environmental stewardship, and the centrality of human dignity. We believe such a partnership is possible – but only if the structures and priorities of AU-EU cooperation are fundamentally reoriented towards these objectives.

    We therefore urge ministers to listen more closely to African civil society, Indigenous peoples, and faith communities – not as token participants, but as equal co-creators of policy. Real dialogue means making space for the voices of those who live on and with the land.

    We conclude by echoing the spirit of Laudato Si’, which calls for an “integral ecology” – one that recognises the profound interconnection between people, planet, and purpose.

    We pray that this meeting may mark a turning point – not only in diplomatic relations but in the moral and spiritual compass guiding our shared future.

    Africa needs a transformation rooted in the Gospel values of care for creation, solidarity with the poor, and the pursuit of peace. As Laudato Si’ teaches us, “everything is interconnected” (§117) – and so our response must be holistic and courageous.

    We invite the AU and EU Foreign Ministers to rise to this moment. Let this be the partnership that listens to the cries of the earth and the cries of the poor. Let this be the moment when Africa’s future is shaped not by external interests, but by the aspirations of its people – especially those who till the land, feed the nation, and protect the environment.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Tech – Europe’s Largest Inaugural Tech and Startup Event Opens in Berlin as the Continent Spurs Momentum for Open Innovation and AI Leadership

    Source: GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything 2025

    EconomyEntrepreneurs / Start-UpTech / DigitalInnovation – Ministers and senior tech stakeholders from the European Union, Germany and the UAE inaugurate the momentous first edition of GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything.

    Berlin, Germany – 21 May 2025: Berlin became the focal point of Europe’s tech momentum and global digital cooperation as GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything 2025 opened its doors today at Messe Berlin, launching the region’s largest inaugural tech, startup and digital investment event to capacity crowds and the biggest, most international lineup of tech and businesses converging in Europe. The show arrives at an inflection point in Europe’s digital future, sparked by a continent-wide ‘Choose Europe’ movement to anchor the next wave of innovation, research, investment, talent and deep-tech breakthroughs on home ground; alongside a renewed impetus in Germany represented by the formation of a new government and the country’s first digital ministry taking stewardship on digital transformation, AI excellence and data policy.

    Born in the UAE with global editions now running in seven countries, GITEX is the world’s largest and best-rated tech and startup event, reflecting the UAE’s wider national commitment to global digital collaboration. With the show’s expansion into Europe, it echoes the UAE’s shared commitment to advance innovation and scientific frontiers, recently strengthened with Abu Dhabi’s MGX investment and Nvidia partnering to develop Europe’s largest AI data center campus (1) alongside the development of a new 5GW AI campus (2), the largest of its kind outside the US to be based in Abu Dhabi.

    Welcome addresses led the inauguration ceremony from European and global leaders, including Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin; H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of State for Entrepreneurship; Clara Chappaz, the Minister of AI and Digital of France; Thomas Jarzombek, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Minister for Digital and State Modernization, Germany; Jan Kavalírek, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Czech Republic; Franziska Giffey, Mayor of Berlin & Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises; and Trixie LohMirmand, EVP of Dubai World Trade Centre, the global organiser of GITEX.

    With participation from over 100 countries, 1,400 tech companies, startups, and SMEs, more than 600 influential investors, and 500 industry leaders on-stage, the event sparked strategic dialogues on innovation, investment, policy shifts and business transformations, as well as catalysed collaborations at scale – across sectors and geographies. Taking place until 23 May at Messe Berlin, GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything 2025 is organised in partnership with the Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises, Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Berlin Partner for Business and Technology, and the European Innovation Council (EIC).

    Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin: “The GITEX tech fair – which is taking place in Berlin for the very first time – brings founders from around the world, investors, and established companies together. As Germany’s startup capital, Berlin is the perfect place for GITEX. We want to create the best environment for founders in our city. Networking events and industry fairs like GITEX are part of that effort.”

    Her Excellency (H.E.) Alia Al Mazrouei, the UAE Minister of State for Entrepreneurship: “Moving beyond economic diplomacy, the UAE is now championing entrepreneurial diplomacy, guided by our diligent efforts in fostering global partnerships to empower entrepreneurs in the country. GITEX EUROPE’s vision of bringing together SMEs, investors, accelerators, incubators and industry leaders to ignite innovation, foster collaboration, and drive growth aligns with the UAE’s aspirations to strengthen partnerships with Europe in entrepreneurship and digital economy.”

    Clara Chappaz, the Minister of AI and Digital of France, commented on the development of AI: “When you were hear about Europe being a continent of regulation, this is the past. Today, Europe is all about innovation. More than ever, we have all the ingredients to succeed as Europeans building these amazing technologies when it comes to AI. The partnerships between France and Germany is extremely determined to accelerate Europe when it comes to innovation, and in particular when it comes to everything we can do on digital innovation.”

    Thomas Jarzombek, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Minister for Digital and State Modernization reiterated: “It’s a great opportunity here to connect startups and also for investment opportunities right now here in Berlin. We have to move forward, faster than we did in the past. Easy for you to do business in Germany, easy for every citizen to do everything with an app and to digitalize things you have in our pocket right now.”

    Jan Kavalírek, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Czech Republic: “One of our top priorities right now, is to create the best possible environment for AI researchers and to deploy artificial intelligence across all the industrial sector. This is the reason why we invest in AI heavily, both in software and in hardware infrastructure, and this is also the reason why we are glad to part of GITEX EUROPE.”

    Franziska Giffey, Mayor of Berlin and Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises: “We have more than 5,000 startup enterprises here in Berlin, and of course we want to do more. We want to be the number one innovation place in Europe. Whenever you think about coming to the place of freedom, the place of possibilities, come to Berlin.”

    Trixie LohMirmand, global organiser of GITEX: “As the world’s third largest economy, Germany’s market gravity and Europe’s openness create a powerful test-bed where capital, code and talent can cross-pollinate at speed, forging new collaborative forces across geographies and sectors. GITEX EUROPE proves that innovations can scale beyond borders, opening new markets and opportunities for Europe’s most ambitious companies.”

    Spanning high impact showcases and talks covering AI, cybersecurity, deep tech, green tech, quantum computing, SMEs, and startup, scaleup and investments, GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything offers unmatched opportunities to access new markets, breakthrough technologies, industry transformations and business insights.

    Across the show floor, global tech enterprises including IBM, AWS, Bosch, Cisco, CrowdStrike, Dell, Fortinet, Lenovo, ManageEngine, NinjaOne, NVIDIA, and SAP, alongside over 750 startups from 60 countries, showcase how infrastructure, intelligence, and investment intersect to propel Europe’s digital future forward. From business leaders to AI architects, quantum researchers to CIOs, green tech innovators to global investors, the opening day’s gathering set the tone for decisive partnerships accelerating the continent’s AI and digital competitiveness.

    The opening day conference programme was headlined by Dr. Geoffrey Hinton, Nobel Physics Laureate and ‘Godfather of AI’ with a riveting keynote on ‘AI for Humanity’s Greatest Challenges’. In April 2025, the United Arab Emirates and European Union delivered a joint statement to begin dialogue toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) (3) aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties across key sectors such as AI, advanced manufacturing, healthcare and more.

    GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything leverages a powerful network of established relationships in tech, policy, investment and business spanning four regions and seven countries, with more new international editions in the wings. Currently the GITEX global network of events takes place in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Germany, Morocco, Nigeria, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

    (1) https://fastcompanyme.com/news/nvidia-and-abu-dhabis-mgx-join-french-partners-to-build-europes-largest-ai-campus/
    (2) https://www.techrepublic.com/article/news-uae-us-ai-campus/
    (3) https://www.wam.ae/en/article/bj3wkyv-uae-president-president-european-commission-agree

    For more information, visit: www.gitex-europe.com.

    About GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything 2025

    GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything 2025, Europe’s most global, collaborative, and cross-industry tech event, taking place from May 21–23, 2025, at Messe Berlin, Germany. Convening over 1,400 exhibiting enterprises, SMEs and startups from 100-plus countries, alongside over 600 investors, and 500 expert speakers across AI, Deep Tech, Quantum, Cybersecurity, Connectivity, Smart Cities, Green Tech, and many more, GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything is advancing the continent’s digital future in partnership with the world. This inaugural edition features the new SMEDEX, GITEX SCALEX, and GQX, and brings to Germany the world’s largest and best-rated startup and investor event – North Star Europe. GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything is seamlessly connected with the GITEX network of tech and startup events in Germany, Morocco, Nigeria, Singapore, Thailand, UAE, and Vietnam. For more information, please visit: www.gitex-europe.com

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –