NewzIntel.com

Category: Africa

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Sudan: Access to stricken Zamzam camp ‘is nearly impossible’

    Source: United Nations 4

    Peace and Security

    Civilians sheltering in the vast Zamzam displacement camp in Sudan’s North Darfur region are now “nearly impossible” to reach, the UN’s top aid official in the country warned on Thursday.

    “I am deeply worried about reports of destruction of homes and livelihoods in North Darfur,” said Clementine Nkweta-Salami, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan. “Civilians continue to pay the price. Access to Zamzam camp is nearly impossible, just when people need support the most. We need unimpeded humanitarian access to deliver life-saving aid.”

    Zamzam camp is around 15 kilometres south of El Fasher town, the capital of North Darfur, which has been besieged by militia forces opposing the Government in Khartoum now for months. It opened in 2004 to shelter people uprooted by the war in the west of the country.

    Just last week, the UN World Food Programme reported that children were already dying in the camp and that thousands could starve in the coming weeks, after it was forced to pause aid distribution amid heavy shelling.

    Allies-turned-foes

    Across Sudan, the Government’s Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have been battling their former allies- turned-adversaries, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia, since 15 April 2023 when a planned transition to civilian rule broke down.

    The RSF now controls virtually all of Darfur but has been laying siege to the city of El Fasher for months, close to Zamzam.

    RSF militia stormed the camp on 11 February triggering several days of clashes with army troops and allied forces, according to news reports.

    On Tuesday evening, in another attack on civilians that have been a feature of the Sudan conflict, dozens of mainly Muslims were believed to have been killed in North Darfur’s Abu Shouk camp after an attack on a busy market there, credited to the RSF.

    That followed another reported shelling attack on the camp on Sunday which left six dead.

    In a related development, the Security Council expressed grave concern over the signing of a charter by Sudan’s opposition forces seeking to establish a parallel governing authority in Sudan.

    “The members of the Security Council underscored that such actions risk exacerbating the ongoing conflict in Sudan, fragmenting the country, and worsening an already dire humanitarian situation,” the 15-member body said.

    $22 million in emergency aid provided

    Today, two million people in 27 locations across Sudan are now experiencing famine or on the brink of it. The Sudanese army controls northern and eastern regions, while the militia and their allies hold sway in much of the Darfurs in the west and parts of the south.

    To help the most vulnerable civilians, the UN’s Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, announced on Thursday that $22 million is to be allocated to support lifesaving humanitarian aid in Sudan.

    The funds will be released from the Central Emergency Response Fund, CERF, to offer assistance to counter the impact of the spiralling conflict, hunger, disease and climate shocks.

    Child rape horrror

    Earlier this week, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warned that infants as young as one year old were being raped by armed forces.

    More than 220 cases of child rape have been reported since the start of 2024, the UN agency said, citing data from teams helping victims of gender-based violence.

    “Children as young as one being raped by armed men should shock anyone to their core and compel immediate action,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Vaping hits alarming levels among South African teens – new study of fee-paying schools

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Sam Filby, Research Officer, Research Unit on the Economics of Excisable Products, University of Cape Town

    It’s become common to see kids, some in their school uniforms, puffing on a vape.

    The World Health Organization points to the enticing flavours and targeted marketing to young people as the key reasons behind this trend.

    In the US, e-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco product among middle and high school students aged 12 and older, with 5.9% of students reporting use.

    Surveys from the UK indicate that 20.5% of children (aged 11–17) have tried vaping, and that 7.6% of children currently vape. Similar usage rates ranging from 3.3% to 11.8% have been found in south-east Asia. Evidence on vape use among adolescents living in Africa is more scarce.

    We are public health researchers who have studied the phenomenon in South Africa. Our latest study, published in The Lancet’s eClinical Medicine, found that vaping among South African pupils is sky high. We surveyed over 25,000 South African high school students across 52 schools in eight of South Africa’s nine provinces.

    An estimated 16.8% of the sampled learners currently use e-cigarettes.

    Research has shown conclusively that children should not use these products because of the health risks.

    Our findings in South Africa show that high rates of adolescent vaping are not restricted to high income countries.

    Harmful impact on young minds and bodies

    In a 2016 report, the US surgeon general called vaping among young people an “urgent public health problem”.

    One reason for this is that these products commonly deliver nicotine. Nicotine use during adolescence harms the developing brain, with potential long-term effects on learning, memory and attention.

    Nicotine is also an addictive substance. Addictive behaviour in general is associated with the development of mental illness, further fuelling the mental health problems experienced by some adolescents.
    Substance abuse can lower their inhibitions, leading to increased high-risk behaviours.

    Non-nicotine vapes are also bad for health. The chemical composition of specific flavours such as cherry, cinnamon and vanilla have also been shown to cause damage to the lung lining and blood vessels.

    The rising popularity of e-cigarette use among adolescents globally should make helping young people with quitting vapes a priority.

    Surveying South African schools

    We approached schools predominantly in major centres like Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban. All were “fee-paying” schools. We were not able to include less well resourced schools without easy internet access or non-fee-paying schools.

    We categorised the schools into three brackets:

    • lower-fee schools: annual fees between R20,000 and R40,000 (US$1,100-2,100)

    • medium-fee schools: annual fees between R40,000 and R90,000 (US$2,100-4,800)

    • high-fee schools: annual fees more than R90,000 (over US$4,800).

    Around 17% of pupils in our sample attended lower-fee schools, 64% attended mid-fee schools, and 19% attended high-fee schools. Around 31% of learners attended co-ed schools, 41% attended all-boys’ schools, and 29% attended all-girls’ schools.

    Students were asked about their use of four products in the 30 days preceding the survey: e-cigarettes, tobacco cigarettes, cannabis and hookah pipes.

    Students who indicated that they currently vaped were asked additional questions
    about their vaping history and habits. We also asked students about their
    reasons for starting and continuing to vape.

    Using this data, we studied e-cigarette use, nicotine dependence, and the mental
    health and social stressors associated with vaping among a large sample of South
    African high school learners.

    Alarming rates

    Our study found that 16.8% of high school learners we surveyed were currently using e-cigarettes. There were far lower rates of tobacco cigarette use (2%), cannabis use (5%) and hookah pipe use (3%).

    The proportion of learners reporting e-cigarette use increased by grade: around 9% of grade 8 students reported using vapes, but this rose sharply to an average of 29.5% among grade 12 pupils (who will turn 18 in their final school year). Some schools had usage rates as high as 46% among grade 12 pupils.

    Among the learners who indicated that they vaped, 38% vaped daily, and more than half of the learners in our sample reported that they vaped four or more days per week.

    Around 88% of pupils reported using vapes that contained nicotine. About 47% reported that they vaped within the first hour of waking up – this is highly suggestive of nicotine addiction. We estimate that up to 61% of high school learners who vape could be seriously addicted to nicotine.

    Why adolescents start and continue vaping

    We found that the primary reasons for starting vaping differed from the main reasons for continuing to vape.

    • Just over half (50.6%) of the students who vaped cited social influences
      (family, friends, peer pressure, the need to fit in) as reasons for starting. Around 20% of learners indicated that they’d started vaping to cope with stress and anxiety, while 16.2% said they had started out of general curiosity.

    • Common reasons cited for continuing their vape use were to cope with
      anxiety, depression or stress (28.4%), or because they were addicted (14.9%).

    Some learners explicitly stated addiction in their reasoning:

    It’s an addiction, no matter what I try I can’t stop. (female, 17)

    Others described it more as a habit:

    It has become a habit. I have to consume something constantly. (female, 18)

    Less than 10% of students identified social influences as the reason they continued to vape.

    Around 46% of students did not list addiction as a reason for continuing to vape, although their reported vaping habits aligned with patterns typically seen in individuals who are highly addicted. This suggests that many learners in our sample may lack awareness of what constitutes addiction.



    Read more:
    South Africa’s new vaping tax won’t deter young smokers

    What needs to be done

    Our research underscores the urgent need for a coordinated public health response
    to address the vaping crisis among high school learners.

    The South African government must pass the Tobacco Products and Electronic
    Delivery Systems Control Bill. This legislation will ensure that vapes cannot be sold near schools or online.

    The restrictions on the advertising of vaping products provided for in the bill may aid with this as well as the deglamorisation of vaping among young people – reducing the general curiosity that leads many young people to begin in the first place.

    The dangerous myth that “vaping is safe” also needs to be debunked.

    Finally, we need to help addicted teenagers to stop vaping.

    Punishing students for vaping is unlikely to be an effective strategy. Parents must be more aware of the signs of vaping and the underlying issues driving it.

    Healthcare professionals should ask young people about their vape use during routine checkups.

    And school counsellors should teach coping strategies to help teens navigate life’s challenges.

    Sam Filby receives funding from the African Capacity Building Foundation and Cancer Research UK and has previously received funding from the CDC Foundation and the US Department of State.

    Richard van Zyl Smit does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Vaping hits alarming levels among South African teens – new study of fee-paying schools – https://theconversation.com/vaping-hits-alarming-levels-among-south-african-teens-new-study-of-fee-paying-schools-244843

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why does Ethiopia have earthquakes and volcanoes? A geologist explains

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Gemechu Bedassa Teferi, Lecturer, Department of Geology , Addis Ababa Science & Technology University

    A swarm of earth tremors and fears of volcanic eruptions in January forced tens of thousands of people to move away from Awash Fentale, an area in the Afar region of Ethiopia. The area falls within a geologically active region of the Great Rift Valley that has experienced a number of earthquakes and volcanic events in the last 800 years. Two major volcanic eruptions occurred in 1250 and 1820 AD.

    What’s unfolded in Fentale in 2025 is part of an ongoing process millions of years in the making, deep under the earth’s surface. Scientists see it as a fascinating natural laboratory that will culminate in a north-south continental split – and ultimately create a new ocean – along the great East African Rift Valley. Gemechu Bedassa Teferi, a researcher who studies the volcanoes of the Main Ethiopian Rift, unpacks what’s behind the recent events.

    What causes tremors and volcanic eruptions in this region of Ethiopia?

    Eighteen million years ago, the continents broke apart to form the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Around 11 million years ago, a crack formed deep under the present Afar Depression, an area of north-east Ethiopia.

    The region sits on a hot, semisolid layer called the mantle. This mantle is constantly in motion due to the heat from the deeper part of the earth. One result is that the heated semi-solid rock (molten rock) can be forced up from the mantle and erupt through the weak spots in the earth’s crust. This is called a volcanic eruption.

    Deep beneath the surface, the molten rock is also enabling a parallel process of the ground moving apart. This creates a gap – called a rift – which is eventually filled by the molten rock. The friction created results in rocks suddenly breaking and releasing enormous amounts of energy. The released energy radiates outward in the form of seismic waves like ripples on water, causing the ground to shake. This is what is felt as the so-called earthquake.

    The Afar region is one of the most volcanically and tectonically active areas in the world.

    The ongoing events in Fentale, as well as the Dofan area to the north, are the most recent in the history of molten material rising to the surface as parts of the earth’s crust move apart from each other.

    No volcanic eruption has occurred in the most recent events. But more than 200 quakes with a magnitude of more than 4 have been recorded in the last five months. The strongest of these measured at 6 on the Richter scale.

    The swarm of earthquakes damaged dozens of buildings, schools, roads and factories. Most residents in the capital, Addis Ababa, which is nearly 190km away from the epicentre (starting point for an earthquake), also felt the tremor.

    The strongest earthquake since 1900 – in 1989 – had a magnitude of 6.5 on the Richter scale. This is strong enough to damage old buildings or those not built to withstand earthquakes.

    The last volcanic eruption at Fentale occurred in 1820. Based on historical records and global trends, an earthquake is a common precursor to volcanic eruptions. This has fuelled fears that recent earthquakes could signal eruptions at two nearby active volcanoes.

    What can scientists learn from the current events?

    Satellite radar images of the Fentale area revealed that the earthquakes in the region are due to hot molten rock pushing its way up from about 10km below Awash Fentale.

    What could follow is complex and depends on several factors, such as:

    • the temperature of the molten material – the hotter it is, the more easily it flows

    • the viscosity (how thick it is) – thicker molten rock flows slowly

    • the strength of the surrounding material – strong, resistant rocks around the hot molten rock can resist the pressure to rise.

    Three scenarios could possibly play out under Fentale.

    The first possible outcome is the cooling of the molten rock. That would lead to the formation of a dense, solidified rock material.

    The second is that the molten material could cause an eruption after forcing its way vertically to the surface or moving laterally underneath the earth’s surface.



    Read more:
    Ethiopian earthquakes and volcanic eruptions: earth scientist explains the link

    Under the third scenario, the super hot molten rock may also propagate laterally, interacting with other molten materials. This could eventually lead to either cooling or a massive volcanic eruption.

    Still, there are other unknown factors that could affect these potential processes in a geologically dynamic region.

    This calls for better predictions to mitigate future hazards. Scientists suggest that scientific monitoring techniques should be employed. These include volcanic gas measurement, onsite GPS monitoring, and geophysical study. Equally important is the collaborative effort of scientists and government officials to create a communication channel to engage the at-risk community.

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

    – ref. Why does Ethiopia have earthquakes and volcanoes? A geologist explains – https://theconversation.com/why-does-ethiopia-have-earthquakes-and-volcanoes-a-geologist-explains-250688

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Vaping hits alarming levels among South African teens – new study of fee-paying schools

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Sam Filby, Research Officer, Research Unit on the Economics of Excisable Products, University of Cape Town

    It’s become common to see kids, some in their school uniforms, puffing on a vape.

    The World Health Organization points to the enticing flavours and targeted marketing to young people as the key reasons behind this trend.

    In the US, e-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco product among middle and high school students aged 12 and older, with 5.9% of students reporting use.

    Surveys from the UK indicate that 20.5% of children (aged 11–17) have tried vaping, and that 7.6% of children currently vape. Similar usage rates ranging from 3.3% to 11.8% have been found in south-east Asia. Evidence on vape use among adolescents living in Africa is more scarce.

    We are public health researchers who have studied the phenomenon in South Africa. Our latest study, published in The Lancet’s eClinical Medicine, found that vaping among South African pupils is sky high. We surveyed over 25,000 South African high school students across 52 schools in eight of South Africa’s nine provinces.

    An estimated 16.8% of the sampled learners currently use e-cigarettes.

    Research has shown conclusively that children should not use these products because of the health risks.

    Our findings in South Africa show that high rates of adolescent vaping are not restricted to high income countries.

    Harmful impact on young minds and bodies

    In a 2016 report, the US surgeon general called vaping among young people an “urgent public health problem”.

    One reason for this is that these products commonly deliver nicotine. Nicotine use during adolescence harms the developing brain, with potential long-term effects on learning, memory and attention.

    Nicotine is also an addictive substance. Addictive behaviour in general is associated with the development of mental illness, further fuelling the mental health problems experienced by some adolescents. Substance abuse can lower their inhibitions, leading to increased high-risk behaviours.

    Non-nicotine vapes are also bad for health. The chemical composition of specific flavours such as cherry, cinnamon and vanilla have also been shown to cause damage to the lung lining and blood vessels.

    The rising popularity of e-cigarette use among adolescents globally should make helping young people with quitting vapes a priority.

    Surveying South African schools

    We approached schools predominantly in major centres like Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban. All were “fee-paying” schools. We were not able to include less well resourced schools without easy internet access or non-fee-paying schools.

    We categorised the schools into three brackets:

    • lower-fee schools: annual fees between R20,000 and R40,000 (US$1,100-2,100)

    • medium-fee schools: annual fees between R40,000 and R90,000 (US$2,100-4,800)

    • high-fee schools: annual fees more than R90,000 (over US$4,800).

    Around 17% of pupils in our sample attended lower-fee schools, 64% attended mid-fee schools, and 19% attended high-fee schools. Around 31% of learners attended co-ed schools, 41% attended all-boys’ schools, and 29% attended all-girls’ schools.

    Students were asked about their use of four products in the 30 days preceding the survey: e-cigarettes, tobacco cigarettes, cannabis and hookah pipes.

    Students who indicated that they currently vaped were asked additional questions about their vaping history and habits. We also asked students about their reasons for starting and continuing to vape.

    Using this data, we studied e-cigarette use, nicotine dependence, and the mental health and social stressors associated with vaping among a large sample of South African high school learners.

    Alarming rates

    Our study found that 16.8% of high school learners we surveyed were currently using e-cigarettes. There were far lower rates of tobacco cigarette use (2%), cannabis use (5%) and hookah pipe use (3%).

    The proportion of learners reporting e-cigarette use increased by grade: around 9% of grade 8 students reported using vapes, but this rose sharply to an average of 29.5% among grade 12 pupils (who will turn 18 in their final school year). Some schools had usage rates as high as 46% among grade 12 pupils.

    Among the learners who indicated that they vaped, 38% vaped daily, and more than half of the learners in our sample reported that they vaped four or more days per week.

    Around 88% of pupils reported using vapes that contained nicotine. About 47% reported that they vaped within the first hour of waking up – this is highly suggestive of nicotine addiction. We estimate that up to 61% of high school learners who vape could be seriously addicted to nicotine.

    Why adolescents start and continue vaping

    We found that the primary reasons for starting vaping differed from the main reasons for continuing to vape.

    • Just over half (50.6%) of the students who vaped cited social influences (family, friends, peer pressure, the need to fit in) as reasons for starting. Around 20% of learners indicated that they’d started vaping to cope with stress and anxiety, while 16.2% said they had started out of general curiosity.

    • Common reasons cited for continuing their vape use were to cope with anxiety, depression or stress (28.4%), or because they were addicted (14.9%).

    Some learners explicitly stated addiction in their reasoning:

    It’s an addiction, no matter what I try I can’t stop. (female, 17)

    Others described it more as a habit:

    It has become a habit. I have to consume something constantly. (female, 18)

    Less than 10% of students identified social influences as the reason they continued to vape.

    Around 46% of students did not list addiction as a reason for continuing to vape, although their reported vaping habits aligned with patterns typically seen in individuals who are highly addicted. This suggests that many learners in our sample may lack awareness of what constitutes addiction.

    Read more: South Africa’s new vaping tax won’t deter young smokers

    What needs to be done

    Our research underscores the urgent need for a coordinated public health response to address the vaping crisis among high school learners.

    The South African government must pass the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill. This legislation will ensure that vapes cannot be sold near schools or online.

    The restrictions on the advertising of vaping products provided for in the bill may aid with this as well as the deglamorisation of vaping among young people – reducing the general curiosity that leads many young people to begin in the first place.

    The dangerous myth that “vaping is safe” also needs to be debunked.

    Finally, we need to help addicted teenagers to stop vaping.

    Punishing students for vaping is unlikely to be an effective strategy. Parents must be more aware of the signs of vaping and the underlying issues driving it.

    Healthcare professionals should ask young people about their vape use during routine checkups.

    And school counsellors should teach coping strategies to help teens navigate life’s challenges.

    – Vaping hits alarming levels among South African teens – new study of fee-paying schools
    – https://theconversation.com/vaping-hits-alarming-levels-among-south-african-teens-new-study-of-fee-paying-schools-244843

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Why does Ethiopia have earthquakes and volcanoes? A geologist explains

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Gemechu Bedassa Teferi, Lecturer, Department of Geology , Addis Ababa Science & Technology University

    A swarm of earth tremors and fears of volcanic eruptions in January forced tens of thousands of people to move away from Awash Fentale, an area in the Afar region of Ethiopia. The area falls within a geologically active region of the Great Rift Valley that has experienced a number of earthquakes and volcanic events in the last 800 years. Two major volcanic eruptions occurred in 1250 and 1820 AD.

    What’s unfolded in Fentale in 2025 is part of an ongoing process millions of years in the making, deep under the earth’s surface. Scientists see it as a fascinating natural laboratory that will culminate in a north-south continental split – and ultimately create a new ocean – along the great East African Rift Valley. Gemechu Bedassa Teferi, a researcher who studies the volcanoes of the Main Ethiopian Rift, unpacks what’s behind the recent events.

    What causes tremors and volcanic eruptions in this region of Ethiopia?

    Eighteen million years ago, the continents broke apart to form the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Around 11 million years ago, a crack formed deep under the present Afar Depression, an area of north-east Ethiopia.

    The region sits on a hot, semisolid layer called the mantle. This mantle is constantly in motion due to the heat from the deeper part of the earth. One result is that the heated semi-solid rock (molten rock) can be forced up from the mantle and erupt through the weak spots in the earth’s crust. This is called a volcanic eruption.

    Deep beneath the surface, the molten rock is also enabling a parallel process of the ground moving apart. This creates a gap – called a rift – which is eventually filled by the molten rock. The friction created results in rocks suddenly breaking and releasing enormous amounts of energy. The released energy radiates outward in the form of seismic waves like ripples on water, causing the ground to shake. This is what is felt as the so-called earthquake.

    The Afar region is one of the most volcanically and tectonically active areas in the world.

    The ongoing events in Fentale, as well as the Dofan area to the north, are the most recent in the history of molten material rising to the surface as parts of the earth’s crust move apart from each other.

    No volcanic eruption has occurred in the most recent events. But more than 200 quakes with a magnitude of more than 4 have been recorded in the last five months. The strongest of these measured at 6 on the Richter scale.

    The swarm of earthquakes damaged dozens of buildings, schools, roads and factories. Most residents in the capital, Addis Ababa, which is nearly 190km away from the epicentre (starting point for an earthquake), also felt the tremor.

    The strongest earthquake since 1900 – in 1989 – had a magnitude of 6.5 on the Richter scale. This is strong enough to damage old buildings or those not built to withstand earthquakes.

    The last volcanic eruption at Fentale occurred in 1820. Based on historical records and global trends, an earthquake is a common precursor to volcanic eruptions. This has fuelled fears that recent earthquakes could signal eruptions at two nearby active volcanoes.

    What can scientists learn from the current events?

    Satellite radar images of the Fentale area revealed that the earthquakes in the region are due to hot molten rock pushing its way up from about 10km below Awash Fentale.

    What could follow is complex and depends on several factors, such as:

    • the temperature of the molten material – the hotter it is, the more easily it flows

    • the viscosity (how thick it is) – thicker molten rock flows slowly

    • the strength of the surrounding material – strong, resistant rocks around the hot molten rock can resist the pressure to rise.

    Three scenarios could possibly play out under Fentale.

    The first possible outcome is the cooling of the molten rock. That would lead to the formation of a dense, solidified rock material.

    The second is that the molten material could cause an eruption after forcing its way vertically to the surface or moving laterally underneath the earth’s surface.

    Read more: Ethiopian earthquakes and volcanic eruptions: earth scientist explains the link

    Under the third scenario, the super hot molten rock may also propagate laterally, interacting with other molten materials. This could eventually lead to either cooling or a massive volcanic eruption.

    Still, there are other unknown factors that could affect these potential processes in a geologically dynamic region.

    This calls for better predictions to mitigate future hazards. Scientists suggest that scientific monitoring techniques should be employed. These include volcanic gas measurement, onsite GPS monitoring, and geophysical study. Equally important is the collaborative effort of scientists and government officials to create a communication channel to engage the at-risk community.

    – Why does Ethiopia have earthquakes and volcanoes? A geologist explains
    – https://theconversation.com/why-does-ethiopia-have-earthquakes-and-volcanoes-a-geologist-explains-250688

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Africa, Meet 7 Black Astronauts!

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

    JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, March 6, 2025/APO Group/ –Date: March 18, 2025 
    Time: 3:00 PM  (SAST, UTC +2) 
    Registration: https://apo-opa.co/41I8GkB

    Follow the conversation on WhatsApp – https://apo-opa.co/4kvIWj4

    Africa.com invites students, educators, curious minds, and technology trailblazers to participate in this historic event. Whether you dream of becoming an astronaut, an engineer, or a scientist, Africa, Meet 7 Black Astronauts! will inspire and empower you to reach for the stars. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: KCB Group and Bank of Kigali launch Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), enabling seamless and affordable cross-border payments across Africa

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

    CAIRO, Egypt, March 6, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), launched by African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, has recorded a significant milestone in its journey towards enhancing financial integration and economic prosperity across Africa with the official launch of the platform by KCB Group in Kenya and Bank of Kigali in Rwanda.

    The launches, by the Bank of Kigali in Kigali on 26th February and KCB in Nairobi on 27th February, made the two banks the first in their respective countries to integrate the transformative system into their operations, underscoring their commitment to championing intra-African trade and supporting the efforts of the AfCFTA.

    KCB and Bank of Kigali customers will now be able to send and receive cross-border payments using PAPSS. The service is fully operational and accessible via the banks’ mobile applications and branch networks, enabling seamless transactions across African borders. With this launch, businesses and individuals can benefit from faster, more cost-effective, and secure payments without relying on correspondent banks or third-party currencies.

    Highlighting the benefits of PAPSS to customers of KCB and Bank of Kigali, Mike Ogbalu III, CEO of PAPSS, said, “The customers will experience faster, more cost-effective, and secure cross-border transactions from the comfort of their banks’ mobile applications or through their branches. Businesses can trade more freely and competitively by eliminating the need for correspondent banks outside the continent and removing dependencies on third-party currencies. This transformation is set to unlock new opportunities for trade and investment, allowing African SMEs to access broader markets and contribute to local economies.”

    Mr. Ogbalu III expressed deep gratitude to KCB and Bank of Kigali for their pioneering roles in adopting the PAPSS initiative and commended Paul Russo, KCB Group CEO, and Dr. Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali, “for their “visionary leadership and unwavering commitment”.

    He noted that the PAPSS network, which began in 2022 in a pilot phase across the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ), had successfully grown to include 15 central banks, over 150 commercial banks, and 14 switches, adding that the current “expansion marks a significant stride toward our goal of connecting the entire continent, ensuring that every African citizen can benefit from seamless, cost-effective cross-border transactions”.

    “With only 16 per cent of Africa’s total trade occurring intra-regionally, the launch of PAPSS in Kenya and Rwanda is a significant step in unlocking the continent’s potential,” continued Mr. Ogbalu III. “We believe that this innovative financial market infrastructure will facilitate greater trade opportunities, economic growth, and financial empowerment between the Eastern African countries and the rest of Africa.”

    He called on other central and commercial banks in Eastern Africa to join the PAPSS family in order to play a pivotal role in the AfCFTA as it worked to build a more prosperous and unified Africa.

    Speaking on the milestone, KCB Group CEO, Paul Russo, said: “We want to play a bigger role in catalyzing trade and payments in Africa and beyond, leveraging our digital capabilities and regional footprint. Our entry into PAPSS aligns perfectly with our strategy of supporting economic growth in Kenya and across Africa by facilitating seamless financial transactions.”

    Dr. Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali, highlighted the significance of the partnership: “This system allows people to send money quickly. For example, if someone sends Rwandan francs from Rwanda, it can reach Ghana in their local currency. The system converts the currency to meet the local requirements. Entrepreneurs in Rwanda can now receive payments instantly in Rwandan francs or USD from any member country. This service is fast, affordable, and reliable.”

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Kaspersky and Smart Africa forge strategic partnership to bolster cybersecurity in Africa

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

    JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, March 6, 2025/APO Group/ —

    In a move to enhance digital security on the African continent, Kaspersky (www.Kaspersky.co.za) has signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Smart Africa. This landmark agreement is set to drive collaborative efforts aimed at expanding cybersecurity capabilities throughout Africa.

    The partnership focuses on building essential cybersecurity skills via training programs, including those offered by the Kaspersky Academy (https://apo-opa.co/41r6HzS) — an international educational venture established in 2010 with a mission to drive the best cybersecurity education to build a safer digital world. Another major focus of the partnership will be addressing gender disparities by supporting initiatives that empower girls and women in the fields of cybersecurity, STEM, and ICT, which is a continuation of Kaspersky’s efforts aimed at empowering female professionals (https://apo-opa.co/4h51gwk) in IT and attracting more women in the field.

    In addition to human capacity development, the collaboration aims to standardise cybersecurity policies by pooling both organisations to create harmonised regional and national frameworks. This effort involves working closely with cybersecurity authorities, law enforcement agencies, computer emergency response teams, industry leaders, and other key stakeholders to ensure a unified approach to digital security.

    Moreover, the initiative is geared towards strengthening technological defenses. This includes establishing critical cyber infrastructures such as security operation centers and computer emergency response teams, as well as offering expert technical consulting to prevent and mitigate the effects of cybercrime.

    Lacina Koné, CEO of Smart Africa, commented: “This MoU marks a significant milestone in our quest to secure Africa’s digital future. By joining forces with Kaspersky, we are not only building essential cybersecurity skills and bridging the gender gap but also setting the stage for robust regional cooperation and state-of-the-art cyber infrastructure.”

    Eugene Kaspersky, founder and CEO of Kaspersky, noted: “Our strategic partnership with Smart Africa is designed to help create a more secure cyberspace across the continent and beyond. We see this initiative as a commitment to empowering both individual users and organisations to ensure that everyone can navigate the digital world safely and with confidence.”

    This partnership reflects Kaspersky’s commitment to a collaborative approach in creating a more safe and secure digital space by building strategic partnerships helping to enhance efforts aimed at boosting the global cyber resilience. It also builds on the momentum of the recently established African Network of Cybersecurity Authorities (ANCA), a collaborative initiative designed by Smart Africa to bring together cybersecurity authorities from African countries to address the growing challenges posed by cyber threats and crimes.

    Together with Smart Africa’s unwavering commitment to building a secure, inclusive, and digitally empowered continent, the joint cooperation is poised to address the evolving challenges of the cyber world and position Africa as a model of digital security innovation.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why Muslim American nonprofits are taking steps to build trust with donors during Ramadan

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Shariq Siddiqui, Assistant Professor of Philanthropic Studies, Indiana University

    Nearly 70% of American Muslims report giving Zakat, the obligatory charity, during Ramadan. NickyLloyd/E+ via Getty Images

    As Muslims fast from dawn to dusk during Ramadan, an important aspect of their faith is their role as stewards of God on Earth. One way Muslims do this is through the practice of Zakat, an obligatory kind of charity that’s one of the five pillars of Islam.

    Zakat requires Muslims to give 2.5% of their wealth to eight prescribed categories: the poor; the needy; Zakat administrators; those whose hearts can be reconciled; to free the enslaved; to help those in debt; for travelers; and for the sake of God.

    Muslims, however, worry that they are responsible to God to ensure that their Zakat is used by institutions in ways that would do good, while adhering to the theological requirements of this religious practice. Yet, my research shows that Muslim American nonprofits are taking steps to build trust with donors.

    Zakat as a communal practice

    Muslims see themselves as custodians of whatever they possess as gifts from God.

    During their lifetime, they must use wealth responsibly and for good; upon their death, the Quran prescribes who can inherit their wealth.

    One important aspect of how Muslims are supposed to use their wealth is through charity. Zakat is an obligatory charitable practice in which donations are traditionally channeled through institutions.

    According to research my team conducted, nearly 70% of Muslims in the United States report giving Zakat during Ramadan. Ramadan is thus a critical time for nonprofits to solicit Zakat funds.

    Historically, Zakat was given through central Zakat collection agencies, or “bait-ul-maals.” For example, at the time of the Prophet Muhammad and early Islamic rulers, Zakat collection and distribution was carried out by the government.

    Today, Zakat collection and distribution varies from place to place. In six of the 47 Muslim-majority countries – Libya, Malaysia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Yemen – Zakat is obligatory and collected by the state. In Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon and Bangladesh, Zakat is regulated by the state, but contributions are voluntary.

    Most countries do not have a formal Zakat collection agency and rely upon local nonprofits or individuals for the collection and distribution of Zakat.

    Over time, due to distrust in Zakat collecting institutions and perceived corruption, the practice of Zakat has become more individual and less communal. The vast majority of Zakat across the globe is collected and distributed individually rather than through institutions. Scholars have argued that many fear that Zakat collecting institutions may not be using the funds ethically, impactfully and in accordance with Islamic requirements.

    For example, according to the Hanafi school of thought, a Zakat collection agency can spend up to 12.5% of donation money on administrative costs; other schools of thought argue that Zakat should be administered at no cost.

    Building trust through transparency

    It is important for many Muslims that their contributions are used in compliance with Islamic religious requirements.
    Photo by Emmanuel Dunand/AFP via Getty Images

    Nonprofits are taking steps to build trust. For example, Muslim American charities were among the first to embrace Charity Navigator as a way to evaluate their impact.

    Charity Navigator is a U.S.-based nonprofit that rates nonprofits. Many Muslim-led charities in the United States proudly display their “Four Star” Charity Navigator status.

    My team has found that Muslim Americans are more likely to donate to nonprofits that the Internal Revenue Service has granted 501(c)(3) status. This is true even if they don’t claim the charitable deduction on their taxes and therefore cannot get tax breaks for their donations.

    More recently, in my conversations with leading Muslim-led nonprofits, I learned that they are seeking to respond to Muslim concerns about how these nonprofits use Zakat funds. It is important for them that funds are used in compliance with Islamic religious requirements.

    For example, they are looking at how nonprofits interpret what it means to be “needy,” “the poor,” “the enslaved” or “for the sake of God” in the contemporary context.

    Many nonprofits are adopting Zakat policies that explain how they define these terms and how much of their budget covers their administrative costs. These include international organizations that are not led by Muslims, like the U.N. refugee agency, UNHCR, Save the Children, and the anti-poverty group Oxfam.

    A case study

    The Muslim Philanthropy Initiative at Indiana University, which I lead, convened a group of scholars in November 2024 to discuss challenges of collecting and distributing Zakat in the U.S. This discussion resulted in a report that sums up these conversations and examines the Zakat policy of the largest U.S. Muslim-led nonprofit: Islamic Relief USA.

    Islamic Relief USA’s Zakat policy limits its administrative costs to 12%; it permits funding for both immediate and long-term projects and allows Zakat to be distributed not just as cash payments but also as goods and services. It does not discriminate on the basis of religion.

    While not all scholars at the convening agreed with every aspect of the Islamic Relief USA Zakat policy, they accepted that diversity in Islamic thought permitted various approaches to Zakat. They also concurred that Islamic Relief USA’s process was likely the best framework for how nonprofits should approach the development of Zakat policies.

    Ultimately, there was consensus that nonprofits seeking Zakat should have Zakat policies; should make them available on their websites; should state the process through which it was developed; and name the scholars and other experts who took part in the process.

    Since a majority of American Muslims prefer to donate their Zakat during Ramadan, perhaps this might be the time when nonprofits can build trust through adopting more transparent Zakat policies.

    This article discusses a meeting funded by the the Islamic.. However, Islamic Relief USA is not consulted on any of our scholarly or public facing publications resulting from that convening.

    – ref. Why Muslim American nonprofits are taking steps to build trust with donors during Ramadan – https://theconversation.com/why-muslim-american-nonprofits-are-taking-steps-to-build-trust-with-donors-during-ramadan-251319

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Ramaphosa delivers the keynote address at the Microsoft SA Investment Announcement launch.

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

    President Ramaphosa delivers the keynote address at the Microsoft SA Investment Announcement launch.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZdNQ4cmz-4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Vuk Talks Season 2 Episode 27 Kentse Badirwang   Author and GBV Activist

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

    Catch us on Vuk Talks Podcast, we’ll be talking to Kentse Badirwang, author and GBVF activist, about raising awareness on gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). Join us as we launch the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
    #g20
    #GovZAupdates
    #ServiceDeliveryZa

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yETgaSpW2I

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/DR CONGO – “Insecurity prevails in Bukavu where not a night goes by without three or four bodies found on the street”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) – “Not a night goes by in Bukavu without finding three or four bodies on the street. Bodies also emerge from the lake,” report local church sources in Bukavu, the capital of the Congolese province of South Kivu (in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo), which fell into the hands of the M23 rebel movement in mid-February (see Fides, 17/2/2025). Our sources, who have requested anonymity for security reasons, describe a city where the law of the strongest prevails. “Criminal gangs are still active, but they do not usually kill…. Small or large thefts are committed by these gangs, but the major looting is carried out with impunity by the M23 and its allies: a bank was emptied and three cassiterite deposits were looted”.It is also noted that “the looting that the city experienced before Sunday, February 16, the day of the official entry of the M23, was not only due to young people who found the weapons left behind by the fleeing soldiers of the regular Congolese army (FARDC). The M23 had already entered the city on Friday, February 14, and the major looting in the Kadutu market, accompanied by devastation, took place on Saturday, February 15”.The report also shows how the looting by the occupiers is taking place on a large scale: “The last known theft of minerals took place in the night of Thursday to Friday, February 27-28, in the Nguba district: 34 already sealed barrels of cassiterite ready for sale were rolled into large buses and loaded in the middle of the night after tying up two guards and beating and abducting two others, who were only released on Sunday. On the radio, the new authorities called on the population to report the looting. ‘To whom?’ asked a dejected operator of the plant.” “But when armed bandits attack and people call the M23 soldiers, they come and ruthlessly shoot everyone they meet in the area, even if it is only eight in the evening. They shoot to kill, they say they have no bullets to waste. On March 4, the Red Cross buried some of the victims of the February 27 attacks in the Bagira cemetery (see Fides, 27/2/2025), other bodies were recovered by the families. The new authorities gave an envelope of money to the families of those killed, but they say they have little money because the war is expensive”. “There are hardly any cars on the road, apart from taxis and old cars. The better ones have either already been taken over by the M23 or are kept hidden. If you are driving a Land Cruiser, they can easily stop you and ask for the keys. Cars are sent to Rwanda, just like looted minerals. So if there was any need for proof in whose name this war is being fought…” The insecurity has practically brought social life in Bukavu to a standstill. The sources report that “classes in schools have not resumed because parents are afraid to let their children leave the house; moreover, they would not know how to pay the quarterly fees in the face of increasing misery. And: who will pay the teachers’ salaries? The journalists have been told what to do: sing the glory of the occupiers, not to spread information from Kinshasa, but only their information, no longer speak of ‘occupied zones’ but of ‘liberated zones’, no ‘press Union’, they themselves will give the journalists an ID, each media outlet will have to declare its location”. “And on the streets, a cloak of sadness lies over everyone, which is very unusual for the Congolese people,” conclude our sources. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 6/3/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. butane exports reached a new record in 2024

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    In-brief analysis

    March 6, 2025

    The United States is exporting record volumes of normal butane as global demand for liquefied petroleum gases (LPG) surges. U.S. normal butane exports averaged nearly 500,000 barrels per day (b/d) in 2024, a 12% increase from the previous year, and have increased every year since 2006.

    Butane is used residentially and commercially as a fuel, primarily for cooking. It’s also used as a gasoline blendstock during the winter and as a base chemical to make rubbers and plastics. Butane can also be converted to isobutane through isomerization, a key process for producing high octane gasoline components.

    Butane is similar to propane; both are considered LPGs. LPGs are byproducts of natural gas processing and crude oil refining. U.S. LPG production has grown rapidly with the increase in natural gas production, especially in liquids-rich regions such as the Eagle Ford in Texas and the Marcellus and Utica in the Northeast. Echoing trends in the propane market, higher production of butane has led to lower prices in the United States relative to global benchmarks in East Asia and the Middle East, increasing global demand for U.S. butane.

    The United States is the largest butane exporter in the world, with most exports bound for Asia and Africa. Butane has a higher boiling point than propane, so butane is less expensive to store and transport in warmer climates than propane. In 2024, 41% of U.S. butane exports went to Asia and 36% went to Africa. The top Asian importers were Indonesia, Japan, and South Korea, while Morocco and Egypt took in the most U.S. butane in Africa. These five countries account for more than half of the United States’ butane exports.

    Generally, butane demand has grown along with petrochemical demand. However, in many developing markets, governments have subsidized butane as a replacement for other fuels, such as wood or charcoal, because it is a cleaner indoor burning fuel for uses such as cooking or heating. Morocco, for example, has subsidized butane since the 1940s (although the government started phasing subsidies out in April 2024). Indonesia and India also have LPG subsidies in place.

    Data source: Bloomberg L.P. and Argus

    Low U.S. butane spot prices relative to other global benchmark spot prices led to a consistently wide price spread throughout 2023 and 2024, incentivizing more butane shipments from the United States than from other countries. However, the U.S. Gulf Coast butane’s discount to East Asia and Saudi Arabia decreased at the end of 2024, after butane prices rose in the United States at a faster rate than in other regions. Despite the decreasing price spread in the second half of 2024, U.S. exports remained high, averaging 12% more than the same period in 2023.

    Principal contributor: Josh Eiermann

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: GTA Project Gas Leak – BP Oil Company in the Dock

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Dakar, [06 March 2025] – Greenpeace Africa expresses its deep concern and outrage over the gas leak detected at the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) field, operated by BP off the coast of Senegal and Mauritania.  

    Although BP has acknowledged the incident,  the company’s assertions regarding a “low flow” and “negligible” impact fail to obscure the significant risks that offshore hydrocarbon extraction presents to marine ecosystems and coastal communities. 

    “BP is once again demonstrating its utter disregard for marine life and coastal communities. This leak from the GTA field cannot be considered an accident, it is simply the predictable result of an industry that puts its profits before our fragile ecosystems and the survival of local populations,” says Dr. Aliou Ba, Oceans Campaigns Lead at Greenpeace Africa.  

    The GTA field is home to the largest deep-water coral reef, a unique ecosystem in the world. ” A single spill can wipe out decades of marine biodiversity, contaminate food webs and destroy the habitat of hundreds of species. The impacts will extend far beyond the drilling areas, affecting species migration, marine reproduction and the ecological balance of the entire coastal region of Mauritania and Senegal.”

    We are also calling out  the paternalism and the total lack of transparency shown by BP in its communication with local populations. The company must stop procrastinating and immediately publish independent data on the true extent of this leak and the measures taken to address it.  

    “BP’s statement is more than an ethical breach, it is a denial of basic human rights. Local communities have an inalienable right to information on the risks that threaten their environment and their survival.” insists Dr. Aliou Ba.  

    Greenpeace Africa calls on the governments of Senegal and Mauritania to insist on complete transparency from BP and to establish robust systems for monitoring and mitigating environmental risks associated with gas extraction. In fact, “a nation’s sovereignty is defined by its capacity to safeguard its citizens and their rights. It is crucial for the authorities to take action and ensure BP is held accountable.”

    Faced with the threat of yet another ecological disaster orchestrated by the oil companies, Greenpeace Africa will remain vigilant and continue to demand justice for the environment as well as for the affected communities.

    Press contacts: Luchelle Feukeng – Communications and Storytelling Manager
    Mail: [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: ARISE IIP secures $450 million Afreximbank facility for industrial parks, Special Economic Zones development

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

    Download logo

    In a significant move aimed at boosting industrial development across Africa, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) signed a US$450 million global credit facility with ARISE IIP, the leading pan-African developer and operator of world-class industrial parks. This financing will support the development of industrial parks and Special Economic Zones (SEZ), while also providing crucial trade finance support to businesses operating within the ARISE IIP ecosystem. 

    The US$ 450 million, granted in the context of Afreximbank’s strategic objective of promoting, facilitating, and supporting Africa’s industrialisation ecosystems, is part of a proposed US$ 800-million facility to support ARISE IIP in developing Industrial Parks (IPs) and SEZs in such countries as Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Chad, Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Malawi, among others. 

    Under the terms of the facility agreement, ARISE IIP will deploy US$ 300 million to finance working capital requirements for its operating Industrial Parks (GDIZ-Benin, PIA-Togo, LAHAM TCHAD-Chad, PEIA-Cote d’Ivoire and BSEZ-Rwanda) and for capital expenditures for the development of new industrial parks in DRC, Kenya, Chad, Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire. 

    ARISE IIP will deploy the remaining US$ 150 million to develop an industrial park in Lilongwe, Malawi, and as trade finance for the activities of its export trading company in Malawi under Afreximbank’s Export Agriculture for Food Security initiative. 

    Signing the agreement on behalf of ARISE IIP was Arvind Arora, the Chief Treasury Officer, while Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade and Export Development, signed on behalf of Afreximbank. 

    Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade and Export Development Bank said: “The facility reflects Afreximbank’s ongoing commitment to mobilising financial and technical resources towards the promotion of industrialisation across Africa. This is our way of supporting value addition and structural transformation of African economies. We remain eager to collaborate with key stakeholders to build trusted partnerships and to industrialise African countries. Afreximbank strongly believes that IPs and SEZs are veritable tools that Africa can deploy to fast-track industrial infrastructure development and to promote intra-African trade and export development. With ARISE IIP as an established developer and operator of IPs and SEZs on the continent, we are confident that this facility will contribute to supporting the continental industrialisation agenda.” 

    Arvind Arora, Chief Treasury Officer of ARISE IIP remarked: “The US$450 million facility represents a major step forward in supporting Africa’s industrialisation efforts. This financing covers critical working capital and capital expenditure needs across various countries, addressing the diverse requirements for industrial development. Africa’s infrastructure investment gap, currently exceeding US$100 billion annually, significantly impacts the continent’s living conditions and its global competitiveness. At ARISE IIP, we are committed to working with strategic partners around the world to bridge this gap and accelerate industrialisation across the continent.” 

    The development of the new IPs and SEZs, along with the expansion of activities in the existing IPs, is expected to result in the attraction of 230 tenants, bringing in an estimated investment of US$ 1.7 billion over the next five years, while total exports from the new IPs and SEZs, once in operation, would reach US$ 5 billion over the five-year period, with domestically-sourced goods and services reaching US$ 3.4 billion. 

    In addition, the new investments in the IPs and SEZs are expected to contribute to the creation of 32,000 direct jobs and 138,000 in-direct jobs. 

    Afreximbank has been working with ARISE IIP as a strategic partner, focusing on industrialisation initiatives across Africa. The collaboration has seen the Bank and Arise working together on various projects including a USD 5 Billion Africa Textile Renaissance Plan, which intends to create 500,000 MT of African cotton transformation capacity and 500,000 jobs. 

    The Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), Afreximbank’s development impact investment arm, invested USD 300 million in the latest fundraising round, which concluded in October 2024. During this round, Arise IIP raised a total of USD 443 million. 

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

    Contact details: 
    Vincent Musumba 
    Manager, Communications and Events (Media Relations) – Afreximbank 
    press@afreximbank.com   

    Audrey Mebaley 
    Global Head of communications – Arise IIP 
    audrey.mebaley@arisenet.com   

    About Afreximbank: 
    African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra-and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialization and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank is setting up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2023, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$37.3 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$6.1 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa1), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt. www.Afreximbank.com  

    About FEDA (Fund for Export Development in Africa): 
    The Fund for Export Development in Africa (“FEDA”) (https://apo-opa.co/3F2Rttw) is the impact investment subsidiary of the African Export-Import Bank (“Afreximbank” or the “Bank”) set up to provide equity, quasi-equity, and debt capital to finance the multi-billion-dollar funding gap (particularly in equity) needed to transform the Trade sector in Africa. 

    FEDA pursues a multi-sector investment strategy along the intra-African trade, value-added export development, and manufacturing value chain which includes financial services, technology, consumer and retail goods, manufacturing, transport & logistics, agribusiness, as well as ancillary trade enabling infrastructure such as industrial parks. www.FEDAGroup.org 

    About ARISE IIP: 
    ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP) (https://apo-opa.co/43vSJzc) est un développeur et opérateur panafricain de parcs industriels de classe mondiale. Arise IIP identifie des opportunités dans les chaînes de valeur commerciales et industrielles à travers l’Afrique, conçoit, finance, construit et opère l’infrastructure nécessaire, jouant un rôle catalyseur pour soutenir les pays dans leur transition vers une économie industrielle. Animé par la recherche de la croissance verte l’ambition de Arise IIP est d’accompagner au développement du potentiel industriel du continent tout en neutralisant ses émissions de carbone et son impact climatique. ARISE IIP est actuellement présent dans 12 pays, dont le Bénin (GDIZ), le Togo (PIA), le Gabon (GSEZ), la Côte d’Ivoire (ZIC), le Nigéria (IPRFZ), la République du Congo (PIC), la République Démocratique du Congo (CIP), la Sierra Leone (SIZ), le Malawi (MIP), le Rwanda (BSEZ), le Tchad et le Cameroun. www.ARISEIIP.com 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Morocco Purchases AH-64 Apache Helicopters

    Source: United States AFRICOM

    Morocco marked its initial purchase of AH-64E Apache helicopters in a ceremony at Sale Air Base near Rabat, March 5, 2025.

    The sale marks a significant step in improving the capabilities of the Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF) as well as supporting the foreign policy and national security of the United States.

    “By purchasing these Apache helicopters, Morocco has made a significant step in investing in their security and in regional security. This investment now puts them in a new level of warfighting capability,” said Gen. Michael Langley, U.S. Africa Command Commander, who was present at the ceremony.  

    The aircraft arrived in Morocco late last month from the U.S. as part of a Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) initiative announced in 2020. 

    “The United States and Morocco have a long history of partnership reaching back nearly 250 years when Morocco was the first to recognize U.S. independence,” explained U.S. Charge d’Affaires Aimee Cutrona.   “Today, we are witnessing the steady and consistent growth of the longstanding U.S.-Morocco security cooperation that continues to advance our interests in the region and the world.”

    The AH-64E, first developed in 2012, is enhanced from previous models and brings increased capabilities that feature improved digital connectivity, more powerful engines, capability to control unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), full IFR capability, and improved landing gear. It can reach speeds of 150 knots (278 km/hr) with a range of over 450 km. 

    “The Apache helicopter, especially this model, brings advanced weaponry in reconnaissance and attack, enabling the Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF) to better secure their borders to deter and defeat terrorism in the region,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. James Anderson, Chief of the Office of Security Cooperation, Rabat.

    The Utah Army National Guard (UTNG) also maintains a unique partnership with Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces through the Department of Defense’ State Partnership Program (SPP). This involves extensive training and relationship building that has led to deeper ties between the FAR and the Utah National Guard (UNG) at all levels, and it has encouraged even greater overall security cooperation between our two countries.

    “The UTNG flies Apache helicopters and we’re looking forward to taking advantage of more training opportunities together,” said Maj. Jared Sorensen, Bilateral Affairs Officer and the UTNG representative in the Office of Security Cooperation, Rabat, “being able to fly and train together here will sharpen our skills and make us a more lethal force.”

     So far 24 RMAF pilots have received training in the U.S. and are qualified helicopter pilots together with five instructor pilots with three more expected soon. The pilots will undergo specific aircraft type training with the expectation that the entire squadron will be fully operational within the next six months.

    “These aircraft give the Royal Moroccan Air Force a lethal tool that will enable them to further our mutual security goals in the region,” said Langley. “Morocco is a critical partner for us and major non-NATO ally. Their leadership and dedication to furthering security and stability in the region shows daily how valuable this partnership is to both the people of Morocco and the U.S.”

    U.S. Africa Command is one of seven U.S. Department of Defense geographic combatant commands. The command is responsible for all U.S. military operations, exercises, security cooperation, and conducts crisis response on the African continent in order to advance U.S. interests and promote regional security, stability, and prosperity.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Your Exclusive Open Invitation to Galaxy Studio at Gateway Awaits

    Source: Samsung

    Experience the cutting-edge power of mobile AI with the all-new Galaxy S25 Series. From 28 February – 16 March 2025, immerse yourself in an electrifying, interactive experience at Galaxy Studio at Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Umhlanga. This is your exclusive opportunity to get up close and personal with the ground-breaking Galaxy S25 Series and witness the future of mobile AI unfold before your eyes.
     
    Be among the first to experience the AI-powered Galaxy S25 Series, a game-changing mobile companion that adapts to you and your lifestyle. With the innovative One UI 7.0, your phone becomes smarter, smoother, and more extraordinary. At Galaxy Studio, see how Samsung’s next-gen technology can simplify tasks, spark creativity, and elevate your daily life.
     
    Here’s what you can expect at Galaxy Studio:
    Live Demos: Get hands-on and witness how the Galaxy S25 Series transforms the way you interact with technology. From personalisation to powerful task management, this phone does it all!
    AI-Powered Camera Features: Snap breathtaking photos that are ready to share, with a camera that adapts to any lighting or situation, capturing your best moments in style.
    Nightography Booth: Immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind experience that brings your photos to life. Feel like a DJ at your own concert with the Galaxy S25’s stellar camera capabilities.
    Exclusive Hands-On Experience: Discover how Samsung’s AI can optimise everything from productivity to creativity – this isn’t just another phone, it’s an experience.
     
    Galaxy Studio is more than just a tech showcase; it’s a space where the magic of innovation comes to life, and you get to see and feel the future first-hand.
     

     
    Join us and experience the innovation of mobile AI:
    Dates: 28 February – 16 March 2025
    Location: Galaxy Studio, Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Umhlanga
    Admission: Free
     
    Special Guest Appearance: Meet Jojo Robison, the reality TV star, businesswoman, and media personality, who will be joining us on Saturday, 8 March to see the power of mobile AI in action!
     
    Don’t miss your chance to explore, play, and discover what’s next in mobile tech. This is your moment—avoid FOMO and join us at Galaxy Studio to experience the future, today.
     
    For updates and more info, follow us on social media at @SamsungmobileSA on X and Instagram, and Samsung South Africa on Facebook.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Egypt: Detainees punished for protesting their detention in cruel conditions

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Egyptian authorities must end their reprisals against prisoners in 10th of Ramadan Prison for their hunger strike to protest their arbitrary detention and demand an end to their cruel and inhuman detention conditions, Amnesty International said today.

    Since early January, a number of detainees at 10th of Ramadan (6) Prison started a hunger strike to demand the release of individuals held in pretrial detention for more than six months, the right to outdoor exercise, full visitation rights, and the removal of the National Security Agency (NSA) officer in charge of the prison, whom they accuse of being abusive. In the aftermath of the strike, authorities transferred at least three detainees from 10th of Ramadan (6) Prison to prisons notorious for their harsh detention conditions, after punitively confiscating their personal belongings.

    “Instead of addressing the abysmal detention conditions in the 10th of Ramadan Prison, the authorities are trying to silence prisoners protesting these conditions by punishing them. Even when prisoners are held in newly built, modern prisons such as 10th of Ramadan, they still suffer abuse at the hands of prison authorities who operate without adequate oversight or accountability,” said Mahmoud Shalaby, Egypt Researcher at Amnesty International.

    “Instead of addressing the abysmal detention conditions in the 10th of Ramadan Prison, the authorities are trying to silence prisoners protesting these conditions by punishing them” – Mahmoud Shalaby, Egypt Researcher

    “The Egyptian authorities must ensure that conditions of detention are humane and in line with international law and standards, including the Nelson Mandela Rules. They must respond to longstanding calls by Amnesty International and Egyptian human rights defenders to allow independent Egyptian and international observers to have unfettered and unannounced access to prisons and to monitor detention conditions in the country.”

    Two women family members of the transferred detainees told Amnesty International that authorities had moved their relatives to prisons located hundreds of kilometres away from their families. The transfer to remote prisons, known as “Taghriba” (internal exile), is a common punitive measure used by the authorities to punish prisoners and render visitation even more costly and burdensome for their families.

    “When they escorted him from his cell at 10th of Ramadan (6) Prison, he thought they were finally taking him to the hospital for long overdue surgery. Instead, they were transferring him to another prison,” a relative of one of the detainees told Amnesty International. She said that he was punished solely for attempting to send a letter to a political party that he is a member of, urging them to advocate for his release.

    The third detainee went on hunger strike on 29 January to protest his transfer. His lawyer told Amnesty International that upon transfer, he was placed in an overcrowded cell, where detainees are forced to sleep in shifts. On 18 February, authorities failed to bring him to his pretrial detention renewal session, however, judges renewed his detention in his absence, without providing any justification. On 1 March, his wife posted on Facebook that he had ended his strike and remains hospitalized within the prison.

    Brutal detention conditions

    Three lawyers and three relatives of detainees held at 10th of Ramadan (6) Prison told Amnesty International that all inmates inside their wards are totally deprived of sunlight because they are not permitted daily exercise outdoors as required by the Mandela Rules. Nada Mougeeth, the wife of arbitrarily detained cartoonist Ashraf Omar, said that he has not seen the sun in seven months. According to Nada and the relatives of the two transferred prisoners, detainees are confined to their cells for 23 hours a day. They are allowed a maximum of one hour of exercise in a corridor inside the building where they are held.

    Under Egypt’s Internal Bylaws on Prisons, pretrial detainees are allowed two hours of exercise out of their cell daily.

    On 3 February, economist Abdel Khalek Farouq, also held in 10th of Ramadan prison for political reasons, told prosecutors that after he complained to prison officials about not being allowed to exercise in sunlight, he was moved, along with two other detainees, to another cell in an isolated and empty ward, according to a member of his family. He also said that a police officer threatened to transfer him to Sohag Prison, located around 500 kilometres away from Cairo where his family live.

    Nada and the two relatives told Amnesty International that family visits to the prison are limited to only 20 or 30 minutes once per month, except if there is an exceptional visit. This violates the prison bylaws, which provides for weekly one-hour visits for pretrial detainees and twice monthly visits for convicted prisoners. Some detainees are denied family visits altogether. For instance, Anas al-Belgaty, who has been arbitrarily detained for 11 years solely for his family affiliation, has received no visits since his transfer to 10th of Ramadan (2) prison in June 2023.

    Nada and the two relatives also reported being frequently subjected to invasive body searches by female guards. They said that the guards search women twice before they enter the visit hall, including through placing their hands inside the women’s clothing, touching their bras.

    They also reported that prison guards inspect the food brought by families using their bare hands in an unhygienic manner. Food brought by families is the main source of nutrition for detainees due to the lack of quality or insufficient portions provided by the prison.

    Background

    10th of Ramadan Prison began to operate in 2023 amid a public relations campaign by the government promoting it as a step toward improving detention conditions.

    On 12 January, the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR) published a statement about the deteriorating detention conditions at 10th of Ramadan 6 Prison. Following this statement, on 19 January, prosecutors opened an investigation into prominent human rights defender Hossam Bahgat, executive director of EIPR, on charges of “spreading false news” and “aiding and funding a terrorist group.”

    Based on research into 16 prisons across Egypt, Amnesty International previously found that prison officials in Egypt are subjecting prisoners of conscience and others held for political reasons to torture and other  cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment through conditions of detention and are deliberately denying them health care to punish dissent.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Taung child: the controversial story of the fossil discovery that proved humanity’s common origins in Africa – podcast

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Gemma Ware, Host, The Conversation Weekly Podcast, The Conversation

    The cast of the Taung child skull found in South Africa in 1924. Didier Descouens/Wikipedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    One hundred years ago, a paper was published in the journal Nature that would radically shift our understandings of the origins of humanity. It described a fossil, found in a lime mine in Taung in South Africa, which became known as the Taung child skull.

    The paper’s author, an Australian-born anatomist called Raymond Dart, argued that the fossil was a new species of hominin called Australopithecus africanus. It was the first evidence that humanity originated in Africa.

    In this episode of The Conversation Weekly podcast, we talk to science historian Christa Kuljian about Dart’s complicated legacy and to paleoanthropologist Dipuo Kgotleng about what’s happened to the city of Taung itself, and how paleoanthropology has changed over the last century.

    When Dart’s paper was first published, it was roundly ridiculed by his scientific peers. Charles Darwin had a hunch that all humans had common origins in Africa, but archaeologists at the time weren’t looking for evidence on the continent, as Kuljian, a research associate at the University of Witwatersrand, explains:

     ”Scientists argued that humans had evolved in Europe or perhaps Asia, and that belief was influenced by the false assumption that many scientists had that Europeans were superior to other people from around the world, and that there was a hierarchy of race. Paleoanthropology and the search for human origins had its roots in that era of racialised thinking and white supremacy.“

    Dart’s contribution eventually proved this to be wrong. But at the same time, Dart, like many scientists working in Europe and the US in the early 20th century, was engaged in disturbing and racist anthropological practices, says Kuljian.

    “They were not only collecting ancient fossils, they were also collecting human skeletons. And scientists thought that humans could be divided into separate and distinct racial types based on physical characteristics. They thought that these pure racial types, which we now know do not exist, would give them a clue to understanding human evolution.”

    Not just one ‘hero’

    Alongside Dart’s own complicated legacy, researchers are also reassessing the way discoveries like the Taung child skull are commonly told: through the lens of a solo, white, hero like Indiana Jones.

    What’s missing, says Kgotleng, director of the Palaeo Institute at the University of Johannesburg, are often the stories of the “hidden figures” behind such discoveries. For example, the rock that contained the Taung skull was put aside by local mine workers who recognised its potential significance and passed it onto Dart’s colleague. Kgotleng argues:

    “ For a scientist to have that fossil in hand there was somebody who was on the ground assisting with that excavation. There were other labourers who were there, in most cases they never get recognised … we need to recognise all the workers in that whole process of the discovery through to publication.”

    Kgotleng, who used to work as the archaeologist at Taung, says that today the town “generally looks like it’s still stuck in the 1920s”. She says that many local people know little about the significance of the fossil find and that “the knowledge about the science has not filtrated through to the locals”.

    Listen to the conversations with Kuljian and Kgotleng on The Conversation Weekly podcast, which also includes an introduction from Natasha Joseph, science commissioning editor at The Conversation Africa. Kuljian and Kgotleng both also contributed papers to a special issue of the South African Journal of Science to mark the centenary of Dart’s article.

    This episode of The Conversation Weekly was written and produced by Katie Flood with assistance from Mend Mariwany and hosted by Gemma Ware. Sound design was by Eloise Stevens and theme music by Neeta Sarl.

    Listen to The Conversation Weekly via any of the apps listed above, download it directly via our RSS feed or find out how else to listen here.

    Dipuo Winnie Kgotleng has received funding from the Wenner-Gren foundation, National Heritage Council and National Research Foundation. Christa Kuljian has received funding from the Academic and Non-Fiction Authors Association of South Africa, the South African National Research Foundation and the Centre of Excellence in Palaeosciences.

    – ref. Taung child: the controversial story of the fossil discovery that proved humanity’s common origins in Africa – podcast – https://theconversation.com/taung-child-the-controversial-story-of-the-fossil-discovery-that-proved-humanitys-common-origins-in-africa-podcast-251530

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The Next Full Moon is the Worm Moon

    Source: NASA

    The next full moon is called the Worm Moon. Also, there will be a total lunar eclipse this full moon. The Moon will be full early Friday morning, March 14, at 2:55 a.m. EDT, but will appear full for about three days around this time, from Wednesday evening into Saturday morning.

    As the Moon passes opposite the Sun it will move through the shadow of Earth creating a total eclipse of the Moon. The Moon will begin entering the partial shadow Thursday night at 11:57 p.m. EDT, but the gradual dimming of the Moon will not be noticeable until it starts to enter the full shadow Friday morning at 1:09 a.m. The round shadow of Earth will gradually shift across the face of the Moon (from lower left to upper right) until the Moon is fully shaded beginning at 2:26 a.m. The period of full shadow, or total eclipse, will last about 65 minutes, reaching the greatest eclipse at 2:59 a.m. and ending at 3:31 a.m. Even though it will be in full shadow, the Moon will still be visible. The glow of all of the sunrises and sunsets on Earth will give the Moon a reddish-brown hue, sometimes called a “Blood Moon” — although this name is also used for one of the full moons near the start of fall. From 3:31 a.m. until 4:48 a.m., the Moon will exit the full shadow of Earth, with the round shadow again shifting across the face of the Moon (from upper left to lower right). The Moon will leave the last of the partial shadow at 6 a.m. ending this eclipse.
    The Maine Farmers’ Almanac began publishing Native American names for full moons in the 1930s, and these names are now widely known and used. According to this almanac, the tribes of the northeastern U.S. called the full moon in March the Crow, Crust, Sap, Sugar, or Worm Moon. The more northern tribes of the northeastern United States knew this as the Crow Moon, with the cawing of crows signaling the end of winter. Other northern names were the Crust Moon, because the snow cover became crusted from thawing by day and freezing by night, or the Sap (or Sugar) Moon as this was the time for tapping maple trees. The more southern tribes called this the Worm Moon after the earthworm casts that appeared as the ground thawed. It makes sense that only the southern tribes called this the Worm Moon. When glaciers covered the northern part of North America they wiped out the native earthworms. After these glaciers melted about 12,000 years ago the more northern forests grew back without earthworms. Most of the earthworms in these areas are invasive species introduced from Europe and Asia.
    Continuing the tradition of naming moons after prominent phenomena tied to the time of year, a few years ago my friend Tom Van Wagner suggested naming this the Pothole Moon. It may be a case of confirmation bias, but whether in my car or on my bicycle I’ve noticed more potholes lately.

    As usual, the wearing of suitably celebratory celestial attire is encouraged in honor of the full moon. Enjoy the total lunar eclipse (if you are in a part of the world that can see it), anticipate the coming of spring and watch out for potholes!

    Gordon johnston
    NASA Program Executive (Retired)

    Here are the other celestial events between now and the full moon after next with times and angles based on the location of NASA Headquarters in Washington:
    As winter in the Northern Hemisphere ends and spring begins, the daily periods of sunlight continue to lengthen, changing fastest around the vernal (spring) equinox on March 20. On Friday, March 14 (the day of the full moon), morning twilight will begin at 6:23 a.m. EDT, sunrise will be at 7:20 a.m., solar noon will be at 1:17 p.m. when the Sun will reach its maximum altitude of 48.9 degrees, sunset will be at 7:14 p.m., and evening twilight will end at 8:12 p.m. By Saturday, April 12 — the day of the full moon after next — morning twilight will begin at 5:36 a.m., sunrise will be at 6:36 a.m., solar noon will be at 1:09 p.m. when the Sun will reach its maximum altitude of 60.1 degrees, sunset will be at 7:43 p.m., and evening twilight will end at 8:43 p.m.
    During this lunar cycle, a backyard telescope should still provide interesting views of Jupiter and Mars high in the evening sky. Venus and Mercury will only be visible near the start at this cycle and will be too low to see easily unless you have access to a location with clear views toward the western horizon. With a telescope, you should be able to see Jupiter’s four bright moons, Ganymede, Callisto, Europa, and Io, noticeably shifting positions in the course of an evening. Jupiter was at its closest and brightest in early December. Mars was at its closest and brightest for the year just a month ago. The planet Uranus will be too dim to see without a telescope when the Moon is in the sky, but later in the lunar cycle, if you are in a very dark area with clear skies and no interference from moonlight, it will still be brighter than the faintest visible stars, making it barely visible. Uranus was at its closest and brightest in mid-November.
    Comets and Meteor Shower
    No meteor showers are predicted to peak during this lunar cycle, and no comets are expected to be visible without a telescope.
    Evening Sky Highlights
    On the evening of Thursday, March 13 — the night of the full moon — as twilight ends at 8:11 p.m. EDT, the rising Moon will be 14 degrees above the eastern horizon. The brightest planet in the sky will be Venus at 4 degrees above the west-southwestern horizon, appearing as a thin, 4% illuminated crescent through a telescope. Next in brightness will be Jupiter at 62 degrees above the west-southwestern horizon. Third in brightness will be Mars at 72 degrees above the southeastern horizon. Mercury, to the left of Venus, will also be 4 degrees above the western horizon. Uranus, on the edge of what is visible under extremely clear, moonless, and dark skies, will be 45 degrees above the western horizon. The bright star closest to overhead will be Capella at 75 degrees above the northwestern horizon. Capella is the 6th brightest star in our night sky, and the brightest star in the constellation Auriga (shaped like a charioteer). Although we see Capella as a single star it is actually four stars — two pairs of stars orbiting each other. Capella is about 43 light-years from Earth.
    Also high in the sky will be the constellation Orion, easily identifiable because of the three stars that form Orion’s Belt. This time of year, we see many bright stars at evening twilight, with bright stars scattered from the south-southeast toward the northwest. We see more stars in this direction because we are looking toward the Local Arm of our home galaxy (also called the Orion Arm, Orion-Cygnus Arm, or Orion Bridge). This arm is about 3,500 light years across and 10,000 light years long. Some of the bright stars we see from this arm are the three stars of Orion’s Belt, along with Rigel (860 light-years from Earth), Betelgeuse (548 light-years), Polaris (about 400 light-years), and Deneb (about 2,600 light-years).
    As this lunar cycle progresses, the background of stars will rotate by about a degree westward each evening around the pole star Polaris. March 16 will be the last evening Venus will be above the horizon, and March 17 will be the last evening Mercury will be above the horizon as twilight ends. On March 30, Mars will pass by the bright star Pollux for the third time in 6 months, having passed by in mid-October 2024, changed direction (called apparent retrograde motion) and passed again in mid-January, then changed directions again for this March 30 pass. The waxing moon will appear near the Pleiades star cluster on April 1, Jupiter on April 2, Mars and Pollux on April 5, and Regulus on April 7 and 8.
    By the evening of Saturday, April 12 — the evening of the night of the full moon after next — as twilight ends at 8:43 p.m. EDT, the rising Moon will be 10 degrees above the east-southeastern horizon with the bright star Spica about a half degree to the upper left. The brightest planet in the sky will be Jupiter at 38 degrees above the western horizon. Next in brightness will be Mars at 70 degrees above the southwestern horizon. Uranus, on the edge of what is visible under extremely clear, moonless dark skies, will be 18 degrees above the western horizon. The bright star closest to overhead will be Pollux at 71 degrees above the west-southwestern horizon. Pollux is the 17th brightest star in our night sky and the brighter of the twin stars in the constellation Gemini the twins. It is an orange-tinted star about 34 light-years from Earth. Pollux is not quite twice the mass of our Sun, but is about 9 times the diameter and 33 times the brightness.
    Morning Sky Highlights
    On the morning of Friday, March 14 — the morning of the full moon — as twilight begins at 6:23 a.m. EDT, the setting full moon will be 12 degrees above the western horizon. No visible planets will appear in the sky. The bright star closest to overhead will be Vega at 68 degrees above the eastern horizon. Vega is the 5th brightest star in our night sky and the brightest star in the constellation Lyra (the lyre). Vega is one of the three bright stars of the “Summer Triangle” along with Deneb and Altair. It is about 25 light-years from Earth, has twice the mass of our Sun, and shines 40 times brighter than our Sun.
    As this lunar cycle progresses, the background of stars will rotate westward by about a degree each morning around the pole star Polaris. The waning moon will appear near Spica on March 16 and 17, and Antares on March 20. Bright Venus — now the morning star — will begin to emerge from the glow of dawn around March 21 and will be above the horizon as twilight begins after March 29. Mercury and Saturn will begin emerging from the glow of dawn in early April, rising after morning twilight begins. Initially Saturn will appear brighter than Mercury, but Mercury will brighten each morning as it becomes a fuller crescent, showing more illuminated area to Earth. After about April 8, Mercury will appear brighter than Saturn.
    By the morning of Sunday, April 13 — the morning of the night of the full moon after next — as twilight begins at 5:34 a.m. EDT, the setting full moon will be 10 degrees above the west-southwestern horizon with the bright star Spica 4 degrees to the right. The only planet in the sky as twilight begins will be bright Venus as the morning star at 5 degrees above the eastern horizon. However, both Mercury and the fainter Saturn should be visible below Venus after they rise 4 and 7 minutes later (Saturn at 5:37 a.m. and Mercury at 5:40 a.m.). The bright star closest to overhead still will be Vega at 81 degrees above the eastern horizon.

    Here for your reference is a day-by-day listing of celestial events between now and the full moon on April 12, 2025. The times and angles are based on the location of NASA Headquarters in Washington, and some of these details may differ for where you are (I use parentheses to indicate times specific to the D.C. area). If your latitude is significantly different than 39 degrees north (and especially for my Southern Hemisphere readers), I recommend using an astronomy app that is set up for your location or a star-watching guide from a local observatory, news outlet, or astronomy club.
    March 8 Just after midnight on Saturday morning, March 8, the planet Mercury will reach its greatest angular separation from the Sun as seen from Earth for this apparition (called greatest elongation).
    Saturday evening, March 8, Mercury will appear at its highest (6 degrees) above the western horizon as evening twilight ends (at 7:06 p.m. EST). Mercury will set 34 minutes later (at 7:40 p.m.). This will also be the evening Mercury will have dimmed to the brightness of Mars, after which Mars will be the third brightest visible planet again.
    March 8 – 9 On Saturday evening into Sunday morning, March 8 to 9, Mars will appear near the waxing gibbous moon with the bright star Pollux (the brighter of the twin stars in the constellation Gemini) nearby. As evening twilight ends at 7:06 p.m. EST, Mars will be 1.5 degrees to the lower right of the Moon and Pollux will be 6 degrees to the lower left. As the Moon reaches its highest for the night more than an hour later at 8:22 p.m., Mars will be 1.5 degrees to the lower right of the Moon and Pollux will be 5.5 degrees to the upper left. By the time Mars sets on the northwestern horizon (at 4:53 a.m.) it will be 4 degrees to the lower left of the Moon and Pollux will be 3 degrees above the Moon.
    March 9 Don’t forget to reset your clocks (if they don’t automatically set themselves) as we “spring forward” to Daylight Saving Time! For much of the U.S., 2 to 3 a.m. on March 9, 2025, might be a good hour for magical or fictional events (as it doesn’t actually exist).
    March 11 – 12 Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning, March 11 to 12, the bright star Regulus will appear near the nearly full moon. As evening twilight ends at 8:09 p.m. EDT, Regulus will be 4 degrees to the lower right of the Moon. When the Moon reaches its highest for the night at 11:52 p.m., Regulus will be 3 degrees to the lower right. By the time morning twilight begins at 6:26 a.m., Regulus will be about one degree below the Moon.
    Wednesday morning, March 12, Saturn will be passing on the far side of the Sun as seen from Earth, called conjunction. Because Saturn orbits outside of the orbit of Earth it will be shifting from the evening sky to the morning sky. Saturn will begin emerging from the glow of dawn on the eastern horizon in early April (depending upon viewing conditions).
    Wednesday evening, March 12, will be when Venus and Mercury will appear closest to each other low on the western horizon, 5.5 degrees apart. They will be about 5 degrees above the horizon as evening twilight ends at 8:10 p.m. EDT, and Mercury will set first 27 minutes later at 8:37 p.m.
    March 14 As mentioned above, the full moon will be early Friday morning, March 14, at 2:55 a.m. EDT. There will be a total eclipse of the Moon. As the Moon passes opposite the Sun it will move through the shadow of Earth. The Moon will begin entering the partial shadow Thursday night at 11:57 p.m., but the gradual dimming of the Moon will not be noticeable until it starts to enter the full shadow Friday morning at 1:09 a.m. The round shadow of Earth will gradually shift across the face of the Moon (from lower left to upper right) until the Moon is fully shaded beginning at 2:26 a.m. The period of full shadow or total eclipse will last about 65 minutes, reaching the greatest eclipse at 2:59 a.m. and ending at 3:31 a.m. Even though it will be in full shadow, the Moon will still be visible. The glow of all of the sunrises and sunsets on Earth will give the Moon a reddish-brown hue, sometimes called a “Blood Moon” — although this name is also used for one of the full moons near the start of fall. From 3:31 a.m. until 4:48 a.m. the Moon will exit the full shadow of Earth, with the round shadow of Earth again shifting across the face of the Moon (from upper left to lower right). The Moon will leave the last of the partial shadow at 6 a.m., ending this eclipse. This full moon will be on Thursday evening from Pacific Daylight Time and Mountain Standard Time westward to the International Date Line in the mid Pacific. The Moon will appear full for about three days around this time, from Wednesday evening into Saturday morning.
    March 16 Sunday morning, March 16, the bright star Spica will appear near the waning gibbous moon. As the Moon reaches its highest at 2:34 a.m. EDT, Spica will be 6.5 degrees to the lower left. As morning twilight begins at 6:20 a.m. Spica will be 5 degrees to the upper left.
    During the day on Sunday, March 16, for parts of Eastern Africa, the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, the Indian Ocean, and the southern tip of Western Australia, the Moon will pass in front of Spica.
    Sunday evening, March 16, will be the last evening that Venus will be above the west-northwestern horizon as evening twilight ends at 8:14 p.m. EDT, with Venus setting 1 minute later.
    March 16 – 17 Sunday night into Monday morning, March 16 to 17, the waning gibbous moon will have shifted to the other side of the bright star Spica. As the Moon rises on the east-southeastern horizon at 9:49 p.m. EDT, Spica will be 4 degrees above the Moon. By the time the Moon reaches its highest at 3:15 a.m., Spica will be 6.5 degrees to the upper right. As morning twilight begins at 6:18 a.m., Spica will be 7.5 degrees to the right of the Moon.Monday midday, March 17, at 12:27 p.m. EDT, the Moon will be at apogee, its farthest from Earth for this orbit.Monday evening, March 17, will be the last evening that Mercury will be above the western horizon as evening twilight ends at 8:15 p.m. EDT, with Mercury setting 3 minutes later.
    March 19 Wednesday evening, March 19, Neptune will be passing on the far side of the Sun as seen from Earth, called conjunction. Because it orbits outside of the orbit of Earth, Neptune will be shifting from the evening sky to the morning sky. Neptune is faint enough that it is only visible with a telescope.
    March 20 Thursday morning, March 20, the bright star Antares will appear near the waning gibbous moon. As Antares rises on the southeastern horizon at 1:17 a.m. EDT, it will be 5 degrees to the lower left of the Moon. By the time the Moon reaches its highest for the night at 5:31 a.m., Antares will be 3.5 degrees to the left of the Moon. Morning twilight will begin 42 minutes later at 6:13 a.m. For parts of Australia and New Zealand the Moon will pass in front of Antares.
    Thursday morning at 5:01 a.m. EDT will be the vernal equinox, the astronomical end of winter and start of spring.
    March 21 Starting around Friday morning, March 21, Venus as the morning star will begin to emerge from the glow of dawn, rising on the east-northeastern horizon more than 30 minutes before sunrise. Interestingly, this is just before inferior conjunction, when Venus passes “between” Earth and the Sun (passing through the same ecliptic longitude as the Sun as seen from Earth).
    March 22 Saturday morning, March 22, the waning moon will appear half-full as it reaches its last quarter at 7:29 a.m. EDT.
    Saturday night, Venus will be passing through the same ecliptic longitude as the Sun as seen from Earth, called inferior conjunction. Planets that orbit inside of the orbit of Earth can have two types of conjunctions with the Sun, inferior (when passing between Earth and Sun) and superior (when passing on the far side of the Sun as seen from Earth). Venus will be shifting from the evening sky to the morning sky but will be passing far enough away from the Sun that it may have already begun to be visible in the glow of dawn on the east-northeastern horizon (depending upon viewing conditions).
    March 24 Monday afternoon, March 24, Mercury will be passing between Earth and Sun as seen from Earth, called inferior conjunction. It also will be shifting from the evening sky to the morning sky and will begin emerging from the glow of dawn on the eastern horizon in early April (depending upon viewing conditions).
    March 29 Saturday morning, March 29, will be the first morning that Venus as the morning star will be above the horizon as twilight begins at 5:59 a.m. EDT.
    Saturday morning, March 29, at 6:58 a.m. EDT, will be the new moon, when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun and is usually not visible from Earth. However, for parts of northwestern Africa, northwestern Eurasia, and northeastern North America, part of the silhouette of the Moon will be visible as it passes in front of the Sun in a partial solar eclipse. The viewing from the Washington area will not be very good. As the Sun rises on the eastern horizon at 6:57 a.m., the Moon will be blocking a small sliver of the left side of the Sun, with the eclipse ending 5 minutes later at 7:02 a.m.
    March 30 Early Sunday morning, March 30, at 1:19 a.m. EDT, the Moon will be at perigee, its closest to Earth for this orbit.
    For the third time since mid-October 2024, Mars will be passing by the bright star Pollux, the brighter of the twin stars in the constellation Gemini (the twins). Planets that orbit farther from the Sun than Earth’s orbit usually appear to shift westward each night, like the stars, but more slowly, so that they shift eastward relative to the stars. This is because the planets all move in the same direction around the Sun. But around the time when an outer planet is closest to Earth it appears to move the other direction, shifting westward relative to the stars, called apparent retrograde motion. This tendency to “wander” relative to the stars is where the word “planet” comes from (based on the Greek word for “wanderer”). In mid-October 2024 Mars passed by Pollux for the first time as it moved eastward relative to the stars. Beginning Dec. 6, 2024, Mars started its retrograde motion. On Jan. 15, 2025, Mars was at its closest and brightest for the year. On January 23 Mars passed by Pollux for the second time, just 2.5 degrees apart, this time shifting westward relative to the stars. Mars ended its retrograde motion on February 23. It is now shifting eastward again relative to the stars and will pass Pollux a third time on March 30, this time 4 degrees apart. Mars and Pollux will be nearly overhead as evening twilight ends at 8:29 p.m. EDT. Mars will set first on the west-northwestern horizon the morning of March 31 at 3:43 a.m.
    This also is the first morning that Mercury will be above the eastern horizon 30 minutes before sunrise. Mercury will be relatively dim, as it will only present a narrow crescent toward Earth. It will brighten significantly each morning, but it’s difficult to predict when it will be bright enough to see in the glow of dawn.
    April 1 Tuesday morning, April 1, will be the first morning that Saturn will be above the eastern horizon 30 minutes before sunrise, a rough approximation of when it might start being visible in the glow of dawn.
    Tuesday evening, the Pleiades star cluster will appear 1.5 degrees below the waxing crescent moon. The Moon will be 36 degrees above the western horizon as evening twilight ends at 8:31 p.m. EDT, and the Pleiades will set first on the west-northwestern horizon 3 hours later at about 11:40 p.m.
    April 2 Wednesday evening, April 2, Jupiter will appear 5.5 degrees to the lower left of the waxing crescent moon. The Moon will be 49 degrees above the western horizon as evening twilight ends at 8:32 p.m. EDT. Jupiter will set first on the west-northwestern horizon 4 hours later Thursday morning at 12:43 a.m.
    April 4 Friday night, April 4, the Moon will appear half-full as it reaches its first quarter at 10:15 p.m. EDT.
    April 5 – 6 Saturday night into Sunday morning, April 5 to 6, the waxing gibbous moon, Mars, and the bright star Pollux will appear to form a triangle. As evening twilight ends at 8:35 p.m. EDT, Mars will be 3 degrees to the lower right and Pollux 5 degrees to the upper right. As the night progresses, Mars and Pollux will appear to rotate clockwise and away from the Moon. As Mars sets first on the west-northwestern horizon 7 hours later at 3:26 a.m. it will be 6 degrees to the lower right, with Pollux 8.5 degrees to the right of the Moon.
    April 7 – 8 Monday night into Tuesday morning, April 7 to 8, the bright star Regulus will appear near the waxing gibbous moon. As evening twilight ends at 8:37 p.m. EDT, Regulus will be 7 degrees below the Moon. As the Moon reaches its highest in the sky at 9:51 p.m., Regulus will be 6.5 degrees to the lower left. By the time Regulus and the Moon set together on the west-northwestern horizon at 4:52 a.m., Regulus will be 3.5 degrees to the left of the Moon.
    Tuesday morning, April 8, will be when Mercury will become as bright as Saturn in the glow of dawn (with both Mercury and Saturn rising after morning twilight begins). After this, Mercury will continue brightening each morning as more of its sunlit crescent faces Earth.
    April 8 – 9 Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, April 8 to 9, the waxing gibbous moon will have shifted to the other side of the bright star Regulus. As evening twilight ends at 8:38 p.m. EDT, Regulus will be 6 degrees to the upper right of the Moon. As the Moon reaches its highest in the sky at 10:34 p.m., Regulus will be 7 degrees to the right. The pair will continue to separate as the night progresses.
    April 10 Thursday morning, April 10, the planets Mercury and Saturn will appear nearest each other, 2 degrees apart, in the glow of dawn. Mercury — the brighter of the two — will be on the left and Saturn will be on the right. Saturn will rise last on the eastern horizon at 5:48 a.m. EDT, 9 minutes after morning twilight begins. You will only have about 20 minutes to view the pair, as by 30 minutes before sunrise (i.e., 6:09 a.m.) the sky will become too bright to see them.
    April 12 Saturday, April 12, 2025, is the International Day of Human Space Flight as declared by the United Nations to mark the date of the first human space flight.
    The full moon after next will be April 12 at 8:22 p.m. EDT. This will be on April 13 in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and from the Azores, Iceland, Liberia, and Senegal times zones eastward across Africa, Eurasia, and Australia to the International Date Line in the mid-Pacific. Most commercial calendars are based on UTC and will show this full moon on April 13. The Moon will appear full for about three days around this time, from Friday evening into Monday morning, making this a full moon weekend.
    Saturday evening into Sunday morning, the bright star Spica will appear close to the full moon. As evening twilight ends at 8:43 p.m., Spica will be less than a degree to the upper left of the Moon. Spica will appear to rotate clockwise and shift away from the Moon as the night progresses.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) and Joint-Stock Commercial Bank “Turonbank” Strengthen Partnership to Support Private Sector Growth in Uzbekistan

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

    JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, March 6, 2025/APO Group/ —

    • The Third Line: ICD and Turonbank announce a USD 30 million Islamic line of financing facility to bolster Uzbekistan’s private sector development.
    • Empowering Entrepreneurs: The new facility is designed to accelerate SME growth and foster economic development in Uzbekistan.
    • ​Strengthened Collaboration: This initiative reaffirms the long-standing partnership between ICD and Turonbank, aligning with ICD’s mission to support private sector growth.

    The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) (www.ICD-PS.org) and Private Joint-Stock Bank “Turonbank” have taken a significant step to enhance Uzbekistan’s private sector development. A USD 30 million Islamic line of financing facility has been signed, marking a milestone in their collaborative efforts to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the broader economic landscape.

    This new financing facility, channeled through Turonbank, is dedicated to empowering private sector projects in Uzbekistan. It aims to provide entrepreneurs with vital financial resources to launch and expand their ventures, thereby driving sustainable economic growth and contributing to the nation’s economic resilience.

    Turonbank has been a trusted partner of ICD since 2017 and has previously received two line-of-financing facilities totaling USD 35 million. The newly proposed facility highlights the strength of their enduring partnership and underscores a shared commitment to fostering private sector development in Uzbekistan.

    This initiative is closely aligned with ICD’s Private Sector Development Strategy, which focuses on enabling economic dynamism and resilience by empowering SMEs and advancing financial inclusion.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Mining in Motion: Uniting Industry Leaders for a Sustainable Mining Future

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

    ACCRA, Ghana, March 6, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The inaugural Mining in Motion Summit (MiningInMotionSummit.com) – Ghana’s premier event bringing together small-scale gold miners, policymakers and global partners – takes place under the theme Sustainable Mining & Local Growth – Leveraging Resources for Global Impact. Taking place from June 2–4, 2025, at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra, the event will feature high-level panel discussions, project showcases and exclusive networking opportunities, spotlighting lucrative prospects within Ghana’s mining sector.

    Global industry leaders and sustainability experts, including the World Bank, World Gold Council, the United Nations, the African Union and ECOWAS, will explore how responsible mining practices can drive economic growth, enhance community well-being and support global economic stability. Discussions will focus on how mining investments create high returns, generate employment and strengthen key industries connected to the sector.

    Ghana is prioritizing mining as a key driver of socioeconomic development. The country seeks to enhance the contribution of artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM), in driving industry growth and economic expansion. The ASGM sector is a pillar of Ghana’s economy, generating over $5 billion (https://apo-opa.co/3F4IIPv) in export revenue in 2024 and accounting for 35% of the country’s total gold production. The sector supports over 1 million direct jobs and indirectly impacts 4 million people, making it one of Ghana’s largest employment sources. Mining in Motion will highlight Ghana’s success as a model for sustainable artisanal mining, emphasizing its role in economic stability and community development. Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II, King of the Ashanti Kingdom, will address the importance of traditional leadership in shaping the ASGM industry. The event will spotlight key topics within Ghana’s mining sector, including the newly established Gold Board which aims to maximize revenue from ASGM, responsible resource management and value addition.

    Apart from the contribution made by the ASGM sector alone, the role played by stakeholders across the entire mining value chain to GDP growth is immense. According to the International Monetary Fund (https://apo-opa.co/3XqoQwI), Ghana’s GDP is projected to grow by 1.5% in 2025, fueled by continued expansion in the mining sector. Research firm Deloitte predicts a 3% increase in Ghana’s gold output in 2025 compared to 2024 levels, a milestone that will cement the country’s role as a major gold exporter. To sustain this growth, the Ghanaian government has strengthened partnerships with global exploration and production firms and financial institutions, intensifying efforts to boost mineral exploration and production. Several major projects are set for commissioning in 2025 and 2026, including the 358,000 ounces per annum Cardinal Namdini Mine, the 325,000 ounces Ahafo North Project and the 163,000 ounces Black Volta Gold Project.

    As Ghana continues to expand its global mining footprint, Mining in Motion will highlight the industry’s contribution to economic growth, both locally and internationally. H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, will present the country’s socioeconomic vision, showcasing key achievements in mining sector growth and sustainability initiatives.

    Industry leaders will examine the collaboration between large-scale mining companies and ASGM players, fostering synergies that drive sector-wide growth.

    Stay informed about the latest advancements, network with industry leaders, and engage in critical discussions on key issues impacting ASGM and medium to large scale mining in Ghana. Secure your spot at the Mining in Motion 2025 Summit by visiting MiningInMotionSummit.com. For sponsorship opportunities or delegate participation, contact Sales@ashantigreeninitiative.org

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/NIGERIA – Father Sylvester Okechukwu killed on Ash Wednesday, a few hours after his kidnapping

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Abuja (Agenzia Fides) – A Catholic priest was kidnapped and then killed in northern Nigeria. He is Father Sylvester Okechukwu, parish priest of the church of St Mary Tachira, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.According to the diocese of Kafanchan, Father Okechukwu was kidnapped in his residence in Tachira on March 4, 2025, between 9.15 pm and 9.40 pm. His lifeless body was found yesterday, March 5. “After being taken by his abductors, Fr Sylvester was cruelly killed in the early hours of today, the 5th of March 2025, Ash Wednesday. It is yet to be determined why he was killed,” said the statement signed by Father Jacob Shanet, Chancellor of the diocese of Kafanchan.“This untimely and brutal loss has left us heartbroken and devastated. Fr Sylvester was a dedicated servant of God, who worked selflessly in the vineyard of the Lord, spreading the message of peace, love and hope. He was always available and accessible to his parishioners. His untimely death has left an indelible void within our diocesan family, and we share in the pain of his passing with his family, friends and all those who knew and loved him,” the statement continued.“Let us come together as one family in prayer for the repose of his soul. We invite all priests, religious and the faithful, to offer Holy Masses, Rosaries and Prayers for the eternal repose of Fr Sylvester, who gave his life in service to God and humanity.We wish to call on our youth and members of the Takad community to remain calm and steadfast in prayer,” the statement concluded.The kidnapping of Father Okechukwu occurred just two days after another priest and a seminarian were kidnapped in Edo State in Nigeria (see Fides, 4/3/2025). (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 6/3/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Launchpool to Introduce Elixir Network and List for Spot Trading

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, March 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has announced the listing of Elixir Network for spot trading and the launch of an exclusive Launchpool rewards campaign.

    Spot trading for Elixir will go live on 7 March, 10:00 (UTC) under the ELX/USDT pair, with deposits available on 6 March, 10:00 (UTC) and withdrawals available on 8 March 2025, 11:00 (UTC). Eligible users can lock BGB and DEUSD to grab a share of 3,833,000 ELX. In addition, the Launchpool campaign, starting from 7 March 2025, 10:00 (UTC) to 10 March 2025, 10:00 (UTC), will enable users to lock BGB and DEUSD for an opportunity to earn a share of 3,833,000 ELX in rewards.

    Furthermore, the CandyBomb promotional event offers Bitget users the chance to earn ELX through deposits and trading activity. A total of 140,000 ELX tokens have been allocated for this campaign, which runs from 7 March 2025, 10:00 (UTC) to 14 March 2025, 10:00 (UTC).

    Participants can join the CandyBomb page, where valid trading activity will automatically count toward the ELX airdrop, divided into spot trading pools and futures trading pools with 100,000 ELX allocated for the former pool and the remaining 40,000 ELX allocated for the latter pool. This CandyBomb campaign is targeted for the first 1,250 new users only.

    Elixir is a groundbreaking modular Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS) network that revolutionizes liquidity dynamics on exchanges by enabling direct liquidity provision and seamless product integration without the need for trust. Its adaptable framework easily integrates into leading DEXs, supported by a strong validator network, to boost liquidity and drive innovation in DeFi.

    Elixir Network aims to revolutionize liquidity provision in the DeFi space through empowering retail participants and integrating real-world assets into decentralized finance platforms. Bitget continues to solidify its role as a top-tier cryptocurrency exchange, offering over 800 listed tokens across spot and derivatives markets. The addition of Elixir to Launchpool aligns with Bitget’s ongoing effort to support innovative projects whose value continues to evolve the ecosystem.

    Users can find more details on Elixir Launchpool here and Spot Trading here.

    About Bitget
    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 100 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

    Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM market, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet
    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

    Contact

    Simran Alphonso
    media@bitget.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4cbe79fc-280d-4621-bfe2-9e448bd61c4a

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) and Joint-Stock Commercial Bank “Asia Alliance Bank” Strengthen Partnership to Support Private Sector Growth in Uzbekistan

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

    JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, March 6, 2025/APO Group/ —

    • The Fourth Line: ICD and Asia Alliance Bank announce a USD 25 million Islamic line of financing facility to bolster Uzbekistan’s private sector development. 
    • Empowering Entrepreneurs: The new facility is designed to accelerate SME growth and foster economic development in Uzbekistan. 
    • Strengthened Collaboration: This initiative reaffirms the long-standing partnership between ICD and Asia Alliance Bank, aligning with ICD’s mission to support private sector growth. 

    The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) (https://ICD-PS.org) and Joint-Stock Commercial Bank “Asia Alliance Bank” have taken a significant step to enhance Uzbekistan’s private sector development. A USD 25 million Islamic line of financing facility has been signed, marking a milestone in their collaborative efforts to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the broader economic landscape. 

    This new financing facility, channeled through Asia Alliance Bank, is dedicated to empowering private sector projects in Uzbekistan. It aims to provide entrepreneurs with vital financial resources to launch and expand their ventures, thereby driving sustainable economic growth and contributing to the nation’s economic resilience. 

    Asia Alliance Bank has been a trusted partner of ICD since 2013 and has previously received three line-of-financing facilities totaling USD 30 million. The newly proposed facility highlights the strength of their enduring partnership and underscores a shared commitment to fostering private sector development in Uzbekistan. 

    This initiative is closely aligned with ICD’s Private Sector Development Strategy, which focuses on enabling economic dynamism and resilience by empowering SMEs and advancing financial inclusion. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Urgent need to address violence against Christian communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo – E-000879/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000879/2025
    to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
    Rule 144
    Afroditi Latinopoulou (PfE)

    Between 12 and 15 February 2025, more than 70 Christians – including women, children and elderly people – were found dead in a CEBCEA church in Kazanga, North Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The attacks are attributed to the Islamist group ADF (Allied Democratic Forces), which is linked to ISIS. The systematic attacks on Christian communities in the region by armed groups such as the ADF and groups allied to the M23 constitute a serious human rights violation that requires immediate international attention.

    The Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy is asked:

    • 1.What concrete measures does the EU intend to put in place to protect Christian minorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and combat attacks motivated by religious hatred?
    • 2.What diplomatic initiatives is it planning in order to push for an immediate ceasefire and protect civilians in the region?
    • 3.How does it intend to work with international organisations to address the humanitarian crisis and bring justice to the victims of these attacks?

    Submitted: 27.2.2025

    Last updated: 6 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Trojans disguised as AI: Cybercriminals exploit DeepSeek’s popularity

    Source: Securelist – Kaspersky

    Headline: Trojans disguised as AI: Cybercriminals exploit DeepSeek’s popularity

    Introduction

    Among the most significant events in the AI world in early 2025 was the release of DeepSeek-R1 – a powerful reasoning large language model (LLM) with open weights. It’s available both for local use and as a free service. Since DeepSeek was the first service to offer access to a reasoning LLM to a wide audience, it quickly gained popularity, mirroring the success of ChatGPT. Naturally, this surge in interest also attracted cybercriminals.

    While analyzing our internal threat intelligence data, we discovered several groups of websites mimicking the official DeepSeek chatbot site and distributing malicious code disguised as a client for the popular service.

    Screenshot of the official DeepSeek website (February 2025)

    Scheme 1: Python stealer and non-existent DeepSeek client

    The first group of websites was hosted on domains whose names included DeepSeek model versions (V3 and R1):

    • r1–deepseek[.]net;
    • v3–deepseek[.]com.

    As shown in the screenshot, the fake website lacks the option to start a chat – you can only download an application. However, the real DeepSeek doesn’t have an official Windows client.

    Screenshot of the fake website

    Clicking the “Get DeepSeek App” button downloads a small archive, deep–seek–installation.zip. The archive contains the DeepSeek Installation.lnk file, which holds a URL.

    At the time of publishing this research, the attackers had modified the fake page hosted on the v3–deepseek[.]com domain. It now prompts users to download a client for the Grok model developed by xAI. We’re observing similar activity on the v3–grok[.]com domain as well. Disguised as a client is an archive named grok–ai–installation.zip, containing the same shortcut.

    Executing the .lnk file runs a script located at the URL inside the shortcut:

    This script downloads and unpacks an archive named f.zip.

    Contents of the unpacked archive

    Next, the script runs the 1.bat file from the unpacked archive.

    Contents of the BAT file

    The downloaded archive also contains the svchost.exe and python.py files. The first one is a legitimate file python.exe, renamed to mimic a Windows process to mislead users checking running applications in Task Manager.

    It is used to launch python.py, which contains the malicious payload (we’ve also seen this file named code.py). This is a stealer script written in Python that we haven’t seen in attacks before. If it’s executed successfully, the attackers obtain a wealth of data from the victim’s computer: cookies and session tokens from various browsers, login credentials for email, gaming, and other accounts, files with certain extensions, cryptocurrency wallet information, and more.

    After collecting the necessary data, the script generates an archive and then either sends it to the stealer’s operators using a Telegram bot or uploads it to the Gofile file-sharing service. Thus, attempting to use the chatbot could result in the victim losing social media access, personal data, and even cryptocurrency. If corporate credentials are stored on the compromised device, entire organizations could also be at risk, leading to far more severe consequences.

    Scheme 2: Malicious script and a million views

    In another case, fake DeepSeek websites were found on the following domains:

    • deepseek–pc–ai[.]com
    • deepseek–ai–soft[.]com

    We discovered the first domain back in early February, hosting the default Apache web server page with no content. Later, this domain displayed a new web page closely resembling the DeepSeek website. Notably, the fake site uses geofencing: when requests come from certain IP addresses, such as Russian ones, it returns a placeholder page filled with generic SEO text about DeepSeek (we believe this text may have been LLM-generated):

    If the IP address and other request parameters meet the specified criteria, the server returns a page resembling DeepSeek. Users are prompted to download a client or start the chatbot, but either action results in downloading a malicious installer created using Inno Setup. Kaspersky products detect it as Trojan–Downloader.Win32.TookPS.*.

    When executed, this installer contacts malicious URLs to receive a command that will be executed using cmd. The most common command launches powershell.exe with a Base64-encoded script as an argument. This script accesses an encoded URL to download another PowerShell script, which activates the built-in SSH service and modifies its configuration using the attacker’s keys, allowing remote access to the victim’s computer.

    Part of the malicious PowerShell script

    This case is notable because we managed to identify the primary vector for spreading the malicious links – posts on the social network X (formerly Twitter):

    This post, directing users to deepseek–pc–ai[.]com, was made from an account belonging to an Australian company. The post gained 1.2 million views and over a hundred reposts, most of which were probably made by bots – note the similar usernames and identifiers in their bios:

    Some users in the comments dutifully point out the malicious nature of the link.

    Links to deepseek–ai–soft[.]com were also distributed through X posts, but at the time of investigation, they were only available in Google’s cache:

    Scheme 3: Backdoors and attacks on Chinese users

    We also encountered sites that directly distributed malicious executable files. One such file was associated with the following domains:

    • app.delpaseek[.]com;
    • app.deapseek[.]com;
    • dpsk.dghjwd[.]cn.

    These attacks target more technically advanced users – the downloaded malicious payload mimics Ollama, a framework for running LLMs such as DeepSeek on local hardware. This tactic reduces suspicion among potential victims. Kaspersky solutions detect this payload as Backdoor.Win32.Xkcp.a.

    The victim only needed to launch the “DeepSeek client” on their device to trigger the malware, which creates a KCP tunnel with predefined parameters.

    Additionally, we observed attacks where a victim’s device downloaded the deep_windows_Setup.zip archive, containing a malicious executable. The archive was downloaded from the following domains:

    • deep–seek[.]bar;
    • deep–seek[.]rest.

    The malware in the archive is detected by Kaspersky solutions as Trojan.Win32.Agent.xbwfho. This is an installer created with Inno Setup that uses DLL sideloading to load a malicious library. The DLL in turn extracts and loads into memory a payload hidden using steganography — a Farfli backdoor modification — and injects it into a process.

    Both of these campaigns, judging by the language of the bait pages, are targeting Chinese-speaking users.

    Conclusion

    The nature of the fake websites described in this article suggests these campaigns are widespread and not aimed at specific users.

    Cybercriminals use various schemes to lure victims to malicious resources. Typically, links to such sites are distributed through messengers and social networks, as seen in the example with the X post. Attackers may also use typosquatting or purchase ad traffic to malicious sites through numerous affiliate programs.

    We strongly advise users to carefully check the addresses of websites they visit, especially if links come from unverified sources. This is especially important for highly popular services. In this case, it’s particularly noteworthy that DeepSeek doesn’t have a native Windows client. This isn’t the first time that cybercriminals have exploited the popularity of chatbots to distribute malware: they’ve previously targeted regular users with Trojans disguised as ChatGPT clients and developers with malicious packages in PyPI. Simple digital hygiene practices, combined with a cutting-edge security solution, can significantly reduce the risk of device infection and personal data loss.

    Indicators of compromise

    MD5

    4ef18b2748a8f499ed99e986b4087518
    155bdb53d0bf520e3ae9b47f35212f16
    6d097e9ef389bbe62365a3ce3cbaf62d
    3e5c2097ffb0cb3a6901e731cdf7223b
    e1ea1b600f218c265d09e7240b7ea819
    7cb0ca44516968735e40f4fac8c615ce
    7088986a8d8fa3ed3d3ddb1f5759ec5d

    Malicious domains

    r1-deepseek[.]net
    v3-deepseek[.]com
    deepseek-pc-ai[.]com
    deepseek-ai-soft[.]com
    app.delpaseek[.]com
    app.deapseek[.]com
    dpsk.dghjwd[.]cn
    deep-seek[.]bar
    deep-seek[.]rest
    v3-grok[.]com

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Meet the ‘Land Heroes’ who are fighting desertification

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    From planting a billion trees in Zimbabwe, in southern Africa, to exporting products from the moringa tree in Mali and developing a climate action-focused board game called “Rescuing Penguins,” in Costa Rica, a group of young people has been recognized by the UN for making a positive impact in the fight to counter desertification, land degradation and drought.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Rebuilding beyond bricks: World Urban Forum focuses on housing, community support in war-torn cities

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    SDGs

    Delegates discussed a complicated urban development issue at the World Urban Forum on Tuesday: What is needed to safeguard residents and guarantee they have access to housing and basic services when war breaks out in a city crowded with people and critical infrastructure?

    The penultimate day of the Forum’s twelfth biennial session, or WUF12, examined the situation in the Gaza Strip, where the urban fabric and urban life in the enclave are in ruins following a year of intense bombardment and the war is now affecting the West Bank, Lebanon, and Syria.

    Participants grappled with all aspects of this challenge, particularly the need for local-level action. Seeking solutions that looked beyond physical damage caused by crises and conflicts, they focused on the loss of homes, places that “are filled with memories and community connections.”

    Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, the UN agency dealing with sustainable urban development which convenes the Forum, told the gathering that “when we talk about building and rebuilding, we are not talking about housing only; we are talking about social support and working with communities to see a possible future.”

    Housing ‘close to home’

    Participants echoed that message throughout the discussion and stressed the crucial role of joint rebuilding and reconstruction efforts.

    UN News/Khaled Mohamed

    Sami Hijjawi, Minister of Local Government, State of Palestine, told UN News that “reconstruction can only be achieved through joint efforts, in an organized and structured manner. That way we can benefit from previous experiences and not repeat any mistakes that occurred during prior periods.”

    He went on to note that when addressing the issue of sheltering people and rebuilding infrastructure, it is critical that they be housed as close to their hometowns as possible.

    Despite the “difficult circumstances” in Gaza, development and urbanization efforts are continuing, said Mr. Hijjawi, explain that “we are still working, planning, programming, and providing services to our people within the available budgets.” 

    ‘Holistic approach’ in Somalia

    The participants shared many ideas and experiences about responses to other urban crises, including in Somalia.

    UN News/Khaled Mohamed

    Zahra Abdi Mohamed, Director of Poverty Reduction and Durable Solutions at Somalia’s Ministry of Planning, shared and example with UN News: “The Semantic Project integrates housing, land, and property issues with access to livelihoods and social services. And we are trying to ensure that when IDPs are being given support, it is holistic and integrated.”

    She urged moving from a solely humanitarian approach to a development approach and stressed the importance of integrated development services for internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, and returnees.

    Ms. Mohamed added that in order to get people to return, rural regions must be developed.

    ‘A crisis of destruction’

    UN News/Khaled Mohamed

    The key is stopping destruction of homes before it occurs, said to Jenia Gubkina, a Ukrainian architect who spoke at a related dialogue on the Loss of home.

    She told UN News: “We have a massive crisis, not only of reconstructions and construction of new types of architecture, but first of all, of destruction.”

    If it is not made clear that homes must not be destroyed, Ms. Gubkina warned that “we will construct, aggressors will come and deconstruct, making this a challenging and frustrating situation for the whole world.”

    Fixing urban crisis response

    There are 117 million displaced persons in the world, and cities are increasingly serving as both refuges for displaced populations and focal points of global crises. As a result, urban crisis response needs to be rethought immediately.

    UN News/Khaled Mohamed

    In that context, Sameh Wahba, World Bank Regional Director for Sustainable Development, Europe and Central Asia, told UN News that displacement is “an urban phenomenon” because the majority of people displaced by natural hazards and conflict seek refuge in cities.

    The solution, he said, is to this issue is to provide integrated solutions for “refugees, the internally displaced, the forcibly displaced, and their host communities.

    “The second thing is to consider solutions that are people-based…and place-based. When you think about people-based solutions – whether cash transfers or housing vouchers to enable housing access – it’s about helping them access jobs,” Mr. Whaba added.

    UN News/Khaled Haridy Mohamed

    Participants at the opening of the World Urban Forum in Cairo.

    What’s ahead on the closing day of WUF12

    WUF12 has been running in Cairo since Monday, 8 November. The biennial Forum, considered the world’s foremost gathering examining rapid urbanisation and its impact on communities, cities, economies, climate change and policies, will wrap up on Friday.

    The main highlight tomorrow will be the launch of the Cairo Call to Action, one of the three outcome documents capturing the key messages that will have emerged from WUF12.

    In addition, Forum participants will have the opportunity to attend roundtables on civil society and academia, as well as other partner-led events.

    The Closing Ceremony will feature remarks from high-level officials, including representatives from UN-Habitat and the Egyptian Government, thought leaders, and creative performances.

    The event will conclude with the official handover to Baku, Azerbaijan, the hosts of WUF13, marking the next steps in the global journey toward sustainable urbanization.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: World News in Brief: Death toll rises in Darfur, Cyclone Chido latest, São Tomé and Príncipe takes development step

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Peace and Security

    UN humanitarians expressed alarm on Monday at the rising numbers of civilian casualties in and around the besieged Sudanese city of El Fasher, in northern Darfur.

    According to news reports citing local sources, paramilitaries from the so-called Rapid Support Forces who have been battling the forces of the military Government for 18 months, launched a missile attack at the weekend which killed more than 30 people in the city, while a drone attack on Friday reportedly killed nine and wounded 20 at the Saudi Hospital in El Fasher.

    Attacks include the repeated shelling of the Zamzam displacement camp since the beginning of this month, said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, briefing correspondents in New York.

    “The camp hosts hundreds of thousands of people and famine conditions were confirmed there earlier this year.”

    In response to the deaths in the city in recent days, Mr. Dujarric condemned all civilian killings “wherever they occur”.

    ‘Deplorable’ attacks

    WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said of the attack on the main hospital that it was no longer operational, describing all attacks on healthcare as “deplorable”, in a post on X. The hospital is no longer operational. (repeat)

    “This is part of a broader escalation of attacks across Darfur and in other areas of Sudan,” the Spokesperson added, reiterating the call from UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, for an immediate ceasefire

    “We reiterate that international humanitarian law must be respected. Civilians and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, are not targets,” he added.

    Cyclone Chido: Humanitarians rush aid to affected areas

    After Cyclone Chido made landfall in the French island territory of Mayotte at the weekend, leaving an unknown number of dead and destruction on a massive scale, UN teams began aid distribution in Cabo Delgado province, in northern Mozambique – following the deadly storm making landfall there.

    Around two million people are at risk in Mozambique, including 627,000 identified as being at “high risk”.

    In an alert, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) said that voluntary evacuation plans began to be circulated on 8 December, reaching more than 400,000 people.

    The UN agency reported that in less than 24 hours, emergency food assistance reached around 500 cyclone-affected families in temporary accommodation centres in Pemba district alone.

    Humanitarians have been on high alert since the French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte experienced its worst cyclone in almost a century on Saturday. Media reports showed trees uprooted and houses smashed, while communities faced power cuts and fears over a lack of drinking water.

    Close cooperation

    The UN is working closely with the Government in Mozambique to assess the damage and humanitarian impact.

    For its part, UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, and partners are providing water and sanitation supplies to mitigate disease risks as the region is already grappling with a cholera outbreak.

    Preliminary figures indicate that 140,000 people have been impacted across Cabo Delgado Province, where more than one million people are already in need of assistance due to the ongoing conflict, said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.

    “Our humanitarian colleagues tell us that in the most impacted districts – including Mecufi and Metuge – people urgently need shelter, they need water, they need sanitation, hygiene, health and protection assistance,” he added.

    Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, allocated $4 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund to support early response efforts.

    São Tomé and Príncipe takes major development step

    The UN has congratulated São Tomé and Príncipe on its official graduation from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) category.

    The Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UNOHRLLS) said the milestone “marks a significant achievement in the country’s development journey and reflects its sustained efforts to achieve robust economic growth, enhance human development, and improve resilience against vulnerabilities.”

    The graduation also underscores the international community’s collective push to support LDCs overall and is “the result of years of strategic planning, effective policymaking, and international partnerships,” added OHRLLS in a statement.

    The UN Committee for Development Policy recommended the country’s graduation after it met the necessary criteria based on per capita income, human assets, and economic and environmental vulnerability indices.

    Notable accomplishments include the increase in universal health coverage from 47 per cent in 2010 to 59 per cent by 2021 and being ranked 11th among 54 African nations in the 2021 Ibrahim Index of African Governance.

    “The graduation of São Tomé and Príncipe is a historic milestone that underscores the resilience, vision, and determination of its government and people,” said Rabab Fatima, High Representative for OHRLLS.

    “This achievement is a powerful testament to the impact of effective partnership and multilateral cooperation, offering both a model and an inspiration for other LDCs working to overcome structural challenges and achieve sustainable development.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –