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Category: Africa

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fast Flux: A National Security Threat

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    Executive summary

    Many networks have a gap in their defenses for detecting and blocking a malicious technique known as “fast flux.” This technique poses a significant threat to national security, enabling malicious cyber actors to consistently evade detection. Malicious cyber actors, including cybercriminals and nation-state actors, use fast flux to obfuscate the locations of malicious servers by rapidly changing Domain Name System (DNS) records. Additionally, they can create resilient, highly available command and control (C2) infrastructure, concealing their subsequent malicious operations. This resilient and fast changing infrastructure makes tracking and blocking malicious activities that use fast flux more difficult. 

    The National Security Agency (NSA), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Australian Signals Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre (ASD’s ACSC), Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS), and New Zealand National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC-NZ) are releasing this joint cybersecurity advisory (CSA) to warn organizations, Internet service providers (ISPs), and cybersecurity service providers of the ongoing threat of fast flux enabled malicious activities as a defensive gap in many networks. This advisory is meant to encourage service providers, especially Protective DNS (PDNS) providers, to help mitigate this threat by taking proactive steps to develop accurate, reliable, and timely fast flux detection analytics and blocking capabilities for their customers. This CSA also provides guidance on detecting and mitigating elements of malicious fast flux by adopting a multi-layered approach that combines DNS analysis, network monitoring, and threat intelligence. 

    The authoring agencies recommend all stakeholders—government and providers—collaborate to develop and implement scalable solutions to close this ongoing gap in network defenses against malicious fast flux activity.

    Download the PDF version of this report: Fast Flux: A National Security Threat (841 KB).

    Technical details

    When malicious cyber actors compromise devices and networks, the malware they use needs to “call home” to send status updates and receive further instructions. To decrease the risk of detection by network defenders, malicious cyber actors use dynamic resolution techniques, such as fast flux, so their communications are less likely to be detected as malicious and blocked. 

    Fast flux refers to a domain-based technique that is characterized by rapidly changing the DNS records (e.g., IP addresses) associated with a single domain [T1568.001]. 

    Single and double flux

    Malicious cyber actors use two common variants of fast flux to perform operations:

    1. Single flux: A single domain name is linked to numerous IP addresses, which are frequently rotated in DNS responses. This setup ensures that if one IP address is blocked or taken down, the domain remains accessible through the other IP addresses. See Figure 1 as an example to illustrate this technique.

    Figure 1: Single flux technique.

    Note: This behavior can also be used for legitimate purposes for performance reasons in dynamic hosting environments, such as in content delivery networks and load balancers.

    2. Double flux: In addition to rapidly changing the IP addresses as in single flux, the DNS name servers responsible for resolving the domain also change frequently. This provides an additional layer of redundancy and anonymity for malicious domains. Double flux techniques have been observed using both Name Server (NS) and Canonical Name (CNAME) DNS records. See Figure 2 as an example to illustrate this technique.

    Figure 2: Double flux technique. 

    Both techniques leverage a large number of compromised hosts, usually as a botnet from across the Internet that acts as proxies or relay points, making it difficult for network defenders to identify the malicious traffic and block or perform legal enforcement takedowns of the malicious infrastructure. Numerous malicious cyber actors have been reported using the fast flux technique to hide C2 channels and remain operational. Examples include:

    • Bulletproof hosting (BPH) services offer Internet hosting that disregards or evades law enforcement requests and abuse notices. These providers host malicious content and activities while providing anonymity for malicious cyber actors. Some BPH companies also provide fast flux services, which help malicious cyber actors maintain connectivity and improve the reliability of their malicious infrastructure. [1]
    • Fast flux has been used in Hive and Nefilim ransomware attacks. [3], [4]
    • Gamaredon uses fast flux to limit the effectiveness of IP blocking. [5], [6], [7]

    The key advantages of fast flux networks for malicious cyber actors include:

    • Increased resilience. As a fast flux network rapidly rotates through botnet devices, it is difficult for law enforcement or abuse notifications to process the changes quickly and disrupt their services.
    • Render IP blocking ineffective. The rapid turnover of IP addresses renders IP blocking irrelevant since each IP address is no longer in use by the time it is blocked. This allows criminals to maintain resilient operations.
    • Anonymity. Investigators face challenges in tracing malicious content back to the source through fast flux networks. This is because malicious cyber actors’ C2 botnets are constantly changing the associated IP addresses throughout the investigation.

    Additional malicious uses

    Fast flux is not only used for maintaining C2 communications, it also can play a significant role in phishing campaigns to make social engineering websites harder to block or take down. Phishing is often the first step in a larger and more complex cyber compromise. Phishing is typically used to trick victims into revealing sensitive information (such as login passwords, credit card numbers, and personal data), but can also be used to distribute malware or exploit system vulnerabilities. Similarly, fast flux is used for maintaining high availability for cybercriminal forums and marketplaces, making them resilient against law enforcement takedown efforts. 

    Some BPH providers promote fast flux as a service differentiator that increases the effectiveness of their clients’ malicious activities. For example, one BPH provider posted on a dark web forum that it protects clients from being added to Spamhaus blocklists by easily enabling the fast flux capability through the service management panel (See Figure 3). A customer just needs to add a “dummy server interface,” which redirects incoming queries to the host server automatically. By doing so, only the dummy server interfaces are reported for abuse and added to the Spamhaus blocklist, while the servers of the BPH customers remain “clean” and unblocked. 

    Figure 3: Example dark web fast flux advertisement.

    The BPH provider further explained that numerous malicious activities beyond C2, including botnet managers, fake shops, credential stealers, viruses, spam mailers, and others, could use fast flux to avoid identification and blocking. 

    As another example, a BPH provider that offers fast flux as a service advertised that it automatically updates name servers to prevent the blocking of customer domains. Additionally, this provider further promoted its use of separate pools of IP addresses for each customer, offering globally dispersed domain registrations for increased reliability.

    Detection techniques

    The authoring agencies recommend that ISPs and cybersecurity service providers, especially PDNS providers, implement a multi-layered approach, in coordination with customers, using the following techniques to aid in detecting fast flux activity [CISA CPG 3.A]. However, quickly detecting malicious fast flux activity and differentiating it from legitimate activity remains an ongoing challenge to developing accurate, reliable, and timely fast flux detection analytics. 

    1. Leverage threat intelligence feeds and reputation services to identify known fast flux domains and associated IP addresses, such as in boundary firewalls, DNS resolvers, and/or SIEM solutions.

    2. Implement anomaly detection systems for DNS query logs to identify domains exhibiting high entropy or IP diversity in DNS responses and frequent IP address rotations. Fast flux domains will frequently cycle though tens or hundreds of IP addresses per day.

    3. Analyze the time-to-live (TTL) values in DNS records. Fast flux domains often have unusually low TTL values. A typical fast flux domain may change its IP address every 3 to 5 minutes.

    4. Review DNS resolution for inconsistent geolocation. Malicious domains associated with fast flux typically generate high volumes of traffic with inconsistent IP-geolocation information.

    5. Use flow data to identify large-scale communications with numerous different IP addresses over short periods.

    6. Develop fast flux detection algorithms to identify anomalous traffic patterns that deviate from usual network DNS behavior.

    7. Monitor for signs of phishing activities, such as suspicious emails, websites, or links, and correlate these with fast flux activity. Fast flux may be used to rapidly spread phishing campaigns and to keep phishing websites online despite blocking attempts.

    8. Implement customer transparency and share information about detected fast flux activity, ensuring to alert customers promptly after confirmed presence of malicious activity.

    Mitigations

    All organizations

    To defend against fast flux, government and critical infrastructure organizations should coordinate with their Internet service providers, cybersecurity service providers, and/or their Protective DNS services to implement the following mitigations utilizing accurate, reliable, and timely fast flux detection analytics. 

    Note: Some legitimate activity, such as common content delivery network (CDN) behaviors, may look like malicious fast flux activity. Protective DNS services, service providers, and network defenders should make reasonable efforts, such as allowlisting expected CDN services, to avoid blocking or impeding legitimate content.

    1. DNS and IP blocking and sinkholing of malicious fast flux domains and IP addresses

    • Block access to domains identified as using fast flux through non-routable DNS responses or firewall rules.
    • Consider sinkholing the malicious domains, redirecting traffic from those domains to a controlled server to capture and analyze the traffic, helping to identify compromised hosts within the network.
    • Block IP addresses known to be associated with malicious fast flux networks.

    2. Reputational filtering of fast flux enabled malicious activity

    • Block traffic to and from domains or IP addresses with poor reputations, especially ones identified as participating in malicious fast flux activity.

    3. Enhanced monitoring and logging

    • Increase logging and monitoring of DNS traffic and network communications to identify new or ongoing fast flux activities.
    • Implement automated alerting mechanisms to respond swiftly to detected fast flux patterns.
    • Refer to ASD’s ACSC joint publication, Best practices for event logging and threat detection, for further logging recommendations.

    4. Collaborative defense and information sharing

    • Share detected fast flux indicators (e.g., domains, IP addresses) with trusted partners and threat intelligence communities to enhance collective defense efforts. Examples of indicator sharing initiatives include CISA’s Automated Indicator Sharing or sector-based Information Sharing and Analysis Centers (ISACs) and ASD’s Cyber Threat Intelligence Sharing Platform (CTIS) in Australia.
    • Participate in public and private information-sharing programs to stay informed about emerging fast flux tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). Regular collaboration is particularly important because most malicious activity by these domains occurs within just a few days of their initial use; therefore, early discovery and information sharing by the cybersecurity community is crucial to minimizing such malicious activity. [8]

    5. Phishing awareness and training

    • Implement employee awareness and training programs to help personnel identify and respond appropriately to phishing attempts.
    • Develop policies and procedures to manage and contain phishing incidents, particularly those facilitated by fast flux networks.
    • For more information on mitigating phishing, see joint Phishing Guidance: Stopping the Attack Cycle at Phase One.

    Network defenders

    The authoring agencies encourage organizations to use cybersecurity and PDNS services that detect and block fast flux. By leveraging providers that detect fast flux and implement capabilities for DNS and IP blocking, sinkholing, reputational filtering, enhanced monitoring, logging, and collaborative defense of malicious fast flux domains and IP addresses, organizations can mitigate many risks associated with fast flux and maintain a more secure environment. 

    However, some PDNS providers may not detect and block malicious fast flux activities. Organizations should not assume that their PDNS providers block malicious fast flux activity automatically and should contact their PDNS providers to validate coverage of this specific cyber threat. 

    For more information on PDNS services, see the 2021 joint cybersecurity information sheet from NSA and CISA about Selecting a Protective DNS Service. [9] In addition, NSA offers no-cost cybersecurity services to Defense Industrial Base (DIB) companies, including a PDNS service. For more information, see NSA’s DIB Cybersecurity Services and factsheet. CISA also offers a Protective DNS service for federal civilian executive branch (FCEB) agencies. See CISA’s Protective Domain Name System Resolver page and factsheet for more information. 

    Conclusion

    Fast flux represents a persistent threat to network security, leveraging rapidly changing infrastructure to obfuscate malicious activity. By implementing robust detection and mitigation strategies, organizations can significantly reduce their risk of compromise by fast flux-enabled threats. 

    The authoring agencies strongly recommend organizations engage their cybersecurity providers on developing a multi-layered approach to detect and mitigate malicious fast flux operations. Utilizing services that detect and block fast flux enabled malicious cyber activity can significantly bolster an organization’s cyber defenses. 

    Works cited

    [1] Intel471. Bulletproof Hosting: A Critical Cybercriminal Service. 2024. https://intel471.com/blog/bulletproof-hosting-a-critical-cybercriminal-service 

    [2] Australian Signals Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre. “Bulletproof” hosting providers: Cracks in the armour of cybercriminal infrastructure. 2025. https://www.cyber.gov.au/about-us/view-all-content/publications/bulletproof-hosting-providers 

    [3] Logpoint. A Comprehensive guide to Detect Ransomware. 2023. https://www.logpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/logpoint-a-comprehensive-guide-to-detect-ransomware.pdf

    [4] Trendmicro. Modern Ransomware’s Double Extortion Tactic’s and How to Protect Enterprises Against Them. 2021. https://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/us/security/news/cybercrime-and-digital-threats/modern-ransomwares-double-extortion-tactics-and-how-to-protect-enterprises-against-them

    [5] Unit 42. Russia’s Trident Ursa (aka Gamaredon APT) Cyber Conflict Operations Unwavering Since Invasion of Ukraine. 2022. https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/trident-ursa/

    [6] Recorded Future. BlueAlpha Abuses Cloudflare Tunneling Service for GammaDrop Staging Infrastructure. 2024. https://www.recordedfuture.com/research/bluealpha-abuses-cloudflare-tunneling-service 

    [7] Silent Push. ‘From Russia with a 71’: Uncovering Gamaredon’s fast flux infrastructure. New apex domains and ASN/IP diversity patterns discovered. 2023. https://www.silentpush.com/blog/from-russia-with-a-71/

    [8] DNS Filter. Security Categories You Should be Blocking (But Probably Aren’t). 2023. https://www.dnsfilter.com/blog/security-categories-you-should-be-blocking-but-probably-arent

    [9] National Security Agency. Selecting a Protective DNS Service. 2021. https://media.defense.gov/2025/Mar/24/2003675043/-1/-1/0/CSI-SELECTING-A-PROTECTIVE-DNS-SERVICE-V1.3.PDF

    Disclaimer of endorsement

    The information and opinions contained in this document are provided “as is” and without any warranties or guarantees. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government, and this guidance shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.

    Purpose

    This document was developed in furtherance of the authoring cybersecurity agencies’ missions, including their responsibilities to identify and disseminate threats, and develop and issue cybersecurity specifications and mitigations. This information may be shared broadly to reach all appropriate stakeholders.

    Contact

    National Security Agency (NSA):

    Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA):

    • All organizations should report incidents and anomalous activity to CISA via the agency’s Incident Reporting System, its 24/7 Operations Center at report@cisa.gov, or by calling 1-844-Say-CISA (1-844-729-2472). When available, please include the following information regarding the incident: date, time, and location of the incident; type of activity; number of people affected; type of equipment user for the activity; the name of the submitting company or organization; and a designated point of contact.

    Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI):

    • To report suspicious or criminal activity related to information found in this advisory, contact your local FBI field office or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). When available, please include the following information regarding the incident: date, time, and location of the incident; type of activity; number of people affected; type of equipment used for the activity; the name of the submitting company or organization; and a designated point of contact.

    Australian Signals Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre (ASD’s ACSC):

    • For inquiries, visit ASD’s website at www.cyber.gov.au or call the Australian Cyber Security Hotline at 1300 CYBER1 (1300 292 371).

    Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS):

    New Zealand National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC-NZ):

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: OTC Markets Group Welcomes Karbon-X Corp. to OTCQX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced Karbon-X Corp. (OTCQX: KARX), a sustainability-focused company, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market. Karbon-X Corp. upgraded to OTCQX from the OTCQB® Venture Market.

    Karbon-X Corp. begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol “KARX.” U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

    The OTCQX Market is designed for established, investor-focused U.S. and international companies. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance, and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws. Graduating to the OTCQX Market marks an important milestone for companies, enabling them to demonstrate their qualifications and build visibility among U.S. investors. 

    “Graduating to the OTCQX Market is a meaningful step in our mission to make climate action more accessible. The superior information and visibility of the OTCQX marketplace will allow KARX to efficiently build investor confidence and expand our shareholder base. This recognition reflects our team’s commitment to delivering full-scope sustainability solutions and reinforces our vision to grow responsibly and with impact,” said Chad Clovis, CEO of Karbon-X Corp.

    About Karbon-X Corp.
    Karbon-X Corp. is a sustainability-focused company providing full-scope environmental solutions for individuals and businesses. Through accessible tools, strategic partnerships, and data-driven approaches, Karbon-X helps organizations and consumers take meaningful climate action and reduce their environmental impact.

    About OTC Markets Group Inc.
    OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Our data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of our three public markets: OTCQX® Best Market, OTCQB® Venture Market and Pink® Open Market.

    Our OTC Link® Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets.

    OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN, OTC Link NQB, and MOON ATS™ are each an SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC.

    To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

    Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

    Media Contact:
    OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: AML/CFT Country lists update – April 2025

    Source: Isle of Man

    The Authority wishes to draw your attention to amendments to the country lists following the February 2025 FATF plenary. The country lists have been amended by the Cabinet Office and can be viewed on the Department of Home Affairs website.

    In particular, the Authority would like to highlight that:

    • Lao PDR (Laos) and Nepal have been added to the List B (i) and are now subject to increased monitoring.
    • Philippines has completed its Action Plans to resolve the identified strategic deficiencies within agreed timeframes and will no longer be subject to the FATF’s increased monitoring process. As a result, it has been removed from List B (i).
    • China have been added to List B (ii).
    • Algeria, Angola and Madagascar have been removed from List B (ii).
    • Anguilla, Argentina, Belize, Brunei-Darussalam, Ecuador, Guyana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Montserrat, Nauru, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Poland, Rwanda and Samoa have been added to List C.
    • China have been removed from List C.
    • Anguilla, Argentina, Armenia, Belize, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Guyana, Hungary, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Montserrat, Nauru, Oman, Paraguay, Philippines, Senegal, Timor Leste and Tunisia have been added to List D.
    • Côte d’Ivoire, Moldova, Monaco and Nepal have been removed from List D.

    Most regulated or supervised entities should already have carried out their own evaluation for any impact on their own risk assessments and customer procedures arising from this. Further details regarding List B and steps to be taken can be found in this previous news item issued by the Authority in December 2022.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: MSF hands over decade long programme in Kamrangirchar

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    The air in Kamrangirchar hangs thick with dust and rings with the clang of machinery. Located in Bangladesh, southeast Asia, just across the river from Dhaka’s towering skyline, this four-square-kilometre enclave is a world unto itself. Here, in the labyrinth of makeshift factories, hundreds of thousands of people labour in the shadows.

    “It’s like people are born, live, and die here without ever seeing Dhaka,” says Masud Kaiser, an Médecins Sans Fropntières (MSF) health educator who grew up in Kamrangirchar. “This [place] is a gateway to a new life for many, a chance to escape rural poverty. But the cost is often unbearably high.” 
     

    Occupational healthcare

    Behind the blue gates and down narrow, alleys, a hidden world of sweatshops thrives. Over 10,000 unregulated factories — crammed into basements, perched on rooftops, squeezed into single rooms — churn out goods for the domestic market. Men, women, and even children endure gruelling hours in hazardous conditions, their families their only safety net when illness or injury strikes.

    Hanif has spent a decade in a metal cabinet factory, his hands calloused and scarred. “If I get sick, I don’t get paid, but I keep my job,” he says. Like many, he’s paid by piece rate, his income fluctuating with his output. A bad injury can devastate his family, plunging them into deeper poverty.

    “Every time I have gone to MSF’s clinic and received care there, it has been very good because you get help quickly, and it doesn’t cost anything,” says Hanif.

    Our clinic opened in 2009, initially addressing the rampant malnutrition among children and evolving to tackle the most pressing needs: occupational health, sexual and reproductive health, and support for survivors of gender-based violence.  

    “The difference between the formal and informal sectors in Bangladesh is like heaven and hell,” explains Gayathrie Sadacharamani, MSF’s medical activity manager. “Here, there’s no oversight. Workers are worn out and discarded, their labour fuelling a system that often disregards their basic human dignity.” 

    The impact is far-reaching, rippling through families and communities. Housna Ara sews tunics for ten hours a day, her body aching, her eyes burning. “I have to work, or we won’t eat,” she says. Her fading eyesight, a direct consequence of her work, threatens her livelihood.

    MSF staff member prepares a vaccination for a factory worker in Kamrangirchar. Bangladesh, January 2025.
    MSF

    Children, too, are trapped in this relentless cycle. Robin, 15, and his 13-year-old brother are the sole breadwinners for their family, their childhoods stolen by necessity. Suma, also 15, works twelve-hour days in a textile factory, her dreams of school and a better life overshadowed by the immediate need to survive.

    Our clinic was nestled in the heart of Kamrangirchar. From first aid training to vaccinations and mental health support, it addressed the multifaceted needs of the community, understanding that health is inextricably linked to economic stability and social well-being.

    “In the last ten years, we provided occupational health services to about 77,000 workers in Kamrangirchar, of which 53 per cent were men and 47 per cent were women, and we provided occupational health services to more than 10,000 children,” says Dewan Muhammad Miskatul Mishnad, an MSF occupational health doctor.
     

    Care for sexual and gender-based violence

    The clinic provided care to women in Kamrangirchar facing the hardship of sexual and gender-based violence. Initially, reaching these women meant overcoming stigmas and actively seeking them out in their homes and workplaces.  

    “We’ve witnessed a profound shift in the community’s awareness and willingness to seek help,” Gazi Farzana Srabony, mental health activity manager in Kamrangirchar. “At the end, women came to us on their own, often secretly, driven by desperation and the hope they see in their neighbours who have received our care. They would say, ‘I came here because I can’t tell my family’.”

    “We’ve seen firsthand the impact of accessible services; and we are hopeful that other organisations will continue to build on what we’ve started,” says Srabony.  

    MSF’s outreach team in Kamrangirchar visiting door-to-door to share health messages to the community. Bangladesh, September 2024.
    Farah Tanjee/MSF

    More support is needed

    The challenges in Kamrangirchar are immense. The sheer number of factories, the continuous influx of new labourers, and systemic issues mean that the impact of MSF’s interventions, while valuable, was limited in scale. We provided essential support, like first aid and safety training, which offered crucial relief in a community where survival is a daily struggle. As we hand over this programme, local organisations and authorities plan to do their best to ensure that workers continue to receive necessary medical care.  

    Due to a global review and financial reprioritisation, after more than a decade working in partnership with the community in Kamrangirchar, by the end of March 2025, MSF handed over our Kamrangirchar projects.  

    In Kamrangirchar, MSF provided medical services through clinics in Ali Nagar and Madbor Bazar, supported the 31-bed government hospital with staff and resources, and conducted outreach to improve healthcare access and occupational health awareness in local factories.  

    Elsewhere in Bangladesh, MSF remains present in the Cox’s Bazar district which hosts Rohingya refugees who have fled targeted violence in neighbouring Myanmar’s Rakhine state since 1978. More than 1 million Rohingya are estimated to live in the confined camps of Cox’s Bazar district, where they arrived after fleeing violence in Myanmar. This includes the more than 60,000 people estimated to have arrived since January 2024, after renewed clashes between armed groups in Myanmar.

    Our current intervention in Cox’s Bazar started in 2009, when Kutupalong field hospital was established to serve both refugees and the local community. In August 2017, we scaled up activities and now run nine health facilities across Cox’s Bazar district, including three hospitals, three health centres and two specialised clinics.  

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Gaza, Myanmar, Central African Republic & other topics – Daily Press Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

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

    Highlights:
    Briefings Today and Tomorrow
    Secretary-General/Gaza
    Deputy Secretary-General
    UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East
    Myanmar
    Security Council
    Central African Republic
    Sudan
    South Sudan
    South Sudan/Humanitarian
    Somalia
    Democratic Republic of the Congo
    Haiti
    Missing Persons
    World Autism Day
    Screening

    BRIEFINGS TODAY AND TOMORROW
    Tomorrow, at 12:45 p.m., the Secretary-General of the United Nations will do a stakeout on the situation in Myanmar. There will be no noon briefing, but there will be a briefing from the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS), ahead of the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, which is on Friday, April 4th. Richard Boulter, UNMAS’ Chief of Design, Operational Support and Oversight will be here to brief. He will be joined virtually by Edwin Faigmane, Chief of the Mine Action Programme in Nigeria, and Fatma Zourrig, Chief of the Mine Action Programme in Libya. That will be around 11:30 a.m. tomorrow.

    SECRETARY-GENERAL/GAZA
    The Secretary-General is deeply alarmed by the human toll of the intensified hostilities taking place in Gaza. He condemns the reported killing of over a thousand people, including women and children, since the collapse of the ceasefire.
    Large-scale Israeli bombardments and ground operations have resulted in the widespread destruction and the displacement of over 100,000 Palestinians from Rafah in the last two days alone, most of them having already been displaced multiple times and having been displaced with very few belongings.
    The Secretary-General is shocked by the attacks by the Israeli army on a medical and emergency convoy on 23 March resulting in the killing of 15 medical personnel and humanitarian workers in Gaza. Medical personnel and humanitarian and emergency workers must be protected by all parties to the conflict at all times, as required by international humanitarian law. Since October 2023, at least 408 aid workers have been killed in Gaza, and at least 280 of them have been United Nations humanitarian workers.

    Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=02%20April%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88MB1cyfcCs

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Mining Advances Growth Prospects for African Economies

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

    CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 3, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Mineral-rich African countries are strengthening cooperation with global partners to optimize the mining value chain, leveraging investments to accelerate GDP growth and sustainable development. In recent years, the contribution of mining to the national fiscus has grown significantly across many nations, and looking ahead, this growth momentum is on track to continue as nations promote greater investment in mineral development.  

    Mali

    The Malian government expects to collect $1.2 billion (apo-opa.co/41Uk6C6) in tax revenue from the mineral sector in Q1, 2025 alone. New developments such as Hummingbird Resources’ Yanfolia project and Ganfeng Lithium’s Goulamina mine coming online, the country’s mining industry is set to expand even further. In 2023, the sector contributed approximately $1 billion to the economy, accounting for 21.5% of the national budget.

    Malawi

    Malawi is accelerating the rollout and monetization of mining projects under its Agriculture, Mining and Tourism strategy. The strategy focuses on boosting activities across these sectors, with goals including increase exports, job creation and greater investment. The World Bank (apo-opa.co/3E0bWyX) projects that the mining sector will contribute 12% to Malawi’s GDP by 2027, generating $300 billion in export revenue between 2026 and 2040.

    South Africa

    South Africa’s mining sector remains a major economic pillar, contributing 6% to the country’s GDP in 2024 and generating R100 billion in national revenue. The industry provided 474,876 formal jobs, accounting for 4.5% of total employment, while exports reached R800 billion – representing 45% of total merchandise exports. With efforts to revitalize the gold industry and accelerate growth in critical minerals underway, the industry’s contribution to economic stability continues.

    Zambia

    In Zambia, mining continues to play a critical role, contributing 20% of total revenue, 15% of formal employment and 70% of export earnings (apo-opa.co/447UXVS). A plan to increase annual copper production to 3.1 million tons by 2031, reallocate 1,000 repossessed mining licenses (apo-opa.co/3R1l2hS) and attract new investments by firms such as Barrick, Jubilee Metals and Tertiary Minerals, will further expand the sector’s contribution to GDP.

    Botswana

    With a wealth of untapped mineral opportunities, Botswana seeks to leverage international partnerships to unlock additional value across its diamond sector. Diamond mining currently accounts for 4% of employment, 30% of GDP and 85% of total exports in the country. Going forward, greater investment across the industry will not only spur job creation but generate increased revenue from the industry.

    Ghana

    Ghana’s mining industry is a significant contributor to the country’s economy, with minerals such as gold, manganese, bauxite and diamonds generating substantial revenue for the economy. Gold accounted for 48.4% of GDP in 2024 while small-scale gold miners alone generated $5 billion in foreign earnings from gold exports in the same year. However, with a focus on improving industry regulation, formalizing small-scale mining operations and increasing investments, Ghana is on track to generate greater value from its mining sector.

    As global demand for minerals rises – driven by the energy transition and the Fourth Industrial Revolution – the prospects for Africa’s mining sector remain strong. The upcoming African Mining Week – taking place on October 1-3 in Cape Town – will highlight the sector’s expanding role in economic growth, job creation and revenue generation. African Mining Week will explore how countries are leveraging mining revenues to drive economic growth and infrastructure development, ensuring the industry remains a cornerstone of Africa’s economic future.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Minutes – Wednesday, 2 April 2025 – Strasbourg – Final edition

    Source: European Parliament

    PV-10-2025-04-02

    EN

    EN

    iPlPv_Sit

    Minutes
    Wednesday, 2 April 2025 – Strasbourg

    IN THE CHAIR: Sophie WILMÈS
    Vice-President

    1. Opening of the sitting

    The sitting opened at 09:00.


    2. Negotiations ahead of Parliament’s first reading (Rule 72) (action taken)

    The decisions of the LIBE, TRAN and AGRI committees to enter into interinstitutional negotiations had been announced on 31 March 2025 (minutes of 31.3.2025, item 7).

    A request for a vote in Parliament had been formulated by the PfE, ECR, The Left and ESN groups pursuant to Rule 72(2), on the following decision by the LIBE Committee:

    – Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing an EU talent pool (2023/0404(COD))

    The vote would take place the next day, 3 April 2025.

    A request for a vote in Parliament had been formulated by the PfE Group pursuant to Rule 72(2), on the following decision by the AGRI Committee:

    – Proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Decision 2003/17/EC as regards the equivalence of field inspections carried out in the Republic of Moldova on fodder plant seed-producing crops and on the equivalence of fodder plant seed produced in the Republic of Moldova, and as regards the equivalence of field inspections carried out in Ukraine on beet seed-producing crops and oil plant seed-producing crops and on the equivalence of beet seed and oil plant seed produced in Ukraine (2024/0027(COD))

    The vote would take place the next day, 3 April 2025.

    As there had not been any requests for a vote in relation to the other decisions pursuant to Rule 72(2), the committees responsible had been able to begin negotiations upon expiry of the deadline.


    3. European Steel and Metals Action Plan (debate)

    Council and Commission statements: European Steel and Metals Action Plan (2025/2633(RSP))

    Adam Szłapka (President-in-Office of the Council) and Stéphane Séjourné (Executive Vice-President of the Commission) made the statements.

    The following spoke: Dennis Radtke, on behalf of the PPE Group, Dan Nica, on behalf of the S&D Group, Julie Rechagneux, on behalf of the PfE Group, Elena Donazzan, on behalf of the ECR Group, Christophe Grudler, on behalf of the Renew Group, Bas Eickhout, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Marina Mesure, on behalf of The Left Group, René Aust, on behalf of the ESN Group, Christian Ehler, Mohammed Chahim, Tomasz Buczek, Beatrice Timgren, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Sara Matthieu, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Rudi Kennes, Susana Solís Pérez, Yannis Maniatis, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Letizia Moratti, Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, Jens Geier, Michael Bloss, Angelika Winzig, Nicolás González Casares, Ondřej Krutílek, Juan Ignacio Zoido Álvarez, Tilly Metz, Elena Sancho Murillo, Valentina Palmisano and Adam Jarubas.

    IN THE CHAIR: Christel SCHALDEMOSE
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Bruno Tobback, Beata Szydło, who also answered a blue-card question from Petr Bystron, Massimiliano Salini and Majdouline Sbai.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Dariusz Joński, Jonás Fernández, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Brigitte van den Berg, Ana Miranda Paz and Maria Zacharia.

    The following spoke: Stéphane Séjourné and Adam Szłapka.

    The debate closed.


    4. Energy-intensive industries (debate)

    Commission statement: Energy-intensive industries (2025/2536(RSP))

    The President made some clarifications on the organisational arrangements of the debate, as a new format was being trialled.

    Stéphane Séjourné (Executive Vice-President of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Wouter Beke, on behalf of the PPE Group, Giorgio Gori, on behalf of the S&D Group, Jana Nagyová, on behalf of the PfE Group, Mariateresa Vivaldini, on behalf of the ECR Group, Brigitte van den Berg, on behalf of the Renew Group, Benedetta Scuderi, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Anthony Smith, on behalf of The Left Group, Markus Buchheit, on behalf of the ESN Group, Dan Nica, András Gyürk, Daniel Obajtek, Anna Stürgkh, Per Clausen, Anja Arndt, who also declined to take a blue-card question from Thomas Pellerin-Carlin, Kateřina Konečná, Radan Kanev, Jens Geier, who also answered a blue-card question from Davor Ivo Stier, Mélanie Disdier, who also answered a blue-card question from Thomas Pellerin-Carlin, Kris Van Dijck, Mirosława Nykiel, Bruno Gonçalves, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Barbara Bonte, Marc Botenga, Tom Berendsen, Nicolás González Casares, Raffaele Stancanelli, Alexandr Vondra, Seán Kelly, Thomas Pellerin-Carlin, Anne-Sophie Frigout, Milan Mazurek, Pilar del Castillo Vera, Niels Fuglsang, Georg Mayer, Diego Solier, Sofie Eriksson, Mireia Borrás Pabón, Thomas Geisel and Christian Ehler.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Krzysztof Hetman, Maria Grapini, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Katri Kulmuni, Majdouline Sbai and Lukas Sieper.

    The following spoke: Stéphane Séjourné.

    Motions for resolutions tabled under Rule 136(2) to wind up the debate: minutes of 3.4.2025, item I.

    The debate closed.

    Vote: 3 April 2025.


    IN THE CHAIR: Roberta METSOLA
    President

    5. Progress in the UN-led efforts for the resumption of negotiations towards a solution to the Cyprus problem – Statement by the President

    Progress in the UN-led efforts for the resumption of negotiations towards a solution to the Cyprus problem – Statement by the President (2025/2649(RSP))

    The President made the statement.

    The following spoke: Loucas Fourlas, on behalf of the PPE Group, Costas Mavrides, on behalf of the S&D Group, Afroditi Latinopoulou, on behalf of the PfE Group, Geadis Geadi, on behalf of the ECR Group, Hilde Vautmans, on behalf of the Renew Group, Reinier Van Lanschot, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Giorgos Georgiou, on behalf of The Left Group, and René Aust, on behalf of the ESN Group.

    The debate closed.

    (The sitting was suspended for a few moments.)


    6. Resumption of the sitting

    The sitting resumed at 12:07.


    7. Voting time

    For detailed results of the votes, see also ‘Results of votes’ and ‘Results of roll-call votes’.


    7.1. Guidelines for the 2026 budget – Section III (vote)

    Report on general guidelines for the preparation of the 2026 budget, Section III – Commission [2024/2110(BUI)] – Committee on Budgets. Rapporteur: Andrzej Halicki (A10-0042/2025)

    The debate had taken place on 31 March 2025 (minutes of 31.3.2025, item 12).

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0051)

    The following had spoken:

    Michał Dworczyk, to move an oral amendment to paragraph 12. Parliament had not agreed to put the oral amendment to the vote as more than 39 Members had opposed it.

    (‘Results of votes’, item 1)


    7.2. Agreements on Financial Mechanisms for the period May 2021 – April 2028 (EEA: EU-Iceland-Liechtenstein-Norway; Norwegian: EU-Norway); Additional Protocols to EEC-Norway Agreement and to EEC-Iceland Agreement *** (vote)

    Recommendation on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Agreement between the European Union, Iceland, the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Kingdom of Norway on an EEA Financial Mechanism for the period May 2021 – April 2028, the Agreement between the Kingdom of Norway and the European Union on a Norwegian Financial Mechanism for the period May 2021 – April 2028, the Additional Protocol to the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Kingdom of Norway and the Additional Protocol to the Agreement between the European Economic Community and Iceland [10005/2024 – C10-0103/2024 – 2024/0052(NLE)] – Committee on International Trade. Rapporteur: Željana Zovko (A10-0036/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    DRAFT COUNCIL DECISION

    Approved (P10_TA(2025)0052)

    Parliament consented to the conclusion of the agreements and protocols.

    (‘Results of votes’, item 2)


    7.3. Protocol on the Implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau (2024-2029) *** (vote)

    Recommendation on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Protocol on the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau (2024–2029) [12475/2024 – C10-0108/2024 – 2024/0159(NLE)] – Committee on Fisheries. Rapporteur: Eric Sargiacomo (A10-0028/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    DRAFT COUNCIL DECISION

    Approved (P10_TA(2025)0053)

    Parliament consented to the conclusion of the agreement.

    The following had spoken:

    Before the vote, Eric Sargiacomo (rapporteur) to make a statement on his reports on the basis of Rule 165(4).

    (‘Results of votes’, item 3)


    7.4. Protocol on the Implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau (2024-2029) (Resolution) (vote)

    Report containing a motion for a non-legislative resolution on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Implementing Protocol (2024–2029) to the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau [2024/0159M(NLE)] – Committee on Fisheries. Rapporteur: Eric Sargiacomo (A10-0040/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0054)

    (‘Results of votes’, item 4)


    7.5. EU-Bosnia and Herzegovina Agreement: cooperation between Eurojust and the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina competent for judicial cooperation in criminal matters *** (vote)

    Recommendation on the draft Council decision on the conclusion on behalf of the European Union of the Agreement between the European Union and Bosnia and Herzegovina on the cooperation between the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust) and the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina competent for judicial cooperation in criminal matters [COM(2024)0299 – 2024/0167(NLE)] – Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs. Rapporteur: Jaroslav Bžoch (A10-0027/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    DRAFT COUNCIL DECISION

    Approved (P10_TA(2025)0055)

    Parliament consented to the conclusion of the agreement.

    (‘Results of votes’, item 5)


    7.6. Strengthening the security of identity cards of Union citizens and of residence documents issued to Union citizens and their family members exercising their right of free movement * (vote)

    Report on the proposal for a Council regulation on strengthening the security of identity cards of Union citizens and of residence documents issued to Union citizens and their family members exercising their right of free movement [COM(2024)0316 – C10-0112/2024 – 2024/0187(CNS)] – Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs. Rapporteur: Malik Azmani (A10-0041/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    COMMISSION PROPOSAL TO THE COUNCIL

    Approved as amended (P10_TA(2025)0056)

    (‘Results of votes’, item 6)


    7.7. Implementation of the common foreign and security policy – annual report 2024 (vote)

    Report on the implementation of the common foreign and security policy – 2024 annual report [2024/2080(INI)] – Committee on Foreign Affairs. Rapporteur: David McAllister (A10-0010/2025)

    The debate had taken place on 1 April 2025 (minutes of 1.4.2025, item 9).

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0057)

    (‘Results of votes’, item 7)


    7.8. Implementation of the common security and defence policy – annual report 2024 (vote)

    Report on the implementation of the common security and defence policy – annual report 2024 [2024/2082(INI)] – Committee on Foreign Affairs. Rapporteur: Nicolás Pascual de la Parte (A10-0011/2025)

    The debate had taken place on 1 April 2025 (minutes of 1.4.2025, item 9).

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0058)

    (‘Results of votes’, item 8)


    7.9. Human rights and democracy in the world and the European Union’s policy on the matter – annual report 2024 (vote)

    Report on human rights and democracy in the world and the European Union’s policy on the matter – annual report 2024 [2024/2081(INI)] – Committee on Foreign Affairs. Rapporteur: Isabel Wiseler-Lima (A10-0012/2025)

    The debate had taken place on 1 April 2025 (minutes of 1.4.2025, item 10).

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0059)

    The following had spoken:

    Bernard Guetta, to move an oral amendment to paragraph 4. Parliament had agreed to put the oral amendment to the vote.

    (‘Results of votes’, item 9)

    (The sitting was suspended at 13:41.)


    IN THE CHAIR: Martin HOJSÍK
    Vice-President

    8. Resumption of the sitting

    The sitting resumed at 13:45.


    9. Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

    The minutes of the previous sitting were approved.


    10. Social Europe: making life affordable, protecting jobs, wages and health for all (topical debate)

    The following spoke: Marie Toussaint to open the debate proposed by the Verts/ALE Group.

    The following spoke: Adam Szłapka (President-in-Office of the Council) and Costas Kadis (Member of the Commission).

    The following spoke: Nikolina Brnjac, on behalf of the PPE Group, Gabriele Bischoff, on behalf of the S&D Group, Jorge Buxadé Villalba, on behalf of the PfE Group, Lara Magoni, on behalf of the ECR Group, Jana Toom, on behalf of the Renew Group, Katrin Langensiepen, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Li Andersson, on behalf of The Left Group, Maravillas Abadía Jover, Estelle Ceulemans, Valérie Deloge, Marlena Maląg, Irena Joveva, Jaume Asens Llodrà, Leila Chaibi, Maria Zacharia, Tomislav Sokol, Camilla Laureti, Pál Szekeres, Georgiana Teodorescu, Eugen Tomac, Maria Ohisalo, Catarina Martins, Jan-Peter Warnke, Regina Doherty, Idoia Mendia, Isabella Tovaglieri, Francesco Torselli, Hristo Petrov, Gordan Bosanac, João Oliveira, Marc Angel, Mélanie Disdier, Nora Junco García, Engin Eroglu, Vicent Marzà Ibáñez, Marit Maij, Dick Erixon, Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, Jaak Madison and Johan Danielsson.

    The following spoke: Costas Kadis and Adam Szłapka.

    The debate closed.


    11. European oceans pact (debate)

    Council and Commission statements: European oceans pact (2025/2610(RSP))

    Adam Szłapka (President-in-Office of the Council) and Costas Kadis (Member of the Commission) made the statements.

    IN THE CHAIR: Victor NEGRESCU
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Gabriel Mato, on behalf of the PPE Group, Christophe Clergeau, on behalf of the S&D Group, António Tânger Corrêa, on behalf of the PfE Group, Veronika Vrecionová, on behalf of the ECR Group, Stéphanie Yon-Courtin, on behalf of the Renew Group, Isabella Lövin, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Emma Fourreau, on behalf of The Left Group, Siegbert Frank Droese, on behalf of the ESN Group, Isabelle Le Callennec, André Rodrigues, France Jamet, Stephen Nikola Bartulica, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Nikolas Farantouris, Carmen Crespo Díaz, who also answered a blue-card question from Ana Miranda Paz, Annalisa Corrado, André Rougé, Ana Vasconcelos, Sebastian Everding, Paulo Do Nascimento Cabral, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Nicolás González Casares, Séverine Werbrouck, who also answered a blue-card question from Christophe Clergeau, Emma Wiesner, Jessica Polfjärd, Željana Zovko, Francisco José Millán Mon and Fredis Beleris.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Ana Miguel Pedro, Rosa Serrano Sierra, Ana Miranda Paz, Lukas Sieper, Nina Carberry, Thomas Bajada, João Oliveira, Giuseppe Lupo and Sofie Eriksson.

    The following spoke: Costas Kadis and Adam Szłapka.

    The debate closed.


    12. Recent legislative changes in Hungary and their impact on fundamental rights (debate)

    Council and Commission statements: Recent legislative changes in Hungary and their impact on fundamental rights (2025/2631(RSP))

    Adam Szłapka (President-in-Office of the Council) and Michael McGrath (Member of the Commission) made the statements.

    The following spoke: Zoltán Tarr, on behalf of the PPE Group, Csaba Molnár, on behalf of the S&D Group, Tamás Deutsch, on behalf of the PfE Group, Jacek Ozdoba, on behalf of the ECR Group, and Fabienne Keller, on behalf of the Renew Group (the President reminded the speaker of the rules on conduct), and Tineke Strik, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group.

    IN THE CHAIR: Antonella SBERNA
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Konstantinos Arvanitis, on behalf of The Left Group, Zsuzsanna Borvendég, on behalf of the ESN Group, Adrián Vázquez Lázara, Marc Angel, Paolo Borchia, Paolo Inselvini, Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle, Daniel Freund, Ilaria Salis, who also declined to take a blue-card question from Enikő Győri, Milan Uhrík, who also answered a blue-card question from Lukas Sieper, Ľuboš Blaha, who also answered a blue-card question from Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle, Monika Hohlmeier, who also answered a blue-card question from Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă, Krzysztof Śmiszek, who also declined to take a blue-card question from Jacek Ozdoba, Ondřej Knotek, Moritz Körner, Kim Van Sparrentak, Tomasz Froelich, Lukas Sieper, Michał Wawrykiewicz, who also answered a blue-card question from Ernő Schaller-Baross, Chloé Ridel, Fabrice Leggeri, Sigrid Friis, Mélissa Camara, who also answered a blue-card question from Jacek Ozdoba, Reinhold Lopatka, who also answered a blue-card question from Daniel Freund, Evin Incir, Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Rasmus Nordqvist, Regina Doherty, Matjaž Nemec, András László, who also answered a blue-card question from András Tivadar Kulja, Rosa Estaràs Ferragut and Dóra Dávid, who also answered a blue-card question from Annamária Vicsek.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Maria Walsh, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Csaba Dömötör and Dainius Žalimas.

    The following spoke: Lukas Sieper, concerning what certain speakers had said.

    The following spoke: Michael McGrath.

    The debate closed.


    13. The importance of trans-European transport infrastructure in times of stalling economic growth and major threats to Europe’s security (debate)

    Council and Commission statements: The importance of trans-European transport infrastructure in times of stalling economic growth and major threats to Europe’s security (2025/2609(RSP))

    Apostolos Tzitzikostas (Member of the Commission) made the statement on behalf of the Commission.

    The following spoke: Jens Gieseke, on behalf of the PPE Group, Johan Danielsson, on behalf of the S&D Group, Roman Haider, on behalf of the PfE Group, Roberts Zīle, on behalf of the ECR Group, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, on behalf of the Renew Group, Kai Tegethoff, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Merja Kyllönen, on behalf of The Left Group, and Siegbert Frank Droese, on behalf of the ESN Group.

    IN THE CHAIR: Javi LÓPEZ
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Dariusz Joński, Sérgio Gonçalves, Julien Leonardelli, Georgiana Teodorescu, Valérie Devaux, Stanislav Stoyanov, Luis-Vicențiu Lazarus, Sophia Kircher, who also answered a blue-card question from Bogdan Rzońca, François Kalfon, Rody Tolassy, Mario Mantovani, Thomas Geisel, Borja Giménez Larraz, Rosa Serrano Sierra, Ondřej Krutílek, Elena Nevado del Campo, Ştefan Muşoiu, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Aurelijus Veryga, Nikolina Brnjac, Piotr Müller and Kosma Złotowski.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Nina Carberry, Sandra Gómez López, Annamária Vicsek, Antonella Sberna, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, João Oliveira, Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos and Francisco José Millán Mon.

    The following spoke: Apostolos Tzitzikostas.

    The debate closed.


    14. Outcome of the recent COP16 biodiversity negotiations in Rome (debate)

    Council and Commission statements: Outcome of the recent COP16 biodiversity negotiations in Rome (2025/2636(RSP))

    Jessika Roswall (Member of the Commission) made the statement on behalf of the Commission.

    The following spoke: Christine Schneider, on behalf of the PPE Group, César Luena, on behalf of the S&D Group, Mireia Borrás Pabón, on behalf of the PfE Group, Michele Picaro, on behalf of the ECR Group, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, on behalf of the Renew Group, Jutta Paulus, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Carola Rackete, on behalf of The Left Group, Sérgio Humberto, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Antonio Decaro, Michal Wiezik, Pär Holmgren and Manuela Ripa.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Seán Kelly and João Oliveira.

    The following spoke: Jessika Roswall.

    The debate closed.


    15. Delivering on the EU Roma Strategy and the fight against discrimination in the EU (debate)

    Council and Commission statements: Delivering on the EU Roma Strategy and the fight against discrimination in the EU (2025/2611(RSP))

    Hadja Lahbib (Member of the Commission) made the statement on behalf of the Commission.

    IN THE CHAIR: Younous OMARJEE
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Zoltán Tarr, on behalf of the PPE Group, Murielle Laurent, on behalf of the S&D Group, Elisabeth Dieringer, on behalf of the PfE Group, Alessandro Ciriani, on behalf of the ECR Group, Hristo Petrov, on behalf of the Renew Group, Alice Kuhnke, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Estrella Galán, on behalf of The Left Group, Milan Mazurek, on behalf of the ESN Group, Loránt Vincze, Francisco Assis, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Georgiana Teodorescu, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Tomáš Zdechovský, Marcos Ros Sempere, Reinhold Lopatka and Juan Fernando López Aguilar.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Silvia Sardone, Isabella Tovaglieri, Katrin Langensiepen and João Oliveira.

    The following spoke: Hadja Lahbib.

    The debate closed.


    16. Composition of committees and delegations

    The non-attached Members had notified the President of the following decisions changing the composition of the committees and delegations:

    – Delegation to the EU-Montenegro Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee: Grzegorz Braun

    – Delegation to the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly: Kateřina Konečná

    The decisions took effect as of that day.


    17. Threat to freedom of expression in Algeria: the five-year prison sentence of French writer Boualem Sansal (debate)

    Commission statement: Threat to freedom of expression in Algeria: the five-year prison sentence of French writer Boualem Sansal (2025/2655(RSP))

    Hadja Lahbib (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Céline Imart, on behalf of the PPE Group, Emma Rafowicz, on behalf of the S&D Group, Gilles Pennelle, on behalf of the PfE Group, Bernard Guetta, on behalf of the Renew Group, and Alexander Sell, on behalf of the ESN Group.

    The following spoke: Hadja Lahbib.

    The debate closed.


    18. Debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (debate)

    (For the titles and authors of the motions for resolutions, see minutes of 3.4.2025, item I.)


    18.1. Prosecution of journalists in Cameroon, notably the cases of Amadou Vamoulké, Kingsley Fomunyuy Njoka, Mancho Bibixy, Thomas Awah Junior, Tsi Conrad

    Motions for resolutions B10-0230/2025, B10-0231/2025, B10-0232/2025, B10-0233/2025, B10-0234/2025, B10-0235/2025, B10-0236/2025 and B10-0237/2025 (2025/2627(RSP))

    Tomáš Zdechovský, Marta Temido, Catarina Vieira, Rima Hassan and Silvia Sardone introduced their groups’ motions for resolutions.

    The following spoke: Hannes Heide, on behalf of the S&D Group, and Marco Tarquinio.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Lukas Sieper.

    The following spoke: Hadja Lahbib (Member of the Commission).

    The debate closed.

    Vote: 3 April 2025.


    18.2. Execution spree in Iran and the confirmation of the death sentences of activists Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani

    Motions for resolutions B10-0220/2025, B10-0222/2025, B10-0224/2025, B10-0225/2025, B10-0226/2025 and B10-0228/2025 (2025/2628(RSP))

    Danuše Nerudová, Francisco Assis, Veronika Vrecionová, Helmut Brandstätter, Hannah Neumann and Matthieu Valet introduced their groups’ motions for resolutions.

    The following spoke: Milan Zver, on behalf of the PPE Group, Daniel Attard, on behalf of the S&D Group, Petras Auštrevičius, on behalf of the Renew Group, Davor Ivo Stier and Evin Incir.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Tiago Moreira de Sá.

    The following spoke: Hadja Lahbib (Member of the Commission).

    The debate closed.

    Vote: 3 April 2025.


    18.3. Immediate risk of further repression by Lukashenka’s regime in Belarus – threats from the Investigative Committee

    Motions for resolutions B10-0218/2025, B10-0219/2025, B10-0221/2025, B10-0223/2025, B10-0227/2025 and B10-0229/2025 (2025/2629(RSP))

    Miriam Lexmann, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Helmut Brandstätter, Mārtiņš Staķis and Merja Kyllönen introduced their groups’ motions for resolutions.

    The following spoke: Michał Szczerba, on behalf of the PPE Group, Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, on behalf of the S&D Group, Dainius Žalimas, on behalf of the Renew Group, and Petar Volgin, on behalf of the ESN Group.

    The following spoke: Hadja Lahbib (Member of the Commission).

    The debate closed.

    Vote: 3 April 2025.


    19. Explanations of vote


    19.1. Implementation of the common foreign and security policy – annual report 2024 (A10-0010/2025 – David McAllister) (oral explanations of vote)

    Petar Volgin


    19.2. Implementation of the common security and defence policy – annual report 2024 (A10-0011/2025 – Nicolás Pascual de la Parte) (oral explanations of vote)

    Kathleen Funchion, Lynn Boylan


    19.3. Written explanations of vote

    Explanations of vote submitted in writing under Rule 201 appear on the Members’ pages on Parliament’s website.


    20. Agenda of the next sitting

    The next sitting would be held the following day, 3 April 2025, starting at 09:00. The agenda was available on Parliament’s website.


    21. Approval of the minutes of the sitting

    In accordance with Rule 208(3), the minutes of the sitting would be put to the House for approval at the beginning of the afternoon of the next sitting.


    22. Closure of the sitting

    The sitting closed at 21:27.


    LIST OF DOCUMENTS SERVING AS A BASIS FOR THE DEBATES AND DECISIONS OF PARLIAMENT


    I. Motions for resolutions tabled

    Prosecution of journalists in Cameroon, notably the cases of Amadou Vamoulké, Kingsley Fomunyuy Njoka, Mancho Bibixy, Thomas Awah Junior, Tsi Conrad

    The following Members or political groups had requested that a debate be held, in accordance with Rule 150, on the following motions for resolutions:

    on the prosecution of journalists in Cameroon, notably the cases of Amadou Vamoulké, Kingsley Fomunyuy Njoka, Mancho Bibixy, Thomas Awah Junior and Tsi Conrad (B10-0230/2025) (2025/2627(RSP))
    Rima Hassan
    on behalf of The Left Group

    on the prosecution of journalists in Cameroon, notably the cases of Amadou Vamoulké, Kingsley Fomunyuy Njoka, Mancho Bibixy, Thomas Awah Junior and Tsi Conrad (B10-0231/2025) (2025/2627(RSP))
    Tomasz Froelich, Alexander Sell, Petr Bystron
    on behalf of the ESN Group

    on the prosecution of journalists in Cameroon, notably the cases of Amadou Vamoulké, Kingsley Fomunyuy Njoka, Mancho Bibixy, Thomas Awah Junior and Tsi Conrad (B10-0232/2025) (2025/2627(RSP))
    Catarina Vieira, Mounir Satouri, Maria Ohisalo, Ville Niinistö, Nicolae Ştefănuță
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    on the prosecution of journalists in Cameroon, notably the cases of Amadou Vamoulké, Kingsley Fomunyuy Njoka, Mancho Bibixy, Thomas Awah Junior and Tsi Conrad (B10-0233/2025) (2025/2627(RSP))
    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Marta Temido
    on behalf of the S&D Group

    on the prosecution of journalists in Cameroon, notably the cases of Amadou Vamoulké, Kingsley Fomunyuy Njoka, Mancho Bibixy, Thomas Awah Junior and Tsi Conrad (B10-0234/2025) (2025/2627(RSP))
    Silvia Sardone, Susanna Ceccardi, Roberto Vannacci, Nikola Bartůšek
    on behalf of the PfE Group

    on the prosecution of journalists in Cameroon, notably the cases of Amadou Vamoulké, Kingsley Fomunyuy Njoka, Mancho Bibixy, Thomas Awah Junior and Tsi Conrad (B10-0235/2025) (2025/2627(RSP))
    Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, Svenja Hahn, Karin Karlsbro, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Urmas Paet, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group

    on the prosecution of journalists in Cameroon, notably the cases of Amadou Vamoulké, Kingsley Fomunyuy Njoka, Mancho Bibixy, Thomas Awah Junior and Tsi Conrad (B10-0236/2025) (2025/2627(RSP))
    Sebastião Bugalho, Tomáš Zdechovský, Michael Gahler, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Tomas Tobé, Luděk Niedermayer, Seán Kelly, Vangelis Meimarakis, Andrey Kovatchev, Wouter Beke, Danuše Nerudová, Loránt Vincze, Jessica Polfjärd, Łukasz Kohut, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Miriam Lexmann, Inese Vaidere
    on behalf of the PPE Group

    on the prosecution of journalists in Cameroon, notably the cases of Amadou Vamoulké, Kingsley Fomunyuy Njoka, Mancho Bibixy, Thomas Awah Junior and Tsi Conrad (B10-0237/2025) (2025/2627(RSP))
    Adam Bielan, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Alexandr Vondra, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Assita Kanko, Ivaylo Valchev, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński
    on behalf of the ECR Group

    Execution spree in Iran and the confirmation of the death sentences of activists Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani

    The following Members or political groups had requested that a debate be held, in accordance with Rule 150, on the following motions for resolutions:

    on the execution spree in Iran and confirmation of the death sentences of activists Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani (B10-0220/2025) (2025/2628(RSP))
    Hannah Neumann, Mounir Satouri, Erik Marquardt, Catarina Vieira, Ville Niinistö, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Mélissa Camara, Maria Ohisalo
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    on the execution spree in Iran and the confirmation of the death sentences of activists Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani (B10-0222/2025) (2025/2628(RSP))
    Matthieu Valet, Pierre-Romain Thionnet, Nikola Bartůšek, Susanna Ceccardi, Silvia Sardone
    on behalf of the PfE Group

    on the execution spree in Iran and confirmation of the death sentences of activists Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani (B10-0224/2025) (2025/2628(RSP))
    Helmut Brandstätter, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Abir Al-Sahlani, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Olivier Chastel, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Engin Eroglu, Bart Groothuis, Svenja Hahn, Karin Karlsbro, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Urmas Paet, Hilde Vautmans, Sophie Wilmès, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group

    on the execution spree in Iran and the confirmation of the death sentences of activists Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani (B10-0225/2025) (2025/2628(RSP))
    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Daniel Attard, Evin Incir
    on behalf of the S&D Group

    on the execution spree in Iran and confirmation of the death sentences of activists Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani (B10-0226/2025) (2025/2628(RSP))
    Mariusz Kamiński, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Michał Dworczyk, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Alexandr Vondra, Aurelijus Veryga, Assita Kanko
    on behalf of the ECR Group

    on the execution spree in Iran and confirmation of the death sentences of activists Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani (B10-0228/2025) (2025/2628(RSP))
    Sebastião Bugalho, Loucas Fourlas, Michael Gahler, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Tomas Tobé, Luděk Niedermayer, Seán Kelly, Vangelis Meimarakis, Andrey Kovatchev, Wouter Beke, Danuše Nerudová, Loránt Vincze, Jessica Polfjärd, Łukasz Kohut, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Tomáš Zdechovský, Miriam Lexmann, Inese Vaidere
    on behalf of the PPE Group

    Immediate risk of further repression by Lukashenka’s regime in Belarus – threats from the Investigative Committee

    The following Members or political groups had requested that a debate be held, in accordance with Rule 150, on the following motions for resolutions:

    on the immediate risk of further repression by Lukashenka’s regime in Belarus: threats from the Investigative Committee (B10-0218/2025) (2025/2629(RSP))
    Merja Kyllönen
    on behalf of The Left Group

    on the immediate risk of further repression by Lukashenka’s regime in Belarus – threats from the Investigative Committee (B10-0219/2025) (2025/2629(RSP))
    Mārtiņš Staķis, Maria Ohisalo, Mounir Satouri, Lena Schilling, Markéta Gregorová, Catarina Vieira, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Ville Niinistö, Sergey Lagodinsky
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    on the immediate risk of further repression by Lukashenka’s regime in Belarus: threats from the Investigative Committee (B10-0221/2025) (2025/2629(RSP))
    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Robert Biedroń
    on behalf of the S&D Group

    on the immediate risk of further repression by Lukashenka’s regime in Belarus – threats from the Investigative Committee (B10-0223/2025) (2025/2629(RSP))
    Adam Bielan, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Mariusz Kamiński, Michał Dworczyk, Maciej Wąsik, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová, Alexandr Vondra, Assita Kanko, Aurelijus Veryga, Rihards Kols, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Ivaylo Valchev, Roberts Zīle
    on behalf of the ECR Group

    on the immediate risk of further repression by Lukashenka’s regime in Belarus – threats from the Investigative Committee (B10-0227/2025) (2025/2629(RSP))
    Michał Kobosko, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Helmut Brandstätter, Olivier Chastel, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Engin Eroglu, Svenja Hahn, Karin Karlsbro, Ľubica Karvašová, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Urmas Paet, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar, Dainius Žalimas
    on behalf of the Renew Group

    on the immediate risk of further repression by Lukashenka’s regime in Belarus: threats from the investigative Committee (B10-0229/2025) (2025/2629(RSP))
    Sebastião Bugalho, Miriam Lexmann, Michael Gahler, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Tomas Tobé, Dariusz Joński, Luděk Niedermayer, Seán Kelly, Vangelis Meimarakis, Andrey Kovatchev, Wouter Beke, Danuše Nerudová, Loránt Vincze, Jessica Polfjärd, Sandra Kalniete, Łukasz Kohut, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Tomáš Zdechovský, Inese Vaidere
    on behalf of the PPE Group


    II. Delegated acts (Rule 114(2))

    Draft delegated acts forwarded to Parliament

    – Commission Delegated Regulation correcting certain language versions of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/857 supplementing Directive 2013/36/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to regulatory technical standards specifying a standardised methodology and a simplified standardised methodology to evaluate the risks arising from potential changes in interest rates that affect both the economic value of equity and the net interest income of an institution’s non-trading book activities (C(2025)01555 – 2025/2614(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 3 months from the date of receipt of 17 March 2025

    referred to committee responsible: ECON

    – Commission Delegated Regulation correcting the Dutch language version of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 on unmanned aircraft systems and on third-country operators of unmanned aircraft systems (C(2025)01614 – 2025/2625(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 24 March 2025

    referred to committee responsible: TRAN

    – Commission Delegated Regulation correcting Delegated Regulation (EU) 2018/273 as regards the import of wine originating in Canada (C(2025)01628 – 2025/2617(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 19 March 2025

    referred to committee responsible: AGRI

    – Commission Delegated Regulation supplementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 of the European Parliament and of the Council by establishing the methodology for calculation and verification of rates for recycling efficiency and recovery of materials from waste batteries, and the format for the documentation (C(2025)01674 – 2025/2621(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 3 months from the date of receipt of 21 March 2025

    referred to committee responsible: ENVI
    opinion: ITRE, IMCO

    – Commission Delegated Regulation supplementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2554 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to regulatory technical standards specifying the elements that a financial entity has to determine and assess when subcontracting ICT services supporting critical or important functions (C(2025)01682 – 2025/2623(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 3 months from the date of receipt of 24 March 2025

    referred to committee responsible: ECON

    – Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) amending Regulation (EU) No 691/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards investments on climate change mitigation and introducing the classification of environmental purposes (C(2025)01777 – 2025/2643(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 26 March 2025

    referred to committee responsible: ENVI

    – Commission Delegated Regulation supplementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1449 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans by setting out the elements of the scoreboard for the Reform and Growth Facility (C(2025)01810 – 2025/2651(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 1 month from the date of receipt of 28 March 2025

    referred to committee responsible: AFET, BUDG

    – Commission Delegated Regulation correcting Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/126 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 of the European Parliament and of the Council with additional requirements for certain types of intervention specified by Member States in their CAP Strategic Plans for the period 2023 to 2027 under that Regulation as well as rules on the ratio for the good agricultural and environmental conditions (GAEC) standard 1 (C(2025)01846 – 2025/2652(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 31 March 2025

    referred to committee responsible: AGRI
    opinion: ENVI

    Draft delegated act for which the period for raising objections had been extended

    – Commission Delegated Regulation amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/1122 supplementing Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the functioning of the Union Registry C(2025)00814 – 2025/2562(DEA)

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 11 February 2025

    Extension of the deadline for raising objections: 2 months at the request of the Council

    referred to committee responsible: ENVI
    opinion: ITRE


    III. Implementing measures (Rule 115)

    Draft implementing measures falling under the regulatory procedure with scrutiny forwarded to Parliament

    – Commission Regulation (EU) amending Regulation (EU) No 142/2011 as regards requirements for the import of used cooking oil (D098112/02 – 2025/2615(RPS) – deadline: 18 June 2025)
    referred to committee responsible: ENVI

    – Commission Regulation amending Annexes II and III to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for cyantraniliprole, cyflumetofen, deltamethrin, mefentrifluconazole, mepiquat and oxathiapiprolin in or on certain products (D102376/03 – 2025/2626(RPS) – deadline: 26 May 2025)
    referred to committee responsible: ENVI

    – Commission Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards carcinogens, germ cell mutagens or reproductive toxicants subject to restrictions (D102504/02 – 2025/2607(RPS) – deadline: 11 June 2025)
    referred to committee responsible: ENVI
    opinion: ITRE, IMCO

    – Commission Regulation amending Annexes II, III and IV to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for amidosulfuron, azoxystrobin, hexythiazox, isoxaben, picloram, propamocarb, sodium silver thiosulfate and tefluthrin in or on certain products (D105252/02 – 2025/2622(RPS) – deadline: 21 May 2025)
    referred to committee responsible: ENVI

    – Commission Regulation amending Annexes II, III and V to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for chlorpropham, fuberidazole, ipconazole, methoxyfenozide, S-metolachlor and triflusulfuron in or on certain products (D105253/03 – 2025/2624(RPS) – deadline: 25 May 2025)
    referred to committee responsible: ENVI

    – Commission Regulation amending Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the inclusion of Naringenin and 2‐methyl‐1‐(2‐(5‐(p‐tolyl)‐1H‐imidazol‐2‐yl)piperidin‐1‐yl)butan‐1‐one in the Union list of flavourings (D105330/02 – 2025/2620(RPS) – deadline: 21 May 2025)
    referred to committee responsible: ENVI

    – Commission Regulation amending Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the use of sodium ascorbate (E 301) in vitamin A preparations intended for infant formula and follow-on formula (D105364/02 – 2025/2619(RPS) – deadline: 21 May 2025)
    referred to committee responsible: ENVI

    – Commission Regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2023/1803 as regards International Financial Reporting Standards 1, 7, 9 and 10, and International Accounting Standard 7 (Text with EEA relevance) (D105674/01 – 2025/2616(RPS) – deadline: 11 June 2025)
    referred to committee responsible: ECON
    opinion: JURI


    IV. Transfers of appropriations and budgetary decisions

    In accordance with Article 31(1) of the Financial Regulation, the Committee on Budgets had decided to approve the Commission’s transfer of appropriations DEC 02/2025 – Section III – Commission.

    In accordance with Article 31(6) of the Financial Regulation, the Council of the European Union had decided to approve the European Commission’s transfer of appropriations DEC 02/2025 – Section III – Commission.

    In accordance with Article 31(6) of the Financial Regulation, the Council of the European Union had decided to approve transfer of appropriations 1-DEC/2025 – Section IV – Court of Justice.


    In accordance with Article 31(6) of the Financial Regulation, the Council of the European Union had decided to approve transfer of appropriations DEC-01/T/2025 – Section V – Court of Auditors.

    In accordance with Articles 31 and 49 of the Financial Regulation, the Committee on Budgets had decided to approve transfer of appropriations 1-DEC – Section IV – Court of Justice.

    In accordance with Articles 31 and 49 of the Financial Regulation, the Committee on Budgets had decided to approve transfer of appropriations V/DEC-01/T/25 – Section V – Court of Auditors.


    V. Documents received

    The following documents had been received from other institutions:

    – Proposal for transfer of appropriations DEC 03/2025 – Section III – Commission (N10-0011/2025 – C10-0050/2025 – 2025/2066(GBD))
    referred to committee responsible: BUDG

    – Proposal for transfer of appropriations DEC 04/2025 – Section III – Commission (N10-0012/2025 – C10-0053/2025 – 2025/2068(GBD))
    referred to committee responsible: BUDG


    ATTENDANCE REGISTER

    Present:

    Aaltola Mika, Abadía Jover Maravillas, Adamowicz Magdalena, Aftias Georgios, Agirregoitia Martínez Oihane, Agius Peter, Agius Saliba Alex, Alexandraki Galato, Allione Grégory, Al-Sahlani Abir, Anadiotis Nikolaos, Anderson Christine, Andersson Li, Andresen Rasmus, Andrews Barry, Andriukaitis Vytenis Povilas, Androuët Mathilde, Angel Marc, Annemans Gerolf, Annunziata Lucia, Arias Echeverría Pablo, Arimont Pascal, Arłukowicz Bartosz, Arnaoutoglou Sakis, Arndt Anja, Arvanitis Konstantinos, Asens Llodrà Jaume, Assis Francisco, Attard Daniel, Aubry Manon, Auštrevičius Petras, Axinia Adrian-George, Azmani Malik, Bajada Thomas, Baljeu Jeannette, Ballarín Cereza Laura, Bardella Jordan, Barley Katarina, Barna Dan, Barrena Arza Pernando, Bartulica Stephen Nikola, Bartůšek Nikola, Bausemer Arno, Bay Nicolas, Bay Christophe, Beke Wouter, Beleris Fredis, Bellamy François-Xavier, Benifei Brando, Benjumea Benjumea Isabel, Beňová Monika, Bentele Hildegard, Berendsen Tom, Berger Stefan, Berlato Sergio, Bernhuber Alexander, Biedroń Robert, Bielan Adam, Bischoff Gabriele, Blaha Ľuboš, Blinkevičiūtė Vilija, Blom Rachel, Bloss Michael, Bocheński Tobiasz, Boeselager Damian, Bogdan Ioan-Rareş, Bonaccini Stefano, Bonte Barbara, Borchia Paolo, Borrás Pabón Mireia, Borvendég Zsuzsanna, Borzan Biljana, Bosanac Gordan, Boßdorf Irmhild, Bosse Stine, Botenga Marc, Boyer Gilles, Boylan Lynn, Brandstätter Helmut, Brasier-Clain Marie-Luce, Braun Grzegorz, Brejza Krzysztof, Bricmont Saskia, Brnjac Nikolina, Brudziński Joachim Stanisław, Buchheit Markus, Buczek Tomasz, Buda Daniel, Buda Waldemar, Budka Borys, Bugalho Sebastião, Buła Andrzej, Bullmann Udo, Burkhardt Delara, Buxadé Villalba Jorge, Bystron Petr, Bžoch Jaroslav, Camara Mélissa, Canfin Pascal, Carberry Nina, Cârciu Gheorghe, Carême Damien, Casa David, Caspary Daniel, Castillo Laurent, del Castillo Vera Pilar, Cavazzini Anna, Cavedagna Stefano, Ceccardi Susanna, Cepeda José, Ceulemans Estelle, Chahim Mohammed, Chaibi Leila, Chastel Olivier, Chinnici Caterina, Christensen Asger, Cifrová Ostrihoňová Veronika, Ciriani Alessandro, Cisint Anna Maria, Clausen Per, Clergeau Christophe, Cormand David, Corrado Annalisa, Costanzo Vivien, Cotrim De Figueiredo João, Cowen Barry, Cremer Tobias, Crespo Díaz Carmen, Cristea Andi, Crosetto Giovanni, Cunha Paulo, Dahl Henrik, Danielsson Johan, Dávid Dóra, David Ivan, de la Hoz Quintano Raúl, Della Valle Danilo, Deloge Valérie, De Masi Fabio, De Meo Salvatore, Demirel Özlem, Deutsch Tamás, Devaux Valérie, Dibrani Adnan, Diepeveen Ton, Dieringer Elisabeth, Dîncu Vasile, Di Rupo Elio, Disdier Mélanie, Dobrev Klára, Doherty Regina, Doleschal Christian, Dömötör Csaba, Do Nascimento Cabral Paulo, Donazzan Elena, Dorfmann Herbert, Dostalova Klara, Dostál Ondřej, Droese Siegbert Frank, Düpont Lena, Dworczyk Michał, Ecke Matthias, Ehler Christian, Ehlers Marieke, Eriksson Sofie, Erixon Dick, Eroglu Engin, Estaràs Ferragut Rosa, Everding Sebastian, Ezcurra Almansa Alma, Falcă Gheorghe, Falcone Marco, Farantouris Nikolas, Farreng Laurence, Farský Jan, Ferber Markus, Ferenc Viktória, Fernández Jonás, Fidanza Carlo, Fiocchi Pietro, Firea Gabriela, Firmenich Ruth, Fita Claire, Flanagan Luke Ming, Fourlas Loucas, Fourreau Emma, Fragkos Emmanouil, Freund Daniel, Frigout Anne-Sophie, Friis Sigrid, Fritzon Heléne, Froelich Tomasz, Fuglsang Niels, Funchion Kathleen, Furet Angéline, Furore Mario, Gahler Michael, Gál Kinga, Galán Estrella, Gálvez Lina, Gambino Alberico, García Hermida-Van Der Walle Raquel, Garraud Jean-Paul, Gasiuk-Pihowicz Kamila, Geadi Geadis, Gedin Hanna, Geese Alexandra, Geier Jens, Geisel Thomas, Gemma Chiara, Georgiou Giorgos, Gerbrandy Gerben-Jan, Germain Jean-Marc, Gerzsenyi Gabriella, Geuking Niels, Gieseke Jens, Giménez Larraz Borja, Girauta Vidal Juan Carlos, Glavak Sunčana, Glück Andreas, Glucksmann Raphaël, Goerens Charles, Gomart Christophe, Gomes Isilda, Gómez López Sandra, Gonçalves Bruno, Gonçalves Sérgio, González Casares Nicolás, González Pons Esteban, Gori Giorgio, Gosiewska Małgorzata, Gotink Dirk, Gozi Sandro, Grapini Maria, Gražulis Petras, Gregorová Markéta, Grims Branko, Griset Catherine, Gronkiewicz-Waltz Hanna, Groothuis Bart, Grossmann Elisabeth, Grudler Christophe, Gualmini Elisabetta, Guarda Cristina, Guetta Bernard, Guzenina Maria, Győri Enikő, Gyürk András, Hadjipantela Michalis, Hahn Svenja, Haider Roman, Halicki Andrzej, Hansen Niels Flemming, Hassan Rima, Hauser Gerald, Häusling Martin, Hava Mircea-Gheorghe, Heide Hannes, Heinäluoma Eero, Henriksson Anna-Maja, Herbst Niclas, Herranz García Esther, Hetman Krzysztof, Hohlmeier Monika, Hojsík Martin, Holmgren Pär, Homs Ginel Alicia, Humberto Sérgio, Ijabs Ivars, Imart Céline, Incir Evin, Inselvini Paolo, Iovanovici Şoşoacă Diana, Jalloul Muro Hana, Jamet France, Jarubas Adam, Jerković Romana, Jongen Marc, Joński Dariusz, Joron Virginie, Jouvet Pierre, Joveva Irena, Juknevičienė Rasa, Junco García Nora, Jungbluth Alexander, Kalfon François, Kaliňák Erik, Kaljurand Marina, Kalniete Sandra, Kamiński Mariusz, Kanev Radan, Kanko Assita, Karlsbro Karin, Kartheiser Fernand, Karvašová Ľubica, Katainen Elsi, Kefalogiannis Emmanouil, Kelleher Billy, Keller Fabienne, Kelly Seán, Kemp Martine, Kennes Rudi, Khan Mary, Kircher Sophia, Knafo Sarah, Knotek Ondřej, Kobosko Michał, Kohut Łukasz, Kolář Ondřej, Kollár Kinga, Kols Rihards, Konečná Kateřina, Kopacz Ewa, Körner Moritz, Kountoura Elena, Kovařík Ondřej, Kovatchev Andrey, Krištopans Vilis, Kruis Sebastian, Krutílek Ondřej, Kubín Tomáš, Kuhnke Alice, Kulja András Tivadar, Kulmuni Katri, Kyllönen Merja, Kyuchyuk Ilhan, Lakos Eszter, Lalucq Aurore, Lange Bernd, Langensiepen Katrin, Laššáková Judita, László András, Latinopoulou Afroditi, Laurent Murielle, Laureti Camilla, Laykova Rada, Lazarov Ilia, Lazarus Luis-Vicențiu, Le Callennec Isabelle, Leggeri Fabrice, Lenaers Jeroen, Leonardelli Julien, Lewandowski Janusz, Lexmann Miriam, Liese Peter, Lins Norbert, Loiseau Nathalie, Løkkegaard Morten, Lopatka Reinhold, López Javi, López Aguilar Juan Fernando, López-Istúriz White Antonio, Lövin Isabella, Lucano Mimmo, Luena César, Łukacijewska Elżbieta Katarzyna, Lupo Giuseppe, McAllister David, Madison Jaak, Maestre Cristina, Magoni Lara, Maij Marit, Maląg Marlena, Manda Claudiu, Mandl Lukas, Maniatis Yannis, Mantovani Mario, Maran Pierfrancesco, Marczułajtis-Walczak Jagna, Mariani Thierry, Marino Ignazio Roberto, Marquardt Erik, Martins Catarina, Marzà Ibáñez Vicent, Mato Gabriel, Matthieu Sara, Mavrides Costas, Maydell Eva, Mayer Georg, Mazurek Milan, Mažylis Liudas, McNamara Michael, Mebarek Nora, Mehnert Alexandra, Meimarakis Vangelis, Mendes Ana Catarina, Mendia Idoia, Mertens Verena, Mesure Marina, Metsola Roberta, Metz Tilly, Mikser Sven, Milazzo Giuseppe, Millán Mon Francisco José, Minchev Nikola, Miranda Paz Ana, Molnár Csaba, Montero Irene, Montserrat Dolors, Morace Carolina, Morano Nadine, Moratti Letizia, Moreira de Sá Tiago, Moreno Sánchez Javier, Motreanu Dan-Ştefan, Mularczyk Arkadiusz, Müller Piotr, Mullooly Ciaran, Mureşan Siegfried, Muşoiu Ştefan, Nagyová Jana, Nardella Dario, Navarrete Rojas Fernando, Negrescu Victor, Nemec Matjaž, Nerudová Danuše, Nesci Denis, Neuhoff Hans, Neumann Hannah, Nevado del Campo Elena, Nica Dan, Niebler Angelika, Niedermayer Luděk, Niinistö Ville, Nikolaou-Alavanos Lefteris, Nikolic Aleksandar, Ní Mhurchú Cynthia, Noichl Maria, Nordqvist Rasmus, Novakov Andrey, Nykiel Mirosława, Obajtek Daniel, Ódor Ľudovít, Oetjen Jan-Christoph, Ohisalo Maria, Oliveira João, Omarjee Younous, Ó Ríordáin Aodhán, Orlando Leoluca, Ozdoba Jacek, Paet Urmas, Pajín Leire, Palmisano Valentina, Papadakis Kostas, Papandreou Nikos, Pappas Nikos, Pascual de la Parte Nicolás, Patriciello Aldo, Paulus Jutta, Pedro Ana Miguel, Pedulla’ Gaetano, Pellerin-Carlin Thomas, Peltier Guillaume, Penkova Tsvetelina, Pennelle Gilles, Pereira Lídia, Pérez Alvise, Peter-Hansen Kira Marie, Petrov Hristo, Picaro Michele, Picierno Pina, Picula Tonino, Piera Pascale, Pietikäinen Sirpa, Pimpie Pierre, Piperea Gheorghe, de la Pisa Carrión Margarita, Pokorná Jermanová Jaroslava, Polato Daniele, Polfjärd Jessica, Popescu Virgil-Daniel, Pozņaks Reinis, Prebilič Vladimir, Princi Giusi, Protas Jacek, Rackete Carola, Radev Emil, Radtke Dennis, Rafowicz Emma, Ratas Jüri, Razza Ruggero, Rechagneux Julie, Regner Evelyn, Repasi René, Repp Sabrina, Ressler Karlo, Reuten Thijs, Riba i Giner Diana, Ricci Matteo, Ridel Chloé, Riehl Nela, Ripa Manuela, Rodrigues André, Ros Sempere Marcos, Roth Neveďalová Katarína, Rougé André, Ruissen Bert-Jan, Ruotolo Sandro, Rzońca Bogdan, Saeidi Arash, Salini Massimiliano, Salis Ilaria, Salla Aura, Sánchez Amor Nacho, Sanchez Julien, Sancho Murillo Elena, Saramo Jussi, Sardone Silvia, Šarec Marjan, Sargiacomo Eric, Satouri Mounir, Saudargas Paulius, Sbai Majdouline, Sberna Antonella, Schaldemose Christel, Schaller-Baross Ernő, Schenk Oliver, Scheuring-Wielgus Joanna, Schieder Andreas, Schilling Lena, Schneider Christine, Schwab Andreas, Scuderi Benedetta, Seekatz Ralf, Sell Alexander, Serrano Sierra Rosa, Serra Sánchez Isabel, Sidl Günther, Sienkiewicz Bartłomiej, Sieper Lukas, Simon Sven, Singer Christine, Sinkevičius Virginijus, Sippel Birgit, Sjöstedt Jonas, Śmiszek Krzysztof, Smith Anthony, Smit Sander, Sokol Tomislav, Solier Diego, Solís Pérez Susana, Sommen Liesbet, Sonneborn Martin, Sorel Malika, Sousa Silva Hélder, Søvndal Villy, Squarta Marco, Staķis Mārtiņš, Stancanelli Raffaele, Ştefănuță Nicolae, Steger Petra, Stier Davor Ivo, Storm Kristoffer, Stöteler Sebastiaan, Stoyanov Stanislav, Strada Cecilia, Streit Joachim, Strik Tineke, Strolenberg Anna, Sturdza Şerban Dimitrie, Stürgkh Anna, Szczerba Michał, Szekeres Pál, Szydło Beata, Tamburrano Dario, Tânger Corrêa António, Tarczyński Dominik, Tarquinio Marco, Tarr Zoltán, Târziu Claudiu-Richard, Tavares Carla, Tegethoff Kai, Temido Marta, Teodorescu Georgiana, Teodorescu Måwe Alice, Terheş Cristian, Ter Laak Ingeborg, Terras Riho, Tertsch Hermann, Thionnet Pierre-Romain, Timgren Beatrice, Tinagli Irene, Tobback Bruno, Tobé Tomas, Tolassy Rody, Tomac Eugen, Tomašič Zala, Tomaszewski Waldemar, Tomc Romana, Tonin Matej, Toom Jana, Topo Raffaele, Torselli Francesco, Tosi Flavio, Toussaint Marie, Tovaglieri Isabella, Toveri Pekka, Tridico Pasquale, Trochu Laurence, Tsiodras Dimitris, Turek Filip, Tynkkynen Sebastian, Uhrík Milan, Ušakovs Nils, Vaidere Inese, Valchev Ivaylo, Vălean Adina, Valet Matthieu, Van Brempt Kathleen, Van Brug Anouk, van den Berg Brigitte, Vandendriessche Tom, Van Dijck Kris, Van Lanschot Reinier, Van Leeuwen Jessika, Vannacci Roberto, Van Overtveldt Johan, Van Sparrentak Kim, Varaut Alexandre, Vasconcelos Ana, Vasile-Voiculescu Vlad, Vautmans Hilde, Vedrenne Marie-Pierre, Ventola Francesco, Verougstraete Yvan, Veryga Aurelijus, Vešligaj Marko, Vicsek Annamária, Vieira Catarina, Vigenin Kristian, Vilimsky Harald, Vincze Loránt, Vind Marianne, Vistisen Anders, Vivaldini Mariateresa, Volgin Petar, von der Schulenburg Michael, Vondra Alexandr, Voss Axel, Vozemberg-Vrionidi Elissavet, Vrecionová Veronika, Vázquez Lázara Adrián, Waitz Thomas, Walsh Maria, Walsmann Marion, Warborn Jörgen, Warnke Jan-Peter, Wąsik Maciej, Wawrykiewicz Michał, Wcisło Marta, Wechsler Andrea, Weimers Charlie, Werbrouck Séverine, Wiesner Emma, Wiezik Michal, Wilmès Sophie, Winkler Iuliu, Winzig Angelika, Wiseler-Lima Isabel, Wiśniewska Jadwiga, Wölken Tiemo, Wolters Lara, Yar Lucia, Yon-Courtin Stéphanie, Yoncheva Elena, Zalewska Anna, Žalimas Dainius, Zan Alessandro, Zarzalejos Javier, Zdechovský Tomáš, Zdrojewski Bogdan Andrzej, Zijlstra Auke, Zīle Roberts, Zingaretti Nicola, Złotowski Kosma, Zoido Álvarez Juan Ignacio, Zovko Željana, Zver Milan

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – Meeting of the DEVE Committee 8 April – Committee on Development

    Source: European Parliament

    The Committee on Development will meet on 8 April to discuss the following files:

    • Jointly with the Committee on Foreign Affairs : exchange of views with EU institutions and partner organisations on the crisis in South Sudan;
    • Exchange of views with the Commissioner for International Partnerships Mr Jozef Síkela, in the frame of the structured dialogue on the Commission Work Programme;
    • Exchange of views with the Commission and humanitarian partners on the humanitarian situation in Lebanon;
    • Exchange of views with the Commission on the humanitarian assistance in response to the earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand;
    • Debriefing by the Chair of the delegation and exchange of views on Nutrition for Growth follow-up with the participation of the European Commission and the Scaling Up Nutrition Movement in the frame of the Development Committee ad hoc delegation to the Nutrition for Growth Summit, Paris, 27-28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Winning the gum game

    Source: European Investment Bank

    When two entrepreneurial brothers, Khalid and Amine Bennani, started a business to export Moroccan products, they quickly realised they needed to adopt more processing steps to increase sales and profit.

    For example, rather than just selling plants and seeds like rosemary and thyme, the brothers invested in technologies to extract essential oils and active plant ingredients, and then sell the extracts globally at a higher price. They developed state-of-the-art processing facilities at their company, Santis, and created hundreds of jobs in rural areas, initially focusing on natural ingredients for the cosmetics and nutraceutical industries.

    In 2021, Santis received a loan worth about €4.7 million from CIH Bank in Morocco to expand its business, especially the production of carob, whose gum is used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and food products. The European Investment Bank signed a €60 million loan with CIH Bank in 2021 to help businesses hurt by the global health crisis.

    “We had neither the expertise nor the resources initially to carry out our plans for the carob market, but we had an idea to create more value from this product and this matched the company’s philosophy perfectly,” says Othman Bennani, Santis’s business development manager. “These EIB funds were pivotal to the success of our entire venture around the carob.”

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Four Points by Sheraton Makes its Debut in Senegal with the Opening of Four Points by Sheraton Dakar Diamniadio

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

    DIAMNIADIO, Senegal, April 3, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Four Points by Sheraton, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s (www.Marriott.com) global portfolio of over 30 brands, today announced the opening Four Points by Sheraton Dakar Diamniadio, marking the brand’s debut in Senegal. Whether travellers are visiting Dakar’s ‘smart city’ district of Diamniado for work or fun, the hotel caters to their needs with its approachable design, stylish comfort and all the brand’s popular extras.

    Located in the new Sports City complex and just 20 minutes from Blaise Diagne International Airport, Four Points by Sheraton Dakar Diamniadio provides easy access to major local landmarks, including the CICAD (Abdou Diouf International Conference Centre), the Ministerial Sphere Ousmane Tanor Dieng, the United Nations Headquarters for West Africa, and the future Diamniadio Olympic Stadium, set to host the 2026 Summer Youth Olympics.

    “The launch of Four Points by Sheraton Dakar Diamniadio marks an important milestone for Marriott International,” said Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, Vice President, Premium, Select & Midscale Brands, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, Marriott International. “Senegal’s rich heritage and Diamniadio’s economic importance make it a perfect fit for our Four Points by Sheraton brand. This new hotel will provide travellers with modern details and local experiences, while supporting the region’s growth in business, sports, and tourism.”

    The hotel features 173 stylish rooms with views of Sports City and its urban surroundings. Reflecting the brand’s signature style, Four Points by Sheraton Diamniadio offers everything that matters for today’s independent travellers, including the Four Points by Sheraton Four Comfort Bed, fast and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and an energising breakfast with fresh coffee on tap.

    For a social eating experience, guests can enjoy fresh, and delicious food throughout the day at FP Social, while Chic’ Afrique offers local and international bites in a vibrant, African-inspired setting. For a laid-back end to the day, FP Social Bar offers a relaxed atmosphere where guests can unwind and explore the Four Points’ signature Best Brews™ programme—a curated selection of local craft beers.

    Other facilities include an outdoor pool and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. With 139 square metres of flexible meeting space across four rooms, the hotel is an ideal venue for intimate meetings and social gatherings.

    “We have wholeheartedly embraced the spirit of Teranga – the essence of Senegalese hospitality -and the innovative Sports City concept in every detail of our hotel’s development. From thoughtful design and carefully chosen materials to exceptional service, we are dedicated to creating an experience where international excellence meets the warmth, generosity, and well-being that make Senegal so special,” said Mustapha Fodil, General Manager of Four Points by Sheraton Dakar Diamniadio.

    As the only hotel in the Diamniadio Sports City, Four Points by Sheraton guests have access to world-class sports facilities, including a FIFA-approved football pitch, basketball and tennis courts, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a range of gyms, and a wellness centre. For families, a children’s playground complete with a climbing wall adds an extra layer of fun. Guests also benefit from the hotel’s proximity to key government and business institutions, while Dakar’s iconic attractions—such as the African Renaissance Monument, Gorée Island, and bustling local markets—are easily accessible by highway or rail.

    For more information about Four Points by Sheraton Dakar Diamniadio, please visit www.Marriott.com.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s video message to the Club de Madrid Annual Policy Dialogue: Driving Sustainable Futures for All

    Source: United Nations – English

    strong>Download the video:
    https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+26+Mar+25/3355311_MSG+SG+CLUB+DE+MADRID+DIALOGUE+26+MAR+25.mp4

    Excellencies, Dear Friends,

    The resolve to advance a better world won’t get very far without resources. 

    And so, I applaud the Club de Madrid for focussing this policy dialogue on the crucial issue of financing for sustainable development.

    Our world groans with injustices:

    Gaping inequalities…

    Developing countries locked-out of the energy revolution… 

    And the Sustainable Development Goals woefully off track.

    These problems erode trust and foment frustration.

    And finance is at their heart. 

    Debt crises, painful repayment schedules, and soaring capital costs are enormous obstacles to investing in people.

    But last year, countries took a critical step forward. 

    They agreed to the Pact for the Future:

    This calls for reforms of the Multilateral Development Banks to make them bigger and bolder so they can facilitate greater investment and leverage far more private finance.

    It demands steps to improve access to concessional finance for developing countries.

    It urges action to assist countries drowning in debt service, and an overhaul of the debt architecture.

    And it calls for greater voice and representation of developing countries in the institutions of global governance.

    The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Sevilla in June will be a critical opportunity to turn ambitions into action.

    I urge you to help make that a reality.

    Yes, the international landscape is undeniably tough.

    But together, we can demonstrate that multilateralism can deliver.

    We can create a more just and effective financial architecture.

    And we can make sure our resolve for sustainable development is matched by resources.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Deputy President Paul Mashatile Keynote Address at the inaugural Gauteng Investment Conference

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    Deputy President Paul Mashatile Keynote Address at the inaugural Gauteng Investment Conference

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkl9TSwgc20

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: PSC briefs the Media on the release of Pulse Bulletin for Period: 01 January to 31 March 2025

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

    PSC briefs the Media on the release of Pulse Bulletin for Period: 01 January to 31 March 2025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qL6e0g6VVCQ

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 3 April 2025 Years of research are poised to dramatically alter the course of maternal mortality

    Source: World Health Organisation

    “You never forget the experience when a woman just slips away in your hands, and you know it is too late,” said Dr Hadiza Galadanci, a professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Bayero University, on the experience of a woman dying as she delivers a baby.

    Excessive bleeding is a common complication of childbirth that millions of women experience and survive. However, thousands of women are still dying due to haemorrhage every year, making up 27% of all maternal deaths. Nearly all these women are from sub-Saharan Africa, where a number of challenges persist, including a lack of access to prenatal care, skilled birth attendants and high-quality medicines in health facilities.

    Dramatic change

    However, this is primed to change. More women are surviving childbirth than ever before, in part thanks to years of research that led to a highly effective and affordable clinical protocol called the Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH) bundle. This new way of detecting and treating postpartum haemorrhage early combines the most effective interventions into a quicker, life-saving method that is being scaled up in the places that need it the most.

    “In the last year or two, we’ve seen a real difference. Even the cleaners and staff in the labour ward say the new way is a great innovation. Before, blood would flow onto the beds and floors. Now, with the drape, the blood is collected in a pouch,” said Dr Galadanci.

    This plastic pouch, or drape, is the first step in the new approach that takes the guesswork out of estimating blood loss. The drape itself is not new, but its consistent use is, and the difference has been immediately felt.

    “You cannot accurately assess blood loss by just looking. By the time we decide to intervene, many women are already in shock – thirsty, disoriented, fading away before our eyes,”​ said Dr Zahida Qureshi, principal investigator of the E-MOTIVE trial in Kenya and Professor of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Nairobi.

    Simulation exercises for training at the ACEPHAP simulation lab, 2025. © Stephen Mohammed Abu

    Scaffolding progress

    Finding affordable and effective interventions that work to detect, treat and prevent life-threatening complications in resource-poor settings takes years of iterative research, testing and refinement. Dr Quresh explained that throughout her career she took part in multiple trials that laid the groundwork for where we are today – on the brink of altering the course of maternal mortality.

    Studies like the WOMAN trial on tranexamic acid and the CHAMPION trial on oxytocic drugs, generated useful evidence that was foundational to the components of the E-MOTIVE package, or PPH bundle. Scientists and doctors at WHO, the UN’s Special Programme on Human Reproduction (HRP) and the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, built off the foundation of these trials and devised the PPH bundle to address the very specific needs of women who are most at risk of dying in childbirth.

    Once proven effective through a large-scale study, WHO convened a Guideline Development Group to rapidly formulate a WHO recommendation so that the solution would be taken to scale as fast as possible.

    Now, doctors and midwives who are implementing and scaling up the innovative approach report drastic reductions in cases of severe bleeding and deaths. Adesida Odunayo, a midwife in Ondo State, Nigeria, said the impact of the E-MOTIVE trial has ultimately helped her save lives.

    “To carry out research on your own is not easy. Without WHO, we would not know that this E-MOTIVE bundle could really reduce maternal mortality due to postpartum haemorrhage,” said Odunayo. “Somebody made the proposal and said, ‘Let’s do this together.’ That really helped us.”

    What’s next

    Now that the effectiveness is known, the next step is ensuring it is widely put to use.

    “E-MOTIVE is more than the drape; it is a full package. We need to train people to use it effectively,” said Dr Alfred Osoti, Associate Professor at the University of Nairobi. “We need to invest in what we know works. When we have scarce resources, we cannot afford to ignore proven solutions.”

    Another pressing issue is drug quality and availability. In the E-MOTIVE trial, researchers had to test brands and identify those that were effective. “Countries need systems to routinely check drug quality, not just once at registration, but on an ongoing basis,” Dr Osoti added. In the absence of such systems, facilities risk relying on poor-quality medications that fail when they are needed most.

    To address maternal mortality now that resources are scarce, it is essential to put funding into solutions that we know work. This means training health workers on the complete PPH bundle, regular monitoring on drug quality and consistent monitoring and evaluation of the intervention, which helps ensure that success in one hospital can be replicated in others.

    A woman still dies due to maternal causes every two minutes. With scalable solutions at hand the question is no longer what should be done, it is whether or not such solutions will make it to women everywhere.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Minister attends Global Disability Summit in Berlin

    Source: Scottish Government

    Highlighting Scotland’s leading role at home and abroad.

    At the Global Disability Summit in Berlin today, Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart will highlight Scotland’s commitment that by 2030 at least half of Scotland’s international development funding will include a disability equality objective.

    This will ensure that disabled people have improved access to programmes in Scotland’s partner countries Malawi and Zambia – for instance giving disabled women and girls access to quality education.

    The Equalities Minister will also take part in events focusing on disability equality and inclusion as well as meet with relevant Ministers and interest groups.

    Ms Stewart said:

    “Scotland has a growing reputation at home and abroad for the action it’s taking to reduce the barriers disabled people face. This is the first time Scotland has been invited in its own right to the Global Disability Summit and this is an excellent opportunity for us to showcase our culture of equality, particularly our focus on giving disabled people a voice in the decisions that affect them.

    “Our work with our partner countries in Malawi and Zambia will be shared at the World Bank roundtable on inclusiveness in education. We will also highlight how Scotland is ensuring that marginalised groups, including disabled people, are at the heart of international climate action.

    “However, I’m concerned that while the international picture is improving, the UK Government is going ahead with taking away disabled people’s benefits to balance the budget and plans to further reduce aid spending. We will continue to press them to reverse these damaging cuts.”

    Background

    Global Disability Summit – 2nd – 3rd April, 2025 / Berlin

    In terms of official development assistance, currently, according to the organisers, only 0.2% of OECD Development Assistance Committee projects target disability inclusion, despite the progress made by previous Summits to highlight the issue.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Guinean Artist Elie Kamano to Release New Single Exploring Africa’s Colonial Past

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CAJ News Africa will host the official presentation of Guinean musician Elie Kamano’s new single “Africa without Africans” on April 5, 2025, at the Johannesburg Arts Centre, the agency announced today.

    The English-language track will be distributed on major global streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and Audiomack, targeting both African and international audiences. According to industry analysts, the release aligns with growing market interest in content addressing historical narratives from an African perspective.

    The single explores the economic and social impacts of colonialism on the continent while highlighting the resilience of African communities. The track features a fusion of traditional Guinean rhythms with contemporary production techniques, establishing a commercial appeal while maintaining cultural authenticity.

    “This song examines our shared history while looking toward economic justice and development,” Kamano said in a statement. “I wanted to create art that not only entertains but stimulates meaningful discussion about Africa’s place in the global economic system.”

    The release coincides with the African Union’s 2025 theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” which has generated significant policy discussions across the continent.

    Kamano, whose previous releases have accumulated over 12 million streams globally, drew inspiration for the single from historical documentation in The New York Times regarding the 1944 Thiaroye massacre in Senegal, where West African soldiers were killed by colonial troops after World War II.

    “Thiaroye can become the foundation of a pan-African consciousness, uniting all African countries that lost citizens in this tragedy,” said Mamadou Diop, Senegalese historian and Director of African Studies at Columbia University, regarding the historical events that influenced the composition.

    On March 21, 2025, pan-African representatives and civil society organizations convened in Dakar to examine potential frameworks for addressing historical economic imbalances. The summit produced a detailed report outlining specific economic metrics and proposed accountability mechanisms.

    CAJ News Africa’s decision to host the single’s presentation reflects the media company’s strategic expansion into cultural content with historical and economic significance, according to industry observers. The agency has recently increased investment in multimedia platforms by 35% compared to fiscal year 2024.

    “We’re facilitating conversations that connect cultural expression with economic discourse,” said Savious Kwinika, Director of Research at CAJ Africa. “This presentation allows us to highlight how creative industries can contextualize complex historical narratives within contemporary market frameworks.”

    Financial analysts note that the global market for content exploring historical African narratives has grown 28% annually since 2023, with particularly strong performance in streaming and digital distribution channels.

    The presentation will include a panel discussion featuring economists and cultural analysts examining how artistic expression intersects with ongoing policy dialogues regarding economic development and international relations. The track will be available for purchase and streaming on all major platforms at 00:01 GMT on April 5, 2025.

    About CAJ News Africa

    CAJ News Africa is a leading pan-African media agency providing business, technology, and cultural news across the continent. Established in 2008, the agency operates bureaus in 18 African countries and maintains strategic partnerships with global media organizations.

    Contact Information

    CAJ News Africa

    Savious Kwinika, Director of Research, CAJ Africa

    E-mail: news@cajnewsafrica.com

    Website: https://www.cajnewsafrica.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Digging into soil conservation

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Issued: 2 Apr 2025

    Meet the women leading the next generation of soil stewardship from the ground up as they embark on a new graduate program led by the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

    Jessica Cook, Mali Eagle and Bec Reeves will be digging into the world of agricultural and environmental science, with a focus on preserving Queensland’s soil health, through the new Queensland Soil Science Graduate and First Nations Engagement Program.

    Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Kerrie Wilson said the program would help build Queensland’s capability in this important science sector as the trio would work with leading soil scientists and First Nations groups to develop innovative ways to enhance farming practices and protect our natural environment.

    “This is such an exciting collaboration, with these graduates’ understanding of soil helping to inform agricultural management strategies, which will positively contribute to the sustainability of our environment,” Prof Wilson said.

    “Soil is important to everyone – without soil we don’t have plants, and without plants we don’t have food or oxygen.

    “The program will accelerate the training and development of graduate scientists and rangers in both western and traditional soil science practices to address critical knowledge and capability gaps.

    “First Nations peoples were Queensland’s first scientists, and their knowledge is key to protecting our biodiversity for generations to come.

    “I look forward to seeing these women lead the way in soil science and become the next generation of soil science practitioners.”

    As part of their training, the graduates will be hosted by a regional Natural Resource Management (NRM) organisation and a Queensland Government agency over 12 months.

    The Queensland Soil Science Graduate and First Nations Engagement Program is a $1.1M initiative jointly funded by the State and Federal governments as part of the $20M National Soil Action Plan.

    Soil science ranger Bec Reeves said the opportunity to contribute to cultural conservation practices and learn more about soil processes such as soil survey techniques and digital soils mapping analyses was exciting.

    “I’m a very hands-on and practical learner and enjoy being On Country, so getting to go out and get your hands dirty certainly piqued my interest,” she said.

    “I am passionate about the environment and want to learn as much as possible while I’m in this program.

    “There are so many niches within soil science and culturally for me as a First Nations person, the connection around environmental practices and conservation practices like traditional burning is something I’m really interested in exploring.”

    An additional three graduates will be employed as part of the Queensland Soil Science Graduate and First Nations Engagement Program in 2026.

    View more information about the National Soil Action Plan program

    Media contact:                  DETSI Media Unit on (07) 3339 5831 or media@des.qld.gov.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Grand Jury Returns Indictment

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MADISON, WIS. – A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictment today. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and a person named as defendant in an indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    Madison Man Charged With Distributing Methamphetamine

    Rumont Kirkpatrick, 47, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with distributing methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that on January 9, 2024, Kirkpatrick distributed 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. 

    If convicted, Kirkpatrick faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum penalty of life in prison.

    The charge against him is the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chad Elgersma and Louis Glinzak are handling the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: African fashion brands debut at Shanghai Fashion Week

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    South African designer Jessica Jane (R) and her husband, Wandile Molebatsi, co-founders of South African fashion brand Molebatsi, display their collections at the trade exhibition MODE during Shanghai Fashion Week in east China’s Shanghai, March 25, 2025. [PhotoXinhua]

    At the ongoing 2025 Autumn/Winter Shanghai Fashion Week, 22 African fashion brands made their debut, aiming to break into the Chinese and broader Asian markets while highlighting the appeal of China’s burgeoning “debut economy.”

    Models walked the runway in Shanghai, presenting the latest collections from African designer brands, from handmade weaving to natural dyeing and environmentally friendly techniques.

    Themed “Innovascape,” the fashion extravaganza took place from March 25 to April 1, showcasing nearly 100 runway shows and about 1,000 brands in exhibitions.

    Hannah Ryder, CEO of Development Reimagined, brought 22 African designer brands from 12 countries to Shanghai Fashion Week, giving them the opportunity to connect with global buyers and retailers at the trade exhibition MODE.

    “This is the first time that African designers have come to China as a group, and I think our main message for the Chinese market is that African fashion brands are ready to enter China,” said Ryder, noting that African designer brands have immense potential in terms of creativity and sustainability and can offer something truly unique to the Chinese market.

    “Shanghai Fashion Week is one of the top fashion weeks in the world,” Ryder said, adding that this is not only an opportunity to showcase African creativity and culture but also an excellent chance to establish connections and expand business cooperation with the Chinese fashion industry, and even the rest of Asia, including Southeast Asia, Japan and the Republic of Korea.

    She noted that while African clothing is often associated with beautiful patterns and vibrant colors, African designer brands feature a much more diverse range of design languages and aesthetics.

    Ryder explained that while some of the brands have already entered the European market, they are still new to China and will use the exhibition and runway shows to introduce themselves, alongside launching select new collections on Chinese e-commerce platforms as a “test drive.”

    A Chinese-style buckle and double-breasted design, featuring cuffs inspired by Hanfu yet reimagined with African geometric patterns, is paired with fabric adorned with scenes of local South African tribes. This striking ensemble is one of the latest creations from the South African fashion brand Molebatsi.

    South African designer Jessica Jane and her husband, Wandile Molebatsi, co-founded the brand. In 2023, Jane made a special trip to central China’s Hunan Province to attend the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, followed by a visit to Beijing.

    During her 10-day trip to China, Jane saw traditional Chinese clothing, such as Hanfu and horse-faced skirts, for the first time. “China’s long history and traditional culture fascinated me,” she said. After the trip, she began brainstorming ways to combine elements of traditional Chinese clothing with traditional African clothing, ultimately bringing the new products back to China.

    “It’s an incredibly exciting opportunity because there are so many collaborations and mutually beneficial relationships between Africa and China,” said Wandile Molebatsi. “There’s a huge amount of opportunity for Africans here in China, and it’s very exciting.”

    Aristide Loua, from Cote d’Ivoire, is new to the Chinese market. Through pre-promotion activities at Shanghai Fashion Week, he received cooperation invitations and engaged in in-depth negotiations with numerous buyers. “I will formulate a plan for entering the Chinese market based on their feedback,” Loua said.

    “As we witness African designers showcasing their work at one of the world’s most influential fashion weeks, we are taking an essential step toward a more inclusive and diverse global fashion industry. Through continued collaboration, investment, and market access, African brands can carve out their space in the Chinese market — not as a niche, but as a mainstream force,” said Phuti Tsipa, Consul General of South Africa in Shanghai.

    Raphael Deray, a buyer from Printemps in Paris, went straight from the airport to the MODE exhibition to meet with designers from China, Africa, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and other places.

    “My expectations are quite high to find good designers and good products during Shanghai Fashion Week because I know China has a lot of potential. It is a big market for fashion,” Raphael Deray said.

    “As a trendsetter in the Asian fashion industry, Shanghai Fashion Week is an amplifier of innovative fashion. We will create a gateway for international brands to engage with the Chinese market through a more open and inclusive approach and foster a new fashion ecosystem that spans from Chinese design to global resonance,” said Tong Jisheng, director of the Shanghai Fashion Week organizing committee.

    Recently, the “debut economy” has emerged as a key driver of consumption in China. This concept encompasses product launches, flagship store openings, new service rollouts, and the development of innovative business models and technologies.

    Liu Min, deputy director of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, said that the “debut economy” is an important measure to expand domestic demand and boost consumption.

    Shanghai has enhanced policy support across multiple areas, including exhibition support, streamlined customs clearance, and financial incentives. These measures have further optimized the launch environment for global new products and provided stronger service guarantees for both domestic and international brands introducing new products in the city.

    “We hope more brands will establish a long-term presence in Shanghai, starting with a first launch or debut show, followed by the opening of flagship stores, and ultimately establishing headquarters here to expand globally,” she added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: African fashion brands debut at Shanghai Fashion Week, eyeing Chinese market

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    South African designer Jessica Jane (R) and her husband, Wandile Molebatsi, co-founders of South African fashion brand Molebatsi, display their collections at the trade exhibition MODE during Shanghai Fashion Week in east China’s Shanghai, March 25, 2025. [PhotoXinhua]

    At the ongoing 2025 Autumn/Winter Shanghai Fashion Week, 22 African fashion brands made their debut, aiming to break into the Chinese and broader Asian markets while highlighting the appeal of China’s burgeoning “debut economy.”

    Models walked the runway in Shanghai, presenting the latest collections from African designer brands, from handmade weaving to natural dyeing and environmentally friendly techniques.

    Themed “Innovascape,” the fashion extravaganza took place from March 25 to April 1, showcasing nearly 100 runway shows and about 1,000 brands in exhibitions.

    Hannah Ryder, CEO of Development Reimagined, brought 22 African designer brands from 12 countries to Shanghai Fashion Week, giving them the opportunity to connect with global buyers and retailers at the trade exhibition MODE.

    “This is the first time that African designers have come to China as a group, and I think our main message for the Chinese market is that African fashion brands are ready to enter China,” said Ryder, noting that African designer brands have immense potential in terms of creativity and sustainability and can offer something truly unique to the Chinese market.

    “Shanghai Fashion Week is one of the top fashion weeks in the world,” Ryder said, adding that this is not only an opportunity to showcase African creativity and culture but also an excellent chance to establish connections and expand business cooperation with the Chinese fashion industry, and even the rest of Asia, including Southeast Asia, Japan and the Republic of Korea.

    She noted that while African clothing is often associated with beautiful patterns and vibrant colors, African designer brands feature a much more diverse range of design languages and aesthetics.

    Ryder explained that while some of the brands have already entered the European market, they are still new to China and will use the exhibition and runway shows to introduce themselves, alongside launching select new collections on Chinese e-commerce platforms as a “test drive.”

    A Chinese-style buckle and double-breasted design, featuring cuffs inspired by Hanfu yet reimagined with African geometric patterns, is paired with fabric adorned with scenes of local South African tribes. This striking ensemble is one of the latest creations from the South African fashion brand Molebatsi.

    South African designer Jessica Jane and her husband, Wandile Molebatsi, co-founded the brand. In 2023, Jane made a special trip to central China’s Hunan Province to attend the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, followed by a visit to Beijing.

    During her 10-day trip to China, Jane saw traditional Chinese clothing, such as Hanfu and horse-faced skirts, for the first time. “China’s long history and traditional culture fascinated me,” she said. After the trip, she began brainstorming ways to combine elements of traditional Chinese clothing with traditional African clothing, ultimately bringing the new products back to China.

    “It’s an incredibly exciting opportunity because there are so many collaborations and mutually beneficial relationships between Africa and China,” said Wandile Molebatsi. “There’s a huge amount of opportunity for Africans here in China, and it’s very exciting.”

    Aristide Loua, from Cote d’Ivoire, is new to the Chinese market. Through pre-promotion activities at Shanghai Fashion Week, he received cooperation invitations and engaged in in-depth negotiations with numerous buyers. “I will formulate a plan for entering the Chinese market based on their feedback,” Loua said.

    “As we witness African designers showcasing their work at one of the world’s most influential fashion weeks, we are taking an essential step toward a more inclusive and diverse global fashion industry. Through continued collaboration, investment, and market access, African brands can carve out their space in the Chinese market — not as a niche, but as a mainstream force,” said Phuti Tsipa, Consul General of South Africa in Shanghai.

    Raphael Deray, a buyer from Printemps in Paris, went straight from the airport to the MODE exhibition to meet with designers from China, Africa, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and other places.

    “My expectations are quite high to find good designers and good products during Shanghai Fashion Week because I know China has a lot of potential. It is a big market for fashion,” Raphael Deray said.

    “As a trendsetter in the Asian fashion industry, Shanghai Fashion Week is an amplifier of innovative fashion. We will create a gateway for international brands to engage with the Chinese market through a more open and inclusive approach and foster a new fashion ecosystem that spans from Chinese design to global resonance,” said Tong Jisheng, director of the Shanghai Fashion Week organizing committee.

    Recently, the “debut economy” has emerged as a key driver of consumption in China. This concept encompasses product launches, flagship store openings, new service rollouts, and the development of innovative business models and technologies.

    Liu Min, deputy director of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, said that the “debut economy” is an important measure to expand domestic demand and boost consumption.

    Shanghai has enhanced policy support across multiple areas, including exhibition support, streamlined customs clearance, and financial incentives. These measures have further optimized the launch environment for global new products and provided stronger service guarantees for both domestic and international brands introducing new products in the city.

    “We hope more brands will establish a long-term presence in Shanghai, starting with a first launch or debut show, followed by the opening of flagship stores, and ultimately establishing headquarters here to expand globally,” she added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Energy – What to Expect at Angola Oil & Gas 2025

    SOURCE: Energy Capital & Power

    As Angola marks 50 years of independence, Angola Oil & Gas returns in 2025 with an expanded multi-track program, a larger exhibition space, a dedicated deal room and a pre-conference technical agenda

    LUANDA, Angola, April 2, 2025/ — With a $60 billion upstream investment pipeline, a 2025 licensing round and restructured block opportunities, Angola is positioning itself as the premier destination for upstream investors. Meanwhile, new downstream projects are opening up financing opportunities for technology and capital providers. Against this backdrop, the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) conference and exhibition returns for its sixth edition from September 3-4 in Luanda, bringing together industry leaders to explore investment opportunities, forge collaborations and drive Angola’s oil and gas sector forward. Here is what to expect from this year’s edition:

    Celebrating 50 Years of Angola

    Taking place on the eve of Angola’s 50th anniversary of independence, AOG 2025 will celebrate five decades of growth in the country’s oil and gas sector. By reflecting on past successes, challenges and lessons learned, the event will not only highlight Angola’s profitability and potential, but also lay the groundwork for future investment and development.

    Multi-Track Agenda

    AOG 2025 offers a dynamic multi-track agenda designed to cater to all segments of the oil and gas value chain. Topics range from upstream exploration and production, to downstream refinery and petrochemical advancements, to regulatory and policy frameworks, and more. Keynote presentations and panel discussions will also provide insights into Angola’s latest licensing round and emerging opportunities in the oil and gas sector.

    Pre-Conference Program

    Leading up to the main event, AOG 2025 introduces an expanded pre-conference program, including specialized technical workshops and training sessions led by global energy experts. Designed for engineers, geologists, project managers and energy financiers, these sessions will explore cutting-edge advancements in drilling technologies, reservoir management, digital transformation and sustainable energy practices. To take part in the pre-conference program, contact sales@energycapitalpower.com

    Dedicated Deal Room

    A centerpiece of AOG 2025 is the exclusive Deal Room, designed as a high-impact ‘Dragon’s Den’-style platform where companies, service providers, SMEs and technology firms can showcase their solutions to investors, project developers and government representatives. This setup fosters direct engagement, driving collaboration and deal-making.

    Expanded Exhibition

    AOG 2025 will feature an expanded exhibition space, spotlighting the latest technologies, services and innovations shaping the oil and gas industry. Exhibitors will gain access to unparalleled brand exposure, senior decision-makers, high-value networking and targeted lead generation. The exhibition serves as a vital platform for companies looking to increase visibility and forge new business relationships.

    Networking Prospects

    As Angola’s largest oil and gas industry event, AOG 2025 welcomes the participation of over 2,500 attendees from 40 countries and 450 organizations. The event unites the entire oil and gas value chain, connecting upstream exploration and production to downstream infrastructure and services to finance, policy and technology. Delegates will have the unique opportunity to strengthen cross-sector collaboration and grow their brand in one of Africa’s most exciting oil and gas markets.

    Secure Your Place at AOG 2025

    Don’t miss the chance to engage with one of Africa’s largest oil and gas markets. Join the AOG 2025 conference today and be a part of the discussion on turning Angola’s oil and gas industry into a fuel for long-term, sustainable economic development. AOG 2025 offers a range of participating opportunities, including sponsorships, exhibition, speaking slots and delegation prospects. Visit www.AngolaOilandGas.com for more information.

    AOG is the largest oil and gas event in Angola. Taking place with the full support of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency; the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute; national oil company Sonangol; and the African Energy Chamber; the event is a platform to sign deals and advance Angola’s oil and gas industry. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Malawi

    Source:

    We’ve reviewed our advice and continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution in Malawi. Demonstrations and protests can be unpredictable and may turn violent quickly. Avoid protests and demonstrations. During periods of unrest, monitor local media for updates, avoid affected areas and follow the advice of local authorities (see ‘Safety’). You don’t need to apply for a visa if you’re visiting Malawi for tourism purposes for up to 90 days (see ‘Travel’ for details).

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, Tanzania honor Chinese martyrs in construction of TAZARA railway

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

    DAR ES SALAAM, April 2 — China and Tanzania held a wreath-laying ceremony on Wednesday at the Gongo la Mboto cemetery on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam, honoring 70 Chinese experts who sacrificed their lives while constructing the Tanzania-Zambia Railway in the 1970s.

    The commemoration coincided with the Qingming Festival, a traditional Chinese occasion for paying tribute to the deceased and remembering ancestors. Representatives from the Chinese Embassy in Tanzania, the Tanzanian government, various sectors of society, and the Chinese community attended the event.

    Under a drizzling sky, the participants in dark suits solemnly reflected on the sacrifices by the Chinese experts and their lasting contributions to the economic and social development of Tanzania and Zambia.

    “The governments of Tanzania and Zambia will forever remember the utmost sacrifice that the Chinese people gave during the construction of this railway line,” said Tanzanian Deputy Minister for Transport David Kihenzile, noting that the project was fraught with challenges and dangers, requiring heroism and ingenuity from both Chinese and local Tanzanian and Zambian workers.

    Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) Managing Director Bruno Ching’andu lauded the dedication of the Chinese experts, saying that their commitment made the railway’s construction possible. “Their spirit endures in every train that runs. Their spirit endures in every ton of cargo moved,” said Ching’andu.

    Charge d’Affaires a.i. of the Chinese embassy in Tanzania Wang Yong described the fallen experts as heroes whose legacy continues to symbolize China-Tanzania and China-Africa friendship. They will live forever in the hearts of the Chinese and Tanzanian people, just as the TAZARA railway stands as a testament to their efforts, he said.

    Wang emphasized that the TAZARA spirit embodies the essence of China-Africa relation and the common aspiration of the Chinese and African people, serving as a driving force for deepening China-Africa cooperation.

    The TAZARA railway, known as the “Uhuru Railway” or “Independent Railway,” was constructed as a turnkey project between 1970 and 1975 through an interest-free loan from China. Commercial operations started in July 1976, covering 1,860 km from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania to New Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Declares National Emergency to Increase our Competitive Edge, Protect our Sovereignty, and Strengthen our National and Economic Security

    Source: The White House

    PURSUING RECIPROCITY TO REBUILD THE ECONOMY AND RESTORE NATIONAL AND ECONOMIC SECURITY: Today, President Donald J. Trump declared that foreign trade and economic practices have created a national emergency, and his order imposes responsive tariffs to strengthen the international economic position of the United States and protect American workers.

    • Large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits have led to the hollowing out of our manufacturing base; resulted in a lack of incentive to increase advanced domestic manufacturing capacity; undermined critical supply chains; and rendered our defense-industrial base dependent on foreign adversaries.
    • President Trump is invoking his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA) to address the national emergency posed by the large and persistent trade deficit that is driven by the absence of reciprocity in our trade relationships and other harmful policies like currency manipulation and exorbitant value-added taxes (VAT) perpetuated by other countries.
    • Using his IEEPA authority, President Trump will impose a 10% tariff on all countries.
      • This will take effect April 5, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. EDT.
    • President Trump will impose an individualized reciprocal higher tariff on the countries with which the United States has the largest trade deficits. All other countries will continue to be subject to the original 10% tariff baseline.
      • This will take effect April 9, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. EDT.
    • These tariffs will remain in effect until such a time as President Trump determines that the threat posed by the trade deficit and underlying nonreciprocal treatment is satisfied, resolved, or mitigated.
    • Today’s IEEPA Order also contains modification authority, allowing President Trump to increase the tariff if trading partners retaliate or decrease the tariffs if trading partners take significant steps to remedy non-reciprocal trade arrangements and align with the United States on economic and national security matters.
    • Some goods will not be subject to the Reciprocal Tariff. These include: (1) articles subject to 50 USC 1702(b); (2) steel/aluminum articles and autos/auto parts already subject to Section 232 tariffs; (3) copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and lumber articles; (4) all articles that may become subject to future Section 232 tariffs; (5) bullion; and (6) energy and other certain minerals that are not available in the United States.
    • For Canada and Mexico, the existing fentanyl/migration IEEPA orders remain in effect, and are unaffected by this order. This means USMCA compliant goods will continue to see a 0% tariff, non-USMCA compliant goods will see a 25% tariff, and non-USMCA compliant energy and potash will see a 10% tariff. In the event the existing fentanyl/migration IEEPA orders are terminated, USMCA compliant goods would continue to receive preferential treatment, while non-USMCA compliant goods would be subject to a 12% reciprocal tariff.

     
    TAKING BACK OUR ECONOMIC SOVEREIGNTY: President Trump refuses to let the United States be taken advantage of and believes that tariffs are necessary to ensure fair trade, protect American workers, and reduce the trade deficit—this is an emergency.

    • He is the first President in modern history to stand strong for hardworking Americans by asking other countries to follow the golden rule on trade: Treat us like we treat you.
    • Pernicious economic policies and practices of our trading partners undermine our ability to produce essential goods for the public and the military, threatening national security.
    • U.S. companies, according to internal estimates, pay over $200 billion per year in value-added taxes (VAT) to foreign governments—a “double-whammy” on U.S. companies who pay the tax at the European border, while European companies don’t pay tax to the United States on the income from their exports to the U.S.
    • The annual cost to the U.S. economy of counterfeit goods, pirated software, and theft of trade secrets is between $225 billion and $600 billion. Counterfeit products not only pose a significant risk to U.S. competitiveness, but also threaten the security, health, and safety of Americans, with the global trade in counterfeit pharmaceuticals estimated at $4.4 billion and linked to the distribution of deadly fentanyl-laced drugs.
      • This imbalance has fueled a large and persistent trade deficit in both industrial and agricultural goods, led to offshoring of our manufacturing base, empowered non-market economies like China, and hurt America’s middle class and small towns. 
      • President Biden squandered the agricultural trade surplus inherited from President Trump’s first term, turning it into a projected all-time high deficit of $49 billion.
    • The current global trading order allows those using unfair trade practices to get ahead, while those playing by the rules get left behind.
    • In 2024, our trade deficit in goods exceeded $1.2 trillion—an unsustainable crisis ignored by prior leadership.
    • “Made in America” is not just a tagline—it’s an economic and national security priority of this Administration. The President’s reciprocal trade agenda means better-paying American jobs making beautiful American-made cars, appliances, and other goods.
    • These tariffs seek to address the injustices of global trade, re-shore manufacturing, and drive economic growth for the American people.
    • Reciprocal trade is America First trade because it increases our competitive edge, protects our sovereignty, and strengthens our national and economic security.
    • These tariffs adjust for the unfairness of ongoing international trade practices, balance our chronic goods trade deficit, provide an incentive for re-shoring production to the United States, and provide our foreign trading partners with an opportunity to rebalance their trade relationships with the United States.

     
    REPRIORITIZING U.S. MANUFACTURING: President Trump recognizes that increasing domestic manufacturing is critical to U.S. national security.

    • In 2023, U.S. manufacturing output as a share of global manufacturing output was 17.4%, down from 28.4% in 2001.
    • The decline in manufacturing output has reduced U.S. manufacturing capacity.
      • The need to maintain a resilient domestic manufacturing capacity is particularly acute in advanced sectors like autos, shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals, transport equipment, technology products, machine tools, and basic and fabricated metals, where loss of capacity could permanently weaken U.S. competitiveness.
    • U.S. stockpiles of military goods are too low to be compatible with U.S. national defense interests.
      • If the U.S. wishes to maintain an effective security umbrella to defend its citizens and homeland, as well as allies and partners, it needs to have a large upstream manufacturing and goods-producing ecosystem.
      • This includes developing new manufacturing technologies in critical sectors like bio-manufacturing, batteries, and microelectronics to support defense needs.
    • Increased reliance on foreign producers for goods has left the U.S. supply chain vulnerable to geopolitical disruption and supply shocks.
      • This vulnerability was exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and later with Houthi attacks on Middle East shipping.
    • From 1997 to 2024, the U.S. lost around 5 million manufacturing jobs and experienced one of the largest drops in manufacturing employment in history.

     
    ADDRESSING TRADE IMBALANCES: President Trump is working to level the playing field for American businesses and workers by confronting the unfair tariff disparities and non-tariff barriers imposed by other countries.

    • For generations, countries have taken advantage of the United States, tariffing us at higher rates. For example:
      • The United States imposes a 2.5% tariff on passenger vehicle imports (with internal combustion engines), while the European Union (10%) and India (70%) impose much higher duties on the same product. 
      • For networking switches and routers, the United States imposes a 0% tariff, but India (10-20%) levies higher rates.
      • Brazil (18%) and Indonesia (30%) impose a higher tariff on ethanol than does the United States (2.5%). 
      • For rice in the husk, the U.S. imposes a tariff of 2.7%, while India (80%), Malaysia (40%), and Turkey (31%) impose higher rates. 
      • Apples enter the United States duty-free, but not so in Turkey (60.3%) and India (50%).
    • The United States has one of the lowest simple average most-favored-nation (MFN) tariff rates in the world at 3.3%, while many of our key trading partners like Brazil (11.2%), China (7.5%), the European Union (5%), India (17%), and Vietnam (9.4%) have simple average MFN tariff rates that are significantly higher.
    • Similarly, non-tariff barriers—meant to limit the quantity of imports/exports and protect domestic industries—also deprive U.S. manufacturers of reciprocal access to markets around the world. For example:
      • China’s non-market policies and practices have given China global dominance in key manufacturing industries, decimating U.S. industry. Between 2001 and 2018, these practices contributed to the loss of 3.7 million U.S. jobs due to the growth of the U.S.-China trade deficit, displacing workers and undermining American competitiveness while threatening U.S. economic and national security by increasing our reliance on foreign-controlled supply chains for critical industries as well as everyday goods.
      • India imposes their own uniquely burdensome and/or duplicative testing and certification requirements in sectors such as chemicals, telecom products, and medical devices that make it difficult or costly for American companies to sell their products in India. If these barriers were removed, it is estimated that U.S. exports would increase by at least $5.3 billion annually.
      • Countries including China, Germany, Japan, and South Korea have pursued policies that suppress the domestic consumption power of their own citizens to artificially boost the competitiveness of their export products. Such policies include regressive tax systems, low or unenforced penalties for environmental degradation, and policies intended to suppress worker wages relative to productivity.
      • Certain countries, like Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, and Vietnam, restrict or prohibit the importation of remanufactured goods, restricting market access for U.S. exporters while also stifling efforts to promote sustainability by discouraging trade in like-new and resource-efficient products. If these barriers were removed, it is estimated that U.S. exports would increase by at least $18 billion annually.
      • The UK maintains non-science-based standards that severely restrict U.S. exports of safe, high-quality beef and poultry products.
      • Indonesia maintains local content requirements across a broad range of sectors, complex import licensing regimes, and, starting this year, will require natural resource firms to onshore all export revenue for transactions worth $250,000 or more.
      • Argentina has banned imports of U.S. live cattle since 2002 due to unsubstantiated concerns regarding bovine spongiform encephalopathy.  The United States has a $223 million trade deficit with Argentina in beef and beef products.
      • For decades, South Africa has imposed animal health restrictions that are not scientifically justified on U.S. pork products, permitting a very limited list of U.S. pork exports to enter South Africa. South Africa also heavily restricts U.S. poultry exports through high tariffs, anti-dumping duties, and unjustified animal health restrictions. These barriers have contributed to a 78% decline in U.S. poultry exports to South Africa, from $89 million in 2019 to $19 million 2024.
      • U.S. automakers face a variety of non-tariff barriers that impede access to the Japanese and Korean automotive markets, including non-acceptance of certain U.S. standards, duplicative testing and certification requirements, and transparency issues. Due to these non-reciprocal practices, the U.S. automotive industry loses out on an additional $13.5 billion in annual exports to Japan and access to a larger import market share in Korea—all while the U.S. trade deficit with Korea more than tripled from 2019 to 2024.
    • Monetary tariffs and non-monetary tariffs are two distinct types of trade barriers that governments use to regulate imports and exports. President Trump is countering both through reciprocal tariffs to protect American workers and industries from these unfair practices.

     
    THE GOLDEN RULE FOR OUR GOLDEN AGE: Today’s action simply asks other countries to treat us like we treat them. It’s the Golden Rule for Our Golden Age.

    • Access to the American market is a privilege, not a right.
    • The United States will no longer put itself last on matters of international trade in exchange for empty promises.
    • Reciprocal tariffs are a big part of why Americans voted for President Trump—it was a cornerstone of his campaign from the start.
      • Everyone knew he’d push for them once he got back in office; it’s exactly what he promised, and it’s a key reason he won the election.
    • These tariffs are central to President Trump’s plan to reverse the economic damage left by President Biden and put America on a path to a new golden age.
      • This builds on his broader economic agenda of energy competitiveness, tax cuts, no tax on tips, no tax on Social Security benefits, and deregulation to boost American prosperity.

     
    TARIFFS WORK: Studies have repeatedly shown that tariffs can be an effective tool for reducing or eliminating threats that impair U.S. national security and achieving economic and strategic objectives.

    • A 2024 study on the effects of President Trump’s tariffs in his first term found that they “strengthened the U.S. economy” and “led to significant reshoring” in industries like manufacturing and steel production.
    • A 2023 report by the U.S. International Trade Commission that analyzed the effects of Section 232 and 301 tariffs on more than $300 billion of U.S. imports found that the tariffs reduced imports from China and effectively stimulated more U.S. production of the tariffed goods, with very minor effects on prices.
    • According to the Economic Policy Institute, the tariffs implemented by President Trump during his first term “clearly show[ed] no correlation with inflation” and only had a temporary effect on overall price levels.
    • An analysis from the Atlantic Council found that “tariffs would create new incentives for US consumers to buy US-made products.”
    • Former Biden Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen affirmed last year that tariffs do not raise prices: “I don’t believe that American consumers will see any meaningful increase in the prices that they face.”
    • A 2024 economic analysis found that a global tariff of 10% would grow the economy by $728 billion, create 2.8 million jobs, and increase real household incomes by 5.7%.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Amid Record High Killing of Humanitarian Workers, Speakers Implore Security Council to Ensure Accountability for Attacks on Personnel in Conflict Zones

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    What is the Council going to do to ensure accountability for the killing of aid workers and to prevent more such deaths, a senior United Nations humanitarian official asked the 15-member body today, as she detailed the unprecedented attacks that such workers face in conflict zones around the world.

    Joyce Msuya, Assistant-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, noting the record number of humanitarian workers killed in 2024 — 377 across 20 countries — said many more were injured, kidnapped, and arbitrarily detained.  “Being shot at should not be part of the job,” she emphasized. 

    In Sudan, at least 84 humanitarian workers, all Sudanese nationals, have been killed since the current conflict began in 2023.  Three days ago, the bodies of 15 emergency aid workers were recovered from a mass grave in Rafah — killed several days earlier by Israeli forces while trying to save lives.  “Gaza is the most dangerous place for humanitarians ever”, she said — a statement echoed several times in the ensuing discussion.  More than 408 aid workers were killed there, since 7 October 2023.  

    There is no shortage of robust international legal frameworks to tackle this, she added — “what is lacking is the political will to comply.”   Almost 95 per cent of those killed are local aid workers; but the killing of a local aid worker receives 500 times less media coverage than that of an international staff member.  She also highlighted the challenge posed by disinformation and misinformation campaigns targeting aid organizations. 

    Respect for International Law Is Critical 

    Highlighting three asks, she called on the Council to ensure respect for international law and protect humanitarian workers.  Secondly, “speak out”, she said, adding that “silence, inconsistency and selective outrage is emboldening perpetrators”.  Finally, accountability is crucial, she stressed, adding that the Council must ask concerned Governments to pursue justice, and when national jurisdictions fail it must use international mechanisms.

    Gilles Michaud, Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security, recalled that he had previously urged the Council to “translate words of support for the protection of humanitarian and United Nations personnel into meaningful action”.  At the time, he also called on Member States to join the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel.  “Since that briefing, I regret to inform you that progress has been elusive,” he said.

    In Gaza, the breakdown of the ceasefire has been “particularly brutal”, he emphasized, noting, among others, the direct attack on a clearly identified UN building on 19 March.  On 23 March, a worker of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and other humanitarian staff were killed while providing life-saving assistance — “their bodies left for days before they could be retrieved”, he noted. 

    “Impunity for attacks on humanitarian personnel have become the ‘new normal’,” he said.  Such attacks are perpetrated by non-State actors and Governments alike and, while the motives vary, he stressed:  “But, above all, they do it because they can get away with it.” 

    Closure of Vital Services Due to ‘Criminalization of Aid’ 

    “Through the eyes of a humanitarian, the world is a volatile place,” Nic Lee, Executive Director of the International NGO Safety Organisation told the Council.  On average, at least one aid worker is abducted, injured or killed every day.  Nationally and locally recruited personnel are particularly vulnerable and the international response to their death is lacking.  Violence at the hands of non-State armed groups continues to remain prevalent, with the most common incidents occurring in West and Central Africa. Further, the “criminalization of aid” amid an “explosive growth” in NGO restrictions has led to the closure of vital services for populations in dire need, he said.

    The Council must do more to facilitate diplomatic engagement on humanitarian issues, protect the humanitarian space and “challenge the worrying trend of criminalization of aid”, he said. “The fact is that violence against aid workers is more commonly linked to their identity as civilians than as aid workers,” he added.  The Council must address the double standards of Member States who continue to support those responsible for civilian and aid worker deaths alike. 

    Patterns of Violence Extend Across Multiple Conflict Zones

    When the floor opened, Council members reaffirmed that it is unacceptable to target humanitarian workers and highlighted the frontlines where they are in danger.  The representative of Slovenia recalled the words of the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), who addressed the Council in September 2024:  “One conflict informs the other, boundaries are pushed into the zone of the acceptable, and more human suffering follows.” 

    “The pattern of violence against humanitarian workers extends across multiple conflict zones,” Somalia’s delegate said, noting that in Sudan, over 100 aid workers have been killed since April 2023, while Ukraine has lost 23 brave souls, and in Gaza, 399 humanitarian personnel, including 289 UN staff members, paid the ultimate price.  Eight of the aid workers whose bodies were discovered in a mass grave in Rafah recently, he noted, were Red Crescent medics still wearing their protective gear.  This is a “stark violation of every principle we hold sacred”, he said. 

    In Gaza UN Workers Systematically Suppressed, Aid Workers Attacked

    Algeria’s delegate noted that the bodies were buried near destroyed ambulances — they were assassinated by Israeli occupying forces while attempting to save lives.  They deserve justice, he said, stressing that attacks directed at humanitarian personnel, their premises and assets are considered war crimes under international law.  The fact that these basic principles do not seem to apply to the Israeli occupying Power calls into question the relevance of international humanitarian law and the Security Council itself, he said.  Also stressing the need for accountability, China’s delegate stressed the role of UNRWA in Gaza, noting that it has been systematically suppressed and its humanitarian workers attacked. 

    The representative of the United Kingdom noted the one-year anniversary of the attack on a World Central Kitchen convoy in Gaza, which killed seven aid workers, including three British citizens, and called for the conclusion of the Military Advocate General’s consideration of the incident, including determining whether criminal proceedings should be initiated. 

    In Gaza, the representative of the United States said, “Hamas has cynically misused civilian infrastructure to shield themselves” causing “civilians to be caught in the crossfire”.  He expressed concern about the surge in civilian deaths in Sudan, the constraints faced by humanitarians in South Sudan and the devastating effects of the Russian Federation’s war on Ukraine on civilians and civilian infrastructure. Further, “we condemn the Houthis’ sham so-called judicial proceedings against detainees,” he said, expressing concern about the humanitarian and diplomatic personnel detained by the Houthis. 

    In eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone’s delegate said, civilians are caught in the crossfire of armed group activity, while in Haiti, violence from armed gangs has engulfed urban centers, displaced thousands and left civilians at the mercy of lawlessness.  In Ukraine, the Russian Federation uses “cruel double-tap strikes” to target first responders, Denmark’s delegate pointed out.

    The Republic of Korea’s delegate noted that in Sudan, warring parties spread false narratives accusing the Sudan Emergency Response Room of collaborating with their enemies, thereby justifying the denial of humanitarian access and leaving millions in urgent need.  He called upon all States to consider sanctioning those responsible for disseminating unverified and libelous content.  Last year – the deadliest on record for humanitarian workers – also saw the adoption of Council resolution 2730 (2024), he recalled.

    Calls for Stronger Action to Implement Council Resolution 2730 (2024)

    The representative of Switzerland, who presented that text to the Council during the country’s tenure as a non-permanent member, stressed the importance of implementing it and guaranteeing unimpeded humanitarian access.  Several speakers reaffirmed support for that text, including the representative of Greece.  France’s delegate, Council President for April, speaking in his national capacity, echoed the call for justice and said that each time violations occur, the Council has to “speak out, it must react”.  Panama’s delegate said the text “set us on the right track, and it remains fully relevant.” 

    Pakistan’s delegate urged the creation of a “global implementation dashboard” for that resolution — it should provide real-time public tracking of violations, investigations and their outcomes “for everyone to see and follow”. The escalating attacks on humanitarian personnel are not just isolated incidents — “they reflect a growing disregard for international norms,” he said, adding that it is unacceptable that those who work to provide “dignity amidst displacement” are met “not with gratitude, but with gunfire”. 

    Guyana’s delegate expressed support for the Secretary-General’s recommendation for the Council to systematically request the concerned State authorities to conduct prompt, independent and effective investigations into incidents and to report to the Council about the outcomes of these investigations, including on measures to prevent reoccurrence.  The Council must also consider referrals to the International Criminal Court or other international tribunals where State authorities prove unable or unwilling to act, she said.

    “What new instruments can we talk about if the Security Council or the General Assembly of the United Nations are unable to enforce previous ones which remain fully relevant?” asked the Russian Federation’s delegate.  Current international obligations are more than sufficient, he said, calling for more scrupulous compliance.  His delegation abstained from voting on Council resolution 2730 (2024) because it contained some language “which is not fully accurate” and may result in distorted interpretation, he said.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Behind the Scenes of a Cancer Control ImPACT Review Mission

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    Lorna Awo Renner (left) is seen discussing paediatric care as part of the imPACT Review team at work at Primary Health Care Centre Primerio Maio.

    “The rising numbers of cancer cases in Mozambique is of great concern,” said Mozambique’s Minister of Health, Armino Tiago, speaking of his decision to invite the IAEA, World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, to carry out an imPACT review in the country in 2024. “The government is taking action to expand access to diagnosis and treatment,” he added.

    Mozambique, in common with many low- income countries (LICs) around the world, is facing a growing cancer challenge. Cancer is now the second leading cause of death globally, and many health systems in LICs are least prepared to manage this burden.

    How do ImPACT Reviews Help Countries with Cancer Control?

    Each year, the IAEA, together with its partners the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), conducts around ten ImPACT Reviews, designed to support countries in their efforts to improve comprehensive cancer control.

    ImPACT Reviews assess a country’s cancer control capacities and needs in order to  prioritize interventions and help governments effectively respond to their country’s cancer burden. This response could involve creating a national cancer control plan, producing feasibility documents – often called ‘bankable documents’- that justify the funding of cancer care facilities to donors, or deciding to join WHO cancer initiatives, such as those on cervical, breast and childhood cancer.

    “Controlling cancer in Mozambique is a significant challenge, compounded by limitations in infrastructure, human resources, and access to adequate diagnostics and treatments,” said Tiago, Mozambique’s Minister of Health.

    “The imPACT Review represents a valuable opportunity to identify critical gaps and outline concrete strategies to strengthen our capacity to address cancer. We are confident that this collaboration will provide essential guidance to improve cancer care in our country,” the Minister of Health added.

    What Goes On Behind the Scenes of an ImPACT Review?

    Experts participating in the Mozambique mission came from countries in Africa, Europe, North and South America, bringing expertise from fields ranging from palliative care, pathology and public health to oncology and epidemiology. Many were also native speakers of Portuguese, which is widely spoken in Mozambique.

    As in other imPACT Reviews, the Mozambique mission experts were nominated by the IAEA, IARC and WHO. IARC recommended experts in cancer registry, an information system that collects, manages and analyses data on people diagnosed with cancer. The IAEA nominated experts in radiation medicine, diagnostic imaging and radiation safety and the WHO nominated experts on all other aspects of cancer control.

    The experts met online several times in the run-up to the mission to discuss their findings.

    Three months before setting foot in Mozambique, the imPACT Review international experts started meeting online to assess the needs of the country. The experts researched the latest available evidence on public health policies and cancer control, provided by IARC, WHO and IAEA, including experts from the IAEA human health programme. They also gathered reports and data from UN staff,  professionals from Mozambique’s Ministry of Health and other national cancer stakeholders to gain a good understanding of the country’s cancer-related infrastructure and capacity. Professionals and stakeholders in cancer control in Mozambique completed questionnaires to help the imPACT Review experts identify needs, challenges and opportunities. A preliminary report was produced ahead of the in-country mission to determine its scope.

    Arsen Juric, Mozambique imPACT Review Coordinator said: “These preparatory meetings are part of a strategic process. They help the experts make evidence-based recommendations that aim to strengthen and embed cancer control in Mozambique’s national health system, better serving patient needs across the country.”

    The imPACT review is designed to give a broad overview of cancer care in the host country, determining the gaps and needs which are most urgent, to inform decision makers when formulating health policy regarding cancer.

    What is Cancer Control?

    Prevention includes factors such as diet, smoking cessation and vaccinations against infectious disease. It is estimated it is currently possible to prevent 40 per cent of all cancers.

    Detection includes screening and early diagnosis. Early detection means many cancers have a high potential for cure.

    Treatment aims to cure disease, prolong life, and improve the quality of remaining life

    Palliative care involves addressing the needs of patients and their families from the time of cancer diagnosis to improve quality of life and the ability to cope effectively. 

    On the Ground in Mozambique

    At the beginning of May, the imPACT Review team experts arrived in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, to visit hospitals and public health centres. They met cancer care experts, policy and decision makers and technical staff from Mozambique’s Ministry of Health, and the staff of the WHO country office, as well as representatives of civil society organizations

    In addition to experts from IARC and WHO, the mission also included an expert from MD Anderson Cancer Center, an IAEA nuclear safety expert, an IAEA cancer control expert and the IAEA’s National Liaison Officer for Mozambique.

    ImPACT reviews look at every aspect of cancer control, including how data on cancer is managed, and financing, as well as prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment and palliative care. During the review, the experts visited hospitals, primary health care facilities, and met with civil society, patient and cancer advocacy groups in Mozambique to obtain as much data as possible on the cancer control situation in the country.

    The imPACT Review team visited Primeiro Maio to find out more about the country’s national cervical cancer screening programme

    Prioritizing Women and Children’s Cancers

    While imPACT Reviews look at all aspects of cancer control, the Mozambique review gave the team to focus on WHO cancer initiatives, such as those on cervical, breast and childhood cancer.

    Severin von Xylander from Mozambique’s WHO Country Office said the WHO was also working with the National Cancer Control Programme in Mozambique to prioritize the prevention and early detection of cancers affecting women and children, in line with global cancer control initiatives.

    At the Primeiro Maio healthcare centre, the  imPACT Review team learned more about the scope of services in primary care, such as prevention and early detection, particularly in terms of cancers that affect women and children.

    Speaking of positive outcomes, Celina Mate, of the Mozambique Ministry of Health, said that interactions with the imPACT review team during the in-country mission had helped realize that their cervical cancer screening coverage was more comprehensive than they had previously thought.

    “In addition to this aspect, we were able to look at our needs and the need to advocate for financial support to increase screening capacity using a high-standard test such as the HPV DNA test,” said Mate.

    Paintings by children at Maputo Central Hospital.

    Lorna Awo Renner, an international expert in paediatric oncology from Ghana taking part in the imPACT Review, used her time in Mozambique to observe and make recommendations on how the country is  addressing childhood cancer.

    “Over 80 per cent of childhood cancers are curable, but at a global level we are at about 30 per cent, you take the low- and middle- income countries, they have even lower rates,” she says.

    The WHO’s Global Initiative for Childhood Cancers, aims to improve long term cure outcomes for childhood cancer globally to over 60 per cent by 2030. Renner said she hoped  Mozambique would also join the initiative.

    At the end of the mission, a report was produced for the Mozambican government, which will support the next national cancer plan to address the growing cancer situation in the country.

    The IAEA’s Support to Mozambique

    The imPACT Review team are shown imaging equipment by Narciso Sitoe,a radiation oncologist trained under the IAEA technical cooperation programme.

    The IAEA has supported Mozambique in providing cancer care at Maputo Central Hospital for over a decade. A Brazilian team of consultants carried out the training and implementation of radiotherapy at Maputo Central Hospital with the support of the IAEA’s technical cooperation programme. Since 2009,14 specialists at Maputo Central Hospital have been trained in radiation oncology and medical physics through the IAEA’s technical cooperation programme, with the aim of strengthening radiotherapy services.

    Rays of Hope: Cancer Care for All

    While around half of all cancer patients can benefit from some form of radiotherapy, countries such as Mozambique have only limited access to this technology. As just one radiotherapy unit in the capital city of Maputo is available for a population of over 30 million people, many cancer patients in Mozambique are unable to access this life-saving treatment.

    Establishing new radiotherapy facilities is a complex project, requiring new infrastructure and equipment (or better use of existing infrastructure and equipment) as well as training to ensure professionals are available to work in the new facilities, and that radiation safety protocols are followed.

     In 2023 Mozambique joined the IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative, which aims to help bridge the gap in cancer care around the world by expanding access to radiotherapy.

    “Through Rays of Hope the IAEA will continue to support the expansion of radiation medicine capacities in Mozambique, in diagnosis as well as treatment, including through support for the development and training of the national cancer care workforce,” said Hua Liu, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Technical Cooperation.

    ImPACT Reviews are a vital step in helping countries to improve national radiotherapy services, along with cancer control in general, as they allow international teams of cancer control experts to support national counterparts with cancer control planning and investments.

    READ MORE: Mozambique is Prioritizing Cancers Affecting Women and Children

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Appian completes sale of MVV to Baiyin Nonferrous for US$420 million

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Appian Capital Advisory LLP (“Appian”), the investment advisor to long-term value-focused private capital funds that invest in companies in metals, mining, and adjacent industries, is pleased to announce the completion of the sale of Mineração Vale Verde (“MVV”) to Baiyin Nonferrous Group Co., Ltd (“Baiyin Nonferrous”) for an all-cash offer of US$420 million.

    Highlights

    • Funds advised by Appian have completed an all-cash transaction for the 100% sale of MVV to Baiyin Nonferrous for US$420 million
    • Appian has executed its investment thesis and realized significant value for its investors by bringing MVV into production and delivering an attractive mid-scale copper-gold open pit mining operation from greenfield
    • Acquired in 2018 with ten employees, MVV began production in May 2021, just three years after its initial investment
    • MVV’s stable operations and strong financial performance have been achieved alongside a leading safety track record with zero Lost Time Incidents (“LTI”) in the last three years, with over 1050 people now working on-site
    • MVV will continue to deliver copper over multiple decades with its efficient operations that position the mine in the middle of the industry cost curve
    • Appian’s funds remain well positioned with positive exposure to key trends, including the energy transition

    The transaction marks Appian’s 13th successful exit and demonstrates the effectiveness of Appian’s operating model in identifying, acquiring, and optimizing undervalued mining projects using technical arbitrage to create significant value for its investors. This approach is underpinned by Appian’s leading cross-disciplinary team, which includes geologists, engineers, metallurgists, and finance professionals focused on creating value across all aspects of Appian’s portfolio.

    Michael W. Scherb, Founder and CEO of Appian, commented: “This transaction further validates Appian’s ability to identify great overlooked assets and use our in-house technical expertise to realize their potential and optimize their value for our investors. It underlines the strategic positioning of Appian’s portfolio to support the growing demand for a reliable supply of high-quality critical minerals.”

    Transaction details

    The completed transaction encompasses 100% of the equity in MVV owned by the Appian funds. The headline purchase price of US$420 million is on a cash-free, debt-free basis.

    Appian is committed to ensuring MVV’s continued success under new ownership and, following the completion, is now providing operational support to Baiyin Nonferrous to assist with the transition and full takeover of the asset.

    As part of the Transaction, Baiyin Nonferrous demonstrated its commitment to safety and maintaining MVV’s leading ESG practices, which Appian has implemented in alignment with globally recognized best practices.

    Standard Chartered and Citigroup acted as the financial advisors, and Norton Rose Fulbright was the legal advisor to Appian on this Transaction.

    MVV acquisition and optimization

    The Appian funds acquired MVV, owner of the Serrote greenfield open-pit copper-gold asset located in Alagoas, Brazil, from Aura Minerals in 2018 with ten employees. Appian identified Serrote as a rare standalone, construction-ready, copper project with meaningful precious metal by-product credits that could benefit from its technical arbitrage and asset development strategy.

    Following the acquisition, Appian completed a revised Definitive Feasibility Study based on the internal view of a re-scoped project developed during due diligence. This included reducing plant throughput and focusing production on a higher-grade section of the resources with a lower strip ratio. These changes led to a lower initial CAPEX budget of US$243 million vs US$420 million in the original mine plan and reduced operating costs over the life of mine.

    Appian actively worked across all aspects of the investment to unlock value. This included building the in-country management team and installing Appian’s best practice operating standards and procedures. Appian also secured a US$140 million financing facility for the project from a syndicate of three international banks and signed favorable offtake contracts with global traders and smelters.

    The mine was constructed during the COVID-19 pandemic and brought to production in May 2021. The project was delivered ahead of schedule and under budget by US$48 million, within three years of Appian’s initial acquisition. The ramp-up of commercial operations was completed in Q4 2022. MVV has been in stable operation for two years since and today has over 1050 employees.

    MVV has a best-in-class safety record and operates with the highest ESG standards. The project has recorded zero LTIs with over 1.9 million hours worked in the last 12 months, and zero LTIs in the past 36 months. Its Scope 1 and 2 emissions intensity per tonne of copper produced was 1.53 t CO2e/t in 2023, less than half the industry average reported by the International Energy Agency.

    In 2024, MVV achieved strong operational and financial results with 18.3kt of copper and 8.2koz of gold produced, generating an EBITDA of US$83.9 million from US$184.4 million of revenue. The mine’s average C1 cash cost in 2024 was US$1.74/lb Cu.

    MVV will continue to deliver copper over multiple decades with its efficient operations that position the mine in the middle of the industry cost curve. The mine is well located with access to three ports and Maceió airport. The site is connected to the national grid via a 230kV powerline with access to low-cost, renewable energy, with Brazil’s energy mix being 86% renewable.

    MVV is the largest regional exporter in the Alagoas state, accounting for 28.2% of the state’s total exports by value. 100% of MVV’s employees are Brazilian, and over 80% are from the local municipalities. MVV has strong support from both the local community and regional authorities. Community initiatives are a core part of the mine’s operations and include providing support for school STEM programs, social projects for female entrepreneurs, and environmental educational courses.

    For further information:

    Click here to view and download a video detailing the history of MVV.

    Appian Capital Advisory LLP:

    Andrew Todd, Head of Communications: +44 7990416759 / atodd@appiancapitaladvisory.com

    +44 (0)20 7004 0951 / info@appiancapitaladvisory.com

    About Appian Capital Advisory LLP
    Appian Capital Advisory LLP is the investment advisor to long-term value-focused private capital funds that invest in companies in metals, mining, and adjacent industries.

    Appian is a leading investment advisor with global experience across South America, North America, Australia and Africa and a successful track record of supporting companies in metals, mining, and adjacent industries to achieve their development targets, with a global operating portfolio overseeing nearly 5,000 employees.

    Appian has a global team of 85 experienced professionals with presences in London, New York, Hong Kong, Toronto, Vancouver, Lima, Belo Horizonte, Montreal, Dubai, Johannesburg and Perth.

    For more information, please visit www.appiancapitaladvisory.com, or find us on LinkedIn, Instagram or Twitter/X.

    About Baiyin Nonferrous Group Co., Ltd

    Baiyin Nonferrous engages in the mining, smelting, processing, and trading of various non-ferrous metals in China. Founded in 1954, Baiyin Nonferrous has operations in China and overseas. In China, they own and operate mines and smelters in Gansu, Shaanxi, Inner Mongolia and other provinces. Their overseas operations include Gold One Group in South Africa and Minera Shouxin in Peru. Globally, Baiyin Nonferrous has a production capacity of 400ktpa copper, 400ktpa lead and zinc, 15tpa gold and 500tpa silver.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3fcfc2de-da91-4535-82c9-4e93cec91491

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: World is ‘failing’ people with disabilities: UN deputy chief

    Source: United Nations 2

    Human Rights

    The “world is failing” people living with disabilities, UN deputy chief Amina Mohammed has told a major summit which aims to galvanize global efforts to ensure they are fully integrated into all parts of society.

    Although persons with disabilities represent a sizeable 16 per cent of the world’s population, they still experience a range of health inequities, including premature deaths, poorer health outcomes, and higher disease risk when compared to the general population.

    Addressing the Global Disability Summit in Berlin in a video message on Monday, Ms. Mohammed said that providing opportunities to people with disabilities “is a matter of dignity, of humanity, of human rights,” adding that it is a test not only of “our common values,” but also “plain common sense.”

    Conflict zones

    The Deputy Secretary-General highlighted the vulnerability of people living in conflict areas such as Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan, noting that Gaza now has the highest number of child amputees in modern history.

    “Too often, persons with disabilities also face inaccessible evacuation routes, shelters, and services – an assault on their human rights and dignity,” she said.

    UN research shows that they are often among the first casualties in conflict.

    The UN deputy chief focused on a young Palestinian woman called Mai, working for the United Nations in Gaza, who “did not let her muscular dystrophy or her wheelchair confine her dreams.”

    Mai, a top student, became a software developer for the UN, “bringing skill and determination to all she did,” but in November 2023, Ms. Mohammed said, “she was killed along with her family,” adding that her story still weighs heavily on our hearts.”

    Internationally protected rights

    The rights of people living with disabilities are protected by a treaty adopted in 2006 at the United Nations.

    The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is recognized as the first comprehensive human rights treaty of the 21st century which “clarifies and qualifies how all categories of rights apply to persons with disabilities and identifies areas where adaptations have to be made for persons with disabilities to effectively exercise their rights.”

    In the wake of the Convention, nearly 90 per cent of developing countries have laws or policies protecting education for persons with disabilities, yet only about one-third of those countries have accessible schools.

    Half of all people with disabilities in the same countries face inaccessible transportation.

    “Behind these figures are people,” said Ms Mohammed.

    © WHO

    The ongoing war in Gaza has displaced more than 1.9 million people, many who seek shelter in makeshift tents.

    “Children shut out of classrooms. Adults who cannot get to work. Families denied essential services. This must change. And we must all be part of it.”

    The Global Disability Summit 2025 is taking place in Berlin from 2-3 April and is expected to bring some 4,000 people together. It has been organized by the governments of Jordan and Germany in collaboration with the International Disability Alliance.  

    One significant outcome is expected to be the “Amman-Berlin Declaration on Global Disability Inclusion.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Chinese barges and Taiwan Strait drills are about global power projection − not just a potential invasion

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Colin Flint, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, Utah State University

    A Mulberry Harbour for the 21st century. Image from video posted on Weibo via Chinese state media.

    Is China intent on a D-Day style invasion of Taiwan?

    Certainly that has been the tone of some of the reporting following the emergence of photos and videos depicting massive new Chinese barges designed for land-to-sea military operations. The fact that China launched a two-day military drill in the Taiwan Strait on April 1, 2025, has only intensified such fears.

    To me, the curious thing regarding these musings about a potential war involving China, which has one of the world’s most advanced militaries, is that it is supported by reference to technology first used some 80 years ago – specifically, the Mulberry Harbours, floating piers that allowed Allies to deploy land vehicles onto the beaches at Normandy on June 6, 1944.

    As an expert on the history and geopolitics of the Mulberry Harbours, I believe using the World War II example obscures far more than it clarifies with regard to the geopolitical situation today. Indeed, while the new Chinese ships may be operationally similar to their historical forebears, the strategic situation in China and Taiwan is far different.

    Disquiet on the Pacific front?

    The possibility of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, an island the Chinese Communist Party sees as part of its territory, is perhaps the most pressing security issue for countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

    Beijing has increasingly ratcheted up the aggressive rhetoric toward the government in Taipei during the premiership of President Xi Jinping. While one reading of Xi is that his rhetoric is in part a strategic move to burnish Chinese power globally, labeling Taiwan as a renegade or breakaway province is, for many, a clear indication of an intention to invade and bring the island within the geography of Chinese sovereignty.

    From the U.S. perspective, the Trump administration gave early signals that it saw China as the main threat to its national security, though Washington’s commitments to the defense of Taiwan remain uncertain, much like the president’s ultimate policy views toward Beijing.

    Aside from the geopolitics, any China decision to invade Taiwan would mean attempting an extremely challenging military operation that is, historically speaking, a risky proposition. Seaborne invasions have often led to high casualties or even outright failure.

    The Gallipoli landings on the coast of Turkey during World War I, for example, led to the withdrawal of mainly Australian and New Zealand forces after high casualties and barely any territorial gains. In World War II, island-hopping by U.S. forces to push back Japan’s advance achieved strategic goals – but at a high human cost.

    The difficulty posed by sea-to-land invasion is not just the battles on Day 1, it is the logistical challenge of continuing to funnel troops and materiel to sustain a push out from the beachhead. That’s where the barges come into play.

    About those WWII barges …

    British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was skeptical of opening a front against Nazi Germany by a landing on the French coast – a position that frustrated the United States. The main concern of Churchill and his generals was the logistical puzzle. They reasoned that Germany would either retain control of French ports or sabotage them, and that tanks, guns, food, soldiers and other necessities were not going to be brought up from reserve via ports.

    The Mulberry Harbours fixed that problem by creating a set of floating piers that would rise up and down with the tide by being fixed to sophisticated anchors. Ships could moor to these piers and unload needed material. The piers were protected by an inner ring of concrete caissons, dragged across the channel and sunk into position, and an outer breakwater of scuttled ships. The Mulberry Harbours were a combination of cutting-edge pier technology and improvisation.

    Construction of a Mulberry Harbour, and the unloading of supplies for the Allies at Colleville, France, in 1944.
    Three Lions/Getty Images

    The images of Chinese invasion barges today show that the technology has advanced, but the principle of an operational need for logistical support of a beachhead breakout is the same.

    Yet the geography of any invasion is very different. In World War II, the Mulberry Harbours were part of an invasion from an island to conquer a continent. But a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would be the inverse – from a continent to an island.

    Great power politics, Chinese characteristics

    The use of Mulberry Harbours, as innovative as it was, was only a moment in a longer geopolitical process.

    The D-Day invasion was the culmination of the transfer of U.S. military might across the Atlantic through Operation Bolero. Simply, the United Kingdom became a giant warehouse – mainly for U.S. soldiers and equipment.

    The Mulberry Harbours made the crossing of the English Channel possible for these men and weapons. It was the last step in the projection of U.S. power across the Atlantic Ocean and on to the European continent. I describe this as a process of a seapower moving from its near or coastal waters to far waters in another part of the globe.

    The calculation for China is very different. Certainly, barges would help an invasion across the Taiwan Strait. But China sees Taiwan as part of its near waters, and it wants to secure those waters from global competition.

    Beijing views the U.S. as having established a military presence just off its coastline from World War II to the present day, making the western Pacific another set of U.S. far waters across the globe accompanying its European presence. From its perspective, China is surrounded by a U.S. military based in Okinawa, Guam and the Philippines. This chain of bases could restrict China’s ambition through blockade, and controlling Taiwan would help China create a gap in this chain.

    Of course, China does not just have an eye on its near waters. It has also created a far water presence of its own in its building of an ocean-going military navy, established a military base in Djibouti, and through its Belt and Road Initiative become an economic and political presence across the Indian, Pacific, Arctic and Atlantic oceans.

    Chinese invasion barges could be deployed quite early in China’s process of moving from near to far waters. The Mulberry Harbours, conversely, were deployed once the U.S. had already secured its Caribbean, Atlantic and Pacific near waters.

    Part of a process

    Technical matters and historical comparisons with the Mulberry Harbours are an interesting way to look at the new Chinese invasion barges and consider the operational scale of geopolitics. But as with the World War II case, China-Taiwan tensions are simply a modern example of a local theater – this time, the Taiwanese Strait – being part of a greater global process of power projection. The comparisons to Mulberry Harbours, therefore, are not with the technology itself but its role in a mechanism of historical geopolitical change.

    The reemergence of the technology of invasion barges may be a sign that a new conflict is on the horizon. If that were the case, the irony is that China would be using Mulberry Harbour-type technology to secure its position in the western Pacific at the same time the Trump administration is questioning the strategic value of the U.S. presence in Europe – a presence established through World War II and, at least in part, the use of the Mulberry Harbours.

    Colin Flint does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Chinese barges and Taiwan Strait drills are about global power projection − not just a potential invasion – https://theconversation.com/chinese-barges-and-taiwan-strait-drills-are-about-global-power-projection-not-just-a-potential-invasion-253408

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Invisible losses: thousands of plant species are missing from places they could thrive – and humans are the reason

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cornelia Sattler, Research Fellow in Ecology, Macquarie University

    Samantha Terrell/Shutterstock

    If you go walking in the wild, you might expect that what you’re seeing is natural. All around you are trees, shrubs and grasses growing in their natural habitat.

    But there’s something here that doesn’t add up. Across the world, there are large areas of habitat which would suit native plant species just fine. But very often, they’re simply absent.

    Our new research gauges the scale of this problem, known as “dark diversity”. Our international team of 200 scientists examined plant species in thousands of sites worldwide.

    What we found was startling. In regions heavily affected by our activities, only about 20% of native plant species able to live there were actually present. But even in areas with very little human interference, ecosystems only contained about 33% of viable plant species.

    Why so few species in wilder areas? Our impact. Pollution can spread far from the original source, while conversion of habitat to farms, logging and human-caused fires have ripple effects too.

    Conspicuous by their absence

    Our activities have become a planet-shaping force, from changing the climate through our emissions to farming 44% of all habitable land. As our footprint has expanded, other species have been pushed to extinction. The rates of species loss are unprecedented in recorded history.

    When we think about biodiversity loss, we might think of a once-common animal species losing numbers and range as farms, cities and feral predators expand. But we are also losing species from within protected areas and national parks.

    To date, the accelerating loss of species has been largely observed at large scale, such as states or even whole countries. Almost 600 plant species have gone extinct since 1750 – and this is likely a major underestimate. Extinction hotspots include Hawaii (79 species) and South Africa’s unique fynbos scrublands (37 species).

    But tracking the fate of our species has been difficult to do at a local scale, such as within a national park or nature reserve.

    Similarly, when scientists do traditional biodiversity surveys, we count the species previously recorded in an area and look for changes. But we haven’t tended to consider the species that could grow there – but don’t.

    Many plants have been declining so rapidly they are now threatened with extinction.

    What did we do?

    To get a better gauge of biodiversity losses at smaller scale, we worked alongside scientists from the international research network DarkDivNet to examine almost 5,500 sites across 119 regions worldwide. This huge body of fieldwork took years and required navigating global challenges such as COVID-19 and political and economic instability.

    At each 100 square metre site, our team sampled all plant species present against the species found in the surrounding region. We defined regions as areas of approximately 300 square kilometres with similar environmental conditions.

    Just because a species can grow somewhere doesn’t mean it would. To make sure we were recording which species were genuinely missing, we looked at how often each absent species was found growing alongside the species growing at our chosen sites at other sampled sites in the region. This helped us detect species well-suited to a habitat but missing from it.

    We then cross-matched data on these missing species against how big the local human impact was by using the Human Footprint Index, which measures population density, land use and infrastructure.

    Of the eight components of this index, six had a clear influence on how many plant species were missing: human population density, electric infrastructure, railways, roads, built environments and croplands. Another component, navigable waterways, did not have a clear influence.

    Interestingly, the final component – pastures kept by graziers – was not linked to fewer plant species. This could be because semi-natural grasslands are used as pasture in areas such as Central Asia, Africa’s Sahel region and Argentina. Here, long-term moderate human influence can actually maintain highly diverse and well-functioning ecosystems through practices such as grazing livestock, cultural burning and hay making.

    Semi-natural pastures preserve many different plant species. Pictured: the Hulunbuir grasslands in Inner Mongolia, China.
    Dashu Xinganling/Shutterstock

    Overall, though, the link between greater human presence and fewer plant species was very clear. Seemingly pristine ecosystems hundreds of kilometres from direct disturbance had been affected.

    These effects can come from many causes. For instance, poaching and logging often take place far from human settlements. Poaching an animal species might mean a plant species loses a key pollinator or way to disperse its seeds in the animal’s dung. Over time, disruptions to the web of relationships in the natural world can erode ecosystems and result in fewer plant species. Poachers and illegal loggers also cut “ghost roads” into pristine areas.

    Other causes include fires started by humans, which can threaten national parks and other safe havens. Pollution can travel and settle hundreds of kilometres from its source, affecting ecosystems.

    Our far-reaching influence can also hinder the return of plant species, even in protected areas. As humans expand their activities, they often carve up natural areas into fragments cut off from each other. This can isolate plant populations. Similarly, the loss of seed-spreading animals can stop plants from recolonising former habitat.

    What does this mean?

    Biodiversity loss is not just about species going extinct. It’s about ecosystems quietly losing their richness, resilience and functions.

    Protecting land is not enough. The damage we can do can reach deep into conservation areas.

    Was there good news? Yes. In regions where at least a third of the landscape had minimal human disturbance, there was less of this hidden biodiversity loss.

    As we work to conserve nature, our work points to a need not just to preserve what’s left but to bring back what’s missing. Now we know what species are missing in an area but still present regionally, we can begin that work.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Invisible losses: thousands of plant species are missing from places they could thrive – and humans are the reason – https://theconversation.com/invisible-losses-thousands-of-plant-species-are-missing-from-places-they-could-thrive-and-humans-are-the-reason-252378

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –