NewzIntel.com

Category: Africa

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Protecting the Central African Republic’s remote communities from polio

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

    BRAZZAVILLE, Congo (Republic of the), February 17, 2025/APO Group/ —

    In the ongoing efforts to eradicate polio, the Central African Republic has placed a special emphasis on reaching vulnerable and underserved populations. Populations in mining regions like Zoubala, a locality in the Bossombélé district about two hours from Bangui, the capital, face unique challenges and heightened risks of poliovirus transmission.

    In 2023, the detection of three circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) cases in Bossembele, of which two were from Gaga, a mining site in the district highlighted the urgency of improving vaccination coverage in mining areas. This led to targeted vaccination activities, including in Zoubala, one of the district’s 34 mining sites.

    Overcoming challenges

    A vaccination campaign in Zoubala, from October 10th to 13th, aimed to bridge the immunity gap among children aged 0 to 59 months. Brice Ngombe, a consultant with World Health Organization (WHO) polio response programme, was part of the team deployed during the vaccination drive in which there were significant logistical and security challenges: 

    “Mining sites are frequently located in remote and security-compromised zones. Communities here often lack basic health services, including routine vaccination, which leads to higher numbers of zero-dose children—those who have never received any polio vaccine,” says Ngombe.

    The vaccination team navigated difficult terrain, poor road conditions and the risk of armed groups presence in the area. The lack of mobile network coverage also hindered real-time reporting and coordination.

    Beyond the immediate threat of poliovirus spread and confirmed cases, there was an urgent need to focus on mining sites like Zoubala due to several critical factors. These mines attract workers from diverse regions, including neighbouring countries where poliovirus variants have been detected. The influx of people from different areas heightens the risk of virus importation and transmission. Additionally, the Central African Republic has faced challenges in its epidemiological surveillance, limiting its ability to swiftly detect and respond to outbreaks. 

    The surveillance gaps, along with the recent detection of new circulating variant poliovirus type 2 cases, have driven the country to implement a comprehensive response plan to enhance vaccination and surveillance efforts.

    Despite the hurdles, the campaign achieved notable results across the country: Nearly half a million children were vaccinated, including 57 children identified in this critical mining area. Among them were 17 zero-dose children who had never received a polio vaccine before, demonstrating the critical need to reach these under-immunized groups.

    “Polio knows no borders, and neither should our vaccination efforts. In the Central African Republic, reaching mining sites and other high-risk areas is essential to ensure that every child is protected from this devastating disease. We are working tirelessly with partners to deliver vaccines to those who need them most, even in the most remote locations,” says Dr Ngoy Nsenga, WHO Representative in the Central African Republic.

    The campaign´s success was driven by strong community engagement, reaching over 350 families with vital information about the benefits of vaccination. By engaging early with community members and leaders, teams were able to build trust and raise awareness about the critical importance of vaccination. Parents learned how the poliovirus can lead to paralysis and even death within days, emphasizing the importance of getting vaccinated to protect their loved ones.

    Collaboration across sectors also played a significant role. Partnerships with NGOs like Cap Anamur, an humanitarian organisation with the goal of helping refugees and displaced people worldwide, as well as local authorities, were instrumental in reaching out to the population and facilitating the campaign’s smooth execution. 

    Additionally, teams adapted their approaches to fit the specific contexts of these mining communities, which helped them navigate logistical challenges and boost vaccine uptake.

    The Central African Republic has intensified efforts to interrupt cVDPV2 transmission, conducting two nationwide vaccination rounds in April and May 2024. With additional rounds planned for the fourth quarter, the country aims to sustain its progress in boosting immunity across vulnerable groups. 

    The preparation of the second round is ongoing and will target over 1 million children in the four regions.

    Additionally, the Central African Republic and Chad have significantly bolstered their coordination efforts to prevent cross-border spread of polio. Both countries have committed to joint planning, with coordination teams working closely to align vaccination strategies and share vital surveillance data. This collaborative approach and streamlined communication is bolstering readiness and rapid response to any emerging threats.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Financing Oil and Gas (O&G) Projects in Congo: Increased Investment to Drive Output

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

    BRAZZAVILLE, Congo (Republic of the), February 17, 2025/APO Group/ —

    As the Republic of Congo endeavors to boost its oil production to 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) by 2027 and expedite gas exploration and production, the Ministry of Hydrocarbons is simultaneously prioritizing the modernization of downstream infrastructure to address energy insecurity. With new regulatory measures, large-scale infrastructure projects and a strong push toward sustainability, the country has seen an influx of international investment, thereby strengthening Congo’s momentum toward ambitious reforms in the hydrocarbon sector.

    Towards Increased Production

    The Congolese subsidiary of China Oil Natural Gas Oversees Holding Ltd (Cogo) plans to invest $150 million to boost oil production over the next three years in the Conkouati-Koui and Nanga III fields in Congo. The company will drill four wells – two in each field – with the project set to expand to include 3D seismic surveys and further data analysis. On October 3, 2024, the new Director General of Cogo’s Congolese subsidiary Fublert Dzimbe presented the company’s activity roadmap to the Minister of Hydrocarbons Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua.

    Meanwhile, oil and gas supermajor TotalEnergies announced last year that it will invest $600 million to strengthen exploration and production activities in Congo. The investment will be used to finance exploration and maintain production in the country’s deep offshore Moho Nord field, which accounts for approximately half of all Congolese oil production – roughly 140,000 bpd. TotalEnergies’ commitment to Congo’s oil production is set to ensure additional production of 40,000 bpd, adding to the country’s current levels of 267,000 bpd.

    Set to finance a seven-year development program across the Mengo-Kundji-Bindi IIoilfields in Congo, oil and gas company Trident secured a $300 million financing facility from pan-African multilateral financing institution Afreximbank in 2023. The capital will enable the company to increase production – up to 30% of national crude output – while opening job creation opportunities.

    A Focus on Refining

    Currently, the Congolaise de raffinage, a subsidiary of the state-owned Société nationale des pétroles du Congo, operates the nation’s sole refinery in Pointe-Noire. With a processing capacity of one million tons per year, the refinery converts crude oil into finished products such as butane gas, gasoline, kerosene, light diesel and heavy fuel oil, meeting approximately 70% of the country’s refined energy needs.

    To address growing domestic demand and reduce the reliance on imports, the government has initiated the construction of a new refinery in Fouta – near Pointe Noire. Known at the Atlantic Petrochemical Refinery, the project is being developed in partnership with the Chinese firm Beijing Fortune Dingheng Investment, representing an investment of around $600 million. The first phase aims to achieve a production capacity of 2.5 million tons per year, focusing on high-quality gasoline and diesel. The refinery is expected to commence operations by the end of 2025, contributing significantly to national energy security.

    As sub-Saharan Africa’s fourth-largest oil producer, Congo presents significant investment opportunities for global investors. The country aims to attract fresh capital to its oil sector, with a licensing round set to be launched at the inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025, taking place in Brazzaville from March 24-26. Meanwhile, the country is preparing to launch its Gas Master Plan alongside a new Gas Code at CEIF 2025, which are set to provide a strategic framework for investing in the country’s gas value chain.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN launches $6 billion Sudan appeal, as famine takes hold

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI

    Humanitarian Aid

    More than one in two people in war-torn Sudan have too little to eat, famine “is taking hold” and sexual violence is rife, the UN’s top aid official said on Monday, as the global body launched an appeal for $6 billion to avert a humanitarian catastrophe in the devastated country and beyond.

    “Civilians [are] paying the highest price, shelling, airstrikes [are] continuing unabated, killing and injuring civilians, damaging and destroying critical infrastructure, including hospitals,” said Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher.

    “An epidemic of sexual violence rages,” he warned, adding that children are being killed and injured, amid reports of intensifying fighting in South Kordofan in recent weeks – “another state in which famine conditions have recently been confirmed”.

    Speaking in Geneva, Mr. Fletcher explained that the UN 2025 humanitarian and refugee response plans for Sudan aim to assist nearly 26 million people inside the country and across the region who face a desperate situation.

    After nearly two years of conflict, a staggering 12 million people in Sudan and across borders have been displaced.

    The UN aid chief said that he welcomed a conversation just days ago with General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan – leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces – “about the importance of keeping Adre crossing open [from Chad]. But this is a fraction of what is needed and each movement only happens after complex engagement and bureaucratic processes,” he stressed.

    Famine conditions

    According to the UN World Food Programme (WFP), famine has been confirmed in more than 10 locations in Sudan; another 17 are on the brink of famine. 

    The situation is a “collective failure that shames the global community”, WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain told the Geneva meeting via video link. 

    “This is a full-scale hunger crisis and I’m going to call it a catastrophe”, Ms. McCain continued. “The civil war has killed thousands, uprooted millions and set the country ablaze, and yet it’s forgotten,” despite being “the epicentre of the world’s largest and most severe hunger crisis ever”.

    Highlighting the fact that Sudan is also the world’s biggest displacement emergency, UN refugee agency chief (UNHCR), Filippo Grandi, condemned the continuing “military logic” of the rival armies that have waged war against each other since April 2023.

    “The logic is, let’s achieve victory, let’s make advances, let’s progress militarily,” he said, referring to the Sudanese Armed Forces – led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan – and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, under Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.

    Suffering and neglect

    “The logic continues to neglect the situation of ordinary Sudanese that are killed, displaced and suffer all sorts of hardship.”

    Echoing Mr. Fletcher’s observation that it might be difficult to understand why the UN and its partners were issuing such a large appeal for funding at a time of deep cuts to overseas aid by UN Member States, the UN refugee agency chief explained that needs were immense, with one in three Sudanese uprooted by the violence.

    “Social systems, health systems, education – kids haven’t gone to school, almost 13 million people are displaced,” he said.

    “The country is being destroyed; at its foundations, everything is collapsing,” Mr. Grandi insisted, in an appeal to the international community to “step up and help”, not just to ensure that emergency aid and life-saving protection can continue without disruption, but also to end the violence and restore peace to Sudan.”

    Age-old conflict dangers

    Across Sudan, women and girls continue to suffer through appalling patterns of conflict-related sexual violence,” and young men have been forcibly recruited to fight, Mr. Fletcher noted. “The collapse of the education system has compounded the risks faced by Sudanese girls: child marriage, gender-based violence.”

    Although access “remains heavily constrained, particularly where the fighting is most acute”, the UN relief chief insisted that the appeal offered “a lifeline to millions” once the fighting stops, as he appealed for better access “by land, sea and air to those who need help”.

    WFP chief Ms. McCain explained that millions of civilians had lost their livelihoods while humanitarians struggled to reach those in need because of access restrictions.

    Agricultural production has also been decimated, driving up prices by 500 per cent in some areas, resulting in millions of displaced who have no access basic food staples.

    Nearly 16 million reached in 2024

    With $1.8 billion in support last year, humanitarian organizations reached more than 15.6 million people across Sudan. Assistance included food and livelihoods support for more than 13 million people as well as water, sanitation and hygiene support, health and nutrition, and shelter assistance.   

    Humanitarian organizations working in neighbouring countries provided lifesaving assistance delivering food to over a million people, medical support to half a million and protection services to over 800,000.

    For its part, WFP reached more than eight million people with lifesaving aid in 2024 but continues to face widespread access constraints caused by the fighting.

    Famine conditions have been reported in at least five locations in Sudan including displacement camps in Darfur and in the western Nuba Mountains, according to a joint press release from the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, and UNHCR.

    “Catastrophic hunger is expected to worsen by May when the lean season begins. With continued fighting and basic services having collapsed across most of the country, the crisis is set to get worse,” it noted.

    Rape as weapon of war

    Shaza Ahmed, Executive Director of Nada El Azhar – who is a gender based violence (GBV) coordinator in Sudan – said that “women and girls paid a hefty price, as GBV is used as a weapon of war”, compounding a lack of access to health services, education and employment.

    In 2024, more than 50,000 of the most vulnerable women and girls received dignity kids and over 225,000 people received GBV-services such as mental health or psychological support.

    Among the biggest challenges now are protection of female staff and access to communities as well as the overall funding crisis.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Deeply religious African countries (surprisingly) provide little state support to religion – unlike countries in Europe

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By David Jeffery-Schwikkard, PhD Candidate (Theology and Religious Studies), King’s College London

    In most of the world, countries with religious populations are more likely to have governments that support religion through laws and policies. These laws might include religious education, funding for religious institutions, and laws based on religious values. Not so in sub-Saharan Africa.

    In a recently published research paper, David Jeffery-Schwikkard, who studies secularism, argues that sub-Saharan African countries provide little state support for religion, even though their populations are among the most devout globally.

    These findings unsettle many common misconceptions about the role of religion in politics. The Conversation Africa asked him a few questions.

    How prevalent is religion in countries in sub-Saharan Africa?

    A population is normally considered very religious if most people say religion is “very important” in their lives or report attending religious services at least once a week.

    In surveys conducted between 2007 and 2018 by the Pew Research Centre, 46% of respondents outside sub-Saharan Africa said religion was very important in their lives. Within sub-Saharan Africa, the average is nearly twice that: 89%. Ethiopia and Senegal are among the most religious countries in the world. In both cases, 98% of people said religion was very important. Of the 20 countries in sub-Saharan Africa for which Pew has data, Botswana (71%) and South Africa (75%) are the least religious. Yet even these countries are far above the global average.

    What does this matter for how states are run?

    Generally, countries with religious populations have states that provide a lot of support to religion. This is what you would expect, since religious citizens probably want more state support for their religions.

    What this means, though, is that commentators often assume that religious citizens are a threat to secular states. This then shapes how analysts make sense of public displays of religion. One example of this is in South Africa, where many people assumed that former president Jacob Zuma, who often used religious rhetoric, would pursue religious laws and policies.



    Read more:
    TB Joshua scandal: the forces that shaped Nigeria’s mega pastor and made him untouchable

    These assumptions are especially common in analyses of religion and politics in Africa. Yet, while it is easy to identify laws or policies in sub-Saharan Africa that are religious, one can easily overlook the fact that having some of these laws is not unusual globally. In other words, having some pro-religion laws and policies doesn’t necessarily mean that countries are governed by religious beliefs.

    Thus one might focus on Ghana’s support for Hajj, while forgetting that the UK reserves seats in the House of Lords for the Church of England, and that Germany collects taxes on behalf of churches. Yet the UK and Germany are rarely seen as religious states. Some level of state support for religion does not mean that a country is governed by religious beliefs.

    Why are African countries different?

    Contrary to the global trend, countries in sub-Saharan Africa provide very little state support to religion – less than half the global average. This is as measured by the Religion and State Project at Bar Ilan University, based on the number of different types of support provided, such as reserving political positions for religious leaders or funding religious schools.

    One of the most popular explanations for the scant support for religion is that states in sub-Saharan Africa lack the necessary financial and administrative capacity. These states, the argument goes, would provide more support if only they had more money and were better able to implement their policies.

    However, data from the World Bank shows that this is not the case: overall, there is no relationship between state capacity and support for religion.



    Read more:
    Catholic synod: the voices of church leaders in Africa are not being heard – 3 reasons why

    A more plausible explanation is that religious actors in these countries tend to lack moral authority. Moral authority, as theorised by American political scientist Anna Grzymala-Busse, is the extent to which people see religious actors as defenders of the nation.

    Several factors are conducive to moral authority. These include whether people share the same ethnicity or religion, whether religious actors have control over education, and whether they have sided with the “right side” in moments of national crisis.

    Can you give an example?

    Consider Rwanda and Mozambique.

    Until 1994, the Roman Catholic Church in Rwanda enjoyed moral prestige. The church controlled a significant share of the education system and had supported the independence movement against Belgium. Most Rwandans were Catholic. And indeed, the church maintained a very close relationship with the state after independence in 1962.

    Yet this moral authority was forfeited after the church was seen to be complicit in the Rwandan Genocide in 1994, which claimed about 800,000 lives. Today, the government keeps a careful distance from religion, despite 90% of Rwandans reporting that religion is very important in their lives.



    Read more:
    Rwanda’s genocide could have been prevented: 3 things the international community should have done – expert

    Mozambique provides a contrast to Rwanda, yet with similar outcomes. The Roman Catholic Church denounced the liberation movement’s struggle against Portugal. The country has no religious or ethnic majority. At independence, formal education was scarce.

    There was therefore little reason for Mozambicans to see the church as a defender of the nation. On the contrary, religious institutions were persecuted after independence. Like Rwanda, Mozambique provides extremely little state support for religion, despite being one of the most religious countries internationally.



    Read more:
    Between state and mosque: new book explores the turbulent history of Islamic politics in Mozambique

    These factors – religious diversity, limited enrolment in schools controlled by religious organisations, and moments of political crisis in which those organisations can misstep – make it less likely that religious actors are held by citizens as integral to national identity. And while sub-Saharan Africa is extremely varied, common historical influences, such as the legacies of colonialism, may make these factors more likely.

    What can we learn from this?

    Clearly, we need to be more careful in how we interpret the role of religion in politics. While it might be tempting to see religious fervour as a threat to secular democracy, it is not necessarily so. A politician might use religious rhetoric, but this does not mean that it will translate into religious laws. Equally, some state support for religion is not unusual globally. Analyses of single policies need to keep this in mind.



    Read more:
    Christianity is changing in South Africa as pentecostal and indigenous churches grow – what’s behind the trend

    This research also upends the way many people normally think about secularism. Many people in Europe have become less religious. Consequently, European states are offered as models of secularism. However, this has it backwards.

    Despite their electorates being less religious, European states are more involved in religion than their counterparts in sub-Saharan African. If secularism is the separation of religion and the state, then countries in sub-Saharan Africa – which maintain a secular state despite widespread religion – are in fact the exemplar.

    David Jeffery-Schwikkard 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. Deeply religious African countries (surprisingly) provide little state support to religion – unlike countries in Europe – https://theconversation.com/deeply-religious-african-countries-surprisingly-provide-little-state-support-to-religion-unlike-countries-in-europe-245490

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Goma is threatened by conflict and a volcano: we’ve created a handbook to help hotspots like these

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Evan Easton-Calabria, Senior Researcher at the Feinstein International Center, Tufts University, and Research Associate at the Refugee Studies Centre, University of Oxford

    The city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was taken over by the M23 rebel group in January 2025. This was a tragic escalation of a decades-long conflict that’s led to mass displacement and deaths.

    Goma, a city of two million, hasn’t just been overtaken by rebels. It’s also just 12 miles (19km) from one of the most dangerous active volcanoes in the world: Mount Nyiragongo.

    Mount Nyiragongo can have lava flows of more than 60 miles (96km) per hour. This is far faster than any human can run. When it last erupted in 2021, thousands of families were displaced and at least 250 people died. An earlier eruption in 2002 left 13% of the city covered in lava.

    The DRC illustrates how millions of people in fragile, violent and conflict-affected parts of the world are at risk of both human-made and natural disasters. A changing climate makes people even more vulnerable to hazardous events. When these disasters interact, they can multiply and increase negative impacts.

    For example, if Mount Nyiragongo erupts in the near future – some research suggests it is likely to do so before the end of 2027 – and there is active conflict at the time, will anyone trust early warning messages? Or feel safe enough to flee on roads where civilians have already been attacked?

    These are some of the questions and scenarios that people working in disaster risk reduction grapple with. Situations like those in the DRC inspired a new UN handbook on early warning systems and early action in fragile, conflict-affected and violent contexts.

    It’s been published by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction-World Meteorological Organization Centre of Excellence for Disaster and Climate Resilience. The handbook provides guidance and case studies to increase disaster preparedness and action in some of the world’s most complex environments. Important work being done by the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, the World Bank and others exemplifies the growing awareness of these threats.

    I was the lead drafter of the UN handbook and had the opportunity to interview dozens of humanitarians. I also spoke to meteorologists, disaster risk reduction experts and government officials to learn how they help build and use early warning systems in fragile, conflict-affected and violent contexts.

    Here is what I learned:

    • early warning systems – hazard monitoring, forecasting and prediction, disaster risk assessment, communication, preparedness and early action to help people avoid harm – must be provided as a basic service for all, even in conflict zones

    • for early warning systems to be inclusive and effective, they must be trusted by affected communities

    • early warning systems in the places that most need them are drastically underfunded by governments and international actors – and require long-term collaboration and investment

    • early warnings and the early action they enable are a critical tool that can minimise suffering.

    Key takeaways

    Increasingly, work in the humanitarian sector seeks to address the intersecting vulnerabilities that arise from both conflict and climate impacts.

    What this work has made clear is that, first, early warning systems and early action must be available for everyone. Early warnings are the result of a chain of information. This goes from the systems that monitor and forecast weather conditions or hazards to the experts who analyse them to the actors who share this information.

    Early warnings come in many forms. It could be an alert on your phone when a flash flood or other hazard is predicted, or an evacuation message before a volcanic eruption.

    The UN secretary-general has called for Early Warnings for All by 2027. This is an initiative for everyone on Earth to be covered by early warning systems. However, countries affected by fragility, conflict and violence like the DRC lag far behind in receiving investments needed to prepare for current and future risks.

    Second, early warning systems need to be trusted by affected communities, which means co-producing messages and actions with communities and community leaders. Doing so would help take into account the nuanced dynamics in complex contexts.

    In many countries where people experience fragility, conflict and violence, systems of authority have been eroded. In fact, governments may be a party to a conflict, increasing mistrust over any warning messages received. The Red Cross has a new handbook that helps practitioners navigating these and other tensions. Involving communities and community leaders helps with identifying existing early warning mechanisms that can be used for hazards, understanding risks related to conflict or violence, and developing action plans.

    Conflict and peacebuilding experts within civil society and government, and even conflict actors, should be engaged in developing early warning systems. This helps reduce the risk of misunderstandings and misinformation, and ensures that conflict dynamics are taken into account.

    Third, in the places where it’s most needed, early warning systems face funding gaps and limitations. Fewer than 50% of countries classified as least developed, and only a third of small island developing states, have multi-hazard early warning systems (meaning the alarm can be sounded for different hazards, ranging from heatwaves to flooding). Nineteen of the top 25 most climate-vulnerable states are affected by fragility, conflict and violence. All of them are least developed countries, and few have adequate early warning systems.

    This illustrates the scale of vulnerability in these areas.

    Near Goma, the Virunga Supersite monitors and researches Mount Nyiragongo and other hazards in the densely populated region. The Supersite, supported by several organisations, has helped build collaboration between the Goma Volcano Observatory and global institutes studying and monitoring volcanic hazards.

    This is good practice, but the work is routinely hampered by a lack of access due to conflict. The staff also face a variety of risks, including intimidation, violence and kidnapping.

    More collaboration to monitor hazards and generate early warnings and early action is needed. The World Meteorological Organization’s ongoing work with the DRC government to improve early warning systems in the country exemplifies a valuable partnership that can save lives. This is all the more important following recent pauses in US humanitarian funding as resources for post-disaster responses will likely be more limited. There is also an urgent need to address the broader conflict that has plagued regions including the eastern DRC for decades.

    Looking ahead

    The knowledge and resources available to predict and mitigate the impacts of disasters before they take place need to be fully utilised. This is especially important in areas like eastern DRC where an existing humanitarian disaster could evolve into an even larger catastrophe if a volcanic eruption were to occur.

    Early warnings and the early action they enable can reduce suffering, save lives and minimise the cost of disaster response. They are needed in the places already experiencing disasters, too.

    – Goma is threatened by conflict and a volcano: we’ve created a handbook to help hotspots like these
    – https://theconversation.com/goma-is-threatened-by-conflict-and-a-volcano-weve-created-a-handbook-to-help-hotspots-like-these-249453

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Deeply religious African countries (surprisingly) provide little state support to religion – unlike countries in Europe

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By David Jeffery-Schwikkard, PhD Candidate (Theology and Religious Studies), King’s College London

    In most of the world, countries with religious populations are more likely to have governments that support religion through laws and policies. These laws might include religious education, funding for religious institutions, and laws based on religious values. Not so in sub-Saharan Africa.

    In a recently published research paper, David Jeffery-Schwikkard, who studies secularism, argues that sub-Saharan African countries provide little state support for religion, even though their populations are among the most devout globally.

    These findings unsettle many common misconceptions about the role of religion in politics. The Conversation Africa asked him a few questions.

    How prevalent is religion in countries in sub-Saharan Africa?

    A population is normally considered very religious if most people say religion is “very important” in their lives or report attending religious services at least once a week.

    In surveys conducted between 2007 and 2018 by the Pew Research Centre, 46% of respondents outside sub-Saharan Africa said religion was very important in their lives. Within sub-Saharan Africa, the average is nearly twice that: 89%. Ethiopia and Senegal are among the most religious countries in the world. In both cases, 98% of people said religion was very important. Of the 20 countries in sub-Saharan Africa for which Pew has data, Botswana (71%) and South Africa (75%) are the least religious. Yet even these countries are far above the global average.

    What does this matter for how states are run?

    Generally, countries with religious populations have states that provide a lot of support to religion. This is what you would expect, since religious citizens probably want more state support for their religions.

    What this means, though, is that commentators often assume that religious citizens are a threat to secular states. This then shapes how analysts make sense of public displays of religion. One example of this is in South Africa, where many people assumed that former president Jacob Zuma, who often used religious rhetoric, would pursue religious laws and policies.

    Read more: TB Joshua scandal: the forces that shaped Nigeria’s mega pastor and made him untouchable

    These assumptions are especially common in analyses of religion and politics in Africa. Yet, while it is easy to identify laws or policies in sub-Saharan Africa that are religious, one can easily overlook the fact that having some of these laws is not unusual globally. In other words, having some pro-religion laws and policies doesn’t necessarily mean that countries are governed by religious beliefs.

    Thus one might focus on Ghana’s support for Hajj, while forgetting that the UK reserves seats in the House of Lords for the Church of England, and that Germany collects taxes on behalf of churches. Yet the UK and Germany are rarely seen as religious states. Some level of state support for religion does not mean that a country is governed by religious beliefs.

    Why are African countries different?

    Contrary to the global trend, countries in sub-Saharan Africa provide very little state support to religion – less than half the global average. This is as measured by the Religion and State Project at Bar Ilan University, based on the number of different types of support provided, such as reserving political positions for religious leaders or funding religious schools.

    One of the most popular explanations for the scant support for religion is that states in sub-Saharan Africa lack the necessary financial and administrative capacity. These states, the argument goes, would provide more support if only they had more money and were better able to implement their policies.

    However, data from the World Bank shows that this is not the case: overall, there is no relationship between state capacity and support for religion.

    Read more: Catholic synod: the voices of church leaders in Africa are not being heard – 3 reasons why

    A more plausible explanation is that religious actors in these countries tend to lack moral authority. Moral authority, as theorised by American political scientist Anna Grzymala-Busse, is the extent to which people see religious actors as defenders of the nation.

    Several factors are conducive to moral authority. These include whether people share the same ethnicity or religion, whether religious actors have control over education, and whether they have sided with the “right side” in moments of national crisis.

    Can you give an example?

    Consider Rwanda and Mozambique.

    Until 1994, the Roman Catholic Church in Rwanda enjoyed moral prestige. The church controlled a significant share of the education system and had supported the independence movement against Belgium. Most Rwandans were Catholic. And indeed, the church maintained a very close relationship with the state after independence in 1962.

    Yet this moral authority was forfeited after the church was seen to be complicit in the Rwandan Genocide in 1994, which claimed about 800,000 lives. Today, the government keeps a careful distance from religion, despite 90% of Rwandans reporting that religion is very important in their lives.

    Read more: Rwanda’s genocide could have been prevented: 3 things the international community should have done – expert

    Mozambique provides a contrast to Rwanda, yet with similar outcomes. The Roman Catholic Church denounced the liberation movement’s struggle against Portugal. The country has no religious or ethnic majority. At independence, formal education was scarce.

    There was therefore little reason for Mozambicans to see the church as a defender of the nation. On the contrary, religious institutions were persecuted after independence. Like Rwanda, Mozambique provides extremely little state support for religion, despite being one of the most religious countries internationally.

    Read more: Between state and mosque: new book explores the turbulent history of Islamic politics in Mozambique

    These factors – religious diversity, limited enrolment in schools controlled by religious organisations, and moments of political crisis in which those organisations can misstep – make it less likely that religious actors are held by citizens as integral to national identity. And while sub-Saharan Africa is extremely varied, common historical influences, such as the legacies of colonialism, may make these factors more likely.

    What can we learn from this?

    Clearly, we need to be more careful in how we interpret the role of religion in politics. While it might be tempting to see religious fervour as a threat to secular democracy, it is not necessarily so. A politician might use religious rhetoric, but this does not mean that it will translate into religious laws. Equally, some state support for religion is not unusual globally. Analyses of single policies need to keep this in mind.

    Read more: Christianity is changing in South Africa as pentecostal and indigenous churches grow – what’s behind the trend

    This research also upends the way many people normally think about secularism. Many people in Europe have become less religious. Consequently, European states are offered as models of secularism. However, this has it backwards.

    Despite their electorates being less religious, European states are more involved in religion than their counterparts in sub-Saharan African. If secularism is the separation of religion and the state, then countries in sub-Saharan Africa – which maintain a secular state despite widespread religion – are in fact the exemplar.

    – Deeply religious African countries (surprisingly) provide little state support to religion – unlike countries in Europe
    – https://theconversation.com/deeply-religious-african-countries-surprisingly-provide-little-state-support-to-religion-unlike-countries-in-europe-245490

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Video: High-level visit from Madagascar

    Source: World Trade Organization – WTO (video statements)

    Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala met with David Ralambofiringa, Minister of Industrialization and Trade of Madagascar, following the country’s Trade Policy Review.

    The fourth review of the trade policies and practices of Madagascar took place on 12 and 14 February 2025.

    More about Madagascar’s TPR: https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp566_e.htm

    Download this video from the WTO website:
    https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/webcas_e/webcas_e.htm

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Imperatus Energy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Unpacks Downstream Strategy for Congo

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

    BRAZZAVILLE, Congo (Republic of the), February 17, 2025/APO Group/ —

    As the Republic of Congo strives to reach a crude oil production target of 500,000 barrels per day, it is also making significant strides in advancing its downstream sector. Energy trading companies, such as Imperatus Energy, will be pivotal to ensuring efficient distribution and market stability during this expansion strategy. In an interview with Energy Capital & Power (https://EnergyCapitalPower.com), Imperatus Energy CEO Oumar Semega discussed the company’s supply chain strategies and infrastructure development updates in Congo.

    What strategies are being implemented by Imperatus Energy to ensure a reliable and efficient supply chain for petroleum and gas products?

    As a specialized energy trading company, Imperatus Energy adopts a flexible and optimized approach to secure a reliable supply of petroleum and gas products in the African market. We prioritize diversification of supply sources by working with a vast network of international and regional producers, refineries and suppliers.

    Our logistics and flow management strategy involves collaboration with storage terminals, pipeline operators and maritime, river and land transport providers. By negotiating agreements, we optimize costs and ensure the swift and secure distribution of products. We also leverage technology to enhance visibility and performance through risk management tools, digital cargo tracking platforms and advanced trading systems.

    To mitigate risks, we employ proactive risk management and regulatory compliance strategies, including financial hedging to counter oil and gas price volatility.

    How does Imperatus Energy collaborate with local and international partners to meet the Republic of Congo, and Africa’s, energy needs?

    Imperatus Energy adopts a collaborative approach, working with a strategic network of local and international partners to secure competitive and reliable petroleum and gas supplies for Africa. We maintain partnerships with international producers and refineries, ensuring access to significant energy volumes under optimal conditions.

    To support local markets, we work closely with importers and petroleum distribution companies, offering flexible solutions in terms of volume, delivery schedules and payment terms. This helps local players efficiently distribute energy to end consumers.

    With rising demand for energy logistics and storage in the Republic of Congo, how is Imperatus Energy developing its infrastructure to address these challenges?

    We partner with refineries, storage terminals and top logistics operators to secure transportation and product availability in key markets. This strategy enables flexibility in responding to demand fluctuations while optimizing transport and storage costs.

    Through advanced logistics management, we identify the best supply routes based on existing infrastructure, including floating storage, pipelines, maritime, river, rail and road transport. By securing agreements with suppliers and storage operators, we ensure uninterrupted supply, even during market tensions. We also leverage technology for real-time shipment tracking, demand forecasting and trading optimization.

    How does Imperatus Energy facilitate transactions and payment solutions for its energy clients?

    Imperatus Energy provides secure and flexible payment solutions, recognizing the financing and liquidity challenges in African markets. We offer tailored payment options, including deferred payments, trade financing through credit lines, letters of credit for secured transactions, installment plans for cash flow management and multi-currency payment capabilities. By partnering with banks and financial institutions, we ensure access to funding for petroleum and gas purchases. To optimize international transactions, we assist with currency conversion and foreign exchange operations, negotiating favorable conditions with banking partners to minimize transaction costs.

    As a Gold Sponsor at the inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum 2025, what are your expectations for this event?

    Imperatus Energy views this event as a platform to reinforce our commitment to Africa’s energy market, particularly in the Republic of Congo. We aim to strengthen partnerships by engaging with key industry players, including government officials, financial institutions, local businesses and international investors, to foster sustainable energy collaborations.

    Understanding market trends and investment opportunities is another priority. The forum provides a unique chance to analyze regulatory developments and identify investment prospects in energy trading, imports and distribution.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Madagascar’s WTO Trade Policy Review: UK Statement

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    UK Statement at Madagascar’s World Trade Organization Trade Policy Review. Delivered on 12 February 2025.

    1. Let me begin by offering a warm welcome to the delegation from Madagascar led by Her Excellency Priscilla Andrianarivo. I thank Madagascar for the significant preparations and work which I know go into a Trade Policy Review and we express our gratitude to colleagues from the WTO Secretariat for their respective reports, and as ever, to our Discussant, Her Excellency Ms Clara Delgado Jesus, for their insightful comments.

    2. Chair, we are grateful for the Reports provided by this Trade Policy Review, which have given us important insights into Madagascar’s own economic efforts, and reforms, over the review period.

    3. As we have heard this morning regarding Madagascar’s aspirations on trade, the Reports highlights the growth in trade Madagascar has seen over the period of review, initially accounting for just under half of GDP to now over two thirds.

    4. We welcome continued efforts to integrate into global supply chains and note that this is key to addressing the severe levels of poverty that are present. The Reports note the importance of Madagascar realising its growth potential through improving the economy and tackling corruption; we look forward to supporting Madagascar to go further and faster on this.

    5. We hope to also see further growth in Foreign Direct Investment; Madagascar’s location and array of resources make it an attractive destination for this and we hope to see the recent reforms to the Mining Code and the introduction of the new Investment Law create even more opportunities here. In this context it would be remiss of me not to mention the opportunities that the International Foodservices Distribution Association (IFDA) could afford here and we encourage Madagascar to consider their participation.

    6. Chair, the UK and Madagascar have a positive and longstanding relationship. As well as being the first official diplomatic partner Madagascar ever had, the UK and the English language has been a consistently trusted and regular feature in Madagascar.  We are particularly pleased to see this relationship marked last November by Lord Collins, FCDO Minister for Africa, meeting with General Ravalomanana.

    7. This was a valuable conversation and we were particularly pleased to hear of the focus on deforestation and the importance of raising awareness on its impact. One of the first things most people picture when thinking of Madagascar is your beautiful landscapes. These initiatives are crucial in preserving Madagascar’s natural environment, ensuring its beauty and biodiversity remain intact for future generations, as well as visitors.

    8. In this conversation we also encouraged Madagascar to interrogate the decline in per capita income since independence in 1960 and promoted the need for national industrialisation to tackle extreme poverty. We discussed economic diversification and the value of new partnerships. We look forward to seeing increased efforts to deliver regulatory reforms and the types of government-backed initiatives that make Madagascar a more accessible and easier-to-navigate option for foreign investors.

    9. Our relationship recently reached another significant milestone with Madagascar entering into our regional Economic Partnership Agreement. This will offer better access to the UK market, stimulate growth through foreign investment and increase development cooperation, which can support infrastructure, natural resources, and environmental projects in Madagascar. We hope this year we can propel our technical engagement in order to see trade between our countries flourish.

    10. There are also some exciting engagements to look forward to. Next week, the International Trade Centre and the UK Trade Partnerships Programme bring together operators in the textile industry to prepare Malagasy enterprises on the new sustainability regulations for UK market and the EU.

    11. I also welcome Madagascar’s efforts to support women in trade and gender equality, in particular its work to meet AfCFTA protocols [the African Continental Free Trade Area]. The UK encourages Madagascar’s engagement in the important work happening here in Geneva too, to which they can make valuable contribution, not least the Informal Working Group on Trade and Gender, of which my Ambassador co-chairs, along with our esteemed discussant today.

    12. As a member of several negotiation groups at the WTO, such as the G90, the African Group, ACP, the LDC group and the G33, we hope Madagascar continues to make the most of support available to LDC Members. For example, the Enhanced Integrated Framework, providing in-country technical assistance and the Advisory Centre on WTO Law which provides legal support on WTO issues, both of which the UK is very pleased to support.

    13. As we consider participation in activities here in Geneva, and the opportunities, I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage Madagascar to ratify the ‘Fish 1’ agreement, as well as to consider their participation in the e-commerce JI, and on domestic regulation, in addition to the aforementioned IFDA.

    14. Chair, Trade Policy Reviews are an important time of reflection. It is a time to both take stock of successes and to set goals. In this regard, it is positive to hear that the government has expressed willingness to liberalise the market and to attract more investors, notably with the promotion of the Special Economic Zone and the new Investment Law.

    15. We encourage Madagascar to address barriers around monopolies and dominance in certain markets. We look forward to proactive steps to encourage competition, particularly in the telecommunications, vanilla, lychee, and renewables industries.

    16. I’d also like to take this chance to underline the valuable potential for expansion in renewable energy in Madagascar and say that the UK is committed to accelerating the global clean power transition and to work with countries who share our ambitions on this.

    17. Finally, Chair, I wanted to end with a few words of Malagasy wisdom, from the epic poem Ibonia: “So long as this tree is green and healthy, I will be all right”. Cultivating an economy aligned with the international rules-based order of which the WTO is part of will mean not just Madagascar, or the WTO blossoms: we all do.

    18. Again, I would like to thank the WTO Secretariat, the discussant and Madagascar for the huge amount of work that goes into a Trade Policy Review, and for the informative answers to our questions. We hope this will be a valuable exercise in transparency.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Who are Ismaili Muslims and how do their beliefs relate to the Aga Khan’s work?

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

    Prince Karim Aga Khan at an event on Oct. 2, 2019, in London. Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

    Prince Karim Aga Khan, who died on Feb. 4, 2025, served as the religious leader of Ismaili Muslims around the world since being appointed as the 49th hereditary imam in 1957. He came to be known around the world for his enormous work on global development issues and other philanthropic work.

    The Ismaili community considers the imam a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. Ismaili Muslims are considered to be a branch of Shiite Islam. They constitute the second-largest community within the Shiite sect.

    An estimated 15 million Ismaili Muslims live in 35 countries, across all parts of the world. In the U.S., with around 40,000 Ismailis, Texas has the largest concentration of the community.

    As a scholar of Muslim philanthropy, I have long been impressed by the philanthropic and civic engagement of the Ismailis.

    Ismaili religious beliefs

    Following the death of the Prophet in A.D. 632, differences emerged over who should have both political and spiritual control over the Muslim community. A majority chose Abu Bakr, one of the Prophet’s closest companions, while a minority put their faith in his son-in-law and cousin, Ali. Those Muslims who put their faith in Abu Bakr came to be called Sunni, and those who believed in Ali came to be known as Shiite.

    Like other Shiite sects, Ismailis believe that Ali should have been selected as the successor of the Prophet Muhammad. They also believe that he should have been followed by Ali’s two sons – the grandsons of Muhammad through his daughter Fatima.

    The key difference among other Shiites and Ismailis lies in their lineage of imams. While they agree with the first six imams, Ismailis believe that Imam Ismail ibn Jafar was the rightful person to be the seventh imam, while the majority of Shiites, known as Twelvers, believe that Imam Musa al-Kazim, Ismail’s younger brother, was the true successor. They both agree that Ali was the first imam and on the next five imams, who are direct descendant of Ali and Fatima.

    The Ismaili sect split into two branches in 1094. Aga Khan was the leader of the Nizari branch, which believes in a living imam or leader. The second branch – Musta’lian Tayyibi Ismailis – believes that its 21st imam went into “concealment”; in his physical absence, a vicegerent or “da’i mutlaq” acts as an authority on his behalf.

    Like all Muslims, Ismailis believe that God sent his revelation to the Prophet Muhammad through Archangel Gabriel. However, they differ on other interpretations of the faith. According to the Ismailis, for example, the Quran conveys allegorical messages from God, and it is not the literal word of God. They also believe Muhammad to be the living embodiment of the Quran. Ismailis are strongly encouraged to pray three times a day, but it is not required.

    Ismailis believe in metaphorical, rather than literal, fasting. Ismailis believe that the esoteric meaning of fasting involves a fasting of the soul, whereby they attempt to purify the soul simply by avoiding sinful acts and doing good deeds.

    In terms of “Zakat,” or charity – the third pillar of Islam, which Muslims are required to follow – Ismailis differ in two ways. They give it to the leader of their faith, Aga Khan, and believe that they have to give 12.5% of their income versus 2.5%.

    Pluralism and its embrace

    Ismaili history has a strong connection to pluralism – part of their philosophy of embracing difference. The Fatimid Empire that ruled over parts of North Africa and the Middle East from 909 to 1171 is said to have been a “golden age of Ismaili thought.”

    It was a pluralistic community, in which Shiite and Sunni Muslims, as well as Christian and Jewish communities, worked together for the success of the flourishing empire, under the rule of the Ismaili imams.

    In the modern period, Ismailis have sought to further pluralism within their own communities by arguing that pluralism goes beyond tolerance and requires people to actively engage across differences and actively embrace difference as a strength. For example, Eboo Patel, an Ismaili American, has established the nonprofit Interfaith America as a way to further pluralism among faith communities.

    The Aga Khan’s philanthropic work

    Prince Karim Aga Khan established the Aga Khan Development Network and Aga Khan Foundation in 1967.

    Some 53 nurses and 98 midwives from Ghazanfar Institute of Health Sciences, supported by The Aga Khan University in Karachi, Pakistan, and the United States Agency for International Development, attend a graduation ceremony in Kabul, Afghanistan, on March 29, 2009.
    Massoud Hossaini AFP via Getty Images

    The network supports health care, housing, education and rural economic development in underprivileged areas. The foundation is one of nine agencies of the network that focuses on philanthropy. The Aga Khan Development Network has hospitals serving the poor in several parts of the world. The Aga Khan Medical University in Karachi, Pakistan, is considered to be a leading medical school globally.

    While previous imams or leaders also led charity and development projects, the Aga Khan was the first to create a formal, global philanthropic foundation.

    The Aga Khan Foundation operates in countries with Ismaili populations or historical connections to the Ismaili community, such as Afghanistan, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Portugal, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania and Uganda. The foundation also has offices in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States, focusing primarily on raising funds and advocating for the foundation.

    According to the foundation, in 2023 it served over 20 million people through 23,310 civil society partner organizations.

    The Ismaili community will now be led by the Aga Khan’s eldest son, Rahim Al-Hussaini, as the 50th imam. He has been actively involved with the Aga Khan Development Network and is expected to continue the important philanthropic and development work of his global community.

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

    – ref. Who are Ismaili Muslims and how do their beliefs relate to the Aga Khan’s work? – https://theconversation.com/who-are-ismaili-muslims-and-how-do-their-beliefs-relate-to-the-aga-khans-work-249318

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: DR Congo crisis: WFP condemns looting in Bukavu after M23 rebels move in

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Peace and Security

    The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has condemned the looting of thousands of tonnes of relief supplies in the city of Bukavu in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), after Rwanda-backed M23 rebels swept in at the weekend, reportedly meeting little resistance.

    In an online message on Monday, the WFP said that it “condemns the pillage of its warehouses in Bukavu in South Kivu…the food supplies kept there were meant to provide vital support to the most vulnerable families who now face a growing humanitarian crisis”.

    Looters made off with 7,000 tonnes of humanitarian food supplies, the UN agency said, adding that as violence spreads and access to food becomes increasingly difficult, “WFP stands ready to resume essential food aid to the most vulnerable as soon as it is safe to do so”.

    The UN agency also urged all parties to the conflict “to respect their obligations vis-à-vis international humanitarian law”, which includes the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers.

    The development came as M23 fighters made continuing gains in eastern DRC, after taking control of Goma – capital of North Kivu province – at the end of January. Hostilities have continued in this mineral-rich region for decades amid a proliferation of armed groups, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee their homes.

    Aid routes blocked

    In an alert, the top UN aid official in the country, Bruno Lemarquis, warned last Thursday that a shortage of humanitarian routes was threatening the aid operation in the mineral-rich region.

    Before the M23’s latest offensive at the beginning of the year, Mr. Lemarquis recalled that the humanitarian situation in South Kivu was already dire.

    Roughly 1.65 million people, or just over 20 per cent of the province’s population, had been displaced for a wide range of reasons.

    On Saturday, the UN Secretary-General warned of the potential for the conflict to spark a regional war, before calling for “African diplomacy to solve the problem”.

    Speaking on the sidelines of the African Union Summit, António Guterres told journalists that it was “time to silence the guns, it’s time for diplomacy and dialogue. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC must be respected.”

    MONUSCO, the international UN peacekeeping force in DRC, will continue to provide support, the UN chief continued, although he cautioned that “a peacekeeping force can’t solve the problem because there is no peace to keep”.

    He insisted, on the other hand that the conflict “will be solved if there is an effective African unit and African diplomacy to solve the problem”.

    Mr. Guterres pointed to the crucial importance of efforts such as the recently held joint summit by the South African Development Community in Tanzania, which resulted in a clear pathway for an immediate ceasefire. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Christ, Source of Hope, Reconciliation and Peace: A Call to Prayer and Fasting

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

    ACCRA, Ghana, February 17, 2025/APO Group/ —

    “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him” (Rom 15:13)

    To you, beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, the faithful of all our Catholic Dioceses in Africa and its islands, and to all people of goodwill: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

    We, the members of the Standing Committee of SECAM, gathered in Accra, Ghana, from February 11-14, 2025, for our first annual ordinary meeting, address you today with hearts filled with both concern and grief because of the ongoing conflicts in our Continent, nonetheless with Christian hope.

    Current Situations of Concern

    We know that Africa’s rich mineral deposits, truly a potential source of prosperity, have instead continued to be a source of conflict. The desire to control and appropriate these resources motivates powerful nations and multinational corporations to fund armed factions in some African countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Nigeria, Mozambique, Sudan, etc, thereby perpetuating, violence, displacement and instability.

    We acknowledge the immense suffering that many of our brothers and sisters are enduring due to conflicts, violence, massacres and instability in various parts of our continent. To all who are bereaved and suffering, we say: “you are not forgotten”. The Church has not abandoned you. We stand with you, pray for you, and continue to call for justice, peace, and reconciliation. To those who persist in the scramble for the resources of Africa, we echo the words of the Holy Father Pope Francis, in his speech of January 2023 in Kinshasa, DRC: “Hands off the Democratic Republic of Congo! Hands off Africa! Stop choking Africa, it is not a mine to be stripped or a terrain to be plundered.”

    Our Inspiration and Hope through Synodality

    As we embrace this Jubilee Year as Pilgrims of Hope, we are reminded that even in the darkest times, hope must never fade. The Jubilee invites us to renew our trust in God, to strengthen the bonds of communion, and to seek new paths of healing and unity. The message of Christ, the Prince of Peace, must resound loudly in Africa. We urge all people of goodwill—within the Church and beyond—to be instruments of peace, choosing dialogue over division, love over hatred, and hope over despair.

    If the Synod on Synodality ever had meaning, this is the time to demonstrate it. The call to walk together as a Church, listening to one another and acting in unity, must become a lived reality. The challenges before us compel us to greater collaboration among bishops, priests, religious, and the people of God everywhere. No one can stand alone; we are one body in Christ. As shepherds of the Church in Africa, we commit to strengthening the structures of communion and ensuring that the Church remains a voice of truth, justice, and hope in our society.

    Our Passionate Call to Prayer

    As followers of Christ, we are called to stand together in prayer for those in need and to seek God’s intervention for peace and healing. We urge all believers to dedicate time for prayer, asking the Lord to bring an end to the war, to comfort the afflicted, and to guide our leaders toward justice and reconciliation. To this end, we invite every diocese, parish, and religious community in Africa to unite in a triduum of prayer and fasting, each according to their local customs and facilities, from March 3rd to 5th, 2025.

    Let us lift up our voices to God in unity, trusting that He hears the cries of His people even as we all work fervently for peace. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9) May the Lord grant peace to Eastern Congo and all other lands all regions suffering from conflict.

    We entrust our continent, Africa, to the maternal care of Our Lady of Africa and invoke God’s blessings upon all of you. May His peace reign in our hearts, in our homes, and in our nations. Amen.

    Given in Accra, Ghana,

    13th of February 2025

    The Standing Committee of SECAM

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/NIGERIA – The Catholic priest kidnapped on February 12 in southern Nigeria has been released

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Abuja (Agenzia Fides) – The Catholic priest who was kidnapped on February 12 along with two other people has been released.The priest is Fr. Livinus Maurice, parish priest of St. Patrick’s Church in Isokpo, in Rivers State, southern Nigeria. The priest was kidnapped on February 12 by armed men on the road from Elele to Isiokpo as he was returning from a hospital visit with two other people.In an official statement, the Diocese of Port Harcourt, on behalf of Bishop Bernadine Anaele, had asked for the priest’s unconditional release.Thanks to the pressure exerted on the kidnappers, Fr. Livinus Maurice and the other two abducted were released on Sunday, February 16. According to a statement by the state police spokesperson, “their release was made following pressure from a mixed security team composed of police officers, soldiers of the Isiokpo Joint Task Force and local security officials. Operations to capture the kidnappers are still ongoing.” Meanwhile, another Nigerian priest, Fr. Cornellus Manzak Damulak, who was kidnapped in the early hours of February 6 from his home in Zuma 2 neighborhood in the Bwari Area Council of the capital district, is still in the hands of the kidnappers (see Fides, 7/2/2025). (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 17/2/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/DR CONGO – Bukavu in the hands of the M23; the testimony of a local source

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Monday, 17 February 2025 war  

    Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) – “The shops are still closed, but people are still seen on the streets, albeit few. Since yesterday, February 16, the gunfire has stopped. Bukavu is living in apparent peace after being taken over by the M23 rebel movement and the Rwandan army,” reports a Fides source from the local Church in the capital of the province of South Kivu, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo.The city was taken after an advance that started from the neighboring province of North Kivu (whose capital fell into the hands of the M23 militias at the end of January). The operation first captured the airport of Kavumu, about thirty kilometers from the city, before the fighters advanced on the capital of South Kivu.”In the days between Friday 14 and Saturday 15 February, I witnessed shootings and looting,” said the Fides source, who wished to remain anonymous. “The soldiers of the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) who left the city, left behind many weapons and ammunition. Looting took place mainly in Kadutu, the historic district of the old town where the main local market is held. On Sunday morning, February 16, M23 militiamen and Rwandan soldiers entered the city in a row after approaching it on the highway number 2 that connects the city to Kavumu. Some residents greeted them with cries of joy; we think that this behavior is an expression of fear and also the feeling that the wait for a disturbing event that had been looming for days is finally over.””The authorities had already fled days ago and the population lacked a binding word to get through these moments. Only Archbishop François-Xavier Maroy Rusengo spoke out, asking for Bukavu to be spared from the same fate as Goma, where the invasion of Rwandan and M23 fighters caused a massacre. Civil society turned to the authorities for advice, but to no avail. The general opinion, however, was that, given the unequal balance of power, it was better to welcome the militiamen to avoid a repeat the tragedy of Goma,” the source concluded. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 17/2/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/BURKINA FASO – Mourning in the diocese of Dédougou: two catechists murdered on their way back from a training course

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Monday, 17 February 2025

    Diocèse de Dédougou

    Dédougou (Agenzia Fides) – The diocese of Dédougou in Burkina Faso mourns the death of two catechists who were murdered on their way back from a training course. The crime occurred on Saturday, January 25.As the diocese of Dédougou tells Fides, Mathias Zongo and Christian Tientga were travelling by motorbike with two other catechists. The four pastoral workers of the parish of Ouakara were allegedly attacked by a group of armed men while they were near the town of Bondokuy. The two surviving catechists reportedly managed to escape into the forest. After being alerted, the parish priest found the lifeless bodies of the two murdered people. When the parish priest arrived at the scene, police officers were already on site to begin the investigation.Meanwhile, the bodies of the two catechists were returned to their families (one was the father of three children, the other of seven) and the funerals took place last weekend.According to the police, who are continuing the investigation, the events of the end of January are the fourth fatal attack in the same place in a short period of time. There has been an escalation of violence throughout Burkina Faso for some time, also fueled by the presence of various Islamist groups fighting among themselves for control of the territory (see Fides, 17/2/2023 and Fides, 3/9/2024), which has also led to the flight of about two million people. (F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 17/2/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Why is there so much gold in west Africa?

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Raymond Kazapoe, Senior lecturer, University for Development Studies

    Militaries that have taken power in Africa’s Sahel region – notably Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger – have put pressure on western mining firms for a fairer distribution of revenue from the lucrative mining sector.

    Gold is one of the resources at the heart of these tensions. West Africa has been a renowned gold mining hub for centuries, dating back to the ancient Ghana empire, which earned its reputation as the “Land of Gold” because of its abundant reserves and thriving trade networks. The region remains a global leader in gold production. As of 2024, west Africa contributed approximately 10.8% of the world’s total gold output.

    But why is there so much gold in this region? The Conversation Africa asked geologist Raymond Kazapoe to explain.

    How is gold formed?

    The simple answer here is that we are not certain. However, scientists have some ideas.

    Gold, like all elements, formed through high energy reactions that occurred in various cosmic and space environments some 13 billion years ago, when the universe started to form.

    However, gold deposits – or the concentration of gold in large volumes within rock formations – are believed to occur through various processes, explained by two theories.

    The first theory – described by geologist Richard J. Goldfarb – argues that large amounts of gold were deposited in certain areas when continents were expanding and changing shape, around 3 billion years ago. This happened when smaller landmasses, or islands, collided and stuck to larger continents, a process called accretionary tectonics. During these collisions, mineral-rich fluids moved through the Earth’s crust, depositing gold in certain areas.

    A quartz vein rock specimen with visible gold. Mangiwau/Getty Images

    A newer, complementary theory by planetary scientist Andrew Tomkins explains the formation of some much younger gold deposits during the Phanerozoic period (approximately 650 million years ago). It suggests that as the Earth’s oceans became richer in oxygen during the Phanerozoic period, gold got trapped within another mineral known as pyrite (often called fool’s gold) as microscopic particles. Later, geological processes – like continental growth (accretion) and heat or pressure changes (metamorphism) released this gold – forming deposits that could be mined.

    Where in west Africa is gold found and what are its sources?

    Most gold production and reserves in west Africa are found within the west African craton. This is one of the world’s oldest geological formations, consisting of ancient, continental crust that has remained largely unchanged for billions of years.

    West African Craton. Wikipedia

    The craton underlies much of west Africa, spanning parts of Mali, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Senegal and Mauritania. In fact, most west African countries that have significant gold deposits have close to 50% of their landmass on the craton. Notably, between 35% and 45% of Ghana, Mali and Côte d’Ivoire’s territory sits on it – which is why these areas receive so much attention from gold prospectors.

    Gold deposits were formed within west Africa’s craton rocks during a major tectonic event, known as the Eburnean Orogeny, 2.2 billion to 2.08 billion years ago. This event was accompanied by the temperature, pressure and tectonic conditions which promote gold mineralisation events. Most of the gold resources in the west African craton are found within ancient geological formations formed by volcanic and tectonic processes about 2.3 billion to 2.05 billion years ago. These are known as the Rhyacian Birimian granitoid-greenstone belts.

    These gold-bearing belts in Ghana and Mali are by far the most endowed when compared with other countries in the region. Ghana and Mali currently, cumulatively account for over 57% of the combined past production and resources of the entire west Africa sub-region.

    Gold bearing geological structures in Ghana. Gerhard Michael Free/Shutterstock

    Ghana is thought to be home to 1,000 metric tonnes of gold. The country produces 90 metric tonnes each year – or 7% of global production. Gold production in Mali reached around 67.7 tonnes in 2023. Mali has an estimated 800 tons of gold deposits.

    By comparison, the world’s two largest gold producers are China (which mined approximately 370 metric tonnes of gold in 2023) and Australia (which had an output of around 310 metric tonnes in 2023).

    What are some of the modern exploration tools used to find gold?

    Gold was traditionally found by panning in riverbeds, where miners swirled sediment in water to separate the heavy gold particles, or by digging shallow pits to extract gold-rich ores. Over time, methods have evolved to include geochemical exploration techniques, advanced geophysical surveys, and chemical extraction techniques, like cyanide leaching.

    Geological mapping techniques are always evolving, and at the moment, there is a lot of interest in combining remote sensing data with cutting-edge data analytics methods, like machine learning. By combining these two methods, geologists can get around some of the problems caused by traditional methods, like the reliance on subjective judgement to create reliable maps and the need to spend money prospecting in areas with low chances of success.

    In recent years, deep learning computer techniques have made significant progress. They examine various geological data-sets to reduce uncertainty and increase the chances of finding gold mineralisation through advanced artificial intelligence techniques. These methods have proved highly beneficial in identifying specific features and discovering new mineral deposits when applied to remote sensing data.

    Another method, which I’ve researched and which could serve as a complementary gold exploration tool, is the use of stable isotopes. Stable isotopes are elements – like carbon, hydrogen and oxygen – that do not decay over time. Some are responsible for helping to carry gold, in fluids, through rocks to form the deposits. As the gold-bearing fluids interact with the rocks, they transfer the stable isotopes to the rocks, thereby imbuing them with their unique signature. The thinking here is to identify the signature and then use it as a proxy for finding gold, since gold itself is hard to identify directly.

    Advancements in analytical techniques have reduced the cost, volume, and time involved. This makes it a viable alternative to geochemical approaches – the most widely used and relatively efficient method.

    – Why is there so much gold in west Africa?
    – https://theconversation.com/why-is-there-so-much-gold-in-west-africa-248599

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why is there so much gold in west Africa?

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Raymond Kazapoe, Senior lecturer, University for Development Studies

    Militaries that have taken power in Africa’s Sahel region – notably Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger – have put pressure on western mining firms for a fairer distribution of revenue from the lucrative mining sector.

    Gold is one of the resources at the heart of these tensions. West Africa has been a renowned gold mining hub for centuries, dating back to the ancient Ghana empire, which earned its reputation as the “Land of Gold” because of its abundant reserves and thriving trade networks. The region remains a global leader in gold production. As of 2024, west Africa contributed approximately 10.8% of the world’s total gold output.

    But why is there so much gold in this region? The Conversation Africa asked geologist Raymond Kazapoe to explain.

    How is gold formed?

    The simple answer here is that we are not certain. However, scientists have some ideas.

    Gold, like all elements, formed through high energy reactions that occurred in various cosmic and space environments some 13 billion years ago, when the universe started to form.

    However, gold deposits – or the concentration of gold in large volumes within rock formations – are believed to occur through various processes, explained by two theories.

    The first theory – described by geologist Richard J. Goldfarb – argues that large amounts of gold were deposited in certain areas when continents were expanding and changing shape, around 3 billion years ago. This happened when smaller landmasses, or islands, collided and stuck to larger continents, a process called accretionary tectonics. During these collisions, mineral-rich fluids moved through the Earth’s crust, depositing gold in certain areas.

    A newer, complementary theory by planetary scientist Andrew Tomkins explains the formation of some much younger gold deposits during the Phanerozoic period (approximately 650 million years ago). It suggests that as the Earth’s oceans became richer in oxygen during the Phanerozoic period, gold got trapped within another mineral known as pyrite (often called fool’s gold) as microscopic particles. Later, geological processes – like continental growth (accretion) and heat or pressure changes (metamorphism) released this gold – forming deposits that could be mined.

    Where in west Africa is gold found and what are its sources?

    Most gold production and reserves in west Africa are found within the west African craton. This is one of the world’s oldest geological formations, consisting of ancient, continental crust that has remained largely unchanged for billions of years.

    The craton underlies much of west Africa, spanning parts of Mali, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Senegal and Mauritania. In fact, most west African countries that have significant gold deposits have close to 50% of their landmass on the craton. Notably, between 35% and 45% of Ghana, Mali and Côte d’Ivoire’s territory sits on it – which is why these areas receive so much attention from gold prospectors.

    Gold deposits were formed within west Africa’s craton rocks during a major tectonic event, known as the Eburnean Orogeny, 2.2 billion to 2.08 billion years ago. This event was accompanied by the temperature, pressure and tectonic conditions which promote gold mineralisation events. Most of the gold resources in the west African craton are found within ancient geological formations formed by volcanic and tectonic processes about 2.3 billion to 2.05 billion years ago. These are known as the Rhyacian Birimian granitoid-greenstone belts.

    These gold-bearing belts in Ghana and Mali are by far the most endowed when compared with other countries in the region. Ghana and Mali currently, cumulatively account for over 57% of the combined past production and resources of the entire west Africa sub-region.

    Ghana is thought to be home to 1,000 metric tonnes of gold. The country produces 90 metric tonnes each year – or 7% of global production. Gold production in Mali reached around 67.7 tonnes in 2023. Mali has an estimated 800 tons of gold deposits.

    By comparison, the world’s two largest gold producers are China (which mined approximately 370 metric tonnes of gold in 2023) and Australia (which had an output of around 310 metric tonnes in 2023).

    What are some of the modern exploration tools used to find gold?

    Gold was traditionally found by panning in riverbeds, where miners swirled sediment in water to separate the heavy gold particles, or by digging shallow pits to extract gold-rich ores. Over time, methods have evolved to include geochemical exploration techniques, advanced geophysical surveys, and chemical extraction techniques, like cyanide leaching.

    Geological mapping techniques are always evolving, and at the moment, there is a lot of interest in combining remote sensing data with cutting-edge data analytics methods, like machine learning. By combining these two methods, geologists can get around some of the problems caused by traditional methods, like the reliance on subjective judgement to create reliable maps and the need to spend money prospecting in areas with low chances of success.

    In recent years, deep learning computer techniques have made significant progress. They examine various geological data-sets to reduce uncertainty and increase the chances of finding gold mineralisation through advanced artificial intelligence techniques. These methods have proved highly beneficial in identifying specific features and discovering new mineral deposits when applied to remote sensing data.

    Another method, which I’ve researched and which could serve as a complementary gold exploration tool, is the use of stable isotopes. Stable isotopes are elements – like carbon, hydrogen and oxygen – that do not decay over time. Some are responsible for helping to carry gold, in fluids, through rocks to form the deposits. As the gold-bearing fluids interact with the rocks, they transfer the stable isotopes to the rocks, thereby imbuing them with their unique signature. The thinking here is to identify the signature and then use it as a proxy for finding gold, since gold itself is hard to identify directly.

    Advancements in analytical techniques have reduced the cost, volume, and time involved. This makes it a viable alternative to geochemical approaches – the most widely used and relatively efficient method.

    Raymond Kazapoe receives funding from the African Union and Pan African University to carry out some of the research referenced in this article

    – ref. Why is there so much gold in west Africa? – https://theconversation.com/why-is-there-so-much-gold-in-west-africa-248599

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How Thailand’s TV lesbian romances captured a global audience

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Eva Cheuk-Yin Li, Lecturer in Sociology (Media & Cultural Studies Team), Lancaster University

    While dramas about male same-sex romance (known as “boys’ love”, or BL) have been popular in Asia since 2010, “girls’ love” (GL) dramas are only now seeing a meteoric rise in popularity – and they are coming out of Thailand.

    On January 23 2025, Thailand became the first country in south-east Asia to legalise same-sex marriage. Although the country is often imagined as a “gay paradise”, Thai society remains largely conservative and homophobia is still commonplace. Against this social backdrop, the rise of LGBTQ+ storytelling is intriguing – perhaps revealing the emergence of more tolerant and progressive attitudes.

    In Thailand, these BL and GL dramas are known as series “Y”, an industry estimated to be worth 3 billion baht (approximately £72 million) in 2024. Thailand’s GL dramas now reshaping sapphic storytelling and bringing it to the mainstream.

    Besides the central romance plotline, GL stories often explore pertinent issues such as family expectations and societal pressure, coming-out struggles, and age and class differences. Adding depth to the narrative, these issues chime with young queer audiences seeking more realistic, relatable experiences.

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    A hub for BL series since the mid-2010s, Thailand only produced its first full-length GL series in 2022. Despite investor doubts, the producer of a then-small production house financed a pioneering series called Gap, telling the story of an office romance between a royal-descendant CEO and a junior member of staff.

    Airing on domestic TV and later uncut on YouTube with multilingual subtitles, Gap amassed over 850 million views by January 2025, proving a global appetite for queer women-oriented stories. By February 2025, more than 20 GL series had aired, with at least 30 more in production.

    Trailer of Gap (2022), Thailand’s first full-length GL series.

    Series like Blank, 23.5, The Secret of Us, Affair, and The Loyal Pin illustrate the genre’s growing popularity, with uncut versions available on platforms like YouTube and Netflix, complete with subtitles in various languages such as English, Korean, Vietnamese, Spanish, Portuguese and Turkish.

    Thailand’s GL dramas have adopted successful practices from their BL counterparts: adapting novels, scouting and training actors, incorporating product placement, hosting fan events and appearing on variety shows. One notable practice is the making of khu-jin (imagined couple), where celebrities perform same-sex intimate moments on stage or social media to serve fans’ fantasies.

    “Shipping” culture – the practice of imagining or supporting a romantic relationship between fictional or real individuals – is pivotal to GL’s success. The two Gap leads, Freen Sarocha and Becky Armstrong have created the “FreenBecky” ship, and each have more than four million Instagram followers. Actresses of other “ships” such as LingOrm, EngLot, and FayeYoko, command similarly devoted followings. Their fan meetings across Asia regularly draw tens of thousands, blending fiction and reality to create an immersive fan ecosystem.

    Celebrating Girls Love

    As we discussed in our recent research, Thai GL series also emphasises joy and resilience, unlike the tragic endings often seen in western LGBTQ+ narratives. US-produced content has been criticised for the “bury your gays trope”, where LGBTQ+ characters are frequently killed off in tragic or unnecessary ways.

    Another objection is “dead lesbian syndrome”, where lesbian and bisexual characters are even more likely to be killed on screen. Notorious examples include Killing Eve and The 100.

    In contrast, Thai GL stories celebrate love and acceptance, despite the challenges experienced by protagonists. Series like Gap, The Secret of Us, and Mate feature grand wedding finales with the blessing of parents and friends, portraying queer love overcoming obstacles and thriving.

    GL series also speak directly to the queer women’s community. Many actresses, such as Engfa Waraha in Show Me Love and Petrichor, and Faye Malisorn in Blank, are openly queer or vocal queer allies.

    Although many GL series have male directors, love scenes are respectful, focusing on sensuality and desire rather than being graphic and exploitative. This contrasts with films such as Blue is the Warmest Colour, in which love scenes were criticised as being exploitative, and where actresses have reported problematic practices during filming.

    Opportunities and challenges

    From their inception, Thai GL dramas have aired locally but have quickly been made available on streaming platforms with multilingual subtitles for a global audience. Social media platforms amplify their reach, with production houses curating trends and fostering interactive fan experiences.

    Recognising the potential for cultural export, the Thai government has partnered with BL and GL production companies to promote Thai culture and products. It is unusual for governments to embrace queer culture as a vehicle for soft power, which highlights the growing cultural and economic significance of these series. Though this development has sparked concerns over the intentions behind such support, it signals a future where queer narratives hold global, cultural and political relevance.

    Despite its success, GL entertainment faces challenges. Many series are still adaptations of novels, limiting thematic diversity. While themes like schoolyard dramas and sweet romances such as Love Senior, Unlock Your Love, and Us prevail, some series are pushing boundaries with themes like disability (Pluto), supernatural power (Reverse 4 You), and crime (Petrichor).

    GL romances provide a vital space for queer women’s stories, connecting audiences across borders through global visibility and fan culture. Most remarkably, this shift isn’t coming from Hollywood.

    As the genre evolves, it holds the potential to continue redefining representation and amplifying underrepresented voices. It’s not just reshaping how queer women’s stories are told and viewed globally, it’s proving to be commercially viable and culturally transformative.

    In the face of rising global reactionary politics and growing hatred against the LGBTQ+ community following Trump’s re-election, Thai GL series offers not only a safe escape and fantasy, but also a sense of solidarity through their worldwide fandom.

    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. How Thailand’s TV lesbian romances captured a global audience – https://theconversation.com/how-thailands-tv-lesbian-romances-captured-a-global-audience-248261

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Namibia’s Shark Island: Europe’s push for green hydrogen risks compromising sites of colonial genocide

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Rosanna Carver, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Victoria

    An aerial view of Shark Island and the town of Lüderitz in Namibia. (Black Court Studios)

    In September 2025, Namibia will host the Global African Hydrogen Summit. The Namibian government has ambitions to turn the country into a leading producer of green hydrogen for export to markets in Europe and elsewhere. However, the lands and waters now regarded as being essential to Europe’s energy transition are tied to traumatic memories of colonial violence; especially the ocean, which is the final resting place for thousands of Namibians.

    As countries around the world transition to renewable energy, an inconspicuous peninsula in Namibia known as Shark Island is positioned to play a key role in the production of so-called “green” hydrogen, which is a proposed alternative to fossil fuels.

    However, the peninsula and its waters are at risk of being compromised by proposed port expansions to support the transportation of green hydrogen. Shark Island, near the town of Lüderitz, is now a campsite for tourists.

    But Shark Island is also called Death Island, and it was a concentration camp and a site of genocide during German colonial rule from 1884 to 1915. The concentration camp has since been destroyed, leaving little evidence of the violence that occurred there. However, recent international investigations highlight what many Namibians have known and worked on for generations.

    Germany’s colonization and genocide

    In 1884, German colonizer Adolf Lüderitz annexed Namibia, intending to finance colonial rule through minerals. Between 1904 and 1908, German colonial forces killed approximately 100,000 people (80 per cent of the Herero and half of the Nama population). The genocide also affected the ǂNukhoen and the ǂAonin communities.

    During the genocide, those who were not immediately killed were sent to concentration camps, where they were forced to perform manual labour, such as working on railways and harbours. This occurred across Namibia, including on the coast: in Swakopmund and Lüderitz alone, more than 1,550 Nama died.

    The research agency Forensic Architecture has digitally reconstructed the camps and identified evidence of burial places. On Shark Island, they demonstrate that the port expansion “poses further imminent risk to the site.”

    Attention has been given to the land-based component of green hydrogen projects including the multinational joint venture, Hyphen Energy. But the ocean, which Namibia’s development projects also interact with, is often overlooked as a space of memory, justice and relations. This is in part due to colonial and apartheid histories that erased or excluded people from the coasts and oceans.

    During colonial rule, German colonizers incarcerated Namibians offshore aboard ships. They also threw the bodies of those who had died in the concentration camp into the ocean. The local saying “the sea will take you” highlights how the ocean is involuntarily tied to memories of death and trauma.

    Namibians have not forgotten the violence that occurred on the land and at sea. Local groups are restoring grave sites and establishing memorials. The discussion of recognition, justice and equitable rights and access to the coast and ocean are important for Namibia’s communities and the decedents of those killed during the genocide.

    Waves of energy colonialism

    Green hydrogen has a central role in global decarbonization ambitions. Namibia is considered an “export production site” for Europe’s future hydrogen economy. This is due to its solar and wind potential, and access to the ocean.

    Hydrogen can only be produced in Namibia if the infrastructure exists to enable it. For example, hydrogen requires the industrial and transportation infrastructure to get it to international markets. To meet these demands, the Namibian Ports Authroity is proposing port expansions in the city of Walvis Bay and Lüderitz, where expansion could have implications for Shark Island and its waters.

    Campaigners in Namibia are demanding the government and industry halt the expansion plans on Shark Island, and meaningfully engage with reconciliation. Among them is the Windhoek-based Black Court Studio, where Natache Iilonga, co-author of this article, is the creative director.

    These proposed developments signal the continued European dominance in Namibia’s blue and green economy projects. They enable energy colonialism, where the push for green energy continues colonial injustices. European countries and industry perpetuate ecological, social and cultural harm to satisfy their own climate change agendas.

    Projects and partnerships between Namibia and European countries like Germany are emblematic of (neo)colonial power relations. While these projects propose to foster co-operation, they also continue to dispossess communities from their lands and waters, and erase environmental and cultural relations.

    Through “development assistance,” the German government and non-governmental organizations continue to influence economic projects in Namibia, while avoiding discussion of meaningful reparations for colonial crimes.



    Read more:
    Germany’s genocide in Namibia: deal between the two governments falls short of delivering justice

    The land and ocean are not merely passive witnesses to colonial violence. Black Court Studio incorporates the ocean as a dynamic participant in the conversation about these violent histories, and justice and healing. Through community exercises and counter-mapping, the studio explores people’s socio-cultural relations with the ocean.

    Together, the studio’s interventions are beginning to resituate previously erased and forgotten connections with Shark Island. This work also highlights cultural and spiritual relations with the ocean that persist despite this dispossession.

    Namibia’s ocean and coasts are not empty spaces to be exploited for the benefit of Europe’s energy future. A deeper understanding of histories, and present day connections, provide lessons for meaningful reconciliation.

    Natache Iilonga is a practicing architect with Iilonga Architects Inc and the co-founder of Black Court Studios Namibia.

    Rosanna Carver 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. Namibia’s Shark Island: Europe’s push for green hydrogen risks compromising sites of colonial genocide – https://theconversation.com/namibias-shark-island-europes-push-for-green-hydrogen-risks-compromising-sites-of-colonial-genocide-239549

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Day of Russian student brigades

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Concert in honor of the tenth anniversary of the headquarters of student teams of SPbGASU

    The Day of Russian Student Teams is celebrated on February 17. It was on this day in 2004 that the All-Russian Youth Public Movement “Russian Student Teams” was founded at the All-Russian Forum of Student Teams.

    The first detachment was formed in 1949 at LISI (SPbGASU). Today, the headquarters unites nine student detachments. In addition, our university has a detachment called “Lastochka”, representing the Youth Patriotic Action “Nevsky Desant”.

    Polina Yurkova, a representative of the SPbGASU student teams headquarters, spoke about what 2024 will be remembered for.

    As part of the international construction team project, Eliza Iskuzhina from the student construction team (SCT) “Polza” took part in the construction of the Akkuyu NPP in Turkey from February to March. Eliza joined the international student construction team “Bosphorus”. And in June she was appointed as the project commissioner.

    Ekaterina Bushueva from the Polza SSO and Andrey Repin from the Pyatnitsa SSO visited Egypt as part of the mixed all-Russian unit Dune. In order to take part in the large-scale project to build the El Dabaa NPP, the guys had to go through a competitive selection. But they gained experience, got to know an interesting country, and got new impressions.

    A bright event of May was the film festival of the Student Detachments of St. Petersburg “Svoy Zal”, in which the student pedagogical detachment (SPO) “Svoboda” won in several nominations with the film “Path”, dedicated to the search of young people for themselves and their place in life. The work of our students was awarded prizes for the best feature film, best camera work and best sound engineering.

    From April 27 to May 1, the SAO (student archaeological team) “Lin” organized the youth volunteer project “Memory Watch. Bridgehead at Fort Krasnaya Gorka.” The fighters of the student teams were engaged in the improvement of this historical place. Three members of the SAO “Lin” distinguished themselves here: Ekaterina Dementyeva was the project manager, Polina Yurkova was responsible for the evening cultural program, and Daria Obukhova was responsible for the photos from the event.

    There are two anniversaries in 2024: 65 years since the founding of the movement and 20 years of the modern history of student brigades. Our fighters took part in the All-Russian rally of Russian student brigades in Moscow on November 21–24, 2024, which was dedicated to this.

    The St. Petersburg Student Team Festival was held on December 9, 2024. The Kusto construction team was honored there, it turned 10 years old. The merits of the graduate of SPbGASU, fighter and former commander of the SAO Lin Ekaterina Dementyeva were recognized with a diploma. Two medals were awarded to a fighter of the SPO Arlekino, a graduate Kira Martel, one to a graduate Egor Anikin from the SPO Svoboda, who headed the city headquarters. According to tradition, newlyweds are given champagne at the festival – it was received by Dmitry and Maria Salnikov (SSO Kusto and SPO Arlekino, respectively).

    According to Polina Yurkova, the most important event of last year was the tenth anniversary of the headquarters of the student brigades of SPbGASU. A concert in honor of this date took place on December 2. The guys prepared numbers – songs, dances, comedy sketches. Veterans of the movement, family members, friends came to the concert. The fighters were congratulated by the Vice-Rector for Youth Policy Marina Malyutina.

    2025 has started actively. In January and February, fighters traditionally went to the Leningrad Region to clean up areas, hold concerts, lessons and master classes. 22 students from the Nevsky Desant detachment went to the Lastochka SPbGASU, and more than 30 students participated in the action as part of combined detachments. SPbGASU students visited settlements from the Lomonosov District to the Republic of Karelia.

    We wish the student teams of SPbGASU new interesting events and a successful work season!

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: New Permanent Representative of Haiti Presents Credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    Ann-Kathryne Lassegue, the new Permanent Representative of Haiti to the United Nations Office at Geneva, today presented her credentials to Tatiana Valovaya, the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva.

    Prior to her appointment, Ms. Lassegue had been serving as Head of Mission a.i. at the Permanent Mission of Haiti to the United Nations Office in Geneva since June 2024, and prior to that, as Minister Counsellor at the Mission since 2021.  She served as Head of Mission a.i. at the Embassy of Haiti in Canada from 2020 to 2021, and as Minister Counsellor from 2014 to 2021.  She served as Minister Counsellor at the Embassy of Haiti in Benin from 2012 to 2014.

    Ms. Lassegue holds a master’s degree in international development and globalization from the University of Ottowa (2021) and a master’s degree in international relations from the University of New York (2010), as well as a bachelor’s degree in political science from Queens College of New York (2008) and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Bordeaux (2005).  She is married with two children.

    ____

    CR.25.052E

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the information media; not an official record.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Islamic Finance Expands Africa’s Energy Investment Landscape, Strengthening Arab-African Cooperation

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

    PARIS, France, February 17, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Africa’s energy sector is seeing growing interest from Islamic financial institutions, as demonstrated by the recent $400 million Murabaha financing secured by Africa Finance Corporation (AFC). This transaction not only underscores the growing role of Islamic finance in Africa’s infrastructure development, but also highlights significant opportunities for deeper financial cooperation between Arab and African nations in the energy sector.

    The strong demand for AFC’s facility, which attracted 11 Islamic financial institutions – including Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Al Rajhi Bank and Emirates Islamic Bank – signals growing appetite among Middle Eastern banks to engage in Africa’s development. The facility, upsized from an initial $300 million due to high investor interest, reinforces AFC’s strategy to diversify its funding base and aligns with broader efforts to expand energy investment partnerships between Arab and African countries.

    Islamic finance is emerging as a key source of funding for Africa’s energy sector, particularly for large-scale infrastructure projects. The Murabaha financing structure used in AFC’s deal aligns with Sharia principles, offering an attractive and ethical investment vehicle for Middle Eastern and North African financial institutions seeking exposure to African markets. This move complements AFC’s recent $500 million hybrid bond issuance and the corporation’s ongoing efforts to attract diverse capital sources, including potential Panda bonds in China.

    Opportunities for Arab Investment in Africa’s Energy Future

    The increasing participation of Islamic banks and financial institutions presents a strategic opportunity for Middle Eastern nations to play a larger role in Africa’s energy transition. Countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have well-capitalized financial institutions and sovereign wealth funds that can accelerate Africa’s energy infrastructure expansion, particularly in natural gas, renewables and power generation.

    Arab nations already have a growing footprint in Africa’s energy sector. The UAE’s Masdar has been investing in renewable projects across North and sub-Saharan Africa – committing $10 billion to deliver 10 GW of clean energy capacity in Africa by 2030 – while Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power has been involved in developing solar and desalination projects across the continent. QatarEnergy has been actively advancing hydrocarbon exploration in Africa, expanding its interests in Namibia’s offshore Orange Basin, while ADNOC has strengthened its footprint by acquiring a 10% stake in the Area 4 concession of Mozambique’s Rovuma Basin. However, there remains significant untapped potential for Arab-African cooperation, particularly in financing LNG terminals, gas-to-power projects and oil and gas exploration. Countries like Egypt, Algeria and Libya, which straddle both regions, can serve as financial and logistical bridges between Middle Eastern investors and African energy markets.

    The Role of Energy-Focused Islamic Finance

    The AFC’s Murabaha financing comes at a time when global Islamic finance is experiencing sustained growth, with assets expected to see high single-digit expansion through 2025, according to S&P Global Ratings. This growth is supported by strong balance sheets, high profitability and increasing regulatory backing. The surge in Islamic finance presents a timely opportunity for African energy projects, which require significant capital investment to meet the continent’s growing energy demand.

    One of the major advantages of Islamic finance is its alignment with sustainable investment principles, making it particularly attractive for funding Africa’s energy transition. In addition to AFC’s investment in renewable energy ventures such as Xlinks’ renewable energy initiative and the expansion of Lekela Power’s 3 GW capacity target, Islamic financial institutions could extend their involvement to Africa’s gas sector, which is viewed as a transitional fuel to bridge the energy gap.

    Strengthening Arab-African Partnerships at IAE 2025

    The increasing role of Middle Eastern finance in Africa’s energy sector will be a critical focus at the upcoming Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum in Paris this May.  Serving as the premier African energy project showcase outside of the continent, IAE 2025 provides a space for African governments, investors and key financial players from the Middle East to explore new partnerships and drive investment in gas, LNG and broader energy infrastructure projects. By tapping into Islamic finance, African countries can secure critical capital to accelerate its energy development. At the same time, Arab nations stand to benefit from deeper economic integration with Africa, gaining access to new markets and resources. The AFC’s successful Murabaha financing serves as a strong indicator that the time is ripe for greater energy sector collaboration between Africa and the Middle East.

    IAE 2025 (http://apo-opa.co/4hC0kAA) 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.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – Plenary round-up – February 2025 – 14-02-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The highlight of the February 2025 plenary session was the presentation of the European Commission’s long-awaited 2025 work programme and the subsequent debate. The session also saw a debate on Council and Commission statements on continued EU support for Ukraine, followed by an address by Ruslan Stefanchuk, Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada. Members took part in several debates linked to preparing the EU for a new trade era: on multilateral cooperation on tariffs, the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement, and protecting the system of international justice and its institutions. A debate and vote on the 2024 European Central Bank annual report took place in the presence of Christine Lagarde, President of the Bank. Parliament held a debate on media freedom, in honour of the memory of journalists Ján Kuciak and Martina Kušnírová; another debate marked the anniversary of the murder of Alexei Navalny. Members also debated the political crisis in Serbia, the escalating violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and resolving humanitarian crises following war and conflict. Finally, Parliament debated the escalation of violence in Sweden, the mental health crisis among Europe’s youth, and cross-border recognition of same-sex couples and their children’s civil status documents.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC Launches Zero-Fee Trading Zone to Maximize Profits for Traders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, Feb. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, is excited to announce the launch of its Zero-Fee Trading Zone, offering traders the chance to enjoy 0% Maker and Taker fees on hot trading pairs for a limited time. This initiative allows traders to take full advantage of market opportunities without incurring the usual fees, optimizing their potential profits.

    By creating this dedicated Zero-Fee Trading Zone, MEXC eliminates the hassle of searching for specific zero-fee pairs, allowing traders to focus on capitalizing on market movements without worrying about trading costs.

    Eligible pairs include:
    Futures: Over 100 pairs, including popular trading pairs such as APTUSDT, TRUMPUSDT, MELANIAUSDT， SEIUSDT, TIAUSDT, INJUSDT, ORDIUSDT, WLDUSDT, POPCATUSDT, and more.
    Spot: More than 40 pairs, featuring highly-traded pairs like APT/USDT, XRP/USDT, AVAX/USDT, BOME/USDT, DOGE/USDT, WIF/USDT, ORDI/USDT, TIA/USDT and others.

    Since its founding in 2018, MEXC has earned widespread recognition for its user-centric values and its vision of “To become everyone’s easiest way to crypto”.The platform now serves over 30 million users across 170+ countries. With continuous improvements and strategic initiatives, MEXC’s influence in the cryptocurrency sector has grown significantly. In the latest TokenInsight report, MEXC ranked among the top six in spot trading and the top five in derivatives trading globally. These achievements underscore MEXC’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and its leadership in the crypto industry.

    Tracy Jin, Vice President at MEXC, commented: “At MEXC, our mission is to offer users a simple, seamless, and efficient cryptocurrency trading experience. The launch of the Zero-Fee Trading Zone is just one example of how we prioritize our users and create the best possible trading environment. Additionally, MEXC supports over 3,000 tradable tokens, daily airdrops, ultra-low fees, and robust liquidity, enhancing the user experience and providing exclusive opportunities to earn free assets and maximize potential returns.”

    MEXC aims to become the go-to platform offering the widest range of valuable crypto assets. The platform has grown its user base to 32 million by providing a diverse selection of tokens, high-frequency airdrops, and simple participation processes. In 2024, MEXC launched a total of 2,376 new tokens, including 1,716 initial listings and 605 memecoins, with total airdrop rewards exceeding $136 million.

    Please note that the event times for each eligible trading pair may vary. For specific details on eligible pairs and their respective event end times, refer to the latest announcements on MEXC’s official website.

    About MEXC
    Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto”. Serving over 30 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, frequent airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.

    MEXC Official Website｜ X ｜ Telegram ｜How to Sign Up on MEXC

    Risk Disclaimer:
    The information provided in this article about cryptocurrencies does not represent MEXC’s official stance or investment advice. Given the highly volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market, investors are encouraged to carefully evaluate market fluctuations, project fundamentals, and potential financial risks before making any trading decisions.

    Contact:
    Lucia Hu
    PR Manager
    lucia.hu@mexc.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by MEXC. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the sponsor and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial, investment, or trading advice. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/006339ec-628d-41e4-9e69-47c6d59ed1f4

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets former United States Deputy National Security Advisor Matthew Pottinger

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Details
    2025-02-11
    President Lai meets Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla of the Kingdom of Eswatini
    On the afternoon of February 11, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla of the Kingdom of Eswatini. In remarks, President Lai thanked Eswatini for continuing to support Taiwan’s international participation at international venues. The president stated that Taiwan and Eswatini work closely in such areas as agriculture, the economy and trade, education, and healthcare, and expressed hope that the two countries will continue to support each other on the international stage and strive together for the well-being of both peoples.  A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I warmly welcome our distinguished guests to the Presidential Office. Deputy Prime Minister Dladla previously visited Taiwan while serving as minister of foreign affairs. This is her first time leading a delegation here as deputy prime minister. I want to extend my sincerest welcome. Deputy Prime Minister Dladla has earned a high degree of recognition and trust from His Majesty King Mswati III. She was not only Eswatini’s first woman foreign minister, but is also the second woman to have held her current key position. She shows an active interest in people’s welfare, and has a reputation for being deeply devoted to her compatriots. I have great admiration for this. I am truly delighted to meet with Deputy Prime Minister Dladla today. I would like to take this opportunity to once again express my gratitude to His Majesty the King for leading a delegation to attend the inauguration ceremony for myself and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao last year. This demonstrated the close diplomatic ties between our countries. I also want to thank Eswatini for continuing to support Taiwan’s international participation at international venues. I would ask that when Deputy Prime Minister Dladla returns to Eswatini, she conveys Taiwan’s greetings and gratitude to His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ntombi Tfwala. Diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Eswatini have endured for over half a century. Our two nations have continued to work closely in such areas as agriculture, the economy and trade, education, and healthcare. Our largest collaboration to date has been assisting Eswatini in the construction of a strategic oil reserve facility. We will continue to push forward with this project, and look forward to achieving even greater results in all areas. I understand that Deputy Prime Minister Dladla is very concerned about issues regarding gender equality and women’s empowerment. During her term as foreign minister, she facilitated bilateral cooperation in those areas. Now, as deputy prime minister, she is actively attending to the disadvantaged and advancing social welfare. These policies are very much in line with the priorities of my administration. I look forward to strengthening cooperation with Deputy Prime Minister Dladla for the benefit of both our societies. Taiwan and Eswatini are peace-loving nations. Faced with a constantly changing international landscape and the growing threat posed by authoritarianism, we hope that our two countries will continue to support each other on the international stage and strive together for the well-being of both our peoples. In closing, I wish Deputy Prime Minister Dladla and our distinguished guests a pleasant and successful visit. Deputy Prime Minister Dladla then delivered remarks, first greeting President Lai on behalf of the King, the Queen Mother, and the people of Eswatini, and extending gratitude for the warm reception afforded to her and her delegation, which underscores the strong bonds of friendship between our two nations. The deputy prime minister stated that, in reflecting on the fruits of our partnership, the evidence of Taiwan’s commitment to Eswatini is all around us. The strategic oil reserve project launching in April, she indicated, will redefine Eswatini’s energy security, and the Central Bank complex and electrification project stand as monuments of Taiwan’s vision for Eswatini’s progress and indicate that our partnerships are very strong. Deputy Prime Minister Dladla pointed out that education is the foundation of any nation’s progress, and that Taiwan’s contribution to Eswatini’s education sector cannot be overstated. Through Ministry of Foreign Affairs scholarship programs, she said, Eswatini has sent numerous students to Taiwan, where they’ve received world-class education in various disciplines, including engineering, business, and medicine. In turn, she said, these graduates are now contributing to the development of Eswatini. The deputy prime minister stated that Taiwan has also strengthened Eswatini’s industrial and technological sectors, with collaborations and partnerships that create new opportunities for employment and innovation, and that Taiwan’s technical and medical assistance has strengthened Eswatini’s healthcare systems and uplifted the expertise of its professionals. Deputy Prime Minister Dladla also congratulated President Lai once again on his presidency, which she stated will lead Taiwan to new heights, adding that His Majesty coming to Taiwan personally for the inauguration was a resounding declaration of Eswatini’s enduring support for Taiwan’s sovereignty, stability, and rightful place on the world stage. She emphasized that Eswatini stands with Taiwan always and unwaveringly. In conclusion, the deputy prime minister stated that Eswatini fully agrees with Taiwan that we must all safeguard our national sovereignty and protect the lives and property of our people. She said that our common enemy will always be poverty and natural disasters, but against all odds, we will stand united, and we shall remain united and be one. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Eswatini Ambassador Promise Sithembiso Msibi.

    Details
    2025-02-11
    Presidential Office thanks US and Japan for joint leaders’ statement
    On February 7 (US EST), President Donald Trump of the United States and Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru of Japan issued a joint leaders’ statement reiterating “the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as an indispensable element of security and prosperity for the international community.” In the statement, the two leaders also “encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues, and opposed any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force or coercion” and “expressed support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations.” Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) on February 8 expressed sincere gratitude on behalf of the Presidential Office to the leaders of both countries for taking concrete action to demonstrate their firm support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and for Taiwan’s international participation. Spokesperson Kuo pointed out that there is already a strong international consensus on the importance of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The spokesperson emphasized that Taiwan, as a responsible member of the international community, is capable and willing to work together with the international community and will continue strengthening its self-defense capabilities as it deepens its trilateral security partnership with the US and Japan and works alongside like-minded countries to uphold the rules-based international order. The spokesperson said that Taiwan will work toward ensuring a free and open Taiwan Strait and Indo-Pacific region, as well as global peace, stability, and prosperity, as it continues to act as a force for good in the world.

    Details
    2025-02-11
    President Lai’s response to Pope Francis’s 2025 World Day of Peace message  
    President Lai Ching-te recently sent a letter to Pope Francis of the Catholic Church in response to his message marking the 58th World Day of Peace. The following is the full text of the president’s letter to the pope: Your Holiness, In your message for the 2025 World Day of Peace entitled Forgive us our trespasses: grant us your peace, you called for a cultural change that would bring an end to the governance of interpersonal and international relations by a logic of exploitation and oppression and herald true and lasting peace. I wholeheartedly admire and identify with your point of view. Since transitioning from a medical career to politics, I have remained true to my original intentions in the sense that, while a doctor can help only one person at a time, a public servant can simultaneously assist many people in resolving the difficulties affecting their lives. In my inaugural address in May 2024, I pledged that every day of my term, I would strive to act justly, show mercy, and be humble, which accord with the teachings of the Bible. I promised to treat the Taiwanese people as family and prove myself worthy of their trust and expectations. With an unwavering heart, I have accepted the people’s trust and taken on the solemn responsibility of leading the nation forward and building a democratic, peaceful, and prosperous new Taiwan. In this new year, the changing international landscape continues to present many grave challenges to democratic nations around the world. As the Russia-Ukraine war persists, the steady convergence of authoritarian regimes, including China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, threatens the rules-based international order and severely impacts peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and the world at large. Your Holiness has stated that war is a defeat for everyone. I, too, firmly believe that peace is priceless and that war has no winners. A high level of consensus has formed in the international community on upholding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The Taiwanese people also maintain an unyielding commitment to safeguarding a way of life that encompasses freedom, equality, democracy, and human rights. Taiwan will continue to spare no effort in preserving regional peace and stability and serving as a pilot for global peace. In your World Day of Peace message, you urged prosperous countries to assist poorer ones. This compassion is truly touching. Taiwan is proactively implementing values-based diplomacy and, under the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, enhancing allies’ development through a range of initiatives. Over many years, Taiwan has accumulated abundant and unique experience of providing foreign assistance. Seeking to foster self-reliance among disadvantaged countries, we have extended genuine support to help alleviate poverty through such avenues as strengthening basic infrastructure, transferring technology, and cultivating talent. In your message, you reminded countries worldwide that assistance should not be merely an isolated act of charity and pointed to the need to devise a new global financial framework so that food crises, climate change, and other challenges could be jointly addressed. I hold this view in high regard. I therefore earnestly hope that international organizations will stop excluding Taiwan for political reasons. Taiwan is willing to shoulder its international responsibilities so that it can contribute and share its valuable experience through many global platforms.  On behalf of the government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I again express our interest in collaborating with the Holy See to advance world peace through concrete action. We also aspire to demonstrate Taiwanese values and the Taiwanese spirit and work together with the Holy See to uphold the core values of justice, democracy, freedom, and peace.  Please accept, Your Holiness, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration, as well as my best wishes for your good health and the continued growth of the Catholic Church.

    Details
    2025-02-11
    President Lai meets former US Vice President Mike Pence
    On the afternoon of January 17, President Lai Ching-te met with former Vice President of the United States Mike Pence. In remarks, President Lai thanked former Vice President Pence for his contributions to the deepening of Taiwan-US relations, noting that he actively helped to strengthen Taiwan-US cooperation and facilitate the normalization of military sales to Taiwan, and did his utmost to deepen the Taiwan-US economic partnership. The president indicated that former Vice President Pence also spoke up for Taiwan on numerous occasions at international venues, backing Taiwan’s international participation. President Lai expressed hope for a stronger Taiwan-US partnership to maintain peace and stability throughout the world, and that the two sides can advance bilateral exchanges in such areas as the economy, trade, and industry. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I am delighted to welcome former Vice President Pence and Mrs. Karen Pence to the Presidential Office. Former Vice President Pence is not only an outstanding political leader in the US, but also a staunch supporter of Taiwan on the international stage. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I would like to take this opportunity to extend our deepest gratitude to former Vice President Pence for his contributions to the deepening of Taiwan-US relations. Thanks to former Vice President Pence’s strong backing, ties between Taiwan and the US rose to unprecedented heights during President Donald Trump’s first administration. Former Vice President Pence actively helped to strengthen Taiwan-US security cooperation and facilitate the normalization of military sales to Taiwan, helping Taiwan reinforce its self-defense capabilities. He also did his utmost to deepen the Taiwan-US economic partnership. Former Vice President Pence also paid close attention to the military threats and diplomatic isolation faced by Taiwan. He spoke up for Taiwan on numerous occasions at international venues, taking concrete action to back Taiwan’s international participation. We were truly grateful for this. As we speak, China’s political and military intimidation against Taiwan persist. China and other authoritarian regimes, such as Russia, North Korea, and Iran, are continuing to converge and present serious challenges to democracies around the globe. At this moment, free and democratic nations must come together to bolster cooperation. I believe that a stronger Taiwan-US partnership can be an even more powerful force in maintaining peace and stability throughout the world. Former Vice President Pence has previously supported the signing of a trade agreement between Taiwan and the US. Taiwan looks forward to continuing to work with the new US administration and Congress to advance bilateral exchanges in such areas as the economy, trade, and industry. This is the first time that former Vice President Pence and Mrs. Pence are visiting Taiwan, and their visit is significantly meaningful for Taiwan-US exchanges. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I want to extend a warm welcome. Moving forward, I hope we will jointly realize even more fruitful achievements through Taiwan-US cooperation. Former Vice President Pence then delivered remarks, thanking President Lai for his hospitality on his and his wife’s first visit to Taiwan, saying that it is an honor to be here to reaffirm the bonds of friendship between the people of America and the people of Taiwan, which are strong and longstanding. The former vice president indicated that the American people admire the people of Taiwan and all that has been accomplished in a few short decades for Taiwan to rise to one of the world’s preeminent economic powers and free societies. He said that he is grateful for President Lai’s courageous and bold leadership of Taiwan, and grateful to be able to express the support of the overwhelming majority of the American people for this alliance. Former Vice President Pence indicated that the values shared by Taiwan and the US, including freedom, the rule of law, and respect for human rights, bind us together in a partnership that transcends geographic boundaries and cultures. He then assured President Lai that China’s increasingly aggressive posture in the Taiwan Strait and across the Indo-Pacific, for the values and interests that both sides share, is deeply concerning to the American people. Former Vice President Pence stated that America is a Pacific nation, and is committed to the status quo, adding that they recognize it is China that wants to change the status quo that America, Taiwan, and other allies in the region want to preserve, which has created an environment of extraordinary growth and prosperity. The former vice president concluded by once again thanking President Lai and his team for their gracious hospitality and conveying best wishes to him and the people of Taiwan. Former Vice President Pence then assured President Lai that just as Taiwan will never surrender its freedom, he will continue to be a voice for a strong US-Taiwan relationship in the defense and the benefit of Taiwan, the US, and the free world. Later that day, Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao hosted a banquet for former Vice President Pence and his delegation at Taipei Guest House to thank him for his longstanding friendship and staunch support for Taiwan-US ties.  

    Details
    2025-02-11
    President Lai meets delegation to 60th Inaugural Ceremonies of US president and vice president
    On the morning of January 16, President Lai Ching-te met with Taiwan’s delegation to the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies of the President and Vice President of the United States. In remarks, President Lai stated that democratic Taiwan stands united, working hard to deepen Taiwan-US ties together. He then entrusted the delegation with three missions: to convey best wishes from the people of Taiwan, convey our firm commitment to democracy, and help Taiwan-US relations reach a new milestone. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: The 60th Inaugural Ceremonies of the President and Vice President of the US will be held on January 20. I want to thank Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜), president of the Legislative Yuan, for accepting my invitation to lead our nation’s representative delegation to the event. I also thank Legislative Yuan Members Ko Chih-en (柯志恩), Wang Ting-yu (王定宇), Ko Ju-chun (葛如鈞), Lee Yen-hsiu (李彥秀), Chen Kuan-ting (陳冠廷), Kuo Yu-ching (郭昱晴), and Chen Gau-tzu (陳昭姿) for joining this visit to the US to attend the inauguration of President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance. We have gathered together today despite differences in party affiliation because in democratic Taiwan, while parties may compete domestically, when it comes to engagement externally, they stand united and share responsibility, working hard to deepen Taiwan-US ties and strive for the best interests of the nation. We share the value of defending freedom and democracy, and we share the goal of advancing peace and prosperity. Today, we engage with the world together as those from the same country – the Republic of China (Taiwan). In this complex and volatile new international landscape, and as the nation faces difficulties and challenges, I want to stress that in Formosa, there is no hostility that cannot be let go, and no hardship that cannot be overcome. Unity is the most important, and I hope that Taiwan can stand united, because there is true strength in unity. Democratic Taiwan must stand united in engaging with the world and initiate exchanges with confidence. On that ground, I am entrusting this delegation with three key missions. First, convey best wishes from the people of Taiwan. Just last year, Taiwan and the US celebrated the 45th anniversary of the passage of the Taiwan Relations Act. And on May 20, the US sent a senior bipartisan delegation to congratulate me and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao on our inauguration. As the leader of this cross-party delegation, Speaker Han must clearly convey the well-wishes of the people of Taiwan, congratulate President Trump and Vice President Vance on their inauguration, and wish success to the new administration and prosperity to the US. Second, clearly convey the firm commitment of the people of Taiwan to democracy. The theme of these inaugural ceremonies is “Our Enduring Democracy: A Constitutional Promise.” Taiwan and the US share the universal value of democracy and are staunch allies. I hope that the delegation can faithfully convey the firm commitment to democracy that the people of Taiwan have, which will not change even in the face of authoritarian threats. Taiwan is willing to stand side by side with the US and other members of the democratic community to defend the sustainable development of global democracy and prevent the expansion of authoritarianism. Third, help Taiwan-US relations reach a new milestone. In recent years, Taiwan-US relations have continued to grow, with the first agreement under the Taiwan-US Initiative on 21st Century Trade having formally taken effect last month. This morning, the House of Representatives also passed the US-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act. I hope that the delegation can help Taiwan-US relations reach a new milestone through these exchanges so that our relations continue to grow, our cooperation expands even more, and so that we can achieve even greater success after the new administration takes office. Four years ago, Taiwan’s representative to the US inaugural ceremonies was Vice President Hsiao, who was then our representative to the US. Everyone has a lot to learn from her. I have specially invited everyone here to converse so that you can draw from Vice President Hsiao’s experience and ensure an even smoother visit. Washington, DC was also hit by a rare blizzard recently, and the weather has been very cold, so make sure to stay warm. I am sending everyone off with hand warmers and thermoses so that you can bring some warmth from Taiwan with you on your journey. And I ask that Speaker Han exercise his wisdom to help generate some warmth between the ruling and opposition parties through cooperation, which they can then bring back to Taiwan. Let us unite to give our all for diplomacy so that we can unite to give our all for Taiwan. I wish the delegation a smooth and safe trip, and hope your missions can be carried out successfully. Speaker Han then delivered remarks, stating that it was an honor to be invited by President Lai to organize a delegation to represent our nation at the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies of the President and Vice President of the US in Washington, DC, and express the Republic of China’s sincere and cordial best wishes. The Legislative Yuan’s president has assumed this important task numerous times in the past, he said, not only to represent the government of the Republic of China, but also to take on the mission of conveying the voices of 23 million people. He went on to say that he is honored to take up the baton, lead eight legislators to the US to attend this celebration that will attract global attention, and express sincere best wishes to newly elected President Trump, Vice President Vance, and the new administration’s team. As enjoined by President Lai, he hopes the delegation’s trip will help open a new chapter in Taiwan-US exchanges. Speaker Han stated that the US is the most free and democratic country in the world. He noted that in 1776 in the US Declaration of Independence, founding father Thomas Jefferson propounded the concept of “unalienable rights,” and emphasized that the people have a right to freedom and the pursuit of happiness, democratic ideas that have long been rooted in the people’s hearts. Today, he said, democracy is also embedded in the DNA of Taiwan’s 23 million people, and this hard-won democratic achievement is a result of the concerted efforts of our pioneering predecessors, thinkers, and activists over the past 100 years. Speaker Han stated that during this visit, the Legislative Yuan delegation hopes to convey the voice of Taiwan as a democratic country. Taiwan’s security, he said, is like the four legs of a table: The first leg is defending the Republic of China, the second is defending freedom and democracy, the third is maintaining Taiwan-US relations, and the fourth is maintaining cross-strait peace. The delegation will travel to the US amidst severe cold weather to show that we value our relationship with the US, and our citizens have great hopes and expectations. Speaker Han stated that this will be a cross-party delegation of eight legislators, all of whom have a strong sense of mission. He hopes that all democratic nations will acknowledge Taiwan’s importance, and pay attention to Taiwan’s 23 million people. The delegation, he said, will do its utmost to convey the goodwill and warmth that the people of Taiwan give to each and every one of our good friends.

    Details
    2025-02-14
    President Lai holds press conference following high-level national security meeting
    On the morning of February 14, President Lai Ching-te convened the first high-level national security meeting of the year, following which he held a press conference. In remarks, President Lai announced that in this new year, the government will prioritize special budget allocations to ensure that Taiwan’s defense budget exceeds 3 percent of GDP. He stated that the government will also continue to reform national defense, reform our legal framework for national security, and advance our economic and trade strategy of being rooted in Taiwan while expanding globally. The president also proposed clear-cut national strategies for Taiwan-US relations, semiconductor industry development, and cross-strait relations. President Lai indicated that he instructed the national security and administrative teams to take swift action and deliver results, working within a stable strategic framework and according to the various policies and approaches outlined. He also instructed them to keep a close watch on changes in the international situation, seize opportunities whenever they arise, and address the concerns and hope of the citizens with concrete actions. He expressed hope that as long as citizens remain steadfast in their convictions, are willing to work hand in hand, stand firm amidst uncertainty, and look for ways to win within changing circumstances, Taiwan is certain to prevail in the test of time yet again. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: First, I would like to convey my condolences for the tragic incident which occurred at the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store in Taichung, which resulted in numerous casualties. I have instructed Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) to lead the relevant central government agencies in assisting Taichung’s municipal government with actively resolving various issues regarding the incident. It is my hope that these issues can be resolved efficiently. Earlier today, I convened this year’s first high-level national security meeting. I will now report on the discussions from the meeting to all citizens. 2025 is a year full of challenges, but also a year full of hope. In today’s global landscape, the democratic world faces common threats posed by the convergence of authoritarian regimes, while dumping and unfair competition from China undermine the global economic order. A new United States administration was formed at the beginning of the year, adopting all-new strategies and policies to address challenges both domestic and from overseas. Every nation worldwide, including ours, is facing a new phase of changes and challenges. In face of such changes, ensuring national security, ensuring Taiwan’s indispensability in global supply chains, and ensuring that our nation continues to make progress amidst challenges are our top priorities this year. They are also why we convened a high-level national security meeting today. At the meeting, the national security team, the administrative team led by Premier Cho, and I held an in-depth discussion based on the overall state of affairs at home and abroad and the strategies the teams had prepared in response. We summed up the following points as an overall strategy for the next stage of advancing national security and development. First, for overall national security, so that we can ensure the freedom, democracy, and human rights of the Taiwanese people, as well as the progress and development of the nation as we face various threats from authoritarian regimes, Taiwan must resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, strengthen self-sufficiency in national defense, and consolidate national defense. Taiwan must enhance economic resilience, maintain economic autonomy, and stand firm with other democracies as we deepen our strategic partnerships with like-minded countries. As I have said, “As authoritarianism consolidates, democratic nations must come closer in solidarity!” And so, in this new year, we will focus on the following three priorities: First, to demonstrate our resolve for national defense, we will continue to reform national defense, implement whole-of-society defense resilience, and prioritize special budget allocations to ensure that our defense budget exceeds 3 percent of GDP. Second, to counter the threats to our national security from China’s united front tactics, attempts at infiltration, and cognitive warfare, we will continue with the reform of our legal framework for national security and expand the national security framework to boost societal resilience and foster unity within. Third, to seize opportunities in the restructuring of global supply chains and realignment of the economic order, we will continue advancing our economic and trade strategy of being rooted in Taiwan while expanding globally, strengthening protections for high-tech, and collaborating with our friends and allies to build supply chains for global democracies. Everyone shares concern regarding Taiwan-US relations, semiconductor industry development, and cross-strait relations. For these issues, I am proposing clear-cut national strategies. First, I will touch on Taiwan-US relations. Taiwan and the US have shared ideals and values, and are staunch partners within the democratic, free community. We are very grateful to President Donald Trump’s administration for their continued support for Taiwan after taking office. We are especially grateful for the US and Japan’s joint leaders’ statement reiterating “the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as an indispensable element of security and prosperity for the international community,” as well as their high level of concern regarding China’s threat to regional security. In fact, the Democratic Progressive Party government has worked very closely with President Trump ever since his first term in office, and has remained an international partner. The procurement of numerous key advanced arms, freedom of navigation critical for security and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and many assisted breakthroughs in international diplomacy were made possible during this time. Positioned in the first island chain and on the democratic world’s frontline countering authoritarianism, Taiwan is willing and will continue to work with the US at all levels as we pursue regional stability and prosperity, helping realize our vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific. Although changes in policy may occur these next few years, the mutual trust and close cooperation between Taiwan and Washington will steadfastly endure. On that, our citizens can rest assured. In accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances, the US announced a total of 48 military sales to Taiwan over the past eight years amounting to US$26.265 billion. During President Trump’s first term, 22 sales were announced totaling US$18.763 billion. This greatly supported Taiwan’s defensive capabilities. On the foundation of our close cooperation with the past eight years’ two US administrations, Taiwan will continue to demonstrate our determination for self-defense, accelerate the bolstering of our national defense, and keep enhancing the depth and breadth of Taiwan-US security cooperation, along with all manner of institutional cooperation. In terms of bilateral economic cooperation, Taiwan has always been one of the US’s most reliable trade partners, as well as one of the most important cooperative partners of US companies in the global semiconductor industry. In the past few years, Taiwan has greatly increased both direct and indirect investment in the US. By 2024, investment surpassed US$100 billion, creating nearly 400,000 job opportunities. In 2023 and 2024, investment in the US accounted for over 40 percent of Taiwan’s overall foreign investment, far surpassing our investment in China. In fact, in 2023 and 2024, Taiwanese investment in China fell to 11 percent and 8 percent, respectively. The US is now Taiwan’s biggest investment target. Our government is now launching relevant plans in accordance with national development needs and the need to establish secure supply systems, and the Executive Yuan is taking comprehensive inventory of opportunities for Taiwan-US economic and trade cooperation. Moving forward, close bilateral cooperation will allow us to expand US investment and procurement, facilitating balanced trade. Our government will also strengthen guidance and support for Taiwanese enterprises on increasing US investment, and promote the global expansion and growth of Taiwan’s industries. We will also boost Taiwan-US cooperation in tech development and manufacturing for AI and advanced semiconductors, and work together to maintain order in the semiconductor market, shaping a new era for our strategic economic partnership. Second, the development of our semiconductor industry. I want to emphasize that Taiwan, as one of the world’s most capable semiconductor manufacturing nations, is both willing and able to address new situations. With respect to President Trump’s concerns about our semiconductor industry, the government will act prudently, strengthen communications between Taiwan and the US, and promote greater mutual understanding. We will pay attention to the challenges arising from the situation and assist businesses in navigating them. In addition, we will introduce an initiative on semiconductor supply chain partnerships for global democracies. We are willing to collaborate with the US and our other democratic partners to develop more resilient and diversified semiconductor supply chains. Leveraging our strengths in cutting-edge semiconductors, we will form a global alliance for the AI chip industry and establish democratic supply chains for industries connected to high-end chips. Through international cooperation, we will open up an entirely new era of growth in the semiconductor industry. As we face the various new policies of the Trump administration, we will continue to uphold a spirit of mutual benefit, and we will continue to communicate and negotiate closely with the US government. This will help the new administration’s team to better understand how Taiwan is an indispensable partner in the process of rebuilding American manufacturing and consolidating its leadership in high-tech, and that Taiwan-US cooperation will benefit us both. Third, cross-strait relations. Regarding the regional and cross-strait situation, Taiwan-US relations, US-China relations, and interactions among Taiwan, the US, and China are a focus of global attention. As a member of the international democratic community and a responsible member of the region, Taiwan hopes to see Taiwan-US relations continue to strengthen and, alongside US-China relations, form a virtuous cycle rather than a zero-sum game where one side’s gain is another side’s loss. In facing China, Taiwan will always be a responsible actor. We will neither yield nor provoke. We will remain resilient and composed, maintaining our consistent position on cross-strait relations: Our determination to safeguard our national sovereignty and protect our free and democratic way of life remains unchanged. Our efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, as well as our willingness to work alongside China in the pursuit of peace and mutual prosperity across the strait, remain unchanged. Our commitment to promoting healthy and orderly exchanges across the strait, choosing dialogue over confrontation, and advancing well-being for the peoples on both sides of the strait, under the principles of parity and dignity, remains unchanged. Regarding the matters I reported to the public today, I have instructed our national security and administrative teams to take swift action and deliver results, working within a stable strategic framework and according to the various policies and approaches I just outlined. I have also instructed them to keep a close watch on changes in the international situation, seize opportunities whenever they arise, and address the concerns and hope of the citizens with concrete actions. My fellow citizens, over the past several years, Taiwan has weathered a global pandemic and faced global challenges, both political and economic, arising from the US-China trade war and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Through it all, Taiwan has persevered; we have continued to develop our economy, bolster our national strength, and raise our international profile while garnering more support – all unprecedented achievements. This is all because Taiwan’s fate has never been decided by the external environment, but by the unity of the Taiwanese people and the resolve to never give up. A one-of-a-kind global situation is creating new strategic opportunities for our one-of-a-kind Taiwanese people, bringing new hope. Taiwan’s foundation is solid; its strength is great. So as long as everyone remains steadfast in their convictions, is willing to work hand in hand, stands firm amidst uncertainty, and looks for ways to win within changing circumstances, Taiwan is certain to prevail in the test of our time yet again, for I am confident that there are no difficulties that Taiwan cannot overcome. Thank you.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Inflation increased to 2.5 percent in January 2025

    Source: Bank of Botswana

    Headline inflation increased from 1.7 percent in December 2024 to 2.5 percent in January 2025, remaining below the lower bound of the medium-term objective range of 3 – 6 percent, and was lower than the 3.9 percent recorded in January 2024. The increase in inflation between December 2024 and January 2025 was mainly due to the base effects associated with the downward adjustment in domestic fuel prices on 21 December 2023, which reduced headline inflation by 0.42 percentage points in January 2024. Furthermore, inflation rose on account of the acceleration in the rate of annual price changes of some categories of goods and services, including Education, Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages and Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco. Inflation for domestic tradeables increased from 4.3 percent to 4.6 percent between December 2024 and January 2025. Similarly, inflation for imported tradeables increased significantly from 0.1 percent to 1.6 percent over the same period, mainly on account of base effects associated with the adjustment of domestic fuel prices. As a result, all tradeables inflation rose from 1.2 percent in December 2024 to 2.4 percent in January 2025. Meanwhile, inflation for non-tradeables increased marginally from 2.4 percent to 2.5 percent over the same period.

    Similarly, the 16 percent trimmed mean inflation and inflation excluding administered prices increased from 1.7 percent and 3.3 percent to 2.2 percent and 3.5 percent, respectively, between December 2024 and January 2025.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Munich Security Conference: G7 foreign ministers’ statement, February 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    G7 foreign ministers and the EU gave a joint statement on the margins of the Munich Security Conference on 15 February 2025.

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy with G7 foreign ministers and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas at the Munich Security Conference.

    Joint statement:

    The G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union, met on the margins of the Munich Security Conference for the first time under Canada’s 2025 Presidency.

    The G7 members discussed Russia’s devastating war in Ukraine.  They underscored their commitment to work together to help to achieve a durable peace and a strong and prosperous Ukraine and reaffirmed the need to develop robust security guarantees to ensure the war will not begin again.  

    The G7 members welcomed their discussion today with Andrii Sybiha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.  They recalled the G7’s important contribution towards ending the war in Ukraine, including through measures pursuant to the G7 Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine, by supporting Ukraine financially through the use of extraordinary revenues stemming from Russian Sovereign Assets, by imposing further cost on Russia, if they do not negotiate in good faith, through caps on oil and gas prices, and by making sanctions against Russia more effective. Any new, additional sanctions after February should be linked to whether the Russian Federation enters into real, good-faith efforts to bring an enduring end to the war against Ukraine that provides Ukraine with long-term security and stability as a sovereign, independent country.  The G7 members reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its freedom, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

    The G7 members discussed the provision to Russia of dual-use assistance by China and of military assistance by DPRK and Iran.  They condemned all such support.

    The G7 members discussed political, security and humanitarian issues in the Middle East, including in Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Iran, and their commitment to advancing regional peace and stability.  They underscored the importance of a durable, Israeli-Palestinian peace.  They reaffirmed their support for the full implementation of the ceasefire reached between Israel and Hamas, including for the release of all hostages and the expansion of humanitarian aid in Gaza.  The G7 members stand behind the ongoing efforts of Egypt, Qatar and the United States in continuing to work towards a permanent ceasefire.  They reiterated their unequivocal condemnation of Hamas and the need to ensure that Hamas neither reconstitutes militarily nor participates in governance.  They recognized Israel’s inherent right to self-defence, consistent with international law. 

    The G7 members welcomed the outcomes of the International Conference on Syria, hosted by France on February 13, 2025.  They reiterated their shared commitment to the people of Syria and their support for an inclusive political transition process, in the spirit of UN Security Council Resolution 2254.  They welcomed, as well, positive developments in Lebanon, including the recent election of President Joseph Aoun, the designation of Nawaf Salam as Prime Minister, and the formation of a new government.  The G7 members reaffirmed their commitment to both countries’ stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

    The G7 members unequivocally condemned Iran’s destabilizing actions, including its rapid advancement of uranium enrichment without credible civil justification, its facilitation of terrorism organizations and armed groups across the Middle East and Red Sea, its proliferation of ballistic missiles and drones, and its transnational repression and violation of fundamental human rights.

    The G7 members reiterated their commitment to a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific region, grounded in respect for the rule of law and sovereignty.  They strongly opposed any attempts to change unilaterally the status quo using force and underscored the importance of resolving disputes peacefully.  They strongly opposed China’s attempts to restrict freedom of navigation through militarization and coercive activities in the East and South China Sea. 

    The G7 members expressed serious concern over the DPRK’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs and reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. They demanded that the DPRK abandon all its nuclear weapons, existing nuclear programs, and any other weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missile programs in a complete, verifiable, and irreversible manner in accordance with all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs). They underscored that direct DPRK support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine marks a dangerous expansion of the conflict, with serious consequences for European and Indo-Pacific security. They urged the DPRK to cease immediately all assistance for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, including by withdrawing its troops. The called upon DPRK to resolve the abductions issue immediately.

    The G7 members also discussed urgent situations of conflict and instability elsewhere in the world, including in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sudan, and in Haiti and Venezuela.

    The G7 Foreign Ministers looked forward to their meeting in Canada in Charlevoix, Quebec on March 12-14.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Launches Global Graduate Program to Cultivate the Next Generation of Web3 Talent

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, Feb. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, announced the launch of its first Bitget Graduate Program, an initiative designed to recruit and cultivate the next generation of blockchain and Web3 talent from top global universities. As part of Bitget’s Blockchain4Youth Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, this program aligns with the company’s plans of driving education, innovation, and long-term growth in the blockchain industry.

    The Bitget Graduate Program seeks outstanding graduates with a global mindset, a passion for innovation, and a strong drive to explore the future of Web3. The program provides career opportunities across various fields, including operations, product management, marketing, risk & compliance, data management, and engineering, enabling participants to gain hands-on experience in one of the fastest-growing sectors.

    Applications are now open on the Bitget official website and will remain available until March 15, 2025. Successful candidates will receive offer letters to join Bitget, with the earliest start date being April 1. Through this program, Bitget plans to hire around 30 exceptional graduates, offering them a structured development program, cross-functional training, and direct mentorship from industry experts. Participants will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge blockchain projects and contribute to expanding Web3 applications.

    “At Bitget, we believe the future of Web3 lies in the hands of the next generation,” said Vugar Usi Zade, Chief Operating Officer at Bitget. “The Graduate Program is designed to bridge the gap between ambition and opportunity, providing young professionals with a direct pathway to immerse themselves in the blockchain industry. As Web3 adoption accelerates, we are committed to equipping future leaders with the skills and experiences they need to shape the decentralized world.”

    Bitget offers a dynamic and diverse workplace, with over 1,800 employees from over 60 countries and a culture that values efficiency, innovation, and collaboration. The program offers competitive compensation, clear career development pathways, and growth opportunities within Bitget.

    Launched in May 2023, Blockchain4Youth aligns with Bitget’s commitment to inspiring the next generation to embrace blockchain. With a $10 million pledge over five years, the initiative offers courses, hackathons, and scholarships. By the end of 2024, Bitget had entered over 60 universities, including  Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), University College London (UCL), Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, National Technological University of Argentina, National Taiwan University, and RMIT University, hosting nearly 100 talks and reaching over 13,000 students.

    For more details on the Bitget Graduate Program and application process, visit this link.

    About Bitget

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

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

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices may fluctuate and experience price volatility. Only invest what you can afford to lose. The value of your investment may be impacted and it is possible that you may not achieve your financial goals or be able to recover your principal investment. You should always seek independent financial advice and consider your own financial experience and financial standing. Past performance is not a reliable measure of future performance. Bitget shall not be liable for any losses you may incur. Nothing here shall be construed as financial advice.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4b8e4841-98ea-487c-b176-1a3359695920

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: State and local actions to pre-deploy resources for storms helps save lives

    Source: US State of California 2

    Feb 14, 2025

    What you need to know: California’s work to pre-deploy resources ahead of this week’s major storms paid off with successful rescue efforts and no major damage reported.

    SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom today praised the proactive emergency response efforts that helped save lives and prevent significant impacts from the latest major winter storms. Thanks to California’s advanced planning, coordination and strategic pre-deployment of state and local emergency resources, the storm resulted in only minor debris flows, with no major structural damage or significant injuries reported.

    The Governor directed the pre-deployment of resources earlier in the week, ahead of the storm. Specifically, the California National Guard cleared debris basins near burn scars ahead of this week’s rain event. CalGuard proactively removed 298,335 cubic yards of debris and materials from the Sierra Madre Villa Basin and Eaton Canyon Reservoir which worked as intended to protect homes from debris runoff.

    Additionally, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) Watershed and Debris Flow Task Force deployed over 120 miles of protective measures in an unprecedented effort to protect vulnerable communities.

    In the face of another severe weather event, California once again demonstrated the power of preparation. Our pre-storm efforts saved lives and kept our communities safe. We continue to be grateful to our first responders for running into danger and saving countless lives and property.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Pre-deployed personnel, equipment, and resources in 20 counties across the state led to life-saving efforts:

    • In Los Angeles County, urban search and rescue teams and swiftwater rescue teams worked to support 12 flood related incidents. One incident included a LAFD member who was swept off the road and into the ocean near Malibu.
    • In Orange County, prepositioned swiftwater rescue teams and a prepositioned helicopter were instrumental in the rescue of 2 individuals.
    • In San Bernardino County swiftwater rescue teams rescued multiple unhoused individuals along HWY 330 from rising water.
    • In Riverside County, swiftwater rescue teams conducted multiple rescues of individuals including one individual and two dogs holding onto a tree in rising waters.
    • In Mendocino County, Caltrans and State Parks personnel supported a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter conducting a rescue of a stranded motorist whose vehicle became stranded by rising waters.

    Actions to pre-deploy resources 

    • Cal OES pre-deployed flood fighting and debris flow resources to Los Angeles, Orange, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Marin, Lake, Monterey, Napa, San Mateo, Sonoma, Colusa, Glenn, Nevada, Tuolumne, Fresno, Kern, Tulare, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Riverside counties.
      • 114 Fire Engines
      • 10 Bulldozers
      • 4 Front Loaders
      • 4 Excavators
      • 1 Road Grader
      • 5 Helicopters
      • 11 Hand Crews
      • 55 Specialized Personnel
      • 18 Swiftwater Rescue Teams
      • 10 US&R Companies
      • 1 Regional Task Force
    • 319,000 sandbags and 5,600 super sacks were deployed to Southern California locations through the Department of Water Resources (DWR).
    • 242 total CAL FIRE engines deployed throughout the state to rapidly respond, including 109 engines CAL FIRE Southern Region and 133 engines CAL FIRE Northern Region. CAL FIRE also pre-positioned 22 crews.
    • CalGuard proactively removed 298,335 cubic yards of debris and materials from the Sierra Madre Villa Basin and Eaton Canyon Reservoir.
    • The Cal OES Watershed and Debris Flow Task Force deployed over 120 miles of protective measures:
      • 606,576 feet of compost sock.
      • 22,625 feet straw wattle.
      • 7,500 feet silt fence.
      • 7,960 feet of K-rail secured for use by local government partners.

    “The close coordination between state, local, and federal partners played a critical role in protecting lives and property,” said Cal OES Director Nancy Ward. “This storm was another reminder that California must remain vigilant and ready to respond as our climate brings increasingly severe weather patterns.”

    California leverages investments in real-time intelligence systems

    The state-of-the-art ALERTCalifornia wildfire and disaster monitoring system operated by the University of California San Diego in partnership with Cal OES, CAL FIRE and other agencies provided real-time access to over 1,000 cameras strategically positioned across California.

    During the storm, ALERTCalifornia played a critical role in situational awareness by enabling first responders and the public to assess rain conditions, debris flows, and make data-driven decisions to protect communities. 

    Californians are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts, review their evacuation plans, and heed warnings from local officials.

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Feb 14, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced his appointment of 14 Superior Court Judges: seven in Los Angeles County; one in Modoc County; two in Riverside County; one in San Diego County; one in San Mateo County; one in Tulare County; and one in Ventura…

    Feb 14, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom today announced that the Delta Conveyance Project has received a required permit to advance the project, which will upgrade the State Water Project to allow the state to capture and move more water efficiently.  SACRAMENTO —…

    Feb 13, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom today issued an executive order to cut more red tape and continue streamlining rebuilding, recovery, and relief for survivors of the Los Angeles area firestorms.  SACRAMENTO — Today, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Continuing detention and risk of the death penalty for individuals in Nigeria charged with blasphemy, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu – P10_TA(2025)0018 – Thursday, 13 February 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to its previous resolutions on Nigeria,

    –  having regard to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A.  whereas on 10 August 2020, Nigerian singer Yahaya Sharif-Aminu was brought before an Upper Sharia Court in Kano State where he was tried without legal representation and sentenced to death by hanging for song lyrics allegedly containing derogatory comments regarding the Prophet Muhammad; whereas his family faced harassment and persecution following his arrest;

    B.  whereas in January 2021, the Kano State High Court ordered a retrial and in August 2022, the Court of Appeal upheld it, while affirming the constitutionality of Sharia blasphemy laws, posing serious risk that the death sentence will be confirmed; whereas Sharif-Aminu appealed to the Supreme Court in November 2022, which remains pending; whereas he is reportedly in critical condition in prison as his health has deteriorated and he lacks sufficient food, clothing and medication;

    C.  whereas other Nigerians remain imprisoned on blasphemy charges;

    D.  whereas Nigeria’s blasphemy laws violate its international human rights commitments, the African Charter and the Nigerian Constitution; whereas blasphemy accusations frequently lead to harassment, violence and mob killings; whereas Nigeria is one of seven countries where an individual can be sentenced to death for blasphemy;

    E.  whereas everyone has the right to freedom of expression, religion and belief;

    1.  Urges the Nigerian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, drop all charges against him, guarantee his safety and due process rights, and ensure adequate access to food, clothing and medical treatment; calls on the Supreme Court of Nigeria to ensure an expedited and fair appeals process; calls for the release of all others facing blasphemy allegations;

    2.  Recalls that blasphemy laws are in clear breach of international human rights obligations, in particular the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and are contrary to the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion and expression;

    3.  Urges the Nigerian authorities to uphold human rights throughout the country by ensuring that federal, state and Sharia laws do not deny Nigerians the protections afforded by the national constitution and international conventions; stresses Nigeria’s responsibility to lead by example in abolishing blasphemy laws, including religious insult in criminal law, that systematically endanger religious minorities, violate fundamental freedoms and fuel sectarian violence;

    4.  Urges Nigeria to impose a nationwide moratorium on executions and work towards fully abolishing the death penalty;

    5.  Urges the Nigerian Government to combat the impunity surrounding blasphemy accusations by penalising the purveyors of false allegations and bringing perpetrators of mob violence to justice;

    6.  Calls for the EU and its Member States to raise individual cases, human rights concerns and blasphemy laws with the Nigerian authorities and to ensure the diplomatic observation of legal proceedings when Sharif-Aminu’s trial commences at the Supreme Court; commends the acquittal of Rhoda Jatau and release of Mubarak Bala;

    7.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, Council, European External Action Service and VP/HR, and the Government and Parliament of Nigeria.

    MIL OSI Europe News –