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Category: Africa

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Scores killed in Sudan’s Kordofan region as fighting intensifies

    Source: APO


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    Amid ongoing communication disruptions in the area, confirming the exact civilian death toll remains difficult, but reports indicate that at least 300 people – including children and pregnant women – were killed in attacks on villages in Bara locality, North Kordofan State, between 10 and 13 July.

    During the same period, a series of attacks – including an air strike on a school sheltering displaced families – reportedly killed more than 20 people, in the villages of Al Fula and Abu Zabad in West Kordofan State.  

    OCHA is also alarmed by reports of renewed shelling in Al Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State, “deepening fears and insecurity among civilians,” the humanitarian coordination agency reported.  

    Tragic civilian toll

    With thousands of people reportedly killed since the beginning of the conflict between former military allies-turned rivals over two years ago, the crisis in Sudan continues to take a devastating toll on civilians. 

    “These incidents are yet another tragic reminder of the relentless toll the conflict is taking on civilians across Sudan,” OCHA reported.

    The office emphasises that civilians and civilian infrastructures – including schools, homes, shelters and humanitarian assets – must never be targeted, and called on all parties to the conflict to “fully respect their obligations under international humanitarian law.”

    Toll from displacement

    Described as “the largest as well as the fastest growing displacement crisis globally,” by the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) in February 2025, displacement continues amid the fighting.

    People fleeing North Kordofan, as well as El Fasher in North Darfur State, continue to seek shelter in the rest of Sudan, including Northern State, with humanitarian partners on the ground reporting more than 3,000 displaced people arriving in the locality of Ad-Dabbah since June.

    Although some have received food assistance, the steady influx of newly displaced families is putting additional strain on already stretched resources.  

    With the rainy season approaching, OCHA warned that further hardship is likely, particularly as heavy rain and strong winds destroyed shelters and food supplies for about 2,700 displaced people in eastern Sudan this past Sunday.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio Hosts Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Bank Delegation, Commits to Strengthen Regional Investment Collaboration

    Source: APO


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    The President of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), Dr George Agyekum Donkor, has paid a courtesy visit on His Excellency, President Dr Julius Maada Bio at his state house office, where he noted that “Your Excellency, all macroeconomic indicators have been doing well. A sign that your government is doing well. Congratulations.”

    The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development is the leading regional investment and development bank, owned by the fifteen-member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    Introducing the delegation to the President, the Chief Minister, Dr David Moinina Sengeh, revealed that the team is in the country based on an initial engagement the bank president had with President Bio, where an open invitation was extended for his visit to Sierra Leone.

    In his address, the Bank President congratulated President Bio on his recent appointment as chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority. “Your Excellency, I want to thank you for the warm hospitality my team and I received in Sierra Leone. I also want to formally congratulate you on your position in the high office at ECOWAS.” He said.

    “Your appointment is an endorsement of your leadership to deliver and the quality you have to lead the region at a time like this, when it is volatile. But we are sure that you are going to deliver,” he assured. He confirmed the Bank’s commitment and full support towards ensuring that President Bio succeeds during his tenure at ECOWAS.

    Dr Donkor revealed that since they arrived in the country, they have met with key ministers of government and have already started conversations on key areas, including roads, tourism, infrastructure, and education, among others, noting that during their stay in the country, they will also be engaging key sector ministers for tangible investment areas.

    The bank president pleaded with President Bio in his capacity as Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Governance to assist the bank in ensuring it maintains its status as a non-political entity in the sub-region. This, according to the Bank, will help it develop and expand its reach, hence position itself to undertake more development projects in the sub-region.

    While welcoming the Bank President and team to Freetown, President Julius Maada Bio thanked the Bank President for fulfilling his promise made during their engagement on the margins the ECOWAS Summit, where he personally requested the visit in order for the bank to deepen its ties with Sierra Leone.

    The President expressed hope that during their visit, the bank will be able to engage several sectors, so it will identify outstanding issues that are within its scope. The President expressed his concern about regional economic integration for Sierra Leone and other countries in a wide range of areas because, according to him, “West Africa has great potential, which we want to not only develop but also tap into for our future.”

    The President reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to deepening its relationship with the bank, revealing that the University of Kono is one of the top priorities on his agenda, and needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. In terms of roads, President Bio said his government doesn’t want to lead on mere physical infrastructure but rather, “We want to look at both physical and digital infrastructure, as well as that of our ecotourism,” he disclosed.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Novak: Joint work of Russia and Nigeria within OPEC makes a decisive contribution to ensuring predictability of the oil market

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Alexander Novak met with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs of Nigeria Olawale Edun.

    “Russia values the friendly nature of Russian-Nigerian relations, which are based on the principles of mutual respect and similar approaches to current issues on the international and regional agenda. We see Abuja as a promising partner on the African continent,” said Alexander Novak, opening the negotiations.

    The parties discussed full-cycle cooperation in the oil and gas industry: from geological exploration to field development, interaction in the energy sector, industrial equipment supplies, and in the financial and banking sector.

    Particular attention was paid to issues of interaction and coordination of efforts within the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) and OPEC. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized Russia’s commitment to promoting the legitimate interests of gas exporters in global energy markets.

    “Our joint work within OPEC makes a decisive contribution to ensuring stability and predictability of the global oil market. The decisions taken are based on real market indicators and trends and are aimed at balancing it in the face of economic challenges. We believe that our collective actions within OPEC and OPEC meet long-term national interests and contribute to strengthening the economies of our countries,” added Alexander Novak.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Scores killed in Sudan’s Kordofan region as fighting intensifies

    Source: United Nations 2

    Amid ongoing communication disruptions in the area, confirming the exact civilian death toll remains difficult, but reports indicate that at least 300 people – including children and pregnant women – were killed in attacks on villages in Bara locality, North Kordofan State, between 10 and 13 July.

    During the same period, a series of attacks – including an air strike on a school sheltering displaced families – reportedly killed more than 20 people, in the villages of Al Fula and Abu Zabad in West Kordofan State.  

    OCHA is also alarmed by reports of renewed shelling in Al Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State, “deepening fears and insecurity among civilians,” the humanitarian coordination agency reported.  

    Tragic civilian toll

    With thousands of people reportedly killed since the beginning of the conflict between former military allies-turned rivals over two years ago, the crisis in Sudan continues to take a devastating toll on civilians. 

    “These incidents are yet another tragic reminder of the relentless toll the conflict is taking on civilians across Sudan,” OCHA reported.

    The office emphasises that civilians and civilian infrastructures – including schools, homes, shelters and humanitarian assets – must never be targeted, and called on all parties to the conflict to “fully respect their obligations under international humanitarian law.”

    Toll from displacement

    Described as “the largest as well as the fastest growing displacement crisis globally,” by the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) in February 2025, displacement continues amid the fighting.

    People fleeing North Kordofan, as well as El Fasher in North Darfur State, continue to seek shelter in the rest of Sudan, including Northern State, with humanitarian partners on the ground reporting more than 3,000 displaced people arriving in the locality of Ad-Dabbah since June.

    Although some have received food assistance, the steady influx of newly displaced families is putting additional strain on already stretched resources.  

    With the rainy season approaching, OCHA warned that further hardship is likely, particularly as heavy rain and strong winds destroyed shelters and food supplies for about 2,700 displaced people in eastern Sudan this past Sunday. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Japan-Mauritius Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

    Source: APO


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    On July 15, commencing at 2:00 p.m. for approximately 35 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a meeting with Hon. Dhananjay Ramful, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Republic of Mauritius.

    1. At the outset, Minister Iwaya stated that Mauritius, located at a strategic point in the Indian Ocean connecting Asia and Africa, is an important partner in promoting a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)” based on the rule of law and that he would like to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries, taking advantage of the upcoming TICAD9 next month.
    2. In response, Minister Ramful expressed his gratitude for Japan’s cooperation in various fields. He also referred to the good relations between the two countries and expressed his hope for further strengthening of the bilateral relations, particularly in the economic field.
    3. The two ministers concurred to advance initiatives such as maritime security with a view to achieving peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, also in view of the promotion of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP). They also reaffirmed that they will work together in order to increase investment from Japanese companies to Mauritius, which serves as a gateway for investment in Africa.
    4. The two ministers also exchanged views on issues, including regional situation in East Asia such as their policies toward North Korea including on the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue, United Nations Security Council reform, and other issues and concurred to further strengthening cooperation in regional and international arena. Minister Ramful expressed his support for Japan’s efforts toward immediate resolution of the abduction issue.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Whole-of-Government, Whole-of-Society Approach Critical to Addressing Gender Equality, Executive Director Tells High-level Political Forum

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Nearly a decade since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda, Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 dedicated to achieving gender equality and empowerment of women and girls “remains the most off-track”, speakers told a United Nations high-level political forum today, calling for reinforced measures to accelerate progress against a tide of backsliding rights and opportunities.

    The first of two daily panels addressed “SDG 5 and interlinkages with other SDGs — Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls”, with Sima Sami Bahous, Executive Director of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women), warning that at the current pace, true gender equality in economic life, leadership and safety will remain generations away.  “That is unacceptable,” she stressed.

    With the growing erosion of rights, she called for a “push forward against the pushback” with investment in women and youth-led organizations and tackling misogyny head-on, be it online or off. Further, societies must invest in robust gender data systems that track real impact, ensure follow-up and address intersecting inequalities.  “What gets measured, gets done,” she stated.

    Offering concrete proposals, she urged stakeholders to work with Governments to advance nationally-owned development priorities.  A whole-of-Government, whole-of-society approach is needed, as gender equality cannot be the remit of one ministry or one actor.  Investment in care systems is critical, as unpaid care limits women’s full participation in economic and public life.  Further, the UN80 initiative — a unique opportunity to make the UN more effective, efficient and impactful for women and girls — can help propel gender equality forward, ensuring enhanced regional and cross-regional coordination and increasing efficiency.

    “A girl born today would see gender equality achieved in her ninety-seventh year” warned Albert Motivans, Head of Data and Insights at Equal Measures 2030 — a coalition of civil society organizations.  The backslide is being driven by numerous factors including a resource crunch, with less international financing, domestic austerity measures and declining household incomes.  He further highlighted a “democracy crunch”, as gender equality is closely linked with democracy, while its foundations worldwide are at risk due to rising economic inequality, social and political polarization, and the closing of civic space. Additionally, the “safety and security crunch” of rising conflict and militarization impacts women and girls in their choices and their personal safety.

    He called for elevating women’s and girls’ leadership, power and voices — noting the progress in parliamentary participation at 27 per cent.  Further, it is important to reform and adopt equality laws and policies to engage Governments and the wider public, and close gender-sensitive data gaps, with increased investment in public services and social infrastructure, including care.

    Further, “there is unequal access to education for women all over the world”, said Zara Khanna, Youth Ambassador for She Loves Tech, citing artificial intelligence (AI)-powered learning programmes as a “key tool to aid us in bridging the divide”.  They can approach students on an individual level, offering personalized feedback, which is especially important for those who face cultural and other barriers to gaining an education.  She spotlighted Khan Academy — a free AI-powered personalized tutor that offers a range of subjects, from English to math, or Rori, which was piloted in Ghana and is available on all mobile devices, as it operates via WhatsApp.  This is especially important, given that mobile penetration is extremely high; while 129 million girls lack access to education, 4.9 billion people worldwide have access to smartphones.

    Outlining solutions, she underscored the need to accelerate connectivity by distributing more Internet hotspots.  One single hotspot can power a village, and hundreds of girls can gain access to the wealth of knowledge available online. Additionally, more devices, such as smartphones and tablets, shall be distributed, so girls can access this knowledge.  She underscored that Governments must invest in creating culture and language-specific AI-powered programmes to cater to the job markets that these girls will be entering. Through early science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) intervention, mentorship programmes and more gender-neutral language, “we can all move together to reach SDG 5 by 2030” and “a more gender-neutral future”.

    Echoing those comments, Ms. Bahous cited the launch of the Beijing+30 Action Agenda, focused on six critical areas:  digital inclusion, freedom from poverty, zero violence, leadership, peace and security, and climate justice.  Cutting across these areas is engagement with young women and youth.  “These are not distant goals,” she stated.  “They are urgent demands from women and girls around the world”.

    Mr. Motivans also emphasized the importance of reinforcing the use of national and global gender data like those in the Equal Measures SDG Gender Index.  “But it’s not just to measure, it’s not just to count”, he said, noting the importance of evaluating not only the status of women and girls, but their impact on societies.  Data can identify blocks to progress and gaps in various Goals, unpaid care and reproductive rights.

    Recalling progress in countries implementing anti-discrimination laws, he noted that “Governments do that well” — but the next step requires ensuring that “equal opportunities for women and men” are met, as this is where countries may fall short.  He called for mobilizing a society-wide range of partners, developing value propositions to engage those working on the ground with expert knowledge of the issues faced by women and girls.

    […]

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Merkley, Colleagues Press Trump Administration on Weaponizing Immigration Hearings to Trap, Arrest, Deport Immigrants

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    July 15, 2025

    The Trump administration has been terminating immigration court cases and deporting individuals without due process.

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, both D-Ore., said today they have joined a group of 21 Senate Democrats in pressing the Trump administration on its recent initiatives to weaponize immigration court hearings by terminating those cases and deporting people without due process.

    In a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons, the senators condemned these actions as an affront to constitutionally-mandated due process.

    “We are extremely concerned by reports of a recent initiative to arrest and detain noncitizens at their immigration court hearings, and in many cases, dismiss their immigration cases without advance notice and while hiding the government’s intent to arrest them,” the senators wrote, citing recent reporting of the Trump administration’s inhumane initiatives. “These actions prevent noncitizens from having their fair day in court and raise serious legal and due process concerns.” 

    The senators wrote that the Trump administration’s actions place noncitizens in an impossible position. 

    “If noncitizens who fear arrest do not attend their immigration court hearing, they may receive an in absentia removal order that will newly subject them to swift detention and removal,” they wrote. “If they do attend, they risk arrest, detention, and a swift deportation, possibly to South Sudan, Libya, or El Salvador — countries they may have no connection to. This manipulation of existing laws to enact this Administration’s mass deportation agenda is creating chaos in our immigration system while doing nothing to make our communities safer.”

    In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the letter was led by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin, D-Ill., Alex Padilla, D-Calif., and Mark Kelly, D-Ariz. It was signed by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., Michael Bennet, D-Colo., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Chris Coons, D-Del., Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawai’i, Andy Kim, D-N.J., Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., Patty Murray, D-Wash., Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., Adam Schiff, D-Calif., Tina Smith, D-Minn., Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.

    The text of the letter is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and Republic of Congo explore e-commerce solutions to strengthen agricultural value chains and combat hunger

    Source: APO


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    Achieving the African Union’s goal of ending hunger by 2025 and the global target of Zero Hunger by 2030 remains a significant challenge for the continent.

    In the Republic of Congo, despite continued government efforts to enhance domestic food production and distribution, only 4% of arable land is currently being cultivated. Food access remains constrained by inadequate infrastructure and stark imbalances between supply and demand, leaving an estimated 455,000 people in food and nutrition insecurity.

    To address these challenges, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), through its Sub-Regional Offices for Eastern and Central Africa, conducted a fact-finding mission in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade. Held from 30 June to 4 July 2025, in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire, the mission aimed to explore how e-commerce and digital tools can accelerate food trade and improve access—particularly for vulnerable populations—while strengthening national and regional agricultural value chains.

    This initiative is part of ECA’s flagship program, “Innovative Digital Trade under the AfCFTA for Promoting Food Security and Agricultural Value Chains in Africa.”

    Strengthening E-Commerce for Agricultural Development

    During the mission, ECA engaged with nearly 200 stakeholders, including three ministers: the Minister of Trade, Supplies and Consumer Affairs; the Minister of Agriculture; and the Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises, Handicrafts, and the Informal Sector. Senior officials from the Ministries of Agriculture, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy also participated, alongside representatives from MTN, Airtel, the Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications, the Congolese Agency for Quality and Standardization, commercial banks, agribusinesses, and development partners such as the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, FAO, and WFP.

    The mission focused on assessing how digital trade can support national food development strategies and how food e-commerce can be scaled to enhance food security and agricultural value chains.

    “If current trends continue, Africa risks missing Sustainable Development Goal 2 – Zero Hunger – by 2030,” said Simone Assah Kuete, Economic Affairs Officer at ECA’s Office for Eastern Africa.

    “Food products are highly perishable and require specialized infrastructure for handling, storage, and distribution. Without reliable cold chains and efficient logistics, maintaining food quality from farm to table becomes virtually impossible.”

    She highlighted that In 2023, an alarming 20% of the population in Sub-Saharan Africa faced severe malnourishment—compared to 8.1% in Asia, 7.3% in Oceania, and 6.2% in Latin America. Moreover from 2019 to 2023, the number of food-insecure people in Sub-Saharan Africa rose from 258 million to 358 million—a 39% increase—while other regions saw declines. “In this context, leveraging digital tools to reduce market information asymmetries and strengthen food systems is no longer optional—it is an urgent imperative,” she added.

    National Commitment to E-Commerce Reform

    Lenda Sitou Milandou, Special Adviser to the Ministry of Trade, welcomed the mission and praised the strong collaboration that made it a success.

    “Food security remains a top priority in our national development agenda,” she affirmed. “To achieve it, we must develop robust legal, regulatory, and institutional frameworks to enable the growth of e-trade in food products.”

    Key Outcomes and Next Steps

    The mission identified high-demand national food products and assessed the current use of e-commerce platforms in the Republic of Congo. It also explored opportunities to enhance digital payment systems—currently limited—through partnerships with commercial banks and mobile network operators.

    The dialogue revealed critical challenges in food production and trade, policy gaps, infrastructure and capacity needs, and the potential role of digital intermediaries in improving food systems.

    This initiative marks a pivotal step toward aligning e-commerce strategies with agricultural transformation in the Republic of Congo. It reflects ECA’s ongoing commitment to supporting member states in leveraging innovation to foster sustainable, inclusive growth.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Zambia formally accepts WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Zambia formally accepts WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

    DG Okonjo-Iweala said: “Turning the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies into real benefits for people and the planet is a global endeavour, and I am grateful to Zambia, as a landlocked country, for stepping up and doing its part. With Zambia’s ratification, we are now closer than ever to adding the Agreement to the WTO rulebook and only six ratifications away from breaking new ground in protecting livelihoods, food security and restoring marine fish stocks.”
    Ambassador Luambia said: “Zambia is very pleased to be part of the first 105 signatories and part of the 111 ratifications that will bring the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies into force. As a landlocked country, Zambia understands the importance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies in sustaining marine fish stocks and promoting fair trade to support livelihoods, particularly for those in small scale fishing. Zambia believes that the entry into force of this Agreement will further strengthen the rules-based multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization at the centre.”
    Formal acceptances from two-thirds of WTO members are required for the Agreement to enter into force — representing 111 members. The list of the 105 WTO members which have deposited their instruments of acceptance with the WTO is available here.
    At the WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) held in Geneva in June 2022, ministers adopted by consensus the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, setting new, binding, multilateral rules to curb harmful fisheries subsidies. The Agreement prohibits subsidies for illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, for fishing overfished stocks, and for fishing on the unregulated high seas.
    Ministers also recognized the needs of developing economies and least-developed countries by establishing a fund to provide technical assistance and capacity-building to help governments that have formally accepted the Agreement to implement the new obligations.
    The Fish Fund launched a Call for Proposals on 6 June, inviting developing economies and LDCs that have ratified the Agreement to submit requests for project grants aimed at helping them implement the Agreement. The WTO Fish Fund portal can be found here.
    WTO members also agreed at MC12 to continue negotiating on remaining fisheries subsidies issues. The objective is to find consensus on additional provisions to further strengthen the disciplines on fisheries subsidies.
    Information for members on how to accept the Protocol of Amendment is available here.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Strengthening risk-informed humanitarian shelter through DRR and environment integration: UNDRR–Global Shelter Cluster collaboration in Madagascar, Yemen and Nigeria

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    As disasters grow more frequent and severe, humanitarian shelter assistance must go beyond crisis response. Climate-related hazards are increasingly impacting vulnerable populations, whether in stable and strong governmental engagement with the international community like Madagascar, or in fragile and conflict-affected contexts such as Yemen and Nigeria, while funding remains insufficient.

    In these different settings, shelter assistance remains life saving and critical but is too often reactive, with a short-term vision which results in the same communities to be exposed to repeated risks. Shelter is not just a roof overhead; it is the frontline of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), where choices about location, materials and design directly influence safety, dignity and survival. Rebuilding the same shelter after each hazard is inefficient, costly and undignified. As emphasized by the 2030 Global Shelter Cluster Strategy, the Shelter and Settlement sector must shift from reactive response to anticipatory action, with DRR as a fundamental enabler of that shift.

    Since 2023, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the Global Shelter Cluster have been working together to help break this cycle by strengthening the integration of DRR and environmental considerations in humanitarian shelter and settlements coordination and response. Key outputs include:

    • Global guidance on entry points for DRR in conflict and non-conflict shelter operations, including ecosystem-based DRR;
    • Environment and climate tip sheets for the 2025 Humanitarian Programme Cycle (HPC), to support needs assessment and response planning phases;
    • Technical support to shelter responses in Madagascar, Yemen and Nigeria.

    Madagascar: Operationalizing DRR strategy for shelter

    In Madagascar, where communities face recurring cyclone impacts, the national Shelter Cluster, with UNDRR support, established a national DRR Technical Working Group (DRR/TWIG) in 2024. This group was tasked with the development of a national DRR strategy for shelter, including:

    In early 2025, the SOP for response was pilot-tested in Atsimo Andrefana and Androy regions by Action Against Hunger (ACF), Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and Humanity & Inclusion (HI). The pilots confirmed the SOP value for structuring response and enhancing coordination, while also identifying needs for further adaptation (e.g. local language translation and community sensitization).

    Yemen: Localised action to reduce flood risk

    In Yemen, over 4 million people remain displaced, many living in informal sites on flood-prone terrain. In 2024 alone, flash-floods affected more than 100,000 households across 22 governorates, with 571 IDP sites facing high risk of flooding.

    Working with UNHCR and Yemen Shelter/CCCM Cluster, and supported by UNDRR, Yemen Al-Khair for Relief and Development (YARD) led a set of community-driven flood mitigation initiatives, including:

    • Flood risk assessments in Sana’a, Ibb, Hajjah, Al-Jawf and Sa’ada;
    • Construction of a 2.5 km flood diversion channel, reinforced with bems, in Al-Mahzam Al-Sharqi (Al-Hazm District);
    • Installation of eco-DRR measures such as erosion-resistant barriers using local materials to protect shelters and redirect runoff;
    • Transitional shelter upgrades, hazard mapping and drainage maintenance;
    • Formation of community-based DRR committees for early warning and infrastructure maintenance.

    This cost-efficient intervention directly reduce exposure for 2,800 displaced and host community members, combining technical design with strong local ownership. A second phase of support is continuing in 2025, expanding DRR integration and capacity building across additional high-risk sites.

    Crucially, these interventions were locally led. In Yemen, women-led community groups designed flood protection that saved entire neighbourhoods. Local leadership not only reduces costs, it delivers faster, more durable results.

    A simple drainage system or a protective wall can mean the difference between devastation and safety.

    Yemen is facing a climate crisis, with floods, droughts, heatwaves and rising seas making life even harder for communities already affected by conflict

    Nigeria: Building capacity for shelter resilience

    In Nigeria, conflict and climate-related displacement continues to escalate, yet many humanitarian actors are forced to close or reduce operations due to funding cuts. In June 2025, UNDRR and the Global Shelter Cluster co-hosted a DRR Workshop to build national capacity for DRR in humanitarian shelter.

    The event brought together 30 participants from the government, humanitarian and environmental sectors. It aimed to:

    This engagement represents a first step toward a contextualized roadmap for risk-informed shelter interventions in Nigeria’s conflict- and climate-affected areas.

    Looking ahead: From reactive to resilient

    The UNDRR-Global Shelter Cluster partnership is leading a shift in humanitarian shelter practice: from reactive responses to risk-informed, forward-looking approaches. Preparedness and risk reduction are not optional – they are essential pillars of effective humanitarian shelter. Risk-informed shelter design is one of the most direct, immediate tools we have to reduce hazard impacts and protect communities in crisis.

    By equipping national actors with tools, technical guidance and targeted in-country support, the initiative is helping shape shelter and settlement approaches that are safer, more inclusive and more sustainable. This reflects a broader shift across the sector: DRR is not an afterthought and must be integrated from the start of humanitarian responses.

    Learn more about the UNDRR-GSC collaboration.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Zambia formally accepts WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Zambia formally accepts WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

    DG Okonjo-Iweala said: “Turning the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies into real benefits for people and the planet is a global endeavour, and I am grateful to Zambia, as a landlocked country, for stepping up and doing its part. With Zambia’s ratification, we are now closer than ever to adding the Agreement to the WTO rulebook and only six ratifications away from breaking new ground in protecting livelihoods, food security and restoring marine fish stocks.”
    Ambassador Luambia said: “Zambia is very pleased to be part of the first 105 signatories and part of the 111 ratifications that will bring the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies into force. As a landlocked country, Zambia understands the importance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies in sustaining marine fish stocks and promoting fair trade to support livelihoods, particularly for those in small scale fishing. Zambia believes that the entry into force of this Agreement will further strengthen the rules-based multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization at the centre.”
    Formal acceptances from two-thirds of WTO members are required for the Agreement to enter into force — representing 111 members. The list of the 105 WTO members which have deposited their instruments of acceptance with the WTO is available here.
    At the WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) held in Geneva in June 2022, ministers adopted by consensus the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, setting new, binding, multilateral rules to curb harmful fisheries subsidies. The Agreement prohibits subsidies for illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, for fishing overfished stocks, and for fishing on the unregulated high seas.
    Ministers also recognized the needs of developing economies and least-developed countries by establishing a fund to provide technical assistance and capacity-building to help governments that have formally accepted the Agreement to implement the new obligations.
    The Fish Fund launched a Call for Proposals on 6 June, inviting developing economies and LDCs that have ratified the Agreement to submit requests for project grants aimed at helping them implement the Agreement. The WTO Fish Fund portal can be found here.
    WTO members also agreed at MC12 to continue negotiating on remaining fisheries subsidies issues. The objective is to find consensus on additional provisions to further strengthen the disciplines on fisheries subsidies.
    Information for members on how to accept the Protocol of Amendment is available here.

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    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to QNA: Qatar Follows Developments in Southern Syria with Deep Concern, Calls for Accountability and Promoting Civil Peace

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to QNA: Qatar Follows Developments in Southern Syria with Deep Concern, Calls for Accountability and Promoting Civil Peace

    Doha, July 15 ,2025

    HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi affirmed that the State of Qatar is following with deep concern the developments in the city of As-Suwayda in southern Syria, out of the firm belief that Syria’s security is an integral part of the region’s stability.

    In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), His Excellency called for all necessary measures to ensure such crimes are not repeated, including holding accountable all parties responsible for the shedding of civilian blood and the terrorizing of innocent, unarmed individuals, especially children, women, and the elderly, and ensuring that those who committed these heinous crimes do not escape punishment.

    His Excellency further emphasized the importance of intensifying efforts to strengthen civil peace through dialogue and peaceful means.

    His Excellency expressed the State of Qatar’s condemnation of the Israeli attacks on the city of As-Suwayda, describing them as blatant violations of Syria’s sovereignty, international law, and the United Nations Charter, and a serious threat to regional security.

    His Excellency also reaffirmed the State of Qatar’s full support for Syria’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and the aspirations of its brotherly people for a dignified life.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Revision of the Tobacco Products Directive: protecting local industry, ensuring a level regulatory playing field and tackling unfair competition in the overseas regions – E-002784/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002784/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain (PfE)

    Economic actors in Réunion are greatly concerned about the revision of the EU’s Tobacco Products Directive.

    Between 2022 and 2025, local taxation increased by 20 %, while the dock dues rate reached 70 %, making Réunion the most taxed region of France in relation to its revenue.

    Some of the measures mentioned in the report on the application of Directive 2014/40/EU[1] could further increase costs for local producers, who are already struggling, while also encouraging smuggling.

    • 1.Can the Commission ensure that the revision of the Tobacco Products Directive will take into account the economic realities of the outermost regions, in accordance with the EU’s strategy[2], by introducing appropriate exemptions?
    • 2.Does the Commission intend to publish the evaluation study that is currently being carried out[3]?
    • 3.Will the Commission undertake to include a territorial impact assessment[4] and to strengthen controls on imported products in order to both ensure the directive is applied fairly, and tackle unfair competition?

    Submitted: 9.7.2025

    • [1] COM(2021) 249 final.
    • [2] COM(2022) 198 final.
    • [3] Study commissioned by the Commission as part of the revision of the Tobacco Products Directive.
    • [4] Tool #34 – the ‘better regulation’ toolbox, 2023.
    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – European funds supporting illicit exploitation or trading of natural resources by Rwanda – P-001270/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    A project funded by the EU and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is under implementation.

    It aims to promote modernisation of the mining sector in Rwanda and specifically supports technical and vocational education training, skills training , improvement of safe working conditions based on international standards, and digitalisation of mining sector services.

    The project was approved under the multiannual indicative programme for Rwanda, for 2021-2023. Project activities do not involve direct mining investments, nor the extraction, transformation or processing of minerals.

    The project is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) with the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB) and the Integrated Polytechnic Regional College in Kigali, as the two main local partners.

    The project is co-financed with BMZ and implemented by GIZ, with whom the Commission has signed a Delegation Agreement. The EU funds under this project are administered directly by GIZ, applying standard regulations in terms of justification of expenses. GIZ is a pillar assessed Member State organisation and project implementation is subject to GIZ contractual rules and internal controls

    This means that it is GIZ and not the Commission, who has signed a contract with RMB according to their own pillar-assessed rules. Oversight is also ensured through the Project Steering Committee including the EU Delegation, which provides strategic guidance and oversight.

    On 17 March 2025, the EU adopted restrictive measures against, among others, sanctions on the current RMB’s chief executive officer[1]. RMB as an institution has not been sanctioned.

    The Commission has requested that GIZ as the implementing partner put in place all possible measures to ensure that the RMB’s chief executive officer does not benefit directly or indirectly, from any support provided to the RMB as an institution.

    • [1] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/03/17/democratic-republic-of-the-congo-eu-lists-further-nine-individuals-and-one-entity/.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Portfolio Update – PEL 79 License Extension

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sintana Energy Inc. (TSX-V: SEI, OTCQX: SEUSF) (“Sintana” or the “Company”) is pleased to provide the following update regarding Petroleum Exploration License 79 (“PEL 79”) which governs blocks 2815 and 2915 located in Namibia’s Orange Basin.

    The joint venture partners of PEL 79 which include the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Pty) Ltd. (“NAMCOR”) and Giraffe Energy Investments (Pty) Ltd. (“Giraffe”), an entity in which Sintana maintains a 49% ownership interest, have been notified by the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy for the Republic of Namibia that a 12-month extension to the second renewal exploration period has been granted extending the current license period to July 2026.

    Giraffe is the owner of a 33% interest in PEL 79 and Namcor is the operator with a 67% interest. PEL 79 sits inboard of licenses operated by BW Energy, Rhino Resources and Shell.

    PEL 79 is attractively situated to deliver significant value through an existing prospect inventory underpinned by over 4,760 km of 2D seismic, 1,137 km2 of 3D seismic and 1 well with gas shows intersecting the Kudu source rock.

    Additionally, PEL 79 sits adjacent to an emerging microregional dynamic focused on oil-weighted prospectivity.

    • Rhino Resources, operator of PEL 85 which sits directly outboard to the west of PEL 79, has drilled two wells including the Capricornus-1X discovery well which returned a flow test in excess of 11,000 barrels per day of light oil with limited associated gas from a 38-metre net oil-bearing reservoir. Additional drilling activity is expected to commence in Q3 initially targeting the Volans prospect, with up to two optional wells that could include appraisals.
    • BW Energy has acquired 4,600 square kilometers of new 3D seismic over PEL 3, located directly west of PEL 79, and has moved to initiate an exploration and appraisal campaign including drilling the Kharas well located northwest of Kudu during H2 2025.

    “We appreciate the leadership by our joint venture partner NAMCOR to secure the extension for PEL 79. Extending our exposure during a period of significant offset activity positions us to fully realize the significant geologic, commercial, and strategic value of PEL 79.” said Robert Bose, Chairman of Giraffe and Chief Executive Officer of Sintana. “The potential for high impact progress on PEL 79 adds to the prospect for significant developments across our Namibian offshore portfolio. We expect material progress on all our licenses over the coming quarters.” he added.

    ABOUT SINTANA ENERGY:

    The Company is currently engaged in petroleum and natural gas exploration and development activities on five large, highly prospective, onshore and offshore petroleum exploration licenses in Namibia, and in Colombia’s Magdalena Basin.

    On behalf of Sintana Energy Inc., “A. Robert Bose”
    Chief Executive Officer

    For additional information or to sign-up to receive periodic updates about Sintana’s projects, and corporate activities, please visit the Company’s website at www.sintanaenergy.com

    Corporate Contacts:   Investor Relations Advisor:
    Robert Bose Sean J. Austin Jonathan Paterson
    Chief Executive Officer Vice-President Founder & Managing Partner
    212-201-4125 713-825-9591 Harbor Access
        475-477-9401

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain information in this release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intensions for the future, and include, but not limited to, statements with respect to potential future farmout agreements on PEL 83 and/or PEL 87, and proposed future exploration and development activities on PEL 83 and/or PEL 90 and neighbouring properties, statements as to the future prospectivity of KON-16, the closing of the proposed transaction with Corcel as presently proposed or at all, the receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals, as well as the prospective nature of the Company’s property interests. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including, but not limited to risks relating to the receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals, results of exploration and development activities, the ability to source joint venture partners and fund exploration, permitting and government approvals, and other risks identified in the Company’s public disclosure documents from time to time. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update such information, except as may be required by law.

    NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8eb17490-3cee-45b5-8ff6-7e6c4d831c6b

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa and Tunisia strengthen Science, Technology and Innovation cooperation

    Source: APO – Report:

    As part of Minister Nzimande’s extensive official visit to the Republic of Tunisia, earlier today, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) signed a partnership to scale up science, technology and innovation cooperation with Tunisia.

    The partnership referred to as the Scaling up Tunisia – South Africa Strategy, includes a Plan of Action and Joint Research Call Meeting Minutes.

    The focus areas of the Action Plan include an Exchange Programme, Networking and inter-institutional cooperation, a Joint Research Programme, Intellectual Property Rights, Knowledge and Skills Transfer in Innovation, Participation in International Programs and Governance.

    The signing ceremony was preceded by an opening ceremony, where His Excellency, Mr. Mondher Belaid, Tunisia’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and His Excellency, Prof. Blade Nzimande, South Africa’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, delivered their keynote remarks.

    Speaking ahead of the signing ceremony, Minister Nzimande stated that “even though our visit is primarily aimed at strengthening science, technology and innovation relations between the Republic of Tunisia and the Republic of South Africa- the truth is that the bond between our countries was forged in the heat of the anti-colonial struggle.”

    Emphasing the strategic importance of South Africa-Tunisia STI cooperation, Minister Nzimande further stated that “I wish to express our appreciation for the cordial relations between South Africa and Tunisia and thank the Tunisian Embassy in South Africa for the excellent work they have done in keeping our partnership alive. To express our appreciation for this work done by your Embassy in South Africa, through our Science Forum South Africa, we awarded Ms. Hasna Tizaoui, Economic and Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy of Tunisia with the prestigious Science Diplomacy award.”

    “The emerging geopolitical environment presents us with a number of complex challenges, including a growing push towards unipolarity by some countries, through bully tactics. We therefore hold the view that African countries must intensify sub-regional science, technology and innovation cooperation and through this, mobilise more coherent support for the implementation of the African Union’s Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa or (STISA).”

    The signing of this partnership builds on existing STI cooperation between South Africa and Tunisa and further enables the two countries to intensify the development of sustainable solutions to address old and emerging continental challenges such as youth unemployment and skills development, health care, food sovereignty, water and energy security, climate change and biodiversity loss and digital transformation.

    The delegation accompanying Minister Nzimande includes senior officials from the Ministry, the Department and the Entities of the Department such as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), the National Research Foundation (NRF), as well as experts from the Council for Mineral Technology (Mintek).

    – on behalf of Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Republic of South Africa.

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa: Minister Blade Nzimande undertakes extensive Science, Technology and Innovation visit to Tunisia and Algeria

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, will lead a high-level South African delegation on an extensive science, technology and innovation visit to the Republic of Tunisia and the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria from 14 to 17 July 2025.

    These visits are in response to invitations to Minister Nzimande by the Tunisian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Mr. Mondher Belaid and the Algerian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Mr. Kamel Bidari.

    Through these visits, Minister Nzimande seeks to reinforce existing science, technology, and innovation bilateral cooperation between South Africa and Tunisia and Algeria as part of a broader commitment to grow the size and intensity of intra-Africa STI cooperation for development.

    Minister Nzimande’s programme will include bilaterals with his Algerian and Tunisian counterparts and visits to key science institutions.

    In Tunisia, the Minister will visit the Borja Cedria Technopark, the Pasteur Institute of Tunis, the Bardo National Museum for arts and history and the City of Science Museum.

    In Algeria, the Minister will visit, the Centre for the Development of Advanced Technologies, the Saad Dahlab University, and the Great Mosque of Algiers.

    One of the highlights of Minister Nzimande’s visit to Algeria will include a guest lecture organised by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific cooperation on Pan-African cooperation.

    Reflecting on the importance of these visits, Minister Nzimande stated that “Our visit to Algeria and Tunisia forms part of our long standing international relations strategy to strengthen meaningful science, technology and innovation cooperation with fellow African countries and to advance the objectives of the African Union’s Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA).”

    “Pan-African STI cooperation and development are of paramount importance given the current unstable geopolitical environment and the imperatives of securing the sustainable future of the continent. All our efforts are therefore aimed towards developing what we refer to as a sovereign science, technology, and innovation agenda for Africa,” added the Minister.

    The two visits will conclude with the adoption by the DSTI and counterpart Ministries, of two new comprehensive Plans of Action, aimed at intensifying cooperation with Tunisia and Algeria, respectively.

    This will be an immediate and concrete implementation of the ambitions for South Africa’s science diplomacy, which Minister Nzimande had outlined in his Budget Vote speech last week.

    The Minister’s delegation includes senior officials from the Ministry, the Department and the Entities of the Department such as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), as well as experts from the Council for Mineral Technology (Mintek)

    – on behalf of Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Republic of South Africa.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Qatar and Tajikistan Convenes Round of Political Consultations

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Doha, July 15  

    The fourth round of political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar and the Republic of Tajikistan was held in Doha on Tuesday.

    The Qatari side was chaired by HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, while that of Tajikistan was headed by HE Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Farrukh Sharifzoda.

    During the political consultations, they reviewed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and strengthen them, in addition to a number of topics of common interest.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China plays an important role in promoting mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of rare earth metals – Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    Moscow, July 15 /Xinhua/ — China plays an important role in promoting mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of rare earth metals, while the negative narratives spread by the United States about the “Chinese threat” in this area sow discord and contradict the laws of economic globalization, Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui said in an opinion piece published in the Russian newspaper Argumenty i Fakty on Tuesday.

    “China has always carried out international cooperation in the mineral resource sector on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, in accordance with the law, and has never resorted to putting pressure on other countries or putting forward political or security-related conditions,” the publication says.

    As Zhang Hanhui emphasized, China has an important mission in the global supply of rare earth metals, accounting for nearly 70 percent of the world’s supply. The ambassador noted that in recent years, China has given priority to the high-quality development of the rare earth metal industry through scientific and technological innovation, consistently carries out industry regulation, and successfully mastered “green” mining technologies, solving the global pollution problem. “Strengthening the management of rare earth metal exports by China contributes to further changing the extensive development model of the industry, promoting its standardization, orderliness and sustainable development,” the Chinese diplomat said.

    The author of the article recalled that in November last year, China revised its Mineral Resources Law. Article 15 of the law clearly stipulates that international cooperation in the field of mineral resources should be actively promoted, adhering to the principles of equality, mutual benefit and win-win. Zhang Hanhui cited striking examples of mutually beneficial cooperation, including the project implemented by Chinese enterprises to modernize the largest lithium deposit in Zimbabwe, as well as the construction of a modern industrial park in Indonesia that formed a complete chain of “nickel mining – material production – battery production”.

    At the same time, as Zhang Hanhui noted, the US has recently been spreading negative narratives about China “weaponizing rare earth metals” and “strangling the world with rare earth metals.” Moreover, Western countries have declared their intention to build supply chains that exclude China and create a “metal NATO.” “These words are not only imbued with Cold War thinking and openly incite division, but also contradict the laws of economic globalization, threatening peace and stability,” the ambassador warned.

    The author of the publication is confident that the only right way is to strengthen international cooperation. As an example, he cited China and Russia, which are linked by comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction in the new era and have a high degree of complementarity in the field of critical minerals. “Deepening cooperation in this area is important,” the Chinese diplomat emphasized.

    Zhang Hanhui recalled that in a joint statement issued in May this year, China and Russia emphasized the importance of mutual supply of mineral resources, intensifying industrial cooperation, expanding cooperation in technology and innovation, and strengthening industrial chains. “The parties will jointly promote equal and mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of critical minerals, firmly defend the rights and interests of China, Russia and a wide range of developing countries, jointly achieve equal and orderly multipolarity, accessible and inclusive economic globalization, making Chinese-Russian contributions to global development and prosperity,” the Chinese Ambassador to the Russian Federation concluded. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa: Correctional Services Committee Concerned About Dilapidated State of Facilities Due to Budget Cuts

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services today re-iterated its grave concern regarding the state of correctional facilities around the country because of insufficient maintenance due to budget shortfalls.

    The committee indicated that the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) and National Treasury (NT) must work closely together to find solutions to the dire condition of some facilities.

    The committee today received a briefing from the DPWI on the dispute between the DPWI and the DCS about user charges and on matters identified during oversight visits.

    The DPWI told the committee that the itemised billing was approved by the NT in terms of Treasury regulations. However, the rates approved by the NT are far below the calculated level required to achieve full cost recovery. This has led in a shortfall of R24.1 billion since the implementation of itemised billing.

    The DPWI, which acts as landlord, said that it received R4.7 billion from client departments at an average of R23,24 per m2, whereas it pays the private sector R110 per m2. Annual day-to-day maintenance amounts to R2.2 billion for 56 414 buildings occupied by government and rates amount to R1.8 billion. The committee heard that in terms of the DCS, NT only allows it to pay R14.33 m2 for building space.

    The committee was told that, for properties occupied by the DCS, the DPWI is running at a loss. Over the past five years, the total deficit amounts to R1.9 billion, with an annual average loss of R376 million. However, a task team is working on finding solutions to the challenges facing the two departments.

    Committee Chairperson Ms Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng said the committee noted the work of the task team. She advised the task team to identify and prioritise those matters that cannot be left to deteriorate further. This should include DCS’s day-to-day operations, which require regular service and maintain. “It does not help if you have a beautiful kitchen in a centre with five or six stoves but only one is working. We saw that for ourselves in KwaZulu-Natal. In some instances, we even had to recommend that the kitchen should be shut down,” Ms Ramolobeng said.

    “Once inmates are unable to eat or are given one meal a day,” the Chairperson continued, “it becomes a serious challenge.” The committee advised the DCS to continue to do maintenance and repairs and use offender labour for this. The filling of artisan vacancies was also highlighted, as they could assist offenders with repairing facilities.

    The committee also agreed on the need for a meeting of heads of department between the DCS, DPWI and NT to discuss the issue of the user charge allocation. During a presentation a few weeks ago, the committee heard that more than R842 million was processed and paid to the DPWI in terms of this allocation during the 2024/25 period. However, DPWI has since relinquished the majority of maintenance responsibilities to the DCS, even though payments were made.

    The committee will also invite NT to brief the committee on this matter. In addition, the committee will require regular updates from the task team on progress achieved.

    – on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Why many Americans still think Darwin was wrong, yet the British don’t

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Edward White, PhD Candidate in Psychology, Kingston University

    One hundred years after a Tennessee teacher named John Scopes started a legal battle over what the state’s schools can teach children, Americans are still divided over evolution.

    Scopes was charged with violating Tennessee law by teaching evolution, in a highly publicised July 1925 trial that led to national debate over evolution and education. The trial tested whether a law introduced that year really could punish teachers over evolution lessons. It could and did: Scopes was fined US$100 (£74).

    But here’s the weird part: while Americans remain deeply divided about whether humans evolved from earlier species, our British predecessors largely settled this question decades before the Scopes trial.

    John Scopes one month before the Tennessee v. John T. Scopes Trial.
    Smithsonian Institution/ Watson Davis

    According to thinktank Pew Research Center data from 2020, only 64% of Americans accept that “humans and other living things have evolved over time”. Meanwhile, 73% of Brits are fine with the idea that they share a common ancestor with chimpanzees. That nine-percentage-point gap might not sound like much, but it represents millions of people who think Darwin was peddling fake news.

    From 1985 to 2010, Americans were in what researchers call a statistical dead heat between acceptance and rejection of evolution — which is academic speak for people couldn’t decide if we were descended from apes or Adam and Eve.

    Here’s where things get psychologically fascinating. Research into misinformation and cognitive biases suggests that fundamentalism operates on a principle known as motivated reasoning. This means selectively interpreting evidence to reach predetermined conclusions. And a 2018 review of social and computer science research also found that fake news seems to spread because it confirms what people already want to believe.

    Evolution denial may work the same way. Religious fundamentalism is what researchers call “the strongest predictor” for rejection of evolution. A 2019 study of 900 participants found that belief in fake news headlines was associated with delusionality, dogmatism, religious fundamentalism and reduced analytic thinking.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    High personal religiosity, as seen in the US, reinforced by communities of like-minded believers, can create resistance to evolutionary science. This pattern is pronounced among Southern Baptists — the largest Protestant denomination in the US — where 61% believe the Bible is the literal word of God, compared to 31% of Americans overall. The persistence of this conflict is fuelled by organised creationist movements that reinforce religious scepticism.

    Brain imaging studies
    show that people with fundamentalist beliefs seem to have reduced activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex — the brain region responsible for cognitive flexibility and analytical thinking. When this area is damaged or less active, people become more prone to accepting claims without sufficient evidence and show increased resistance to changing their beliefs when presented with contradictory information. Studies of brain-injured patients show damage to prefrontal networks that normally help us question information may lead to increased fundamentalist beliefs and reduced scepticism.

    Fundamentalist psychology helps explain the US position in international evolution acceptance surveys. In a 2006 study, of over 33,00 people from 34 countries from 34 countries, only Turkey ranked lower than the US, with about 27% accepting evolution compared to America’s 40% at the time. Among the developed nations surveyed, the US consistently ranks near the bottom — a pattern that persists in more recent international comparisons.

    Where did humans come from? Teaching children about evolution can be controversial, depending on where they live.
    vovan/Shutterstuck

    Research shows that political polarisation on evolution has historically been much stronger in the US than in Europe or Japan, where the issue rarely becomes a campaign talking point. In the US, anti-evolution bills are still being introduced in state legislatures.

    In the UK, belief in evolution became accepted among respectable clergymen around 1896, according to church historian Owen Chadwick’s analysis of Victorian christianity. But why did British religious institutions embrace science while American ones declared war?

    The answer lies in different approaches to intellectual challenges. British Anglicanism has a centuries-old tradition of seeking a “via media” — a middle way between extremes — that allowed church leaders to accommodate new ideas without abandoning core beliefs. Historian Peter documented how British religious leaders actively worked to reconcile science and religion, developing theological frameworks that embraced scientific discoveries as revealing God’s methods rather than contradicting divine authority.

    Anglican bishops and scholars tended to treat evolution as God’s method of creation rather than a threat to faith itself. The Church of England’s hierarchical structure meant that when educated clergy accepted evolution, the institutional framework often followed suit. A 2024 paper argued that many UK church leaders still view science and religion as complementary rather than conflicting.

    A different approach

    The British experience proves it’s possible to reconcile science and faith. But changing American minds requires understanding that evolution acceptance isn’t really about biology — it’s about identity, belonging, and the fundamental question of who gets to define truth. People don’t reject evolution because they’ve carefully studied the evidence. They reject it because it threatens their identity. This creates a context where education alone can’t overcome deeply held convictions.

    Misinformation intervention research suggests that inoculation strategies, such as highlighting the scientific consensus on climate change, work better than debunking individual articles. But evolution education needs to be sensitive. Consensus messaging helps, but only when it doesn’t threaten people’s core identities. For example, framing evolution as a function of “how” life develops, rather than “why it exists, allows for people to maintain religious belief while accepting the scientific evidence for natural selection.

    People’s views can change. A review published in 2024, analysed data which followed the same Gen X people in the US over 33 years. It found that, as they grew up, people developed more acceptance of evolution, though typically because of factors such as education and obtaining university degrees. But people who were taught at a private school seem less likely to become more accepting of evolution as they aged.

    As we face new waves of scientific misinformation, the century since the Scopes trial teaches us that evidence alone won’t necessarily change people’s minds. Understanding the psychology of belief might be our best hope for evolving past our own cognitive limitations.

    Edward White is affiliated with Kingston University.

    – ref. Why many Americans still think Darwin was wrong, yet the British don’t – https://theconversation.com/why-many-americans-still-think-darwin-was-wrong-yet-the-british-dont-260709

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Why many Americans still think Darwin was wrong, yet the British don’t

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Edward White, PhD Candidate in Psychology, Kingston University

    One hundred years after a Tennessee teacher named John Scopes started a legal battle over what the state’s schools can teach children, Americans are still divided over evolution.

    Scopes was charged with violating Tennessee law by teaching evolution, in a highly publicised July 1925 trial that led to national debate over evolution and education. The trial tested whether a law introduced that year really could punish teachers over evolution lessons. It could and did: Scopes was fined US$100 (£74).

    But here’s the weird part: while Americans remain deeply divided about whether humans evolved from earlier species, our British predecessors largely settled this question decades before the Scopes trial.

    John Scopes one month before the Tennessee v. John T. Scopes Trial.
    Smithsonian Institution/ Watson Davis

    According to thinktank Pew Research Center data from 2020, only 64% of Americans accept that “humans and other living things have evolved over time”. Meanwhile, 73% of Brits are fine with the idea that they share a common ancestor with chimpanzees. That nine-percentage-point gap might not sound like much, but it represents millions of people who think Darwin was peddling fake news.

    From 1985 to 2010, Americans were in what researchers call a statistical dead heat between acceptance and rejection of evolution — which is academic speak for people couldn’t decide if we were descended from apes or Adam and Eve.

    Here’s where things get psychologically fascinating. Research into misinformation and cognitive biases suggests that fundamentalism operates on a principle known as motivated reasoning. This means selectively interpreting evidence to reach predetermined conclusions. And a 2018 review of social and computer science research also found that fake news seems to spread because it confirms what people already want to believe.

    Evolution denial may work the same way. Religious fundamentalism is what researchers call “the strongest predictor” for rejection of evolution. A 2019 study of 900 participants found that belief in fake news headlines was associated with delusionality, dogmatism, religious fundamentalism and reduced analytic thinking.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    High personal religiosity, as seen in the US, reinforced by communities of like-minded believers, can create resistance to evolutionary science. This pattern is pronounced among Southern Baptists — the largest Protestant denomination in the US — where 61% believe the Bible is the literal word of God, compared to 31% of Americans overall. The persistence of this conflict is fuelled by organised creationist movements that reinforce religious scepticism.

    Brain imaging studies
    show that people with fundamentalist beliefs seem to have reduced activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex — the brain region responsible for cognitive flexibility and analytical thinking. When this area is damaged or less active, people become more prone to accepting claims without sufficient evidence and show increased resistance to changing their beliefs when presented with contradictory information. Studies of brain-injured patients show damage to prefrontal networks that normally help us question information may lead to increased fundamentalist beliefs and reduced scepticism.

    Fundamentalist psychology helps explain the US position in international evolution acceptance surveys. In a 2006 study, of over 33,00 people from 34 countries from 34 countries, only Turkey ranked lower than the US, with about 27% accepting evolution compared to America’s 40% at the time. Among the developed nations surveyed, the US consistently ranks near the bottom — a pattern that persists in more recent international comparisons.

    Where did humans come from? Teaching children about evolution can be controversial, depending on where they live.
    vovan/Shutterstuck

    Research shows that political polarisation on evolution has historically been much stronger in the US than in Europe or Japan, where the issue rarely becomes a campaign talking point. In the US, anti-evolution bills are still being introduced in state legislatures.

    In the UK, belief in evolution became accepted among respectable clergymen around 1896, according to church historian Owen Chadwick’s analysis of Victorian christianity. But why did British religious institutions embrace science while American ones declared war?

    The answer lies in different approaches to intellectual challenges. British Anglicanism has a centuries-old tradition of seeking a “via media” — a middle way between extremes — that allowed church leaders to accommodate new ideas without abandoning core beliefs. Historian Peter documented how British religious leaders actively worked to reconcile science and religion, developing theological frameworks that embraced scientific discoveries as revealing God’s methods rather than contradicting divine authority.

    Anglican bishops and scholars tended to treat evolution as God’s method of creation rather than a threat to faith itself. The Church of England’s hierarchical structure meant that when educated clergy accepted evolution, the institutional framework often followed suit. A 2024 paper argued that many UK church leaders still view science and religion as complementary rather than conflicting.

    A different approach

    The British experience proves it’s possible to reconcile science and faith. But changing American minds requires understanding that evolution acceptance isn’t really about biology — it’s about identity, belonging, and the fundamental question of who gets to define truth. People don’t reject evolution because they’ve carefully studied the evidence. They reject it because it threatens their identity. This creates a context where education alone can’t overcome deeply held convictions.

    Misinformation intervention research suggests that inoculation strategies, such as highlighting the scientific consensus on climate change, work better than debunking individual articles. But evolution education needs to be sensitive. Consensus messaging helps, but only when it doesn’t threaten people’s core identities. For example, framing evolution as a function of “how” life develops, rather than “why it exists, allows for people to maintain religious belief while accepting the scientific evidence for natural selection.

    People’s views can change. A review published in 2024, analysed data which followed the same Gen X people in the US over 33 years. It found that, as they grew up, people developed more acceptance of evolution, though typically because of factors such as education and obtaining university degrees. But people who were taught at a private school seem less likely to become more accepting of evolution as they aged.

    As we face new waves of scientific misinformation, the century since the Scopes trial teaches us that evidence alone won’t necessarily change people’s minds. Understanding the psychology of belief might be our best hope for evolving past our own cognitive limitations.

    Edward White is affiliated with Kingston University.

    – ref. Why many Americans still think Darwin was wrong, yet the British don’t – https://theconversation.com/why-many-americans-still-think-darwin-was-wrong-yet-the-british-dont-260709

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Madagascar launches $7 million initiative to protect coasts from climate change

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    Madagascar has officially launched a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing climate resilience by restoring critical coastal ecosystems and improving livelihoods across vulnerable regions. Nearly 100,000 people are expected to benefit directly across four key coastal regions—Boeny, Menabe, Diana, and Atsimo Atsinanana—where climate impacts are already threatening both livelihoods and biodiversity.

    The project, Scaling Up Ecosystem-Based Adaptation for Coastal Areas in Madagascar, will be executed by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development with a USD 7.1 million grant from the Global Environment Facility and a cofinancing of USD 27 million. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) assisted the government with developing the project and will act as the implementing agency, as a continuation of a long-standing partnership on resilience-building and strengthened environmental stewardship

    Madagascar’s coastal ecosystems—mangroves, coral reefs, and coastal forests—serve as natural buffers against rising seas, intensifying cyclones, and coastal erosion. Yet these ecosystems are under growing pressure from deforestation, overfishing, and a changing climate. Coastal zones support more than 75% of the local population by providing, for example, marine species for fisheries or valuable non-timber forest products.

    The new project aims to enhance the resilience of both ecosystems and communities through nature-based solutions, conventionally  referred to as ecosystem-based adaptation.

    In close coordination with the Regional Directorates for Environment and Sustainable Development (DREDD), the project will support integrated coastal zone management structures, enhance national and local adaptation coordination, and provide revised tools and plans to integrate EbA at the regional and municipal levels.

    The initiative will restore 3,000 hectares of mangroves and coastal forests and rehabilitate 2,000 hectares of degraded watersheds using community-based approaches. Over the course of the project, almost 100,000 people are expected to benefit directly from ecosystem-based adaptation interventions.

    It will also support the creation of 20 ecosystem-based businesses, with a focus on empowering women and youth through access to training, technical support, and equipment. These businesses will span climate-resilient sectors such as sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, beekeeping, ecotourism, and rainfed agriculture.

    An official high-level launch ceremony was held on 15 July at Hôtel Le Louvre Antaninarenina, bringing together representatives from national ministries, UN agencies, civil society, and development partners. 

    In her opening speech at the ceremony, the Secretary General of Environment and Sustainable Development Hahitantsoa Tokinirina Razafimahefa, said: “Restoring mangroves means protecting the coastline, supporting sustainable small-scale fishing, creating natural carbon sinks, and preserving nesting sites for rare species. In other words, it means acting on adaptation, mitigation, food security, and biodiversity conservation—all at once.”

    Paz Lopez-Rey, UNEP’s Programme Management Officer for the new project, said: “The project will strengthen local governance for integrated coastal zone management, while ensuring the integration of ecosystem-based adaptation into key regional and municipal planning tools. But it will go further than that; it will lead to a national strategy to scale up ecosystem-based adaptation in other vulnerable coastal areas of the country.”

    – on behalf of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Morocco: His Majesty (HM) the King Congratulates Sultan of Brunei Darussalam on Birthday

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    His Majesty King Mohammed VI has sent a message of congratulations to the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam, His Majesty Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, on the occasion of his birthday.

    In this message, His Majesty the King extends His warmest congratulations and sincere wishes for good health and happiness to the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam and his esteemed royal family, as well as for progress and prosperity to his brotherly people, under his wise leadership.

    The Sovereign takes pride in the brotherly bonds and mutual esteem that unite the two brotherly peoples, as well as in the strong ties of fruitful cooperation and solidarity between their two nations.

    His Majesty the King also reaffirms His firm resolve to continue working alongside HM Haji Hassanal Bolkiah to further elevate these relations to the highest level, in fulfillment of the shared aspirations of both peoples for greater prosperity and well-being.

    – on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa: Presidency condemns Democratic Alliance (DA) harassment of Presidential Envoy, Mcebisi Jonas

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    The Presidency cautions South Africa against treating Democratic Alliance (DA) disinformation on matters of international relations and diplomacy as official Government policy.

    The DA’s latest effort to embarrass President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Special Envoy to North America, Mr Jonas Mcebisi, involves claims – in the DA’s framing – that the United States has rejected Mr Jonas’s “credentials” and that Mr Jonas is therefore unable to perform his role as Special Envoy.

    The DA seeks to add sensationalism to its claim by suggesting President Ramaphosa and Mr Jonas face a crisis in view of the United States’ pending implementation of trade tariffs announced several days ago by President Donald Trump.

    The facts around this matter include the reality that Special Envoys do not present diplomatic credentials to host countries in the way designated Heads of Mission or other diplomats are.

    While envoys are not required to account publicly for the work they undertake, the President’s own accounts of his performance include elements facilitated by envoys.

    Mr Jonas’s outreach does not in any way supersede the leading role played by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in our difficult but constructive trade negotiations with the United States, or in our diplomatic relations with this longstanding partner.

    Mr Jonas has, however, played an important role in working with the DTIC to develop the trade proposals in which South Africa is currently engaging the United States in good faith and with the expectation of mutually beneficial terms.

    Similarly, he has been assisting DIRCO in Government’s efforts to reset diplomatic relations and all areas of cooperation between South Africa and the United States.

    While these processes are underway and in view of President Ramaphosa’s telephonic contact with President Trump as well as his Working Visit to Washington in May 2025, President Ramaphosa has not had a need for Mr Jonas to visit the United States on urgent business.

    The Presidency is therefore concerned about the Democratic Alliance’s persistent campaign against South Africa’s national interest and its posture of trying to embarrass and belittle our country and in this specific circumstance, Mr Jonas.

    This campaign has its origins in a Democratic Alliance visit to the United States earlier this year, to advance an ideological agenda rather than our national interest.

    The DA has positioned itself as part of a right-wing nexus that seeks to use a foreign state to effect changes to democratically developed national policies in our own country.

    The DA is trying cheaply but dangerously to exploit a critical engagement between South Africa and the United States to protest President Ramaphosa’s removal of Mr Andrew Whitfield as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.

    The DA’s pronouncements and insults against countries and international organisations – such as the Republic of Cuba or the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees – offends South Africa’s international relations and posture.

    If the DA were to succeed in undermining South Africa relations with various nations or institutions, the party will harm the viability of businesses and livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of South Africans who work in sectors that depend on the expansion of our trade relations with the world.

    – on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) to host Third Basketball Without Borders Women’s Camp at AT&T WNBA All-Star 2025 in Indianapolis

    Source: APO – Report:

    The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), the National Basketball Association (NBA) (www.NBA.com) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) today announced the 40 top high-school-age female prospects from outside the U.S. who will travel to Indianapolis, Ind., for the third Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Global women’s camp, which will be held Thursday, July 17 – Saturday, July 19 at Nicoson Hall on the University of Indianapolis campus as part of AT&T WNBA All-Star 2025.

    The campers will be coached by several current and former WNBA and FIBA players and coaches, including 2025 No. 6 overall pick Georgia Amoore (Washington Mystics; Australia), 1999 WNBA All-Star and two-time NCAA champion Tonya Edwards (U.S.), two-time NCAA champion Kelly Faris (U.S.) and two-time Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Player of the Year Andrea Gardner-Williams.  2004 WNBA All-Star and current Vice President of Team Operations & Organizational Growth for the Boston Celtics Allison Feaster will serve as the camp director.

    The players and coaches will lead the campers through a variety of activities, including movement efficiency drills, offensive and defensive skill stations, three-point contests, 5-on-5 games, and life-skills and leadership development sessions.  The camp will once again be open to WNBA scouts and NCAA coaches following last year’s event where 34 of the campers received NCAA Division I scholarship offers.  The campers will also attend the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 19.  

    The event will be supported by Nike, a global partner of BWB since 2002, which will outfit participants with Nike apparel and footwear.

    BWB, the NBA and FIBA’s global basketball development and community outreach program, has reached more than 4,600 participants from 144 countries and territories since 2001, with 142 former campers drafted into the NBA and WNBA or signed as free agents.  Fifteen former BWB campers have advanced to the WNBA, including Ezi Magbegor (Seattle Storm; Australia; BWB Asia 2016), Jade Melbourne (Mystics; Australia; BWB Global 2020), Aaliyah Edwards (Mystics; Canada; BWB Global 2019), Domonique Malonga (Storm; BWB Europe 2022), Nika Muhl (Storm; Croatia; BWB Europe 2018; BWB Global 2019) and Kamilla Cardoso (Chicago Sky; Brazil; BWB Global 2019).  The NBA and FIBA have held 80 BWB camps in 53 cities across 33 countries on six continents.

    Follow the camp using the hashtag #BWBGlobal on Facebook, Instagram and X.  Find out more about BWB at BasketballWithoutBorders.com (https://BWB.NBA.com/), on YouTube (Basketball Without Borders: https://apo-opa.co/46csTll) and on Instagram (@ basketballwithoutborders: https://apo-opa.co/44O1jZs).

    The following is a complete list of players participating in the third BWB Global women’s camp at WNBA All-Star (roster subject to change):

    Name
    Sanja Aksam
    Maria Madalena Martinho Amaro
    Karina Capellán
    Emma D’este
    Fatou Kine Diop
    Misheel Elbegbayar
    Haya El-Halawany
    Rica Enriquez-Paea
    Melissa Guillet
    Amanda Guineo
    Janelle Gyampo
    Ayla Habbal
    Wiktoria Haegenbarth
    Keriana Hippolite
    Hyeonjeong Hwang
    Serena Ishiwatari
    Ya Ida Juwara Skold
    Anna Liepina
    Yu Han Lin
    Eiza Louveton
    Erika Mace
    Kartika Mahanani
    Sarah Aaliyah Mellouk
    Valeria Montero Piña
    Lucy Nchamba
    Nicole Ogun
    Chen Chia Shan Pan
    Maria Perez
    Jasmine Perry
    Maewenn Poilve
    Mika Sakaguchi
    Sena Sert
    Binta Seye
    Manon Simplot
    Maxine Maria Sutisna
    Tiia Talonen
    Nicole Torresani
    Tjasa Turnsek
    Maja Uranker
    Lea Vukic

    – on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).

    Contact:
    Kevin Alonzo
    NBA
    kalonzo@NBA.com
    (212) 407-8158

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: Fortinet Recognized as a Leader in the 2025 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for SASE Platforms

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SUNNYVALE, Calif., July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fortinet® (NASDAQ: FTNT), the global cybersecurity leader driving the convergence of networking and security, today announced it has been recognized as a Leader in the 2025 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for SASE Platforms and ranked #1 in the Secure Branch Network Modernization use case in the accompanying Gartner Critical Capabilities for SASE Platforms report, which Fortinet believes underscores its ability to converge advanced secure SD‑WAN, universal ZTNA, and AI-Powered threat protection into a single, flexible solution.

    “We are honored to be recognized as a Leader in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for SASE Platforms and believe this recognition validates our commitment to organic innovation—building a unified, AI-powered platform that spans all SASE use cases,” said Nirav Shah, Senior Vice President of Products and Solutions at Fortinet. “We believe being positioned in the Leaders quadrant in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for SASE Platforms affirms our strategy of blending proven secure SD‑WAN, universal ZTNA, and AI‑powered threat protection under a single operating system, FortiOS, and one license for added simplicity and faster ROI.”

    The most unified, flexible, and intelligent SASE platform
    This latest recognition, in Fortinet’s view, validates its unified‑platform strategy for secure digital acceleration. It follows Fortinet’s acknowledgement as a Leader in the 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant for SD‑WAN for the fifth consecutive year—where it was positioned highest for Ability to Execute—as well as being named a 2024 Gartner Peer Insights™ Customers’ Choice for Security Service Edge (SSE), and a 2025 Customers’ Choice for SD-WAN and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA).

    Fortinet Unified SASE is built natively on FortiOS, delivering consistent security and user experience from campus to cloud to remote users through a single-vendor platform. Fortinet’s tightly integrated approach enables centralized management through one console and one agent, reducing complexity while streamlining policy enforcement and deployment. Fortinet offers over 160 points-of-presence (PoPs) and simplified licensing tiers to meet customer needs. Monthly product innovations, including AI-driven security workflows, keep the platform ahead of evolving threats and business needs.

    Powering High-Performance Branch Experiences and Sovereign SASE at Global Scale

    Fortinet believes the recognition in Secure Branch Network Modernization use case in the Gartner Critical Capabilities for SASE Platforms report also underscores the company’s strength in helping customers replace legacy architectures like MPLS with a simplified, high-performance branch experience. Organizations can rapidly deploy new sites using zero-touch provisioning and centralized orchestration, significantly reducing the time and effort typically required to roll out branch locations. By converging networking and security at the edge, Fortinet empowers IT teams to deliver secure, scalable access with reduced operational overhead and lower total cost of ownership with seamless integration between secure SD-WAN and SSE that can be completed in minutes.

    Fortinet continues to differentiate itself in a fast-growing market projected by Gartner to exceed $28.5 billion by 2028, with ongoing investment in its global SASE infrastructure, simplified packaging, and partner enablement. These efforts reflect Fortinet’s commitment to helping customers, channel partners, and service providers capitalize on the growing demand for hybrid work security, branch modernization, and the ability meet data sovereignty needs for regulated industries like finance, healthcare, and government.

    Analyst and Customer Validation
    Fortinet’s Leader position in SASE adds to the company’s broader recognition across the cybersecurity industry, including being acknowledged in 11 Gartner Magic Quadrant reports spanning security and networking. In addition to being named a Leader in the Magic Quadrant for both SASE Platforms and SD-WAN, Fortinet remains the only vendor recognized as a Customers’ Choice across all core components of SASE—SD-WAN, SSE, and ZTNA—according to Gartner Peer Insights™. Fortinet believes these distinctions further validate Fortinet’s Security Fabric platform strategy and its ability to unify security and networking across every edge.

    Additional Resources

    Note for Gartner Peer Insights™: Reviews from vendor partners or end users of companies with less than $50M in revenue are excluded from this methodology. See the full “Voice of the Customer” methodology.

    Gartner and Peer Insights are trademarks of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Gartner Peer Insights content consists of the opinions of individual end users based on their own experiences, and should not be construed as statements of fact, nor do they represent the views of Gartner or its affiliates. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in this content nor makes any warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this content, about its accuracy or completeness, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

    GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally, Magic Quadrant is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

    Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product, or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

    Gartner, Forecast Analysis: Secure Access Service Edge, Worldwide, By Charanpal Bhogal, Charlie Winckless, Neil MacDonald, Andrew Lerner, John Watts, Shailendra Upadhyay, Christian Canales, Marissa Schmidt, Jonathan Forest, 05 February 2025

    Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), By Jonathan Forest, Neil MacDonald, Dale Koeppen, 9 July 2025

    Gartner, Critical Capabilities for SASE Platforms, By Jonathan Forest, Andrew Lerner, Charlie Winckless, 14 July 2025

    Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Security Service Edge, By Charlie Winckless, Thomas Lintemuth, Dale Koeppen, Charanpal Bhogal, 20 May 2025

    Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Data Center Switching, By Andrew Lerner, Simon Richard, Nauman Raja, Jorge Aragon, Jonathan Forest, 31 March 2025

    Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Cyber-Physical Systems Protection Platforms, By Katell Thielemann, Wam Voster, Ruggero Contu, 12 February 2025

    Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Email Security Platforms, By Max Taggett, Nikul Patel, Franz Hinner, Deepak Mishra, 16 December 2024

    Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Access Management, By Brian Guthrie, Nathan Harris, Abhyuday Data, Josh Murphy, 2 December 2024

    Gartner, Magic Quadrant for SD-WAN, By Jonathan Forest, Karen Brown, Nauman Raja, 30 September 2024

    Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Endpoint Protection Platforms, By Evgeny Mirolyubov, Franz Hinner, Deepak Mishra, Satarupa Patnaik, Chris Silva, 23 September 2024

    Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Privileged Access Management, By Abhyuday Data, Michael Kelley, Nayara Sangiorgio, Felix Gaehtgens, Paul Mezzera, 9 September 2024

    Gartner, Magic Quadrant Security Information and Event Management, By Andrew Davies, Mitchell Schneider, Rustam Malik, Eric Ahlm, 8 May 2024

    Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Wired and Wireless LAN Infrastructure, By Mike Leibovitz, Christian Canales, Nauman Raja, Tim Zimmerman, 25 June 2025

    Note: Fortinet acquired Perception Point in December 2024. Perception Point was recognized in the 2024 Magic Quadrant for Email Security Platforms

    “Fortinet was recognized in 11 different Magic Quadrant reports including being named an Honorable Mention in Magic Quadrant for Data Center Switching, for Access Management, and for Privileged Access Management.”

    Gartner, Voice of the Customer for Security Service Edge, Peer Contributors, 27, September 2024. Gartner, Voice of the Customer for Security Service Edge, Peer Contributors, 29, September, 2023

    Gartner, “Voice of the Customer for SD-WAN,” Peer Contributors, 25 June 2025.

    Gartner, Gartner Peer Insights™ ‘Voice of the Customer’: SD-WAN, Peer Contributors, 2025, 2024, & 2023

    Gartner, Gartner Peer Insights™ ‘Voice of the Customer’: WAN Edge Infrastructure, Peer Contributors, 2022, 2021 & 2020

    Gartner, Gartner Peer Insights™ Voice of the Customer for Zero Trust Networking, 24, February 2025

    About Fortinet
    Fortinet (Nasdaq: FTNT) is a driving force in the evolution of cybersecurity and the convergence of networking and security. Our mission is to secure people, devices, and data everywhere, and today we deliver cybersecurity everywhere our customers need it with the largest integrated portfolio of over 50 enterprise-grade products. Well over half a million customers trust Fortinet’s solutions, which are among the most deployed, most patented, and most validated in the industry. The Fortinet Training Institute, one of the largest and broadest training programs in the industry, is dedicated to making cybersecurity training and new career opportunities available to everyone. Collaboration with esteemed organizations from both the public and private sectors, including Computer Emergency Response Teams (“CERTS”), government entities, and academia, is a fundamental aspect of Fortinet’s commitment to enhance cyber resilience globally. FortiGuard Labs, Fortinet’s elite threat intelligence and research organization, develops and utilizes leading-edge machine learning and AI technologies to provide customers with timely and consistently top-rated protection and actionable threat intelligence. Learn more at https://www.fortinet.com, the Fortinet Blog, and FortiGuard Labs.

    Copyright © 2025 Fortinet, Inc. All rights reserved. The symbols ® and ™ denote respectively federally registered trademarks and common law trademarks of Fortinet, Inc., its subsidiaries and affiliates. Fortinet’s trademarks include, but are not limited to, the following: Fortinet, the Fortinet logo, FortiGate, FortiOS, FortiGuard, FortiCare, FortiAnalyzer, FortiManager, FortiASIC, FortiClient, FortiCloud, FortiMail, FortiSandbox, FortiADC, FortiAgent, FortiAI, FortiAIOps, FortiAgent, FortiAntenna, FortiAP, FortiAPCam, FortiAuthenticator, FortiCache, FortiCall, FortiCam, FortiCamera, FortiCarrier, FortiCASB, FortiCentral, FortiCNP, FortiConnect, FortiController, FortiConverter, FortiCSPM, FortiCWP, FortiDAST, FortiDB, FortiDDoS, FortiDeceptor, FortiDeploy, FortiDevSec, FortiDLP, FortiEdge, FortiEDR, FortiEndpoint FortiExplorer, FortiExtender, FortiFirewall, FortiFlex FortiFone, FortiGSLB, FortiGuest, FortiHypervisor, FortiInsight, FortiIsolator, FortiLAN, FortiLink, FortiMonitor, FortiNAC, FortiNDR, FortiPAM, FortiPenTest, FortiPhish, FortiPoint, FortiPolicy, FortiPortal, FortiPresence, FortiProxy, FortiRecon, FortiRecorder, FortiSASE, FortiScanner, FortiSDNConnector, FortiSEC, FortiSIEM, FortiSMS, FortiSOAR, FortiSRA, FortiStack, FortiSwitch, FortiTester, FortiToken, FortiTrust, FortiVoice, FortiWAN, FortiWeb, FortiWiFi, FortiWLC, FortiWLM, FortiXDR and Lacework FortiCNAPP. Other trademarks belong to their respective owners. Fortinet has not independently verified statements or certifications herein attributed to third parties and Fortinet does not independently endorse such statements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, nothing herein constitutes a warranty, guarantee, contract, binding specification or other binding commitment by Fortinet or any indication of intent related to a binding commitment, and performance and other specification information herein may be unique to certain environments.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Minister Ntshavheni releases historic National Security Strategy to strengthen people-centred security

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has released the public versions of key national intelligence documents, in what she described as a historic milestone in South Africa’s democratic journey and a significant step towards greater transparency, accountability and institutional reform. 

    The Minister released the National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) 2019 – 2024, the National Intelligence Priorities (NIPs), and the National Security Strategy (NSS) 2024 – 2029 during a media briefing in Cape Town on Tuesday. 

    The Minister had earlier in the day tabled the 2025 State Security Agency Budget Vote in Parliament.

    At the briefing, she underscored that this was the first time in the country’s history that such core national intelligence instruments were being published in a manner that is both transparent and structured, while preserving the integrity of national security.

    “It is not only a profound step forward, but a clear paradigm shift in how the intelligence community relates to the State, to Parliament, and to the people,” Ntshavheni said. 

    The Minister framed the public release of the NIE and NSS as part of a broader shift towards constitutional accountability, transparency and national resilience, in line with Section 198 of the Constitution and the recommendations of the 2018 High-Level Review Panel on the State Security Agency (SSA).

    “The release of the NIE, NIPs and NSS represents not only compliance with that directive but a deliberate act of democratic renewal. It is our commitment to building a modern, ethical, and professional intelligence capability, guided by law, oversight, and strategic foresight. 

    “This is part of our commitment to transform the sector to serve the Constitution, not partisan interests,” she said. 

    Key threats and priorities identified

    The NIE 2019 – 2024 provides a comprehensive assessment of the threats facing the nation, ranging from illegal migration, cybercrime, transnational organised crime, to climate and domestic instability. The Estimate is built around five core themes: threats to the economy, territorial integrity, the authority of the State, citizen well-being, and foreign influences.

    The Minister detailed how the National Intelligence Priorities were aligned with government’s Medium-Term Strategic Framework, and focused on challenges such as:

    • Countering border-based threats and foreign infiltration in strategic sectors.
    • Strengthening cyber forensic capabilities to curb illicit financial flows.
    • Investigating threats to South Africa’s sovereign economic capacity.
    • Preventing terror financing, drug trafficking, and human smuggling.

    On the foreign intelligence front, the focus includes consolidating South Africa’s continental leadership role, defending its interests in multilateral fora, and countering espionage and hostile foreign interference.

    A whole-of-society security strategy

    Central to the Minister’s announcement was the unveiling of the new National Security Strategy (2024 – 2029), which introduces a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to security.

    “The NSS is grounded in the principle that national security is inseparable from human security, economic stability, democratic governance, social justice and above all national interest,” the Minister said. 

    The strategy is underpinned by eight critical pillars, including:

    • Protection of South Africans or Public Security (Well-being of South Africans).
    • Protection of Territorial Integrity of the Republic.
    • Protection and Projection of the Country’s Sovereignty.
    • Protection of the Economy or Economic Security.
    • Protection of Cyberspace and the Environment.
    • Protection and Promotion of Technology and Innovation.
    • Protection of the Environment and Natural Resources or Environmental Security.
    • Protection of South Africa’s Culture and Heritage (Cultural Security).

    Each pillar speaks to the State’s responsibility to safeguard not only physical borders, but also economic sovereignty, digital resilience and social cohesion.

    Intelligence in Service of the People

    Ntshavheni emphasised that the publication of these documents is not the end, but rather “the beginning of a new, progressive chapter” in national intelligence.

    “We do so in a world of rapidly evolving threats, hybrid warfare, misinformation, climate-induced instability, and shifting geopolitical dynamics. Our national security response must be anticipatory, inclusive, and adaptive,” she said. 

    She concluded by honouring the national intelligence community and reaffirming the importance of principled intelligence that serves the people and the Constitution, not partisan interests.

    “Let history reflect that we chose transparency over secrecy, service over self-interest, and reform over inertia, and this is done within the constraints of our national security interests.

    “Let us now work together to protect and advance our democratic gains through intelligence that is principled, professional, and people-centred,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: President El-Sisi Meets the Prime Minister, Minister of Supply, Minister of Agriculture

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi held a meeting with Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Supply and Internal Trade Dr. Sherif Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Alaa El-Din Farouk, and Executive Director of the “Future of Egypt for Sustainable Development” Authority, Colonel Dr. Bahaa El-Ghanam.

    Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said that during the meeting the availability of strategic reserves of essential commodities, particularly wheat, sugar, oil, meat, and poultry was confirmed. It was stressed that Egypt’s food security is in a stable and reassuring state. The meeting reviewed details pertaining to contracts for the purchase of strategic commodities. These included contracts for the acquisition of 3.4 million tons of wheat, 192,000 tons of crude oil, 4,000 tons of frozen poultry, and 6,000 tons of frozen meat. Furthermore, it was noted that the State seeks to diversify its sources for wheat imports to ensure the availability of adequate quantities and avoid potential crises.

    President El-Sisi stressed the importance of full coordination among all state bodies concerned with food security, so as to ensure harmony among these institutions, facilitate their effective implementation and confirm alignment with state policies. The meeting highlighted the importance of cooperation among the relevant state authorities and “The Future of Egypt” Authority to designate the areas within the New Delta to be cultivated with strategic crops, thereby maximizing planted acreage and increasing the self-sufficiency rate.

    The meeting also discussed efforts underway to ensure the efficient operation of bakeries, mills, and markets and reviewed progress on the “One-Day Market” initiative. The first phase of the initiative was launched in November 2024 with 200 markets, and the second phase began in May 2025 with more than 200 additional markets.

    The discussion tackled efforts to establish partnerships with the private sector, attract foreign investments in the retail sector, and establish commercial chains in Obour City, Nasr City, and Qalyub. The meeting also reviewed the Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade’s efforts and preparations to launch a government commercial chain under the name “Carry On”, marking the first unified brand in partnership with the private sector. Furthermore, the meeting reviewed efforts exerted to develop internal trade and to refine the databases of government subsidy beneficiaries, ensuring that support reaches those who meet the relevant criteria and conditions.

    Additionally, the meeting included detailed discussions on food security, the operational status of the Commodity Exchange, and the government’s efforts to activate it as a safeguard for markets and an effective price-regulation mechanism. This initiative is expected to boost food security and ensure the sustainable availability of essential goods at reasonable prices, balancing the interests of producers and consumers, while supporting the agricultural and industrial sectors.

    It was noted that exporters and importers have begun registering in the Commodity Exchange, which is set to become the unified platform for importing and exporting goods. A draft law is currently being prepared to regulate the exchange, drawing on legislation from other countries with similar systems.

    The meeting also reviewed the state’s policies for growing and supplying strategic crops, efforts toward digital transformation and technological integration in agriculture, and strategies to reduce agricultural expenditures. The status of the fertilizer sector, particularly nitrates and urea was discussed, with a strong emphasis on implementing gradual and balanced reforms to protect farmers and ensure food security. Finally, the meeting focused on initiatives to improve agricultural land, adopt mechanization, and enhance the productivity of red meat and dairy sectors. President El-Sisi stressed the importance of improving local livestock breeds to increase their yield in both meat and milk production.

    – on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • India’s total exports rise by nearly 6% in April-June 2025; electronic goods lead growth

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s overall exports, comprising merchandise and services, rose to an estimated USD 210.31 billion during April-June 2025, registering a growth of 5.94 per cent compared to USD 198.52 billion during the same period last year, according to official estimates released today.

    The cumulative value of merchandise exports stood at USD 112.17 billion, marking a growth of 1.92 per cent over USD 110.06 billion recorded during April-June 2024. Notably, non-petroleum exports grew by nearly 6 per cent to reach USD 94.77 billion during the same period.

    Key drivers of growth include robust performances by sectors such as Electronic Goods, Drugs and Pharmaceuticals, Engineering Goods, Marine Products and Meat, Dairy and Poultry Products.

    Electronic Goods emerged as a standout performer, with exports jumping by 46.93 per cent to USD 4.15 billion in June 2025, up from USD 2.82 billion in June 2024. Exports of Drugs and Pharmaceuticals rose by 5.95 per cent to USD 2.62 billion, while Engineering Goods exports recorded a modest growth of 1.35 per cent to USD 9.50 billion.

    Exports of Marine Products rose by 13.33 per cent, while Meat, Dairy and Poultry Products witnessed a rise of 19.7 per cent.

    Merchandise and Services Trade

    During June 2025, India’s overall exports were estimated at USD 67.98 billion, reflecting a 6.5 per cent increase compared to June 2024. Total imports stood at USD 71.50 billion, registering a marginal rise of 0.50 per cent.

    Merchandise exports during June 2025 remained stable at USD 35.14 billion compared to USD 35.16 billion in June last year, while imports fell slightly to USD 53.92 billion from USD 56 billion a year ago.

    In the services sector, exports for June 2025 were estimated at USD 32.84 billion, up from USD 28.67 billion in June 2024, while imports rose to USD 17.58 billion from USD 15.14 billion.

    Trade Deficit Narrows

    India’s overall trade deficit narrowed to USD 3.51 billion in June 2025, compared to USD 7.30 billion in the same month last year. The merchandise trade deficit for April-June 2025 widened to USD 67.26 billion as against USD 62.10 billion a year ago, but the services trade surplus increased to USD 46.95 billion from USD 39.68 billion during April-June 2024.

    Non-Petroleum and Non-Gems & Jewellery Trade

    Exports excluding petroleum and gems & jewellery rose to USD 28.74 billion in June 2025 from USD 27.43 billion in June 2024. Imports in the same category remained stable at USD 36.57 billion compared to USD 36.55 billion a year ago.

    For the April-June quarter, non-petroleum and non-gems & jewellery exports stood at USD 88.10 billion, marking an increase from USD 82.16 billion in the same period last year.

    Key Commodities and Destinations

    Among commodities, Electronic Goods, Tea, Jute Manufacturing including Floor Coverings, Other Cereals, Cereal Preparations, Fruits & Vegetables, Plastics, Carpet, Chemicals, Textiles and Rice posted positive growth during June 2025.

    On the other hand, imports of Pulses, Newsprint, Gold, Transport Equipment, Coal, Pearls and Precious Stones, Project Goods and Iron & Steel recorded a decline during the month.

    The United States, China, Kenya, France and Brazil emerged as the top five export destinations showing positive growth in June 2025 compared to June 2024. Ireland, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and China were among the top sources registering growth in imports during the month.

    For the quarter, the United States, China, Kenya, Germany and Australia led growth in export destinations, while China, UAE, Ireland, the United States and Hong Kong were the top sources for imports.

    Services Exports Surge

    Services exports grew by 10.93 per cent during April-June 2025, reaching USD 98.13 billion compared to USD 88.46 billion a year earlier. Services imports also rose to USD 51.18 billion from USD 48.78 billion.