NewzIntel.com

Category: Africa

  • MIL-OSI Australia: $690 million for critical road projects in South Australia

    Source: Workplace Gender Equality Agency

    The Albanese Labor Government is building Australia’s future, and investing in the transport infrastructure that South Australians need.  

    The 2025-2026 Federal Budget delivers funding for three new projects including: 

    • $525 million for the High Productivity Vehicle Network (HPVN)
    • $125 million for the Curtis Road Level Crossing Removal
    • $40 million for Main South Road upgrade – Myponga to Yankalilla

    The HPVN will deliver upgrades between the South Eastern Freeway and Sturt Highway such as the duplication of the Swanport Bridge and Murray Bridge Township Bypass in Monarto. 

    The project will provide the necessary infrastructure to enable higher productivity vehicles to bypass Adelaide resulting in fewer trips with reduced vehicle carbon emissions, increased freight efficiency and improved safety for all road users.

    Removal of the Curtis Road Level Crossing in Munno Para in northern Adelaide will eliminate the need for road traffic to interact with the Gawler passenger rail line.

    The project will improve safety and support the significant housing development in the region, improving residents’ access to employment, education and recreational services by reducing road and rail network conflicts. The project will also improve travel times within the northern growth area of Adelaide.

    The Main South Road upgrade – Myponga to Yankalilla will deliver critical safety improvement works along Main South Road between Myponga and Yankalilla, including:

    • two new overtaking lanes
    • targeted curve easing and road widening; and 
    • widening narrow bridges and culverts

    Its completion will create a safer environment for all road users in the area.  

    Quotes attributable to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King: 

    “In this Budget, the Albanese Government is investing in infrastructure in South Australia – in the projects that are needed to make our roads safer, our freight networks more resilient and our transport links better serve communities. 

    “Our Government is committed to working with the Malinauskas Labor Government are get these projects done.”

    Quotes attributable to Member for Boothby Louise Miller-Frost:

    “I have been advocating for appropriate and safer traffic solutions for years, in fact since before I was elected. The Liberals, including the previous Member for Boothby, made a complete mess of it, cancelling Globelink and proposing an unsafe inadequate alternative. 

    “Through the investment in this Budget, and these critical new projects, Labor is building South Australia’s future.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Amid Appalling Civilian Death Toll in Syria, Caretaker Authorities Must Signal ‘Era of Impunity’ Is Over, Special Envoy Tells Security Council

    Source: United Nations 4

    Several Speakers Urge Lifting Economic Sanctions on Damascus, Condemn Israel’s Ongoing Violations of Syria’s Sovereignty, Territorial Integrity

    Meeting today — 14 years after the start of the civil war in Syria, four months since the fall of the former regime and weeks removed from harrowing violence along the country’s coast — the Security Council heard of the need for accountability and economic recovery so that the country can move towards credible, inclusive transition.

    “The legacies of 14 years of war and conflict — and five decades of one-man rule — are huge,” said Geir O. Pedersen, the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Syria.  “So are the immediate challenges facing the Syrians today,” he added. While many have rejoiced at their newfound ability to gather in public spaces without fear, many others have faced devastating violence on Syria’s coast.  On that, he said that “armed groups associated with the former regime” attacked and ambushed caretaker authority forces across that region on 6 March. “Serious armed confrontations ensued, resulting in significant numbers of casualties among the warring factions,” he reported.

    “But far more disturbing was the appalling civilian death toll,” he stressed, spotlighting “widespread footage of grave violations of a plainly sectarian and retaliatory nature”.  Detailing the broader context of fomenting insecurity, hate speech, sense of exclusion and pent-up grievance, he said that further investigation is needed to fully determine the perpetrators of the “shocking” violence against civilians.  For their part, the caretaker authorities have announced an independent investigative committee tasked with examining violations by all sides.  He underscored that findings must be made public and those responsible held accountable to clearly signal that “the era of impunity in Syria is in the past”.

    He went on to express concern over recent Israeli statements on the intention to stay in Syria “for the foreseeable future”, as well as demands for the “full demilitarization of southern Syria”, calling on the Council to “hold Israel to its commitment that this is a temporary presence”.  Additionally, he detailed the caretaker authorities’ actions to establish a transitional Government, a permanent Constitution and transitional justice. “Syrians need an economic future,” he added, welcoming humanitarian pledges made at the ninth Brussels Conference on 17 March to support Syria’s recovery.  However, observing that “more resources will be needed”, he also urged “fast and broad sanctions easing”.

    Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, cited progress on that front, with expanded cross-border deliveries from Türkiye, engagement with Member States to ease sanctions, the repair of infrastructure to restore access to water and the clearance of over 1,700 pieces of unexploded ordnance. Nevertheless, he underscored:  “We need more funding.”  The 2024 Humanitarian Appeal for Syria was only 35 per cent funded, and in 2025, almost half of organizations funded by the United States have received full or partial stop orders.

    Stating that $2 billion is needed to reach 8 million of the most vulnerable people through June, he noted that his office has only received $155 million to date — 13 per cent of what is needed.  Yet, 16 million people — nearly three quarters of the Syrian population — lack sufficient food, water, shelter and medicine.  While stating that there are real reasons for hope after 14 years of conflict and devastation, he stressed that “there is no time to spare”.  He therefore urged those present to be “problem-solvers, rather than problem-observers”.

    Next to brief was Joumana Seif, Co-founder of the Syrian Women’s Political Movement and Legal Adviser at the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights, who pointed out that Syrians endured “immense” suffering under the rule of Bashar al-Assad.  This led to sanctions, which affected not only the regime, but also ordinary citizens.  “Now that Assad is no longer in power, there is no justification for maintaining these sanctions,” she stressed, adding that “what Syrians need most” is the immediate lifting of these measures alongside investment, reconstruction and economic revitalization.

    Turning to the recent coastal violence, she underscored that this has “caused real concern for us Syrians”.  She stressed:  “We don’t want to build our new country on the back of a new massacre.”  Instead, Syrians must create a transparent and inclusive plan for transitional justice, which requires consultation with victims’ associations and civil society to ensure fair trials, truth commissions, moral and financial compensation for victims and safeguards to prevent future atrocities.  “All of this requires significant financial resources,” she observed.  Additionally, she underscored the need to form an inclusive Government that “truly represents everyone without exclusion”.

    As the floor opened, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark and Council President for March, spoke in his national capacity to underscore that the interim Government “must protect Syrians from all religious and ethnic backgrounds”.  He also underlined the need for an inclusive political transition. “Syrian society, in all its complexity and diversity, must be represented,” he urged.  And on the issue of sanctions, he noted that the European Union suspended several such measures in February “to send a very clear signal to the Syrian people of our support towards a better future”.

    Also underlining the European Union’s commitment to the Syrian people, the representative of France noted the suspension of certain restrictive measures to facilitate financial and bank transactions for the country’s reconstruction.  Slovenia’s representative added that the bloc will consider a further lifting of sanctions depending on developments on the ground.  The representative of Greece, meanwhile, emphasized that sanctions should be eased in a gradual, conditional and reversible manner to “ensure that our expectations are met” in terms of an inclusive transition and accountability for recent atrocities.

    Many Council members also spotlighted the recent Brussels Conference, during which donors pledged nearly $6.5 billion in aid to support Syria’s recovery.  The representative of the United Kingdom recalled that her country, at that event, promised up to $207 million in critical humanitarian assistance.  In parallel, the United Kingdom has relaxed some of its sanctions on Syria and revoked the asset freezes of 24 entities and institutions in the energy, transport and finance sectors.

    On the topic of assistance, Kang Insun, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, urged stronger international commitment to humanitarian aid and economic recovery in Syria to “overcome the pain and destruction of 14 years of conflict”.  For its part, Seoul has provided nearly $150 million in humanitarian assistance to Syria and its neighbours over the past decade, and will continue to offer its support.  “As [the Republic of] Korea has pledged, 2,400 tons of Korean rice will be delivered to assist food-insecure populations in Syria,” she reported.  She also took “positive note” of recent developments regarding the suspension of certain sanctions.

    Many Council members, echoing warnings of Syria’s dire economic and humanitarian situation, called for the lifting of unilateral sanctions on the country.  Among them were the representatives of Panama and Pakistan — the latter of whom stressed that lifting sanctions is “imperative to facilitating reconstruction and aid efforts”.  Algeria’s representative — also speaking for Guyana, Sierra Leone and Somalia — stressed: “Without rapid economic recovery, it will be difficult to envision a safe and prosperous future for Syrians.” Therefore, the swift lifting of unilateral sanctions is essential.

    Additionally, he — like many other Council members today — expressed concern over “alarming” statements by Israeli officials regarding the “indefinite” presence of their forces in Syrian territory and their intention to establish a “demilitarized area” in the country’s south.  Condemning these “irresponsible” statements — “which will only exacerbate regional instability” — he also joined others in calling for full respect for the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, including its provisions regarding the area of separation.

    Similarly, the representative of the Russian Federation pointed to the “destructive role” played by Israeli air strikes against — and continued occupation of — Syrian territory.  Condemning recent attacks by the Israel Defense Forces, he called on Israel to withdraw its units from areas taken since December 2023.  Additionally, he expressed concern over the issue of foreign terrorist fighters still present in Syria — a point echoed by China’s representative, who urged the interim authorities to fulfil their counter-terrorism obligations and take decisive measures to combat all Council-listed terrorist organizations.

    The representative of the United States also underscored that all foreign fighters “need to be removed from their posts immediately”. She also stressed that the interim authorities must embark on a political process that includes Kurdish, Druze, Alawite and Christian communities — “something they have not meaningfully done to date”.  There must also be expansive representation of Syrian voices in the drafting of a permanent Constitution.  Otherwise, she stressed, Syria will “remain in the sectarian shadow of the Assad regime, increasing the likelihood of a new civil war”.

    For his part, the representative of Syria reported that, in the wake of recent violence, the Syrian leadership “affirmed that the new Syria will be a State of law and that the law will apply to all”.  Further, such authorities have emphasized that shedding “the blood of the innocent will not go unpunished — regardless of the identity of the perpetrators”.  Additionally, he urged the “full lifting of sanctions imposed on the Syrian people”. And pointing to an Israeli attack on the province of Daraa today, he called on the Council to “compel Israel to cease its ongoing aggression”.

    Several of Syria’s neighbours also took the floor, with Iran’s representative condemning Israel’s ongoing violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.  So, too, did the representative of Qatar, who additionally called for the lifting of economic sanctions against Syria as “that raison d’être is no longer there”. Jordan’s representative echoed that call, adding that countries hosting Syrian refugees cannot bear that burden alone. Therefore, the international community must provide financial and technical support in this regard.

    The representative of Türkiye, meanwhile, welcomed a “new era” in Syria as the interim authorities work towards political transition.  However, he voiced concern over provocations in Latakia and surrounding areas, which are aimed at undermining a smooth transition process.  “These attacks should not be mischaracterized as a sectarian conflict between Damascus and the Alawite community,” he stressed, as “the international community must recognize that these were coordinated efforts, supported by certain regional actors, to destabilize Syria”.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Africa Subcommittee Chairman Smith Delivers Opening Remarks at Hearing on the CCP’s Influence on Critical Minerals in Africa

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-226-8467

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee Chairman Chris Smith delivered opening remarks at a subcommittee hearing titled, “Metals, Minerals, and Mining: How the CCP Fuels Conflict and Exploitation in Africa.” 

    Watch Here

    -Remarks- 

    The extraction of valuable minerals has long been a double-edged sword for many African nations. While these resources hold the potential for economic development, their exploitation—particularly when managed irresponsibly or under corrupt regimes—has often fueled violence and instability. The Democratic Republic of Congo has vast mineral wealth, especially in cobalt and gold and other very, very important minerals, which has been a significant driver of conflict. Illicit gold mining also fuels conflict in Ethiopia and Sudan. Armed groups have profited from the extraction and smuggling of these resources, financing their operations and perpetuating cycles of violence. The United Nations has reported that mineral smuggling finances warfare, with various military forces and commanders exploiting illegal mining for personal gain.

    In the DRC, there’s also estimated more than 70% of the world’s cobalt—some say as much as 75%—an essential mineral for lithium-ion batteries for smartphones, computers, and electric vehicles, is extracted there with bare hands of thousands, in some estimates put as high as 35,000 children, by one of our witnesses today, Mr. Les Lenet. Thank you for your very heavily footnoted testimony. If that were not horrible enough, the 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report also stated that “observers noted that children in mining areas are vulnerable to sexual violence, including sex trafficking, in part due to traditional religious beliefs that harming children could protect against death or ensure successful mining,” end quote—an absurdity, but that’s what has been said.

    China’s near-monopoly over the output and processing of Africa’s mineral resources ensures that these abuses continue unchecked. The expansion of illicit gold mining in Ethiopia has exacerbated existing conflicts as well. Regional states and non-state armed actors vie for control over mining concessions, using the revenues to bolster their influence and in some cases to challenge state authority. This competition has intensified local disputes and undermined efforts toward national cohesion. In Sudan, gold mining operations have been linked to funding armed conflicts. The control over lucrative mining areas often leads to violent confrontations between various factions, further destabilizing the region and hindering peace efforts.

    Illegal mining has led to environmental degradation and social unrest. The involvement of foreign entities, including Chinese nationals, in these operations has strained local communities and contributed to tensions between populists and the authorities. In response to these challenges, I have reintroduced the Cobalt Supply Chain Act. This legislation aims to ensure that goods made using or containing cobalt refined in the People’s Republic of China do not enter the U.S. market—addressing concerns that such cobalt is extracted and processed with the use of child and forced labor in the DRC. Then it comes back in our defense and commercial supply chains. Security is a national security issue, and the reliance on China for these critical minerals is a clear vulnerability to the United States and to the Western world.

    As Co-Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, I held a hearing in November of 2023 that highlighted the problem of Chinese Communist Party dominance in the DRC’s cobalt supply chain and how China profits from these unethical mining practices. I also chaired a hearing in July of 2022 at the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission on child labor and human rights violations in the mining industry of the DRC. One of our expert witnesses then said that child labor is one of the worst forms of child abuse—and that’s absolutely true. It is forbidden by both Congolese legislation as well as international rules and norms, and yet it continues.

    The greatest beneficiaries of this system—China. China’s state-owned mining companies remain silent, refusing to confront an undeniable reality. From dirt to battery, from cobalt to cars, the entire supply chain is built on violence, exploitation, and corruption. This must change, and the time for change is now.

    President Trump’s executive order for “immediate measures to increase American mineral production” is a crucial step toward strengthening our domestic supply chains. This action will create American jobs, drive economic growth, and reduce our reliance on foreign adversaries. The United States must break its dependence on minerals that finance the Chinese Communist Party, often extracted through forced child labor, and stop indirectly supporting the CCP’s efforts to fuel instability and regional conflict in Africa.

    At the same time, as the CCP tightens its grip on global mineral markets, the U.S. must take decisive action. In line with this strategy, the U.S. Department of State has signaled openness to forming direct critical mineral partnerships with the DRC—an opportunity to strengthen collaboration in securing resources essential for our technological advancement and national security.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tech and Security – New Zealand Sextortion Threats Up 137%

    Source: Botica Butler Raudon Partners

    Sextortion Scams More Threatening in 2025, Fueled by AI-Powered Attacks and Data Breaches

    AUCKLAND, 25 March 2025 – Sextortion scams are becoming more common – and more threatening – as cybercriminals exploit artificial intelligence (AI) and large-scale data breaches to develop highly convincing scams. A recent analysis by Avast, a leader in digital security and privacy and part of Gen (NASDAQ: GEN), found that in 2025 so far, the risk of being targeted with sextortion scams in the NZ has risen 137%.

    New Zealand is not alone: Avast researchers are seeing countries around the world being impacted by these highly manipulative scams. In the US, the likelihood of being targeted by sextortion scammers also increased 137% in the first few months of 2025. The UK and Australia’s risk rose 49% and 34% respectively. Avast also revealed the top 10 countries most vulnerable to these scams, with Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa, Italy, Australia, UAE, the UK, Switzerland and Czech Republic facing the highest risk ratios for sextortion in the last calendar year.

    New Threatening and Intrusive Tactics

    Criminals are refining their tactics, thanks to the help of AI and a wealth of personal data available from recent large-scale breaches. As the sophistication of AI increases, so do the explicit extortion emails scammers are sending. AI is being used by scammers to create ‘deepfake’ images, fake explicit photos created by superimposing a victim’s face onto another body, coupled with threatening messages to distribute them.

    Michal Salat, Threat Intelligence Director for Avast comments: “Our analysis reveals that sextortion victims frequently receive threatening messages claiming access to their private videos and images. These scams are made even more convincing with the use of stolen passwords from past data breaches, lending an alarming sense of credibility.”

    “Fear of exposure, especially when personal details appear accurate, often pressures victims into complying with ransom demands. However, we strongly advise against engaging with these scammers, no matter how real the threats may seem.”

    One of the latest techniques used by cybercriminals involves Google Maps and is designed to employ a more invasive and personalised approach that can really shock and intimidate their victims into complying with demands.

    Criminals – utilizing names, addresses, and emails readily available on the Dark Web due to data breaches – can create very targeted emails to victims containing fabricated footage and unsettling information and images of their real homes. Scammers will also claim to have gained access to victims’ devices to extort their victims by threatening to share sexual content or information about them. Cybersecurity experts at Avast have identified over 15,000 unique Bitcoin wallets associated with the Google Maps scam, though the scope of the operation is likely much larger.

    Avast experts emphasise the importance of proactive protection against sextortion scams and urge people to never engage with messages that could be from scammers. The following actions help to combat sextortion efforts:

    • Do not pay ransom demands or respond to threats.
    • Do not engage with these emails, texts or calls or open any associated PDF attachments.
    • Always report such crimes to the relevant cybercrime units including the NZ Police and Netsafe for support.
    • Use a reputable password manager to ensure unique passwords for all accounts and prevent reuse.
    • Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible to enhance account security.
    • Monitor your data for breaches by using dark web monitoring services, through products such as Avast Secure Identity, to be alerted when personal information is exposed so you can act quickly to help protect your accounts.
    • Do not panic – stay informed and take action to secure your accounts.

    As sextortion scams become more advanced, it is crucial for individuals to remain cautious and take steps to safeguard their digital privacy. Public awareness and vigilance remain critical in combating these threats.

    For more information, visit https://www.avast.com/

    About Avast
    Avast is a leader in digital security and privacy, and part of Gen™ (NASDAQ: GEN), a global company dedicated to powering Digital Freedom with a family of trusted consumer brands. Avast protects hundreds of millions of users from online threats, for Mobile, PC or Mac and is top-ranked and certified by VB100, AV-Comparatives, AV-Test, SE Labs and others. Avast is a member of the Coalition Against Stalkerware, No More Ransom and Internet Watch Foundation. Learn more at Avast.com. Visit: www.avast.com.  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Nguya Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) to Sail Away from China in September 2025

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

    BRAZZAVILLE, Congo (Republic of the), March 25, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Nguya Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) is set to sail away from China in September 2025, Federico Ricco, Development Director at Congo LNG, said at the Congo Energy & Investment Forum 2025 during the FLNG Developments in the Republic of Congo session.

    The addition of the Nguya FLNG vessel is part of the second phase of the Congo LNG project – which began operating in December 2023 – and is expected to increase the project’s production capacity by 2.4 million tons per annum (mtpa).

    “The vessel is currently under construction in China and will allow us to increase production to 3 million tons per year,” Ricco stated.

    As the operator of Congo LNG, Eni has been at the forefront of gas monetization in the Republic of Congo, first with the development of the Centrale Électrique du Congo gas-to-power plant in 2011 and later through the implementation of the Congo LNG project. Ricco explained that “the first phase was completed within 12 months to enable LNG exports, which is remarkably fast.”

    Echoing Ricco’s comments on the speed of FLNG deployment, Marien Ibiaho, Area Sales Manager for Europe & Africa at NOV, emphasized that, “Many LNG projects involve large-scale infrastructure and extensive construction. The advantage of FLNG is that it enables rapid gas monetization. The delivery timeline is fast – less than two years.”

    For the Republic of Congo, FLNG has played a key role in positioning the country as an LNG exporter. Looking ahead, Ricco emphasized the need for continued exploration, greater collaboration and leveraging LNG to further strengthen Congo’s industrial capacity.

    “We must keep exploring, work alongside other operators to maximize value in Congo, and ensure that LNG enhances the country’s industrial growth,” Ricco said. Expanding on his comments, Ibiaho stated, “For FLNG projects to succeed, the approach must be built on partnerships, not just a client-service provider relationship.”

    Dr. Tsoumou-Gavouka Communications and Public Relations Advisor to the Director General, SNPC underscored the importance of partnerships in Congo’s LNG development, suggesting that Eni collaborate with Chinese oil company Wing Wah, which is preparing to launch its own LNG project.

    The inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum, set for March 24-26, 2025, in Brazzaville, under the highest patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, brings together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Niger: Mosque attack which killed 44 should be ‘wake-up call’, says rights chief

    Source: United Nations 2

    Peace and Security

    UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Tuesday condemned the recent attack on a mosque in Kokorou village, in western Niger, in which at least 44 worshippers were killed and 20 injured.

    On 21 March, assailants from the so-called Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) – an ISIL affiliate – surrounded Fambita Mosque and randomly shot at worshippers, according to a statement from Niger’s defence ministry. They then reportedly set a market and several homes on fire.

    “The egregious attack on the Fambita Mosque – during Friday prayers in the last 10 days of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan – was clearly intended to cause as many civilian casualties as possible”, said Mr Türk.

    This is “in stark violation of international human rights law and humanitarian law,” he emphasised, adding that an impartial investigation should be instituted to bring those responsible to justice.

    Regional insecurity

    The attack came in the context of a general deterioration in the security situation in the wider Sahel region.

    In recent years, the Sahel has seen a major uptick in violence, following the expansion of armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL terrorist groups which took over territory in north Mali following the 2012 Tuareg rebellion there.

    Since then, the violence has spread into neighbouring countries, Niger and Burkina Faso, and more recently into some other coastal West African nations.

    UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed characterised the Sahel as “ground zero” for one of the most brutal security crises in the world.

    Despite efforts by Member States, terrorism-related deaths in the region have reportedly soared past 6,000 for three consecutive years, making up more than half of all global fatalities.

    ‘A wake-up call’

    Mr. Türk said the “calculated assault” on Fambita Mosque should be a wake-up call to all – including the international community – “as to the seriousness of the situation and the widening risks faced by civilians in Niger.”

    Governments in the region have continued to struggle with restoring security. This contributed to two military coups in Mali, two in Burkina Faso and one in Niger between 2020 and 2023 – all remain under military rule despite regional and international pressure to hold elections.

    The High Commissioner called on the Nigerien authorities to take “concrete and meaningful steps” to improve security for civilians and called on them to take effective measures to uphold human rights and the rule of law.

    He said it was essential that authorities involve the affected communities in efforts towards finding a durable solution to the ongoing human rights crisis in the country. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Media Advisory: Secretary Noem Announces Trip to El Salvador, Colombia, and Mexico

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Media Advisory: Secretary Noem Announces Trip to El Salvador, Colombia, and Mexico

    ASHINGTON, DC – This week, the Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem will travel to El Salvador, Colombia, and Mexico

    Below are more details on the Secretary’s trip

      
    Travel Pool: 
    Print: The Wall Street Journal, Michelle Hackman  
    Photo: AP, Alex Brandon 
    TV: Fox News, Krista Garvin, Ali Rad, and Mahreon Johnson 
     
    DAILY GUIDANCE AND PRESS SCHEDULE 
    Wednesday, March 26th: El Salvador  
    Secretary Noem tours Terrorist Confinement Center CECOT with the Minister of Justice Gustavo Villatoro 
    Secretary Noem meets with President Nayib Bukele   
    Thursday, March 27th: Colombia 
    Secretary Noem meets with Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia, Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez, National Police General Carlos Fernando Triana, and Migration Director Nigeria Renteria   
    Secretary Noem meets with President Gustavo Petro   
    Friday March 28th: Mexico 
    Secretary Noem meets with President Sheinbaum and Foreign Minister Juan Ramon De La Fuente  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Members look into bolstering support for trade policies, fast-tracking digital trade growth

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Members look into bolstering support for trade policies, fast-tracking digital trade growth

    The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) noted that Aid-for-Trade disbursements reached USD 48 billion in 2023, representing a 5 per cent decrease from 2022.  While most funds were channelled towards strengthening infrastructure and productive sectors, the OECD noted, only 2 per cent of Aid for Trade was allocated to trade policy and regulations.
    Representatives from Australia, Barbados, the Pacific Islands Forum and the United Kingdom shared their insights into ways to increase the participation of developing economies in the multilateral trading system. They highlighted that it is important for economies to develop and implement national strategies and to coordinate effectively with development partners. For example, progress in implementing the Pacific Aid-for-Trade Strategy, covering services, e-commerce, trade facilitation and quality infrastructure, was acknowledged.
    The financial support dedicated to the WTO accession of Comoros and Timor-Leste was highlighted. Speakers also acknowledged the support provided under the Advisory Centre on WTO Law, the Enhanced Integrated Framework, the Fish Fund and the Standards and Trade Development Facility.
    The role of cooperation among developing economies in strengthening these economies’ trade capacities was also recognized. Speakers welcomed greater collaboration with the private sector on scaling up financial support.
    Members also examined the European Union’s 2024 Aid for Trade Progress Report. As one of the top donors of Aid for Trade, the European Union and its member states provided 36 per cent of the total disbursements in 2022, accounting for EUR 22 billion. The report also highlighted the role of Aid for Trade in creating an enabling environment for investments under the EU’s Global Gateway investment strategy.
    According to the Digital Trade Integration Database of the European University Institute, the level of integration into digital trade differs widely across economies, with fewer enabling policies observed in lower-income economies.  The database contains information on the digital trade policies of 146 economies.
    Speakers noted that in Africa, digital trade integration is being held back by regulatory fragmentation, infrastructure gaps and limited access of small businesses to digital markets.
    To bolster the continent’s digital trade expansion, speakers underlined the importance of technical assistance and capacity-building activities to harmonize digital trade regulations, investments in broadband and logistics and greater access of small businesses to digital trade finance. For example, speakers stressed the importance of fully implementing the Digital Trade Protocol of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Estimates indicate this could increase intra-regional trade in services by up to 10.3 per cent.
    More information on the WTO-led Aid for Trade initiative can be found here.

    Share

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: What do the Trump administration’s sanctions on the ICC mean for justice and human rights?

    Source: Amnesty International –

    On 6 February 2025, United States President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order authorizing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan. This Executive Order is intended to stop the ICC from undertaking its independent mandate. It also poses a significant threat to the ICC and its staff.  UN experts strongly condemned the move, calling it “an attack on global rule of law” that undermines international justice.

    This Executive Order is similar to one issued by President Trump towards the end of his first term in 2020, which was later lifted by President Biden. Trump’s new executive action is a direct response to the ICC’s efforts to hold Israeli nationals accountable for alleged crimes under international law in Palestine. In November 2024, the court issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, as well as al-Qassam brigades commander Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri, on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

    By imposing sanctions on the ICC, the Trump administration is undermining efforts to deliver justice, not only to Palestinians, but to victims of the most serious crimes everywhere. This includes people in Afghanistan, Burundi, Cote d’Ivoire, Darfur (Sudan), DRC, Libya, Mali, Myanmar, Nigeria, the Philippines, Ukraine and Venezuela, where the ICC is currently conducting investigations or has issued arrest warrants.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: In Dialogue with Malta, Experts of the Committee on Enforced Disappearances Ask about Efforts to Establish a Stand-Alone Law on Enforced Disappearance and Prevent Disappearances of Migrants

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    Committee Experts Commemorate the Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice in Argentina and the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims

    The Committee on Enforced Disappearances today concluded its consideration of the initial report of Malta on its implementation of the International Convention on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.  Committee Experts asked questions on the State’s efforts to establish a stand-alone law on enforced disappearance and a national human rights institution, and to prevent disappearances of migrants.

    Several experts raised concerns that the State party did not have a stand-alone crime of enforced disappearance.  Fidelis Kanyongolo, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, asked about steps taken to establish an autonomous offence of enforced disappearance with appropriate penalties.

    Barbara Lochbihler, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, said the human rights and equality commission bill, which would establish a national human rights institution, had not yet been enacted.  What parts of the bill were under review and what was the timeline for its adoption?

    Ms. Lochbihler also cited reports of tactics of non-assistance to migrants and refugees in distress at sea, as well as pushbacks to Libya, leading to deaths and disappearances.  Refugees in Libya were reportedly kept in appalling conditions, and exposed to abuse, extortion, abduction and human trafficking.  What measures had the State party taken to prevent disappearances of migrants and dangerous pushbacks at sea?

    Introducing the report, Fiorella Fenech Vella, Office of the State Advocate of Malta and head of the delegation, said Malta had consistently recognised that enforced disappearance was a crime under customary international law, and the State had classified enforced disappearances as inhumane acts under its umbrella provision of crimes against humanity since its independence in 1964.

    The delegation added that Malta had no reported cases of enforced disappearance and the State party criminalised all elements of the crime of enforced disappearance, though it did not have a stand-alone crime of enforced disappearance or plans to create one.

    The establishment of an independent national human rights institution remained a high priority for Malta, Ms. Fenech Vella said.  The equality and human rights commission bill had been previously presented to Parliament; however, the legislative process was halted due to the dissolution of Parliament for the 2022 general elections.  Since then, efforts had been made to develop the bill to ensure full compliance with the Paris Principles and relevant European Union directives.  The delegation could not provide a timeline for its adoption, however.

    The delegation said Malta had saved several migrants at sea.  Maltese authorities acted on distress calls at sea in accordance with relevant international laws and had not engaged in any pushbacks to Libya. The Government signed a memorandum of understanding with Libya in 2020 on setting up coordination centres in Tripoli and Malta to improve the reception of migrants and combat trafficking in the region.

    In concluding remarks, Ms. Fenech Vella said the dialogue was an essential component for further strengthening Malta’s implementation of the Convention and for strengthening protections for rights holders in the State.  The State party would carefully analyse and take into account the Committee’s recommendations in its development of laws and policies.

    Olivier de Frouville, Committee Chair, in concluding remarks, said the State party and the Committee’s common goal was to ensure the implementation of the Convention.  Mr. de Frouville called on Malta and other States that had ratified the Convention to petition States that had not ratified to do so.  The Committee looked forward to continuing to work with Malta in future.

    The delegation of Malta consisted of representatives of the Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment; Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism; Office of the State Advocate; Office of the Attorney General; Ministry for Justice and Reform of the Construction Industry; and the Permanent Mission of Malta to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

    At the end of the first day of the dialogue, the Committee heard statements marking the Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice in Argentina and the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims.

    Horacio Ravenna, Committee Vice-Chair, recounted that 49 years ago, the armed forces in Argentina initiated a coup against the State’s leadership and imposed a military dictatorship.  In this era, when many political dissidents were subjected to enforced disappearance, the exiled mothers of victims led the fight and bravely spoke out.  On this day, the Committee honoured persons who had passed away and continued to raise public awareness for the next generations, so that the horrendous crime could be eradicated forever.

    Mr. de Frouville, Committee Chair, said all needed to remember the courageous struggle of the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo, whose actions had led to the development of the Convention.

    The Committee will issue its concluding observations on the report of Malta at the end of its twenty-eighth session, which concludes on 4 April.  Summaries of the public meetings of the Committee can be found here, while webcasts of the public meetings can be found here.  The programme of work and other documents related to the session can be found here.

    The Committee will next meet in public on Friday, 4 April at 5 p.m. to close its twenty-eighth session.

    Report

    The Committee has before it the initial report of Malta (CED/C/MLT/1).

    Presentation of Report

    FIORELLA FENECH VELLA, Office of the State Advocate of Malta and head of the delegation, said the dialogue was an opportunity to reaffirm Malta’s unwavering commitment to the Convention and its unwavering support to the United Nations human rights treaty bodies.  Malta had consistently recognised that enforced disappearance was a crime under customary international law amounting to torture, inhuman and degrading treatment.  The State had classified enforced disappearances as inhumane acts under its umbrella provision of crimes against humanity since its independence in 1964. It also signed in February of last year the Ljubljana-Hague Convention on prosecuting war crimes and genocide, which would help deliver justice to victims of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, facilitating effective international cooperation in domestic investigations and prosecutions.

    Malta’s 1964 Constitution and Bill of Rights, adopted upon Malta’s establishment as a State, enshrined key rights, including the right to life; protection against arbitrary arrest or detention, and inhuman treatment; the right to a fair hearing; and the prohibition of deportation, among others.  The Constitution stipulated that detention could only occur under lawful conditions.  The International Criminal Court Act incorporated international crimes, including enforced disappearances categorised as crimes against humanity, into the State’s law.  Malta had ratified several international treaties aimed at preventing enforced disappearances and protecting human rights, including the European Convention on Human Rights; had ratified several United Nations human rights treaties and their protocols; and had accepted communications procedures under a number of these.  It was constantly reviewing the Committee’s communications procedure and would keep it updated on any developments.

    Combatting trafficking in persons remained a priority for the State.  Malta had launched a national strategy and action plan on combatting trafficking in human beings in Malta (2024-2030), which aimed to strengthen the necessary national framework required to prevent human trafficking, protect victims, and prosecute offenders of this crime.  Anti-trafficking actions were being developed to address root causes, risks, threats, new methods used by traffickers, and demand.  The strategy took a human rights-focused, gender-sensitive, interdisciplinary, and cross-sectoral approach.  The Police, via the Vulnerable Victims Unit, conducted investigations into human trafficking and collaborated closely with the Financial Crime Investigation Department to effectively target traffickers and prevent them from reaping financial gains from their criminal activities.  In 2024, Malta initiated two prosecutions which combined human trafficking charges with money laundering charges, with legal proceedings currently underway.

    Victims of human rights violations – including heirs of individuals subjected to enforced disappearances – were entitled to initiate court proceedings against the State Advocate in the First Hall of Malta’s Civil Court.  An individual could only be presumed dead when their absence had lasted for a continuous period exceeding 10 years.  The Constitutional Court could issue orders to safeguard affected individuals’ rights and ensure that any law, entity or individual, including all State officials, in breach of fundamental human rights were held accountable.  Even the President could face legal action for acts committed outside the scope of functions of the Office. 

    Malta had incorporated effective remedies for victims of human rights violations in its legislation. The State was in full compliance with article 17(3) of the Convention, which mandated that official registers of individuals deprived of liberty were maintained by the appropriate authorities and updated as necessary.

    The establishment of an independent national human rights institution in accordance with the Paris Principles remained a high priority for Malta.  The equality and human rights commission bill had been previously presented to Parliament; however, the legislative process was halted due to the dissolution of Parliament for the 2022 general elections. Since then, efforts were ongoing to further develop the bill to ensure full compliance with the Paris Principles and European Union directives that established minimum standards for equality bodies’ independence, resources and powers.  The proposed institution was conceived to function as an independent, well-resourced, and effective entity to be endowed with the necessary legal mandate to promote and protect human rights fervently.

    Malta was resolutely committed to the promotion and protection of human rights, including related to enforced disappearances, and ensuring justice and accountability.  The State party’s efforts reflected its moral commitment to uphold the dignity and rights of all individuals.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    BARBARA LOCHBIHLER, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, said the human rights and equality commission bill, which would establish a national human rights institution, had not yet been enacted.  What parts of the bill were under review and what was the timeline for its adoption? Why had the State party not yet accepted the Committee’s competence to receive individual and inter-State communications?  Had any national courts directly invoked the Convention?  Why had the State party not consulted with civil society organizations in preparing the report?

    FIDELIS KANYONGOLO, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, said the emergency powers act empowered the President to make necessary regulations for public safety, health and the defence of Malta in states of emergency.  Had the President ever exercised this power?  Which legal provisions specifically guaranteed non-derogation from legislation stipulating the right of every person to be protected from enforced disappearances during states of emergency?

    Was State legislation in line with article two of the Convention?  What steps had been taken to establish an autonomous offence of enforced disappearance with penalties commensurate to the seriousness of the offence in State legislation?  Did the State party have a law which established its jurisdiction over the offence of enforced disappearance committed outside of Malta when the alleged offender was present in the country, including in cases where the alleged offender was not subject to military law and when the crime was not a crime against humanity?

    There was no up-to-date statistical information available on the number of disappeared persons or persons involved in enforced disappearances in Malta.  What challenges was the State party facing in this regard?  What plans did it have to systematically collect data on enforced disappearances in future?  How many cases of enforced disappearance had been investigated by the State?  What measures had been taken to ensure the impartiality of such investigations and that public officers allegedly involved in the crime did not take part in the proceedings?

    Malta’s whistleblower act offered some degree of protection to whistleblowers and witnesses.  However, it did not extend its protection to members of a “disciplined force”, the Security Service or persons employed in the foreign, consular or diplomatic service of the Government.  What measures were in place to protect such internal whistleblowers and witnesses, as well as relatives of victims and defence counsel? Did the Code of Ethics of Police Officers provide protection to police officers who witnessed acts of violence, inhumane or offensive treatment?

    Had the State party concluded any extradition agreement with other State parties?  Had it participated in mutual legal assistance and cooperation with other States in respect to offences of enforced disappearances and abduction? Were there any inter-country procedures in place to govern the search for and release of disappeared persons, and the identification and return of their remains in case of death?

    A Committee Expert asked whether the Convention could be directly enforced in Malta.  The State party did not have a stand-alone crime of enforced disappearance.  What mechanisms were in place to harmonise domestic law with the Convention?

    Another Committee Expert asked about plans to involve civil society in the development of State party reports.

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said Malta had no reported cases of enforced disappearance and the State maintained a robust legal framework to prevent occurrences of enforced disappearance. The Criminal Code classified enforced disappearance as a crime against humanity.  It was in line with article two of the Convention.  All cases of suspected enforced disappearance and missing persons were treated with the highest priority by the police and promptly investigated.  Authorities immediately checked detention records after reports of missing persons. Investigations utilised a range of forensic techniques and legal electronic surveillance tools.  In cases of cross-border activities, the State party engaged with Interpol in investigations.  The police compiled a centralised system containing all reports of missing persons and disappearances, which was used to track searches and investigations.

    Several oversight mechanisms were in place to investigate alleged human rights violations by State officials, including the police’s internal investigation unit.  The police conducted regular human rights training, which addressed the prohibition of enforced disappearance and arbitrary detention. Early warning mechanisms were in place to identify arbitrary detentions at an early stage.  All persons in police custody needed to be registered in the police detention registry.  The maximum period of police detention, which was 48 hours, could be extended for an equivalent period for serious offences when permitted by a magistrate.

    The Criminal Code stated that detained persons had the right to a lawyer and to communicate with consular authorities if they were foreigners.  When detained persons required an interpreter, one needed to be provided without delay.  Police officers were required to follow the Police Code of Ethics, considering the potential effects of their actions.  They were required to take immediate action to protect people and private property from violence.

    Persons subjected to extradition proceedings had the right to engage with lawyers and to appeal extradition decisions.  Malta had the competence to try cases of enforced disappearance that were crimes against humanity committed inside and outside of Malta.  When unable to extradite a person accused of enforced disappearance, the State had the competence to prosecute the person domestically.  Malta had colonial-era extradition agreements with the United States, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt.  It was bound by the European Convention on Extradition, which superseded any provisions implemented by bilateral agreements.  There had been no cases of extradition of persons accused of enforced disappearance, but there were cases related to abduction and trafficking in persons.

    Detention services had a central registry of detentions.  All immigration detentions and involuntary admissions to psychiatric institutions were registered.  Persons under arrest could challenge the lawfulness of their detention at any time. The detention of persons in places that were not classified as prisons was an offence.  Police investigations into trafficking cases checked for enforced disappearance.  Persons who had conspired to commit enforced disappearance were prosecuted.  All public officers accused of enforced disappearance or abductions were immediately suspended and were not involved in searches or investigations.

    Maltese law was derogable; Parliament had the power to change national laws, except for the Constitution.  All directives given by the President needed to be in line with the Constitution, which prevailed in cases where domestic legislation conflicted with it.  Parliament could not make amendments to laws without reaching a two-thirds majority, meaning that the ruling party could not impose laws on its own.

    The bill establishing the national human rights institution had been suspended in 2022 due to the general election and assessment of it had started afresh.  Malta was not able to provide a date for the enactment of the bill. There were no civil society organizations active in the field of enforced disappearance in Malta.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    FIDELIS KANYONGOLO, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, asked about the State party’s jurisdiction over enforced disappearances that did not amount to crimes against humanity.  Suspensions could be imposed by the heads of government departments in cases of allegations against inferiors.  Were there provisions that ensured that heads of departments exercised this discretion from the beginning of investigations and for their entire duration?  To what extent did domestic legislation address concealment of the fate or whereabouts of disappeared persons?  To what extent was the State obliged to investigate when enforced disappearance was perpetrated by non-State actors?  Was the right to be protected from enforced disappearance derogable in Malta?  Could persons be extradited to places where they could be subjected to enforced disappearance?  Were police officers who reported enforced disappearances to persons other than their superior officers protected under whistle-blower legislation?

    BARBARA LOCHBIHLER, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, said enforced disappearances related to issues such as trafficking in persons and migration. Why were civil society organizations that dealt with these issues not involved in preparing the State party’s report?

    Another Committee Expert asked if State legislation addressed the act of aiding and abetting the crime of trafficking in persons.  There were barriers to enforced disappearance being invoked as grounds for an extradition in Malta due to the principle of double jeopardy, which required both the extraditing and receiving States to have the same laws on the crime.  How would the State party address this issue?

    A Committee Expert asked if the Executive, the Attorney General, non-governmental organizations or private individuals had the power to develop legal norms that could be assessed and approved by the legislature.

    One Committee Expert said the Committee was delighted that Malta had never recorded cases of enforced disappearances, but the Convention required that the State party set up legal mechanisms, including a stand-alone offence of enforced disappearance, that would allow it to deal with enforced disappearances that could occur on national territory in future.

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the State party criminalised all elements of the crime of enforced disappearance, though it did not have a stand-alone crime of enforced disappearance or plans to create one. The State party could prosecute all cases of enforced disappearance occurring on its territory.  The emergency powers of the President had never been applied.  The delegation was unable to provide a timeline for the adoption of the bill establishing the national human rights institution.

    There were no bilateral agreements that Malta had concluded that addressed enforced disappearances.  Acts that constituted offences to the laws of Malta were extraditable offences.  Double criminality was adopted in most extradition cases.  When offences listed as grounds for extradition in a foreign State’s extradition request were not included in Malta’s laws, the State party was obliged to indicate an applicable domestic law.  How certain countries interpreted trafficking in persons crimes could differ, which could lead to complications.  The State party needed to do its best to find common ground between jurisdictions in cases of this kind.

    Comprehensive witness protection measures were in place.  Witnesses whose safety was at risk were entitled to identity changes and relocation measures.  Punishments could be mitigated based on witnesses’ cooperation.

    When there were allegations against a police officer, the officer involved was immediately suspended.  When a civil servant under suspicion of having committed a crime was suspended, they could appeal their suspension with the civil service complaints authority.

    Malta was a Westminster democracy, so the Executive could not submit draft laws for consideration, but citizens could.

    State laws addressed aiding and abetting crimes of human trafficking and abduction, including financing and supporting the crime and making use of products obtained through the crime of trafficking in persons.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    BARBARA LOCHBIHLER, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, asked about mechanisms applied prior to an extradition to assess whether persons could be at risk of enforced disappearance.  Did registers of detained persons include all the details required by the Convention? Were registers regularly updated? Had the State party revised its legal definition of “places of deprivation of liberty” in line with the recommendation of the Sub-Committee for the Prevention of Torture

    Malta’s policies and practices reportedly increased the risk of enforced disappearances of migrants and victims of trafficking.  Tactics of non-assistance or delay in assistance to migrants and refugees in distress at sea, as well as pushbacks to Libya, violating the non-refoulement principle, had led to deaths and disappearances of migrants at sea.  The widespread use of immigration detention and alleged episodes of violence in pre-removal detention centres also continued to be a human rights concern in Malta.  The State party had been called on to stop pushbacks at sea to Libya, which could not be considered a safe space.  Refugees in Libya were reportedly kept in appalling conditions, and exposed to abuse, extortion, abduction and human trafficking.  What measures had the State party taken to prevent disappearances of migrants and dangerous pushbacks at sea?  Malta had had a Memorandum of Understanding with Libya since 2020 that included the funding of two coordination centres in Libya.  What were the contents of this memorandum and how did it prevent migrant pushbacks? 

    Open centres for migrants in Malta reportedly lacked space, forcing the State party to place migrants in detention centres.  Could the delegation update the Committee on this practice?  Were there migration detention facilities that were not operated by the detention service?  What progress had been made in establishing a central register for detained migrants? How long was the maximum and minimum period of migrant detention?  Could data on the nationality of detained migrants be provided?  What was the timeline for extending the mandate of the national preventive mechanism?

    Did the content of training activities referred to in the reply to the list of issues address the Convention? Was the State party planning on providing human rights training to medical personnel in prisons, members of the judiciary, immigration personnel and social workers?  Would training address illegal intercountry adoptions?

    Did national laws place a time limit on access by victims of enforced disappearance and their relatives to reparation?  Did laws address victims’ relatives’ rights to information and property?

    What policies and measures had been taken to protect children, particularly unaccompanied minors, from enforced disappearances in the context of migration and trafficking?  Could the delegation provide figures on trafficking of children?  How had the State party’s policies on illegal intercountry adoption developed, taking into account international norms on the practice?

    FIDELIS KANYONGOLO, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, said the State party’s obligations under the Convention still existed, although there were no recorded cases of enforced disappearance in the State.  Were there plans to expand the definition of “victims” in Malta’s victims of crime act to align it with article 24 of the Convention, particularly to include family members of individuals who had suffered harm as a result of enforced disappearances that had not directly caused deaths?  What measures were in place to provide victims’ relatives the right to know the progress of investigations and the fate of disappeared persons, and the right to be returned remains in cases of death?  Did relatives have the right to various forms of reparation, including restitution, rehabilitation, and guarantees of non-repetition?  Were there laws that obliged the State to continue the investigation of cases until the fate of the disappeared person had been clarified?  Had measures been taken in law and practice to guarantee the right of people in Malta to establish and participate freely in associations attempting to establish the fate of disappeared persons and to assist victims and relatives?

    Another Committee Expert asked how detained persons were informed of their rights, including their right to counsel? How were women and children protected in cases of enforced disappearance?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said no person was to be subjected to inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment during extradition proceedings.  Persons were not to be returned if they could be subjected to inhumane treatment or other human rights violations.  Under European arrest warrant laws, the State was bound by a 10-day surrender period, during which time persons subjected to extradition proceedings could appeal the extradition.  Last year, a judgement was made by the Court of Criminal Appeal deciding to prevent the extradition of a person to Romania due to deficiencies in prison conditions in that State.

    Malta was in the process of amending the whistleblowers act so that whistleblowers who were members of the disciplinary forces and other persons would be protected under the act.

    Malta’s laws on trafficking in persons were in line with international norms and ensured protection for vulnerable groups, including women and children.  The victims of crime act ensured that victims had access to legal aid, psychological support and shelter, and granted them the right to be informed about the progress of legal proceedings. The Malta police had a unit for investigating trafficking and non-governmental organizations provided shelters and support for victims.  Training was provided to police on identifying victims of trafficking.  The State party had ratified several international norms on trafficking, including the Palermo Protocol.

    Records of immigration detention were kept in an online database that relevant State authorities could access.  Data was recorded upon admission to migrant facilities.  Many police officers had participated in training courses addressing human rights, investigating missing persons, and victim and witness protection.

    The judiciary had received training on the rights of victims, including to access compensation and justice.  The definition in the victims of crime act was not the only definition of a “victim” in State legislation.  Victims had the right to be understood, and were informed about the protection and legal aid measures they were entitled to and methods of accessing compensation. There were many avenues to compensation under Malta’s legislation, including provisions in the Criminal Code addressing compensation and a process for obtaining compensation for civil cases. Agencies had been established to ensure victims received timely individual assessments regarding the support measures they were entitled to.  The State party prioritised the protection of vulnerable victims and victims of serious crimes, guarding against intimidation and reprisals against victims.  Child victims testified to magistrates in separate rooms to trial rooms to prevent traumatisation.

    Migration remained a challenge for Malta, as the State was located on a major migration route. It had saved several migrants at sea over the past 20 years.  The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees had assisted the State party to improve its asylum system and to establish services such as migrant health services and return counselling.  The State party was dedicated to meeting its human rights obligations regarding migrants, to providing protection to those who needed it, and to returning other migrants in a safe and humane manner.  Maltese authorities acted on distress calls at sea in accordance with relevant international laws. 

    Malta had not engaged in any pushbacks to Libya and there had been no occurrences of collective expulsions.  The Government signed a memorandum of understanding with Libya in 2020 on setting up coordination centres in Tripoli and Malta to improve reception of migrants and combat trafficking in the region.  Libyan authorities needed to be given the necessary resources to combat migrant smuggling.  The memorandum of understanding had led to reduced loss of life in the Mediterranean region.

    The detention of migrants was enforced on clear legal grounds.  Detention orders were issued following individual assessments and only as a last resort.  Such orders were subject to an automatic review and subsequent reviews every 14 days. Migrants were notified of removal decisions verbally and in writing.  Removal orders provided explanations of the reasons for the order and options for voluntary removals.  All return activities were monitored by an independent monitoring board. Free legal aid and interpretation services were provided in legal proceedings on removals.

    All unaccompanied minors were protected by care orders issued by the courts.  They were cared for by the agency for the welfare of asylum seekers, which collaborated with the police force and reported signs of trafficking and risks of minors leaving the country without consent.

    Overcrowding in detention and open centres had not been a problem since 2021.  Malta’s open centre was closed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The centre was reopened in 2021 and an additional centre was constructed, resolving the problem.  The current occupancy rate in detention centres was less than 30 per cent. Violence in detention centres was not an issue.  Independent correctional centre monitoring boards had been appointed as the State’s national preventive mechanism.  These boards submitted regular reports to the State regarding conditions in detention centres.

    The legal status of victims of enforced disappearance was defined in the Civil Code, which specified that the assets of such persons were managed by curators who were appointed by the courts.  There were safeguards on victims’ assets.  Courts ensured the protection and supervision of unattended children. The directorate for child protection services operated a children’s house and had powers to carry out and request investigations into cases of violations of children’s rights.

    The Constitution provided for freedom of association.  Any person was entitled to associate regarding issues of enforced disappearance.  No legislation could restrict the freedom of association of any person.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    BARBARA LOCHBIHLER, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, said the State party had formed a further memorandum of understanding with Libya in 2024.  Did it address the prevention of enforced disappearance?  Some persons employed by the Libyan Coastguard were reportedly themselves involved in trafficking in persons.  How did the State party respond to these reports?  How did it respond to reports that Maltese authorities had failed to rescue over 200 migrants whose vessel sank in the Mediterranean in 2013?  Did migrants deprived of liberty have the right to a lawyer?  Did the State party address the situation of potentially disappeared persons in its work on locating missing migrants?  Had the State party referenced the Committee’s general comment on illegal intercountry adoptions in its regulations on the practice?

    FIDELIS KANYONGOLO, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, asked about amendments being contemplated for the whistleblowers act and the potential timeline for their adoption.  Did registers of persons deprived of liberty include all details stipulated in article 17 (3) of the Convention?  Were the State’s registers interconnected and interoperable?  Did the State’s various definitions of “victims” reflect the breadth of the definition of victims in article 24 of the Convention?  Were victims entitled to compensation and remedies as broadly defined in article 24 (5)?  Mr. Kanyongolo appreciated the details provided by the delegation regarding Malta’s legislation.

    Another Committee Expert said the State party had proceedings to declare absences and deaths. What procedure was used to declare disappearances?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said that when a person was charged with a criminal offence, victims could participate in criminal proceedings and could file a petition to claim compensation. The Criminal Code included a compensation scheme.  Under Maltese law, victims could also file actions against the Government before the Civil Court requesting damages.  Damages were timebound and could be renewed after certain periods.  In cases where breaches of human rights were found, courts could grant pecuniary and non-pecuniary damages.  Victims also had the right to file applications for reparation with the Constitutional Court and the European Court of Human Rights.

    Adoptions were regulated by State laws and there was an authority that oversaw adoptions, including intercountry adoptions, to ensure that they were legal.

    Migrants were granted the same rights as other individuals in criminal proceedings, including the right to a lawyer, the right to contact family members, and the right to medical assistance as required.  They were given information on their rights upon detainment in a language that they understood.

    The memorandum of understanding with Libya had been renewed in 2024 with the same terms and conditions of the previous one.  It aimed to dismantle trafficking activities and prevent the loss of life of migrants at sea.  When the State party received requests for information on missing migrants at sea, responsible authorities conducted necessary investigations.  Malta abided by its international obligations and had never relinquished a search case for migrants in distress at sea.

    Amendments to the whistleblower act were still in the drafting stage and the delegation could not provide a timeline for its adoption.

    Malta was in full compliance with article 17 (3) of the Convention.  Registers of detained persons were maintained by authorities and updated as necessary.  They included the detainees’ personal details, and the time of and reason for arrest, among other details.  Registers were regularly reviewed to ensure compliance with domestic and international norms.

    The Civil Code defined the process for declaring absences.  Disappeared persons could be declared as absentees.  Presumptive heirs of absentees could file petitions to courts to obtain their assets.  The will of the absentee was opened after 10 years of absence, and courts determined who received assets in cases where the absentee had not made a will.

    Closing Remarks

    OLIVIER DE FROUVILLE, Committee Chair, thanked the delegation for the dialogue.  The Committee would prepare concluding observations based on the topics discussed and call on the State party to report on implementation of these concluding observations after a certain period.  The Committee would decide whether or not to hold a follow-up dialogue with Malta based on its assessment of this report.  The State party and the Committee’s common goal was to ensure the implementation of the Convention.  Mr. de Frouville called on Malta and other States that had ratified the Convention to petition States that had not ratified to do so.  The Committee looked forward to continuing to work with Malta in future.

    FIORELLA FENECH VELLA, Office of the State Advocate of Malta and head of the delegation, said the delegation had engaged fully with the Committee in the dialogue.  The Committee had posed pertinent questions related to the implementation of the Convention.  The dialogue was an essential component for further strengthening Malta’s implementation and for strengthening protections for rights holders in the State.  Malta had never implemented policies that had amounted to enforced disappearance, a reflection of its dedication to promoting human rights principles.  The State party would carefully analyse and take into account the Committee’s recommendations in its development of laws and policies.

    Statements Marking the Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice in Argentina and the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims

    At the end of the first day of the dialogue, HORACIO RAVENNA, Committee Vice-Chairperson, said that 24 March was a special day in Argentina, the Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice. Forty-nine years ago today, the armed forces in Argentina initiated a coup against the State’s leadership and imposed a dictatorship.  Several similar coups were also carried out in other countries in South and Latin America. Many political dissidents were killed, arbitrarily detained and subjected to enforced disappearance in this era as part of Operation Condor, and legislation in many countries did not sufficiently address the phenomenon of enforced disappearance.  In this context, the exiled mothers of victims of enforced disappearance led the fight and bravely spoke out, meeting in Paris to discuss the issue, and these discussions led to the development of the Convention, which had been in force for 14 years.  Today, the Committee honoured persons who had passed away and continued to raise public awareness for the next generations, so that the horrendous crime could be eradicated forever.

    OLIVIER DE FROUVILLE, Committee Chair, said today was also, in addition to being the Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice, the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims. All needed to remember the courageous struggle of the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo, whose actions had led to the development of the Convention.  They had spoken the truth bravely to combat dictatorships.

     

     

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

     

     

    CED25.007E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Victims of Slavery & amp;Transatlantic Slave Trade & other topics – Daily Press Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

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

    Highlights:
    Victims of Slavery and Transatlantic Slave Trade
    Detained and Missing Staff
    Syria/Security Council
    Occupied Palestinian Territory
    UN Interim Force In Lebanon
    Democratic Republic of the Congo
    Democratic Republic of the Congo / Mediation
    Burundi
    Sudan
    South Sudan
    Ukraine
    Myanmar
    Ecuador
    Child Mortality

    VICTIMS OF SLAVERY AND TRANSATLANTIC SLAVE TRADE
    Today is the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The Secretary-General spoke at the General Assembly event to mark the Day and said that the transatlantic slave trade is an indelible stain on the conscience of humanity.
    Today, he said, we remember the women, children, and men forced to work in agonizing conditions, savagely punished, and deprived of their dignity and human rights, and we take strength in their resistance and demands for justice.
    The Secretary-General said the obscene profits derived from chattel slavery and the racist ideologies that underpinned the trade are still with us, and he urged everyone to play their part in building inclusive societies free from the evils of racism.

    DETAINED AND MISSING STAFF
    Today is the International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members. One hundred and one personnel were arrested or detained last year alone. In total, at least 52 of UN personnel are still in detention globally.
    In his message, the Secretary-General says we stand with all those detained, and with their families and loved ones, as we call for their immediate release and safe return.
    He urges governments to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel, and to continue pursuing accountability and justice for these crimes, while enhancing support and protection.
    And in a video message, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, said that the rights of all U.N. staff must be fully respected.
    Out of the 52 detained colleagues, 23 as you know are arbitrarily detained in Yemen alone. Eight of those are from the Human Rights Office. “Their continued detention is a grave injustice,” Mr. Türk said.
    On this Day, the UN renews the calls for their immediate and unconditional release.

    SYRIA/SECURITY COUNCIL
    This morning at the Security Council, the UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, told Council members that Syria stands at a crossroads: either to return to violence or to overcome the conflict and revive the economy. To take the right path, Syria needs increased and continued international support, he said.
    For his part, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Tom Fletcher, said that we are making progress on the humanitarian front. We are now using more routes to deliver aid.
    He added that the reality is still grim. 16 million people – nearly three-quarters of the Syrian population – lack sufficient food, water, shelter, and medicine. We need to move with greater urgency, while we can – he said.

    Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=25%20March%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8EmEq44Veo

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Support for La Réunion sugarcane industry as sugarcane smut spreads – E-000137/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Agricultural Funds may support sugarcane growers in La Réunion.

    Agriculture in the outermost regions is supported by the Programme of Specific Options on Remoteness and Insularity (POSEI), and exceptional changes to the programme are possible to deal with natural disasters.

    Under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), under certain conditions, support can be provided to restore agricultural production potential damaged by natural disasters (including pest diseases).

    Support is also available for cooperation measures such as pilot projects and developing new products, practices, processes and techniques.

    In addition, a new exceptional EAFRD measure under the Rural Development Programme allows Member States to provide liquidity support to farmers affected by natural disasters.

    The Commission’s proposal on plants obtained by certain new genomic techniques[1] contributes to sustainability and resilience of the agri-food system, in particular to foster the development of improved plant varieties that are climate resilient and pest resistant.

    Plant health research and innovation are prioritised through Horizon Europe[2], particularly under cluster 6: ‘Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment’[3], and will remain a key focus in future Horizon Europe Work Programmes[4].

    Numerous EU-funded projects address emerging plant pest threats[5] by developing advanced tools for early detection, prevention, monitoring and management. They also focus on breeding resistant or tolerant varieties adapted to climate change[6].

    • [1]  COM(2023) 411 final.
    • [2] https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe_en
    • [3] https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/cluster-6-food-bioeconomy-natural-resources-agriculture-and-environment_en
    • [4]  Horizon Europe Strategic Plan 2025-2027 https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/strategic-plan_en
    • [5] Agri Factsheet Plant Health https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/document/e8a5772e-9fca-4583-a81b-649729068f1e_en
    • [6] Agri Factsheet Breeding and Genetic Resources https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/document/download/158ab06d-46a7-4803-bef8-ae6582bfcfe1_en

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The Commission’s response in the Slimane Bouhafs case – E-001098/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001098/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Mathilde Androuët (PfE)

    Slimane Bouhafs, a Berber who has converted to Christianity and is an activist for freedom of expression, democracy and minority rights, was granted refugee status by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in 2020[1]. He was imprisoned several times by the regime between 2010 and 2020, including on false accusations of ‘terrorism’. While he was a refugee in Tunisia, he was abducted and returned to Algeria in 2021, where he suffered physical abuse. He was released together with another activist, Kamira Nait Sid, in 2024, after three years in prison[2], but is now deprived of all his rights and identity papers. His life is now in danger[3].

    Nevertheless, the Commission supports the Algerian state through technical, financial and humanitarian cooperation[4], while the former Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, has repeatedly recalled the EU’s commitment to freedom of religion or belief[5].

    • 1.Has the Commission looked into the Slimane Bouhafs case?
    • 2.What action does it intend to take in practice and what means does it have at its disposal to pressure the Algerian regime to comply with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which it has ratified?

    Submitted: 14.3.2025

    • [1] ‘Algeria: Activist sentenced following refoulement: Slimane Bouhafs’, Amnesty International, 29 August 2023, https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/mde28/7149/2023/en/.
    • [2] ‘Human rights defenders Kamira Nait Sid and Slimane Bouhafs released from prison’, Front Line Defenders, 3 September 2024.
    • [3] https://www.facebook.com/Tagduda.info/videos/appel-de-d%C3%A9tresse-de-slimane-bouhafs/218730642069359/.
    • [4] ‘The European Union and Algeria’, Delegation of the European Union to Algeria, 5 August 2021, https://www.eeas.europa.eu/algeria/european-union-and-algeria_en?s=82.
    • [5] ‘Standing up for Freedom of Religion or Belief’, European External Action Service, 21 August 2020, https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/standing-freedom-religion-or-belief_en.
    Last updated: 25 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Aid operations stretched to the limit in Burundi by ongoing DR Congo crisis

    Source: United Nations 2

    Humanitarian Aid

    With thousands fleeing violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) across the border into Burundi, aid operations are stretched to the limit, the World Food Programme (WFP) said on Tuesday.

    The UN agency has swiftly mobilized additional resources to address but the sharp rise in refugee numbers has put immense pressure on all assistance operations in the region.

    Since the beginning of the year nearly 70,000 individuals – primarily women, children, and the elderly – have crossed into Burundi seeking refuge from the intensifying conflict in DRC.

    Many have made perilous river crossings and embarked on long journeys to escape violence.

    As refugee numbers continue to swell, this marks one of the largest influxes into Burundi in decades, with more arrivals each day. According to reports, many are arriving with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

    The movement of refugees has also increased across DRC’s border with Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania. According to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, in less than three months, the number of Congolese fleeing has surged to over 100,000.

    This trend is exacerbating food insecurity throughout the region, further complicating efforts to provide adequate support. Critical funding gaps are severely hampering humanitarian efforts.

    Food rations reduced

    Underlining that the number of refugees has doubled in just a few weeks, WFP’s Deputy Regional Director for eastern Africa, Dragica Pajevic, said “available resources are stretched beyond capacity”, and the team had to “reduce rations to reach as many people as possible”.

    Aid efforts intensified

    Among the 70,000 new arrivals, 60,000 have been registered for food assistance, pushing WFP’s total refugee caseload in Burundi to 120,000.

    These refugees are currently living in overcrowded temporary shelters, such as transit camps, schools, churches, and sports stadiums.

    In response, WFP has been providing hot meals. Existing refugees, however, are receiving reduced food rations.

    In March, WFP had to cut rations for the ongoing refugee population from 75 per cent to 50 per cent of the full food entitlement, due to limited resources.

    Funding is key

    WFP said it only has sufficient funds to support 120,000 refugees through June 2025 which means food assistance may have to be suspended as early as July.

    To maintain key support, WFP said it urgently requires $19.8 million to ensure food assistance continues through the end of the year.

    Violence escalates in DRC

    The UN aid coordination office (OCHA) on Tuesday expressed alarm over escalating violence in Ituri province in eastern DRC.

    Armed groups attacked the Loda displacement site in Djugu Territory, killing six displaced people and injuring many others.

    OCHA is deeply concerned about the proliferation of armed groups and violence in Ituri, where over 200 civilians have been killed and more than 100,000 people have fled their homes this year.

    In North and South Kivu provinces, hostilities are also continuing.

    Local civil society groups reported the abduction and rape of three girls by armed men in Kalehe Territory, South Kivu, highlighting a surge in sexual violence and rights violations.

    The UN is calling on all parties to uphold international humanitarian and human rights law, protect civilians, and ensure safe access to essential services.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Sudan’s civil war: What military advances mean, and where the country could be heading next

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Christopher Tounsel, Associate Professor of History, University of Washington

    A Sudanese man celebrates as the military enters the central city of Wad Madani, pushing out the Rapid Support Forces in January 2025. AP Photo/Marwan Ali

    A series of advances by the Sudanese military has led some observers to posit that the African nation’s yearslong civil war could be at a crucial turning point.

    Even if it were to end tomorrow, the bloody conflict would have left the Sudanese people scarred by violence that has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions of people. But the recent victories by the military do not spell the end of its adversary, a rebel paramilitary group that still holds large areas in Sudan.

    The Conversation turned to Christopher Tounsel, a historian of modern Sudan at the University of Washington, to explain what the war has cost and where it could turn now.

    Can you give a summary of the civil war to date?

    On April 15, 2023, fighting broke out in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces, or SAF – led by de facto head of state Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan – and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, or RSF, led by Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known colloquially as “Hemedti.” The RSF emerged out of the feared Janjaweed militia that had terrorized the Darfur region of Sudan.

    While the SAF and RSF previously worked together to forcibly remove longtime President Omar al-Bashir from power in 2019, they later split amid a power struggle that turned deadly.

    The major point of contention was the disputed timeline for RSF integration into the national military, with the RSF preferring a 10-year process to the SAF’s preferred two-year plan.

    By early April 2023, the government deployed SAF troops along the streets of the capital, Khartoum, while RSF forces took up locations throughout the country. Matters came to a head when explosions and gunfire rocked Khartoum on April 15 of that year. The two forces have been in conflict ever since.

    To human toll of the civil war has been staggering. As of February 2025, estimates of those killed from the conflict and its related causes, including lack of sufficient medical facilities and hunger, have ranged from 20,000 to 150,000 – a wide gulf that, according to Humanitarian Research Lab executive director Nathaniel Raymond, is partially due to the fact that the dead or displaced are still being counted.

    The conflict has displaced more than 14 million people, a number that demographically makes the Sudan situation the world’s worst displacement crisis. Nearly half of Sudan’s population is “acutely food insecure,” according to the U.N.’s World Food Programme. Another 638,000 face “catastrophic levels of hunger” – the world’s highest number.

    How have recent developments changed the war?

    The SAF has recently scored a slew of victories. At time of writing, the Sudanese military controls much of the country’s southeastern border with Ethiopia, the Red Sea coast – and, with it, Sudan’s strategically important Port Sudan – and parts of the country’s metropolitan center located at the confluence of the Blue and White Nile rivers.

    Further, the SAF has reclaimed much of the White Nile and Gezira provinces and broken an RSF siege of North Kordofan’s provincial capital of el-Obeid. In perhaps the most important development, the army in late March recaptured the RSF’s last major stronghold in Khartoum, the Presidential Palace.

    A fighter loyal to the Sudanese army patrols a market area in Khartoum on March 24, 2025.
    AFP via Getty Images

    Each of these actions indicates that the SAF is taking an increasingly proactive approach in the war. Such positive momentum could not only serve to reassure the Sudanese populace that the SAF is the country’s strongest force but also signal to foreign powers that it is, and will continue to be, the country’s legitimate authority moving forward.

    And yet, there are other indications that the RSF is in no rush to concede defeat. Despite the SAF’s advances, the RSF has strengthened its control over nearly all of Darfur, Sudan’s massive western region that shares a lengthy border with neighboring Chad.

    It is here that the RSF has been accused of committing genocide against non-Arab communities, and only the besieged capital of North Darfur, El Fasher, stands in the way of total RSF hegemony in the region. The RSF also controls territory to the south, along Sudan’s borders with the Central African Republic and South Sudan.

    The fact that the SAF and RSF are entrenched in their respective regional strongholds casts doubt on the significance of the military’s recent victories.

    Could Sudan be heading to partition?

    As a historian who spent years writing about South Sudanese separatism, I find it somewhat unfathomable to imagine that Sudan would further splinter into different countries. Given the current state of affairs, however, partition is not outside the realm of possibility. In February, during a summit in Kenya, the RSF and its allies officially commenced plans to create a rival government.

    The African Union’s 55 member states are said to be split on the issue of Sudanese partition and the question of whether any entity linked with the RSF should be accepted. In January, during the waning days of U.S. President Joe Biden’s presidency, Washington determined that the RSF and its allies had committed genocide and sanctioned Hemedti, the RSF leader, prohibiting him and his family from traveling to the U.S. and freezing any American assets he may hold.

    Any attempt to entertain partition could be read as an acknowledgment of the legitimacy of the RSF and would also create a dangerous precedent for other leaders who have been accused of human rights violations.

    In addition to the RSF’s perceived lack of moral legitimacy, there is also the recent precedent of South Sudan’s secession. South Sudan, since seceding from Sudan in 2011, has experienced enormous difficulties. Roughly 2½ years into independence, the nation erupted into a civil war waged largely along ethnic lines. Since the conclusion of that war in 2018, the world’s youngest nation continues to struggle with intergroup violence, food insecurity and sanctions resulting from human rights violations.

    Simply put, recent Sudanese history has shown that partition is not a risk-free solution to civil war.

    How has shifting geopolitics affected the conflict?

    It is important to understand that the conflict’s ripples extend far beyond Sudan’s borders. Similarly, the actions of countries such as the U.S., Russia and China have an impact on the war.

    Sudanese people line up to collect a charity ‘iftar’ fast-breaking meal in Omdourman on March 19, 2025.
    Ebrahim Hamid/AFP via Getty Images

    President Donald Trump’s executive order freezing contributions from the U.S. government’s development organization, USAID, has shuttered approximately 80% of the emergency food kitchens established to help those impacted by the conflict. An estimated 2 million people have been affected by this development.

    Russian financial and military contributions have been credited with helping the SAF achieve its gains in recent months. Russia has long desired a Red Sea naval base near Port Sudan, and the expulsion of Russia’s fleet from Syria following the fall of President Bashar Assad increased the importance of such a base.

    And then there is China. A major importer of Sudanese crude oil, China engaged in conversations to renegotiate oil cooperation agreements with Sudan in October 2024 with the hopes of increasing oil production amid the war. An end to the war – and, with it, protecting the flow of oil through pipelines vulnerable to attack – would benefit both members of this bilateral relationship.

    As the war enters its third year, the outlook remains frustratingly difficult to discern.

    Christopher Tounsel has previously received funding from the Council of American Overseas Research Centers.

    – ref. Sudan’s civil war: What military advances mean, and where the country could be heading next – https://theconversation.com/sudans-civil-war-what-military-advances-mean-and-where-the-country-could-be-heading-next-253007

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025: Congo Offers Attractive Tax Policies for Oil & Gas (O&G) Investors

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

    BRAZZAVILLE, Congo (Republic of the), March 25, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The Republic of Congo’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons has announced it is working to improve the attractiveness of taxation in the hydrocarbons sector to fully realize the potential of the country’s hydrocarbons market.

    Speaking during the Technical Conference at the inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) – From Resources to Revenue: Developing the Republic of Congo’s Gas Sector – Jean-Jacques Ikama, Director General of Oil Economy, Audit and Trading, Ministry of Hydrocarbons, Congo explored the conditions and mechanisms for companies entering the country’s oil and gas sector.

    “Oil and gas activities can serve as a basis for the creation and operationalization of a very dynamic local market,” stated Ikama, adding, “We aim to redefine the hydrocarbons sector in our country and improve the conditions of exploration and production.”

    In addition to good taxation conditions and guaranteed frameworks, Congo has taken proactive steps to enhance its energy sector’s appeal to investors. The government will launch a new licensing round at CEIF, targeting accelerated oil and gas exploration and production activities.

    Meanwhile, Congo’s parastatal Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo is set to release its Gas Master Plan at CEIF 2025. The plan aims to advance the country’s gas monetization agenda by catalyzing new infrastructure development, including gas pipelines, processing facilities and gas-to-power plants. The plan also seeks to reduce energy imports and raise electricity access, which currently stands at 50%.

    A new Gas Code, expected in 2025, will provide a clear legislative framework for gas monetization, fiscal terms and resource management. The draft was presented to gas companies in late 2023 and is set for final approval in the coming months.

    Key gas monetization initiatives in the country include energy major Eni’s Congo LNG project and Chinese developer Wing Wah’s Banga Kayo project. These projects highlight the country’s dedication to advancing its energy infrastructure and diversifying revenue streams within the sector.

    These efforts positions Congo as an increasingly competitive and attractive destination for global energy investments.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ten Indicted in Alleged Scheme Orchestrated by Street Gang Members to Smuggle Narcotics Into a Riverside County Jail

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    RIVERSIDE, California – Three people were arrested today pursuant to a federal grand jury indictment alleging a scheme to smuggle narcotics into a Riverside County jail by concealing drugs inside of individuals who would purposely get arrested to deliver the contraband.

    The three arrested today are among 10 defendants named in the indictment that alleges a scheme to smuggle fentanyl, methamphetamine and heroin into the detention facility. The other defendants charged in the case were already in custody.

    “Drug smuggling endangers the lives of inmates and the sheriff’s deputies who are sworn to guard them,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph McNally. “I thank and commend our partners at the FBI and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department for the time and attention they have paid to this urgent and important matter.” 

    “This investigation highlights the importance of the cooperation and working relationship with our federal partner law enforcement agencies when it comes to public safety,” said Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco. “The smuggling of drugs into our jails, particularly with the emergence of fentanyl, has dramatically increased inmate deaths and medical emergencies within our corrections division. I commend the sheriff’s investigators and FBI agents who worked tirelessly on this case to ensure those responsible were identified and brought to justice. We will continue to partner with federal agents in our ongoing efforts to keep Riverside County safe.”

    The conspiracy allegedly was led by Andrew Jesus Ayala, 46, of Riverside, and members of a Riverside-based street gang who worked with three in-custody defendants who wanted to obtain narcotics, a group of facilitators on the street and an at least one drug mule who concealed narcotics in a body cavity, the indictment alleges. 

    The indictment outlines a scheme that began at an unknown date and continued into late 2022, when intercepted phone calls revealed efforts to smuggle narcotics into a Riverside County custody facility. Members of the drug trafficking ring obtain narcotics and recruited individuals who were willing to smuggle drugs hidden inside their bodies, according to the indictment.

    Leaders of the scheme arranged temporary housing for the drug mules before and after they went into custody and delivered narcotics, according to the indictment, which details steps taken by the smugglers to avoid having the drugs detected by X-ray scanners.

    In one incident in late 2022, a defendant attempted to smuggle 1¾ ounces of methamphetamine concealed inside his body, but that shipment was intercepted when the contraband was seen on an X-ray machine when the defendant was brought into custody, the indictment alleges.

    Members of the conspiracy allegedly discussed smuggling fentanyl-laced pills that could be sold inside the jail for 10 times the street price.

    The indictment unsealed today charges all 10 defendants with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute methamphetamine, a charge that carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison and statutory maximum sentence of 40 years in federal prison. Nine of the defendants are additionally charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, which also carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison and statutory maximum sentence of 40 years in federal prison.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    The FBI and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department are investigating this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Peter Dahlquist and Erin C. Kiss of the Riverside Branch Office are prosecuting this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: BitMart Celebrates 7th Anniversary with AI3 Hackathon Afterparty, Co-Hosted with Solana Superteam and NFT SOHO

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Mahe, Seychelles, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — To commemorate BitMart’s 7th anniversary, we proudly co-hosted the AI3 Hackathon Afterparty, bringing together builders, creatives, and Web3 pioneers for an evening of connection and celebration.

    Organized by Solana Superteam, with key support from NFT SOHO, the post-hackathon gathering served as the closing highlight of the AI3 Hackathon — a multi-day Web3 & AI experience powered by community energy, innovation, and decentralized collaboration.

    BitMart sponsored and co-hosted the networking session, where developers, investors, artists, and founders came together for drinks, product chats, and idea exchanges in a relaxed and vibrant setting.

    “Celebrating our 7th anniversary alongside some of the brightest minds in Web3 was more than a milestone — it was a reminder of why we build,” said Fan, BitMart’s Europe expert. “We’re proud to support events that champion innovation and community-first culture.”

    From exclusive BitMart merch to immersive brand showcases, the event also marked a renewed commitment to empowering the Web3 builder ecosystem through partnership, product, and presence.

    This is just the beginning — here’s to many more years of unlocking the future of digital assets, together.

    About BitMart
    BitMart is the premier global digital asset trading platform. With millions of users worldwide and ranked among the top crypto exchanges on CoinGecko, it currently offers 1,700+ trading pairs with competitive trading fees. Constantly evolving and growing, BitMart is interested in crypto’s potential to drive innovation and promote financial inclusion. New users can register here to unlock an $8,000+ welcome bonus.

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: After months of Trump’s shock tactics, whistleblower groups are pushing back against attacks on workers’ rights

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Kate Kenny, Professor of Business and Society, University of Galway

    Julio Javier Vargas/Shutterstock

    In the US, under president Donald Trump, rapid assaults on civil servants’ rights, including their rights to speak out about wrongdoing, are increasingly part of the administration’s play for power. Shock tactics tend to work when the speed leaves observers too stunned to act.

    But countering the paralysis, whistleblower supporters are organising. Civil society groups are collaborating to shore up workers’ rights, challenge threats in the courts, and inform the public why it’s important to protect whistleblowers. Their cool-headed approach shows what it takes to work together to preserve democratic freedoms.

    Since January 2025, the Trump administration has assaulted federal workers’ rights including whistleblowing protections. Key personnel are being fired, with thousands of other civil servants under threat of being reclassified as “at-will” workers who can be sacked at any time for any reason.

    But the US needs whistleblower rights. In the past ten years alone, US government workers speaking out have protected citizens from a long list of ills. This includes food contamination, health risks, airline dangers and climate censorship. And they have called out managers for fraud and corruption.

    Recent UK research demonstrates how listening to whistleblowers in some cases – including the Post Office scandal and the collapse of contractor Carillion – would have saved taxpayers nearly £400 million.

    Functioning government bureaucracies, staffed by well-qualified, professional and independent civil servants, curtail attempts by politicians to control the state.

    In the US, long-standing structures like the Pendleton Act of 1883 and the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, were put in place to ensure this. These laws insist government workers are hired and fired on the basis of skill and ability, not their political views. New employees take an oath of loyalty to the US constitution, not to the president.

    Whistleblower protection is a critical part of ensuring this independence, because it enables civil servants to challenge abuses of power. But whistleblowers can only call out wrongdoing if they are protected from reprisal. Right now, these protections are under threat.

    Shock and awe

    Critics of the new US administration know all this. But the speed of change seems overwhelming. And the will to resist depletes, as people struggle to make sense of the constant disruption.

    What to do with widely reported shows of anti-democratic aggression, like the recent appearance of senior Trump adviser Elon Musk on stage with a red chainsaw, shouting about a “chainsaw for bureaucracy”?

    This is exactly the kind of chaotic, performative scene that stokes fascist passions, but leaves critics frozen.

    Elon Musk’s chainsaw stunt was made famous by Argentinian president Javier Milei, who was looking on as Musk played to the gallery.
    Joshua Sukoff/Shutterstock

    Connecting such moves with Trump’s aggression against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes and trans citizens, US philosopher Judith Butler has warned that people can be stunned into inaction by increasingly shocking events. They stop seeing how they are connected.

    What links these events, fundamentally, is contempt for ordinary US citizens’ rights and for constitutional democracy. As Butler also says, it’s important that citizens are not left immobilised by the outrage.

    To counter the chaos, cool heads are needed. Supporters of whistleblower rights are pushing back. With partners, the nonprofit whistleblower organisation Government Accountability Project is suing Trump over the unconstitutional roll-back of federal worker protections. And civil society groups successfully challenged February’s firing of the chief of the federal whistleblowing agency.

    This kind of whistleblower activism has happened before in other parts of the world. In Europe, NGOs monitor countries’ adoption of the new EU whistleblower protection law.

    Organisations like the Whistleblowing International Network and the UNCAC coalition support civil society groups in countries around the world with new but fragile whistleblower protection systems introduced to support public trust and democratic accountability. These partnerships harness public opinion through the media and lobby for change. They come together in regular online events and forums to sustain momentum.

    These coalitions of whistleblower activists have a history of working together, celebrating small wins and publicising each other’s work.

    As my recent book details, this collective activism is not easy. These organisations operate on limited funding. And in the face of disinformation on social media, defending truth and facts can be challenging. Yet as I found, strategising and collaborating can help counter aggressive opposition.

    A shared commitment to democratic rights is what keeps coalitions of whistleblower activists going – they demonstrate passions for equality and the right to live without fear.

    Trump is working to remake the federal government in the service of his political agenda. It is a classic move made by “strongman” leaders. They seize control of government bureaucracy in order to reward elite supporters, give favours and jobs to insiders, and weaken oversight on corruption.

    Attacking government bureaucracy has been a first step in the power grab by authoritarian leaders worldwide, from Hungary to Benin, Turkey and Venezuela.

    Working with his largest election donor Elon Musk, who already owns businesses benefiting from government contracts, Trump’s aggressive overhaul of the federal government radically dilutes the potential for dissenting workers to speak out in protest.

    It is tempting to remain paralysed in the face of daily attempts to roll back workers’ rights. But through their dedication, mutual support and celebration of even small wins, international collectives of whistleblower activists remind us that there is a way forward and why it’s vital to keep going.

    Kate Kenny has in the past and at different times engaged in research funded by organizations including: the EU Commission, ESRC UK, the British Academy, Harvard University, Science Foundation Ireland and Leverhulme Trust.

    – ref. After months of Trump’s shock tactics, whistleblower groups are pushing back against attacks on workers’ rights – https://theconversation.com/after-months-of-trumps-shock-tactics-whistleblower-groups-are-pushing-back-against-attacks-on-workers-rights-252861

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Hydroponic farming system overall winner of Global Cleantech Innovation Programme Awards

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    A groundbreaking hydroponic farming system has won first prize at the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme – South Africa (GCIP-SA) Awards. 

    This innovative system allows farmers to grow crops using up to 90% less water and requires only 10% of the land compared to traditional farming methods.

    AB Farms, founded by Mogale Maleka, beat seven other competitors for the coveted sustainable development prize.  

    Hosted by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) entity, the Technology Agency (TIA), the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and the Global Environment Facility, the recently held awards acknowledged the outstanding achievements of entrepreneurs and innovators, who are driving sustainable solutions for a greener future.

    According to the department, the GCIP is instrumental in South Africa’s response to the challenge of climate change by nurturing and accelerating cleantech startups and small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs). 

    The programme aligns with the Paris Agreement objectives and also supports South Africa in achieving its Nationally Determined Contribution targets to reduce carbon emissions from 350 to 420 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030.

    Maleka’s farm was recognised for its commitment to clean energy solutions.  

    “His innovation also reduces electricity consumption by 50% and fertiliser use by 40%, making it a game-changer for resource-scarce regions. Designed for resilience, the system ensures consistent irrigation, even during power or water disruptions,” the statement read. 

    Congratulating the finalists and winners, DSTI Minister Professor Blade Nzimande stressed the urgent need for sustainable solutions in South Africa, where environmental challenges such as water scarcity, air and water pollution, biodiversity loss, and extreme weather events are deepening socio-economic disparities.

    “Unsustainable patterns of consumption and production have led to the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste,” Nzimande said. 

    According to the Minister, this crisis has resulted in severe environmental problems, including extreme weather events like droughts, floods, heatwaves and storms, which cause widespread damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and human lives.  

    “South Africa, like many other parts of the world, is grappling with these challenges, making the need for climate-resilient infrastructure even more urgent,” Nzimande said. 

    The 2025 GCIP-SA Awards also recognised other outstanding innovators in sustainable solutions.
    Runner-up, Econova Solutions, led by Sanele Mabizela, was honoured for its impactful work in clean energy and environmental sustainability.  

    Econova converts organic waste into biogas and organic fertilisers.  

    Meanwhile, the second runner-up spot went to the Graduated Man of Steel, represented by Lunga Calvin Mahlangu, for an innovation that produces affordable electric micro-mobility solutions for urban and industrial transport.

    Acting Chief Executive Officer of the TIA, Ismail Abdoola, commended the entrepreneurs for driving clean technology innovations and reaffirmed the TIA’s commitment to strengthening the programme’s impact.

    “We recognise the remarkable achievements of the GCIP-SA and the entrepreneurs shaping the future of our country’s cleantech ecosystem.  This… is not just about celebrating accomplishments but about reaffirming our shared vision for innovation, sustainability and progress,” said Abdoola at the awards ceremony.

    He also acknowledged the long-standing partnership between TIA and UNIDO, which has been instrumental in driving the success of GCIP-SA, and supporting local entrepreneurs in refining their solutions and positioning them for market success.

    “The GCIP is more than a programme, it is a movement, a movement that brings together innovation, collaboration, and purpose-driven action in support of a sustainable future. As we look ahead, let us be inspired by the work done so far and remain committed to building a greener and more resilient South Africa,” Abdoola added. 

    The winner and runners-up will represent South Africa, in the global installment of the Cleantech Awards in Turkey in September 2025. – SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Nelson Mandela Bay gains additional police resources 

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe, has commended the Eastern Cape MEC for Community Safety, Xolile Nqatha and national government for the swift and decisive intervention in deploying additional police resources to strengthen crime-fighting efforts in the region.

    This follows the arrival of 150 public order police members, including 15 detectives, and crime intelligence officers, who arrived in the metro on Sunday to provide much-needed support to local law enforcement.

    In a statement on Monday, Lobishe said the strategic intervention comes at a critical time when the latest crime statistics position Nelson Mandela Bay as a focal point for criminal activity in South Africa.

    “The deployment of these additional resources will enhance policing visibility, improve intelligence-led operations, and bolster investigations to ensure that criminals are swiftly brought to justice. Public safety remains a top priority, and we are confident that this initiative will contribute significantly to restoring law and order in our city,” Lobishe said.

    She said the newly deployed officers will be strategically stationed in key crime hotspots throughout Nelson Mandela Bay, including KwaZakhele, New Brighton, Helenvale, Gelvandale, Central and North End, Motherwell, Uitenhage, and Despatch.

    On 12 March 2025, MEC Nqatha released the Eastern Cape’s crime statistics, which indicated an increase in criminal activity within Nelson Mandela Bay.

    Despite a 7.1% decrease in serious crime for the second quarter of the financial year, the region accounted for 23.4% of the province’s total serious crime cases.

    Crime trends showed an increase in incidents, including attempted murder (+9.0%), assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (+3.5%), and the trio crimes of carjacking, house robbery, and business robbery (+2.4%), as well as a notable rise in house robberies (+14.9%).

    However, the city also witnessed a decrease in certain crimes, including aggravating robberies (-3.4%), common robberies (-2.4%), sexual offences (-6.4%), and business robberies (-9.1%).

    For the third quarter of 2024/2025, Nelson Mandela Bay also showed a reduction in serious crimes, contributing to a 13.5% decrease in reported cases, while still representing 22.5% of the region’s total serious crime reports.

    Lobishe stressed that the district remained a focal point for crime, with significant decreases in common assault and aggravating robberies.

    “The most problematic police stations for serious crimes and rape cases in the region remain consistent with the second quarter, underscoring ongoing challenges with law enforcement in specific areas of the metro.

    “Additionally, the province has seen a rise in incidents of gang violence and extortion, particularly in areas such as the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. Community members are living in fear, as criminals are determined to disturb the peace of our people,” the Mayor said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Motsoaledi to open second G20 Health Working Group meeting in KZN

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi will deliver the keynote address at the opening of the second meeting of the Group of Twenty (G20) Health Working Group on Wednesday.

    The meeting will take place at the Capital Zimbali Resort in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal, and will last for three days. 

    The theme of the meeting will be “Accelerating Health Equity, Solidarity, and Universal Coverage”.

    Motsoaledi will be joined by Deputy Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli, and KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane.

    The event will also include several side events that provide a platform for delegates to engage in bilateral and multilateral discussions on various critical issues, including strengthening health systems and promoting equitable access to health services. 

    Key issues for discussion during the meeting and side events include financial protection for universal health coverage (UHC) and maintaining health financing amid a challenging global economy. 

    The meeting will also zoom into strengthening investments and advancing UHC, bridging the equity gap to accelerate action to address the burden of non-communicable diseases, and responding to the global health financing emergency. 

    The Department of Health has announced that a co-sponsored event focused on the elimination of cervical cancer will take place alongside this meeting. 

    Delegates from G20 countries, invited nations, representatives, and international organisations will be in attendance. 

    South Africa holds the G20 Presidency from 1 December 2024 to 30 November 2025, only five years before the deadline of the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda. South Africa has embraced the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability” for its G20 Presidency. 

    The G20 comprises 19 countries including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, United Kingdom, and the United States and two regional bodies, namely the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU). 

    The first virtual G20 Health Working Group meeting was held in January as part of the country’s G20 Presidency activities planned for this year. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: CoGTA convenes landmark Eastern Seaboard Development Traditional Leaders’ Summit

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Deputy Ministers of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe and Dr Namane Dickson Masemola have successfully convened the inaugural Eastern Seaboard Development (ESD) Traditional Leaders’ Summit in the Eastern Seaboard region.

    The ESD includes the coastal regions of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.

    The Deputy Ministers were joined by the House of Traditional and Khoisan leaders (NHTKL), Chairperson Kgosi Thabo Seatlholo, as well as the Eastern Cape CoGTA MEC Zolile Williams.

    The summit, which took place from 23 to 24 March 2025, also brought together traditional leaders, municipal representatives, and key stakeholders from the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

    The aim of the summit was to strengthen the participation of traditional leadership in the planning and implementation of the ESD programme.

    The gathering forms part of ongoing engagements under the ESD initiative, which seeks to harness the region’s economic potential through strategic infrastructure development, enhanced governance, and the active participation of all stakeholders, including traditional leadership, in local economic growth.

    Over two days, the summit provided a robust platform to:

    •    Review the participation of traditional leaders in the ESD planning phase and respond to key concerns raised during prior consultations.

    •    Define the role of traditional leadership in the implementation of ESD projects, including participation in planning and governance structures.

    •    Discuss land acquisition, land use rights, and partnerships with investors to ensure secure tenure and meaningful engagement.

    •    Align the ESD with the broader Invest Rural Masterplan and rural development initiatives.

    •    Address traditional leadership concerns related to Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA).

    •    Identify empowerment initiatives to capacitate traditional leaders in economic development matters.
    Since its inception, the ESD initiative has made significant strides in its planning phase.

    The Eastern Seaboard was officially declared a region under the SPLUMA in June 2022, paving the way for the development of a Regional Spatial Development Framework (RSDF).

    This framework, which has undergone extensive public consultation, is set to provide a clear roadmap for government and private sector investment in the region.

    As the ESD initiative moves into its implementation phase, the focus will be on further consultations, consolidating projects, mobilising resources, and building the necessary capacity to ensure successful execution. – SAnews.gov.za 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: President Ramaphosa pays heartfelt tribute to nurses for their role during COVID

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed gratitude for the vital role nurses played during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

    The President addressed the 9th National Congress of the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) today. This was the first time the President addressed DENOSA since the outbreak, highlighting the lasting impact of healthcare workers in the fight against the virus.

    President Ramaphosa reflected on the significant changes caused by the pandemic, including the loss of lives and the challenges encountered by healthcare workers.

    “We lost a number of nurses and healthcare workers, brave men and women who were at the frontline of the pandemic. Brave is not an adequate word to describe them. Many of you faced the danger of being infected and death, but you still went on to care for those who were affected.”

    He encouraged attendees to observe a moment of silence in honor of the brave nurses and healthcare professionals, who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving on the front lines.

    “For you who are in the profession, nursing is a calling. It requires a strength of character and commitment to service that is rare.” 

    The President highlighted the long history of struggle for equity in the nursing profession, particularly among black nurses during apartheid, who fought tirelessly for their rights amid systemic inequalities.

    “Black nurses were expected to only care for black patients in black-only hospitals. The hospitals and clinics assigned to serve the country’s majority were under resourced and chronically underfunded. 

    “Black nurses had unfavourable working conditions, were paid less than their white counterparts, and had fewer opportunities for advancement.” 

    He reiterated his statements made during this year’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), that government will allocate resources to the health sector, build hospitals and clinics, and strengthen the healthcare system.

    “This is the commitment that we’re going to achieve, and this is what we’re going to do.” 

    The President also took the time to commend DENOSA for its nearly three decades of advocacy and service, and emphasised the organisation’s pivotal role in shaping nursing policy in South Africa. 

    “We all appreciate the difficult balance that must be struck between advocacy and activism, on the one hand, and fulfilling the rights of patients to treatment and care, on the other hand,” he said.

    President Ramaphosa outlined key strategic priorities for the next five years, including driving inclusive growth, reducing poverty, and building a capable, ethical developmental State. 

    He underscored the integral role of nurses in achieving these goals, particularly in contributing to a capable State.

    Meanwhile, despite a recent uptick in nursing registrations, he raised concerns about declining training numbers due in part to accreditation delays. 

    President Ramaphosa urged DENOSA to engage proactively in policy development to ensure that the nursing profession evolves alongside the changing landscape of healthcare.

    “In an environment where South Africa has a shortage of nurses, we are encouraged that the issue of South African nurses being recruited in large numbers by other countries is also on the agenda.”

    NHI

    Meanwhile, he said the support of DENOSA will be pivotal as the country prepares for the National Health Insurance (NHI).  

    He is of the view that the NHI will bring the country closer to its aspiration of being a society where the human dignity of all is upheld at all times. 

    “The right to dignity matters most when people are sick and need help, and when they are most vulnerable. Our nurses will be the backbone of the NHI.”

    He urged the union to be at the forefront of discussions around skilling and training, health systems strengthening, and other crucial matters. 

    The President called on the union to continue its leadership in advocating for nursing, while addressing the broader health needs of communities. 

    “I’d like to thank you all once again for being frontline soldiers of our people’s health… you… are the ones who take your heart and full dedication to serving the people of South Africa, and we’re eternally grateful for that,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Government implements measures to protect penguin populations

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Government has implemented island closures with immediate effect to enhance the conservation of South Africa’s penguin populations. 

    This follows the recent finalisation of a historic settlement agreement — in the form of a court order — securing critical protections for South Africa’s penguin populations.

    The landmark agreement — reached between the fishing industry and conservation organisations BirdLife South Africa and the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) — establishes island closures to safeguard the critically endangered African Penguin, while supporting sustainable fishing practices.

    The order, issued by the Pretoria High Court, include Dassen Island.

    To implement these closures, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George has amended permit conditions within the small pelagic fishery, encompassing the anchovy and sardine sectors, effective immediately. 

    “By restricting fishing near key island zones, we are securing a sustainable future for both our wildlife and our fishing communities,” the Minister said on Tuesday.

    READ | Government welcomes agreement on protecting penguin populations

    These measures will ensure a balanced approach, protecting vital habitats while supporting the long-term viability of the fishery.
    “This is a pivotal moment for our marine biodiversity,” George said.

    He emphasised government’s steadfast dedication to safeguarding the ecosystems for marine biodiversity.

    George further urged all stakeholders to adhere to the amended island closures and to ensure that skippers and operational personnel are duly informed. 

    “Compliance is essential to the success of this conservation effort,” said the Minister.

    The African penguin is an integral component of South Africa’s coastal biodiversity and stands to benefit significantly from these measures. 

    “Our oceans are a shared legacy, and I am committed to ensuring they thrive for generations to come,” the Minister said. 

    The island closures represent a decisive step forward in that mission, and the Minister has reaffirmed his dedication to advancing policies that secure the prosperity of the nation’s natural resources. 

    Having secured more fish for the penguins, the Minister is currently progressing regulations on bunkering – the transfer of oil at sea – to further improve the penguin habitat. –SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Rodgers announces strategic initiatives to drive KZN economic growth, job creation

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC, Francois Rodgers, has announced a number of strategic initiatives aimed at boosting the province’s economic growth, creating jobs, and stabilising the cost of living.

    Rodgers highlighted some of the initiatives, when he was tabling the province’s R158.478 billion budget for the 2025/2026 financial year, on Tuesday.

    In his address, Rodgers highlighted the positive signs of economic recovery, pointing to key indicators, including an increase in the province’s equitable share and additional allocations in conditional grants.

    He also noted the progress being made through the Provincial Financial Recovery Plan.

    “What is required now is discipline with a sharp focus on the end objective, growth in our economy, job creation, and stabilising and reducing the cost of living,” Rodgers said.

    Initiatives to strengthen financial discipline

    The MEC said the provincial Treasury is committed to perform financial oversight and monitor provincial expenditure, with a view to prevent non-essential government activities.

    He added that efforts are underway to identify new streams of revenue for the provincial fiscus.

    Another key initiative is the adoption of a cost-containment instruction by the Executive Council, which aims to sustain KZN’s ability to meet its needs, “while protecting its future.”

    “Cutting the nice to haves to protect the must haves. One such example is [council] agreement to do away with rental vehicles, with procurement for vehicles, in line with National Treasury guidelines.

    “When the GPU (Government of Provincial Unity) took office, the province was projecting to over-spend in the region of R10 billion, [but] with strict control measures and compliance, we have now reduced this to R4.9 billion,” Rodgers highlighted.

    E-procurement tool

    To further improve financial efficiency, Rodgers announced that Treasury is awaiting approval for the acquisition and implementation of an e-procurement tool, a system designed to eliminate overcharging of goods and services during the Supply Chain Management (SCM) and tender processes.

    “This system will yield enormous savings for the province and reduce irregularities in the procurement process,” Rodgers said.

    The MEC said the provincial government is making great strides in achieving a balanced budget, noting that “it’s a painful process, but a process that needs to be sustained and supported.”

    Rodgers further announced that starting in April 2025, the provincial government will introduce departmental financial dashboards, which will reflect departments financial metrics, such as creditors, debtors, cash balances, and projected expenditure.

    He said these dashboards will assist members of the Executive Council and oversight committees with a clearer picture of the province’s financial health.

    Additionally, the provincial Treasury is exploring the establishment of an information centre, which will focus on “Operation Pay on Time” and assist with tender processes and supplying information on Public Private Partnerships (PPPs).

    “Going forward, I will continue, in my capacity as MEC, to regularly engage the Premier and the provincial executive on good financial practices. We will be consistent in our advocacy for efficient expenditure and the prioritisation of programmes aimed at alleviating poverty, inequality, unemployment, effective service delivery and building a sustainable economy,” the MEC said.

    Provincial budget highlights

    A large portion of the 2025/2026 provincial budged (79.9%), has been allocated to the three key social services departments, including Education, Health, and Social Development.

    The Education Department received the largest share of the budget, with R66 690 206 allocated, followed by Health with R56 211 801.

    Other allocations include:
    •    Transport allocated R13 827 066.
    •    Office of the Premier R817 875. 
    •    Provincial Legislature R850 796. 
    •    Agriculture and Rural Development R2 757 443. 
    •    Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs R3 606 998.
    •    Provincial Treasury R710 190. 
    •    Human Settlements R3 549 877.
    •    Community Safety and Liaison R275 716.
    •    Sport, Arts and Culture R1 598 141.
    •    Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs R1 931 153.
    •    Social Development R3 613 297. 
    •    Public Works and Infrastructure R2 037 490. – SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Home Affairs Minister issues stern warning to crooked officials

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber has warned crooked officials that the department will leave no stone unturned to rid its ranks of corruption. 

    Schreiber said officials  involved in corrupt activities will face the full might of the law.

    “Our message also makes it clear that we apply the rule of law without fear or favour,” Schreiber said.

    Speaking at the launch of the Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum (BMIACF) in Pretoria on Tuesday, Schreiber said cooperation amongst the relevant authorities is making an impact on efforts to restore the image of the Department of Home Affairs and the Border Management Authority (BMA).

    “We are also committed to the kind of systems reform that will close the space for discretion, which enables fraud and corruption in the first place,” Schreiber said.

    One of the fundamental pillars of digital transformation, the Minister said, is the use of technology to help prevent and detect corruption, and uproot corrupt networks altogether.

    “But the reality is that, for as long as we have paper-based visa documents, for as long as we use manual, paper-based processes, and for as long as decisions are wide-open to human discretion and interference, the space for corruption will continue to exist.

    “Paper visas are being replaced by an Electronic Travel Authorisation featuring Artificial Intelligence and machine learning-based adjudication. Paper documents are being replaced by secure digital documents, including the digital ID system announced by the President during the State of the Nation Address.

    “The green ID book will be phased out and replaced by the far more secure smart ID and digital ID, and we are automating entry-and-exit at all South African ports-of-entry,” the Minister said.

    Schreiber is confident that the systems reforms will deliver a “systems revolution” in the border management and immigration environment.

    “No more papers that can go missing or be manipulated. No more photo-swopping on green ID books. No more bribing an immigration officer to manipulate an outcome, or to gain entry into the country illegally because you cannot bribe a computer and an electronic gate,” Schreiber said.

    Schreiber said the Department of Home Affairs is concluding the appointment of a permanent Deputy Director-General for Human Resources.

    “It is my expectation that this person will further intensify our quest to rid Home Affairs of the bad apples,” he said.

    Speaking at the launch of the BMIACF, the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), Advocate Shamila Batohi, said officials must urgently bring an end to the phenomenon of South Africa being used as a transit route for criminal activities.

    “We need law enforcement agencies that serve the public and put an end to these criminal activities.”

    Batohi said a lot has been done over the period of five years and that more is still to be done to deal with crime and corruption.

    Advocate Andy Mothibi, the Head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), said the launch of Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum is a strategic intervention in the fight against crime and corruption.

    “The launch of Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum is a strategic intervention to foster collaboration between various stakeholders, who bring with them their respective mandates and expertise, which will speed up investigations of corruption allegations.”

    Mothibi expressed the SUI’s support for the BMIACF.

    The BMIACF focuses on immigration and border management, which is vulnerable to fraud and corruption.

    The BMIACF has a steering committee coordinating all the work and managing stakeholders’ progress. It is supported by subcommittees that focus on specialist areas such as prevention, detection, investigation and implementation of consequence management. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Two to appear in court in connection with Marry Me attack

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Two suspects are expected to appear before the Pretoria North Magistrates Court on Wednesday in connection with the attack of community-based patrollers at the Marry Me informal settlement in Soshanguve.

    The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) said the pair, aged 27 and 50, will appear on charges of murder, attempted murder, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. 

    “The firearms will be subjected to ballistic testing to ascertain whether they had been involved in other serious crimes in Gauteng,” said the Hawks.

    The two were arrested on Monday by members of the Hawks’ Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS) in Pretoria, together with the Tshwane K9 Unit, Akasia Crime Prevention, Tshwane Akasia Crime Intelligence, Public Order Policing (POP) Pretoria, Tshwane district Serious Violent Crime (SVC) and the Pretoria North Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC).

    READ | Attack on community-based patrollers condemned

    “On 24 March 2025, information was received by members of TOMS regarding a group of suspects that have allegedly committed multiple murders and attempted murder in Soshanguve (Marry Me), which occurred on 22 March 2025. The police followed up on the information and traced the first suspect to Soshanguve Extension 20,” said the Hawks.

    Upon arrival, police recovered one firearm, a 9MM Girsan with ammunition. The serial number had been filed off the firearm.

    The police proceed to the second address in Soshanguve Extension 6, where the second suspect was arrested. 

    During the arrest, the suspect was found in possession of a 9MM CZ with ammunition, and its serial number was also filed off. 

    “… The suspects are allegedly linked to murders and house robberies that occurred on 21 February 2025,” said the Hawks. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Colloquium to discuss developments in intellectual property

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Intellectual property and technology commercialisation will come under the spotlight at a colloquium that will be hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic).

    Wednesday’s colloquium will be held under the theme: “Driving Innovation and Positioning Intellectual Property Commercialisation for a Better and Inclusive South Africa”.

    According to the Minister of the dtic, Parks Tau, the session will provide a platform to exchange ideas and experiences on addressing challenges hindering successful technology commercialisation, and what measures can be taken to address these challenges.

    He said the session, which the dtic will host in partnership with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), will focus on enhancing awareness and understanding of intellectual property (IP), technology management, and the commercialisation process. 

    Discussions will cover the advancement of new technologies and their impact on the IP landscape and the commercialisation of these innovations. 

    The session will also explore strategies for innovating, scaling, and commercialising more effectively during and after a pandemic.

    “The National System of Innovation stakeholders will exchange ideas and share experiences on overcoming challenges in intellectual property and technology commercialisation. The key focus areas include addressing barriers to successful commercialisation, improving access to venture capital funding, enhancing knowledge of equity structures, and creating effective market channels,” the Minister said.

    The session will bring together international and local expert speakers in the field of IP and technology commercialisation, including commercialisation specialists, IP Merchant Banks, venture capitalists, incubators and fund finders, among others.

    Significantly, the session will also see high school and tertiary students participating in order to instil an interest in IP. 

    “The learners will participate in an interactive session,, where they will be taken through the exciting journey of IP and technology development. 

    “This session will stimulate and harness a culture of innovation and creativity amongst South African school learners, build a future generation that will be ready and attuned to the skills needs of the 4IR [Fourth Industrial Revolution] and be a generation of job creators rather than job seekers,” Tau said.

    Some of the topics that will be discussed include technology development and commercialisation, intellectual property in successful commercialisation of products and services, and understanding IP rights and their role in technology transfer and economic growth.

    The colloquium will have exhibition stands for innovators to display their products and services.

    The exhibition will be used to showcase support offered by government to innovators through different funding instruments.

    The colloquium will get underway at the Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria from 9am. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Electronics SA and Concentrix Open Business-to-Business Customer Centre in Johannesburg

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics SA, in partnership with Concentrix, a global provider of technology and services solutions, is proud to announce the opening of a new Business-to-Business (B2B) customer sales centre in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. This exciting collaboration aims to provide resellers with access to Samsung’s extensive range of innovative products and solutions, further strengthening the company’s B2B relationships across South Africa.
     
    The partnership saw the launch of a state-of-the-art customer centre, which began operations on 01 February 2025. Designed specifically for resellers, the facility focuses on serving the top 300 ICT suppliers (small businesses) and 100 retail independent companies, offering a range of products including home appliances, televisions, and monitors. The customer centre acts as a key resource for B2B clients, driving increased access to Samsung’s offerings and fostering deeper, more impactful relationships with its reseller network.
     
    “We’re excited to partner with Concentrix on this new venture, which will give B2B clients in South Africa the opportunity to directly engage with our products and services in a focused, tailored environment,” said Mike van Lier, Vice President of Consumer Electronics at Samsung South Africa. “This partnership not only allows us to expand our reach within the reseller community but also reinforces our commitment to providing top-notch, innovative solutions to businesses across the region.”
     

     
     
    Concentrix, renowned for delivering technology-driven, intelligence-fuelled business solutions, will play a critical role in managing operations at the centre. With a proven track record in driving success for global brands, Concentrix is well-positioned to ensure a seamless experience for Samsung’s B2B resellers.
     
    “We are thrilled to work with Samsung on this dynamic initiative. By providing resellers with greater access to Samsung’s products and solutions, we’re helping to create a more streamlined and efficient process for the B2B sector. This partnership will not only enhance the reseller experience but also foster long-lasting relationships that will benefit all stakeholders involved,” said Brandon Aitken at Concentrix.
     
    The customer centre’s focus on resellers ensures that Samsung can offer specialised support and identify potential issues early in the process, guaranteeing a smooth and responsive experience. This strategic partnership is expected to significantly enhance Samsung’s ability to provide consistent, ongoing support to its B2B clients and further expand its footprint in the market.
     
    The opening of the B2B customer centre marks another milestone in Samsung’s long-standing commitment to innovation, client-centric solutions, and strengthening partnerships across various business sectors. For more information, contact adminsam@concentrix.com.
     
    For more information on Samsung products, visit https://www.samsung.com/za/business/.
     

    MIL OSI Economics –