What you need to know: The Governor honored the contributions of fallen California law enforcement officers at the annual California Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony.
Sacramento, California– Honoring the contributions of fallen California peace officers, Governor Gavin Newsom today joined hundreds of law enforcement officers, state and local leaders, and community members at the annual California Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony.
We honor the lives and legacy these officers leave behind. They bravely served our communities, putting the needs of others before all. We thank them today and every day for their everlasting courage.
Governor Gavin Newsom
The memorial ceremony included a “Walk of Honor” for surviving family members from the west steps of the Capitol to the memorial monument for the Enrollment Ceremony, where the names of newly enrolled officers were formally added to the Memorial Monument.
The following fallen officers were recognized:
Distant Past
Officer Terry D. Long,El Monte Police Department, EOW: August 22, 2004
Recent Past and Current Year
Deputy Alfredo M. Flores,Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, EOW: April 20, 2024
Officer Matthew Bowen,Vacaville Police Department, EOW: July 11, 2024
Officer Austin Christopher Machitar,San Diego Police Department, EOW: August 26, 2024
Officer Chad E. Swanson,Manhattan Beach Police Department, EOW: October 4, 2023
This solemn ceremony incorporates many law enforcement traditions, including a riderless horse presentation, the folding of the flag of the United States, releasing of doves, and concludes with a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps.
In memorial, Governor Newsom ordered flags to be flown at half-staff over the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space.
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Headline: WTO report highlights improved impact of technical assistance activities in 2024
The report reveals that the WTO delivered more than 300 technical assistance activities in 2024, the highest number in the past decade. Over 19,000 government officials were trained in various trade-related areas, including more than 5,000 from least-developed countries (LDCs).
This represents a 19 per cent rise in the number of technical assistance activities compared to 2023. The increase was largely driven by a significant shift towards e-Learning, which saw the number of participants soar by 45 per cent, accounting for nearly three-quarters of all participants.
The report notes the sustained effectiveness of the activities in assisting beneficiaries in expanding their knowledge and skills. This is reflected by the three percentage point increase in fully or partially met performance targets compared to 2023.
The year was also marked by the successful completion of the WTO accession processes of Comoros and Timor-Leste, both of which benefited from extensive technical assistance throughout their negotiations.
“This support was instrumental in strengthening their capacity to navigate the complexities of WTO accession, which took 17 years for Comoros and nearly eight years for Timor-Leste,” WTO Deputy Director-General Xiangchen Zhang notes in the foreword to the report. “Their successful accession highlights the critical role of technical assistance in building the expertise and institutional frameworks necessary for developing economies to fully participate in global trade.”
WTO technical assistance continued to combine virtual, in-person and e-Learning formats in 2024 in order to provide targeted support aligned with beneficiaries’ evolving priorities. Standards, agriculture, market access for goods (including trade facilitation), trade in services, trade remedies and fisheries subsidies were among the top ten topics covered by technical assistance activities. Meanwhile, existing offerings exploring other WTO topics or responding to emerging challenges and opportunities, such as digital trade and trade and environment, continued to be developed.
However, the report struck a note of caution with regard to increasing financial constraints, as 2024 saw voluntary contributions to WTO technical assistance reach their lowest level in 25 years, with unearmarked funds falling to below CHF 3 million. While the cost-saving measures implemented by the WTO Secretariat have so far ensured that technical assistance delivery levels and quality are preserved, cash reserves are nearing exhaustion. Should the current low level of voluntary contributions persist, activities will inevitably suffer in volume and quality, leading to reduced impact over time.
The full report is available here.
Background
A core function of the WTO, technical assistance and capacity-building activities aim to enhance professional and institutional trade capacities in developing and least-developed WTO members and observers. These activities equip beneficiaries with the know-how to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the rules-based multilateral trading system, and to address related challenges. Within the WTO Secretariat, the Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation (ITTC) oversees these activities.
Question for written answer E-001653/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Benoit Cassart (Renew)
The European Union is the most important trading power in the world. It accounts for 16.5 % of world trade and 48 % of global gross domestic product, thanks to its vast network of trade agreements.
While the free trade agreement with New Zealand makes free trade conditional on the respect of social and environmental standards, this new approach is not reflected in the EU’s trade agreements with Chile and Kenya, which do not include a sanction mechanism in the sustainable development chapter.
1.This tailored approach risks creating legal uncertainty. Would it not be more consistent for the Commission to adopt a systematic approach to imposing such standards, including a sanction mechanism?
2.Rather than serving the Sustainable Development Goals, are agreements that do not incorporate this new approach not a barrier to development?
Headline: Transparency remains a central focus at subsidies committee discussions
The Chair referred to the most recent WTO Secretariat update, noting that 82 members have yet to submit their 2023 and 2021 subsidy notifications, and that 72 members have still not submitted their 2019 notifications. He reiterated his call for members to submit their notifications promptly, emphasizing that all members benefit from the collective effort of timely and complete notifications. Eight members echoed these calls and commended the Secretariat’s continued efforts to support members in preparing and submitting their notifications, including through targeted technical assistance.
Review of members’ subsidy notifications
During the special meeting, the Committee examined 2023 new and full subsidy notifications submitted by Albania, Bahrain, Ecuador, India, Kazakhstan and Montenegro. Additionally, it reviewed outstanding notifications from earlier cycles, notably from Madagascar (2019). The Committee also continued its review of 2023 subsidy notifications from Australia, Brazil, China, Eswatini, Nepal, Norway, Türkiye, the United States and Vanuatu. It also continued its review of a 2019 notification from the Russian Federation.
National legislation
The Committee reviewed legislative notifications submitted by Armenia, Cambodia, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States. It also continued its review of the legislative notifications of the European Union, Ghana, the Kyrgyz Republic, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and the Solomon Islands.
Reports of members on countervailing duty actions
Members reviewed semi-annual reports on countervailing duty actions submitted by Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, the European Union, India, Mexico, Peru, Chinese Taipei, Türkiye, the United States and Viet Nam for the period July to December 2024.
The Committee also considered notifications on preliminary and final countervailing duty actions from members including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, the European Union, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The Chair emphasized the need for regular and timely submissions of these reports to ensure ongoing transparency and effective oversight by the Committee.
Other matters
The Chair recalled the 31 December 2015 deadline for the elimination of export subsidies by members that received “fast track” extensions under Article 27.4 of the SCM Agreement. He noted that only 15 of the 19 members that had received extensions have provided the final required notifications. He called on the remaining members to comply without delay.
The Committee reviewed the updated GNI per capita calculations for members listed in Annex VII(b) of the SCM Agreement. According to the latest figures, Senegal graduated from Annex VII(b) while the following members did not: Congo, Ghana, Honduras, Kenya, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan and Zimbabwe. They therefore remain on the list until their GNP per capita exceeds US$ 1,000 (in constant 1990 dollars) for three consecutive years.
The Committee also discussed, and members exchanged views on, a range of issues under the following separate agenda items: “discriminatory subsidies policies and measures of the United States” (item sponsored by China); “France’s electric vehicle subsidies programme” (sponsored by the Republic of Korea); and “subsidies and overcapacity” (sponsored by the European Union, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States).
The Committee elected Mr Kazumochi Kometani from Japan as the new member of the Permanent Group of Experts replacing Ms Tomoko Ota, also from Japan.
The Committee conducted a scheduled review of its trial use of the e-Agenda platform, originally agreed in October 2023, to streamline meeting procedures by enabling the upload of delegations’ statements. The Committee agreed to extend the current trial arrangement for an additional two years. A formal review will take place at the Committee’s spring 2027 meeting.
Next meeting
The Chair reminded members that the autumn 2025 meetings of the SCM Committee are scheduled to take place in the week of 27 October 2025.
Question for written answer E-001680/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Benoit Cassart (Renew)
Many African countries yearn to take control of their economic future. The continent is experiencing unprecedented population growth: it will have a population of 2.5 billion by 2050, and an educated, connected and urbanised youth is emerging, in search of economic opportunities and industrialisation.
Dynamic economic hubs – such as Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Morocco and Egypt – are asserting their desire for internally generated development, focusing on strategic sectors such as renewable energies, the digital sector, agro-industry and services. Africa is therefore seeking reciprocal economic partnerships that integrate investment, technology transfer, innovation and the development of local economies.
1.Given the rapid development of Africa’s economies and mounting global competition, can the Commission continue to rely solely on a development aid approach or should it bring about a paradigm shift, establishing genuine economic diplomacy that is more agile, more proactive and better coordinated, based on partnerships of equals with Africa?
2.Should the Commission not ensure a greater role for Europe’s private sector – often absent from the major Global Gateway operations – and improve financing and guarantee mechanisms for EU companies willing to invest on the African continent?
INDIA/PAKISTAN
The Secretary-General spoke to reporters just an hour ago to say that, with tensions between India and Pakistan at their highest in years, he once again strongly condemns the attack in Pahalgam on 22 April and extends his condolences to the families of the victims. He said that those responsible must be brought to justice through transparent, credible, and lawful means.
The Secretary-General said that it is also essential – especially at this critical hour — to avoid a military confrontation that could easily spin out of control. Now is the time for maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink.
He once more offered his good offices to both governments in the service of peace.
SECRETARY-GENERAL/ TRIP ANNOUNCEMENT
The Secretary-General will be travelling to Copenhagen, in Denmark, tonight, where he will chair the biannual session of the UN System Chief Executives Board for Coordination, also known as the CEB, which brings together the heads of the UN system organizations.
The Secretary-General is scheduled to meet the Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen. He will also take part in a dinner, hosted by Their Majesties, the King and Queen of Denmark, in honour of the gathered leaders of the Chief Executives Board for Coordination.
The Secretary-General will also engage with UN staff based in Copenhagen, as well as with Danish media and he will have a number of meetings with UN senior officials, ahead of the CEB session.
During their biannual session, the Chief Executives Board Members will reflect on current world affairs as they affect and are related to the UN system. They will also engage in deliberations on ‘Adapting to New Realities: Leveraging the UN80 Initiative’ and ‘Upholding Respect for International Law’.
The Secretary-General will be back in New York on Friday evening.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/ossg/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=05%20May%202025
Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
**Shaheen introduced new legislation last month that would prevent Special Government Employees like Musk from receiving federal contracts or grant payments to companies they own**
(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a top member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, on Friday joined several of her high-ranking Senate officials in sending a letter to President Trump to demand an investigation into recent reports that Elon Musk—senior White House advisor and Special Government Employee—has used his role to advance personal business interests abroad. In the letter led by U.S. Senator Mark Warner, Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, the lawmakers reference an alarming pattern in which Musk allegedly utilized influence in the policy making process to pressure foreign governments—including India, South Africa, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Pakistan and Lesotho—into granting favorable treatment to his satellite internet provider Starlink in apparent exchange for U.S. policy concessions.
Last month, Shaheen unveiled new legislation that would prevent federal contracts or grant payments to companies owned or controlled by any person who became a Special Government Employee on or after January 1, 2025.
The Senators wrote, in part: “Public servants must serve Americans, not their own bank accounts. These alleged actions are an egregious breach of public trust, degrade our credibility with allies and partners, and potentially violate U.S. laws.”
The letter details instances of Musk meeting with foreign leaders – including those from India and Bangladesh – inside the White House complex and the Blair House, shortly before their governments fast-tracked regulatory approvals for Starlink. In one example, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission issued what was described as “the swiftest recommendation” in its history for a Starlink license shortly after officials requested a delay in U.S.-imposed tariffs and met with Musk on White House grounds.
The Senators continued: “The White House and the Blair House are not merely buildings – they are enduring symbols of American democracy and service. To use this public property for personal enrichment is not only a betrayal of the public trust – it also sends a dangerous signal that power is not a solemn responsibility, but an asset to be exploited for personal gain.”
They concluded: “Brazen corruption of that sort is seen in despotic regimes, not the United States of America. We call for you to investigate these claims about Musk and to make public any findings. And we call for an accounting to Congress of Musk and his associates’ use of government positions for personal benefit.”
Click here to view the letter.
In addition to Shaheen and Warner, the letter was signed by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Ron Wyden (D-OR), Ranking Member, Senate Finance Committee; Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair, Senate Appropriations Committee; Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member, Senate Budget Committee; Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member, Senate Armed Services Committee; Chris Coons (D-DE), Ranking Member, Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense; Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ranking Member, Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs; Ed Markey (D-MA), Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship; Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works; Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member, Senate Agriculture Committee; and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Celeste Rodriguez Louro, Associate professor, Chair of Linguistics and Director of Language Lab, The University of Western Australia
So whose English is today’s technology based on? The answer is primarily the English of mainstream America.
This is no accident. Mainstream American English is entrenched in the digital infrastructure of the internet, in Silicon Valley’s corporate priorities, and in the data sets that fuel everything from autocorrect to AI-generated synthetic text.
The proliferation of American English online is a result of historical, economic and technological factors. The United States has been a dominant force in the development of the internet, content creation, and the rise of tech giants such as Google, Meta, Microsoft and OpenAI.
Unsurprisingly, the linguistic norms embedded in products by these companies are overwhelmingly mainstream American.
A recent study found that speakers of non-mainstream English were frustrated with the “homogeneity of AI accents” in voice-cloning and speech-generation technologies. One participant noted the predominant mainstream American accents in the voices available, stating the technologies had been built “with some other people in mind”.
Mainstream varieties of English have long reigned as the “standard” against which other varieties are weighed.
To take a single example from the US, linguistics research by John Baugh found that using different accents can determine people’s access to goods and services. When Baugh called different landlords about housing advertised in the local newspaper, using a mainstream accent procured him several housing inspections while using African-American and Latino accents did not.
The prestige of mainstream English also underpins algorithmic decisions. The models behind tools such as autocorrect, voice-to-text, or even AI writing assistants are most often trained on mainstream American-centric data. This is often scraped from the web, where US-based media, forums and platforms dominate.
This means variations in grammar, syntax and vocabulary from other varieties of English are systematically ignored, misinterpreted or outright “corrected”.
Whose English is perceived as adding value?
The stakes of this linguistic bias in favour of mainstream English become even higher when AI systems are deployed around the world.
If an AI tutor fails to understand a Nigerian English construction, who bears the cost? If a job application written in Indian English is marked down by an AI-powered resume scanner, what are the consequences? If an Australian First Nations elder’s oral history is transcribed by voice recognition software and the system fails to capture culturally significant terms, what knowledge is lost or misrepresented?
These questions are unfolding in real time as governments, educational institutions and corporations adopt AI technologies at scale.
Englishes, not English
The idea that there is one “good” or “correct” English is a myth. English is spoken in diverse forms across regions, shaped by local societies, cultures, histories and identities.
As Noongar writer and educator Glenys Collard and I have written, Aboriginal English has “its own structure, rules and the same potential as any other linguistic variety” and the same is true of other forms of English.
Indian English, for example, has lexical innovations such as “prepone” (the opposite of postpone). Singapore English (Singlish) integrates particles and syntactic features from Malay, Hokkien and Tamil.
These are not “broken” forms of English. Each community where English was imposed has gone on to make English its own.
English, and language more generally, is never static. It adapts to meet the needs of an ever-changing society and its speakers.
This results in an AI ecosystem that is multilingual in theory, but monolingual in practice.
Toward linguistic justice in AI
So, what would it look like to build AI systems that recognise and respect a range of different forms of English?
A shift in mindset is required, from prescribing “correct” language to including many varieties of language. What we need are systems that accommodate linguistic variation.
This may involve supporting community-led efforts to document and digitise linguistic varieties on their own terms, bearing in mind not all linguistic varieties should be digitised or documented.
Collaboration across disciplines is also important. It requires linguists, technologists, educators and community leaders working together to ensure AI development is grounded in principles of linguistic justice.
The goal is not to “fix” language but to create technology that produces just outcomes. The focus should be on changing the technology, not the speaker.
Embracing Englishes
English has been a powerful vehicle of empire, but it has also been a tool of resistance, creativity and solidarity. Around the world, speakers have taken the language and made it their own. AI-enabled systems should be built to be as inclusive of this variability as possible.
So next time your phone tells you to “correct” your spelling, or an AI chatbot misunderstands your phrasing, ask yourself: whose English is it trying to model? And whose English is being left out?
Celeste Rodriguez Louro has received funding from the Australian Research Council. She is also working with Google on a project seeking to make voice-operated technologies inclusive for First Nations people in Australia.
HOUSTON – Mailon Almendares-Martinez, a 21-year-old resident of New Orleans, was convicted of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens April 30 for his role in a botched human smuggling attempt that resulted in two of the aliens being shot by suspected rival smugglers. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Houston Police Department conducted the investigation that has now resulted in the conviction of eight human smugglers.
“This is another unfortunate example of the dangers of relying on human smugglers to circumvent U.S. immigration law,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Houston Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz. “Driven exclusively by greed and their own personal safety, these human smugglers recklessly put the lives of two aliens in jeopardy to avoid being caught and keep their smuggling operation from being discovered. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the HSI special agents and HPD officers who investigated this case, eight of the human smugglers involved have now been convicted and their alien smuggling organization has been dismantled.”
The investigation revealed that Almendares-Martinez conspired with others from Oct. 30 – Nov. 2, 2022, to transport aliens from the South Texas border to Houston. During the hearing, the jury heard testimony that Almendares-Martinez recruited friends and conspirators from New Orleans to carry out the scheme and that he and his co-conspirators offered to pay the smugglers $1,000 to $2,000 per alien that they transported.
Evidence revealed he had directed them through WhatsApp messages and phone calls on where to pick up the aliens. After picking up the aliens near the border, the conspirators headed back to Houston. En route, individuals believed to be a part of a rival human smuggling organization fired several shots at them and two of the aliens being smuggled suffered gunshot wounds to the arm and leg.
After the shooting, Almendares-Martinez told the co-conspirators to return to Houston and not seek medical attention for the two wounded aliens. Co-conspirators then brought the aliens to a motel in Houston Nov. 1, 2022. The next day, the illegal aliens escaped. Law enforcement arrived at the scene and took four people in custody, to include Jonathan Melendez-Merino, Oscar Melendez-Sosa, Cristian Mencias-Padilla and Cesar Monge-Milla.
The defense attempted to convince the jury that Almendares-Martinez was not part of the conspiracy and that someone else was using his WhatsApp account to communicate with co-conspirators. They did not believe those claims and found Almendares-Martinez guilty as charged.
Almendares-Martinez is scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 11. At that time, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and $250,000 in fines.
Previously released on bond, Almendares-Martinez was taken into custody following the verdict where he will remain pending that hearing.
Seven others, all from New Orleans, Louisiana, previously pleaded guilty in the case – Melendez-Merino, 32, Melendez-Sosa, 22, Mencias-Padilla, 21, and Monge-Milla, 25, along with Yunior Sorto-Ramirez, 23, Bayron Pineda-Alvarado, and Alan Galvez-Baquedano, 22.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Day and Anthony Franklyn prosecuted the case.
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has approved the establishment of an advisory forum which will advise the energy regulator on various matters related to the establishment of a competitive electricity market.
“This advisory forum, the Electricity Market Advisory Forum (EMAF), will advise the energy regulator on various matters related to the establishment of a competitive electricity market. Members will be appointed by, and accountable to, the energy regulator with an approved term of reference,” NERSA said in a statement on Friday.
The establishment of EMAF was approved at a meeting held on Tuesday, 29 April 2025.
The decision of the regulator recognises the “profound changes anticipated in the electricity sector and the role of the energy regulator, heralded by the amended Electricity Regulation Act (ERA), which includes the establishment of a competitive electricity market over the next five years.”
“The EMAF is a proactive move to involve stakeholders to support the energy regulator to establish a robust and inclusive regulatory environment to oversee the nascent electricity market. This includes licensing the Market Operator as the National Transmission Company of South Africa’s (NTCSA) licensed activity and approving the Market Rule and Market Code.
“The impending electricity market will involve regulatory activities that are novel in the South African environment – such as the task of market surveillance and enforcement alluded to in the draft South African Wholesale Electricity Market (SAWEM) Code. The energy regulator, cognisant of the need to garner advice from stakeholders and experts, also appreciates the need to simultaneously accelerate institutional strengthening as a key enabler for an efficient electricity market,” it said.
It further added that an inclusive consultation process, such as the establishment advisory forum, should also encourage the readiness of all stakeholders for the market as it evolves.
The advisory forum will initially focus on advising NERSA on the finalisation of the Market Rule and Market Code. The EMAF will also advise on key enablers required to establish a competitive electricity market, including the implementation of the Market Rule and Market Code and regulatory oversight of market operations.
“The energy regulator will outline the process for appointing members to the EMAF in due course. It is anticipated that the EMAF’s strength will lie in the appropriate blend of institutional representation with individual expertise in establishing, operating and monitoring a functioning and competitive electricity market, including end-user perspectives.”
The Market Rule Project Team is finalising the terms of reference for the EMAF, including the scope and mandate of the EMAF, membership selection criteria and the code of conduct. –SAnews.gov.za
An inquest docket has been opened following the deaths of 15 people in a head-on collision between a minibus taxi and a bakkie, the Eastern Cape Transport Department said on Sunday.
“A total of 15 people have died and five others sustained injuries in a head-on collision involving a fully loaded minibus taxi and a bakkie. The accident occurred on the R63 road between Adelaide and Maqoma (Fort Beaufort) at about midnight on Saturday,” said the department in a social media post on Facebook.
It is alleged that the white Quantum, travelling from Qonce (King Williams Town) to Cape Town collided head on with Isuzu Double Cab that was travelling from Adelaide to Kwamaqoma.
According to the department, the driver of the Isuzu died on the scene and 13 passengers in the Quantum were also declared dead on the scene, including the driver.
The six other passengers of the minibus taxi were rushed to hospital for treatment. One of them later succumbed to their injuries taking the number of the deceased to 15.
“An inquest docket has been opened for further investigations as both drivers died in the accident,” said the provincial department. –SAnews.gov.za
The withdrawal of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) marks a new chapter in regional peacekeeping efforts, said Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga.
“This withdrawal is a structured process designed to ensure safe return of both our troops and equipment. All our logistical support will continue during this phase,” she said.
The Minister said the announcement follows “high level consultation with several role-players in the peacekeeping efforts within the eastern DRC.”
Addressing a media briefing in Pretoria on Sunday, the Minister said that over the past four months, the region has witnessed renewed momentum towards peace and stability in the eastern provinces of the DRC.
“These political engagements have progress with great momentum and led to the recent outcome of the recent DRC Summit of heads of States and governments which was held in March. The outcome of these meetings has led to a decision for the termination of the mission and withdrawal to allow political and diplomatic intervention to resolve the security issues in the DRC,” she explained.
The Minister further appreciated the commitment shown by the SANDF members who served with honour, pride, professionalism and commitment under very challenging circumstances.
“I want to say to them that your contribution has helped to lay the groundwork for peace in the region. And to the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, your loss is shared by a very grateful nation full of appreciation.
“Their memories will forever be in the history of our commitment to peace on the African continent. South Africa remains committed to a peaceful state, stable, prosperous and a prosperous DRC,” she said.
This is after 14 troop members lost their lives and others sustained injuries at the hands of the M23 as fighting in the Goma region escalated.
The rebel group fought intensely against the Congolese armed forces, resulting in the deaths of soldiers from 23 to 27 January 2025 during M23’s advance on Sake and Goma.
These soldiers were part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), which aims to help restore peace, security, and stability in Africa’s second-largest country.
“Our diplomatic developments and humanitarian engagements will continue. As we transit out of the active combat deployment, we reinforce our commitment to African led solutions in the values of African Union Agenda 2063,” said the Minister at the briefing held at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) offices.
The SANDF troops will arrive back in the country in phases.
Chief of the SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya said the withdrawal of the troops in the DRC is not accidental. “This withdrawal is not an accidental withdrawal, and withdrawal is not a sign of weakness,” he said.
He said that they were seeing “elements of peace” due to the M23 rebel groups “committed to cessation of hostilities.”
“Let me also pay my respects to the fallen soldiers that during combat… laid down their lives for the betterment of the lives of others. I would also like to pay homage to those that were injured and are currently recovering,” he said.
The SANDF withdrawal is expected to be completed by the end of May 2025, this as movement began on 29 April 2025.
“Today as we speak, the second batch will be going and this movement will be concluded by the end of this month,” he said.
He added that SANDF equipment will be shipped via air and land travel. – SAnews.gov.za
President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised the need for collective action to drive inclusive economic growth and job creation, while safeguarding the rights and gains of South African workers.
“At a time when our singular focus is on inclusive economic growth and job creation, we must continue to work together to improve the lives of every South African worker. Let us use the hard-won gains of workers to create new opportunities for all,” President Ramaphosa said in his weekly newsletter.
The President’s newsletter comes as the nation has just observed Workers’ Day on 1 May, which is commemorated across the world in honour of the struggles of workers for fair labour standards and conditions of work.
The President noted that over the past 31 years, the country has made considerable progress in improving its labour laws and protecting the rights of workers.
He highlighted that the country emerged from a past where black workers were deliberately denied their rights.
For many years, he said, black workers could not be organised into unions. Through job reservation, they were denied access to certain occupations and they often worked in unsafe and unhealthy conditions.
“Today, the rights of workers in South Africa are protected and enforced. The Constitution enshrines the rights of workers as it does the rights of every person who lives in South Africa. Since 1994, we have passed progressive laws to give effect to the rights of workers,” the President said.
Following extensive consultation with business, labour and civil society, government introduced a National Minimum Wage in 2019, setting a wage below which no worker may be paid.
Studies have found that since its introduction, the National Minimum Wage has led to a significant increase in hourly wages for workers and has also played a role in reducing the gap between the highest and lowest paid workers.
“We have sought to break from our apartheid past, where workers laboured under oppressive conditions to swell the profits of companies without receiving even the most basic benefits. This includes measures to advance worker ownership in companies. An increasing number of workers are part of worker share ownership programmes,” he said.
The President emphasised that government has been deliberate in its efforts to protect the rights of women workers.
He highlighted that the Employment Equity Act prohibits unfair discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, pregnancy and marital status.
“Female workers are guaranteed specific entitlements such as maternity and family responsibility leave, and we have laws that safeguard against sexual harassment and gender-based violence in the workplace,” he said.
At a time of constrained economic growth and high unemployment, the President said there have been calls from some people, including political parties, for the country’s labour laws to be ‘relaxed’ in response to the prevailing economic climate.
“Stimulating economic growth and job creation and retaining worker protections are not mutually exclusive. In fact, worker rights have been found to improve productivity and thereby enhance the growth of companies and the economy. They also help to distribute the benefits of growth more equally and improve economic stability.
“In addition, South Africa’s labour laws are part of our effort to overcome the structural inequality of apartheid,” he said.
President Ramaphosa noted that the latest report from the Employment Equity Commission has revealed how far the country still have to go in ending the race-based disparities that exist in the economy.
Despite Africans constituting the majority of the economically active population, he said the majority of top management positions in the private sector are still held by white males.
This trend is observed at senior management level in nearly every economic category. Black South Africans are predominantly in the semi-skilled and unskilled categories.
While President Ramaphosa acknowledged progress made since the introduction of employment equity legislation, he said the findings showed that much more needs to be done to transform the racial composition of economic ownership, control, and management.
“Employment equity is not the only area where challenges remain. The International Labour Organisation has highlighted problems of compliance with labour laws in South Africa, as well as inadequate safeguards for workers in the burgeoning informal sector.
“That is why part of our G20 Presidency involves engagements with labour over the consolidation of worker rights. We have held fruitful discussions in this regard with the International Trade Union Confederation and others.
“Despite these challenges, as a country we will continue to use our progressive labour laws to correct the imbalances of the past, and to ensure that these protections translate into tangible benefits for workers,” President Ramaphosa said.
He also called on business in particular to take the necessary measures to ensure that their workplaces reflect both the letter and spirit of laws such as the Labour Relations Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Employment Equity Act and Occupational Health and Safety Act.
“Companies should go beyond compliance by actively fostering diversity and inclusion as envisaged in our Constitution by addressing historical inequalities and create opportunities for under-represented groups among their workers, such as women, the youth and persons with disabilities.
“They should also ensure that their workplaces are spaces where dignity, respect and human rights are upheld in daily practice and not just in policies,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina, has officially handed over a newly completed four-kilometre pipeline from the upgraded Kwa-Ximba Package Plant, aimed at ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply to various sections of Ward 1 in Kwa-Ximba.
Joined by Deputy Ministers David Mahlobo and Sello Seitlholo, uMngeni-uThukela Water Board Chairperson Advocate Vusi Khuzwayo, Inkosi Mlaba of Kwa-Ximba, and eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba, Majodina visited the plant on Friday, to assess progress on the broader reticulation project, which includes a 7.4-kilometre pipeline transporting potable water to two key command reservoirs — DV 1822 and DV 1818.
The handing over of a plant follows Majodina’s recent oversight visit of the R378 million, two-phase package plant project, marking the conclusion of National Water Month and Human Rights Month.
The package plant project includes the completed first phase of a portable water treatment plant, which supplies 2 megalitres per day (ml/d), and a second one that was upgraded to supply 7 ml/d.
However, some villages had experienced inconsistent water access due to insufficient capacity at the command reservoirs.
Majodina made a commitment to return to Kwa-Ximba to assess progress made to maintain the pipeline which will feed the reservoirs.
The eThekwini Municipality has addressed several pipeline issues, including water leaks, to help ensure that the reservoirs are sustainably filled with water.
Once fully operational, the two reservoirs will supply clean water to 18 villages in and around Kwa-Ximba, including Mvini, Bhobhonono, Nkandla, Nonoti, Msunduze, Mhali, Esiweni, Livapo, Nconcosi, Ntukusweni, Zwelisha, Kajabula, Othweba, Kwanyoni, Skhoxe, Kwadenge, and Emngacwini.
Previously, the area of Kwa-Ximba relied on Cato Ridge reservoir, which received water from the Midmar Water Treatment Works through the Western Aqueduct.
However, due to population growth, Cato Ridge reservoir could no longer provide reliable water supply to communities due to its reservoir not receiving sufficient volumes to be able to cater all the areas, including the villages.
The commissioning of the new package plants will improve water supply to the communities and improve service delivery.
Addressing the community of Kwa-Ximba at the local school hall, Majodina expressed her satisfaction with the progress registered to address challenges with the pipeline and urged the communities to protect the infrastructure.
“This an indication of government’s commitment to prioritise issues of water and sanitation in eThekwini Municipality and to the country as whole. We are confident that this project will guarantee uninterrupted water supply and bring much-needed relief to Kwa-Ximba and surrounding villages. We appeal to members of the community to protect this infrastructure,” Majodina said.
The Kwa-Ximba Package Plant, commissioned last year, remains under the custodianship of uMngeni-uThukela Water.
Meanwhile, in a separate event, Majodina, together with Deputy Ministers Mahlobo and Seitlholo, visited Oakford Ward 60, near Verulam, where she handed over three newly built houses to families relocated for the construction project of raising Hazelmere Dam.
During construction, 13 families were moved to temporary accommodation, with three additional families also needed to be relocated from the High Flood Line.
To date, nine permanent houses have been handed over, with four more still to be completed and handed over. – SAnews.gov.za
Eskom is planning to avoid load shedding during the winter period, as its operational performance has improved and it expects additional capacity to come online.
For load shedding to be avoided, unplanned outages must remain below 13 gigawatts (GW).
“If outages increase to 15GW, load shedding would be limited to a maximum of 21 days out of 153 days at stage 2 – an improvement over the prior winter’s worst-case prediction of stage 5 load shedding,” Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane, said on Monday, in Johannesburg.
Addressing a media briefing on Eskom’s State of the System for the 2024/2025 financial year, Marokane said the improved winter outlook is due to a 3.1GW decrease in unplanned outages compared to the previous year.
As a result, the forecast range has been lowered to 13-15GW, down from 14 -17GW in winter 2024.
Last winter had no load shedding, with average unplanned outages at 12.3GW – significantly below the winter 2024 base-case projection of 14GW.
“This year’s winter outlook prediction is built on an improvement in operational performance and overall efficiency. Load shedding was the lowest in Eskom’s last financial year (FY) 2025 than in the previous two years.
“In FY 2025, we delivered power 96% of the time. In the previous year, the figure was just 9.9%. Our diesel open cycle gas turbines (OCGTs) were utilised approximately 50% less in FY 2025 compared to the two previous financial years, saving around R16 billion,” the CEO said.
Against this progress, Eskom has seen some setbacks in operational excellence, as evidenced by the recent load shedding requirements between January to April 2025.
“A targeted plan has been put in place to reinforce operational discipline and accelerate recovery initiatives to address the root causes related to the recent load shedding events,” Marokane said.
Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, said Koeberg unit 1 has received the long-term operating go-ahead from the regulator to ensure 20 years of additional life.
“We have been able to restore Kusile unit 2 and 3. Kusile unit 1 will be placed back in its original form before the end of May. The three units at Kusile will give us [additional] megawatts (MW) during the winter period.
“Kusile unit 6 has been synchronised to the grid. It is yet to be in commercial operation. It is a technical issue. It is [providing electricity] and at times, it must be taken out to be fixed. Once it gets into commercial operation, we will get the long-term benefits of the unit.
“We plan to bring back Medupi unit 4 back to service during winter. It has been out of service for about four years. We are expecting to get about 800MW in the middle of winter,” Ramokgopa said.
The Minister said load reduction will remain in place to protect the equipment and as a safety precaution to protect the lives of those who are close to the infrastructure when it gets overloaded due to rampant illegal connections.
From 1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025, Eskom implemented load shedding for 13 days compared to 329 and 208 in the two previous years, respectively.
Marokane said Eskom supplied South Africa with more electricity and reduced load shedding without the extensive use of diesel during the period under review.
“We had a 45% reduction in diesel consumption against the backdrop of the highest send out in the last three years and the lowest load shedding days.
“We used the OCGTs very tactically to support the high vulnerability and once we have our capacity, you will see the diesel expenditure going down significantly,” he said.
According to Eskom Group Executive for Generation, Bheki Nxumalo, Eskom has continued to maintain high levels of planned maintenance as part of efforts to improve fleet reliability in preparation for the high winter demand, while also meeting environmental licence conditions and regulatory requirements.
“We have evolved our Generation Recovery Plan to ensure our data-led analysis into the delays in returning units from outages on time, which has caused our fleet to be constrained and not able to accommodate a sudden loss of units, receives intense management focus, as we use our ‘high challenge, high support’ culture to support our teams to rectify this situation,” Nxumalo said. – SAnews.gov.za
In the first three months of 2025, five provinces in South Africa lost 103 rhinos due to poaching, averaging at 34.33 rhinos per month.
“The loss of 103 rhinos to poaching in the first three months of 2025 is a stark reminder of the relentless threat to our wildlife. Yet, the absence of poaching in four provinces shows that our targeted interventions are yielding results, and we must build on this progress,” Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, said on Monday.
The latest statistics for the period 1 January to 31 March 2025 are closely aligned with the average monthly poaching rate of 35 rhinos over the previous 12 months (420 rhinos annually).
The Minister said the figures underscore the sustained pressure on the rhino populations and the urgent need for intensified efforts to combat this illegal activity.
The breakdown of poaching incidents by province reveals that South African National Parks (SANParks) recorded the highest number of losses, with 65 rhinos poached.
KwaZulu-Natal reported 16 cases, followed by Limpopo with 10, Free State with five, the North West with four, and Mpumalanga with three. No rhinos were poached in the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Western Cape, or Gauteng during this period.
To strengthen efforts against wildlife crime, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has taken proactive measures to address factors related to bail applications for perpetrators.
“We are working closely with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensure that repeat offenders and those with no fixed address face stronger opposition to bail,” George said.
The department shares best-practice affidavits with investigators to ensure more effective bail opposition and is exploring options to secure funding for dedicated support to SAPS in these applications.
“The South African government remains steadfast in its commitment to combating wildlife crime. We continue to strengthen anti-poaching measures, including enhanced ranger patrols, advanced surveillance technologies, and collaboration with national and international law enforcement agencies.
“We are also working closely with various stakeholders to bolster anti-poaching efforts through the deployment of cutting-edge technologies such as drones and thermal radars. Additionally, we are engaging with communities living near protected areas to foster sustainable livelihoods and reduce the socioeconomic drivers of poaching,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
As thousands of South African football fans are expected to descend on Durban for the highly anticipated 2025 Nedbank Cup final, the eThekwini Municipality has urged visitors and tourists to remain vigilant when booking accommodation, to prevent falling victim to online scams.
A thrilling showdown between South African football giants, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, is set to take place at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, on Saturday afternoon.
This marks the tournament’s return to Durban since it was last hosted in the city in 2019. The match promises to deliver a thrilling spectacle that will captivate fans across the country.
EThekwini Municipality Mayor, Cyril Xaba, welcomed the return of the event, highlighting that the economic and tourism benefits it brings.
“We encourage visitors to immerse themselves in the rich cultural offerings, stunning beaches, and diverse attractions that make our city a premier destination for both local and international travellers,” Xaba said.
However, Xaba warned visitors, and tourists to remain vigilant when booking accommodation, to prevent falling victim to online scammers.
“Visitors are also encouraged to carefully verify any packages that advertise “free tickets” and to obtain their tickets exclusively through registered outlets,” Xaba said.
Travel safety tips
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, visitors are advised to follow these essential travel and accommodation safety tips:
• Research your accommodation: Before booking, look for customer reviews and ratings across multiple platforms. Be cautious if reviews appear overly positive or generic, as they may be fabricated.
• Contact the property directly: Use verified contact information to reach out to the property. If you cannot find this information on trusted sites, proceed with caution.
• Check for professionalism: Legitimate businesses typically maintain professional websites featuring clear contact information, terms and conditions, and policies regarding cancellations and refunds.
• Compare prices: If a deal seems too good to be true, ensure you compare prices with established booking sites to get a sense of reasonable rates.
• Verify the URL: Ensure the website has a secure connection (look for “https://” rather than just “http://”) and check for any spelling errors in the domain name.
Important safety precautions
Use trusted platforms: Stick to well-known travel booking websites or apps, which usually offer customer service support to address issues.
• Avoid wire transfers: Always opt for secure payment methods that offer protection, such as credit cards, over wire transfers or cash.
• Read the fine print: Thoroughly review booking terms and conditions, especially regarding cancellation policies and any additional fees.
• Stay informed: Keep up with updates from local tourism authorities concerning safe travel practices and potential scams.
• Share your itinerary: Inform someone of your travel plans, including accommodation details, for added safety.
• Keep an eye on your belongings: Always keep your bags where you can see them and avoid displaying valuables like jewellery or electronics publicly.
• Report any suspicious illegal activities to the nearest police station.
To further enhance the excitement around the Nedbank Cup final, the municipality will host public viewing areas in various parts of Durban to afford everyone an opportunity to watch the game.
Details for the public viewing areas will be announced on the Municipal platforms. – SAnews.gov.za
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has lauded the launch of the Transformation Fund as a significant step towards inclusive economic growth and transformation in South Africa.
The Deputy President was delivering a keynote address at a Business Breakfast Session and launch of the Transformation Fund at the Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum in Pretoria on Monday.
“Today is an important and historic day for South Africa as it marks a key milestone in our journey towards economic transformation. We fully welcome the launch of the Transformation Fund, as it will serve as a strategic vehicle for businesses to embrace change, foster innovation, and drive growth.
“This fund will serve as a catalyst for financial support, guiding organisations through crucial transitions and enabling them to seize new opportunities that arise in the market,” the Deputy President said.
The Transformation Fund, which brings together both public and private sector contributions, aims to unlock the potential of Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) and the Equity Equivalent Investment Programme, with a strong emphasis on economic inclusion and participation by historically disadvantaged communities.
“As enterprises seek improved access to capital and the need to remain competitive in this dynamic environment, I believe that the Transformation Fund will be invaluable. The proposed Transformation Fund will unleash Enterprise and Supplier Development’s (ESD’s) potency in driving economic inclusion and participation,” Deputy President Mashatile said.
He emphasised the centrality of the initiative within government’s economic agenda.
“We are going to make sure that the Transformation Fund is at the centre of government, specifically the Presidency,” he said, adding that they will work with the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau as well as key Economic Cluster Ministers to ensure that targets are met, especially in the procurement of goods and services.
He noted that the National Treasury and Department of Women, Youth, and People with Disabilities have already collaborated to develop a framework. The focus now is to ensure speedy execution and equally implement the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act.
The Deputy President moved to recognise the involvement of the private sector in co-funding the initiative.
“It is commendable that the fund is anchored by private and public sector contributions to the Enterprise Supplier Development and Equity Equivalent Investment Programme obligations,” he said.
The centralised administration of the fund in partnership with business will help increase access to funding, especially for black-owned businesses operating in rural and township settings.
“Funding will be allocated to various productive sectors of the economy, which includes, among others, services industry, tourism, and agriculture, thereby supporting majority black-owned entities. Technical support and market access will be prioritised to ensure sustainability through inclusive interventions,” he said.
The Deputy President underlined the long-term benefits of the fund, noting that it would foster resilience and adaptability in the face of economic challenges.
Investing in a Transformation Fund signifies a commitment to progress and a dedication to long-term sustainability. “It will enable businesses to navigate challenges with resilience, adjust in response to changing dynamics, and establish themselves as adaptive leaders in their respective industries,” he said.
Fighting corruption key to an inclusive economy
The Deputy President made it clear that economic transformation cannot be achieved without tackling the scourge of corruption in both the public and private sectors.
Corruption undermines small businesses by increasing costs, reducing profits, and creating instability.
“To promote an inclusive economy, we must commit to addressing corruption by strengthening our institutions, fostering transparency and accountability, and promoting citizen engagement.
“This includes developing and implementing robust anti-corruption frameworks, strengthening our criminal justice system, and encouraging public participation and oversight,” he said.
Access to finance for black businesses
The Deputy President further stressed the need to find solutions pertaining to access to finance for Black businesses.
He emphasised that it was important to recognise that the funding deficits in South Africa are a contributing factor to the failure of small businesses.
Despite government intervention, such as Enterprise and Supplier Development, which is a critical component of the B-BBEE framework, he said there was still a need for additional measures to be taken to expand fund access to SMMEs.
“Loans are the most common financial instrument for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in South Africa, but they often have stringent underwriting standards, making them difficult for smaller businesses with limited collateral and financial records to secure.
“This is why we encourage small businesses seeking financial assistance to explore government funding programmes, and business support agencies such as the National Empowerment Fund, Small Enterprise Finance Agency and the Small Enterprise Development Agency,” the Deputy President said. – SAnews.gov.za
Employment and Labour Minister, Nomakhosazana Meth, says she has noted that the Democratic Alliance (DA) is taking legal action against the recently amended Employment Equity Act.
In a statement on Monday, the Minister labbeled the move as “a clear attempt to halt transformation in the workplace and preserve historical inequalities”.
The DA has lodged a constitutional challenge to sections of the Employment Equity Amendment Act 4 of 2022, specifically targeting the provisions that empower the Minister to set numerical targets for the equitable representation of designated groups across all occupational levels.
The Amendment Act empowers the Minister of Employment and Labour to set numerical targets for equitable representation of suitably qualified individuals from designated groups at all occupational levels.
This is done after consulting relevant sectors and with the advice of the Commission, ensuring that the Minister does not act arbitrarily and remains within the framework of the Employment Equity Act.
“The DA’s challenge seeks to disrupt efforts aimed at achieving equitable representation and maintaining the inherently unfair status quo. By opposing these amendments, the DA is actively sabotaging the transformation goals that have been pursued since the end of the apartheid era, effectively hindering progress towards equality and fairness in the workplace.
“This stance is not only anti-transformation, but also a step backward in the fight for equality and fairness in the workplace,” Minister Meth said in a statement.
Unlike rigid mandatory quotas, which must be achieved at all costs, the Amendment Act introduces flexible employment equity targets. Designated employers can set their annual numerical targets in their employment equity plans, which must comply with sectoral targets.
However, employers can justify their failure to meet these targets on reasonable grounds.
The Minister said that the DA’s attack on these regulations is based on the claim that the section 15A scheme is unconstitutional.
However, as stated in section 2 of the Employment Equity Act, the Minister’s implementation of these measures cannot legally constitute unfair discrimination. – SAnews.gov.za
Jordan, where 75 per cent of the land is classified as arid desert, is taking significant steps toward nuclear desalination. The government is exploring Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), compact reactors that could power desalination plants. In 2023, an IAEA team evaluated Jordan’s studies on using SMRs to provide drinking water from the Red Sea to Amman, where water demand is rising.
“Desalination is considered the primary source of fresh water in Jordan to fulfil the expected demand and reduce the supply-demand deficit,” says Khalid Khasawneh, Commissioner for Nuclear Power Reactors at the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC). “It offers competitive prices for fresh water to end consumers, in comparison with imported energy sources.”
Saudi Arabia: The Desalination Leader Exploring Nuclear
Saudi Arabia, already the world’s largest desalinated water producer, began exploring the use of nuclear energy for desalination in the late 1970s. As part of its strategy to move from an oil-based economy toward a diversified power production, the country is now considering nuclear plants to achieve its net zero ambitions and meet its long-term water needs.
According to the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KACARE), “the Kingdom is planning a sustainable energy mix that includes atomic energy to meet the energy needs of the Kingdom to produce electricity, desalinated water and thermal energy,” which aims to reduce reliance on hydrocarbons and support economic growth.
Egypt: Nuclear Power and Water Strategy
Egypt is also integrating nuclear technology into its water strategy. With the country’s first nuclear power plant, El-Dabaa, under construction, discussions are underway about pairing nuclear energy with desalination in coastal regions. According to the Egyptian State Information Service: “Nuclear energy contributes to enhancing energy security and achieving environmental balance and water security.” As “nuclear facilities can supply the energy required for desalination plants to produce potable water.”
Kuwait: Exploring Nuclear Desalination for Sustainable Water Solutions
Kuwait, which depends heavily on seawater desalination to meet its freshwater needs, is increasingly turning to nuclear technologies to find more sustainable solutions for water and the environment. “Kuwait is facing the effect of climate change, ocean acidification, pollution from the oil and shipping industry, power and desalination activities,” said Nader Al-Awadi, the Executive Commissioner for International Cooperation at the Kuwait Institute of Scientific Research (KISR). In line with its efforts to address these environmental challenges, Kuwait has also established a large-scale facility to carry out research on ocean acidification, aiming to further understand the impacts of changing ocean conditions on marine ecosystems, which are directly tied to the effectiveness of desalination technologies.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
PARIS, France, May 5, 2025/APO Group/ —
Mthuli Ncube, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Investment Promotion, will address global investors at the Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 Forum in Paris next week. As a keynote speaker, Minister Ncube will present Zimbabwe’s energy investment outlook, economic reform agenda and efforts to mobilize private capital across the power, hydrocarbons and renewable energy value chains.
Zimbabwe is targeting rapid energy sector expansion to meet rising industrial and consumer demand, reduce reliance on electricity imports and support long-term economic transformation. Key investment opportunities span power generation, transmission infrastructure, oil and gas exploration and the deployment of renewable energy – with a particular emphasis on solar and hydroelectric resources. The country is estimated to have a $4.8-billion funding gap for large-scale solar projects and is actively working to expand the pool of available capital. Efforts are also underway to enhance financial inclusion and secure more favorable terms for foreign investors in energy infrastructure.
IAE 2025 (http://apo-opa.co/3GH3mpN)is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 13-14, 2025 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visitwww.Invest-Africa-Energy.com.To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contactsales@energycapitalpower.com.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe is home to the Muzarabani Prospect in the north, currently being explored by Australian-listed Invictus Energy. The company has identified eight high-potential gas and condensate prospects in the eastern portion of its Cabora Bassa Basin project, with the Musuma prospect emerging as a key target for exploration drilling in 2025. Recent survey results revealed significant prospectivity in the eastern basin, estimating approximately 2.9 trillion cubic feet of gas and 184 million barrels of condensate across the eight prospects on a gross mean unrisked basis.
Minister Ncube’s participation signals Zimbabwe’s commitment to fostering an enabling investment environment and positioning energy as a central pillar of national development. The country’s strategic location, resource potential and improving macroeconomic stability make it a compelling destination for long-term infrastructure and energy investment.
“Minister Ncube’s keynote will offer investors direct insight into the policy direction and financing mechanisms shaping Zimbabwe’s energy future. His presence at IAE 2025 underscores the country’s strong push to deepen international investment partnerships in support of energy access and industrialization,” says Sandra Jeque, Events & Project Director at Energy Capital & Power.
A Yemeni soldier inspects the damage reportedly caused by U.S. airstrikes in Sanaa, Yemen, on April 27, 2025.AP Photo/Osamah Abdulrahman
In the first 100 days of his second term, U.S. President Donald Trump has shown a willingness to lean on airpower when his administration decides that military force is necessary abroad.
This turn to airpower for Trump makes sense to me. Airpower is cheap when compared with ground wars, and it usually comes with fewer casualties for those conducting the strikes. This helps explain why U.S. leaders, including Trump as a self-proclaimed “anti-war president,” typically find it attractive.
But if the Trump administration is not careful, it could fall into what military strategists informally call the “airpower trap.” This happens when the stated objectives of military force are too big for airpower alone to achieve, potentially leading to a face-saving escalation of conflict that could – if history is a guide – draw in ground forces from the U.S. or their local allies.
U.S. presidents such as Lyndon Johnson, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama all fell into this trap. In Vietnam, the Balkans and Syria, respectively, all ended up with far bigger wars than they bargained for, with consequences for civilian casualties, international peace and damage to America’s reputation abroad.
As an expert on U.S. national security policy and the Middle East region, I believe the Trump administration is in danger of falling into the airpower trap in Yemen and could potentially do the same in Iran should it elect to use direct force against Tehran. Recognizing this military and historical risk, and opting for some kind of off ramp from continued airstrikes, might be the best hope the U.S. government has to avoid a further escalation into full-scale war.
The limits of air bombardment
Research shows airpower is most effective when it’s used for limited objectives – things like taking out leaders of terrorist groups or degrading rival capabilities – or in support of ground operations for more ambitious ends, like bolstering or overturning governments.
Given the sophistication of U.S. airpower, a common fallacy among American strategists in particular is to think big strategic gains can be achieved solely by dropping bombs from above.
But when airpower alone fails, leaders can feel the pressure to expand the scope of conflict and end up with bigger military commitments than expected.
Johnson’s initial airpower-only strategy for attempting to stop communism in South Vietnam failed miserably, leading to his decision to commit half a million U.S. troops into war. That expanded conflict presaged years of war, with massive humanitarian and political consequences for people in Southeast Asia and America, as well as lasting reputational damage to the U.S.
Yemenis carry the coffins of civilians killed in U.S. airstrikes while participating in their funeral procession on May 1, 2025, in Sanaa, Yemen. Mohammed Hamoud/Getty Images
Worried about U.S. and NATO credibility, Clinton escalated airstrikes – nearly to the point of introducing ground troops – for the ambitious end of stopping genocide in the Balkans during the early 1990s. Likewise, Obama’s initial airpower-only strategy to “degrade and destroy” the Islamic State group quickly faltered, leading Obama, under intense pressure at home and abroad, to introduce thousands of ground troops to combat the group’s territorial gains across Syria and Iraq.
In each case, relying on airpower alone ultimately failed to meet their objectives.
The airpower trap in Yemen
There are reasons to believe that conditions in Yemen mean that Trump, too, could be falling into a similar trap.
The humanitarian crisis from the brutal bombing campaign by the Saudi-led coalition against the Houthis in the late 2010s had a similar effect.
Airpower played a big part then, too. The Saudi coalition, supported by the U.S., engaged in some 25,000 air raids against the Houthis, killing or maiming approximately 19,000 civilians. Yet despite such overwhelming force, the Houthis kept seizing territory and eventually won the civil war, according to experts.
They have been the country’s de facto rulers ever since.
Now, Trump is exploring options to further escalate to defeat the Houthis. Reports indicate his administration is considering arming, training and enabling anti-Houthi resistance fighters who are loosely affiliated with Yemen’s government in exile to launch ground operations.
Often, U.S. proxies fail on both strategic and humanitarian terms, leading to further escalation, strategic quagmires for the U.S., and loss of life and political sovereignty for the people under attack. South Vietnam was an instructive example.
Riven by corruption, poor governance, weakness and political infighting, the South Vietnamese army and government proved so ineffective at fighting the North Vietnamese that Johnson decided to launch a ground war once U.S. airpower failed.
Today, the anti-Houthi resistance in Yemen looks a lot more like the South Vietnamese government than the Kurdish YPG. According to a 2025 report from the Soufan Center, a security think tank, the anti-Houthi forces are poorly trained and considered incapable of pulling off victories over the Houthis without major U.S. support.
Meanwhile, the anti-Houthi resistance consists of an estimated 85,000 fighters, compared with some 350,000 for the Houthis.
Absent continuing the air war or escalating it into a more all-encompassing conflict, U.S. officials can still pursue diplomacy in order to try to find a political solution to the Yemen conflict.
Despite the Trump’s administration public threats, the U.S. is already negotiating with the Houthis’ main sponsor, Iran.
For their part, the Houthis continue to insist that they will stop attacking ships in the Red Sea if the U.S.-backed Israeli war in Gaza halts, something that happened during the recent Gaza ceasefire.
The Trump administration might consider seeking alternatives, such as direct or indirect talks, if it wants to avoid getting stuck in a widening conflict in Yemen. History is full of examples of what happens when airpower takes on a logic of its own.
Charles Walldorf is a Senior Fellow at the think tank Defense Priorities.
H. Con. Res. 14, the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2025, instructed the House Committee on Armed Services to recommend legislative changes that would increase deficits up to a specified amount over the 2025-2034 period. As part of the reconciliation process, the House Committee on Armed Services approved legislation on April 29, 2025, that would increase deficits.
Estimated Federal Cost
In CBO’s estimation, the reconciliation recommendations of the House Committee on Armed Services would increase deficits by $144.0 billion over the 2025-2034 period. The estimated budgetary effects of the legislation are shown in Table 1. The costs of the legislation fall within budget functions 050 (national defense) and 700 (veterans benefits and services).
Table 1.
Estimated Budgetary Effects of Reconciliation Recommendations Title ll, House Committee on Armed Services, as Ordered Reported on April 29, 2025
By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
2034
2025-2029
2025-2034
Increases or Decreases (-) in Direct Spending
Budget Authority
150,273
125
-2,290
-708
180
0
0
0
0
0
147,580
147,580
Estimated Outlays
1,957
40,299
42,019
23,548
16,779
9,367
4,878
2,889
1,514
742
124,602
143,992
Basis of Estimate
For this estimate, CBO assumes that the legislation will be enacted in summer 2025. CBO’s estimates are relative to its January 2025 baseline and cover the period from 2025 through 2034. Outlays of appropriated amounts were estimated using historical obligation and spending rates for similar programs.
Direct Spending
Enacting this legislation would increase direct spending by $144.0 billion over the 2025‑2034 period. (see Table 2). Almost all of that amount would result from specified direct appropriations for defense activities ($142.8 billion in outlays), with additional estimated amounts related to changes to military housing privatization authorities ($1.2 billion in outlays).
Appropriated Amounts
The legislation would appropriate $150.3 billion for 2025. Of that amount, almost all would be for the Department of Defense (DoD), with the remainder for nuclear weapons activities of the Department of Energy ($3.2 billion) and the Armed Forces Retirement Home ($6 million). CBO expects that amounts appropriated by this legislation would be subject to sequestration under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. CBO estimates that a portion of any unobligated balances from those appropriations would be canceled in 2027, 2028, and 2029, which would reduce the budget authority provided by this legislation. After adjusting for the effects of sequestration, CBO estimates that, on net, specified budget authority would total about $146.3 billion and outlays from that budget authority would total $142.8 billion over the 2025-2034 period. The following sections would appropriate specific amounts for the following purposes:
Section 20002 would appropriate $33.8 billion for shipbuilding programs, increasing outlays by $31.8 billion;
Section 20003 would appropriate $24.7 billion for air and missile defense activities, increasing outlays by $23.5 billion;
Section 20004 would provide $20.7 billion for the acquisition of munitions and sustainment of the defense industrial base, increasing outlays by $19.5 billion;
Section 20005 would appropriate $13.5 billion to expedite the delivery of low-cost weapons and capabilities, increasing outlays by $13.0 billion;
Section 20006 would appropriate $0.4 billion to improve the audit readiness of DoD’s financial statements and for cybersecurity programs, increasing outlays by $0.4 billion;
Section 20007 would provide $7.3 billion for air superiority programs, increasing outlays by $6.8 billion;
Section 20008 would provide $12.9 billion for improvements to nuclear forces (of which $3.2 billion would be for the Department of Energy), increasing outlays by $12.6 billion;
Section 20009 would appropriate $11.1 billion to improve the capabilities of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, increasing outlays by $10.5 billion;
Section 20010 would appropriate $11.5 billion to improve military readiness, increasing outlays by $10.9 billion;
Section 20011 would appropriate $5.0 billion for border security activities, increasing outlays by $4.9 billion;
Section 20012 would appropriate $2.0 billion for military intelligence programs, increasing outlays by $1.9 billion;
Section 20013 would appropriate $10 million for oversight activities by the DoD Inspector General, increasing outlays by $9 million; and
Section 20001 would increase budget authority by $8.5 billion. Of that amount, $7.3 billion would be specifically appropriated for efforts to improve the quality of life for members of the armed forces, increasing outlays by $6.9 billion.[1] The remaining budget authority and outlays in section 20001 would arise from changes to housing privatization authorities, described in the next section.
Estimated Amounts
Section 20001 would modify authorities related to the privatization of military housing that CBO estimates would increase direct spending by $1.2 billion over the 2025-2034 period.
To finance housing privatization projects, DoD typically enters into long-term contracts with private-sector developers to renovate, construct, operate, and maintain military housing. Those developers leverage DoD contributions, along with expected future Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) payments for military personnel, to borrow additional capital to complete the projects.
CBO considers acquiring housing for military personnel in that manner to be a governmental activity, and that amounts expended by such public-private ventures should be recorded in the federal budget as outlays at the time they occur. When proposed legislation would affect transactions involving third-party financing of governmental activities, CBO’s cost estimate for the legislation shows budget authority for the full cost of the project at the time the project is initiated. Outlays are shown over the construction period for each project. In cost estimates, CBO classifies those cash flows as direct spending.
Subsection 20001(b) would increase, through 2029, the limit on the amount of funding that DoD can contribute to privatization projects. Measured by the total capital costs of a project, the section would raise DoD’s authorized contribution threshold from 33.3 percent to 60 percent. CBO expects that providing additional funding would facilitate DoD privatization projects that are not financially viable under current law.
CBO estimates that extra funding would allow DoD to initiate one additional privatized housing project by 2029. Based on the cost of previous projects, CBO estimates that the new project would cost $500 million. To account for the uncertainty regarding the timing of that project, CBO evenly distributed the estimated budget authority over the 2026‑2029 period. Thus, after accounting for the time needed to complete the construction of the project, CBO estimates that increasing the funding limit would increase direct spending by $450 million over the 2025-2034 period.
Subsection 20001(c) would authorize DoD to pay higher rates of BAH through 2029 to unaccompanied service members living in military housing (such as barracks) provided under the Military Housing Privatization Initiative. CBO expects that the increased payments would facilitate DoD privatization projects that are not financially viable under the current amounts for that allowance.
CBO estimates that in each year from 2027 through 2029, DoD would initiate one project for unaccompanied housing as a result of the higher rates. Based on the cost of previous projects and adjusting for inflation, CBO estimates that, on average, projects would cost $270 million each. Accounting for the time necessary to complete each project, CBO estimates that enacting the higher BAH would increase direct spending by $780 million over the 2025‑2034 period.
Uncertainty
Unobligated balances of appropriations provided by this legislation would be subject to sequestration procedures. The amount sequestered would depend on how quickly the agencies can obligate the provided amounts. If obligation rates differ from CBO’s estimates, the amount of balances canceled through sequestration could be greater or less than estimated here.
In addition, the cost and number of the military housing privatization projects arising from the temporary authorities in section 20001 could differ from CBO’s estimates.
Pay-As-You-Go Considerations
The Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 establishes budget-reporting and enforcement procedures for legislation affecting direct spending or revenues. The net changes in outlays that are subject to those pay-as-you-go procedures are shown in Table 1.
Increase in Long-Term Net Direct Spending and Deficits
CBO estimates that enacting the legislation would not increase net direct spending or on‑budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2035.
Mandates
The legislation contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.
Mandates: Brandon Lever
Estimate Reviewed By
David Newman Chief, Defense, International Affairs, and Veterans’ Affairs Cost Estimates Unit
Kathleen FitzGerald Chief, Public and Private Mandates Unit
Christina Hawley Anthony Deputy Director of Budget Analysis
H. Samuel Papenfuss Deputy Director of Budget Analysis
Chad Chirico Director of Budget Analysis
Phillip L. Swagel
Director, Congressional Budget Office
[Table 2 begins on the next page.]
Estimated Changes in Direct Spending Under Reconciliation Recommendations Title ll, House Committee on Armed Services, as Ordered Reported on April 29, 2025
(Continued)
By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
2034
2025-2029
2025-2034
Increases or Decreases (-) in Direct Spending
Sec. 20011, Border Security
Budget Authority
5,000
0
-21
-12
-4
0
0
0
0
0
4,963
4,963
Estimated Outlays
151
3,569
958
113
41
19
10
0
0
0
4,832
4,861
Sec. 20012, Intelligence Programs
Budget Authority
2,000
0
-13
-8
-3
0
0
0
0
0
1,976
1,976
Estimated Outlays
42
1,006
573
178
81
32
14
4
2
0
1,880
1,932
Sec. 20013, Inspector General
Budget Authority
10
0
-1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
9
9
Estimated Outlays
0
2
1
3
3
0
0
0
0
0
9
9
Sec. 20001, Quality of Lifea
Budget Authority
7,315
125
243
381
400
0
0
0
0
0
8,464
8,464
Estimated Outlays
463
4,218
2,010
257
308
350
275
164
70
30
7,256
8,145
Total Changes
Budget Authority
150,273
125
-2,290
-708
180
0
0
0
0
0
147,580
147,580
Estimated Outlays
1,957
40,299
42,019
23,548
16,779
9,367
4,878
2,889
1,514
742
124,602
143,992
Memorandums:
Military Housing Privatizationa
Estimated Budget Authority
0
125
395
395
405
0
0
0
0
0
1,320
1,320
Estimated Outlays
0
0
30
130
240
310
260
160
70
30
400
1,230
Sequestrationb
Estimated Budget Authority
0
0
-2,685
-1,103
-225
0
0
0
0
0
-4,013
-4,013
Estimated Outlays
0
0
-2,685
-1,103
-225
0
0
0
0
0
-4,013
-4,013
a.In addition to the amounts specifically appropriated, section 20001 would modify military housing privatization authorities, which CBO estimates would increase direct spending by $1.2 billion over the 2025-2034 period. Those amounts are included in the $8.5 billion in budget authority and $8.1 billion in outlays for section 20001. The amounts shown here are included in the estimate for section 20001.
b.In total, this legislation would specifically appropriate $150.3 billion. Unobligated balances from those amounts would be subject to sequestration under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. CBO estimates that a portion of any unobligated balances from those appropriations would be canceled in 2027, 2028, and 2029, which could reduce the budget authority provided in this legislation. The estimated reductions in budget authority and outlays from the sequestration of unobligated balances are included in each section for which CBO estimates there would be unobligated balances and in the Total Changes above.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ted Lieu (33 District of California)
WASHINGTON – On Saturday, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) hosted his congressional district’s eleventh-annual reception for the Congressional Art Competition at the Otis College of Art and Design. Students from 19 different high schools submitted 185 pieces of art for this year’s competition. These submissions included 45 photographs, 65 paintings, 38 drawings, 19 mixed-media pieces, and 18 other pieces that included computer-generated art. The winner, Alyssa Kim from Palisades Charter High School, submitted a piece called “Your Honor, Bananas!”
The Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students who either reside in or attend school in California’s 36th District. The first-place winner’s art will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol along with winners from Congressional districts across the country. The winner will receive a trip to Washington D.C. in June to be recognized at an awards ceremony. The second and third place winners will have their art displayed for one year in the Congressman’s D.C. and District offices. First, second, and third place winners, as well as honorable mentions, received scholarships. All student participants received certificates and a swag bag.
“I am grateful to get to represent such a talented and creative district,” Rep. Lieu said. “Our annual Art Competition is a fantastic showcase of just how talented our students are in the 36th District. There were so many fantastic pieces submitted that are a testament to the skill and unique point of view of the young people in our community. I want to congratulate all the winners and honorable mention recipients, and I look forward to seeing the artwork of our winner, Alyssa, hanging in the Capitol.”
Below are the results of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition:
Overall Winners:
1st Place: Alyssa Kim, “Your Honor, Bananas!” | Grade 10, Palisades Charter High School
2nd Place: Daniel Arredondo, “Home is Here” | Grade 12, Redondo Union High School
3rd Place: Axel Bolanos Garcia, “After the Fires” | Grade 11, Palos Verdes High School
Honorable Mentions:
Photography: Zoe Peyton Carlson, “Urban Flight” | Grade 9, Palos Verdes Peninsula High School
Painting: Audrey Cox, “Bloom” | Grade 11, Rolling Hills Preparatory School
Drawing: Azul Ramirez, “Need, Want, Reality” | Grade 12, New West Charter High School
Mixed Media: Rowena Lee, “Strings of Reminiscence” | Grade 11, Chadwick School
Other: Victoria Higareda, “Where did you go?” | Grade 11, Da Vinci Design
Member’s Choice: Sooyoon Jeong, “Clothing the Rift” | Grade 10, Palos Verdes Peninsula High School
1 / 2Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Army Lt. Col. Travis Michelena, center, the theater support team chief assigned to the 79th Theater Sustainment Command (Forward), speaks with Maj. Joshua Veal, left, a theater sustainment planner assigned to the 79th Theater Sustainment Command (Forward), and their Tunisian Armed Forces counterpart during port operations in preparation for Exercise African Lion 2025 (AL25) in Gabes, Tunisia, April 8, 2025.Multiple units joined the port operations in an effort to set the exercise theater, validating their ability to deploy personnel and equipment over long distances while maintaining operational readiness. AL25 is U.S. Africa Command’s premier annual exercise, led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), that strengthens the U.S. military’s ability to respond rapidly, operate forward and train alongside allies and partners. Designed to address shared security challenges, AL25 enhances readiness, reinforces strategic reach and fosters innovative solutions. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros) VIEW ORIGINAL2 / 2Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Soldiers and civilians assigned to the 839th Transportation Battalion, 598th Transportation Brigade, Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, U.S. Transportation Command, work with the Tunisian Armed Forces and civilian officials to offload equipment from the Portuguese-flagged BBC Bergen during port operations in preparation for exercise African Lion 2025 (AL25) in Gabes, Tunisia, April 8, 2025. Multiple units joined the 839th’s offloading effort to set the exercise theater, validating their ability to deploy personnel and equipment over long distances while maintaining operational readiness. AL25 is U.S. Africa Command’s premier annual exercise, led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), that strengthens the U.S. military’s ability to respond rapidly, operate forward and train alongside allies and partners. Designed to address shared security challenges, AL25 enhances readiness, reinforces strategic reach and fosters innovative solutions. This photo has been altered for security purposes by blurring out the license plate. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros) VIEW ORIGINAL
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U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF)
GABES, Tunisia — A stevedore shouted over the diesel hum of cranes as the first storage container was lifted out of the cargo ship and onto Tunisian soil. For the untrained eye, it may have looked like just another port delivery. But for the Soldiers and civilians waiting at the port of Gabes, it marked the start of something much bigger.
This was the opening move in setting the theater for exercise African Lion 2025 (AL25).
Without the shipment of 95 pieces of cargo, including vehicles, equipment and weapon systems, the exercise would be dead in the Mediterranean water.
“We’re not just moving cargo; we’re enabling the entire exercise to happen,” said U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Dustin VanFleet, a mobility officer assigned to the 839th Transportation Battalion, 598th Transportation Brigade, Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, U.S. Transportation Command.
1 / 3Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Soldiers and civilians assigned to the 839th Transportation Battalion, 598th Transportation Brigade, Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, U.S. Transportation Command, work with the Tunisian Armed Forces and civilian officials to offload equipment from the Portuguese-flagged BBC Bergen during port operations in preparation for exercise African Lion 2025 (AL25) in Gabes, Tunisia, April 8, 2025. Multiple units joined the 839th’s offloading effort to set the exercise theater, validating their ability to deploy personnel and equipment over long distances while maintaining operational readiness. AL25 is U.S. Africa Command’s premier annual exercise, led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), that strengthens the U.S. military’s ability to respond rapidly, operate forward and train alongside allies and partners. Designed to address shared security challenges, AL25 enhances readiness, reinforces strategic reach and fosters innovative solutions. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros) VIEW ORIGINAL2 / 3Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Soldiers and civilians assigned to the 839th Transportation Battalion, 598th Transportation Brigade, Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, U.S. Transportation Command, work with the Tunisian Armed Forces and civilian officials to offload equipment from the Portuguese-flagged BBC Bergen during port operations in preparation for exercise African Lion 2025 (AL25) in Gabes, Tunisia, April 8, 2025. Multiple units joined the 839th’s offloading effort to set the exercise theater, validating their ability to deploy personnel and equipment over long distances while maintaining operational readiness. AL25 is U.S. Africa Command’s premier annual exercise, led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), that strengthens the U.S. military’s ability to respond rapidly, operate forward and train alongside allies and partners. Designed to address shared security challenges, AL25 enhances readiness, reinforces strategic reach and fosters innovative solutions. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros) VIEW ORIGINAL3 / 3Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Soldiers and civilians assigned to the 839th Transportation Battalion, 598th Transportation Brigade, Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, U.S. Transportation Command, work with the Tunisian Armed Forces and civilian officials to offload the very first shipping container from the Portuguese-flagged BBC Bergen during port operations in preparation for exercise African Lion 2025 (AL25) in Gabes, Tunisia, April 8, 2025. Multiple units joined the 839th’s offloading effort to set the exercise theater, validating their ability to deploy personnel and equipment over long distances while maintaining operational readiness. AL25 is U.S. Africa Command’s premier annual exercise, led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), that strengthens the U.S. military’s ability to respond rapidly, operate forward and train alongside allies and partners. Designed to address shared security challenges, AL25 enhances readiness, reinforces strategic reach and fosters innovative solutions. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros) VIEW ORIGINAL
Along with setting the theater, VanFleet also set the record straight. A stevedore, he clarified, is a longshoreman who works at a port and is responsible for moving goods on and off ships.
“We’re the first ones in,” VanFleet explained. “Before troops land or vehicles roll, we’re on the ground establishing the logistical foundation that allows the rest of the force to operate. That’s how we set the theater.”
This does not happen overnight.
Setting the theater is a strategic concept that goes beyond logistics. It means having an adaptable and agile military with the infrastructure, agreements and relationships in place to shape conditions for successful Army, joint and combined operations. The combined force in Gabes validated those capabilities in a real-world environment.
“This is my first time participating in African Lion and working with the Tunisians. It’s been a seamless process allowing for the clearance of cargo at a rapid pace,” said VanFleet.
The Portuguese-flagged vessel, BBC Bergen, arrived to a welcome-party of Italians, Americans and Tunisians, highlighting the multinational effort involved. The Bergen’s journey took two and a half days across the Mediterranean from Livorno, Italy and all 95 pieces — including shipping containers filled with equipment, trailers, water purification systems, air defense vehicles and M119 howitzers — were offloaded in less than a day and a half.
1 / 3Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Soldiers and civilians assigned to the 839th Transportation Battalion, 598th Transportation Brigade, Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, U.S. Transportation Command, work with the Tunisian Armed Forces and civilian officials to offload equipment from the Portuguese-flagged BBC Bergen during port operations in preparation for exercise African Lion 2025 (AL25) in Gabes, Tunisia, April 8, 2025. Multiple units joined the 839th’s offloading effort to set the exercise theater, validating their ability to deploy personnel and equipment over long distances while maintaining operational readiness. AL25 is U.S. Africa Command’s premier annual exercise, led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), that strengthens the U.S. military’s ability to respond rapidly, operate forward and train alongside allies and partners. Designed to address shared security challenges, AL25 enhances readiness, reinforces strategic reach and fosters innovative solutions. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros) VIEW ORIGINAL2 / 3Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Soldiers and civilians assigned to the 839th Transportation Battalion, 598th Transportation Brigade, Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, U.S. Transportation Command, work with the Tunisian Armed Forces and civilian officials to offload equipment from the Portuguese-flagged BBC Bergen during port operations in preparation for exercise African Lion 2025 (AL25) in Gabes, Tunisia, April 8, 2025. Multiple units joined the 839th’s offloading effort to set the exercise theater, validating their ability to deploy personnel and equipment over long distances while maintaining operational readiness. AL25 is U.S. Africa Command’s premier annual exercise, led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), that strengthens the U.S. military’s ability to respond rapidly, operate forward and train alongside allies and partners. Designed to address shared security challenges, AL25 enhances readiness, reinforces strategic reach and fosters innovative solutions. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros) VIEW ORIGINAL3 / 3Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Soldiers and civilians assigned to the 839th Transportation Battalion, 598th Transportation Brigade, Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, U.S. Transportation Command, work with the Tunisian Armed Forces and civilian officials to offload a generator trailer during port operations in preparation for exercise African Lion 2025 (AL25) in Gabes, Tunisia, April 8, 2025. Multiple units joined the 839th’s offloading effort to set the exercise theater, validating their ability to deploy personnel and equipment over long distances while maintaining operational readiness. AL25 is U.S. Africa Command’s premier annual exercise, led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), that strengthens the U.S. military’s ability to respond rapidly, operate forward and train alongside allies and partners. Designed to address shared security challenges, AL25 enhances readiness, reinforces strategic reach and fosters innovative solutions. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros) VIEW ORIGINAL
Multiple units joined the 839th Transportation Battalion’s offloading effort, including Soldiers assigned to U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), the 79th Theater Sustainment Command, the 173rd Airborne Brigade, 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (1-57 ADAR) and the 240th Composite Supply Company (240th CSC) — all there to ensure a successful offloading process.
Two members of the 1-57 ADAR accompanied the crew of the Bergen on its voyage from Italy. The escort is a requirement anytime sensitive U.S. military equipment, dubbed “super cargo,” is transported on a foreign-flagged vessel.
“Without the port operation, nothing downstream moves forward,” said VanFleet.
This first port operation in Tunisia set the foundation for the broader SETAF-AF-led African Lion exercise, showcasing the U.S. Army’s ability to operate in complex environments. Gabes was simply the first stop.
Immediately after offloading, equipment was loaded onto Tunisian Armed Forces vehicles and transported to exercise locations throughout the country.
The 839th Transportation Battalion is unique compared to most Army units. Along with Soldiers, it also employs two U.S. Army civilians and up to 10 local nationals per detachment. During port operations, the assigned detachment leads contract responsibilities, documentation and cargo handling, while the battalion sends military leadership to provide command oversight.
“Utilizing our local nationals is a huge asset,” said VanFleet. “Some individuals have been doing this for more than 30 years. Their knowledge of the area of operations and relationships with host-nation authorities are critical to mission success.”
1 / 3Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Soldiers and civilians assigned to the 839th Transportation Battalion, 598th Transportation Brigade, Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, U.S. Transportation Command, work with the Tunisian Armed Forces and civilian officials to offload a shipping container during port operations in preparation for exercise African Lion 2025 (AL25) in Gabes, Tunisia, April 8, 2025. Multiple units joined the 839th’s offloading effort to set the exercise theater, validating their ability to deploy personnel and equipment over long distances while maintaining operational readiness. AL25 is U.S. Africa Command’s premier annual exercise, led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), that strengthens the U.S. military’s ability to respond rapidly, operate forward and train alongside allies and partners. Designed to address shared security challenges, AL25 enhances readiness, reinforces strategic reach and fosters innovative solutions. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros) (Photo Credit: Maj. Joe Legros) VIEW ORIGINAL2 / 3Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Dustin VanFleet, second from left, a mobility officer assigned to the 839th Transportation Battalion, 839th Transportation Battalion, 598th Transportation Brigade, Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, U.S. Transportation Command, speaks with civilian officials prior to offloading equipment from the Portuguese-flagged BBC Bergen during port operations in preparation for exercise African Lion 2025 (AL25) in Gabes, Tunisia, April 8, 2025. Multiple units joined the 839th’s offloading effort to set the exercise theater, validating their ability to deploy personnel and equipment over long distances while maintaining operational readiness. AL25 is U.S. Africa Command’s premier annual exercise, led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), that strengthens the U.S. military’s ability to respond rapidly, operate forward and train alongside allies and partners. Designed to address shared security challenges, AL25 enhances readiness, reinforces strategic reach and fosters innovative solutions. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros)3 / 3Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Soldiers and civilians assigned to the 839th Transportation Battalion, 598th Transportation Brigade, Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, U.S. Transportation Command, speak with the Tunisian Armed Forces and civilian officials prior to offloading equipment from the Portuguese-flagged BBC Bergen during port operations in preparation for exercise African Lion 2025 (AL25) in Gabes, Tunisia, April 8, 2025. Multiple units joined the 839th’s offloading effort to set the exercise theater, validating their ability to deploy personnel and equipment over long distances while maintaining operational readiness. AL25 is U.S. Africa Command’s premier annual exercise, led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), that strengthens the U.S. military’s ability to respond rapidly, operate forward and train alongside allies and partners. Designed to address shared security challenges, AL25 enhances readiness, reinforces strategic reach and fosters innovative solutions. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros)VIEW ORIGINAL
In the first months of 2025 alone, the battalion supported missions in Poland, Turkey, Greece, Tunisia, Italy and Croatia, with additional deployments planned throughout the year.
“It’s vital we keep exercising these ports and working with our partners,” said VanFleet. “It allows everyone to create that muscle memory that only makes our relationships stronger.”
AL25, U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual exercise, brings together more than 10,000 troops from over 40 nations to enhance interoperability and strengthen multinational readiness. But before the first formation steps into the training area, port operations like the one in Gabes must succeed.
Every stevedore handshake and each offloaded vehicle contributes to the larger picture: the ability to quickly and efficiently project lethality anywhere, anytime.
About the 839th Transportation Battalion
The 839th supports both U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command, functioning as the single port manager for U.S. military cargo entering and exiting strategic seaports in both theaters. Its responsibilities include staging, reception, onward movement, customs clearance, agricultural inspections and overall integration of DoD assets at ports of embarkation and debarkation.
About African Lion
African Lion 25 (AL25) is set to be the largest annual military exercise in Africa, bringing together 41 nations, including seven NATO allies, and about 10,000 troops. Led by U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM), the exercise will take place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia.
AL25 is designed to restore the warrior ethos, sharpen lethality and strengthen military readiness alongside our African partners and allies. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win when it matters most.
African Lion provides an opportunity to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative readiness training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands including U.S. Africa Command, U.S. European Command, and U.S. Central Command; as well as strategic maritime choke points and global shipping lanes.
Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense
By Liu Jimei and Yu Hongchun
CAIRO, May 5 — The China-Egypt “Eagles of Civilization 2025” joint air force training concluded at an Egyptian air force base on the morning of May 4, 2025.
This joint training is the first time that the Chinese PLA Air Force has dispatched its various types of troops to Africa to systematical conduct the joint training, demonstrating the long-range force projection, agile force deployment and systematic combat capabilities of the Chinese PLA Air Force.
During the 18-day joint training, the two sides conducted discussions and exchanges on such topics as training mode, air combat tactics, and aerial refueling operations. Participating troops from both sides completed training subjects including counterair operations, suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD), battlefield search and rescue, and mixed grouping, marking a new starting point and milestone for the military cooperation between the two countries.
Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted Joel Thomas Biermann, 46, of University Park, Maryland, for multiple child exploitation offenses. Biermann is charged with two counts of producing child sexual abuse material, one count of distributing child sexual abuse material, and one count of possessing child sexual abuse material.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office and Chief Malik Aziz of the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD).
According to the indictment, between approximately October 26, 2012, and October 28, 2024, Biermann employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced one or more victims to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Biermann also produced and possessed visual depictions of the exploitation. Additionally, the indictment alleges that Biermann distributed child sexual abuse material on March 13, 2016.
If convicted, Biermann faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison for the production of child sexual abuse material; a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum of 20 years for the distribution of child sexual abuse material; and a maximum of 20 years for possession of child sexual abuse material. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc. Click the “Resources” tab on the left side of the page to learn about Internet safety education.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and PGPD for their work in the investigation. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan S. McKoy and Trial Attorney Gwendelynn Bills, Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, who are prosecuting the federal case.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
BRAZZAVILLE, Congo (Republic of the), May 5, 2025/APO Group/ —
Midwives play a critical role in South Sudan, facilitating antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, and postnatal care for mothers and newborns to prevent death and promote a healthy future for both mothers and children.
This is especially important as the country reports one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, with 692 maternal deaths for every 100 000 live births. For newborns, the burden is equally severe, with about 40 deaths per 1000 live births. Many factors play a role, including a volatile context of humanitarian crises and climate-related health emergencies.
While midwives are in short supply and almost 60% of births take place without a skilled birth attendant, there is remarkable commitment among midwives to change people’s perceptions and increase health facility deliveries, despite infrastructure challenges, human resource deficits and heavy workloads.
Mary Mania
Sixty-five-year-old Mary Mania has worked for 25 years as a midwife, most recently serving as matron at Torit State Hospital in South Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria State. Despite her administrative responsibilities, Mania still maintains an active role in maternity care. Losing family members to childbirth motivated her to pursue a career in midwifery, first through general nursing and then with specialized training.
Mania recalls working during years of political instability and poor health infrastructure in Darfur, Sudan, and then in Torit hospital. She has trained and collaborated with traditional birth attendants, sharing with them life-saving practices despite the absence of formal education. Her passion for midwifery has remained intact, in the face of frequent shortages of medical supplies, equipment and even electricity. She often uses torches in delivery rooms or contributes from her own pocket when mothers cannot afford supplies.
Under Mania’s watch, maternal mortality at the hospital has dropped from over 13 deaths in late 2023 to just one or two a year currently. She is well known in the community, greeted in the market and remembered by countless women and their families.
“Even when a village is inhabited by very few people, a midwife must be there,” she says. “Midwives are critical wherever life begins.”
Kulang Jasenta
For Kulang Jasenta, a 42-year-old mother of five children, the work of midwives at Torit Hospital has been a positive and life-affirming experience. She delivered all her children at the hospital and has experienced first-hand the care, respect and kindness of the midwives. “They assist you through labour, speak gently and stand by your side,” she says.
Jasenta now serves as an informal ambassador for maternal health in her community. She advises women to attend antenatal care early and to avoid home deliveries. “When they see someone deliver safely at the hospital, they are encouraged,” she says.
Rose Keji
Twenty-eight-year-old Rose Keji has been a midwife in Torit State Hospital for nine years. She has witnessed women give birth at home and in makeshift health facilities in refugee camps, without access to quality health care. These experiences inspired her to join the profession and make a difference.
Keji’s motivation is deeply rooted in serving her people. “Most services were once delivered by foreigners,” she says. “As a South Sudanese woman, I want to care for my people.” Despite challenges including political insecurity, community resistance, low pay, and a heavy workload, she remains committed. She and her team sometimes use mobile phone lights during power outages and fundraise among themselves when patients cannot afford medication.
Her efforts are paying off. Keji has noticed a reduction in maternal deaths, an increase in hospital deliveries and greater awareness of antenatal care in the community. “When I walk through the market, someone calls my name or offers me a keepsake and I feel proud knowing I made a difference,” she says.