Category: Africa

MIL-OSI Africa: Community engagement in the fight against cholera in Angola: Mr Celestino Mbambali – “The Lifesaver”

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

BRAZZAVILLE, Congo (Republic of the), February 19, 2025/APO Group/ —

For more than twenty-five years of volunteering in his community, 55-year-old Celestino Mbambali has witnessed countless health emergencies, including cholera outbreaks. A qualified nurse by profession, he was always concerned about the lack of a health center in his neighborhood and, driven by his commitment to his neighbors, decided to take action. In the improvised space he built next to his house, he assists his neighbors on a daily basis, ensuring that they have access to first aid without having to travel long distances.

In front of the modest sheet metal structure he built with his own hands, Celestino says: “Here, neighbors are family. Taking care of my community is a duty and a pleasure. From malaria cases to diarrheal diseases, I’m always available to help.”

A resident of the Ngueto Maka neighborhood, in the municipality of Cabiri, Icolo e Bengo province, Celestino has become a health reference for his neighbors and is affectionately referred to as the “life saver” of his neighborhood. When he heard about the cholera outbreak on the radio, Celestino began a tireless door-to-door awareness campaign with his patients, warning them about the importance of drinking treated water, hand hygiene and safe food handling. With 512 cases and 19 deaths recorded by February 17 in his province, Celestino has become an essential partner in epidemiological surveillance, promptly reporting suspected cases to the health authorities.

“So far, I’ve assisted 16 suspected cases of cholera, 10 of which have been confirmed. Thanks to the support of the health authorities, all the patients have had prompt access to treatment and have returned home alive.”

The efforts of Celestino and other community volunteers have been essential at a critical time for Angola, which is facing a cholera outbreak in ten provinces, with a total of 4,235 cases and 150 deaths. “With his quick action and proximity to the community, we’ve managed to greatly reduce the risk of cholera deaths. Whenever he notifies us of a suspected case, we immediately send the ambulance to ensure the patient is brought for the necessary treatment. Collaboration with community volunteers has been essential in saving lives, especially in places that are further away from health facilities.’’ Says Dr. Santos, Municipal Health Director of Catete.

The fight against cholera is not an individual one, and Celestino also has the support of community development agents (ADECOs) who reinforce social mobilization. With the support of The World Health Organization (WHO), as part of the response to the outbreak, door-to-door awareness-raising activities, educational sessions and the distribution of information materials on the prevention of the disease have been promoted throughout the country, reinforcing families’ awareness of safe hygiene and sanitation practices.

The WHO has played a key role in responding to the cholera outbreak in Angola, collaborating closely with the Ministry of Health (MINSA), Ministry of Water and Energy and the Provincial Health Office to contain the spread of the disease. ‘‘With a community-based approach, WHO has facilitated the implementation of the National Cholera Response Plan, mobilizing human and material resources to the affected provinces and reinforcing epidemiological monitoring, which is essential for containing the outbreak.’’ says Dr Zabulon Yoti, WHO Representative in Angola.

In addition, community mobilizers have been trained in effective communication strategies on hygiene, sanitation and early case detection. Thanks to this coordination, rapid responses have enabled suspected cases to be identified, referred to and treated quickly.

Celestino Mbambali’s story demonstrates the impact an individual can have on protecting their community, but it also highlights the importance of the coordinated response between local authorities, international organizations and civil society. With collective work, solidarity and awareness, it is possible to save lives and defeat cholera.

“I’m relieved to know that we have life saver in our neighborhood. When I started having symptoms, I was quickly helped by Mr. Celestino and transferred to the hospital. After two difficult weeks, I was finally able to return home, healthy and grateful for everything they did for me.’’ Fernando Alberto, one of the patients who successfully recovered, says with emotion.

In the context of this public health emergency, the Ministry of Health, with the support of the WHO, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Bank, carried out a reactive vaccination campaign from 3 to 7 February 2025 to immunize around 930,000 people aged one year and above in the provinces most affected by cholera, namely Luanda, Bengo and Icolo e Bengo. The oral cholera vaccine is being used to compliment other preventive measures including improving access to safe water, addressing sanitation and hygiene gaps.

MIL OSI Africa –

February 20, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: The desert among the snow: how Anmatyerr ceremony men came to create ground paintings in Switzerland

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jason M. Gibson, DECRA Senior Research Fellow, Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies, Deakin University

Cliffy Tommy working on the _rrpwamper_ (common brushtail possum) ground painting sculpture. Georges Petitjean, CC BY

A ground painting is known in Anmatyerr as Ahelh Anety-irrem, meaning “broken” or perhaps even “transformed ground”. The name refers to the process of clearing an even surface on the red earth, building a sculpture and then deconstructing it.

Anmatyerr people live in the desert community of Laramba, 200 kilometres northwest of Alice Springs. Now, the work of Anmatyerr artists has been shown in Switzerland for the first time.

In December, four men from Laramba travelled to the Canton of Valais, just east of Geneva.

Anmatyerr men Morris Wako, Martin Hagan, Cliffy Tommy and Michael Tommy with the ground paintings.
Jason M. Gibson, CC BY

Elder Michael Tommy, Morris Wako, Cliffy Tommy and Martin Mpetyan/Kemarr Hagan (one of the authors of this piece) were invited to create three ground paintings for the international exhibition Rien de Trop Beau pour les Dieux (Nothing Too Beautiful for The Gods).

Working alongside artists from Cameroon, Tibet, Cuba and Aotearoa New Zealand, the Anmatyerr group represented a uniquely Australian culture.

Creating the paintings

Along with body and artefact designs, ground paintings were an important cultural source for the emergence of contemporary desert art in the early 1970s.

During that decade, Anmatyerr, Warlpiri, Luritja and Pintupi men began experimenting with representing ceremonial designs and stories using acrylic paint.

Drawing largely on designs and stories embedded in central Australian religious activities the men developed the style of “dot” painting now known across the world.

Two of the ground paintings shown in Switzerland were principally made from a native daisy (Chrysocephalum apiculatum), or anteth mpay-mpay in the Anmatyerr language.

The plant was harvested from Anmatyerr lands, chopped finely and coloured with red or white ochres before being shipped to Switzerland.

A bunch of cockatoo feathers along with an alkwert (beanwood shield) and an atnartenty (ceremonial pole) made by Anmatyerr artist Wayne Scrutton also made the journey.

Michael Tommy, a ceremonial expert amongst the Anmatyerr people, oversaw the making of the ceremonial designs.

Each of the men possessed personal connections to different designs. Martin created the rrpwamper (common brushtail possum) ground sculpture belonging to his mother’s father.

Martin Hagan and his possum ground painting.
Jason Gibson., CC BY

Morris painted the atwerneng (flying ant) and rrwerleng (honey grevillea) Dreamings of his father.

Michael and Cliffy constructed their father and grandfather’s yerramp (honey-ant) ground painting.

The works were created in the gallery over three days with artists from other parts of the globe regularly coming by to chat and share ideas.

As the men worked, they sang the songs for each of the designs. These voices reverberated across the room and brought life to works that were steeped in old traditions but also very much part of the present.

On opening night, the men painted their bodies with the correct designs and explained how their art stemmed from Anengekerr (Dreaming), Country and family inheritance. The exchange was translated into French for the local audience.

Recording culture

In 2023 the Laramba men began recording their ceremonial traditions, recognising these practices were vulnerable in a rapidly changing world.

One of the writers of this piece, Jason Gibson, has worked closely with the community over the last 15 years on the repatriation of relevant recordings of ceremonies from the Strehlow and other collections. The Strehlow collection is made up of recordings of Aboriginal ceremony, ritual and song from central Australia collected by the anthropologist TGH Strehlow between 1932 and 1972. It is now held at the Strehlow Research Centre in Alice Springs.

Museum collections like this were made by anthropologists over the last 130 years and hold important information about ceremonial practices, family histories and stories for Country. Having access to this material has enabled the community to think deeply about how art and museum collections might be used to their advantage.

The men have now decided to build a collection of their own, serving their cultural future.

Morris Wako, Jason Gibson and Cliffy Tommy with Morris Wako’s painting.
Arthur Gibson (Kemarr), CC BY

A part of this strategy has been to reach out to galleries and museums in search of collaborations.

Through giving and showing, they are striving to establish better relationships and wider recognition.

Aboriginal art in Europe

Established in 2018, by collector Bérengère Primat, Fondation Opale is the sole contemporary art centre dedicated to the promotion of Australian Aboriginal art in Europe.

The building’s architecture and décor showcase Australian Aboriginal themes. An Aboriginal flag flies from the rooftop and sculptures of boomerangs and shields adorn the grounds. This desert culture stands against a contrasting backdrop of alpine snow and ice.

Fondation Opale in Lens, Switzerland.
Isabelle dlC/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY

Though unusual, the setting created a familiar and comforting place from which to work.

The men were hand-picked because of their expertise in ceremony. Michael Tommy had made acrylic paintings alongside Clifford Possum and Tim Leura, founders of desert acrylic painting, but none of the men had invited or sought fame as painters. Their focus has been on the retention of song and ceremony.

The knowledge encrypted in the works created by these men in Switzerland is known to only a small group of people in Laramba and nearby communities. The ground paintings are usually only made as a part of local ceremonial events.

Only on a few other occasions have men from Anmatyerr and Warlpiri men created ground paintings for international audiences, notably at the Asia Society in New York in 1988, and the Magiciens de la Terre (Magicians of the Earth) exhibition in Paris in 1989.

Magicians of the Earth, curated by Jean-Hubert Martin, was controversial for presenting non-Western artistic practice on an equal footing with the artistic traditions of Western Europe and North America. The show significantly influenced the way contemporary art is understood and presented on a global scale, and remains a touchstone for discussions about cultural representation and inclusion in the art world.

Nothing Too Beautiful for the Gods was also curated by Martin, and shines a light on the relationship between culturally diverse forms of spirituality and artistic practices. It was the perfect context for the men to demonstrate how their art and religious practices are intertwined. It also showed how traditions rooted in place, can also be part of a contemporary, global conversation.

The three works will now stay on permanent exhibition at Fondation Opale. Culture practiced and shared is culture sustained.

Jason M. Gibson receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

Martin Mpetyan Hagan 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. The desert among the snow: how Anmatyerr ceremony men came to create ground paintings in Switzerland – https://theconversation.com/the-desert-among-the-snow-how-anmatyerr-ceremony-men-came-to-create-ground-paintings-in-switzerland-246985

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Somalia successfully kick-starts its WTO accession process

Source: WTO

Headline: Somalia successfully kick-starts its WTO accession process

Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama led the high-level delegation in Geneva. Several government officials from a wide range of ministries and agencies joined virtually from Mogadishu. Mr Jama said that Somalia’s first Working Party meeting marks “a historic moment in the country’s journey toward economic recovery, integration into the global trading system, and the realization of the nation’s aspirations for sustainable development and prosperity.
“Somalia today is a nation on the rise, one that departed with the challenges of the past and has keenly focused on a prosperous future. Our government, under the leadership of His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mahamoud, has indeed embarked on very transformational changes,” he said.
“For Somalia, WTO membership is not merely an end goal but a vital mechanism to achieve sustainable economic growth, attract investment, and create meaningful opportunities for our people. We are dedicated to aligning our trade policies with global standards, enhancing institutional capacity, and ensuring that our economic transformation is inclusive and equitable, benefiting all segments of society,” he added.
Sadiq Abdikarim Haji Ibrahim, WTO Chief Trade Negotiator, recognized WTO accession as a rigorous process requiring transparency, policy coherence, and sustained engagement. He said that Somalia approaches this process with openness and a constructive spirit. “We are ready to work closely with WTO members to address concerns, provide necessary clarifications, and reaffirm our commitment to a rules-based trading system,” he stated.
WTO Deputy Director-General Xiangchen Zhang highlighted Somalia’s strong political will and commitment to moving the accession process forward. “Today is a historical moment for Somalia, but it is just the beginning of a journey where I am sure Somalia will make its own history, as Comoros and Timor-Leste did recently. They are both least developed countries and fragile and conflict-affected states, who can serve as a good model and inspiration for Somalia.” His statement is available here.
The Chair of the Working Party on the Accession of Somalia, Ambassador Nina Tornberg of Sweden, stated that Somalia has advanced technical work and stepped up its political engagement in the past few years, recalling her meeting with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in June 2024.
She added that the Working Party noted Somalia’s strong commitment to economic integration, both at the multilateral and regional level. “As Somalia joined the East African Community (EAC) in 2024, it is crucial to ensure coordination at all levels between EAC membership and WTO accession, to enable Somalia to focus on priority reforms and reinforce its economic resilience,” she said.
Members welcomed Somalia’s renewed commitment to joining the WTO, emphasizing the importance of the accession for the country’s integration into global trade and for its stability. Delegations acknowledged Somalia’s constraints as an LDC and committed to supporting Somalia’s accession process. Members said they are looking forward to discussing Somalia’s efforts to align its regulations with WTO rules, while providing support and guidance throughout the accession process.
Moving forward, Ambassador Tornberg invited the WTO Secretariat to prepare a Factual Summary of Points Raised based on the exchanges held, which will guide the continued examination of Somalia’s trade regime. Somalia was requested to submit a comprehensive set of negotiating inputs before the next Working Party meeting. The Chair said that, given Somalia’s interest in advancing its accession process, the aim would be for the next meeting to take place towards the end of the year, subject to the availability of the required inputs.
The Working Party meeting took place immediately before the 4th edition of the Trade for Peace Week, which has featured several sessions focused on Somalia and has discussed the private sector’s role for sustainable peace and stability.
The Working Party meeting was followed on 18 February by a Round Table on Technical Assistance for Somalia’s WTO Accession. The round table was attended by several members and developing partners, including the East African Community Secretariat, the European Investment Fund (EIF), the International Trade Centre (ITC), UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the World Bank, which provide capacity-building support to Somalia. The discussions aimed at presenting Somalia’s accession-related needs in terms of technical assistance and capacity building and coordinating available and future support.
Background
Somalia has the longest coastline on the African continent and a population of approximately 18 million. With an economy highly dependent on livestock production, the government has committed itself over recent years to developing key sectors of the Somali economy, with special emphasis on economic enablers such as energy, transportation and financial markets.
Somalia submitted its application for WTO accession, signed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, in December 2015 during the 10th Ministerial Conference (MC10) in Nairobi, Kenya. The General Council established the Working Party on 7 December 2016. Somalia was a central part of the g7+ WTO Accessions Group launch during the 11th Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires in 2017, inspiring the vision for the creation of the Trade for Peace Programme.
More information on this accession is available here.

Share

MIL OSI Economics –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: DG Okonjo-Iweala meets Ethiopia’s PM, Steering Committee to accelerate WTO accession

Source: WTO

Headline: DG Okonjo-Iweala meets Ethiopia’s PM, Steering Committee to accelerate WTO accession

During her stay in the Ethiopian capital, DG Okonjo-Iweala met with a number of African Heads of State and Government and engaged on WTO matters.
DG Okonjo-Iweala and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali exchanged views on Ethiopia’s ambitious economic reforms, noting how the recent liberalization of key sectors such as banking and telecommunications and the introduction of market-based foreign exchange policies can advance the accession process.
The meeting took place ahead of the 5th meeting of the Working Party on the Accession of Ethiopia, to be held at the WTO on 19 March. The Working Party will formally resume its work following a five-year pause since the 4th meeting in 2020.
The Prime Minister reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to integrating into the global trading system. He highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to finalize the necessary requirements for WTO accession, including through the Home-Grown Economic Reform Agenda. DG Okonjo-Iweala welcomed the Prime Minister’s strong support for the process, expressing the WTO’s readiness to work together with Ethiopia to achieve its goal of WTO membership.
DG Okonjo-Iweala also met with members of Ethiopia’s Steering Committee on WTO Accession, chaired by Minister of Trade and Regional Integration and Chief Negotiator Kassahun Gofe Balami. The Steering Committee, which comprises senior officials from key ministries and government bodies, is tasked to take policy decisions linked to the accession process. It recently visited the WTO in preparation for the reactivation of the accession negotiations.
DG Okonjo-Iweala expressed appreciation for the serious engagement by the Steering Committee to drive the necessary work toward its conclusion by MC14 in Cameroon. The meeting discussed various steps in the accession roadmap which would guide the finalization of the negotiations.
On the margins of the AU Summit, DG Okonjo-Iweala also met with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of the Federal Republic of Somalia to exchange views on the accession of Somalia to the WTO. On 17 February, the delegation of Somalia, led by Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama, successfully concluded the 1st meeting of the Working Party.

Share

MIL OSI Economics –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Need to deepen discussions on WTO reform highlighted at General Council meeting

Source: World Trade Organization

“We are facing a new reality,” Ambassador Ølberg, the outgoing Chair of the General Council, told members. “We must all understand that some of our fundamental values and principles are being challenged. It’s not business as usual anymore for any of us. It’s not the time for any of us to insist on old positions or speaking points. We must engage in real dialogue.”

Ambassador Ølberg said the new reality underlined the need for fundamental reform of the WTO. At MC12, WTO members for the first time agreed to undertake a comprehensive review of the WTO’s functions in order to ensure the organization is capable of responding more effectively to both the challenges facing the multilateral trading system and the opportunities provided by contemporary developments in global trade.

“We should be open to reform, real reform, not baby steps,” he said. “Only then can our common WTO have a future. It’s up to us.” Channelling a Bob Dylan song, he warned members that “the times, they are a-changing”.

The need to accelerate and deepen the reform as the WTO marks the 30th anniversary of its founding was highlighted by a number of members under several agenda items during the two-day General Council meeting.

Ambassador Saqer Abdullah Almoqbel (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), who took over as General Council chair towards the conclusion of the meeting, said he was also “keenly aware of the significant challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.”

“The global trading landscape is undergoing profound changes, driven by economic uncertainty, geopolitical shifts, technological advancement and an urgent imperative for sustainable and inclusive growth,” Ambassador Almoqbel said. “These dynamics demand that we, as a membership, work together with renewed momentum and unity to ensure that the WTO remains a cornerstone of the rules based multilateral trading system.”

The new Chair declared that the WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) set to take place in Cameroon in March 2026 “must be a transformative event that delivers tangible results, reinforces our shared values, and strengthens the WTO’s relevance in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.”

Earlier in the meeting, Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala also underlined the importance of WTO reform.

“It seems to me an opportune time to launch some serious reflections on the system, with a view to seeing what works, what doesn’t work, and how we reform it,” she told members. “I know that we’ve been engaged in reforms here in Geneva, especially the work of reform by doing … but I think it’s time to elevate the level, depth and breadth of the reforms, to take a thorough look at the organization and make sure it’s really fit for 21st century global trade challenges.”

Such an in-depth look, she suggested, would be best carried out by an independent panel of eminent persons, chaired by a respected political leader and comprising experts in both technical trade issues as well as the political economy of trade. Members would have a chance to nominate persons to this group to enable balance and ownership, but the group would operate independently.

The independent panel’s recommendation or interim report could be sent to ministers to deliberate over at MC14 if ready, depending on how quickly the work could be done, DG Okonjo-Iweala said. This is not a new idea, she said, noting that similar work was undertaken by former GATT and WTO Directors-General Arthur Dunkel and Supachai Panitchpakdi during their terms, albeit at a more technical level. Furthermore, during a recent development retreat, members also suggested the need for such a reform exercise, DG Okonjo-Iweala noted.

Share

MIL OSI Economics –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: New UN Mediator for Libya — Tenth in 14 Years — Must Avoid Past Failures, Delegate Warns Security Council

Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

UN Political Chief Says Libyans’ Dream Unfulfilled after February Revolution 14 Years Ago

Libya’s leaders and security actors are prioritizing political and personal gain over national interests, the United Nations’ top political official told the Security Council today, as the country’s delegate blamed proxy wars for its instability.

Fourteen years on since the 17 February 2011 Revolution in Libya, “the dream of a civil, democratic and prosperous Libya remains unfulfilled” due to “entrenched divisions, economic mismanagement, continued human rights violations and competing domestic and external interests”, said Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. Highlighting efforts by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) to revive the political process, she noted the establishment of an Advisory Committee comprising legal and constitutional experts to provide proposals supporting efforts towards holding national elections.

Pointing to the lack of progress on a unified budget or an agreed spending framework, as well as disagreement over the leadership of the Libyan Audit Bureau, she said it is critical to support the Central Bank’s efforts to stabilize the financial situation. The dispute over the position of President of the High Council of State remains unresolved. “Politicization and political divisions are also hindering progress on national reconciliation,” she said, noting that amendments to a draft law on that topic have raised concerns over the independence of a future National Reconciliation Commission.

Following successful local elections in 56 municipalities in November 2024, the High National Elections Commission is preparing for the next 63 elections. “Funding from the Government is crucial to enable the High National Elections Commission to implement this next phase of municipal council elections,” she stressed. On the security front, the activities of non-State and quasi-State armed actors continue to pose a threat to Libya’s fragile stability, she said, noting that the 2020 Ceasefire Agreement has only been partially implemented.

She also expressed concern about the continuing trend of arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances across Libya. Drawing attention to “the alarming and tragic discovery of mass graves” earlier this month in north-east and south-east Libya, she said: “This is yet another reminder of the urgent need to protect migrants and combat human trafficking.” Calling for support to the 2025 Libyan chapter of the Sudan Refugee Regional Response Plan, which requires $106 million, she urged Council members to support the newly appointed Special Representative Hanna Tetteh, who will be taking up her functions in Tripoli on 20 February.

In December 2024, a senior UN official announced a new UN-mediated process aimed at breaking the political deadlock — marked by the presence of rival Governments — and facilitating elections. (See Press Release SC/15938.)

Libya Battleground for Proxy Wars

Libya’s delegate, who spoke at the end of today’s meeting, pointed out that Ms. Tetteh will be the tenth Special Representative of the Secretary-General assigned to his country in 14 years, calling this “a record”. The Council must reflect on whether this indicates a “problem” with the imposition of solutions, UN mechanisms or the officials themselves. He added: “We hope that she will harness the lessons from the past and will not repeat the same misgivings by trying the same things and expecting different results.” He also raised several concerns about the Advisory Committee established by UNSMIL, including whether it was expected to put forward a single proposal or numerous proposals, and how exactly political stakeholders would contribute to this process.

“My country has become a ground for the settlement of disputes” in proxy wars, he said, adding that it is influenced by instability in the region, including “political and security-based changes”. However, he pointed out, the recent holding of municipal elections around the country is a good example of Libya’s ability to ensure electoral processes where there is support and political will. Any reconciliation must be based “on transitional justice, on accountability, on truth and on redress and compensation”, he stressed, while reiterating a request for the removal of individuals on the Sanctions List for humanitarian reasons or if their “listing was erroneous, or because their file was used to further political friction”.

Many Council members welcomed the establishment of the Advisory Committee and the appointment of the new Special Representative as positive steps towards relaunching the political process.

The representative of the United States said Ms. Tetteh’s prior experience in Sudan and South Sudan can inform her approach in Libya. A political solution is the path to long-term stability, and time is of the essence, she said, noting “destabilizing activities from external actors” and the need for “east-west security integration”. Recalling the visit of a delegation from her country to Libya, she urged all parties to reach agreement on a unified budget to end persistent conflicts over revenue-sharing.

The Russian Federation’s delegate expressed hope that the new Special Representative will adopt an impartial approach, informed by a sober assessment of the political climate. Ms. Tetteh will have the difficult task of redressing imbalance and revitalizing UN mediation efforts, he said. This month marks the fourteenth anniversary since the “egregious Western intervention and the virtual destruction of Libyan Statehood”, he observed, adding: “The collapse of the country took place and is ongoing to this date.”

Updating Sanctions Regime

The United Kingdom’s delegate welcomed the recent adoption of new designation criteria for the UN sanctions regime to hold those exploiting Libyan crude oil and petroleum accountable and help to safeguard its resources. “Until a unifying political agreement is achieved in Libya, it will be impossible to unlock its great potential,” she added. (See Press Release SC/15967.) Along similar lines, France’s delegate said: “Libyan money needs to benefit the Libyan people”, adding that a unified budget and a unified Government go hand in hand. Such a Government, capable of organizing presidential and legislative elections as soon as possible, is crucial.

“Good-faith engagement and demonstrating compromise” will be essential in overcoming all outstanding, contentious issues, Slovenia’s speaker advised, adding that the political process must include Libyans from all walks of life, with women and young people. Denmark’s delegate added: “No woman should fear reprisals as a consequence of political engagement — neither online, nor offline.” Further, organizations promoting women’s rights should be able to operate freely.

The representative of Panama acknowledged the enormous political challenges in Libya, where “the crisis has fragmented the social fabric and institutions in the country”, as he expressed support for efforts to hold elections representing different factions of Libyan society. Greece’s delegate pointed out that stability in Libya remains key for the region, and even more so for immediate neighbours like his own country which are impacted by the significant increase of irregular migration flows.

Communications between East-West Security Institutions

On security, the representative of Pakistan highlighted the reported agreement between Eastern and Western security institutions to establish a joint centre for communication and information exchange. Noting that these are preliminary steps, he added: “This will need a well-defined comprehensive peacebuilding and reconciliation strategy”. Also welcoming the establishment of the joint centre for border security, the representative of the Republic of Korea noted that efforts to unify military institutions will be essential for strengthening Libya’s security. Calling on “foreign Powers” to refrain from providing arms to Tripoli “for their narrow geopolitical interests”, he said that those weapons destabilize the broader region and bolster terrorism.

Several speakers echoed the need to avoid external interference and respect the leadership of the Libyan people. The representative of Guyana, also speaking for Algeria, Sierra Leone and Somalia, said the Advisory Committee’s proposals are meant to foster further consultations between UNSMIL and the relevant Libyan decision makers and stakeholders. She called for “careful attention to how this work is undertaken, so that it “avoids creating any additional challenges”. She also expressed concern about the lack of progress in convening national elections.

The representative of China, Council President for February, speaking in his national capacity, stressed the need to avoid undue external interference, while Libya is on the path to elections and national reconciliation. UNSMIL must strengthen its communication with Libyan parties and put forward practical proposals, he said, hoping that the Special Representative will advance the political process. The Mission should monitor the ceasefire, he said, noting that improving the security situation and fighting the crime trajectory are imperative.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Secretary-General Travel, Deputy Secretary-General & other topics – Daily Press Briefing

Source: United Nations (Video News)

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

– Secretary-General Travel
– Deputy Secretary-General
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– Democratic Republic of the Congo
– Children in Eastern and Southern Africa
– Sudan
– Libya
– Myanmar
– Central America
– Ukraine
– Guest Tomorrow
– Financial Contribution

SECRETARY-GENERAL TRAVEL
The Secretary-General traveled to Bridgetown, Barbados today where, this evening, he will speak at the opening ceremony of the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community, also known as CARICOM. 
In his remarks, he is expected to highlight three key areas where, together, we must drive progress – peace and security, the climate crisis and sustainable development.
Also today, the Secretary-General will hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados.
Tomorrow, the Secretary-General will have a closed session with CARICOM Heads of Government, to exchange views on pressing issues in the region, such as Haiti. 
He is expected back in New York later tomorrow.

DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL
The Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa today to attend the G20 Foreign Ministers meeting on behalf of the Secretary-General. Ms. Mohammed will underline support for multilateral cooperation and the South African G20 Presidency and reinforce the case for dialogue and joint action to address common challenges, including trade, tax, debt, and financing climate action. On the margins of the meeting, she is expected to meet with senior government officials from G20 members and guest countries.
From Johannesburg, Ms. Mohammed will proceed to Nairobi, Kenya, to hold meetings with a wide range of stakeholders and UN entities in preparation of the second UN Food System Summit Stocktaking and to meet with senior government officials.
On 26 February, Ms. Mohammed will return to South Africa – this time to Cape Town to attend the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting and open the Finance in Common Summit 2025 on behalf of the Secretary-General.
The Deputy Secretary-General will return to New York on 27 February.

OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
The World Health Organization and UNICEF say that the emergency polio outbreak response in the Gaza Strip is continuing, with a mass vaccination campaign scheduled to begin on Saturday and continue until 26 February. The novel oral polio vaccine type 2 will be administered to more than 591,000 children under 10 years of age to protect them from polio. The campaign aims to reach all children under 10 – including those previously missed – to close immunity gaps and end the outbreak.
Meanwhile, partners supporting water, sanitation and hygiene services are working to increase the production and distribution of water for drinking and domestic purposes to improve living conditions in the Strip and minimize public health risks.
There are now more than 1,780 operational water points across Gaza. Over 85 per cent of them are used to support water trucking activities by UN partners. 
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that UN partners are also training and deploying mobile teams and volunteers at aid distribution points to ensure that vulnerable groups – including people with disabilities – have safe and dignified access to humanitarian assistance. More than 100 such teams are operating at nearly 70 aid distribution points throughout Gaza.
Turning to the West Bank, OCHA says that Israeli forces’ operations in northern areas continue, causing further destruction and displacement among Palestinian residents.
Yesterday, in Tulkarm refugee camp, Israeli forces demolished at least five homes, with several others also slated for demolition.

Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/ossg/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=19+February+2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0iEq-V8ZyE

MIL OSI Video –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Secretary, M/o Labour & Employment led the Indian delegation at First G20 Employment Working Group Meeting 2025 under South African Presidency

Source: Government of India (2)

Secretary, M/o Labour & Employment led the Indian delegation at First G20 Employment Working Group Meeting 2025 under South African Presidency

Discussions held on Fostering Youth Transitions to Decent Work, Inclusive Labour Markets, Better Jobs for Youth and Women, Decent Jobs for Rehabilitation/ Persons with Disabilities

Posted On: 19 FEB 2025 6:10PM by PIB Delhi

Ms. Sumita Dawra, Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, led the Indian delegation at the first G20 Employment Working Group (EWG) meeting under the South African Presidency, held from 18-21 February 2025 at Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The delegation included Dr. Thelma John David, Consul General of India in Durban, South Africa, and Mr. Piyush Kumar Pathak, Deputy Director from the Ministry of Labour & Employment

Discussions were held on two priority issues namely, (i) Inclusive Growth and Youth Employment, (ii) Social Security and Digitalisation for an Inclusive Future of Work.

First G20 Employment Working Group meeting saw interventions from G20 member countries, emphasizing their respective policy approaches to employment, social security, and skills development. Invited member States including United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of the Netherlands and Kingdom of Norway also made interventions on priority areas. International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Organisation for Economic Cooperation & Development (OECD) also made a presentation on global employment trends and best practices in labour market reforms.

During the intervention, Secretary highlighted India’s major reforms aimed at job creation, labour market flexibility, and comprehensive social security. India, as the world’s fastest-growing major economy, continues to strengthen its economic landscape through strategic sectoral investments, including agriculture, MSMEs, manufacturing, medical education, and infrastructure development. The focus on global supply chains and export-driven employment was underscored, with initiatives to enhance warehousing and air cargo facilities.

The intervention also emphasized India’s positive employment trends, noting a decline in the unemployment rate from 6% in 2017-18 to 3.2% in 2023-24, alongside a significant rise in the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) and Worker Population Ratio. Labour market modernization was highlighted, particularly the four Labour Codes and other reforms aimed at improving labour welfare, expanding social security—including for gig and platform workers—formalizing employment, and increasing female labour force participation.

India’s efforts in social security expansion were recognized, with coverage doubling from 24.4% in 2021 to 48.8% in 2024, as per the ILO’s World Social Protection Report 2024-26. With the ongoing work with ILO on including ‘in-kind’ benefits and those of the states, the potential coverage of the country will go up further.

Secretary emphasized the success of the e-Shram portal, which has registered over 300 million unorganized workers, and the modernization of ESIC and EPFO schemes. The Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme was also highlighted as a key initiative to promote formal sector employment.

On gender inclusion, Secretary reiterated India’s commitment to achieving 70% female workforce participation by 2047, citing progressive policies such as extended maternity leave, crèche facilities, and equal pay provisions. India’s increasing participation of women in high-growth sectors like IT, R&D, and engineering was noted as a critical driver of economic growth.

Youth empowerment through skill development was emphasized during India’s intervention with a key focus on employability of graduates which has risen in last decade from 34% to 55%. India’s global engagement in skills mapping with the ILO and OECD was underscored, along with bilateral agreements facilitating skilled labour mobility with major G20 countries.

Secretary reaffirmed India’s commitment to fostering economic inclusion and empowering its youth, recognizing them as key drivers of national and global growth.

*****

Himanshu Pathak

(Release ID: 2104788) Visitor Counter : 68

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: How refugee entrepreneurs are supplying sustainable energy to the camps they live in

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sarah Rosenberg-Jansen, Research Advisor on Humanitarian Energy, University of Oxford

Refugees are providing energy within camps home to millions of displaced people around the world, my research has found.

There are now more than 120 million forcibly displaced people globally. Although United Nations humanitarian agencies provide firewood and small electric lanterns, these are often not enough for most families.

To make up the shortfall, entrepreneurial refugees in the camps I visited have become energy suppliers by establishing shops, phone charging stations, even cinemas.

While visiting camps administered by the UN Refugee Agency in Rwanda, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Sudan, Uganda and other countries across Africa, I was struck by the hum of electricity and the smell of cooking in the camps’ markets. Energy was everywhere.

A mobile phone and electronics market shop at the Kakuma refugee camp, Kenya.
Sarah Rosenberg-Jansen, CC BY-NC-ND

In all the camps I visited, people were selling clothes, cooking bowls and toys, as well as lighting and electrical appliances. These shops all used energy – computers totted up bills and printed receipts, radios played music, and people everywhere were using mobile phones and the internet. Fans and motors were working hard to keep things cool and the power on. Refugees buy these products at local markets – which are often run by refugees themselves.

After conducting over 170 interviews with refugees and humanitarian practitioners, it became clear refugees buy their own energy to run many of these cafes and shops: buying their own diesel, generators, or electricity technologies including solar panels and batteries.

Formal refugee energy access provided by humanitarian agencies or national governments is projected to be very low: Chatham House statistics suggest 94% of forcibly displaced people living in camps have no meaningful access to power, and 81% lack anything other than the most basic fuels for cooking.

Renewable connections

Local energy businesses operating around the camps in Rwanda and Kenya, such as BBOX or MESH Power, provide solar solutions such as selling solar panels and solar home systems from which refugees can have lighting, charge their phones and plug in electrical appliances. These renewable systems help to lower the costs – but sometimes the companies are not able to expand their businesses within refugee camps due to UN restrictions.

As one of the refugees I spoke to in Rwanda explained: “You can see two types of solar business really. Those using energy that is easy to get to – off-the-shelf products and services – to keep the lights on in the night, or offer cool drinks or a fan. And those businesses where really energy is the business … where people can use solar home systems or other technologies.”

Sadly, this picture is not uniform across the world. For example, buying diesel in refugee camps or purchasing kerosene for lanterns can be very expensive. Spending by displaced people on simple cooking fuels and technologies, as well as basic lighting, is estimated to be around US$200 (£160) per year per family, for less than four hours of energy a day.

Buying from external energy suppliers often comes at great cost to refugee families as energy in refugee camps can be incredibly expensive. Estimates suggest that refugee households in Kenya and Burkina Faso spend between 15% and 30% of their income on energy – a figure that in the UK would mean a household was in a situation of extreme fuel poverty.

In total, refugee households around the world spend at least US$2.1 billion (£1.68 billion) on energy each year.

Refugee-led businesses

In the face of such challenges, refugee energy entrepreneurs are expanding the range of energy services and products available to refugee communities in terms of sustainability: providing new solar solutions and electricity connections from solar-powered energy sources. For members of the refugee community who use this service, this can reduce the cost of energy.

These refugee-led enterprises often start after refugees have saved or borrowed money from friends and family to start their energy businesses – for example, by buying a solar panel and battery and charging customers to use the electricity it generates. Sometimes referred to as micro-enterprises or energy entrepreneurs, they go beyond being passive users of electricity and become active participants in the energy economies of refugee camps.

Examples of such businesses include Kakuma Ventures, based in Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya, which provides wifi and solar energy access to more than 1,500 people in the camps.

A grid pylon next to refugee homes at Kigeme refugee camp, Rwanda.
Sarah Rosenberg-Jansen, CC BY-NC-ND

Another example is Patapia, based in camps in Uganda, which helps refugee women launch and grow businesses powered by clean energy. Successful refugee-led energy businesses are highlighted by the work of climate change charity Ashden through its Humanitarian Energy Award, and its support for local businesses leading the way on sustainable energy in humanitarian settings.

Indeed, many new global initiatives and humanitarian programmes are starting to take seriously the role of refugee-led organisations and businesses. Take the work of Last Mile Climate, which is dedicated to helping grassroots initiatives, refugee-led businesses, charities, humanitarian agencies and government organisations tackle climate-related challenges.

Refugees are also writing on this issue in the media, highlighting how important the issue of inclusivity is in delivering the sustainable energy transition in humanitarian contexts.

Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

Sarah Rosenberg-Jansen received funding from the Independent Social Research Foundation (ISRF)

– ref. How refugee entrepreneurs are supplying sustainable energy to the camps they live in – https://theconversation.com/how-refugee-entrepreneurs-are-supplying-sustainable-energy-to-the-camps-they-live-in-242862

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Expanding seaweed farms pose a risk to vital marine life

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Benjamin L.H. Jones, Chief Conservation Officer, Project Seagrass & Research Affiliate, Swansea University

Seaweeds are commonly grown from long lines of rope. This string of _Eucheuma_ seaweed in Indonesia is positioned above a seagrass meadow. Benjamin Jones/Project Seagrass, CC BY

Seaweed farming is a rapidly expanding global industry. As a food resource, it has high nutritional value and doesn’t need fertilisers to grow. Seaweed provides valuable habitats for marine life, takes up carbon and absorbs nutrients, plus it helps protect our coastlines from erosion.

Usually, seaweeds grow on hard, rocky surfaces. Yet, to farm seaweed, potential areas need to be easily accessible and relatively sheltered. This is where seaweed can grow with limited risk of being dislodged by waves. Seaweed farms in Asia, in countries like China and Indonesia, are responsible for more than 95% of global seaweed production. Seaweed farms, particularly those in Southeast Asia, are commonly in the very same environments where seagrass meadows thrive. Competition for resources ensues.

Evidence shows that tropical seaweed farms, when placed in or on top of tropical seagrass meadows leads to a decline in the growth and productivity of seagrass. There is also evidence that seaweeds outcompete seagrasses in cooler waters, especially when nutrients in the water are very high.

Despite negative interactions, such as shading, between seaweed and seagrass, some scientists now advocate for a global expansion of seaweed farming in areas where seagrass grows. This call, comes at a time when seagrass global initiatives are trying to stem seagrass loss.

Efforts are underway to expand these habitats to their once extensive range to help fight climate change and biodiversity loss. Seagrass meadows are a crucial store of carbon, providing habitats for a wide array of animals.

Why farm seaweed on top of seagrass?

The reason that some scientists are advocating for farming seaweed in seagrass is that their research claims that the presence of seagrass reduces disease causing bacterial pathogens by 75%. A major win for a relatively low tech industry where seaweed disease outbreaks hinder production. These scientists are not the only ones advocating for seaweed production at scale.

Global conservation charities, like World Wildlife Fund and The Nature Conservancy, as well as the Earthshot prize launched by Prince William all support seaweed cultivation programmes in areas likely to contain abundant seagrass.

However, together with other scientists, we have argued in an academic response in the journal PNAS that their claim is premature. We are concerned that, without appropriate management, these seaweed programmes threaten marine biodiversity and the benefits that humans get from the ocean.

Despite historic and globally widespread seaweed cultivation, effects on seagrass have mostly been ignored. Where studies exist, effects have been negative for seagrass, its ability to capture carbon, and the diverse animals that call it home.

Entanglement of migratory animals, such as turtles and dugong with seaweed also needs wider consideration. This is especially the case given new legal frameworks to protect their habitat, and there is ongoing concern for these species being killed by seaweed farmers. The equity of coastal fishing grounds also comes into question, as communities that use seagrass for fishing are most likely to lose access.

Conservation charities advocate for tropical seaweed farms for good reason. This is to improve community resilience in the face of degrading coral reefs and overfishing.

While projects mostly have the best intentions, they often don’t consider cascading unintended consequences, nor the equity of the whole community. In reality, seaweed farm placement is effectively akin to ocean grabbing (the act of dispossession or appropriation of marine resources or spaces) with farmers winning on a “first come, first serve” basis, despite not owning the seabed.

Sustainable standards

If seaweed farming is to be expanded, standards for sustainability must be upheld and strengthened. In 2017, a sustainable seaweed standard was launched by the Aquaculture and Marine Stewardship Councils.

But few tropical seaweed farms meet the criteria outlined in this standard due to known consequences that affect seagrass (rightly defined in the standard as vulnerable marine habitats) and likely negative effects on endangered species, like dugong, that frequent seagrass habitats.

Seaweed cultivation strategies have mixed evidence for long-term success. In Tanzania, many farmers have abandoned the industry due to low monetary rewards compared to the investments they put in, and some evidence suggests that the activity reduces income and health, particularly for women. Where seaweed cultivation has been implemented to reduce fishing pressure, it has instead increased (and often just displaced) fishing activity.

Given the rapidly increasing threats faced by tropical marine habitats despite the role they play in climate resilience, understanding trade-offs prior to large scale expansion of seaweed farming is a priority. To reduce further any negative effects, international programmes and research advocating for large-scale seaweed farms need to align more readily with the seaweed standard.

Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

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

– ref. Expanding seaweed farms pose a risk to vital marine life – https://theconversation.com/expanding-seaweed-farms-pose-a-risk-to-vital-marine-life-248329

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘Fragile stability’ in Libya increasingly at risk, Security Council hears

Source: United Nations 2

19 February 2025 Peace and Security

The dream of a civil, democratic and prosperous Libya remains unfulfilled 14 years after the revolution that led to the overthrow of the Gaddafi regime, the head of UN Political and Peacebuilding Affairs told the Security Council on Wednesday.

Rosemary DiCarlo said entrenched divisions, economic mismanagement, continued human rights violations, and competing domestic and external interests, continue to erode unity and stability in the country.

“The fragile stability in Libya is increasingly at risk,” she warned. “The country’s leaders and security actors are failing to put the national interest ahead of their competition for political and personal gain.”

Support new UN envoy

She urged Council members to support the newly appointed UN Special Representative for Libya Hanna Tetteh “in her work to help break the political impasse, resolve Libya’s protracted crisis and support the Libyan people towards unifying Libya’s institutions and holding inclusive national elections.”

The North African country has been split between two rival administrations for over a decade, with the internationally recognized Government of National Unity (GNU) based in the northwest while the Government of National Stability (GNS) is in the east.

Landmark elections scheduled for December 2021 were cancelled, including due to disputes over the eligibility of candidates.

Advisory Committee established

Ms. DiCarlo stressed the urgent need for progress in Libya. She said the UN Mission there, UNSMIL, is taking steps to revive a political process anchored in the principles of inclusivity and national ownership.

UNSMIL recently established an Advisory Committee that will provide recommendations for resolving outstanding contentious issues that have prevented national elections from taking place.

The Committee is composed of 20 members who include legal and constitutional experts. More than a third are women. She emphasized that it is not a decision-making body, but its proposals will support efforts to remove obstacles to holding national elections.

“Many Libyan stakeholders, including political parties, social movements, and women and youth groups, have publicly welcomed its establishment as an opportunity to move the political process forward,” she said.

Supporting inclusive dialogue

UNSMIL convened the Committee’s inaugural meeting in the capital, Tripoli, last week. Members are meeting again over three days this week to examine the contentious issues in detail and begin considering ways to overcome them.

“In parallel, UNSMIL is also taking steps to convene a structured dialogue among Libyans on ways to address longstanding drivers of conflict and develop an inclusive, bottom-up vision for their country’s future,” she said.

The Mission is also facilitating consultations among Libyan economic experts to identify priorities, barriers and solutions to achieve sound economic governance.

Divisions and competition

Ms. DiCarlo said divisions and competition over the control of State institutions continue to dominate the political and economic landscape. No progress has been made on a unified budget or agreed spending framework despite UNSMIL engagement with all relevant stakeholders.

“It is critical to address the issue to support the efforts of the Central Bank of Libya to stabilize the financial situation of the country and enable transparent and equitable public spending,” she explained.

A dispute over the position of president of the High Council of State, a top governing body, also remains unresolved even after six months of litigation and contradictory rulings. The Council now stands “deeply divided and unable to fulfil its institutional role.”

UNSMIL

People gather at a market in Tripoli, the capital of Libya. (file)

National reconciliation at risk

Politicization and political divisions are also hindering progress on national reconciliation, she added.

Last December, UNSMIL facilitated an agreement among three key institutions – the Presidential Council, the House of Representatives, and the High Council of State – on a draft law on the issue.

However, subsequent amendments to the draft law by parliamentarians have raised concerns over the independence of a National Reconciliation Commission.

A charter for reconciliation was agreed earlier this month through a process led by the African Union. It was adopted on 14 February in the margins of the bloc’s summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

“While some Libyan stakeholders have supported the charter, others did not,” she said, noting that UNSMIL continues to engage with all relevant parties.

Security threats persist

Meanwhile, the activities of non-State and quasi-State armed groups continue to pose a threat to Libya’s fragile stability.

Ms. DiCarlo called for a full and transparent investigation into an armed attack on a Government of National Unity (GNU) Minister in Tripoli on 12 February.

She said the Libyan National Army took control of a military base in the south previously held by a GNU-affiliated military officer. Furthermore, the 2020 Ceasefire Agreement has only been partially implemented.

“Renewed efforts by Libyan authorities to implement its remaining provisions are crucial to improve the fragile security situation and to create conditions for the reunification and reform of security institutions,” she said.

Migrants and mass graves

Turning to other challenges, she said the continuing trend of arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances is deeply concerning and the increasing number of deaths in custody is troubling, with 15 cases recorded since March 2024.

Migrants and asylum-seekers, including children, also continue to face serious human rights violations including torture and cruel and inhumane treatment.

“The alarming and tragic discovery of mass graves following raids on human trafficking sites highlights the severe danger faced by migrants in Libya,” she said.

On 7 February a mass grave was discovered on a farm in Jikharra in the northeast; another was found a day later in Al-Kufra in the southeast. To date, 93 bodies have been exhumed.

“A full and independent investigation is critical to bring the perpetrators to justice. “This is yet another reminder of the urgent need to protect migrants and combat human trafficking,” she said.

Last December, a joint UNSMIL and UN mission to Al-Kufra engaged with local authorities, partners, refugees and host communities to strengthen humanitarian response for Sudanese refugees, who continue to flee to Libya.

Ms. DiCarlo said the chapter of the 2025 Sudan Refugee Regional Response Plan relating to Libya targets 446,000 people and requires $106 million – double the support from 2024.

She appealed to donors for their continued support to address the growing needs of Sudanese refugees in Libya and across the region.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Amid Rising Living Costs, Climate Change, Secretary-General Tells Second Food Systems Summit Stocktake ‘All Hands on Deck’ Needed to Create Healthy, Resilient Structure

Source: United Nations 4

Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s opening remarks, as delivered, at the Member States’ briefing on the second Food Systems Summit Stocktake, in New York today:

It is a real pleasure to join our permanent representatives and welcome you all today.

As you all know transforming our food systems is essential to driving progress across the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and delivering for everyone, everywhere — sufficient, nutritious food — now and in the future, particularly as we go towards the five years to deliver on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

That is why, in 2021, the UN Secretary-General convened the UN Food Systems Summit. This established the foundation for a new, integrated approach to food systems — placing food at the heart of our efforts to address poverty, zero hunger, inequality, climate change and biodiversity loss. It has reshaped the global narrative, building an engine of transformation that recognizes food systems as a key lever to accelerate and reinforce SDG progress.

Building on this momentum, the first Summit Stocktake, hosted by the Government of Italy in 2023, reaffirmed strong political will among nations. Countries pledged to increase the pace of their efforts towards sustainable, inclusive and resilient food systems transformation.

But, it also highlighted persistent gaps and challenges. Among them, an urgent need to enhance public-private-community partnerships, and strengthen private sector engagement.

These crucial issues identified at the first stocktake, resulted in the UN Secretary-General’s Call to Action. The Call identified six critical areas for concerted action, including: securing concessional finance, investments, budget support and debt restructuring. It also emphasized addressing food security in crisis situations.

The proposed SDG Stimulus — of $500 billion a year — was recognized as a game-changer, offering fiscal space and resources, including through Special Drawing Rights rechannelling. Finance was emphasized as a critical component of food systems transformation, along with support of our multilateral development banks in unlocking investments in this field.

Given the global context riddled with challenges of rising living costs, social inequalities, climate change and geopolitical tensions, we will need all hands on deck to reach food systems transformations with the impact to advance on the 2030 Agenda.

Now, in just over five months, Addis Ababa will host the second United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake.

We are grateful to the Government of Ethiopia for hosting this important event and for making our commitment to take the second stocktake to a developing country, a reality. Worth noting also is its leadership and extensive work on its policy environment, infrastructure development and the production of food that engages small holder farmers across the country. We are grateful to Italy, which has agreed to co-host, for its legacy and continued leadership and support to food systems transformation. It is important that we see leadership and sustainability of that support at the country level.

The Stocktake will be different — it has to be — in response to many of the requests for us to have more focus and impact.

First, we will be reflecting on progress since 2023, with a report from the system, but also a shadow report from our stakeholders. Second, we will be partnering to track commitments and outcomes through national food systems pathways to accelerate SDG implementation. And third, unlocking investments to sustain and scale transformative initiatives aligned with the SDGs.

In preparations for the Stocktake, we are committed to an inclusive, cross-sectoral efforts and consultations. We will hold a second briefing in Nairobi next week engaging UN headquarters in Nairobi, Rome and Geneva. In addition, we will hold five regional briefings, on the margins of the United Nations Regional Forums on Sustainable Development, from March to May.

We will also be engaging all our resident coordinators in UN country teams, at the country level so that they are fully engaged with our Member States in bringing to Addis Ababa the progress, and of course, the challenges and opportunities.

At the same time, we will push progress towards food systems transformation, including through important gatherings this year — the fourth Financing for Development Conference in Spain, thirtieth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30) in Brazil, the second World Summit on Social Development in Qatar and the third United Nations Ocean Conference in France.

These are all critical platforms to drive progress, harness collective action and create new investment opportunities.

As Member States, you are at the forefront of this transformation. Your leadership and coordination will be instrumental in ensuring that the Stocktake inspires real action at the national level. The United Nations is with you — committed to creating sustainable, inclusive, healthy and resilient food systems everywhere, across all our regions, reaching everyone.

We thank you for this important opportunity that will help us to shape the Stocktake in Addis Ababa in July.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/SUDAN – Crisis between Sudan and Kenya after the signing in Nairobi of the constitutive act of an alternative Sudanese government

Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

Khartoum (Agenzia Fides) – A violation of “international law, the Charter of the United Nations, the Constitutive Act of the African Union and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.” This is how the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Sudanese government, led by General Abdel Fattah al Burhan, defined Kenya’s decision to welcome the “signing of a political agreement between the terrorist militia Janjaweed, responsible for the ongoing acts of genocide in Sudan, and its affiliated individuals and groups”.The document, called the “Political Charter for the Government of Peace and Unity,” promoted by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by Mohamed Hamdan “Hemeti” Dagalo, together with other Sudanese political and military actors, effectively represents the creation of a parallel government to that led by Al Burhan from Port Sudan. The capital Khartoum is still disputed between the two adversaries, although the military of Al Burhan’s Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) appears to have regained some important strategic points in the region in recent weeks.“Since the stated aim of this agreement is to establish a parallel government in part of Sudanese territory, this step promotes the fragmentation of African states, violates their sovereignty and interferes in their internal affairs,” the Sudanese Foreign Ministry said in a statement. “This is therefore a clear violation of the UN Charter, the founding act of the African Union and the established principles of the modern international order.” Meanwhile, the term “Janjaweed” used in the statement evokes sad memories, especially for people in Darfur, the RSF’s bastion. The Janjaweed were the militias allied with the Khartoum regime that bloodily suppressed the uprisings in this region of western Sudan in the early 2000s. The RSF is its evolution, which in turn has rebelled against the regular army over the years.According to the statement, by hosting the event, Kenya is also complicit in the crimes committed by the RSF (“genocide, ethnically motivated massacres of civilians, attacks on camps for displaced persons and rapes”).The formation of an alternative government is seen as an attempt by the RSF leader, Dagalo, to gain international legitimacy. Both the Sudanese army and the RSF are subject to international sanctions for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the conflict. However, Al Burhan’s government enjoys international recognition that Dagalo’s troops do not. Nairobi’s decision to host the event should be seen against the backdrop of the renewed relations of the Sudanese government with Russia and Iran. Russia, through the private military company Wagner, had initially supported the RSF and has now decided to support General Al Burhan, who in return has granted Moscow a military base on the Red Sea. Iran, which until 15 years ago had close military relations with the Al-Bashir regime, which were severed by the latter under pressure from the West and some Gulf countries, now sees a new window opened for the resumption of relations with the meeting of the two foreign ministers on February 17, during which Tehran stressed the importance of Sudan’s territorial integrity and the end of foreign interference in Sudan. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 19/2/2025)
Share:

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/DR CONGO – The M23 advance continues and now threatens Uvira

Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

Wednesday, 19 February 2025 wars

Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) – The M23 advance in the Congolese province of South Kivu continues after the capture of Bukavu, the capital of this province in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (see Fides, 17/2/2025).With the recent capture of the cities of Kamanyola and Luvungi, the M23 militiamen have paved the way for the capture of Uvira, the second largest city in the province of South Kivu. Uvira is located on Lake Tanganyika, from which a road leads to Bujumbura, the capital of Burundi. The withdrawal of Burundian soldiers a few days after the fall of the city of Bukavu is said to have facilitated the rebels’ advance towards Uvira, where tensions are increasing; the state authorities have meanwhile decided to release prisoners before the arrival of the rebels.At least 12 people were killed in the town on February 17 in clashes between regular army soldiers (FARDC) and pro-government Wazalendo militiamen. According to Radio Okapi, citing the head of the civil society of Congolese nationalists, Serge Kigwati, the clashes began when the Wazalendo tried to disarm soldiers returning from the northern front to the south of the province. The FARDC’s refusal to hand over its weapons led to gun battles between the two sides.Meanwhile, Ugandan special forces entered Bunia, the capital of neighboring Ituri province. The Ugandan military has long had a presence in the region to conduct the joint “Shujaa” operation with the FARDC against the ADF/NALU jihadists linked to the Islamic State. However, the reinforcement of the Ugandan army in Ituri brings back memories of the joint actions of the Rwandan and Ugandan military during the two previous wars, that of 1996-97 against Mobutu’s then Zaire and that of 1998 against then President Laurent-Désiré Kabila. The specter of a regional conflict still looms over the Democratic Republic of Congo.(L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 19/2/2025)
Share:

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Apple debuts iPhone 16e: A powerful new member of the iPhone 16 family
Source: Apple

Headline: Apple debuts iPhone 16e: A powerful new member of the iPhone 16 family

February 19, 2025

PRESS RELEASE

Apple debuts iPhone 16e: A powerful new member of the iPhone 16 family

iPhone 16e joins the iPhone 16 lineup, featuring the fast performance of the A18 chip, Apple Intelligence, extraordinary battery life, and a 48MP 2-in-1 camera system — all at an incredible value

CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today announced iPhone 16e, a new addition to the iPhone 16 lineup that offers powerful capabilities at a more affordable price. iPhone 16e delivers fast, smooth performance and breakthrough battery life, thanks to the industry-leading efficiency of the A18 chip and the new Apple C1, the first cellular modem designed by Apple. iPhone 16e is also built for Apple Intelligence, the intuitive personal intelligence system that delivers helpful and relevant intelligence while taking an extraordinary step forward for privacy in AI. The 48MP Fusion camera takes gorgeous photos and videos, and with an integrated 2x Telephoto, it is like having two cameras in one, so users can zoom in with optical quality. When outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, Apple’s groundbreaking satellite features — including Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, Messages, and Find My via satellite — help iPhone 16e users stay connected and get assistance when it matters most.¹

iPhone 16e will be available in two elegant matte finishes — black and white — with colorful cases available to accessorize. Pre-orders begin Friday, February 21, with availability beginning Friday, February 28.

“iPhone 16e packs in the features our users love about the iPhone 16 lineup, including breakthrough battery life, fast performance powered by the latest-generation A18 chip, an innovative 2-in-1 camera system, and Apple Intelligence,” said Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing. “We’re so excited for iPhone 16e to complete the lineup as a powerful, more affordable option to bring the iPhone experience to even more people.”

A Beautiful and Durable Design with Breakthrough Battery Life

iPhone 16e is built to last, featuring splash, water, and dust resistance with a rating of IP68; the Ceramic Shield front cover with an advanced formulation that is tougher than any smartphone glass; and the toughest back glass in a smartphone.² The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with OLED technology has an edge-to-edge design that is perfect for watching HDR videos, playing games, and reading crisp text.³ iPhone 16e has the best battery life ever on a 6.1-inch iPhone, lasting up to six hours longer than iPhone 11 and up to 12 hours longer than all generations of iPhone SE.⁴ And with Face ID enabled by the TrueDepth camera system, users can securely unlock their iPhone, authenticate purchases, sign in to apps, and more. iPhone 16e also offers convenient charging options, including both wireless charging and USB-C for easy connection to a wide range of accessories.

Performance and Connectivity

iPhone 16e is powered by Apple’s latest-generation A18 chip, which enables fast, smooth performance, incredible power efficiency, and Apple Intelligence. The 6-core CPU is up to 80 percent faster than the A13 Bionic chip on iPhone 11, handling both everyday and intensive tasks with ease — from simple workloads, to more demanding actions with Apple Intelligence. The 4-core GPU powers stunning graphics performance and unlocks next-level mobile gaming on the go, enabling graphically demanding AAA titles and hardware-accelerated ray tracing for more realistic lighting and reflections. The 16-core Neural Engine is optimized for large generative models and runs machine learning (ML) models up to 6x faster than A13 Bionic.

Expanding the benefits of Apple silicon, C1 is the first modem designed by Apple and the most power-efficient modem ever on an iPhone, delivering fast and reliable 5G cellular connectivity. Apple silicon — including C1 — the all-new internal design, and the advanced power management of iOS 18 all contribute to extraordinary battery life.

Built for Apple Intelligence

iPhone 16e is built for Apple Intelligence, unlocking exciting new capabilities that make iPhone even more helpful and powerful. With the Clean Up tool, it’s easy to remove distracting elements in images, and natural language search in the Photos app allows users to search for just about any photo or video by simply describing what they are looking for.

Users can also explore creative new ways to express themselves visually with Image Playground, create the perfect emoji with Genmoj, and make their writing even more dynamic with Writing Tools. They can now type to Siri, and Siri is more conversational with the ability to follow along if users stumble over their words. Siri can also maintain context from one request to the next. With extensive product knowledge, Siri can answer thousands of questions about the features and settings of Apple products, so users can learn how to do things like take a screen recording or schedule a text message to send later.

With access to ChatGPT seamlessly integrated into Writing Tools and Siri, users can choose to access ChatGPT’s expertise without jumping between applications, so they can get things done faster and easier than ever before. In addition, users can access ChatGPT for free without creating an account, and privacy protections are built in — their IP addresses are obscured and OpenAI won’t store requests. Users can choose whether to enable ChatGPT integration, and are in full control of when to use it and what information is shared with ChatGPT.

Apple Intelligence marks an extraordinary step forward for privacy in AI and is designed to protect users’ privacy at every step. It starts with on-device processing, meaning that many of the models that power Apple Inteligence run entirely on device. For requests that require access to larger models, Apple’s groundbreaking Private Cloud Compute extends the privacy and security of iPhone into the cloud to unlock even more intelligence. When using Private Cloud Compute, users’ data is never stored or shared with Apple; it is used only to fulfill their request.

Access Favorite Features and Unlock Visual Intelligence with the Action Button

iPhone 16e features the Action button, allowing users to easily access a variety of functions with just a press. Once customized in Settings, the Action button can be used to quickly open the camera or flashlight; switch between Ring and Silent modes; recognize music with Shazam; activate Voice Memos, Focus, Translate, and accessibility features like Magnifier; or use Shortcuts for more options. The Action button can even access in-app functionality like launching the camera in Snapchat, unlocking a car door with FordPass, tracking a child’s sleep schedule with Napper, and more.

The Action button on iPhone 16e also unlocks a new visual intelligence experience that builds on Apple Intelligence to help users learn about objects and places. Visual intelligence can summarize and copy text, translate text between languages, detect phone numbers or email addresses with the option to add to contacts, identify an animal or plant, and more. Visual intelligence also allows users to search Google so they can see where they can buy an item, or benefit from ChatGPT’s problem-solving skills. Users are in control of when third-party tools are used and what information is shared.

A Powerful Camera System to Capture Any Moment

The powerful 2-in-1 camera system on iPhone 16e is perfect for capturing everyday moments and important memories, including in Night mode and Portrait mode. Using computational photography, the 48MP Fusion camera takes super-high-resolution photos, so users can capture gorgeous images that balance light and detail. With an integrated 2x Telephoto, users have the equivalent of two cameras in one, and can zoom in with optical quality to get closer to the subject and easily frame their shot. And the front-facing TrueDepth camera with autofocus enables sharper close-ups and beautiful group selfies. The latest generation of HDR captures subjects and the background with true-to-life renderings of skin tones, while ensuring photos have bright highlights, rich mid-tones, and deep shadows.

iPhone 16e takes stunning videos with the ability to record in 4K with Dolby Vision up to 60 fps, and users can stop and restart a recording for more flexibility when capturing the moment. iPhone 16e also records video in Spatial Audio for immersive listening with AirPods, Apple Vision Pro, or a surround sound system, and enables more ways to edit video sound with Audio Mix. Users can adjust their sound after capture to focus on the voice of the person on camera, make it sound like the video was recorded inside a professional studio, or position vocal tracks in the front and environmental noises in surround sound. With wind noise reduction, powerful ML algorithms automatically reduce unwanted noise for better audio quality.

Groundbreaking Safety and Communication Capabilities

iPhone 16e helps users stay connected and get assistance when it matters most. Apple’s satellite features help users text via satellite when they’re outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. This includes Messages via satellite to text friends and family; Emergency SOS via satellite to connect with emergency services; and Roadside Assistance via satellite to reach a roadside assistance provider in case of car trouble. Users can also use the Find My app to share their location via satellite, reassuring friends and family of their whereabouts while traveling off the grid. Crash Detection on iPhone 16e can detect a severe car crash and automatically dial emergency services if a user is unconscious or unable to reach their iPhone.⁵

Featuring iOS 18

iOS 18 makes iPhone 16e more personal, capable, and intelligent than ever.⁶ With more customization options, users can give apps and widgets a new dark or tinted look and arrange them in any open space on the Home Screen. The controls at the bottom of the Lock Screen can be customized; Control Center has been redesigned to provide users with easier access to many of the things they use every day, including third-party apps; and new privacy protections include the ability to lock and hide apps to protect sensitive apps and the information inside them. iOS 18 also provides powerful updates for staying connected. In Messages, users can use text effects to bring words, phrases, sentences, and more to life. Tapbacks expand to include emoji, Genmoji, or stickers, and now users can schedule a message to send later. When messaging contacts who do not have an Apple device, the Messages app now supports RCS for richer media and more reliable group messaging when compared to SMS and MMS.

Better for the Environment

iPhone 16e is designed with the environment in mind. As part of Apple 2030, the company’s ambitious goal to be carbon neutral across its entire carbon footprint by the end of this decade, Apple is transitioning to renewable electricity for its manufacturing, and investing in wind and solar projects around the world to address the electricity used to charge all Apple products, including iPhone 16e. Today, all Apple facilities run on 100 percent renewable electricity — including the data centers that power Apple Intelligence.

To achieve Apple 2030, the company is designing products with more recycled and renewable materials, which further drives down the carbon footprint. iPhone 16e features over 30 percent recycled content overall, including 100 percent recycled cobalt and 95 percent recycled lithium in the battery, 85 percent recycled aluminum in the enclosure, and more.⁷ Additionally, the main logic board and back glass of iPhone 16e are designed to be manufactured more efficiently, reducing the amount of raw materials needed. The packaging is also entirely fiber-based, bringing Apple closer to its goal of removing plastic from its packaging by the end of this year.⁸

Pricing and Availability
- iPhone 16e will be available in white and black in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage capacities, starting at $599 (U.S.) or $24.95 (U.S.) per month for 24 months.
- Apple offers great ways to save and upgrade to the latest iPhone. With Apple Trade In, customers can get up to $120 (U.S.) in credit when they trade in iPhone 11, or up to $170 (U.S.) in credit when they trade in iPhone 12. With a carrier offer, customers can get up to $400 (U.S.) in credit when they trade in iPhone 11, or up to $599 (U.S.) in credit when they trade in iPhone 12 to put toward an iPhone 16e. Customers can take advantage of these offers by visiting the Apple Store online or an Apple Store location. For carrier offer eligibility requirements and more details, see apple.com/shop/buy-iphone/carrier-offers. To see what their device is worth and for Apple Trade In terms and conditions, customers can visit apple.com/shop/trade-in.
- Customers in 59 countries and regions, including Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, South Korea, Türkiye, the UAE, the UK, and the U.S., will be able to pre-order iPhone 16e beginning at 5 a.m. PST on Friday, February 21, with availability beginning Friday, February 28.
- Apple Intelligence is available in localized English for Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK, and the U.S. Additional languages — including French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese (simplified), English (Singapore), and English (India) — will be available in April, with more languages coming over the course of the year, including Vietnamese. Some features, applications, and services may not be available in all regions or all languages.
- Visual intelligence is available in iOS 18.2 or later on all iPhone 16 models. For more information on visual intelligence, visit support.apple.com/guide/iphone.
- iPhone 16e Silicone Case will be available in five colors for $39 (U.S.): winter blue, fuchsia, lake green, black, and white.
- AppleCare+ for iPhone provides unparalleled service and support. This includes unlimited incidents of accidental damage, battery service coverage, and 24/7 support from the people who know iPhone best. For more information, visit apple.com/support/products/iphone.
- iCloud+ plans start at just $0.99 (U.S.) per month and offer up to 12TB of additional storage to keep photos, videos, files, and more safe in the cloud and available across devices. An iCloud+ subscription gives access to premium features such as unlimited event creation in the new Apple Invites app, as well as Private Relay, Hide My Email, and custom email domains. With Family Sharing, users can share their subscription with five other family members at no extra cost.
- Customers who purchase iPhone 16e may receive three free months of Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple News+, and Apple Fitness+, with a new subscription. Offer and services availability varies by region. See apple.com/promo for details.
About Apple Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. Apple’s six software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV+. Apple’s more than 150,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth and to leaving the world better than we found it.
1. Apple’s satellite features are included for free for two years starting at the time of activation of a new iPhone 14 or later. For Emergency SOS via satellite availability, visit support.apple.com/en-us/HT213426. Messages via satellite will be available in the U.S. and Canada in iOS 18 or later. SMS availability will depend on carrier. Carrier fees may apply. Users should check with their carrier for details. Roadside Assistance via satellite is currently available in the U.S. with AAA and Verizon Roadside Assistance, and in the UK with Green Flag. Participating roadside assistance providers may charge for services, and iPhone users who are not members can take advantage of their roadside assistance services on a pay-per-use basis. Apple’s satellite features were designed for use in open spaces with a clear line of sight to the sky. Performance may be impacted by obstructions such as trees or surrounding buildings.
2. iPhone 16e is splash-, water-, and dust-resistant. It was tested under controlled laboratory conditions and has a rating of IP68 under IEC standard 60529 (maximum depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes). Splash, water, and dust resistance are not permanent conditions. Resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear. Do not attempt to charge a wet iPhone; refer to the user guide for cleaning and drying instructions. Liquid damage is not covered under warranty.
3. The display has rounded corners that follow a beautiful curved design, and these corners are within a standard rectangle. When measured as a standard rectangular shape, the screen is 6.06 inches diagonally. The actual viewable area is smaller.
4. All battery claims depend on the cellular network, location, signal strength, feature configuration, usage, and many other factors; actual results will vary. The battery has limited recharge cycles and may eventually need to be replaced. Battery life and charge cycles vary by use and settings. Battery tests are conducted using specific iPhone units. See apple.com/batteries and apple.com/iphone/compare for more information.
5. Crash Detection is designed for four-wheel passenger vehicle crashes with certain mass, G-force, and speed profiles consistent with severe, life-threatening crashes. It was designed for severe, life-threatening, high-impact front and rear, side-swipe, T-bone, and rollover crashes. Crash Detection is available worldwide on iPhone 14 or later, Apple Watch Series 8 or later, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Ultra or later.
6. Some features may not be available for all countries or all areas. For more information on iOS 18, visit apple.com/ios/ios-18.
7. All cobalt and lithium references use a mass balance allocation.
8. Based on retail packaging as shipped by Apple. Breakdown of U.S. retail packaging by weight. Adhesives, inks, and coatings are excluded from calculations of plastic content and packaging weight.
Press Contacts

Blair Ranger

Apple

blair_ranger@apple.com

Alex Kirschner

Apple

alexkirschner@apple.com

Apple Media Helpline

media.help@apple.com
MIL OSI Economics –
February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: DR Congo: Live updates as Security Council holds emergency meeting

Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

Intensifying violence in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to displace thousands as the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group edges towards the capital, Kinshasa, and the UN Security Council is expected to hold an emergency meeting this afternoon. App users can follow our live coverage here.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI: Bitget Wallet Integrates Monad Testnet to Expand DeFi Capabilities

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

VICTORIA, Seychelles, Feb. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget Wallet, a leading Web3 non-custodial wallet, has officially integrated support for Monad Testnet, a high-performance EVM-compatible Layer 1 blockchain. Users can now easily add the Monad Testnet through the wallet interface and interact with ecosystem projects listed on the dedicated Monad DApp section.

Monad is a next-generation blockchain built to overcome performance and scalability limitations in decentralized networks. With high transaction throughput and low latency, it offers robust infrastructure for DeFi applications. Its compatibility with Ethereum ensures smooth transitions for developers and users without workflow adjustments. Monad also reduces transaction costs and delays, delivering a more efficient, cost-effective experience in decentralized exchanges, lending, and yield farming.

Bitget Wallet’s integration of Monad supports its goal of expanding access to innovative DeFi applications. With Monad’s optimized performance, users of Bitget Wallet can experience faster transactions and reduced fees, making activities like token swaps and staking more efficient. This integration empowers users to take advantage of emerging DeFi opportunities while enjoying a seamless user experience.

“By integrating Monad, we’re reinforcing our mission to simplify access to Web3 innovation while lowering the barrier to blockchain adoption,” said Alvin Kan, COO of Bitget Wallet. “Our users will benefit from faster and more affordable transactions, and we’re excited to leverage this integration in upcoming interactive incentive campaigns to deliver even more value.”

About Bitget Wallet
Bitget Wallet is the home of Web3, uniting endless possibilities in one non-custodial wallet. With over 60 million users, it offers comprehensive onchain services, including asset management, instant swaps, rewards, staking, trading tools, live market data, a DApp browser, an NFT marketplace and crypto payment. Supporting over 100 blockchains, 20,000+ DApps, and 500,000+ tokens, Bitget Wallet enables seamless multi-chain trading across hundreds of DEXs and cross-chain bridges, along with a $300+ million protection fund to ensure safety of users’ assets. Experience Bitget Wallet Lite to start a Web3 journey.
For more information, visit: X | Telegram | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn | TikTok | Discord | Facebook
For media inquiries, please contact media.web3@bitget.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e98f7bc4-08ab-4317-9997-94269e2756e7

The MIL Network –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada and Saskatchewan Announce Continued Commitment Through the 2025 Crop Insurance Program

Source: Government of Canada regional news

Released on February 19, 2025

Today, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison announced continued funding and commitment through the 2025 Crop Insurance Program, administered by the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC).

“Our business risk management programs are a producer’s first line of defense when it comes to protecting their operation,” MacAulay said. “Our government is pleased to partner with Saskatchewan to make sure producers have access to the support they need, when they need it.”

“SCIC’s Business Risk Management programs remain strong and are here for Saskatchewan producers when they have challenging times,” Harrison said. “The Crop Insurance Program offers producers the security they need, no matter what 2025 may have in store. I encourage all Saskatchewan producers to take a proactive approach to their coverage: select options, fine-tune and adjust coverage and costs within the program to further mitigate their risks.”

SCIC’s existing suite of Business Risk Management programs continues to demonstrate support for Saskatchewan producers. Over the last four years, the Crop Insurance Program paid approximately $7 billion in claims, in addition to other program benefits. Crop Insurance continues to be a sound program, with premiums set to ensure the long-term sustainability of the program. A combination of Crop Insurance premium and government funds, along with private reinsurance, is in place to ensure the program remains stable. Funds are managed to build premium reserves in good production years, in order for money to flow back to producers during challenging ones. Premiums are cost-shared 60 per cent by federal and provincial governments and 40 per cent by producers.

Administration costs are fully funded by federal and provincial governments.

Trusted and relevant partnerships ensure the Crop Insurance Program remains innovative and responsive for Saskatchewan producers. SCIC collaborates regularly with industry groups to support farmers and ranchers, assisting with overall direction of policy and program offerings. Work continues developing future opportunities to enhance support for the livestock sector. SCIC is evaluating new remote sensing technologies to measure soil moisture and plant growth, to evaluate potential improvements to forage and pasture insurance. This focus will ensure forage insurance is relevant and accessible for Saskatchewan livestock producers.

“We appreciate the continued focus and work on forage insurance,” Saskatchewan Cattle Association (SCA) Chair Chad Ross said. “We are directly involved with the National Forage Working Group. Throughout the 2025 season, we will continue to consult on these projects, as producer feedback and understanding is critical in program design and acceptance.”

“This continued work on forage insurance has potential to improve the program for livestock producers,” Saskatchewan Stock Grower’s Association (SSGA) President Jeff Yorga said. “We look forward to our ongoing involvement at the national level, to ensure Saskatchewan producers have access to a variety of insurance options. We are hopeful, continued work throughout 2025, will bring it all together as another viable positive outcome for risk management programming.”

March 31, 2025, is the deadline for Saskatchewan producers to apply, reinstate or cancel their Crop Insurance contract. Producers must select their insured crops and coverage levels or make additional changes by this date. Producers can speak with their local SCIC office to make changes or options will remain the same as the previous year.

Every growing season is unpredictable. Producers are encouraged to plan and update their coverage yearly, based on the needs of their operation. A suite of Business Risk Management Programs offers options to help producers navigate uncertainties, mitigate risk and secure the future of their operation. In addition to Crop Insurance, producers can consider AgriStability, Livestock Price Insurance and the Wildlife Damage Compensation and Prevention programs. For more information, contact a local SCIC office, call 1-888-935-0000 or visit: scic.ca.

Crop Insurance is a federal-provincial-producer cost-shared program that helps producers manage production and quality losses. Support for the program is provided by the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).

-30-

For more information, contact:

MIL OSI Canada News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: UTM Offshore Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to Join Industry Leaders at Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025

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

PARIS, France, February 19, 2025/APO Group/ —

As a leader in offshore energy, Julius Rone, CEO of UTM Offshore, is confirmed to speak at the upcoming Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 Forum in Paris. UTM Offshore is currently playing a pivotal role in Nigeria’s energy sector, including the development of the country’s first floating LNG (FLNG) facility, along with broader investments in Africa’s energy future.

The company’s $5 billion UTM FLNG project continues to progress, with significant milestones achieved in design, construction and timeline for production. The 2.8 MTPA facility is poised to make a substantial contribution to Nigeria’s LNG capacity, strengthening the country’s position in the global energy market. In September 2024, UTM Offshore received the license from the Nigerian Federal Government to construct the project, bringing it one step closer to making a final investment decision, which is expected in 2025.

IAE 2025 (apo-opa.co/3Qlfj69) is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 13-14, 2025 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

The UTM FLNG facility serves as a prime example of the steps required to secure significant funding for large-scale gas projects, including diversifying funding sources, securing off-take agreements and gaining government support. According to Rone, UTM Offshore signed an MOU with the African Export-Import Bank in 2021 to raise up to $2 billion for the project. The bank has since received preliminary approval to invest $350 million, while UTM has secured contracts with JGC Corp and KBR Inc. for the facility’s design. Additionally, Vitol Group has entered into an LNG off-take agreement, and last year, UTM signed a deal with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company for it to acquire a 20% stake in the project.

UTM Offshore’s participation at IAE 2025 underscores the company’s commitment to maximizing returns on investment in Africa’s energy sector, particularly through projects like UTM FLNG that connect the global investment community to Africa’s emerging energy opportunities. As Africa becomes an increasingly important player in the global energy landscape, UTM Offshore’s initiatives represent the continent’s growing capacity to provide sustainable energy solutions while fostering collaboration with international investors and stakeholders.

MIL OSI Africa –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: 6 tips on how to run a company in turbulent times – lessons from emerging markets
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Felipe Monteiro, Senior Affiliate Professor of Strategy, INSEAD

Global risks are rising, and many companies are struggling with how to adapt. The World Economic Forum’s 2025 Global Risks Report makes it clear that challenges like escalating global tensions and conflicts, climate change, economic instability and supply chain disruptions are interconnected and build on one another. And they’re here to stay.

Meanwhile, US president Donald Trump’s tariff threats are creating more unpredictability in global trade.

Companies – mostly medium sized and large companies – have no choice but to constantly adjust their strategies. For several companies in emerging markets, this way of thinking is second nature. Firms often operate in environments with fragile institutions, volatile currencies, unreliable infrastructure and political instability. They have become used to designing strategies with turbulence in mind.

Instead of assuming every piece of global supply chains will fall into place as planned, and just-in-time strategies will always deliver, these companies have diversified and distributed their operations across multiple regions. They have been quick to build flexible, global supply chains, ensuring that if one part of the supply chain is disrupted, other regions can pick up the slack.

While this may seem like common sense, many companies are still finding it difficult to reorganise and adapt to a less predictable and reliable world.

So, how can companies look to build resilience and operate in uncertainty? By taking inspiration from those that have long navigated instability.

Over the past 17 years of teaching global strategic management, I’ve developed and taught case studies on numerous companies in developing countries that have successfully adapted and reworked their strategies in times of uncertainty. Many of these examples – from Embraer in Brazil, to Haier in China – are featured in my book, Global Strategic Management (Fifth Edition), with more to come in the upcoming sixth edition.

Based on these insights, I explore six key lessons companies can learn from firms in emerging markets.

Six ways resilient firms adapt to disruption

1. Learn, humbly, and adapt at lightning speed.

Companies in emerging markets have always had to be more adaptable. They are fast learners and quick to pivot, starting from the understanding that things may not always go as planned. As a result, they design their operations to be resilient from the start. They anticipate disruptions rather than wait for them to happen.

A classic example of this is M-Pesa. The mobile payments platform was first launched in Kenya in 2007. Initially it aimed to provide microloans to people without bank accounts. However, when users began using it for money transfers and bill payments, the company quickly adapted to meet this new demand. This ability to learn fast and change direction helped M-Pesa become a leader in mobile payments. It now serves as a global benchmark for success in the industry.

Humility is essential for this kind of swift and effective adaptation. Companies that often face tough, unpredictable conditions tend to approach challenges with a humble mindset. Instead of assuming they have all the answers, they remain open to learning and adjusting.

2. Lean on local partnerships.

When entering unfamiliar or unpredictable markets, firms often approach operations with a transactional mindset – focusing on short-term, one-off exchanges – rather than forming deep partnerships with local stakeholders. This limits their ability to understand and deal with political or social disruptions.

Natura & Co, the Brazilian cosmetics giant, offers helpful lessons. It has long focused on localising production and sourcing materials from nearby suppliers. Its focus is in the Amazon region, where it works with local communities to sustainably harvest raw materials like açaí (purple berries from South American palm trees) and Brazil nut oil. This approach:
- reduces reliance on distant sources
- increases flexibility, allowing the company to quickly adapt to regional challenges
- builds trust which in turn stabilises supply chains and helps firms gain on-the-ground intelligence.
3. Make room for redundant infrastructure.

Firms often delay investments in redundant infrastructure until after a crisis exposes vulnerabilities. For instance, firms may rely on a single data centre or power grid, assuming infrastructure reliability.

For companies like MTN Group, a telecommunications giant based in South Africa, redundancy is a necessity, not a luxury. Investing in backup power solutions and alternative communication links is essential to ensure MTN can maintain services during frequent power outages.

In critical sectors like telecommunications and technology, parallel networks, alternative energy sources and backup systems ensure uninterrupted operations in the face of infrastructure failures, climate risks or other unforeseen disturbances.

4. In unstable environments, build your own stability.

In unpredictable markets, companies have to take matters into their own hands to ensure their operations run smoothly. They fill “institutional voids” common in such markets by forming diversified business groups. These provide critical support, such as internal financing, talent development and logistical infrastructure, to work around the challenges of their operating environments.

The Tata Group, which operates across multiple industries from steel to software, is perhaps the most prominent example of this.

Another great example is MercadoLibre, Latin America’s leading e-commerce platform, which faced the challenge of fragmented transport networks that made 24- or 48-hour deliveries near impossible. The only way to improve delivery speed was for the company to build its own logistics network. By doing so, it gained greater control over its supply chain, improved its ability to scale and greatly improved delivery reliability.

5. Localise production, sustainably.

Localised production reduces reliance on complex, long-distance global supply chains and helps minimise the environmental impact of transportation. When production and sourcing are local, companies are able to cut emissions and are less vulnerable to external shocks, as they are not reliant on the smooth functioning of distant suppliers or transport routes.

Dilmah Tea took this hands-on approach by owning tea gardens, factories and packaging facilities in Sri Lanka. The company controls every step of the process, ensuring high-quality, single-origin Ceylon tea while cutting costs and emissions.

This localised approach minimises dependence on external suppliers, protecting them from problems that can arise in global supply chains, like delays or shortages.

6. Empower employees to be agile and responsive to change.

Giving employees greater responsibility can make a big difference in how well a company handles unexpected changes. Chinese home appliances and electronics company Haier took this to the next level by famously transforming into an organisation of thousands of micro-enterprises, each responsible for decision-making, resource management and profit generation.

This decentralised approach allows teams to swiftly adapt their strategies when disruptions arise. For instance, during the COVID pandemic, Haier maintained operational efficiency by enabling employees at local and product levels to make rapid, informed decisions.

By staying close to users and gathering constant feedback, Haier’s micro-enterprises are able to anticipate potential disruptions before they become major threats and develop products and services that satisfy evolving needs.

While it might not always be possible to completely shift power to individual teams, when people have the freedom to make decisions and take ownership of their work, they can respond quickly to new challenges and come up with creative solutions.

Anticipation and adaptation

The challenges that seem new and overwhelming are simply part of the daily reality for those in emerging economies. For decades, companies in these regions have been anticipating and adapting. As risks grow and intertwine, companies can learn from the resilience built by businesses in emerging markets.

It all begins with a shift in mindset – recognising these challenges as the new reality and accelerating our own pace of learning and adaptation accordingly.

– 6 tips on how to run a company in turbulent times – lessons from emerging markets
– https://theconversation.com/6-tips-on-how-to-run-a-company-in-turbulent-times-lessons-from-emerging-markets-248914

MIL OSI Africa –
February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: 6 in 10 young South Africans have no jobs. Why some still reject offers of work

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Hannah J. Dawson, Senior Lecturer, Anthropology and Development Studies, University of Johannesburg

South Africa has one of the highest unemployment rates in the world. The official rate is 32%, rising to 42% when discouraged job seekers are included. Among young people aged 15 to 24, unemployment reaches a staggering 60%. While much attention has focused on youth exclusion from the labour market and their survival strategies, far less is said about their experiences in precarious jobs, or why some choose to leave low-wage employment.

Across South Africa, young people are encouraged by the government, NGOs and society to accept unpaid internships, precarious apprenticeships and low-wage jobs on the assumption that these opportunities will lead to better employment. Those who quit or refuse low wage jobs are sometimes derided by employers as “lazy” or “choosy”.

In 2015 and 2016 I conducted in-depth interviews and a survey with 100 young people (aged 18-35) in the settlement of Zandspruit, near Johannesburg, for my PhD (unpublished). What they told me was that the wage work available to them did not offer a pathway to a dignified life.

Read more: South Africa’s youth are a generation lost under democracy – study

Their stories challenge society to rethink the relationship between work, dignity and citizenship. Addressing youth unemployment requires more than increasing job numbers. It demands improving job quality and recognising the aspirations of those without work.

My journal article, based on the PhD research, challenges the assumption that wage employment automatically leads to economic and social inclusion.

Work around Zandspruit

Established in the early 1990s as a small informal settlement, Zandspruit now houses over 50,000 residents within a two kilometre radius. Its unplanned expansion reflects its strategic location near new economic hubs, shaped by the shift from an industrial to a service-based economy.

Most low-end service jobs in surrounding suburbs, malls and industrial hubs offer neither financial security nor routes to what the men in my study saw as respectable adulthood.

I asked the men about their movement in and out of wage work, job experiences and work trajectories. Most had only held low-wage service jobs, which they ranked hierarchically: manual labour at the bottom, followed by hospitality and cleaning, with security and retail slightly better. Over half (57%) had never stayed in a job for more than a year. Many lasted only weeks or months.

Short-term contracts were the leading cause of job loss (35%), followed by voluntary quitting (18%) — often due to low wages — and retrenchment (15%). While temporary contracts and retrenchments explain half of all job losses, voluntary quitting is a striking trend in a country with such high unemployment.

To understand these departures, I interviewed 37 young people, mainly young men, who had left wage work in 2015-2016. They cited exploitative conditions, workplace racism, and financial and social pressures as key reasons. Their decisions reflect not just dissatisfaction with low wages but a deeper aspiration for dignity, social recognition and economic progress. Work, they insisted, should offer more than basic survival.

Why young men refuse low-wage work

All the young men I interviewed had cycled through low-paying jobs as security guards, cashiers, golf caddies, petrol attendants and call centre agents. Over half had quit because of dissatisfaction or exploitation.

Unemployed builders, tilers, and plumbers seeking jobs on the side of the road in Johannesburg, South Africa. Guillem Sartorio / AFP via Getty Images.

The most common reason for quitting was exploitative labour conditions. They spoke of employers bypassing minimum benefits, withholding pay and making unfair deductions. Contracts were rarely made permanent. More than just poor wages or bad working conditions, these jobs offered little prospect of social mobility. Some felt that no matter how hard they worked, they would never earn enough to improve their lives or achieve what they saw as key markers of respected manhood, like marriage, establishing a home and supporting a family.

Eric, who had moved on from low-end jobs to run a small IT business from home, put it simply:

When you look for a job, you don’t look for one that will drain you. You need a job that will build you so you have a future tomorrow.

His words reflect a common view: young men do not judge jobs solely by their ability to provide a means of survival, but by whether they offer a path to stability, dignity and a better future.

Workplace racism and mistreatment were also factors. Many young men recounted being undermined, insulted or unfairly treated by their superiors. The workplace became a direct encounter with South Africa’s racialised inequalities, where almost all low-wage workers are black and most employers and business owners are white.

Thatho, who quit a retail job after six months, described his frustration:

That guy [boss] is yelling at me for five days. On the sixth day I realised it’s too much. I can’t do this. I’m trying my best … It’s better if I left the company cause it’s painful when you work hard and someone says you’re not doing anything.

Being disrespected in the workplace takes a psychological and emotional toll. For some, quitting was a way to reclaim respect and a degree of autonomy.

Young men faced financial and social pressures, shaped by the male breadwinner ideal, to improve their own lives and support their families. This responsibility often motivated young men to take up or keep jobs, but it also led some to leave. Some quit in search of better-paying jobs. Others quit to escape the social demands tied to earning a wage.

One young man, who struggled to send his son to a good crèche, keep his girlfriend happy and support his unemployed siblings, explained:

Even though I’m working, I’m always left with nothing […] sometimes I feel like I’m drowning.

The inability of low-wage jobs to meet both personal and social expectations drove some to make a living in the informal economy.

Rethinking work and citizenship

Wage labour, often idealised as a path to inclusion and citizenship, falls short for many South Africans. By rejecting such jobs, these young men challenge the notion that “any job is better than no job” and assert their right to economic participation on fair and dignified terms.

– 6 in 10 young South Africans have no jobs. Why some still reject offers of work
– https://theconversation.com/6-in-10-young-south-africans-have-no-jobs-why-some-still-reject-offers-of-work-249052

MIL OSI Africa –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Is Nigeria in danger of a coup? What the country should do to avoid one – political analyst

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Abdul-Wasi Babatunde Moshood, Senior Lecturer Department of Political Science, Lagos State University

African countries have had nine successful military coups since 2020. In west and central Africa, there have been at least 10 coup attempts in the same period. Those of Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Gabon and Guinea were successful. A number of social, economic and political factors have been identified as responsible for the truncation of democracy in those countries.

In this interview, The Conversation Africa asks political scientist Abdul-Wasi Babatunde Moshood, who has recently published research on preventing military coups in Nigeria, about what drives coups, whether those factors are present in Nigeria and what steps Nigeria could take to protect its democracy.

What are the drivers of recent coups in Africa?

One major reason is leaders who have used the idea of democracy to advance their own economic gains. The result is corruption, which has deepened the gap between the rich and the poor.

While liberal democracy widens opportunity in developed countries, the reverse is the case in Nigeria, due largely to corruption and lack of effective leadership.

Also, democracy in parts of Africa, including Nigeria, has not been able to advance development and make a positive impact on the people. To ringfence democracy from military intervention, it must advance development for the people.

Another factor is the strategic importance of Africa, which has historically attracted foreign powers. With the partitioning of Africa in Berlin in 1884, European powers created spheres of influence which have continued to haunt many African countries.

These strategic interests have continued to infiltrate politics and cause instability on the continent.

In my recent work, I argued that foreign influence and strategic importance make coups more likely to occur in African countries including Nigeria.

Just like coups in the post-independence era, some recent coups in west Africa have the fingerprints of foreign powers. For instance, Russia is implicated in the 2020 and 2021 coups in Mali and the Burkina Faso coup.

The UK, the US, China and France are all interested in Africa. Since the expulsion of France from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, the former colonial power has been seeking another regional haven in Nigeria. This has raised suspicion in some quarters.

Also, colonialism left a legacy of division between a country’s people and their army. Recruitment dislocated the previous warriors and empowered new ones. The military under colonialism was perceived by civilians as protecting the interests of the colonial ruling elite.

In the post-colonial period, the military is perceived as protecting the interests of the African ruling elite. This arrangement goes on until the military, having been exposed to politics, decides to seize power for itself. Oftentimes, citizens give legitimacy to this kind of coup because they have always seen the political elite as self serving. Military coups in Sudan and Mali are examples of this.

Are these factors present in Nigeria today?

The sociopolitical and economic conditions that led to coups in other countries in west Africa are present in Nigeria.

Nigeria is still largely divided along lines of clans and religion. Insecurity is at high levels across the country. The removal of the petrol subsidy has caused economic problems.

Commodity prices have skyrocketed. Food inflation reached 40.75% in 2024 – its highest level in 25 years.

The colonial legacy in Nigeria is still evident in the north versus south divide that plagues the country’s politics. Bad leaders exploit the division for their own selfish gain by using marginalisation rhetoric.

Nigeria is still strongly tied to the apron strings of the western powers. This explains why Nigeria’s presidential aspirants prefer to go to Chatham House, London to speak rather than talk to the people they intend to lead.

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu’s relationship with France is raising eyebrows in the country. The president recently signed new deals with France in the areas of renewable energy, transportation, agriculture and critical infrastructure. There are concerns because this is coming soon after nearly all former French allies in west Africa have broken ties with the European country.

These factors often lead to increasing disaffection, which in turn can ignite a military takeover, as happened in Niger, Guinea and Gabon.

How can a military comeback be prevented in Nigeria?

Effective leadership would help reduce colonial legacies, improve democracy and mitigate foreign influence. This would foster confidence among dissimilar ethnic communities as policies towards inclusiveness and development of the country were implemented.

Military professionalism would further specialise the military and give them focus. There should be less involvement of the military in politics.

In peace time, the military can also be kept engaged as a service provider in agriculture, health and social work as done, for instance, in the US.

Regional organisations like the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union should be proactive in condemning any derailment in democratic practices and values by political actors. They should not only react by imposing sanctions after a military takeover.

Nigeria needs to think about developing a homegrown democracy as advocated by the late Claude Ake, the Nigerian political scientist.

The process and method of democratisation should be affordable to all to participate. Democratic leaders must be scrutinised and their level of wealth ascertained before and after leaving office.

Democratic institutions must be strengthened to prevent corrupt people from taking over offices. Democratic leaders in Nigeria and other African countries must seek indigenous solutions to their challenges.

– Is Nigeria in danger of a coup? What the country should do to avoid one – political analyst
– https://theconversation.com/is-nigeria-in-danger-of-a-coup-what-the-country-should-do-to-avoid-one-political-analyst-248281

MIL OSI Africa –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The UK supports UNSMIL’s call for a full investigation into mass graves of migrants: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Libya.

I thank USG DiCarlo for her briefing this morning.

I also welcome the recent appointment of Hanna Tetteh as the Secretary-General’s Special Representative in Libya.

We look forward to working with her to harness the momentum of UNSMIL’s new political initiative.

I echo the USG’s thanks to DSRSG Koury for her leadership over the past nine months.

I would like to make three points.

First, we welcome the establishment of the Advisory Committee as an important first step in UNSMIL’s political track.

With the Committee’s expertise, and under SRSG Tetteh’s leadership, this initiative has the potential to chart a positive path towards a more stable and representative Libya.

Second, the status quo in Libya remains fragile.

Increasing competition between Libyan actors over state resources has led to unprecedented levels of pressure being exerted on Libya’s economic institutions, threatening Libya’s peace, stability and security.

To that end, we welcome the adoption last month of a new designation criteria for the UN sanctions regime on Libya to hold those who exploit Libyan crude oil and petroleum accountable and help to safeguard Libyan resources.

Third, we are appalled by the recent discovery of multiple mass graves of migrants.

The Panel of Experts’ final report showed that trafficking networks in Libya are expanding.

The UK supports UNSMIL’s call for a full investigation into these discoveries.

We encourage Libyan leaders to engage with the UN and the humanitarian community to end impunity for those who trade in human suffering, and ensure all migrants and refugees are treated in accordance with international human rights law.

The UK has recently provided $5.6 million to the refugee response in Libya.

President, until a unifying political agreement is achieved in Libya, it will be impossible to unlock its great potential.

The UK urges Libya’s leaders to engage seriously with SRSG Tetteh and UNSMIL’s political process, in the interests of all Libyans.

Updates to this page

Published 19 February 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Is Nigeria in danger of a coup? What the country should do to avoid one – political analyst

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Abdul-Wasi Babatunde Moshood, Senior Lecturer Department of Political Science, Lagos State University

African countries have had nine successful military coups since 2020. In west and central Africa, there have been at least 10 coup attempts in the same period. Those of Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Gabon and Guinea were successful. A number of social, economic and political factors have been identified as responsible for the truncation of democracy in those countries.

In this interview, The Conversation Africa asks political scientist Abdul-Wasi Babatunde Moshood, who has recently published research on preventing military coups in Nigeria, about what drives coups, whether those factors are present in Nigeria and what steps Nigeria could take to protect its democracy.

What are the drivers of recent coups in Africa?

One major reason is leaders who have used the idea of democracy to advance their own economic gains. The result is corruption, which has deepened the gap between the rich and the poor.

While liberal democracy widens opportunity in developed countries, the reverse is the case in Nigeria, due largely to corruption and lack of effective leadership.

Also, democracy in parts of Africa, including Nigeria, has not been able to advance development and make a positive impact on the people. To ringfence democracy from military intervention, it must advance development for the people.

Another factor is the strategic importance of Africa, which has historically attracted foreign powers. With the partitioning of Africa in Berlin in 1884, European powers created spheres of influence which have continued to haunt many African countries.

These strategic interests have continued to infiltrate politics and cause instability on the continent.

In my recent work, I argued that foreign influence and strategic importance make coups more likely to occur in African countries including Nigeria.

Just like coups in the post-independence era, some recent coups in west Africa have the fingerprints of foreign powers. For instance, Russia is implicated in the 2020 and 2021 coups in Mali and the Burkina Faso coup.

The UK, the US, China and France are all interested in Africa. Since the expulsion of France from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, the former colonial power has been seeking another regional haven in Nigeria. This has raised suspicion in some quarters.

Also, colonialism left a legacy of division between a country’s people and their army. Recruitment dislocated the previous warriors and empowered new ones. The military under colonialism was perceived by civilians as protecting the interests of the colonial ruling elite.

In the post-colonial period, the military is perceived as protecting the interests of the African ruling elite. This arrangement goes on until the military, having been exposed to politics, decides to seize power for itself. Oftentimes, citizens give legitimacy to this kind of coup because they have always seen the political elite as self serving. Military coups in Sudan and Mali are examples of this.

Are these factors present in Nigeria today?

The sociopolitical and economic conditions that led to coups in other countries in west Africa are present in Nigeria.

Nigeria is still largely divided along lines of clans and religion. Insecurity is at high levels across the country. The removal of the petrol subsidy has caused economic problems.

Commodity prices have skyrocketed. Food inflation reached 40.75% in 2024 – its highest level in 25 years.

The colonial legacy in Nigeria is still evident in the north versus south divide that plagues the country’s politics. Bad leaders exploit the division for their own selfish gain by using marginalisation rhetoric.

Nigeria is still strongly tied to the apron strings of the western powers. This explains why Nigeria’s presidential aspirants prefer to go to Chatham House, London to speak rather than talk to the people they intend to lead.

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu’s relationship with France is raising eyebrows in the country. The president recently signed new deals with France in the areas of renewable energy, transportation, agriculture and critical infrastructure. There are concerns because this is coming soon after nearly all former French allies in west Africa have broken ties with the European country.

These factors often lead to increasing disaffection, which in turn can ignite a military takeover, as happened in Niger, Guinea and Gabon.

How can a military comeback be prevented in Nigeria?

Effective leadership would help reduce colonial legacies, improve democracy and mitigate foreign influence. This would foster confidence among dissimilar ethnic communities as policies towards inclusiveness and development of the country were implemented.

Military professionalism would further specialise the military and give them focus. There should be less involvement of the military in politics.

In peace time, the military can also be kept engaged as a service provider in agriculture, health and social work as done, for instance, in the US.

Regional organisations like the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union should be proactive in condemning any derailment in democratic practices and values by political actors. They should not only react by imposing sanctions after a military takeover.

Nigeria needs to think about developing a homegrown democracy as advocated by the late Claude Ake, the Nigerian political scientist.

The process and method of democratisation should be affordable to all to participate. Democratic leaders must be scrutinised and their level of wealth ascertained before and after leaving office.

Democratic institutions must be strengthened to prevent corrupt people from taking over offices. Democratic leaders in Nigeria and other African countries must seek indigenous solutions to their challenges.

Abdul-Wasi Babatunde Moshood receives funding from TETFUND Institution Based Research IBR, He is a Member of Academic Staff Union of University, Network for Democracy and Development NDD, among others. He is currently the Acting Head of Department of Political Science, Lagos State University.

– ref. Is Nigeria in danger of a coup? What the country should do to avoid one – political analyst – https://theconversation.com/is-nigeria-in-danger-of-a-coup-what-the-country-should-do-to-avoid-one-political-analyst-248281

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: 6 tips on how to run a company in turbulent times – lessons from emerging markets
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Felipe Monteiro, Senior Affiliate Professor of Strategy, INSEAD

Global risks are rising, and many companies are struggling with how to adapt. The World Economic Forum’s 2025 Global Risks Report makes it clear that challenges like escalating global tensions and conflicts, climate change, economic instability and supply chain disruptions are interconnected and build on one another. And they’re here to stay.

Meanwhile, US president Donald Trump’s tariff threats are creating more unpredictability in global trade.

Companies – mostly medium sized and large companies – have no choice but to constantly adjust their strategies. For several companies in emerging markets, this way of thinking is second nature. Firms often operate in environments with fragile institutions, volatile currencies, unreliable infrastructure and political instability. They have become used to designing strategies with turbulence in mind.

Instead of assuming every piece of global supply chains will fall into place as planned, and just-in-time strategies will always deliver, these companies have diversified and distributed their operations across multiple regions. They have been quick to build flexible, global supply chains, ensuring that if one part of the supply chain is disrupted, other regions can pick up the slack.

While this may seem like common sense, many companies are still finding it difficult to reorganise and adapt to a less predictable and reliable world.

So, how can companies look to build resilience and operate in uncertainty? By taking inspiration from those that have long navigated instability.

Over the past 17 years of teaching global strategic management, I’ve developed and taught case studies on numerous companies in developing countries that have successfully adapted and reworked their strategies in times of uncertainty. Many of these examples – from Embraer in Brazil, to Haier in China – are featured in my book, Global Strategic Management (Fifth Edition), with more to come in the upcoming sixth edition.

Based on these insights, I explore six key lessons companies can learn from firms in emerging markets.

Six ways resilient firms adapt to disruption

1. Learn, humbly, and adapt at lightning speed.

Companies in emerging markets have always had to be more adaptable. They are fast learners and quick to pivot, starting from the understanding that things may not always go as planned. As a result, they design their operations to be resilient from the start. They anticipate disruptions rather than wait for them to happen.

A classic example of this is M-Pesa. The mobile payments platform was first launched in Kenya in 2007. Initially it aimed to provide microloans to people without bank accounts. However, when users began using it for money transfers and bill payments, the company quickly adapted to meet this new demand. This ability to learn fast and change direction helped M-Pesa become a leader in mobile payments. It now serves as a global benchmark for success in the industry.

Humility is essential for this kind of swift and effective adaptation. Companies that often face tough, unpredictable conditions tend to approach challenges with a humble mindset. Instead of assuming they have all the answers, they remain open to learning and adjusting.

2. Lean on local partnerships.

When entering unfamiliar or unpredictable markets, firms often approach operations with a transactional mindset – focusing on short-term, one-off exchanges – rather than forming deep partnerships with local stakeholders. This limits their ability to understand and deal with political or social disruptions.

Natura & Co, the Brazilian cosmetics giant, offers helpful lessons. It has long focused on localising production and sourcing materials from nearby suppliers. Its focus is in the Amazon region, where it works with local communities to sustainably harvest raw materials like açaí (purple berries from South American palm trees) and Brazil nut oil. This approach:
- reduces reliance on distant sources
- increases flexibility, allowing the company to quickly adapt to regional challenges
- builds trust which in turn stabilises supply chains and helps firms gain on-the-ground intelligence.
3. Make room for redundant infrastructure.

Firms often delay investments in redundant infrastructure until after a crisis exposes vulnerabilities. For instance, firms may rely on a single data centre or power grid, assuming infrastructure reliability.

For companies like MTN Group, a telecommunications giant based in South Africa, redundancy is a necessity, not a luxury. Investing in backup power solutions and alternative communication links is essential to ensure MTN can maintain services during frequent power outages.

In critical sectors like telecommunications and technology, parallel networks, alternative energy sources and backup systems ensure uninterrupted operations in the face of infrastructure failures, climate risks or other unforeseen disturbances.

4. In unstable environments, build your own stability.

In unpredictable markets, companies have to take matters into their own hands to ensure their operations run smoothly. They fill “institutional voids” common in such markets by forming diversified business groups. These provide critical support, such as internal financing, talent development and logistical infrastructure, to work around the challenges of their operating environments.

The Tata Group, which operates across multiple industries from steel to software, is perhaps the most prominent example of this.

Another great example is MercadoLibre, Latin America’s leading e-commerce platform, which faced the challenge of fragmented transport networks that made 24- or 48-hour deliveries near impossible. The only way to improve delivery speed was for the company to build its own logistics network. By doing so, it gained greater control over its supply chain, improved its ability to scale and greatly improved delivery reliability.

5. Localise production, sustainably.

Localised production reduces reliance on complex, long-distance global supply chains and helps minimise the environmental impact of transportation. When production and sourcing are local, companies are able to cut emissions and are less vulnerable to external shocks, as they are not reliant on the smooth functioning of distant suppliers or transport routes.

Dilmah Tea took this hands-on approach by owning tea gardens, factories and packaging facilities in Sri Lanka. The company controls every step of the process, ensuring high-quality, single-origin Ceylon tea while cutting costs and emissions.

This localised approach minimises dependence on external suppliers, protecting them from problems that can arise in global supply chains, like delays or shortages.

6. Empower employees to be agile and responsive to change.

Giving employees greater responsibility can make a big difference in how well a company handles unexpected changes. Chinese home appliances and electronics company Haier took this to the next level by famously transforming into an organisation of thousands of micro-enterprises, each responsible for decision-making, resource management and profit generation.

This decentralised approach allows teams to swiftly adapt their strategies when disruptions arise. For instance, during the COVID pandemic, Haier maintained operational efficiency by enabling employees at local and product levels to make rapid, informed decisions.

By staying close to users and gathering constant feedback, Haier’s micro-enterprises are able to anticipate potential disruptions before they become major threats and develop products and services that satisfy evolving needs.

While it might not always be possible to completely shift power to individual teams, when people have the freedom to make decisions and take ownership of their work, they can respond quickly to new challenges and come up with creative solutions.

Anticipation and adaptation

The challenges that seem new and overwhelming are simply part of the daily reality for those in emerging economies. For decades, companies in these regions have been anticipating and adapting. As risks grow and intertwine, companies can learn from the resilience built by businesses in emerging markets.

It all begins with a shift in mindset – recognising these challenges as the new reality and accelerating our own pace of learning and adaptation accordingly.

Felipe Monteiro 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. 6 tips on how to run a company in turbulent times – lessons from emerging markets – https://theconversation.com/6-tips-on-how-to-run-a-company-in-turbulent-times-lessons-from-emerging-markets-248914
MIL OSI – Global Reports –
February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: 6 in 10 young South Africans have no jobs. Why some still reject offers of work

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Hannah J. Dawson, Senior Lecturer, Anthropology and Development Studies, University of Johannesburg

South Africa has one of the highest unemployment rates in the world. The official rate is 32%, rising to 42% when discouraged job seekers are included. Among young people aged 15 to 24, unemployment reaches a staggering 60%. While much attention has focused on youth exclusion from the labour market and their survival strategies, far less is said about their experiences in precarious jobs, or why some choose to leave low-wage employment.

Across South Africa, young people are encouraged by the government, NGOs and society to accept unpaid internships, precarious apprenticeships and low-wage jobs on the assumption that these opportunities will lead to better employment. Those who quit or refuse low wage jobs are sometimes derided by employers as “lazy” or “choosy”.

In 2015 and 2016 I conducted in-depth interviews and a survey with 100 young people (aged 18-35) in the settlement of Zandspruit, near Johannesburg, for my PhD (unpublished). What they told me was that the wage work available to them did not offer a pathway to a dignified life.

Read more:
South Africa’s youth are a generation lost under democracy – study

Their stories challenge society to rethink the relationship between work, dignity and citizenship. Addressing youth unemployment requires more than increasing job numbers. It demands improving job quality and recognising the aspirations of those without work.

My journal article, based on the PhD research, challenges the assumption that wage employment automatically leads to economic and social inclusion.

Work around Zandspruit

Established in the early 1990s as a small informal settlement, Zandspruit now houses over 50,000 residents within a two kilometre radius. Its unplanned expansion reflects its strategic location near new economic hubs, shaped by the shift from an industrial to a service-based economy.

Most low-end service jobs in surrounding suburbs, malls and industrial hubs offer neither financial security nor routes to what the men in my study saw as respectable adulthood.

I asked the men about their movement in and out of wage work, job experiences and work trajectories. Most had only held low-wage service jobs, which they ranked hierarchically: manual labour at the bottom, followed by hospitality and cleaning, with security and retail slightly better. Over half (57%) had never stayed in a job for more than a year. Many lasted only weeks or months.

Short-term contracts were the leading cause of job loss (35%), followed by voluntary quitting (18%) — often due to low wages — and retrenchment (15%). While temporary contracts and retrenchments explain half of all job losses, voluntary quitting is a striking trend in a country with such high unemployment.

To understand these departures, I interviewed 37 young people, mainly young men, who had left wage work in 2015-2016. They cited exploitative conditions, workplace racism, and financial and social pressures as key reasons. Their decisions reflect not just dissatisfaction with low wages but a deeper aspiration for dignity, social recognition and economic progress. Work, they insisted, should offer more than basic survival.

Why young men refuse low-wage work

All the young men I interviewed had cycled through low-paying jobs as security guards, cashiers, golf caddies, petrol attendants and call centre agents. Over half had quit because of dissatisfaction or exploitation.

The most common reason for quitting was exploitative labour conditions. They spoke of employers bypassing minimum benefits, withholding pay and making unfair deductions. Contracts were rarely made permanent. More than just poor wages or bad working conditions, these jobs offered little prospect of social mobility. Some felt that no matter how hard they worked, they would never earn enough to improve their lives or achieve what they saw as key markers of respected manhood, like marriage, establishing a home and supporting a family.

Eric, who had moved on from low-end jobs to run a small IT business from home, put it simply:

When you look for a job, you don’t look for one that will drain you. You need a job that will build you so you have a future tomorrow.

His words reflect a common view: young men do not judge jobs solely by their ability to provide a means of survival, but by whether they offer a path to stability, dignity and a better future.

Workplace racism and mistreatment were also factors. Many young men recounted being undermined, insulted or unfairly treated by their superiors. The workplace became a direct encounter with South Africa’s racialised inequalities, where almost all low-wage workers are black and most employers and business owners are white.

Thatho, who quit a retail job after six months, described his frustration:

That guy [boss] is yelling at me for five days. On the sixth day I realised it’s too much. I can’t do this. I’m trying my best … It’s better if I left the company cause it’s painful when you work hard and someone says you’re not doing anything.

Being disrespected in the workplace takes a psychological and emotional toll. For some, quitting was a way to reclaim respect and a degree of autonomy.

Young men faced financial and social pressures, shaped by the male breadwinner ideal, to improve their own lives and support their families. This responsibility often motivated young men to take up or keep jobs, but it also led some to leave. Some quit in search of better-paying jobs. Others quit to escape the social demands tied to earning a wage.

One young man, who struggled to send his son to a good crèche, keep his girlfriend happy and support his unemployed siblings, explained:

Even though I’m working, I’m always left with nothing […] sometimes I feel like I’m drowning.

The inability of low-wage jobs to meet both personal and social expectations drove some to make a living in the informal economy.

Rethinking work and citizenship

Wage labour, often idealised as a path to inclusion and citizenship, falls short for many South Africans. By rejecting such jobs, these young men challenge the notion that “any job is better than no job” and assert their right to economic participation on fair and dignified terms.

Hannah J. Dawson received funding from the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and the National Research Foundation.

– ref. 6 in 10 young South Africans have no jobs. Why some still reject offers of work – https://theconversation.com/6-in-10-young-south-africans-have-no-jobs-why-some-still-reject-offers-of-work-249052

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Civilians at breaking point in eastern DR Congo warns top aid official, in call to resume talks

Source: United Nations 2

19 February 2025 Peace and Security

As the Security Council prepared to gather on Wednesday to debate the international community’s response to the growing emergency in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the UN’s top aid official there urged all warring parties to allow lifesaving relief supplies to reach the most vulnerable.

“The rapid and uninterrupted expansion of the conflict, particularly in South Kivu province, continues to inflict a heavy toll on the civilian population,” said UN humanitarian coordinator for DRC, Bruno Lemarquis. “The population can no longer continue to pay such a heavy price for a conflict that continues to spread and now threatens the stability of the entire region.”

The veteran aid official’s appeal came as yet more vulnerable people reportedly fled combat zones amid advancing and heavily armed Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. On Sunday the opposition fighters took control of Bukavu – the second major eastern DRC city to fall, in a matter of weeks.

“It is imperative to put an end to the confrontations” and resume dialogue, Mr. Lemarquis insisted, as he echoed concerns stressed by the UN Secretary-General that the continuing M23 offensive threatens regional stability.

For aid teams who remain committed to helping vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities impacted by the fighting, Mr. Lemarquis signalled that the most urgent priorities include reopening airports for humanitarian flights in Goma – capital of North Kivu and Kavumu in South Kivu, both now controlled by M23.

‘Tense’ situation in Bukavu

The security situation in Bukavu remains tense, according to the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, which also reported that commercial boats have resumed services on Lake Kivu between Bukavu and Goma.

Humanitarian partners have also reported widespread looting in various part of Bukavu over the weekend, including a UN World Food Programme warehouse containing 7,000 tonnes of supplies.

“Several churches and collective centres in Bukavu are reportedly hosting displaced people,” OCHA noted in an update, adding that humanitarian assessment activities resumed on Tuesday “and will continue tomorrow as conditions permit”.

In addition to the urgent need for humanitarian supply flights, the UN aid coordinator urged respect for international law regarding the rights of internally displaced people (IDPs). Just last week, relief agencies expressed concern at a 72-hour ultimatum issued by M23 representatives to IDPs in Goma who were told to go back to their villages.

“Any return can only take place on a voluntary basis, under safe, dignified and sustainable conditions, in accordance with international principles,” Mr. Lemarquis explained.

Neutrality at core of mission

The UN aid coordinator also insisted that relief teams’ “sole mission” was to provide vital assistance and protection to the most vulnerable, “wherever they may be…This action is guided by the humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality, humanity, and independence, without taking sides or engaging in political considerations.”

The DRC emergency is one of the most complex humanitarian crises in the world; it follows decades of clashes between the Congolese armed forces and various non-State armed groups, widespread human rights violations and sexual violence.

Humanitarian needs are staggering and not just in eastern DRC, according to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, which noted that seven million people within the country are displaced and more than one million have sought asylum beyond the country’s borders.

Most of these refugees are hosted by Angola, Burundi, the Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia. At the same time, the DRC – a country seven times the size of Germany – also hosts more than half a million refugees and asylum-seekers.

This latest crisis in DRC’s east has already uprooted hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people in a matter of weeks. Between 10 and 15,000 people have now crossed into neighbouring Burundi in a matter of days.

“UNHCR urgently calls for increased support to assist refugees and prevent further suffering,” it said in an online appeal. “We also urge an immediate end to hostilities in eastern DRC to prevent more displacement and civilian harm.”

MIL OSI United Nations News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI: American Rebel Light Beer Continues Rapid Expansion of National Distribution Footprint adding Iowa’s Mahaska Bottling Company
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

American Rebel Light to be served at Knoxville Raceway the “Sprint Car Capital of the World” and the Dingus Lounge “Iowa’s Most Notorious Bar”

Nashville, TN, Feb. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) (“American Rebel” or the “Company”), creator of American Rebel Beer (americanrebelbeer.com) and a designer, manufacturer, and marketer of branded safes, personal security and self-defense products and apparel (americanrebel.com), proudly announces its strategic expansion into Iowa through a partnership with Mahaska Bottling Company (mahaska.com). This move is a significant milestone in the Company’s broader Midwest growth strategy, underscoring Iowa’s pivotal role as a key market in American Rebel’s regional expansion.

“I had a hunting show, Maximum Archery World Tour, on television for ten years. I bowhunted all over the world, but in Iowa I’ve met some of the most passionate hunters and outdoorsmen I’ve ever met. I’ve done several “meet and greets” at the Iowa Deer Classic in Des Moines over the years and it was always a lot of fun and great to meet everyone there. Getting American Rebel Light Beer distributed throughout the state of Iowa really means a lot to me,” said American Rebel CEO Andy Ross.

Powerful Iowa Distribution Partnership – Mahaska Bottling Company and Rebel Light

Founded in 1889, Mahaska Bottling Company boasts a rich history of providing high-quality beverage distribution services across Iowa. Their extensive network and dedication to customer satisfaction make them an ideal partner for American Rebel Beer.

The agreement with Mahaska Bottling Company will allow American Rebel Light Beer to captivate a broader audience in Iowa, introducing its Premium Light Lager to beer enthusiasts across the region. This partnership aims to provide a seamless distribution network, ensuring American Rebel Light Beer is available in local bars, restaurants, and retail outlets. “We are very excited to bring American Rebel Light to our valued customers in the State of Iowa,” said Chad Irving, Chief Marketing Officer of Mahaska Bottling Company.

“We are thrilled to partner with Mahaska Bottling Company to bring American Rebel Light Beer to Iowa,” said Todd Porter, President of American Rebel Beverages. “This collaboration allows us to serve the patriotic consumers in Iowa who are looking for a clean, natural, and great-tasting light beer that embodies the values of our great nation.”

Launch Events to bring American Rebel Light Beer to Iowa’s Best Venues

American Rebel Beer will host a series of exciting events, including beer tastings, live music performances, and promotional giveaways. The festivities will kick off this Spring and run through the Fall, offering a perfect opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy America’s Patriotic, God-Fearing, Constitution-Loving, National Anthem-Singing, STAND YOUR GROUND BEER!

American Rebel Light will be anchored by two legendary Iowa establishments:

“The Knoxville Raceway and the Dingus Lounge will put Rebel Light on the map in Iowa right out of the box,” said American Rebel CEO Andy Ross. “And Mahaska Bottling Company and our Rebel Light Street Team will carry our message throughout the rest of the state utilizing our Rebel Light nights in bars and restaurants across the state.

The Knoxville Raceway is known as the “Sprint Car Capital of the World” and the home of the Knoxville Nationals, a premier sprint car racing event that draws tens of thousands of fans each year that was first held in 1961.

“We have been looking forward to getting American Rebel Light in here for a while,” said Knoxville Raceway General Manager Jason Reed. “It’s a great fit for our audience. We love what American Rebel is doing in motor sports and we look forward to supporting them.”

The Knoxville Raceway seats around 21,000, which is thought to be the fourth largest outdoor facility in Iowa behind the football stadiums of Iowa and Iowa State University and the Iowa Speedway. To promote American Rebel Light at the Raceway, entertainment events headlined by American Rebel CEO Andy Ross are in the works. American Rebel and Tony Stewart Racing will collaborate on further promotional value through the American Rebel sponsorship of the Tony Stewart Racing NHRA Funny Car driven by Matt Hagan and Tony Stewart’s love of sprint car racing and Tony’s suite at the Knoxville Raceway.

“Iowa’s Most Notorious Bar”, the Dingus Lounge, is the ideal establishment to serve American Rebel Light. Owner AJ Mottet has expanded Dingus again and again. He now owns the entire block and during the Knoxville Nationals he’ll pack every square foot with patriotic race fans who love beer

“Dingus Lounge is excited and proud to be a part of American Rebel Beer,” said AJ Mottet. “The World’s Best Racing Bar and our patrons stand for the same core values that American Rebel represents. Freedom has a price, that price is the sacrifice many men and women who gave everything for us to be the land of the free. Dingus and American Rebel Beer honor those who sacrificed. We honor them every day. It’s who we are.”

“I LOVE THAT BAR,” said Andy Ross. “I would love to play at the Dingus Lounge during the Knoxville Nationals. That would be a great date to add to our tour this summer. It’s definitely our crowd and I think it would be a blast.”

During the Thursday of a previous Knoxville Nationals Dingus claims it sold 10,700 cans of Busch Light alone. “We had a chain of employees handing cases right from the truck through the crowd, right into the bar tubs,” Mottet says. “If they can love the dirt in their track, then they can love the dive in their bar.”

For more information about the launch events and American Rebel Beer, please visit (americanrebelbeer.com) or follow us on our social media platforms.

About Mahaska Bottling Company

Mahaska Bottling Company is a 7th generation family-owned bottling and distribution company that has been around for more than 135 years. From its early years at the dawn of the soft-drink industry, Mahaska has expanded its portfolio and added a multitude of product and service lines across non-alcoholic beverages, coffee, food, snacks, and beer.

About American Rebel Light Beer

Produced in partnership with AlcSource, American Rebel Light Beer (americanrebelbeer.com) is a premium domestic light lager celebrated for its exceptional quality and patriotic values. It stands out as America’s Patriotic, God-Fearing, Constitution-Loving, National Anthem-Singing, Stand Your Ground Beer.

American Rebel Light is a Premium Domestic Light Lager Beer – All Natural, Crisp, Clean and Bold Taste with a Lighter Feel. With approximately 100 calories, 3.2 carbohydrates, and 4.3% alcoholic content per 12 oz serving, American Rebel Light Beer delivers a lighter option for those who love great beer but prefer a more balanced lifestyle. It’s all natural with no added supplements and importantly does not use corn, rice, or other sweeteners typically found in mass produced beers.

About American Rebel Holdings, Inc.

American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) has operated primarily as a designer, manufacturer and marketer of branded safes and personal security and self-defense products and has recently transitioned into the beverage industry through the introduction of American Rebel Light Beer. The Company also designs and produces branded apparel and accessories. To learn more, visit www.americanrebel.com and www.americanrebelbeer.com. For investor information, visit www.americanrebel.com/investor-relations.

Media Inquiries:
Matt Sheldon
Matt@Precisionpr.co
917-280-7329

American Rebel Holdings, Inc.
info@americanrebel.com

American Rebel Beverages, LLC
Todd Porter, President
tporter@americanrebelbeer.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. American Rebel Holdings, Inc., (NASDAQ: AREB; AREBW) (the “Company,” “American Rebel,” “we,” “our” or “us”) desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words “forecasts” “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include benefits of marketing outreach efforts, actual placement timing and availability of American Rebel Beer, success and availability of the promotional activities, our ability to effectively execute our business plan, and the Risk Factors contained within our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Company Contact:
tporter@americanrebelbeer.com
info@americanrebel.com

Attachment
- American Rebel Holdings Inc
The MIL Network –
February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Ecowas breakup could push up food prices and worsen hunger in west Africa

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Danielle Resnick, Senior Research Fellow, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)

The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) lost three of its founding members on 29 January 2025. Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger comprised 16% of the bloc’s population of 424 million and 7% of its economy.

Some commentators have labelled their departure – first announced a year ago – as “Sahelexit”. The decision to leave Ecowas was made by the three countries’ military leaders and is now poised to take effect legally. The three countries have created the Alliance of Sahel States (Alliance des États du Sahel, AES), a mutual defence and security pact formalised through the Liptako Gourma Charter in 2023.

The decision to leave Ecowas was prompted after the military leaders launched coups against democratically elected leaders in Mali in 2021, Burkina Faso in 2022 and Niger in 2023. The Ecowas Democracy and Governance Protocol prohibits unconstitutional changes of government. The regional body therefore imposed economic, financial and travel sanctions on each country after each coup.

Food was exempted from the sanctions. But the resulting increase in transport times and other logistical hurdles contributed to substantial levels of food price inflation in the region. In Niger, for instance, the average market price of rice rose by 38% between July 2023, when sanctions were first imposed, and February 2024, when they were lifted.

Remaining Ecowas countries were also badly affected. Benin’s revenues at the port of Cotonou, the main transit source for goods going into Niger, fell dramatically. The sanctions on Mali badly hurt revenue generation at the port of Dakar in neighbouring Senegal.

All sanctions were lifted in February 2024. But the damage was done, and the three states began preparing their departure from the regional body.

Ecowas has given these three states a transition period until July 2025 in case they backtrack and want to return. But the Alliance of Sahel States leaders have said their decision is irreversible.

The exit from Africa’s largest political and economic union threatens to disrupt flows of goods, services and people. As a political economist who focuses on agriculture and nutrition policy in much of Africa, I worry that these developments will have serious consequences for food security in a region where almost 17 million children under five are already acutely malnourished.

Already, the cost of a daily nutritious diet in the three Sahel alliance countries is 110% higher than the daily minimum wage in the west African region. The countries are also among the world’s hunger hotspots. In early 2025, 7.5 million of their population were classified as in crisis, emergency or famine conditions.

The exit will also imperil regional cooperation on conflict. Insurgent attacks are moving further south of the Sahel.

This will reduce access to safe, affordable food and deter investments in agro-processing.

A blow to trade

The implications of exit are most obvious for trade relations. Although the three countries will remain in the eight-member francophone West African Economic and Monetary Union, they are departing the Ecowas customs union, which includes the region’s anglophone countries. A customs union removes tariffs among its member states and establishes a common external tariff on non-member states. Members experience freer trade with each other while protecting their domestic industries from external competition. Since 2015, import tariffs for intra-Ecowas goods have been eliminated. A common external tariff is levied on imports from non-Ecowas countries.

Leaving Ecowas means the three countries will have to adhere to the common external tariff rates for their imports into Ecowas member countries. They will also revert to using the World Trade Organisation’s Most Favored Nation rates on imports from Ecowas countries, which are higher for some categories of goods than the Ecowas tariff.

In other words, for some goods, including agricultural products, imports will be more expensive for all countries. The three states will be further hurt by the community levy, the 0.5% tax Ecowas imposes on goods from non-Ecowas member states to fund the bloc’s budget.

All three countries are landlocked. Leaving Ecowas means they lose access to ports like Tema in Ghana and Lagos in Nigeria. There will be implications for some of their biggest exports. For instance, almost 60% of Burkina Faso’s vegetable exports and 90% of its live animal exports go to Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.

Ghana, along with Côte d’Ivoire and Benin, is a key export market for Niger’s onions. Niger also imports a large share of its food products from Nigeria, one of its largest trading partners in the region.

The tariff and levies therefore could increase the cost of food for consumers in both the Alliance of Sahel States and remaining Ecowas countries.

The withdrawal of the three countries will also affect food production through diminished access to electricity as well as wheat flour and edible oils. The trio face possible exclusion from the Ecowas West African Power Pool, which aims to increase members’ access to the regional electricity market. Burkina Faso and Niger import most of their electricity from Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria.

Finally, the livelihoods of Sahelian migrants living in Ecowas countries remain uncertain. Due to the Ecowas freedom of movement protocol, more than 1.3 million Burkinabes and half a million Malians live in Côte d’Ivoire. Many of them run small, informal sector businesses to support their families back home.

Future scenarios

Ecowas marks its 50th anniversary in 2025. What could the future look like?

Junta leaders are proposing various ways in which the relationship between the Alliance of Sahel States and Ecowas will proceed. For instance, they have claimed that they will maintain visa-free travel from Ecowas countries into theirs. But all 12 remaining Ecowas states would have to approve that proposal. The alliance also launched its own passport, but it’s not clear how Ecowas states will treat citizens who use it.

Another possible scenario is that they will negotiate bilateral agreements with their major Ecowas trading partners and with other countries that offer sea access, such as Mauritania and Morocco. This scenario obviously undermines efforts to enhance regional trade integration.

Finally, the problems surrounding the “Sahelexit” embody a larger set of tensions. These include whether political objectives should be embedded within trade arrangements — a debate also central to the possible renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act this year – and whether concerns over national sovereignty will undermine regional cooperation on increasing cross-border climate, conflict, and health threats to food security.

– Ecowas breakup could push up food prices and worsen hunger in west Africa
– https://theconversation.com/ecowas-breakup-could-push-up-food-prices-and-worsen-hunger-in-west-africa-249195

MIL OSI Africa –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Treasury media briefing

Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

Treasury media briefing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdbNriRW1cM

MIL OSI Video –

February 20, 2025