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Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI USA: PRESS RELEASE: Reps. Barragán and Lofgren Lead Democrats’ Response to Rep. Kim’s Distorted, Partisan Resolution Regarding Trump’s Authoritarian Response to the LA Protests

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    June 25, 2025

    Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov

    Reps. Barragán and Lofgren Lead Democrats’ Response to Rep. Kim’s Distorted, Partisan Resolution Regarding Trump’s Authoritarian Response to the LA Protests 

    Washington, D.C. —  Today, Representatives Nanette Barragán (CA-44) and Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation, led Democrats in introducing a resolution to condemn Donald Trump’s deployment of the National Guard and Marines during the LA protests, while reaffirming support for state and local law enforcement and the people’s First Amendment right to peacefully protest. This resolution provides a fact-based response to Representative Young Kim’s distorted, partisan, and misleading resolution that House Republican leadership will have the House vote on later this week. 

    Rather than working on a bipartisan basis to condemn violence, defend the peaceful expression of First Amendment rights, and thank members of law enforcement, Rep. Kim’s resolution instead falsely claims that violence was widespread across LA and that California’s leadership has “prioritized protecting illegal immigrants and violent individuals over United States citizens” among other highly partisan claims. 

    In contrast, the Barragán-Lofgren resolution accurately notes that violence in LA was limited and under control by local and state law enforcement. When communities exercised their First Amendment right to assemble and protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, President Trump wrongfully deployed the National Guard and active-duty members of the U.S. Marine Corps in violation of the Posse Comitatus Act and without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom or local officials. Democrats’ resolution commends the state and local law enforcement officers who have worked to protect public safety and maintain peace, supports Americans’ right to protest peacefully, condemns acts of violence, and supports the military servicemembers in the Marines and National Guard while objecting to their current deployment to Los Angeles County. 

    “Our communities have been terrorized by Donald Trump and Stephen Miller’s indiscriminate mass deportation ICE operations — in response, people spoke up and protested to express their fear, anger, and anxiety,” said Rep. Nanette Barragán. “State and local law enforcement had the situation under control and the Trump Administration intentionally escalated the situation when they deployed troops into Los Angeles. Our resolution makes clear that we will not stand by while the federal government tries to intimidate Californians into silence through a show of military force. We must protect the right to protest, condemn violence, and reject authoritarian tactics that have no place in America.”

    “Rep. Kim’s resolution regarding the L.A. protests is not just misguided, inaccurate, and disingenuous: it’s dangerous,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation. “President Trump’s deployment of Marines and the National Guard in response to largely peaceful protests was unprecedented and wrong. Trump’s refusal to coordinate with state and local officials in deploying active-duty troops also put both protestors and state and local law enforcement officers at risk. House Republicans should be conducting vigorous oversight of the shocking deployment of servicemembers – a blatant attempt to take over states’ law enforcement responsibility – not reflexively jumping to providing justification for Trump to send troops into other communities or defending his dangerous attempt to squash constitutionally-protected dissent.”

    “Communities throughout California have been upended by ICE raids where masked ICE agents are using excessive force to go after people without probable cause. People want safer communities, not to see elementary school students and sick people at hospitals deported without due process. Instead of deescalating violence, Trump has fomented it. By deploying Marines and the National Guard against protestors in LA, Trump exacerbated a situation that local officials had under control. The resolution introduced by Rep. Kim does not accurately state the facts of the situation and instead falsely lays blame on Californians for Trump’s escalatory actions. By introducing a resolution with the correct facts, Democrats are standing up for Californians, including our law enforcement officials, who have been repeatedly demonized by partisan hacks looking to score cheap political points,” said Rep. Lieu. 

     “There was only one reason Trump deployed the National Guard and Marines in Los Angeles: to launch his pathetic, made-for-TV reality show to justify his authoritarian crackdowns and cruel ICE raids,” said Rep. Kamalger-Dove. “But Angelenos know our city is not on fire.  We see right through the reality TV president’s theatrics that are meant to distract from this Administration’s tanking of our economy, devastating cuts to Medicaid, and the brutality and inhumanity of its mass deportations. If you pan away from the set, you won’t see Trump’s toy soldiers or violence, but real people hurting from his policies. Let’s focus the camera back on that.”

    “The Trump Administration is using our military service members as political pawns to create a false narrative of uncontrolled violence, trample on legal precedent, and perpetuate fear and hate in our communities,” said Rep. Cisneros. “Last week, I led a letter with over 34 of my colleagues demanding that the President withdraw troops from L.A. and allow our local officials and law enforcement to do their jobs.  I’m proud to join California Democrats in demanding answers from the Administration.”

    “As a proud born-and-raised Angeleno, Los Angeles will always be home. The Republican resolution we are voting on this week is a distorted and inaccurate attack on Los Angeles and our great state,” said Congresswoman Luz Rivas. “I thank Representatives Barragan and Lofgren for leading our California colleagues in introducing this resolution that reaffirms our support for peaceful protest and condemns President Trump’s mobilization of the National Guard and Marines on American soil. The President’s unprovoked and politically-motivated escalation of our military sowed more chaos and harm across our communities. My California House Democratic Caucus colleagues will continue to support the Constitutional right to peacefully protest the Trump Administration’s heartless immigration agenda while also swiftly condemning any acts of violence. Our Republican colleagues – especially our California Republican colleagues – need to do the same.”

    “Trump’s deployment of Marines to Los Angeles was a dangerous overreach that bypassed both state and local authority. We all condemn violence. Californians have a right to protest peacefully — and the Governor’s office assured me that local law enforcement had the capacity to get the situation under control,” said Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30). “The Republican resolution isn’t about safety — it’s political theater aimed at stripping Americans of their rights. Instead of targeting violent criminals, Trump is going after hardworking community members and using military force to intimidate dissent. Our resolution makes clear: we won’t let fear or federal overreach silence Californians exercising their constitutional rights.”

    “This week, Republicans are forcing a vote on a partisan resolution to legitimize Trump’s unacceptable attacks on our community in Los Angeles and to excuse his warrantless mass ICE raids, his takeover of our National Guard, and his deployment of U.S. Marines on the streets of Southern California. This is just wrong. I’m proud to instead join my California Democratic colleagues in introducing this resolution to stand up to Trump’s attacks on California, defend our constitutional rights to due process and free expression, and thank the state and local law enforcement officers who have worked to protect public safety and prosecute those committing acts of violence and vandalism,” said Rep. Chu.

    The resolution is cosponsored by: Reps. Aguilar, Bera, Brownley, Bynum, Carbajal, T. Carter, Chu, Cisneros, Correa, Costa, Dean, DelBene, DeSaulnier, Doggett, Espaillat, Friedman, Garamendi, R. Garcia, S. Garcia, J. Gomez, Gray, J. Hayes, Huffman, Ivey, Jacobs, Hank Johnson, Kamlager-Dove, T. Kennedy, Khanna, Landsman, Larsen, Latimer, Leger Fernandez, Levin, Liccardo, Lieu, Lofgren, Matsui, McCollum, Min, Morelle, Mullin, Panetta, Pelosi, Peters, Pettersen, Rivas, Ross, Ruiz, Salinas, L. Sanchez, Sherman, Simon, Swalwell, Takano, Thanedar, Thompson, N. Torres, Tran, Vargas, Waters, Whitesides. 

    The text of the resolution can be found HERE. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Frontex hosts the Annual European Coast Guard Event 2025 in Gdańsk

    Source: Frontex

    Gdańsk, 24–26 June 2025 – Over 100 coast guard experts and decision-makers from across Europe gathered in Gdańsk for the 8th Annual European Coast Guard Event, hosted by Frontex in partnership with the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) and European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). Held under the Tripartite Working Arrangement, the event provided a space for open dialogue, fresh ideas, and closer cooperation between EU agencies and national maritime authorities.

    This year’s edition focused on strengthening interagency services and building more effective partnerships to respond to shared challenges at sea.

    Deep dive into Multipurpose Maritime Operations

    AECGE 2025 was fully dedicated to Multipurpose Maritime Operations (MMOs) – the flagship operational model for joint EU agencies–Member States coast guard cooperation. Since 2019, a total of 16 such operations have taken place in key European maritime basins. Just days before the event, MMO Baltic Sea 2025 operation was launched, bringing together seven Member States and showing how far tripartite cooperation has come, in both scale and ambition.

    MMOs are increasingly recognised by the Member States as valuable operational instruments, particularly in the current dynamic geopolitical landscape and in light of emerging maritime risks. They support joint situational awareness, cross-sector response capabilities, and operational solidarity across borders. The European Union Maritime Security Strategy (EUMSS) identifies the MMO model as a reliable tool for fostering interoperability – especially relevant in addressing complex, evolving threats.

    Participants took part in hands-on breakout sessions aimed at shaping the future of multipurpose operations. Together, they explored how to: 

    •  Bring more countries and authorities into the fold

    •  Improve planning and coordination between agencies

    •  Boost participation in joint trainings and exercises

    •  Tailor the length and scope of future operations to real-world needs

    MME BRACE 2025: Joint exercise in the Bay of Gdańsk

    On the second day of the event, theory met practice with the execution of MME BRACE 2025, a Multipurpose Maritime Exercise held in the Bay of Gdańsk. The exercise was developed and coordinated by Frontex and the Kashubian Border Guard Squadron of the Polish Maritime Border Guard, with participation from EFCA, EMSA, and other national maritime authorities.

    Under the leadership of Frontex, MME BRACE 2025 brought together Poland’s Border Guard, search and rescue, fisheries, and maritime security communities, along with operational experts from EU agencies. The drill tested real-time coordination in complex scenarios involving several coast guard functions.

    It demonstrated the MMO concept’s potential to strengthen joint response capabilities, interoperability, and cross-sectoral trust between EU and national actors.

    Celebrating cooperation, shaping the future

    AECGE 2025 also marked the 20th anniversaries of Frontex and EFCA, highlighting two decades of service in support of Europe’s coast guard authorities.

    An official handover of the TWA chairmanship from Frontex to EMSA took place at the historical Ziółkowski Pier, underscoring the agencies’ shared commitment to continuity and operational excellence.

    MMOs remain a cornerstone of EU-level support for the Member States in the maritime domain. Under the Tripartite Working Arrangement, Frontex, EFCA, and EMSA reaffirmed their joint commitment to a more safe, secure, and sustainable maritime environment.

    In a world of fast-moving changes and growing complexity, unity remains our greatest strength. In line with the event’s motto – Together we navigate tomorrow – it is the spirit of cooperation that allows us to anticipate challenges, act with confidence, and navigate safely, whatever the future may hold.   

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    June 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: IOM Seeks USD 100M to Sustain Critical Services After Assisting 26M People in 186 Countries in 2024

    Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

    Geneva, 26 June 2025 – As the International Organization for Migration (IOM) presents its 2024 Annual Report to the Standing Committee on Programmes and Finance (SCPF), the Organization has simultaneously launched a global Resilience Campaign, calling on all its Member States for USD 100 million in flexible funding to protect its core humanitarian operations and maintain critical support for people on the move.

    “In a world where crises are escalating and resources are stretched thin, it’s critical that we protect the systems and solutions that are already saving lives,” said IOM Director General Amy Pope. “Our teams are on the frontlines, delivering results day in and day out. But to sustain this impact, we need more than just commitment – we need support.”

    The Annual Report launched today at the SCPF reveals that IOM assisted more than 26.4 million people in 2024, delivering life-saving aid, fostering solutions to displacement, facilitating safe migration, and supporting recovery and resilience efforts across 186 countries. These results were achieved in a year marked by compounding crises and financial uncertainty, making sustained investment more important than ever.

    The campaign, titled From Reform to Resilience: Securing What We Built Together, comes in response to potential shortfalls in Operational Support Income, the funding stream that enables IOM’s essential systems, such as global data tools that informed 91 percent of Humanitarian Needs Overviews and Response Plans in 2024. With only five percent of IOM’s total income coming from flexible sources, the Organization’s ability to maintain these services is at risk.

    “We are asking that donors and Member States provide just 5 to 10 per cent of existing contribution as flexible funding,” DG Pope added. “Flexible funding is what allows us to act fast in crises. It’s what allows us to support the most vulnerable, not just the most visible. It ensures the institutional stability you asked us to build.”

    In 2024, IOM undertook significant structural realignment measures to increase efficiency, shifting more resources to the field and reducing institutional costs. Efforts that generated USD 38 million in savings include automation, enhancing procurement processes, and staff relocations to lower-cost duty stations.

    Over 6.2 million people received emergency health assistance, nearly 3 million were supported with protection services, and 1.5 million migrants and displaced persons accessed mental health and psychosocial care.

    In fragile and conflict-affected contexts, IOM supported the safe relocation of tens of thousands of individuals and provided recovery assistance to 2.8 million people. As climate-related disasters intensified, almost 900,000 people received support to recover and adapt. Meanwhile, IOM enabled over 220,000 people to move safely and with dignity, and helped nearly 60,000 return voluntarily to their countries of origin.

    IOM’s 2024 Annual Report also highlights the Organization’s growing engagement with governments and the private sector to facilitate safe pathways for regular migration. In 2024, IOM worked with 145 governments to strengthen migration governance and expanded its corporate partnerships, reaching over one million people through joint initiatives with 33 new private sector partners.

    Presented to Member States at the SCPF, the Annual Report not only affirms the scale and scope of IOM’s global operations but also makes clear that the ability to sustain these efforts depends on continued, flexible funding. The Resilience Campaign is a call for solidarity and action. 

    “Behind every figure in the report is a person seeking safety, dignity, and a chance to rebuild. Whether it’s a family displaced by conflict or a community recovering from disaster, flexible support ensures IOM can remain present and responsive. With continued backing, these efforts can go further and reach those who need them most,” DG Pope said.
     

    Note to Editors:

    The full report will be published next week and made available on IOM’s website.

    For more information, please contact IOM Media Centre. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    June 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Wilson praises SCOTUS decision upholding South Carolina’s authority in Planned Parenthood CaseRead More

    Source: US State of South Carolina

    (COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson today applauded the United States Supreme Court for ruling in favor of South Carolina in Medina v. Planned Parenthood, affirming that states, not abortion providers, decide who participates in their Medicaid programs.

    “I want to thank the six Justices who stood up for the Constitution and the rule of law,” said Attorney General Wilson. “The Supreme Court just slammed the door on Planned Parenthood’s latest attempt to force its radical agenda through the courts on our state. South Carolina, not federal judges or D.C. activist groups, gets to decide how we run our Medicaid program.”

    In a 6–3 opinion authored by Justice Gorsuch, the Court held that the Medicaid Act’s “any qualified provider” language does not give private individuals or organizations the power to sue states under federal civil rights law. The Court emphasized that Medicaid is a  cooperative partnership between the states and federal government, not an entitlement program for politically connected providers.

    “Planned Parenthood and its allies tried to turn Medicaid into a weapon to force their agenda on our State. The Court just told them: No,” Wilson said. “This is about who runs South Carolina—our elected leaders, or out-of-state activists and unelected judges. We’re glad the Court got it right.”

    Attorney General Wilson pledged to keep fighting for the rule of law and thanked Governor McMaster and his team for taking a principled stand in this case.

    You can read the Court’s full opinion here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Joins Hirono, Wyden, Colleagues in Demanding Answers on Trump’s Rescission of EMTALA Abortion Care Guidance, Urging HHS to Reverse Decision

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    June 25, 2025
    The Trump Administration’s rescission of EMTALA guidance that reaffirmed nationwide access to emergency abortion care puts patients’ lives in jeopardy and sows chaos for hospitals and providers across the country
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – On the three-year anniversary this week of the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) and their colleagues in condemning the Trump Administration’s recent rescission of guidance that reaffirmed hospitals and providers’ obligations under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) to provide medically necessary emergency abortion care, regardless of where the patient lives. The letter, sent to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, urges HHS to immediately reverse its decision to rescind this lifesaving guidance.
    “While EMTALA remains binding federal law, the rescission will create further confusion for hospitals and providers, especially in states with abortion bans, and will result in medically-necessary care being withheld from pregnant patients in crisis,” wrote the Senators. “When doctors are forced to navigate the complex legal interplay of state abortion bans and federal EMTALA protections, pregnant people experience care delays and may receive substandard care.”
    In 1986, Congress enacted EMTALA to require Medicare-participating hospitals to provide necessary stabilizing treatment for any individuals—including pregnant women—experiencing emergency medical conditions. The federal law clearly requires hospitals to offer abortion care in cases where it was deemed medically necessary to prevent serious harm to patients’ health and life. However, since the conservative majority on the Supreme Court handed down the Dobbs decision, more than twenty states have passed laws to ban or severely restrict access to abortion, disrupting decades of certainty for hospitals regarding their legal obligation to provide necessary emergency abortion care under federal law.
    In their letter, the Senators assert that by rescinding this guidance—accompanied by the ensuing fear and confusion for hospitals and providers—HHS has needlessly put pregnant patients at severe risk of harm, medical complications, lasting health consequences and preventable death.  
    “This abrupt decision will further the chaos and confusion that hospitals, physicians, and patients have experienced since the Dobbs decision and will result in negative and deadly consequences for women and families across the United States,” the Senators concluded.
    In addition to Duckworth, Hirono and Wyden, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Tina Smith (D-MN) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV).
    The full text of the letter is available on Senator Duckworth’s website and below.
    Dear Secretary Kennedy and Administrator Oz:
    We write to express our strong disapproval of your recent rescission of guidance that reaffirmed hospitals and providers’ obligations under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) to provide life-saving abortion care to patients experiencing medical crises. On June 3, 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS” or “the Department”) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS” or “the Agency”) rescinded July 2022 guidance that reminds hospitals of their longstanding obligation under EMTALA and that protects pregnant women’s access to emergency abortion care, regardless of where they live. While EMTALA remains binding federal law, the rescission will create further confusion for hospitals and providers, especially in states with abortion bans, and will result in medically-necessary care being withheld from pregnant patients in crisis.
    In 1986, Congress enacted EMTALA to require Medicare-participating hospitals to provide necessary stabilizing screening and treatment for any individuals—including pregnant women—experiencing emergency medical conditions. Under the law, hospitals are required to treat conditions determined by health care providers that, absent immediate medical attention, could reasonably result in placing the patient’s health in serious jeopardy, serious impairment to bodily functions, or serious dysfunction of any bodily organ. EMTALA clearly requires hospitals to offer abortion care for cases in which their health care providers determine it medically necessary to prevent serious harm to their patients’ health and life, including in, but not limited to, cases of ectopic pregnancy, complications of pregnancy loss, or emergent hypertensive disorders, such as preeclampsia with severe features. Since enacting EMTALA, Congress and administrations of both parties have consistently recognized that stabilizing care under the statute includes abortion. As a result, up until a few years ago, medical providers have not had to worry about the government interfering with their clinical judgement to provide necessary stabilizing medical care to pregnant women in emergencies.
    Following the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health (Dobbs) in June 2022, 22 states passed laws to ban or severely restrict access to abortion, including 6 states with no exception for the health of the pregnant person. This has disrupted decades of certainty that hospitals are required to provide access to emergency abortion care under federal law, sowing chaos for patients and providers alike, and forcing doctors to play lawyers and lawyers to play doctors. When doctors are forced to navigate the complex legal interplay of state abortion bans and federal EMTALA protections, pregnant people experience care delays and may receive substandard care. In response to the confusion caused by these restrictive abortion bans, HHS Secretary Becerra issued guidance in July 2022 restating hospitals’ legal obligation under federal law to provide stabilizing treatment, including necessary abortion care, to pregnant patients in emergency situations. Even with such guidance in place, physicians across the country report that hospitals fail to meet the challenge of supporting doctors in navigating this extraordinary legal environment and, in many cases, hospitals continue to rely on guidance developed pre-Dobbs. While Republican-led states and anti-abortion groups have tried to challenge proper meaning and scope of the federal law, EMTALA has always and will continue to protect emergency abortion care and preempt all state laws to the contrary.
    The Trump administration’s decision to rescind this guidance will create more confusion, fear, and stress for hospitals and their staffs about what care they are legally required to provide pregnant patients whose lives are or could be in danger. Moreover, it will undermine patients’ faith that their doctor will be able to act in their best interest in the event of an emergency. State abortion laws with vague medical exceptions and criminal penalties force hospitals and physicians to delay and deny emergency abortion care for pregnant patients, placing patients at higher risk for medical complications, lasting health consequences, and avoidable death.
    By rescinding the guidance, HHS has needlessly put pregnant patients at severe risk of harm and preventable death. Given the threat to women’s lives following the rescission of this guidance, we request information and responses to the following questions by July 3, 2025, at 5:00pm ET.
    In your recent announcement regarding the decision to rescind the July 2022 guidance, you stated that the July 2022 guidance “d[id] not reflect the policy of this Administration” with respect to EMTALA.
    What is the Administration’s policy related to EMTALA for pregnant patients who are experiencing emergency medical conditions that could result in serious bodily harm or death?
    When did the Administration develop this policy related to EMTALA?
    Which stakeholders and individuals did the Administration consult in the development of this policy?
    In the same announcement, you stated that “CMS would continue to enforce EMTALA … [for] all individuals who present to a hospital emergency department seeking examination or treatment.”
    How will CMS enforce EMTALA, specifically for pregnant patients or patients experiencing pregnancy loss who are facing life-threatening or other serious emergency medical situations?
    How will CMS and its remaining regional offices adjudicate on and refer for investigation EMTALA complaints involving delayed or denied necessary emergency abortion care? 
    Does CMS and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) have sufficient resources and personnel to investigate violations of EMTALA? Please provide detailed information on the number of employees and federal funding that HHS has available to investigate complaints of EMTALA violations.
    Please provide a list of EMTALA complaints since June 24, 2022, involving delayed or denied necessary emergency abortion care by state, hospital, incident date, nature of allegation, investigation status, recommended action by surveyors, and final action in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 USC § 552a).
    The announcement also stated, “CMS will work to rectify any perceived legal confusion and instability created by the former administration’s actions.”
    Did CMS provide any advance notice to states – including state survey agencies – about the decision to rescind the July 2022 guidance before it was announced?
    Did CMS provide any advance notice to hospitals about the decision to rescind the July 2022 guidance before it was announced?
    Did CMS provide any advance notice to professional physician organizations about the decision to rescind the July 2022 guidance before it was announced?
    What specific steps will CMS take to address the legal confusion of patients, hospitals, and physicians caused by state abortion bans conflicting with federal law?
    Has the Administration created any materials to educate patients, hospitals, and physicians about this policy? If so, please produce them.
    The July 2022 guidance reaffirmed the longstanding legal and professional obligation hospitals have to provide patients with emergency abortion care under EMTALA.
    Will CMS issue new guidance making it clear to hospitals that they are legally required to follow EMTALA by providing stabilizing treatment for patients experiencing a medical emergency, including where that treatment is an abortion?
    Will CMS issue updates or require changes to the Medicare provider agreements for hospitals?
    Will CMS issue new guidance to state survey agencies related to EMTALA investigations?
    This abrupt decision will further the chaos and confusion that hospitals, physicians, and patients have experienced since the Dobbs decision and will result in negative and deadly consequences for women and families across the United States. HHS should immediately reverse its decision to rescind the guidance.
    Sincerely,
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: SOLUM – Announcing Aggressive Market Expansion in North America

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SEOUL, South Korea, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Emerging Market Leader in U.S. Smart Retail and Key Verticals

    SOLUM is rapidly solidifying its position as a dominant player in the U.S. Smart Retail sector, powered by its integrated suite of cutting-edge AI-enabled Electronic Shelf Labels (ESLs) and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. In addition to retail, SOLUM is also expanding into other key verticals such as healthcare, aerospace, manufacturing, and transportation, underscoring the broadening relevance and adoption of its technology solutions across different enterprises.

    Strategic Differentiation and Geopolitical Alignment

    SOLUM stands out among its competitors as the only major ESL manufacturer without ties to Chinese entities, positioning itself as a trusted partner for businesses navigating a dynamic geopolitical environment. SOLUM’s IoT infrastructure is both safe and secure, insulating it as global concerns over IoT vulnerabilities grow.

    The global tech landscape has increasingly become a battleground for playing out geopolitical tensions. The United States in particular has taken steps to mitigate risks associated with Chinese-made technologies, including imposing sanctions and export restrictions on Chinese tech giants like Huawei. SOLUM has pivoted a portion of its manufacturing operations to Mexico to proactively position itself for long-term stability. SOLUM’s emphasis on transparency, data integrity, and forward-thinking approach to global trade, aligns with both U.S. priorities and supports companies as they future-proof their end-to-end operations.

    Expansion

    SOLUM is a critical supplier of ESL technology to some of the largest retailers in the United States and globally, providing a mature and innovative capability which streamlines operations, promotes efficiencies, and can lead to lower costs. Loblaws, Canada’s largest grocery store chain, is one of SOLUM’s newest partners, and a prime example of the scale and momentum around its expanding North American presence. In fact, SOLUM recently secured a project with one of the largest retailers in the United States and is anticipating significant revenue growth over the next year.

    Amid rising concerns over inflation and high grocery prices, solutions like SOLUM’s can reduce operational costs for businesses and drive down prices for consumers. ESL technologies also modernize the shopping experience, allowing retailers to better monitor their store operations, stocks, and customer demand while streamlining the experience for customers.

    SOLUM is also committed to organic growth, and has expanded its footprint into the healthcare, manufacturing, aerospace, and logistics sectors. This strategic diversification speaks to the growing demand for ESL technology and advanced IoT underpinned by AI, and Solum’s best in class offerings.

    About SOLUM

    SOLUM is a leading provider of electronic shelf label solutions, offering cutting-edge technology to revolutionize retail operations. Their innovative products and solutions are designed to enhance store management, customer engagement, and overall productivity.

    The MIL Network –

    June 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: CBI Home Health Renews Partnership with AlayaCare to Drive National Growth and Innovation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CBI Home Health, one of Canada’s largest homecare and specialized community services providers, has renewed its agreement with AlayaCare, a market-leading cloud-based home and community care platform, for another three years. This renewal marks a new chapter in a long-standing strategic partnership focused on delivering better outcomes, supporting operational efficiency, and enabling national growth through digital innovation.

    Since 2019, CBI Home Health and AlayaCare have worked together to modernize operations, beginning with the sale of CBI’s proprietary LinC and QCare software to AlayaCare in the original agreement. Since then, CBI Home Health has transitioned all legacy platforms to AlayaCare’s core platform, consolidating systems and aligning operations across the country. This has supported more consistent and efficient delivery of care services at scale

    “This renewed agreement is a reflection of the trust we’ve built over the years and our shared commitment to delivering exceptional care,” said Adrian Schauer, founder and CEO of AlayaCare. “We’re proud to continue working alongside CBI Home Health as they scale operations and elevate service delivery through technology.”

    Throughout the partnership, the organizations have navigated the evolving healthcare landscape together, building resilience and deepening their collaboration. The decision to renew the agreement reflects a shared belief in the strength of their relationship and the value AlayaCare’s technology continues to bring to CBI Home Health’s operations.

    “Over nearly seven years, we’ve built a strong, resilient relationship with CBI Home Health,” said Schauer. “This renewal represents a shared belief in the platform’s value and in our ability to drive impact together as Canadian healthcare innovators.”

    From CBI Home Health’s perspective, the renewal signals both continuity and a shift in strategic focus.

    “This renewal reflects our continued confidence in the platform’s ability to enable operational efficiencies and long-term value,” said Andrew Prahalad, Vice-President of IT at CBI Home Health. “It allows us to shift from implementation to optimization — unlocking the full strategic potential of operating on a national digital platform.”

    Neil King, President and COO of CBI Home Health also emphasized the broader impact of the partnership:

    “Our partnership has been a cornerstone of our digital transformation and operational progress. This renewal marks the beginning of an exciting new phase — one that builds on a strong foundation and opens the door to continued innovation. Together, we’re advancing our shared commitment to delivering the highest care possible for our clients, their families and for the communities we serve.”

    AlayaCare’s platform offers a unified foundation for CBI Home Health’s operations across Canada, enabling digitization across intake, scheduling, care planning, and reporting. With this renewed commitment, CBI Health is shifting its focus from system stabilization to growth, leveraging a trusted and familiar platform to scale services and innovate for the future.

    By continuing to invest in AlayaCare’s technology, CBI Home Health strengthens its ability to deliver integrated, high-quality, community-based care across home, clinic, and facility settings. With a shared vision for the future of care in Canada, this partnership reaffirms both organizations’ dedication to improving outcomes for patients, caregivers, and communities alike.

    About CBI Health
    As part of CBI Health, CBI Home Health has been helping Canadians achieve their healthcare goals for more than 50 years. We are one of Canada’s largest home care and specialized community services providers, operating in more than 800 communities. Every day, we deliver quality care to thousands of Canadians while working with hospitals, governments, funders and other healthcare partners to shape the future of community healthcare. Learn more at cbihomehealth.ca.

    About AlayaCare

    AlayaCare is an end-to-end platform designed to serve public, private, and non-profit home and community care organizations that manages the entire client lifecycle, including needs assessments, care plans, scheduling, visit and route optimization, and visit verification. Founded in 2014 and now with over 600 employees, AlayaCare combines traditional in-home and virtual care solutions that enable care providers to lower the cost of care and achieve better outcomes for their clients. For more information, visit: AlayaCare.com

    AlayaCare Press Contact:
    Steph Davidson
    647-668-6369
    steph.davidson@alayacare.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8ea9710d-8824-4b72-895a-4e30ec80d2a7

    The MIL Network –

    June 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: New Initiative Sets Out to Ensure 10 Million Safer Births Under the Patronage of Her Majesty The Queen of Denmark

    Source: United Nations Population Fund

    Under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Mary of Denmark, UNFPA, the UN sexual and reproductive health agency, and Danish NGO Maternity Foundation announced the 10 Million Safer Births Initiative in Abuja, Nigeria on 24 June, 2025. The initiative is driven by an ambitious commitment to support 10 million births across Sub-Saharan Africa by the end of 2030.

    Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 70 per cent of all maternal deaths worldwide. Despite a 40 per cent decline in the global maternal mortality rate since 2000, progress has slowed, and multiple global crises now threaten to reverse these gains. Every two minutes, a woman dies from pregnancy or childbirth-related causes, and for every woman who dies, 20-30 suffer acute to severe disability — most of which are preventable.

    Her Majesty The Queen of Denmark announced her patronage of the 10 Million Safer Births Initiative.

    “No woman should risk life to give life,” said The Queen. “I am honoured to announce my patronage of this very concrete initiative, which aims to ensure 10 million safer births by end 2030 across Sub-Saharan Africa.”

    ​​The first phase of the initiative will be able to deliver targeted support to midwives and frontline health workers to strengthen maternal and newborn care in Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Tanzania.  

    The support will include the scaling up of Maternity Foundation’s widely used Safe Delivery+ programme, which includes the free Safe Delivery App. The app provides healthcare professionals, particularly midwives in low-resource settings, with access to evidence-based guidelines and video demonstrations on preventative, routine, and emergency maternal and newborn care, on their mobile devices. This enables them to prevent or manage life-threatening situations more effectively, ultimately improving maternal and newborn health and survival rates. 

    The Government of Denmark and the Gates Foundation are supporting the initiative.  Denmark will provide a DKK 32 million (USD 4.9 million) investment. The Gates Foundation intends to allocate an additional USD 1.5 million as part of its support to scaling up midwifery models of care under the Midwifery Accelerator initiative.

    “Denmark is proud to support this bold, innovative initiative,” said Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen. “Every woman has the right to give birth safely, and we are committed to making that a reality.”

    “Healthy mothers and babies are the foundations of vibrant communities—and midwives play a key role in helping them thrive,” said Dr. Paulin Basinga, Africa Director of the Gates Foundation. “The 10 Million Safer Births initiative is about more than saving lives—it’s about equality. Too many women in Africa face life-threatening risks in childbirth simply because of where they live. By coming together across sectors and borders, we have a real opportunity to close that gap and transform care at the very start of life.”

    “Access to quality midwifery care can spell the difference between life and death for women and their babies,” said UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem. “The 10 Million Safer Births Initiative will give midwives the tools to save lives in some of the most challenging settings. UNFPA is grateful to Her Majesty Queen Mary of Denmark and the Danish Government and Gates Foundation supporting this important effort to make childbirth safer.”

    “We will not close the gap in maternal mortality by 2030 by doing the same as we always did. We need to rethink the way things are done. This initiative brings together innovation, data, and collaboration across sectors to strengthen maternal care where it’s needed most.,” said Anna Frellsen, CEO of Maternity Foundation. “Together, we can transform outcomes for millions of women and their newborns.”

    The 10 Million Safer Births Initiative is a flagship programme implemented through UNFPA’s Maternal and Newborn Health Fund, which provides catalytic support to ensure that every woman, adolescent girl and newborn can access quality sexual, reproductive, maternal and newborn health services. 

    Further information, please contact:

    About the 10 Million Safer Births Initiative

    UNFPA and Maternity Foundation have launched the 10 Million Safer Births Initiative to improve access to quality care for mothers and support at least 10 million safer births across Sub-Saharan Africa by the end of 2030. The initiative builds upon the partners’ longstanding collaboration and combines UNFPA’s expertise in strengthening health systems and advancing care provided by midwives and Maternity Foundation’s proven digital Safe Delivery+ programme to build the capacity of healthcare professionals, such as midwives. The first phase begins in Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Tanzania in collaboration with the national governments, with plans to scale across the region. 

    About the partners

    UNFPA is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, working in over 150 countries to ensure every pregnancy is wanted and every childbirth is safe. Through its Maternal and Newborn Health Fund and Start With Her strategy, UNFPA supports midwives, emergency care, family planning, and maternal death surveillance to improve maternal outcomes. HM The Queen of Denmark is Patron of UNFPA.

    Maternity Foundation is an international NGO advancing safer births in fragile and remote settings. Its Safe Delivery+ programme has reached over 455,000 health professionals globally, supported by the Safe Delivery App—a free, evidence-based, offline-capable tool for midwives and frontline providers. HM The Queen of Denmark is Patron of Maternity Foundation.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    June 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: CWA District 1 Slams New Jersey Budget Deal for Punishing New Jersey Working Families with Higher Healthcare Costs in Backroom Agreement

    Source: Communications Workers of America

    TRENTON, N.J. ‒ The Communications Workers of America (CWA) District 1 today sharply condemned Governor Murphy, Speaker Coughlin, and Senate President Scutari for approving a budget deal that forces state employees and retirees to shoulder an arbitrary $100 million healthcare cut on top of unprecedented healthcare premium increases.

    “Working men and women across New Jersey—from nurses and clerks to office workers and caseworkers—were blindsided,” said Billy Gallagher, Assistant to the Vice President, CWA  District 1. “This backroom budget gamble shifts costs onto the backs of the very people who keep our state running, while violating collective bargaining rights and threatening every single union in this state.”

    The budget agreement made public earlier this week through the media, leaving legislators themselves completely out of the loop, requires the Plan Design Committee (PDC) to gut health benefits for middle-class public workers, increasing co-pays, increasing deductibles, and increasing out-of-pocket costs for 100,000 working families. If the PDC cannot come up with adequate savings, the legislature would be forced to do it. If that fails, it moves on to a newly invented “neutral” arbitration panel.

    By requiring the PDC, the legislature, or an arbitration panel to be involved, the negotiated process outlined in CWA’s collective bargaining agreement is sidelined. By agreeing to this deal, the Governor and Legislative leadership are putting every legislator in the position to vote against collective bargaining rights—and put themselves in the middle of making future benefits decisions while ignoring much-needed relief for State and Local Governments. 

    ###

    The Communications Workers of America represents working people in public service, telecommunications, customer service, media, airlines, healthcare and education, manufacturing, tech, and other fields. CWA represents roughly 75,000 public sector workers throughout New Jersey.

    cwa-union.org @cwaunion

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former High-Ranking New York State Government Employee and her Husband Charged with Accepting Kickbacks in PPE Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Linda Sun Falsified Information to Cause Approval of NYS Contracts Awarded to Businesses Operated by her Family Member and her Husband

    BROOKLYN, NY – A federal grand jury in Brooklyn yesterday returned a second superseding indictment that added charges against Linda Sun and her husband and co-defendant Chris Hu related to a fraudulent scheme involving procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) by the New York State (NYS) government at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.  As part of the scheme, Sun steered contracts to vendors with whom she had undisclosed personal connections, and she and Hu received millions of dollars from the vendors, including some in the form of kickbacks, which Sun did not disclose to the NYS government.  The new charges against Sun and Hu include honest services wire fraud, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, bribery, and conspiracy to defraud the United States.  Additionally, Hu is charged with tax evasion.  The defendants will be arraigned on Monday, June 30, 2025.

    Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI New York), announced the new charges.

    “As alleged, Linda Sun not only acted as unregistered agent of the government of the People’s Republic of China, but also enriched herself to the tune of millions of dollars when New York State was at its most vulnerable at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic,” stated United States Attorney Nocella.  “When masks, gloves, and other protective supplies were hard to find, Sun abused her position of trust to steer contracts to her associates so that she and her husband could share in the profits.  We demand better from our public servants, and this Office will continue to hold accountable public officials who enrich themselves at the expense of the New York taxpayers.”

    Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, the New York State Office of the Inspector General, the New York State Police, and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) for their work on the case.  He also thanked the New York State Executive Chamber for its cooperation with the investigation.

    “During a global pandemic, Linda Sun allegedly leveraged her authority within the New York State government to secretly steer contracts to selective PPE vendors in exchange for millions of dollars in kickbacks to her and her husband,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia.  “This alleged scheme not only created an unearned and undisclosed benefit for the defendants and their relatives, but it also exploited the state’s critical need for resources in a health crisis. The FBI will never tolerate any public official who abuses their position to profit at the expense of others, especially when their objectives align with foreign agendas.”

    “Not only did Sun allegedly use Chinese money and her influence in New York State to benefit the Chinese government, it is further alleged that she used her position to steer multi-million-dollar contracts to companies controlled by family members and friends.  With this investigation, this husband-and-wife team with supposed ties to corruption has been rooted out, and they will soon understand that in legitimate government spending, there is no friends and family discount,” stated IRS-CI New York Special Agent in Charge Chavis.

    As alleged in the superseding indictment, at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic and while working with the team of NYS government employees responsible for obtaining PPE, Sun used her position of influence with the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to coordinate the NYS government’s purchase of PPE from vendors located in the PRC.  In addition to certain vendors referred by the PRC government, Sun referred two vendors (the Cousin Company and the Associate Company) that were not recommended by the PRC government but rather had ties to Sun and Hu, while claiming falsely that these, too, were referrals from components of the PRC government.  In reality, the Cousin Company was operated by one of Sun’s second cousins, and the Associate Company was operated by Hu and one of Hu’s business associates.  With Sun’s assistance, the Cousin Company and the Associate Company each entered into multiple contracts with the NYS government worth millions of dollars apiece.

    Sun, the Associate Company, and the Cousin Company did not disclose to the NYS government (1) the fact that Sun and Hu had relationships with the Associate Company and the Cousin Company, or (2) that Sun and Hu received a portion of the profits that the Associate Company and the Cousin Company made as a result of their contracts with the NYS government for PPE, including through kickback payments from the Cousin Company.

    To conceal her relationship with the Cousin Company from procurement authorities at the NYS government, Sun falsified a document to suggest that the Jiangsu Department of Commerce had recommended the Cousin Company.  On or about March 20, 2020, Sun and other NYS government officials received an email from the U.S. representative to the Jiangsu Trade & Business Representative Office in Albany, New York suggesting four PRC-based vendors who were able to provide PPE for the NYS government.  On or about March 21, 2020, Sun forwarded herself an altered version of the email in which she replaced the first suggested vendor—a vendor that produced ventilators—with the Cousin Company and wrote that the Cousin Company was recommended by the Jiangsu Department of Commerce.

    On or about March 24, 2020, in an email with the subject line “Already VERIFIED by Linda Sun,” Sun wrote to NYS procurement officials that the Cousin Company “came recommended by Jiangsu Chamber of Commerce,” that the representative had helped “screen potential vendors,” and that the Cousin Company’s surgical mask was the “gold standard.”  Below Sun’s message was what purported to be quoted text from the Jiangsu Chamber of Commerce’s email recommending vendors. However, the email in the quoted text was the altered email.

    In connection with the Cousin Company contracts with the NYS government, a spreadsheet maintained on Sun and Hu’s personal computer indicated that the Cousin provided payments to Hu (and Sun) totaling approximately $2.3 million during 2020 and 2021.  These kickbacks from the Cousin Company represented taxable income.  Hu did not report these payments as income to the U.S. government, as required, or pay taxes on this income in Forms 1040 for 2020 and 2021 that he filed on behalf of himself and Sun.

    In part, Hu laundered the income from the Cousin Company by having the Cousin make $1.5 million in payments in three $500,000 increments from another entity that the Cousin owned (the Cousin Entity) to U.S. accounts at a financial institution.  Hu created these accounts in a close relative’s name instead of his own on April 29, 2020, two days before the final $6 million payment from NYS government to the Cousin Company.

    Sun also arranged for the Associate Company to be a vendor for NYS government contracts.  On March 14, 2020, Sun wrote an email with the subject “Mask suppliers” to other members of the NYS government PPE task force with procurement authority and listed the Associate Company as a potential supplier.  Sun subsequently communicated with the Associate Company by email to obtain a price quote for the contract and provided a status update to the NYS government about the contracts with the Associate Company.

    A computer owned by the defendants contained a NYS internal document tracking various state PPE contracts, broken out by vendor.  One of the fields in the document contained, for each company, an answer to the question “why did we do business with this vendor?”  For the Associate Company, the answer to the question was listed as: “referred by Chinese chamber of commerce.”  However, there was no such referral for the Associate Company.

    According to a spreadsheet found in one of Hu’s electronic accounts, the total profits Hu expected to reap from the contracts that the Associate Company and the Cousin Company had with the NYS Department of Health totaled $8,029,741.  Hu marked the column for these expected profits with the word “me.”

    The new charges are in addition to the existing charges against Sun, which include violating and conspiring to violate the Foreign Agents Registration Act, visa fraud, alien smuggling, and money laundering, and the existing charges against Hu, which include money laundering conspiracy, money laundering, as well as conspiracy to commit bank fraud and misuse of means of identification.  The charges in the superseding indictment are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section.  Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander A. Solomon, Robert M. Pollack, and Amanda Shami are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Trial Attorney Eli Ross from the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section and Litigation Analyst Emma Tavangari. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Mantell of the Office’s Asset Recovery Section is handling forfeiture matters.

    The Defendants:

    LINDA SUN, also known as “Wen Sun,” “Ling Da Sun,” and “Linda Hu”
    Age: 41
    Manhasset, New York

    CHRIS HU
    Age: 40
    Manhasset, New York

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-346 (S-2) (BMC)

    MIL Security OSI –

    June 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Mega Frenzy Officially Launches in June 2025 – Legal Offshore Casino Access for US Players Seeking Real Money Action

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Heuston Gaming Inc. has announced the official launch of Mega Frenzy, a fully licensed offshore online casino now available to players in the United States. Operating under international regulations, Mega Frenzy gives US based users an ideal offshore casino for real-money gaming, including slots, table games, and live casino options.

    Designed to offer a secure and seamless offshore gaming experience, Mega Frenzy supports fast deposits, encrypted user verification, and a wide selection of games from globally recognized software providers. With the June 2025 launch, U.S. players can now explore an offshore casino platform that offers international gaming features while remaining compliant with offshore licensing laws.

    JOIN THE BEST OFFSHORE CASINO: MEGA FRENZY

    Getting Started with Mega Frenzy: Step-by-Step Offshore Access

    Welcome to Mega Frenzy, the top choice among overseas gambling sites. As one of the best offshore casinos, we offer a step by step guide to help you get started with joining Mega Frenzy. Mega Frenzy is also one of the trusted offshore casinos accepting US players, making secure offshore gambling easy and accessible.

    1. Visit the Official Mega Frenzy Website

    Jump into the exciting world of Mega Frenzy by visiting our website. Here, you can find a wide range of games waiting for you.

    2. Create an Offshore Casino Account

    Next, you need to “Sign Up” and create an offshore casino account. When setting up your account, make sure to create a strong password as a key security measure to protect your personal and financial information. It’s an easy process that quickly gets you ready for action.

    3. Secure Your Account with Identity Verification

    Your safety is our priority. We require a simple identity check to ensure your gaming is secure and meets legal rules. This identity verification process helps protect your sensitive information, such as personal and financial details, keeping them safe from unauthorized access.

    4. Make Your First Deposit with an Accepted Payment Option

    Ready to play for real money? Select from our offshore casino deposit methods like Visa and Mastercard for quick deposits, ensuring your payments are processed securely and your transactions at Mega Frenzy remain safe and legitimate. This step brings you right into the thrill.

    Why Choose an Offshore Casino? Mega Frenzy’s Competitive Edge Explained

    Many players choose offshore casinos like Mega Frenzy for big reasons. They offer huge bonuses and have fewer rules than local ones. Benefits of offshore casinos include a wide range of advantages that make them appealing.

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    These advantages attract gamblers of all experience levels, from newcomers to seasoned bettors, by offering flexibility and variety. It’s important for all gamblers to practice responsible gambling while enjoying these benefits.

    The features of Mega Frenzy make it a top choice. It’s more than a gaming site—it’s ideal for playing casino games on trusted offshore casino sites. It also stands out among offshore sports betting sites for those who enjoy wagering beyond the casino floor.

    Mega Frenzy is great for all players, new or experienced. It offers slot games, strong security, and more variety than many gambling sites. It’s built to meet your gaming needs.

    Visit Mega Frenzy’s official best offshore casino sign-up page

    Is Mega Frenzy Legit? Licensing, Fair Play, and Security Measures

    Stepping into the world of licensed offshore casinos, it’s vital to know signs of trust and safety. Mega Frenzy shines as a trusted place for real money bets and fair play at offshore casinos. They follow strict global gaming rules, like the best offshore sportsbooks do.

    This casino has strong licensing, showing they meet important security standards for secure online gambling. This builds trust and keeps your gaming safe. They use SSL encryption to protect all your data from hackers. Mega Frenzy also implements advanced security measures, such as firewalls and regular audits, to protect players and their funds.

    • Every game at Mega Frenzy is checked by others to ensure it’s fair and honest.
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    Mega Frenzy is a top choice among licensed offshore casinos and stands out from typical overseas casino sites. Playing slots or live dealer games, you’re safe. Security and fairness are their top priorities.

    Explore the Full Game Library at Mega Frenzy: Slots, Tables, and Live Casino

    At Mega Frenzy, we offer an international online casino game selection for every player. Whether you love traditional games or seek the excitement of something new, you will find it here. With a wide range of games, including a large selection from various top-tier software developers, you’re guaranteed a unique experience every time you visit.

    Mega Frenzy excels in live dealer games, too. Play against real dealers, in real time, for a true casino feel at home. Try your hand at blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker with our live games. It’s an unbeatable experience for anyone looking for real casino excitement.

    • Extensive variety of table games including different versions of blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.
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    Looking to win big on slots, strategize in card games, or play with live dealers? Mega Frenzy has it all. Dive into a world of gaming possibilities at this top international online casino. Start playing your favorite games with us today.

    Top-Tier Software Providers Behind Mega Frenzy’s Games

    Mega Frenzy is known for its wide range of high-quality casino games. These games come alive thanks to famous software providers at offshore casinos. Giants in the industry such as Playson, Novomatic, and Pragmatic Play stand behind our games. They’re known for their creativity and dependable gaming options.

    Thanks to these partnerships, you get to enjoy both well-loved and special boutique games. This mix ensures an exciting gaming adventure every time you visit. Here’s the impact these partnerships have on your game time:

    • Playson: Playson is celebrated for its impressive graphics and fun gameplay. Their games bring top-notch excitement to any player.
    • Novomatic: Novomatic leads with a combination of traditional and modern games. They meet all your gaming needs.
    • Pragmatic Play: Their games are unique for inventive features and mobile support. You get top quality gaming wherever you are.

    These partnerships do more than offer high-quality casino games. They also ensure fairness and reliability in gaming, key for software providers at offshore casinos. Playing a game at Mega Frenzy means meeting global gaming standards and exploring the latest in online gambling.

    Offshore Access, Smooth Navigation & Mobile-Friendly Gameplay at Mega Frenzy

    Mega Frenzy makes exploring offshore online gambling easy and fun. Their intuitive interface lets you move around games easily, whether you’re using your desktop at home or your mobile device somewhere else.

    As a mobile-friendly offshore casino, Mega Frenzy brings your favorite games to you, no matter where you are. Their design looks great on any device, giving you a top-notch gaming experience. This means you can dive into gambling fun anytime, without losing quality or performance.

    Mega Frenzy offers more than just playing from different places; it’s about enjoying a hassle-free gaming world. They make everything easy, from signing in to taking out your wins, focusing on smooth and secure services.

    Here’s what makes playing at Mega Frenzy great:

    • Quick loading times and easy navigation.
    • A wide range of games that work on any mobile device.
    • Safe and easy steps for depositing and withdrawing money.

    Mega Frenzy focuses on you, making each visit incredibly enjoyable. Get ready for an amazing online gaming adventure, with user-friendliness at its core, all from where you’re most comfortable.

    Mega Frenzy Bonus Program: Exclusive Offers for Offshore Players

    Mega Frenzy’s bonus program boosts your gaming. It offers exclusive offshore casino bonuses tailored for you. Sportsbook promotions often include a free bet offer, allowing players to place bets without risking their own money, though these offers usually come with specific conditions or rollover requirements. Enjoy generous welcome deals with your initial deposit and ongoing rewards for existing customers that make playing even more exciting.

    First-Time Deposit Bonus Details

    When you join Mega Frenzy, a big welcome awaits you. You get a fantastic match on your first deposit and free spins. It’s the perfect way to kick off your gaming adventure.

    Ongoing Reloads, Cashback & Free Spins

    Mega Frenzy keeps the fun going with lots of promotions. Enjoy reload bonuses, cashback, and more free spins. These offers give you extra chances to win big every time you play.

    VIP Club & High Roller Incentives

    For the big players, Mega Frenzy has a VIP Club. Here, you enjoy bigger limits, special customer service, and unique promotions. These rewards show our thanks for your loyalty and make your game time special.

    How Bonus Terms Work at Offshore Casinos

    Knowing the bonus terms at offshore casinos is key. Wagering requirements may be different than domestic sites. It’s vital to understand these terms well. This ensures you get the most out of your bonuses.

    UNLOCK A MEGA 100% EXTRA COINS: MEGA FRENZY

    Funding Your Offshore Casino Account: Deposit & Withdrawal Guide

    Managing your money at an offshore casino is key for smooth play. At Mega Frenzy, you can pick from many global payment ways that are safe at each step. For adding or taking out money, here’s a clear guide to offshore casino banking.

    • Deposit Methods: Mega Frenzy offers many payment options known worldwide. These include credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. Each way keeps your money safe from unwanted access.
    • Withdrawal Options: Cashing out is easy too. At Mega Frenzy, withdraw your money using the same methods as when you deposit. However, while some payment options, such as debit cards, are commonly used for deposits, they may not always be available as a withdrawal method. This makes transactions simple and secure.
    • Transaction Speed: Mega Frenzy is fast with deposits and withdrawals. This means you can quickly play your favorite games and enjoy your wins without long waits.
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    Banking with an offshore casino should be easy and stress-free. By picking trusted payment methods, every transaction at Mega Frenzy is safe and meets international standards—giving casino players confidence whether depositing for live betting or regular gameplay.

    Customer Service at Mega Frenzy: Offshore, But Always Available

    At Mega Frenzy, they take offshore casino customer support seriously. Even though they’re based far away, they make sure you get the help you need, anytime. They know problems don’t just happen from 9 to 5. That’s why Mega Frenzy provides 24/7 service, so they can quickly solve any issue.

    • Immediate response via Email – Expect replies within 24 hours.
    • Comprehensive FAQ Section – Quickly find answers to common queries.
    • Direct Assistance – Though currently lacking a live chat feature, direct email support ensures personalized player assistance.
    • Future Enhancements – Plans to include live chat for even faster service are underway.

    Mega Frenzy’s excellent support system means help is just a click away. They’re fully committed to making sure you’re satisfied and safe. Whether it’s trouble with a game, understanding the rules, managing your account, or just needing some advice, their player assistance team is always ready.

    Play Smart: Responsible Gambling at an Offshore Casino

    Playing responsibly at sites like Mega Frenzy means your fun won’t become a problem. It’s key to follow safe gambling practices not just for your money, but for your peace of mind, too. Here are tips to keep gaming enjoyable and under control:

    • Set clear, personal deposit limits to manage your spending before starting to play.
    • Understand the rules of the games thoroughly to make informed decisions.
    • Make use of self-exclusion tools provided by the casino if you feel at risk of gambling addiction.
    • Take regular breaks to assess your gambling behavior and prevent binge gaming.
    • Access Mega Frenzy’s resources for responsible gaming and seek professional help if needed.

    Using these tactics shows you’re serious about responsible gaming at offshore sites. Whether exploring betting options or trying your luck on select slots, remember—safe gambling tips are not just suggestions, they’re important rules to keep you safe.

    Offshore Casino Budgeting: Tips to Stay in Control While Playing

    When playing at offshore casinos, it’s essential to have a clear budget. This makes sure your gaming stays fun and doesn’t hurt your wallet. The temptation to gamble more can be high. But staying in control leads to a better time.

    • Set aside a certain amount of money for gambling before you start. This money should be separate from what you need for important stuff like rent and food.
    • Set betting limits for every time you play. Stick to this limit whether you’re winning or trying to bounce back from losses. It stops you from spending too much.
    • Use tools from the casino to help manage your spending. Many good sites have options like deposit limits and self-exclusion to help you stay on budget.
    • Track your deposits, wagers, and money you take out. This helps control your budget and makes you more aware of your gambling habits.

    Keeping a strict offshore gambling budget management plan lets you enjoy smart betting at casinos abroad without worrying about money. With access to renowned providers and diverse betting markets, gambling wisely and following these tips ensures you can have fun in a responsible way.

    What Sets Mega Frenzy Apart from Other Offshore Casinos

    As you look into unique offshore gambling sites, Mega Frenzy stands out. It’s known for its lively theme and special distinguishing casino features. It provides a wide and varied game collection. This appeals to both classic casino lovers and those looking for new types of games.

    • Their impressive bonus deals aim to make your game playing more fun. They offer great value, whether you’re starting out or visit often.
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    • Mega Frenzy is all about fair play, guaranteeing an honest and equal gaming experience for everyone around the world.
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    Mega Frenzy’s focus on mobile gaming means you can play easily, wherever you are. This positions Mega Frenzy as a top choice for accessible, fun, and safe online gaming at its best.

    JOIN THE BEST OFFSHORE CASINO: MEGA FRENZY

    Regulatory Info & Player Protection at Mega Frenzy

    Mega Frenzy follows offshore casino regulations closely, ensuring all games are fair and safe. They take your player privacy protection seriously, using strong security to keep your information safe.

    With excellent mobile compatibility, you can enjoy secure gaming on any device, and their fast payout speed means you get your winnings without delay. Mega Frenzy also offers a wide selection of games to keep the experience fresh and exciting.

    • Compliance with international gaming authorities
    • Strict adherence to data protection laws
    • Use of advanced security protocols for data encryption

    Learn more about safe gaming by checking out licensed and secure online casinos.Mega Frenzy uses the latest security tech and follows strict rules. This makes it safe and fair for new and seasoned players.

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    The MIL Network –

    June 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Hickenlooper, Senators Host PRIDE Celebration at Kennedy Center

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado
    In case you missed it, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper, along with U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin, Elizabeth Warren, Jacky Rosen, and Brian Schatz hosted a pride celebration and musical performance titled “Love is Love” on Monday at the Kennedy Center’s Justice Forum.
    The concert, produced by acclaimed Broadway producer Jeffrey Seller and directed by Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley Jackson, celebrated the important role that the arts have played in the gay rights movement. The actors and other creative talent who created this show gave their time and artistic energy to recognize and amplify this cultural transformation. The performance reminds us that our fight for equality – and for democracy – isn’t over. It’s happening right now, all around us.
    Photos from the event can be found HERE and attributable to the Office of U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper.
    Check out the headlines below:
    New York Times: With Broadway Tunes, Democrats Protest Trump’s Takeover of Kennedy CenterFive Democratic senators staged a gay pride concert at a small theater at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Monday night as a form of symbolic protest against President Trump’s takeover of the institution.The event, which was held before an invited audience, featured performances by Broadway artists including Javier Muñoz, a “Hamilton” alum who sang “Satisfied” from the hit musical. Many of the songs and monologues were rife with L.G.B.T. themes, including one penned by Harvey Fierstein.Other performances included Brandon Uranowitz’s singing “What More Can I Say?” from “Falsettos,” and Beth Malone’s rendition of “An Old-Fashioned Love Story” from “The Wild Party.” That song’s composer, Andrew Lippa, performed a song from his oratorio “I Am Harvey Milk” alongside the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington.The 90-minute concert was called “Love Is Love,” a slogan used by the gay rights movement and quoted by the “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda when his show won at the Tony Awards in 2016. It was produced by Jeffrey Seller, the lead producer of “Hamilton,” who recently canceled a planned 2026 run of the musical at the Kennedy Center, saying he did not want to support Mr. Trump’s vision for the venue.“What’s happening in the world is deeply concerning, but even in our darkest hours, we must continue to seek out the light,” Senator John Hickenlooper of Colorado, who hosted the concert, said in a statement. “The L.G.B.T.Q. community has long embodied this resilience, maintaining joy and creativity in the face of adversity.”
    National Public Radio (NPR): Democratic senators held an invite-only Pride event at the Kennedy CenterA group of Democratic senators and Hamilton producer Jeffrey Seller hosted a Pride celebration at the Kennedy Center Monday evening. But the Kennedy Center had nothing to do with programming it.Senators John Hickenlooper of Colorado, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Jacky Rosen of Nevada, Brian Schatz of Hawaii, and Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin rented the Justice Forum, a small theater at the REACH, an expansion to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts that opened in 2019.While the group of senators booked the space a few weeks ago, the Pride event, called Love Is Love, wasn’t announced until Monday. A statement from Sen. Hickenlooper’s office said the event was “about standing up for the arts and the progress the LGBTQ community has made. The performance reminds us that our fight for equality — and for democracy — isn’t over. It’s happening right now.”Directed by Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley, the show celebrated gay culture with songs and spoken word performances by top Broadway talent, including John Cameron Mitchell, Jelani Remy, Lisa Kron and Andrew Lippa.Details of Monday night’s show were first reported by The New York Times. Seller, whose credits also include Rent and Avenue Q, told the outlet that Hickenlooper called him to see if he’d like to engage in some “guerrilla theater.” Seller, who is gay, didn’t hesitate.
    Politico: Playbook Arts SectionSens. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) hosted a Kennedy Center gay pride performance last night, per the NYT. Drawing a contrast with the Trump administration’s takeover of the theater, the Broadway concert-cum-protest included songs and performers from “Hamilton,” “Falsettos” and moreColorado Public Radio (CPR): Sen. Hickenlooper helps organize Pride concert at Trump-led Kennedy CenterColorado Sen. John Hickenlooper led a one-night takeover of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., Monday night to celebrate Pride month, in defiance of the Center’s move away from what President Trump has called “woke” programming.The concert, titled “Love is Love,” featured Broadway artists and was produced by Jeffrey Seller, who has been behind shows such as “Hamilton,” “Avenue Q” and “Rent.”The event started when Hickenlooper reached out to Seller with what he described as a “goofy idea.”“Taking songs from this arc of acceptance (of gay rights), so that we get to celebrate for a moment just how powerful our arts and culture is and how it’s changed America and how better off we are,” explained Colorado’s junior senator.Playbill: Beth Malone, Brandon Uranowitz, Jelani Remy, More to Perform in Pride Protest Concert at Kennedy CenterSince President Trump took over the Kennedy Center in February, the institution has cancelled a number of Pride-related events. In protest, Hamilton producer Jeffrey Seller and five Democratic Senators are going to stage a Pride-themed concert at the Kennedy Center the evening of June 23.According to a report in the New York Times, senators are allowed to rent space at the Kennedy Center. So the Democratic senators asked to rent the 144-seat Justice Hall and didn’t tell the Kennedy Center what they needed it for. The invitation-only event will be called Love Is Love and will feature queer-themed songs and readings. The participants include Tony winners John Cameron Mitchell, Lisa Kron, and Brandon Uranowitz, as well as Andrew Lippa, Beth Malone, Jelani Remy, Hennessy Winkler, Alexis Michelle, Dylan Toms, Javier Muñoz, Kathryn Gallagher, and Brandi Chavonne Massey.The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C. (whose previously planned concert had been cancelled at the Kennedy Center), will also perform. The title of the concert is a Pride slogan, and Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda quoted it in a 2016 Tony Awards acceptance speech.Seller produced the event, after being invited to participate from Senator John Hickenlooper of Colorado. As Seller told the Times: “This is our way of reoccupying the Kennedy Center. This is a form of saying, ‘We are here, we exist, and you can’t ignore us.’ This is a protest, and a political act.” Seller previously pulled a planned engagement of Hamilton from the Kennedy Center as protest against the Trump Administration. Seth Rudetsky and his husband, James Wesley Jackson, are directing the event. They previously helped organize a Broadway Rallies for Kamala event during the 2024 election.Said Rudetsky to Playbill: “I am honored that Jeffrey Seller reached out to me and my husband James to help put this concert together after Jeffrey was contacted by the Senator’s office. We decided together that we wanted to create concert of joy and pride! The gay community has been always integral to the arts and should be welcome in every artistic venue! I am so excited to be in the company of so many amazing queer artists who will be performing songs from the Broadway canon that celebrate PRIDE! Stay tuned for photos and videos of fabulous harmonies and belting!”Deadline: Democratic Senators To Host Kennedy Center Pride Concert To Protest Trump TakeoverFive Democratic senators will host an invitation-only Pride concert at the Kennedy Center Monday as a protest against President Donald Trump’s takeover of the Washington D.C. arts institution.The 90-minute concert, which is expected to feature Broadway performers as well as The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington D.C., is set for Monday night, The New York Times reports.Organized by John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., the group of Senators – Hickenlooper, Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, Jacky Rosen of Nevada, Brian Schatz of Hawaii and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts – have rented the Justice Forum, a 144-seat theater located in the Reach expansion of the Kennedy Center, using a privilege available to all members of Congress.“What’s happening in the world is deeply concerning, but even in our darkest hours, we must continue to seek out the light,” Hickenlooper said in a statement. “The L.G.B.T.Q. community has long embodied this resilience, maintaining joy and creativity in the face of adversity.”Colorado Today Podcast: June 24, 2025Last night, Colorado’s U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper led a little guerrilla theater. It was supposed to be a sort of takeover of a venue that’s already been taken over by President Donald Trump. The venue was the Kennedy Center in Washington, where Hickenlooper and a handful of other Democrats put on a night to celebrate LGBTQ pride. 
    …If you’re wondering why Hickenlooper specifically organized this, I’m not surprised that he decided to do it. You know, he’s a performer, banjo player, and you know, enjoys music. So I can understand why he turned to the arts and celebrated not just for pride, but to try and ensure that the arts unites the country.KKTV Colorado Springs: 11 News at 6am
    A group of U.S. Senators, including Colorado’s John Hickenlooper, came together and hosted a pride celebration in a musical performance titled “Love is Love.”Now, that performance was held last night at the Kennedy Center’s Justice Forum and produced by acclaimed Broadway producer Jeffrey Seller.The press release from Hickenlooper’s team said the performance reminds us that our fight for equality and democracy isn’t over. It’s happening right now, all across the world. Queerty: Dems hosted a private Pride bash at the Kennedy Center as a giant F.U. to Tr*mpWhen President Tr*mp took over the running of the Kennedy Center in February, he promised no more “woke” productions. He installed gay chum Richard Grenell as the art center’s acting President.Since then, not only have performers and productions pulled their appearances at the venue, but the center also canceled all of its planned Pride Month events.That was until last night!In a rebuke of the President’s takeover of the venue, five Democratic Senators hosted a private, invite-only Pride Month event. They didn’t tell the Kennedy Center in advance the exact nature of the private booking.The New York Times reported yesterday that the 90-minute show was booked at the 144-seat Justice Forum. It was organized by Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO). His co-hosts included Tammy Baldwin (WI), Jacky Rosen (NV), Brian Schatz (HI) and Elizabeth Warren (MA).
    …Hickenlooper reshared the New York Times story to X, saying, “Let’s do this,” with a pride flag emoji.LGBTQ Nation: Gay MAGA official scorns “Hamilton” creators for Kennedy Center boycott: They “cosplay as victims”As the Daily Beast notes, Grenell’s statement came the same day as an invite-only Pride concert produced by Seller and staged by Democratic Senators John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Brian Schatz (D-HI) at one of the Kennedy Center’s theaters. According to the outlet, Miranda does not seem to have been involved in the event in any way. While the New York Times reported on the concert Monday, the paper was also not involved in its production, as Grenell suggested. While Grenell claimed in his Monday statement that “No one has been cancelled by the Kennedy Center” and that “we welcome everyone who wants to celebrate the arts, including our compatriots on the other side of the political aisle,” under his leadership, several Pride events and performances have, in fact, been canceled.According to the Times, Hickenlooper invited Seller to produce Monday’s concert, which Seller said was meant “to celebrate gay characters, gay culture, gay music and gay pride.”“This is our way of reoccupying the Kennedy Center,” Seller told the paper. “This is a form of saying, ‘We are here, we exist and you can’t ignore us.’ This is a protest, and a political act.”Daily Beast: Kennedy Center President Melts Down at ‘Hamilton’ Duo in Social Media TiradeHickenlooper said in an X post that “this is about standing up for freedom. It’s about standing up for self-expression. At the core of it all, it’s about standing up for love.”BroadwayWorld: Photos: Senators Host LOVE IS LOVE Pride Celebration at the Kennedy CenterOn June 23rd U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, Tammy Baldwin, Elizabeth Warren, Jacky Rosen, and Brian Schatz hosted a Pride celebration and musical performance titled Love is Love, which was produced by acclaimed Broadway producer Jeffrey Seller, at the Kennedy Center’s Justice Forum.
    …Senator Hickenlooper opened the program, which featured an evening of live performances and monologues celebrating LGBTQ culture and resilience.The Hill: 5 Democratic senators protest Trump Kennedy Center takeover with gay pride concertA group of five Democratic senators reportedly protested President Trump’s unprecedented overhaul of the Kennedy Center by hosting a gay pride concert.The performance, dubbed “Love is Love” and first reported by The New York Times, was held Monday night at a theater inside the Washington performing arts institution and included pro-LGBTQ songs and monologues. Sen. John Hickenlooper (Colo.) — one of the five Democrats behind the event — said in a statement, “What’s happening in the world is deeply concerning, but even in our darkest hours, we must continue to seek out the light.”The Monday concert, which came during Pride Month, aimed to “honor the role that the freedom of expression and the theatrical arts play in continuing to expand LGBTQ rights in America,” Hickenlooper said.The musical performance was also hosted by Sens. Tammy Baldwin (Wis.), Elizabeth Warren (Mass.), Brian Schatz (Hawaii) and Jacky Rosen (Nev.).Colorado Pols: Hickenlooper Master Trolls Trump’s Censored Kennedy CenterAs Colorado Public Radio’s Caitlyn Kim reports, Washington is abuzz this morning after a group of Democratic U.S. Senators led by Colorado’s Sen. John Hickenlooper pulled off a protest concert inside the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, which was taken over by the Trump administration soon after taking power, after Donald Trump personally objected to the content featured there during previous administrations:
    …Of course, none of this would be happening were it not for Trump’s takeover and ideological remake of the Center’s event schedule that Grenell himself presided over. There’s no amount of carping after the fact that can overcome the much bigger impression made by pulling off this protest concert inside the arts complex that Trump wants to micromanage like the infamous Carter White House tennis courts.These are the moments history remembers after repressive eras end, and this one belongs to Sen. John Hickenlooper of Colorado.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK-Argentina Bicentenary celebration

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    UK-Argentina Bicentenary celebration

    • English
    • Español de América Latina

    Authorities from both countries commemorated 200 years of diplomatic relations yesterday with a musical evening at the Colon Theatre.

    Ambassador Hayes delivering her speech at Teatro Colón.

    The British Embassy in Argentina yesterday celebrated 200 years of diplomatic relations between both countries with a musical evening at the Colon Theatre. The event was attended by high-level authorities from the national government, businesspeople, members of the diplomatic corps, artists, scientists and civil society representatives.

    The gathering also represented Ambassador Kirsty Hayes’s formal farewell after four years as Head of Mission in Buenos Aires, and served as a prelude to the performance of the British opera Billy Budd which the theatre will be staging from next Tuesday, with a cast that includes artists from Argentina, the UK and other countries.

    Among the most prominent guests were the ministers of Justice, Mariano Cúneo Libarona; and Deregulation, Federico Sturzenegger; the former Chief of Staff Nicolás Posse and the former chancellor Diana Mondino; Secretaries for Foreign Affairs, Eduardo Bustamante; Mining, Luis Lucero; Finance, Pablo Quirno and the Fight against Drug Trafficking, Martín Verrier; the Head of the President’s Advisory Council, Demian Reidel; deputies Lucila Crexell, Fernando Iglesias, María Fernanda Araujo, Marcela Campagnoli and Pilar Ramírez; businessmen Gustavo Weiss, Jaime Campos, and Juan Martín Bulgheroni; the president of Conicet, Daniel Salamone; CABA’s Ministers for Economic Development, Hernán Lombardi, and for Infrastructure Pablo Bereciartúa; the Chief of the Armed Forces Joint Staff, Air Chief Marshal Xavier Isaac; the Navy Chief of Staff, Admiral Carlos María Allievi; and the Army Chief of Staff, General Carlos Alberto Presti, among others.

    On 2 February 1825, the UK and the United Provinces of the River Plate signed a Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation which established diplomatic relations between both countries. It was also the first act of recognition by a leading European power of the independence of the country that would later become known as the Argentine Republic. For this reason, the British Embassy will be celebrating the Bicentenary of diplomatic relations throughout the year with a number of commemorative events like yesterday’s gala at the Colon Theatre’s Golden Room.

    During her speech, Ambassador Hayes said:

    Over these 200 years we have experienced times of closeness and times of distance, but our common history has always been marked by respect, mutual admiration and, above all, by the will to build bridges”.

    She then spoke about her departure from Argentina:

    Tonight also has a very personal significance for me, as it is my last public event as British Ambassador to Argentina. I must confess that saying goodbye to this country is not easy. I am taking with me unforgettable memories, strong friendships and immense gratitude for the warm welcome I received in every one of the 24 provinces.

    With Argentine scientist Diego Golombek as host, the event gave guests the opportunity to enjoy the Prologue of Billy Budd, sung by British tenor Toby Spence and interpreted on the piano by the musical director of the production, Erik Nielsen. As well as an extract from the opera “Darwin in Patagonia”, and an adaptation of the symphony “¡Viva la libertad!” (Long Live Freedom!) composed by Lalo Schifrin and Rod Schejtman. Before the end, Schejtman himself gave an impromptu live performance in honour of Ambassador Hayes, combining the musical notes randomly selected by the Ambassador herself, by Minister Cúneo Libarona representing the Argentine government, and by Julio Aro, president of the No Me Olvides Foundation, whose mission is related to preserving the memory of those who fell in the 1982 conflict.

    The main sponsor of the event was the GREAT campaign – the UK’s country brand – whose motto is an invitation to “See Things Differently”, and the private sponsors was Standard Chartered.

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    Published 26 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    June 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Federal government and the municipality of Casselman invest in Bird’s Eye View Park 

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Casselman, ON, June 26, 2025 — Casselman is developing Bird’s Eye View Park into a welcoming green space with a focus on bird life, after a combined investment of $1,000,000 from the federal government and the municipality. Giovanna Mingarelli, Member of Parliament for Prescott—Russell—Cumberland and Mayor Geneviève Lajoie, were onsite today to make the announcement.

    The park will showcase a bird observatory, a bird sanctuary, a park, and a walking trail on the banks of the Nation River. Bird watchers and photographers will enjoy front-row access to a diverse range of bird life, including rare species, while an accessible walking trail with bilingual signage highlights the park’s wildlife and flora, complemented by cultural and tourist activities that enhance the visitor experience.

    The Bird’s Eye View Park will maintain the biodiversity and natural habitat of the area through activities such as planting native species and removing invasive species and monitoring bird activity, all with the goal of enhancing the local ecosystem to make it more resilient to climate change.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    June 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/NIGERIA – Memorial Park to the 41 victims of the attack on the church in Owo demolished

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Abuja (Agenzia Fides) – “The Catholic Diocese of Ondo unequivocally condemns and finds unacceptable the sudden and unannounced demolition of the Memorial Park in Owo,” said Msgr. Jude Ayodeji Arogundade, Bishop of Ondo in a statement issued on June 25, condemning the decision of the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to demolish the memorial park built to commemorate the victims of the attack on the Church of St. Francis of Owo, which took place on Sunday, June 5, 2022 (see Fides, 6/6/2022). An armed group attacked the church and fired indiscriminately at the faithful who were celebrating Sunday Mass.According to Msgr. Arogundade, “there is no doubt that the demolition is a violation of our common respect for the dignity of life and the memory we share of our 41 brothers and sisters who were unjustly killed.””The Memorial Park was established by the State Government as a neutral and communal space for remembrance, reflection, and communal healing after the June 5, 2022 terrorist attack,” the Bishop recalled.The Memorial Park was built by the administration of former Governor of Ondo, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. Construction of the park began in March 2023 and was completed in June 2023. During this period, there were no objections or protests from anyone. “The site was legitimately acquired and developed by the State Government and publicly designated as a Memorial Park for honoring the victims. It was commissioned and blessed by the state government and the Church respectively,” emphasized the Bishop of Ondo. Msgr. Arogundade concludes by pointing out that “immediately we heard of the demolition, the Diocese wrote a letter to His Excellency, the Governor of Ondo State, seeking an official audience to understand the reasons behind the demolition of the Memorial Park and to seek clarification about its future. As of this statement over 72 hours have passed, and no reply has been received from the Governor’s office.” (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 26/6/2025)
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    June 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/NIGERIA – Memorial Park to the 41 victims of the attack on the church in Owo demolished

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Abuja (Agenzia Fides) – “The Catholic Diocese of Ondo unequivocally condemns and finds unacceptable the sudden and unannounced demolition of the Memorial Park in Owo,” said Msgr. Jude Ayodeji Arogundade, Bishop of Ondo in a statement issued on June 25, condemning the decision of the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to demolish the memorial park built to commemorate the victims of the attack on the Church of St. Francis of Owo, which took place on Sunday, June 5, 2022 (see Fides, 6/6/2022). An armed group attacked the church and fired indiscriminately at the faithful who were celebrating Sunday Mass.According to Msgr. Arogundade, “there is no doubt that the demolition is a violation of our common respect for the dignity of life and the memory we share of our 41 brothers and sisters who were unjustly killed.””The Memorial Park was established by the State Government as a neutral and communal space for remembrance, reflection, and communal healing after the June 5, 2022 terrorist attack,” the Bishop recalled.The Memorial Park was built by the administration of former Governor of Ondo, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. Construction of the park began in March 2023 and was completed in June 2023. During this period, there were no objections or protests from anyone. “The site was legitimately acquired and developed by the State Government and publicly designated as a Memorial Park for honoring the victims. It was commissioned and blessed by the state government and the Church respectively,” emphasized the Bishop of Ondo. Msgr. Arogundade concludes by pointing out that “immediately we heard of the demolition, the Diocese wrote a letter to His Excellency, the Governor of Ondo State, seeking an official audience to understand the reasons behind the demolition of the Memorial Park and to seek clarification about its future. As of this statement over 72 hours have passed, and no reply has been received from the Governor’s office.” (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 26/6/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

    June 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/VIETNAM – Capital punishment abolished for eight crimes: for Catholics it is “a step that gives hope”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

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    Ho Chi Minh City (Agenzia Fides) – Vietnam has abolished the death penalty for eight crimes, including bribery, embezzlement, and activities to overthrow the government. As reported by the official Vietnam News Agency, the National Assembly has unanimously approved an amendment to the Penal Code that no longer provides for the death penalty for certain crimes. These include the destruction of state property, the production of counterfeit medicines, incitement to war, espionage, and drug smuggling. As of July, the maximum penalty for these crimes will be life imprisonment. Those sentenced to death for these crimes before July 1 will have their sentences commuted to life imprisonment. Catholics in Vietnam are praying and hoping, in accordance with Church teaching, that the death penalty will be definitively abolished in the country. A Catholic priest in Ho Chi Minh City tells Fides the “inhumanity of the death penalty.” In an interview with Fides, Father Dominic Ngo Quang Tuyen, priest in Ho Chi Minh City and secretary of the Commission for Evangelization of the Vietnamese Bishops’ Conference, says: “It is a step that gives hope: a society of solidarity offers prisoners the opportunity to return and live a dignified life. The Church teaches us that human life must be protected and respected because it is a gift from God, from birth to the end.” He continues: “Every human being is created in the image of God. And people who have done wrong or committed a crime also deserve time to be rehabilitated and redeemed.”Andrew, a Vietnamese Catholic layman, told Fides: “The abolition of the death penalty can help create a more just society, where people are given the opportunity to make amends and reintegrate into society. Especially regarding the abolition of the crime of acting against the state, this is a great step forward by the socialist state government in Vietnam, which generally seeks to limit forms of protest against the Party and government policies. This is a good sign, demonstrating the growing progress of Vietnamese civil society.”The Vietnamese Church has an active prison ministry, focusing primarily on the spiritual accompaniment of prisoners, with the involvement of priests who, in addition to providing material and psychological assistance and spiritual support, also listen and encourage dialogue based on the Word of God. Some church organizations also address the needs of prisoners’ families. Ten types of crimes (such as murder, treason, terrorism, and child sexual abuse) continue to be punishable by capital punishment in Vietnam. The number of prisoners on Vietnamese death row is unknown, as data on executions is considered a state secret. Since 2011, the death penalty in the Asian country has been carried out exclusively by lethal injection, whereas previously it was carried out by firing squad. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 26/6/2025)
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    June 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/KENYA – Deaths and injuries during a demonstration commemorating the victims of last year’s clashes

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) – At least 16 people were killed in clashes between protesters and police in Kenya yesterday, June 25.This figure was released this morning by Amnesty Kenya, which stated that most of the victims were killed by security forces. According to police, there were 12 victims. In addition to the dead, at least 400 people were injured during the protests on the first anniversary of the demonstrations against the 2024 Finance Bill, which led to unrest and violence, claiming 60 lives. According to Kenyan authorities, violent elements infiltrated yesterday’s demonstrations and caused chaos, looting public and private property. Meanwhile, the Kenyan government has ordered the closure of major television stations for violating a directive issued by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) prohibiting live broadcasts of protests.The measure sparked outrage among media observers and legal experts. Former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga called the directive unconstitutional and a violation of press freedom. The Kenya Editors’ Guild condemned the decision, accusing the CA of misapplying the law and undermining public access to information, in violation of Articles 33 and 34 of the Constitution. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 26/6/2025)
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    June 27, 2025

  • India launches First Maritime NBFC — Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL)

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a significant development for India’s maritime sector, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday inaugurated the country’s first dedicated Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) for the maritime sector — Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL). The event was also attended by Union Minister of State for MoPSW, Shantanu Thakur, and Secretary of MoPSW, TK Ramachandran.

    SMFCL, formerly known as Sagarmala Development Company Limited, has officially been registered as a NBFC with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as of June 19, 2025. It has also earned the status of a Mini Ratna, Category-I, Central Public Sector Enterprise. The move marks a major milestone under the government’s Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, aimed at bolstering the maritime infrastructure and transforming India into a global maritime power.

    Speaking at the launch, Minister Sonowal emphasized the strategic importance of SMFCL in addressing financial challenges within the sector. “The registration of Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited as an NBFC is a major milestone in India’s maritime journey. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, we are taking decisive steps to strengthen the maritime sector as a key pillar of our economy. SMFCL will bridge crucial financing gaps and offer sector-specific financial solutions, empowering ports, MSMEs, startups, and institutions. It has fulfilled a long-standing demand of the maritime industry in the country,” he said.

    As a sector-specific NBFC, SMFCL will offer a range of tailored financial products including short-, medium-, and long-term funding. These will be extended to various stakeholders such as port authorities, shipping companies, MSMEs, startups, and maritime educational institutions.

    The corporation’s expanded role also encompasses support for shipbuilding, renewable energy, cruise tourism, and maritime education—key components in India’s strategy to enhance its global maritime presence. The launch aligns closely with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and the national ambition of building a “Viksit Bharat” (developed India).

    Minister of State for MoPSW, Shantanu Thakur, highlighted the transformative impact of SMFCL’s NBFC status. “With SMFCL now functioning as a dedicated NBFC, we’re creating a focused financial ecosystem to accelerate maritime growth. This will unlock opportunities for innovation, investment, and inclusive development across the sector,” he stated.

    June 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Competitive selection for vacant positions of faculty

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

    In accordance with Article 332 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation and in connection with the availability of vacant positions of professorial and teaching staff in the 2025/2026 academic year since 01.09.2025, the Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering announces a competitive selection to fill the following positions:

    assistant; senior lecturer; associate professor; professor in the departments of: architectural and building structures; history and theory of architecture; drawing; mathematics; intercultural communication; management in construction; technosphere safety; transport systems and road and bridge construction.

    The term of election is three years for each position.

    The competition procedure is determined by the order of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation dated December 4, 2023 No. 1138 “On approval of the Regulation on the procedure for filling the positions of teaching staff related to the faculty” and “Regulations on the organization and procedure for election by competition to positions of teaching staff at SPbGASU” (approved by the decision of the Academic Council of SPbGASU dated 06/27/2024, protocol No. 6 (as amended on 04/24/2025)).

    The qualification requirements are defined:

    “Unified Qualification Handbook of Positions of Managers, Specialists and Employees” (approved by order of the Ministry of Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation dated 11.01.2011 No. 1n);

    Requirements for passing the competitive selection of the teaching staff of SPbGASU (approved by the decision of the Academic Council of SPbGASU dated 06/27/2024, protocol No. 6).

    To participate in the competitive selection, it is necessary to submit electronically through the personal account portal (HTTPS: // Portal.SPBGASU.ru/ – for employees of SPbGASU, HTTPS: //Conquispps.SPBGASU.ru/ – for applicants who are not employees of SPbGASU) the following documents:

    an application addressed to the rector of the university; a copy of the higher education document; a copy of the candidate/doctor of science diploma (if any); a copy of the associate professor/professor certificate (if any); documents confirming the length of service in scientific and pedagogical work (a certificate of teaching experience or a copy of the work record book, certified at the place of work) – for applicants who are not full-time employees of SPbGASU; a list of scientific and educational-methodical works for the last three years; consent to the processing of personal data; documents confirming the absence of restrictions on employment in the field of education (certificate of no criminal record).

    The procedure and deadlines for making changes to the terms of the competition, as well as its cancellation:

    Amendments to the terms of the competition are formalized by order of the rector before the actual date of the competition.

    The originals of the competition documents and educational documents shall be provided by the competition participant in the event of a positive decision of the commission upon conclusion of an employment contract to the Human Resources Department from 29.08.2025 to 30.09.2025 at the address: 190005, St. Petersburg, 2-ya Krasnoarmeyskaya St., Bldg. 4, Human Resources Department, office 125, 126; tel. 316-42-13.

    Place, date and time of the competition: 08/27/2025 at 10:00, room 216.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    June 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Iran’s Guardian Council approves bill to suspend cooperation with IAEA

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    TEHRAN, June 26 (Xinhua) — Iran’s Guardian Council on Thursday approved a bill already ratified by parliament to suspend the country’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

    A bill calling on the Iranian government to stop cooperating with the IAEA has been reviewed by the council and found to be in line with religious precepts, laws and the country’s constitution, council spokesman Hadi Tahan Nazif told state-run IRIB TV on Thursday.

    “Given the violation of Iran’s state sovereignty by the United States and Israel, their encroachment on the country’s territorial integrity, as well as attacks on peaceful nuclear facilities and threats to national interests, the Iranian administration is obliged to suspend all cooperation with the IAEA until respect for the country’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity is fully guaranteed, and the safety of Iranian nuclear centers and scientists is ensured,” he said. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    June 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Changing attitudes end auxiliary lodge system

    Source: US International Brotherhood of Boilermakers

    In the 1940s, the Boilermakers’ union, along with other unions, faced pressure to end their auxiliary lodge systems which segregated Black members into separate locals. It’s important to note that while not all unions were segregated in the 1940s, the majority were, mirroring wider society.

    While union leaders like International Vice President Charles J. MacGowan and Local 72 Business Agent Thomas Ray denied any discrimination, both the Fair Employment Practices Committee and the California Supreme Court came to the opposite conclusion, ultimately demanding that the system be dismantled.

    A pivotal case in the fight against the auxiliary system involved Joseph James, an African American Boilermaker working at Marinship in San Francisco. He sued both the International union and his employer, arguing that the auxiliary system was inherently discriminatory. His legal team was headed by Thurgood Marshall, who was then an attorney for the NAACP and would later become the first Black justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. In a landmark decision, the California Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of James, declaring the auxiliary system to be discriminatory and unconstitutional. The court ordered the union to abolish the system.

    Meanwhile, the FEPC, which had been established to ensure fair employment practices in wartime industries, also ordered Local 72 to end the auxiliary system. These double rulings highlighted the growing legal and political pressure on the Boilermakers’ leadership to address the issue of racial equality within the union.

    At the 1944 convention, MacGowan, who was preparing to succeed Joseph Franklin as the International President, used a letter from President Franklin D. Roosevelt to sway the delegates to vote to end the system. In the letter, Roosevelt praised the Boilermakers for their contributions to the war effort and appealed to their sense of patriotism, urging them to support racial equality so that “every worker capable of serving his country… [could] serve regardless of creed, race, or national origin.” The letter had an impact, leading to changes in the auxiliary system.

    In response, the 1944 convention passed a resolution that allowed auxiliary locals to elect their own delegates to union conventions and affiliate with local Metal Trades Councils. Previously, they had been dependent on their supervising white locals for representation. While auxiliary locals gained some autonomy, their meetings still had to be attended by the business agent of the supervising local. The precise nature of the relationship between supervising and auxiliary locals remained unclear, leaving much discretion to the International Executive Council.

    MacGowan pushed for a voluntary approach to integration, predicting that the issue would resolve itself over time. In 1945, the IEC agreed to stop forming new auxiliary locals, to open all job classifications to Black workers and to equalize insurance benefits between Black and white members. Black members were also allowed to transfer between auxiliary locals.

    Despite these reforms, voluntary integration did not lead to immediate change. By 1948, a few locals had integrated, but the majority remained segregated. The Boilermakers’ transformation from a segregated organization to an integrated one was slow, reflecting the broader social and political struggles of the United States during this period.

    The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s finally brought about a decisive shift. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed segregation and discrimination, effectively ending the auxiliary system for good. In the years that followed, the union made concerted efforts to integrate and encourage Black workers to participate fully in the union. Subsequently, they were elected to positions at every level, from local lodge officers to the International Executive Council.

    The Boilermakers’ journey from a segregated union to an integrated one mirrored the nation’s slow and often painful path toward racial equality. What began throughout the labor movement as a reluctant and gradual process eventually led to workers of all races participating fully and equally, reflecting the changing values of the union and of American society.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: British Man Sentenced to 42 Years in Prison for Three Counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A British man, Scott West, 40, of Manchester, United Kingdom, was sentenced on June 23, 2025, to 42 years in prison following his convictions for three counts of sexual exploitation of a child.

    At the sentencing hearing, the court was informed that West and another co-conspirator created an account on a popular social media platform in which the two men pretended to be a young woman. Both men used the account to reach out to young boys to solicit sexually explicit photos. Multiple minors contacted by West were in the Central District of Illinois. When a victim responded by sending sexually explicit photos to the account, West would solicit more photos, threatening to expose the victim if he did not comply. Independently, West would meet children online and engage in similar behavior, knowingly soliciting sexually explicit photos from underage boys in multiple different countries.

    Also at the hearing, U.S. Chief District Judge Sara Darrow found that the offense involved the knowing misrepresentation of a participant’s identity to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct.

    West was indicted in December 2022, and a request was made to the government of the United Kingdom for his extradition in June 2023. He was extradited to the United States in October 2024 by the United States Marshals Service and remained in their custody after United States Magistrate Judge Jonathan E. Hawley ordered his detention. West pleaded guilty in January 2025.

    The statutory penalties for sexual exploitation of a child include not less than 15 years and up to 30 years’ imprisonment per count, to be followed by not less than 5 years and up to a life term of supervised release on each count. Judge Darrow further ordered that West serve a ten-year term of supervised release.

    “West manipulated and preyed upon children on two continents in his quest to fulfill his own sexual desires.”said Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Seberger. “This extradition and sentence ensured that his American victims received justice in the United States for his crimes. We will continue to work with law enforcement across the globe to bring justice to victims of abuse.”

    “Adults should protect children, not prey upon them online as the predator in this case did to victims in multiple countries. The sentencing in this case reflects the heinousness of this man’s insidious actions to threaten and harm kids,” said Michael Kurzeja, Resident Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Springfield Resident Office. “The Secret Service is committed to keeping children safe online and pursuing crimes committed against them. Thanks to the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Central District of Illinois, the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Greater Manchester Police Serious Crime Division in England, the Illinois State Police and all of our local law enforcement partners for helping bring this defendant to justice.”

    The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the defendant’s arrest and extradition from the United Kingdom.

    The United States Secret Service and the Greater Manchester Police Online Child Abuse Investigation Team in England investigated the case, with assistance from the Illinois State Police and several local Illinois police departments and sheriffs’ offices: the Geneseo Police Department, the Colona Police Department, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kewanee Police Department. Significant assistance was also provided by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seberger represented the government in the prosecution.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of Illinois and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) encourage parents to discuss online safety with their children and to ask for help from adults or professionals if they have experienced threats online. Children should know it is always okay to speak with a trusted adult if something they are experiencing online makes them uncomfortable. For more information contact gethelp@ncmec.org. NCMEC also has a CyberTipline for reporting child sexual exploitation. 

    MIL Security OSI –

    June 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Sudan: foreign interests are deepening a devastating war – only regional diplomacy can stop them

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By John Mukum Mbaku, Professor, Weber State University

    The war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has raged since April 2023. It’s turned Sudan into the site of one of the world’s most catastrophic humanitarian and displacement crises.

    At least 150,000 people have been killed. More than 14 million have been displaced, with over 3 million fleeing to neighbouring countries like Chad, Ethiopia and South Sudan. Once a vibrant capital city, Khartoum is now a “burnt-out shell”.

    This devastating war, rooted in long-standing ethnic, political and economic tensions, has been compounded by what international and regional actors have done and failed to do. As Amnesty International notes, the international response remains “woefully inadequate”.

    The problem lies in the fact that external involvement has not been neutral. Instead of halting the conflict, many external players have complicated it. In some cases, international interventions have escalated it.

    More than 10 countries across Africa, the Middle East and Asia have been drawn into Sudan’s war. This has turned it into a proxy conflict that reflects the interests of external actors, such as Egypt, Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

    Several actors have taken sides.

    Saudi Arabia, for instance, backs the Sudanese army. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is alleged to support the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Egypt, citing historical ties, backs the army. For their part, Ethiopia and Eritrea reportedly support the paramilitary group. Chad has been accused of facilitating arms shipments to the Rapid Support Forces via its eastern airports. Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and Iran have also been linked to diplomatic and military support to Sudan’s army.

    These geopolitical entanglements have made peace nearly impossible, deepening the conflict instead of resolving it.

    I have studied Africa’s governance failures for more than 30 years, from military elites and coups to state capture and political instability. Based on this, my view is that Sudan’s conflict cannot be resolved without serious international commitment to neutrality and peace.

    Read more: Sudan’s peace mediation should be led by the African Union: 3 reasons why

    The involvement of foreign actors on opposing sides must be reversed. International involvement must be premised on helping the Sudanese people develop the capacity to resolve governance problems themselves.

    For this to happen, regional diplomacy must be stepped up. The African Union must assert its legitimacy and take the lead in addressing this challenging crisis. It can do this by putting pressure on member states to ensure that any ceasefire agreements are enforced.

    The East African Community and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development can provide assistance in securing a peace agreement and ensuring it’s enforced. Members of these continental organisations can encourage external actors to limit their intervention in Sudan to activities that promote democratic governance and sustainable development.

    The African Union

    The African Union should play a central role in bringing peace to Sudan. But its absence has been conspicuous.

    Despite adopting the “African solutions to African problems” mantra, the African Union has neither held Sudan’s warlords accountable nor put in place adequate civilian protection measures.

    First, it could have worked closely with the UN to deploy a mission to Sudan with a mandate to protect civilians, monitor human rights (especially the rights of women and girls), assist in the return of all displaced persons and prevent any further attacks on civilians.

    Second, the African Union could have sent an expert group to investigate human rights violations, especially sexual violence. The results could have been submitted to the union’s Peace and Security Council for further action.

    Third, the African Union could have worked closely with regional and international actors, including the Arab League. This would ensure a unified approach to the conflict, based on the interests of Sudanese people for peace and development.

    Finally, the AU could have addressed the root causes of Sudan’s conflicts, which include extreme poverty, inequality, political exclusion and economic marginalisation.

    The African Union could also make use of the insights and knowledge gleaned by African leaders like Kenya’s William Ruto and Egypt’s Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who have attempted to mediate, but have failed. The AU should also use the political expertise of elder statesmen, such as Thabo Mbeki, Moussa Faki and Olusegun Obasanjo, to help address the conflict and humanitarian crisis.

    The United Arab Emirates

    The UAE is alleged to back the paramilitary troops in the war. In recent years, the UAE has become increasingly involved in African conflicts. It has supported various factions to conflicts in the Horn of Africa, the Sahel region and Libya.

    Its increased involvement in Africa is driven by several strategic interests. These include fighting terrorism, securing maritime routes, and expanding its trade and influence.

    Read more: Sudan is burning and foreign powers are benefiting – what’s in it for the UAE

    In 2009, the UAE helped Sudan mediate its border conflict with Chad. The UAE supported the ouster of Omar al-Bashir in April 2019, as well as Sudan’s transitional military council.

    In 2021, the UAE signed a strategic partnership with Sudan to modernise its political institutions and return the country to the international community. The UAE has stated that it has taken a neutral position in the present conflict. However, on 6 March 2025, Sudan brought a case against the UAE to the International Court of Justice. It accused the UAE of complicity in genocide, alleging that the UAE “has been arming the RSF with the aim of wiping out the non-Arab Massalit population of West Darfur.”

    The United States

    During his first term, US president Donald Trump spearheaded the Abraham Accords. These agreements were aimed at normalising relations between Israel and several Arab countries, including Sudan. Subsequently, Sudan was removed from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism.

    The accords appeared to have brought Khartoum closer to Washington. They provided avenues for the type of engagement that could have placed it in good stead when Trump returned to the White House in 2025.

    However, Sudan’s internal political and economic instability, including the present civil war, has complicated the situation.

    The Abraham Accords were a significant foreign policy achievement for Trump. A peaceful, democratically governed, and economically stable and prosperous Sudan could serve as the foundation for Trump’s “circle of peace” in the Middle East.

    But Trump and his administration are preoccupied with other domestic and foreign policy priorities. During his May 2025 visit to Saudi Arabia, Trump did not officially address the conflict in Sudan. Instead, he placed emphasis on securing business deals and investments.

    The European Union

    The European Union has strongly condemned the violence and the atrocities committed during the war in Sudan, especially against children and women. The organisation has appealed for an immediate and lasting ceasefire while noting that Sudan faces the “most catastrophic humanitarian crisis of the 21st century”.

    Unfortunately, member countries will remain preoccupied with helping Ukraine, especially given the growing uncertainty in Washington’s relationship with the authorities in Kyiv.

    The preoccupation and focus of the EU and the US on Gaza, Ukraine and Iran may, however, be underestimating the geopolitical risks Sudan’s war is generating.

    A peaceful and democratically governed Sudan can contribute to peace not just in the region, but also in many other parts of the world.

    What now?

    To end Sudan’s war and prevent future ones, international and African actors must do more than issue statements. They must act coherently, collectively and with genuine commitment to the Sudanese people’s right to peace, democratic governance and sustainable development.

    Democracy and the rule of law are key to peaceful coexistence and sustainable development in Sudan. However, establishing and sustaining institutions that enhance and support democracy is the job of the Sudanese people. The external community can provide the financial support that Sudan is likely to need. It can also support the strengthening of electoral systems, civic education and citizen trust in public institutions.

    – Sudan: foreign interests are deepening a devastating war – only regional diplomacy can stop them
    – https://theconversation.com/sudan-foreign-interests-are-deepening-a-devastating-war-only-regional-diplomacy-can-stop-them-259824

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Women trapped with abusers: South Africa’s COVID lockdowns exposed serious protection gaps

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Marinei Herselman, Lecturer, University of Fort Hare

    The unintended consequences of measures introduced to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus from 2020 to 2022 have been studied extensively. Research in South Africa shows that some of these measures added to social ills, such as unemployment and poverty.

    Another impact of “lockdown” was on gender-based violence. The government’s Gender-Based Violence Command Centre reported over 120,000 cases within the first three weeks of lockdown.

    In the year 2019-20, 53,293 sexual offences were reported, an average of 146 per day. This was up from 52,420 in 2018-19. Most of these were cases of rape. The police recorded 42,289 rapes in 2019-20, up from 41,583 in 2018-19, an average of 116 rapes each day. Further, a total of 2,695 women were murdered in South Africa in 2019-20. This means a woman is murdered every three hours.

    The lockdown measures required people to remain indoors. Schools and non-essential establishments like restaurants were closed. Travelling internationally and between provinces was prohibited.

    Research showed that the lockdown measures trapped many women and children in abusive environments. The gender-based violence incidents highlighted gaps in support services and underscored the critical role of social workers in crisis situations.

    In a recent paper, we described our study of the impact the lockdown measures had on gender-based violence in Matatiele, a small town in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, one of the poorest regions in the country.

    The study highlighted the need to integrate gender-based violence support services into emergency plans to ensure continuity of care in times of crisis. In addition, the challenges faced by social workers during the pandemic showed systemic weaknesses in the support infrastructure.

    Read more: South African women face exclusion from society due to gender-based violence – how they’re fighting back

    We recommend prioritising gender-based violence services, expanding the social work workforce, and ensuring accessible, effective support mechanisms to safeguard survivors. By engaging local and provincial partners through cross-sector collaboration, South Africa can build a more equitable society and empower survivors during future emergencies.

    Interviewing survivors of violence

    Our findings were based on interviews with 30 survivors of gender-based violence and five social workers at the Thuthuzela Care Centre in Matatiele, which provides support for rape survivors. Twenty-four of the survivors (80%) were women and six (20%) were males. The participants were aged 18-35.

    We found that 63.3% of survivors experienced gender-based violence differently during the pandemic, primarily because access to support services was reduced. Key findings were that:

    • survivors found it difficult to reach police stations, hospitals and support centres

    • a lack of transport and staffing made access to services even more difficult than usual

    • survivors were often imprisoned with their abusers, making it nearly impossible to escape the abusive environment

    • the closure of schools and community centres destroyed additional refuges and support networks

    • social workers reported that remote counselling methods, such as telephone calls, were less effective

    • poor internet connection and the inability to meet in person limited the quality of psychosocial support provided

    • many perpetrators faced job losses and economic hardships; this led to increased stress and violence.

    Our findings highlight how public health crises can worsen existing social vulnerabilities. The COVID-19 pandemic starkly illustrated the vulnerability of survivors during crises and the role of social workers in providing support.

    Read more: Spoken word poetry challenges gender-based violence in Namibia

    Women’s experiences

    As shown in the table, some participants said their experiences of abuse were the same before and during COVID-19. This might be because a participant was abused during the pandemic and had not been a victim before.

    Supplied by author.

    Most of the research participants said their experience of gender-based violence was different from how it had been before COVID-19. Asked to explain, most of them responded in similar ways.

    One of the women said:

    I have difficulty escaping my abuser.

    Another said:

    I struggled to sleep, and I was anxious for a long time. I accepted the situation and told myself that I will be fine. I was abused by a stranger, which made it difficult for me to get justice but I told myself that abuse is something that you cannot run away from.

    Lack of sleep is a common challenge for many survivors of gender-based violence.

    One of the male survivors in the study, a married man, spoke of the difficulty of dealing with societal norms which are rooted in patriarchy. There’s a local saying which captures the typical attitude: indoda yokwenyani ayikhali (“a real man does not cry”).

    There appeared to be a general sense that gender-based violence would not change, so women and men just accepted and normalised it.

    Read more: Men abused by women don’t all fight back. Some believe a strong man is non-violent – South African study

    Next steps

    An effective response to gender-based violence requires sufficient staffing of response facilities. There is also a need for robust communication tools and training to handle remote support scenarios as happened during COVID.

    Gender-based violence is a serious problem that needs a multi-faceted response. Governments, and non-profit, non-governmental and civil society organisations must work together. This will help in achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality. Gender equality is a fundamental human right. It is a foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world. While some progress has been made in recent decades, the world is not on track to achieve gender equality by 2030.

    To lessen the impact of future crises on survivors of gender-based violence, several steps are essential:

    • the government must recognise support services as critical in emergencies; social workers must be classified as essential personnel so that they can continue their work without restrictions

    • essential services such as safe shelters, mental health support and legal aid must be in place, and healthcare services must be fully available, well-equipped and well-staffed

    • the government must expand and train the social worker workforce, and provide specialised training for any crisis situation in the future

    • there is need to develop support channels, including online platforms, helplines and mobile outreach programmes

    • investing in reliable communication technologies and transportation can help people reach support services

    • long-term strategies should focus on reducing gender inequalities and challenging patriarchal norms.

    Bongeka Zawani, a master’s student at the University of Fort Hare, carried out the study this article is based on.

    – Women trapped with abusers: South Africa’s COVID lockdowns exposed serious protection gaps
    – https://theconversation.com/women-trapped-with-abusers-south-africas-covid-lockdowns-exposed-serious-protection-gaps-243198

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Detty December started as a Nigerian cultural moment. Now it’s spreading across the continent – and minting money

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Nnamdi O. Madichie, Professor of Marketing & Entrepreneurship, University of Kigali

    Every December in Nigeria and Ghana a giant party takes place, unfolding in a whirlwind of concerts, festivals, weddings, art shows, dress-ups, meet-ups and travel. Locals and diaspora west Africans returning from overseas come together to create Detty December, a festive event stretching from mid-December to the new year.

    Detty is a playful term for “dirty” in the regional Pidgin language and “Detty December” is a term commonly believed to have been coined by Afropop star Mr Eazi in 2016. It means letting loose and indulging in some fun and revelry.

    Major events headlined by local and international music stars punctuate Detty December. In Nigeria events range from Flytime Fest in Lagos to Carnival Calabar, which showcases cultural heritage. In Ghana, festivals like AfroFuture and Afro Nation attract global celebrities and influencers as well as returning citizens.

    But this isn’t just a holiday fling. Propelled by youthful energy and cultural innovation, it’s an economic phenomenon. And it represents a shift in Africa’s urban landscape and its relationship with the rest of the world.

    Detty December now stands as a pillar of Africa’s creative economy, which has built on the global popularity of music from the continent, from Afrobeats to amapiano.

    As marketing and entrepreneurship lecturers with an eye on the creative industries, we’ve researched Detty December and believe it’s a cultural tourism phenomenon with the potential to spread across the continent. In fact, it’s already begun to do so.

    Nigeria: the economic power of Detty December

    Despite infrastructure challenges, places like Lagos are new cultural epicentres. During Detty December the city becomes a carnival of reunions and celebrations. “I Just Got Backs” (IJGBs) return, music spills from every bar and events pop up daily.

    Once simply a cultural moment, Detty December has rapidly become a powerful economic engine. It makes a big impact on hospitality, entertainment, tourism and local businesses.

    In Lagos alone, the 2024 festivities generated an estimated US$71.6 million in state revenue. Hotels contributed US$44 million and short-term rentals added US$30 million.

    Nationally, the impact is even more staggering. Detty December injected over US$220 million into Nigeria’s economy in 2023.

    A major driver of this growth is tourism. An estimated 1.2 million visitors flocked to Lagos in December 2024. Nearly 90% of these were diaspora Nigerians.

    Afrobeats star Wizkid’s Made in Lagos concert alone pulled in nearly US$650,000 in ticket sales. New song releases on Fridays have become features of the season.

    Beyond direct spending, Detty December creates temporary and permanent jobs and bolsters small businesses.

    Ghana: December in GH

    The government of neighbouring Ghana has recognised this potential, strategically branding its festive season December in GH. This initiative leverages cultural tourism for substantial economic gain. The country even takes measures like visa-on-arrival in December to encourage visitors.

    This builds on cultural tourism successes like the 2019 Year of Return campaign. In 2023, December in GH reportedly attracted about 115,000 participants.

    Even in a challenging economic climate, Detty December continues to thrive. This indicates a desire for cultural connection and a much-needed escape, especially among the continent’s youth and its global diaspora communities.

    South Africa: Ke Dezemba

    From Flytime in Lagos and AfroNation in Accra to Alte Sounds in Kigali and the vibrant December nightlife in Mombasa or Johannesburg’s rooftop party events, African cities have become seasonal epicentres for cultural consumption.

    “Ke Dezemba” is a term used in South Africa to describe the festive season. It’s a vibrant and celebratory term that’s often associated with summer holidays, braaiing (barbecuing) and social gatherings. It could become the branding of the country’s own Detty December.

    South Africa’s global profile has been raised during its 2025 presidency of the G20. Adopting its own version of Detty December could continue to amplify Brand South Africa. It could show off the country’s vibrancy, creativity, hospitality and potential for investment.

    Aligning cultural celebration with global visibility could reframe a season of revelry into a strategic cultural and economic asset. For South Africa, this could inject capital into the tourism sector, boosting hospitality, transport and ancillary services.

    Read more: Culture can build a better world: four key issues on Africa’s G20 agenda

    Beyond direct tourism, the spotlight on South African art and culture during this period could make a lasting impact on the creative economy, fostering growth and job creation.

    Physical celebration could be digitally amplified to make a lasting impression.

    A notable example is Spotify’s unveiling of its Detty December hub. The music streaming service intends celebrating the festive season across west Africa and South Africa with playlists of party tracks.

    Spotify’s Phiona Okumu explains:

    Detty December is a special time for our users in west Africa, and Ke Dezemba symbolises South Africa’s spirit of celebration.

    How to make it work

    The lessons from west African cities suggest that cultural economies thrive with:

    • flexible governance

    • inclusive participation

    • engaged diasporas

    • innovative business models.

    For Nigeria’s Detty December model to be sustainable it would require strategic policy support, urban planning integration and investment in creative infrastructure.

    A group of diasporans in Ghana at the AfroFuture festival. Fquasie/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    Funding models such as memberships and sponsorships are crucial for the longevity of music festivals. Policy support and infrastructure investment are necessary to unlock the full potential of the creative sector.

    Cultural tourism, powerfully embodied by Detty December, is emerging as a viable economic strategy for African cities. This signals a broader recognition of culture’s economic power. It offers a compelling canvas for economic development and nation branding.

    – Detty December started as a Nigerian cultural moment. Now it’s spreading across the continent – and minting money
    – https://theconversation.com/detty-december-started-as-a-nigerian-cultural-moment-now-its-spreading-across-the-continent-and-minting-money-258949

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Detty December started as a Nigerian cultural moment. Now it’s spreading across the continent – and minting money

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Nnamdi O. Madichie, Professor of Marketing & Entrepreneurship, University of Kigali

    Festivals like Carnival Calabar in Nigeria abound throughout the year-end parties across west Africa and beyond. Akintomiwaao/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    Every December in Nigeria and Ghana a giant party takes place, unfolding in a whirlwind of concerts, festivals, weddings, art shows, dress-ups, meet-ups and travel. Locals and diaspora west Africans returning from overseas come together to create Detty December, a festive event stretching from mid-December to the new year.

    Detty is a playful term for “dirty” in the regional Pidgin language and “Detty December” is a term commonly believed to have been coined by Afropop star Mr Eazi in 2016. It means letting loose and indulging in some fun and revelry.

    Major events headlined by local and international music stars punctuate Detty December. In Nigeria events range from Flytime Fest in Lagos to Carnival Calabar, which showcases cultural heritage. In Ghana, festivals like AfroFuture and Afro Nation attract global celebrities and influencers as well as returning citizens.

    But this isn’t just a holiday fling. Propelled by youthful energy and cultural innovation, it’s an economic phenomenon. And it represents a shift in Africa’s urban landscape and its relationship with the rest of the world.

    Detty December now stands as a pillar of Africa’s creative economy, which has built on the global popularity of music from the continent, from Afrobeats to amapiano.

    As marketing and entrepreneurship lecturers with an eye on the creative industries, we’ve researched Detty December and believe it’s a cultural tourism phenomenon with the potential to spread across the continent. In fact, it’s already begun to do so.

    Nigeria: the economic power of Detty December

    Despite infrastructure challenges, places like Lagos are new cultural epicentres. During Detty December the city becomes a carnival of reunions and celebrations. “I Just Got Backs” (IJGBs) return, music spills from every bar and events pop up daily.

    Once simply a cultural moment, Detty December has rapidly become a powerful economic engine. It makes a big impact on hospitality, entertainment, tourism and local businesses.

    In Lagos alone, the 2024 festivities generated an estimated US$71.6 million in state revenue. Hotels contributed US$44 million and short-term rentals added US$30 million.

    Nationally, the impact is even more staggering. Detty December injected over US$220 million into Nigeria’s economy in 2023.

    A major driver of this growth is tourism. An estimated 1.2 million visitors flocked to Lagos in December 2024. Nearly 90% of these were diaspora Nigerians.

    Afrobeats star Wizkid’s Made in Lagos concert alone pulled in nearly US$650,000 in ticket sales. New song releases on Fridays have become features of the season.

    Beyond direct spending, Detty December creates temporary and permanent jobs and bolsters small businesses.

    Ghana: December in GH

    The government of neighbouring Ghana has recognised this potential, strategically branding its festive season December in GH. This initiative leverages cultural tourism for substantial economic gain. The country even takes measures like visa-on-arrival in December to encourage visitors.

    This builds on cultural tourism successes like the 2019 Year of Return campaign. In 2023, December in GH reportedly attracted about 115,000 participants.

    Even in a challenging economic climate, Detty December continues to thrive. This indicates a desire for cultural connection and a much-needed escape, especially among the continent’s youth and its global diaspora communities.

    South Africa: Ke Dezemba

    From Flytime in Lagos and AfroNation in Accra to Alte Sounds in Kigali and the vibrant December nightlife in Mombasa or Johannesburg’s rooftop party events, African cities have become seasonal epicentres for cultural consumption.

    “Ke Dezemba” is a term used in South Africa to describe the festive season. It’s a vibrant and celebratory term that’s often associated with summer holidays, braaiing (barbecuing) and social gatherings. It could become the branding of the country’s own Detty December.

    South Africa’s global profile has been raised during its 2025 presidency of the G20. Adopting its own version of Detty December could continue to amplify Brand South Africa. It could show off the country’s vibrancy, creativity, hospitality and potential for investment.

    Aligning cultural celebration with global visibility could reframe a season of revelry into a strategic cultural and economic asset. For South Africa, this could inject capital into the tourism sector, boosting hospitality, transport and ancillary services.



    Read more:
    Culture can build a better world: four key issues on Africa’s G20 agenda

    Beyond direct tourism, the spotlight on South African art and culture during this period could make a lasting impact on the creative economy, fostering growth and job creation.

    Physical celebration could be digitally amplified to make a lasting impression.

    A notable example is Spotify’s unveiling of its Detty December hub. The music streaming service intends celebrating the festive season across west Africa and South Africa with playlists of party tracks.

    Spotify’s Phiona Okumu explains:

    Detty December is a special time for our users in west Africa, and Ke Dezemba symbolises South Africa’s spirit of celebration.

    How to make it work

    The lessons from west African cities suggest that cultural economies thrive with:

    • flexible governance

    • inclusive participation

    • engaged diasporas

    • innovative business models.

    For Nigeria’s Detty December model to be sustainable it would require strategic policy support, urban planning integration and investment in creative infrastructure.

    A group of diasporans in Ghana at the AfroFuture festival.
    Fquasie/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    Funding models such as memberships and sponsorships are crucial for the longevity of music festivals. Policy support and infrastructure investment are necessary to unlock the full potential of the creative sector.

    Cultural tourism, powerfully embodied by Detty December, is emerging as a viable economic strategy for African cities. This signals a broader recognition of culture’s economic power. It offers a compelling canvas for economic development and nation branding.

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

    – ref. Detty December started as a Nigerian cultural moment. Now it’s spreading across the continent – and minting money – https://theconversation.com/detty-december-started-as-a-nigerian-cultural-moment-now-its-spreading-across-the-continent-and-minting-money-258949

    MIL OSI Analysis –

    June 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Detty December started as a Nigerian cultural moment. Now it’s spreading across the continent – and minting money

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Nnamdi O. Madichie, Professor of Marketing & Entrepreneurship, University of Kigali

    Festivals like Carnival Calabar in Nigeria abound throughout the year-end parties across west Africa and beyond. Akintomiwaao/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    Every December in Nigeria and Ghana a giant party takes place, unfolding in a whirlwind of concerts, festivals, weddings, art shows, dress-ups, meet-ups and travel. Locals and diaspora west Africans returning from overseas come together to create Detty December, a festive event stretching from mid-December to the new year.

    Detty is a playful term for “dirty” in the regional Pidgin language and “Detty December” is a term commonly believed to have been coined by Afropop star Mr Eazi in 2016. It means letting loose and indulging in some fun and revelry.

    Major events headlined by local and international music stars punctuate Detty December. In Nigeria events range from Flytime Fest in Lagos to Carnival Calabar, which showcases cultural heritage. In Ghana, festivals like AfroFuture and Afro Nation attract global celebrities and influencers as well as returning citizens.

    But this isn’t just a holiday fling. Propelled by youthful energy and cultural innovation, it’s an economic phenomenon. And it represents a shift in Africa’s urban landscape and its relationship with the rest of the world.

    Detty December now stands as a pillar of Africa’s creative economy, which has built on the global popularity of music from the continent, from Afrobeats to amapiano.

    As marketing and entrepreneurship lecturers with an eye on the creative industries, we’ve researched Detty December and believe it’s a cultural tourism phenomenon with the potential to spread across the continent. In fact, it’s already begun to do so.

    Nigeria: the economic power of Detty December

    Despite infrastructure challenges, places like Lagos are new cultural epicentres. During Detty December the city becomes a carnival of reunions and celebrations. “I Just Got Backs” (IJGBs) return, music spills from every bar and events pop up daily.

    Once simply a cultural moment, Detty December has rapidly become a powerful economic engine. It makes a big impact on hospitality, entertainment, tourism and local businesses.

    In Lagos alone, the 2024 festivities generated an estimated US$71.6 million in state revenue. Hotels contributed US$44 million and short-term rentals added US$30 million.

    Nationally, the impact is even more staggering. Detty December injected over US$220 million into Nigeria’s economy in 2023.

    A major driver of this growth is tourism. An estimated 1.2 million visitors flocked to Lagos in December 2024. Nearly 90% of these were diaspora Nigerians.

    Afrobeats star Wizkid’s Made in Lagos concert alone pulled in nearly US$650,000 in ticket sales. New song releases on Fridays have become features of the season.

    Beyond direct spending, Detty December creates temporary and permanent jobs and bolsters small businesses.

    Ghana: December in GH

    The government of neighbouring Ghana has recognised this potential, strategically branding its festive season December in GH. This initiative leverages cultural tourism for substantial economic gain. The country even takes measures like visa-on-arrival in December to encourage visitors.

    This builds on cultural tourism successes like the 2019 Year of Return campaign. In 2023, December in GH reportedly attracted about 115,000 participants.

    Even in a challenging economic climate, Detty December continues to thrive. This indicates a desire for cultural connection and a much-needed escape, especially among the continent’s youth and its global diaspora communities.

    South Africa: Ke Dezemba

    From Flytime in Lagos and AfroNation in Accra to Alte Sounds in Kigali and the vibrant December nightlife in Mombasa or Johannesburg’s rooftop party events, African cities have become seasonal epicentres for cultural consumption.

    “Ke Dezemba” is a term used in South Africa to describe the festive season. It’s a vibrant and celebratory term that’s often associated with summer holidays, braaiing (barbecuing) and social gatherings. It could become the branding of the country’s own Detty December.

    South Africa’s global profile has been raised during its 2025 presidency of the G20. Adopting its own version of Detty December could continue to amplify Brand South Africa. It could show off the country’s vibrancy, creativity, hospitality and potential for investment.

    Aligning cultural celebration with global visibility could reframe a season of revelry into a strategic cultural and economic asset. For South Africa, this could inject capital into the tourism sector, boosting hospitality, transport and ancillary services.



    Read more:
    Culture can build a better world: four key issues on Africa’s G20 agenda

    Beyond direct tourism, the spotlight on South African art and culture during this period could make a lasting impact on the creative economy, fostering growth and job creation.

    Physical celebration could be digitally amplified to make a lasting impression.

    A notable example is Spotify’s unveiling of its Detty December hub. The music streaming service intends celebrating the festive season across west Africa and South Africa with playlists of party tracks.

    Spotify’s Phiona Okumu explains:

    Detty December is a special time for our users in west Africa, and Ke Dezemba symbolises South Africa’s spirit of celebration.

    How to make it work

    The lessons from west African cities suggest that cultural economies thrive with:

    • flexible governance

    • inclusive participation

    • engaged diasporas

    • innovative business models.

    For Nigeria’s Detty December model to be sustainable it would require strategic policy support, urban planning integration and investment in creative infrastructure.

    A group of diasporans in Ghana at the AfroFuture festival.
    Fquasie/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    Funding models such as memberships and sponsorships are crucial for the longevity of music festivals. Policy support and infrastructure investment are necessary to unlock the full potential of the creative sector.

    Cultural tourism, powerfully embodied by Detty December, is emerging as a viable economic strategy for African cities. This signals a broader recognition of culture’s economic power. It offers a compelling canvas for economic development and nation branding.

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

    – ref. Detty December started as a Nigerian cultural moment. Now it’s spreading across the continent – and minting money – https://theconversation.com/detty-december-started-as-a-nigerian-cultural-moment-now-its-spreading-across-the-continent-and-minting-money-258949

    MIL OSI Analysis –

    June 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Women trapped with abusers: South Africa’s COVID lockdowns exposed serious protection gaps

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Marinei Herselman, Lecturer, University of Fort Hare

    The unintended consequences of measures introduced to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus from 2020 to 2022 have been studied extensively. Research in South Africa shows that some of these measures added to social ills, such as unemployment and poverty.

    Another impact of “lockdown” was on gender-based violence. The government’s Gender-Based Violence Command Centre reported over 120,000 cases within the first three weeks of lockdown.

    In the year 2019-20, 53,293 sexual offences were reported, an average of 146 per day. This was up from 52,420 in 2018-19. Most of these were cases of rape. The police recorded 42,289 rapes in 2019-20, up from 41,583 in 2018-19, an average of 116 rapes each day. Further, a total of 2,695 women were murdered in South Africa in 2019-20. This means a woman is murdered every three hours.

    The lockdown measures required people to remain indoors. Schools and non-essential establishments like restaurants were closed. Travelling internationally and between provinces was prohibited.

    Research showed that the lockdown measures trapped many women and children in abusive environments. The gender-based violence incidents highlighted gaps in support services and underscored the critical role of social workers in crisis situations.

    In a recent paper, we described our study of the impact the lockdown measures had on gender-based violence in Matatiele, a small town in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, one of the poorest regions in the country.

    The study highlighted the need to integrate gender-based violence support services into emergency plans to ensure continuity of care in times of crisis. In addition, the challenges faced by social workers during the pandemic showed systemic weaknesses in the support infrastructure.



    Read more:
    South African women face exclusion from society due to gender-based violence – how they’re fighting back

    We recommend prioritising gender-based violence services, expanding the social work workforce, and ensuring accessible, effective support mechanisms to safeguard survivors. By engaging local and provincial partners through cross-sector collaboration, South Africa can build a more equitable society and empower survivors during future emergencies.

    Interviewing survivors of violence

    Our findings were based on interviews with 30 survivors of gender-based violence and five social workers at the Thuthuzela Care Centre in Matatiele, which provides support for rape survivors. Twenty-four of the survivors (80%) were women and six (20%) were males. The participants were aged 18-35.

    We found that 63.3% of survivors experienced gender-based violence differently during the pandemic, primarily because access to support services was reduced. Key findings were that:

    • survivors found it difficult to reach police stations, hospitals and support centres

    • a lack of transport and staffing made access to services even more difficult than usual

    • survivors were often imprisoned with their abusers, making it nearly impossible to escape the abusive environment

    • the closure of schools and community centres destroyed additional refuges and support networks

    • social workers reported that remote counselling methods, such as telephone calls, were less effective

    • poor internet connection and the inability to meet in person limited the quality of psychosocial support provided

    • many perpetrators faced job losses and economic hardships; this led to increased stress and violence.

    Our findings highlight how public health crises can worsen existing social vulnerabilities. The COVID-19 pandemic starkly illustrated the vulnerability of survivors during crises and the role of social workers in providing support.



    Read more:
    Spoken word poetry challenges gender-based violence in Namibia

    Women’s experiences

    As shown in the table, some participants said their experiences of abuse were the same before and during COVID-19. This might be because a participant was abused during the pandemic and had not been a victim before.

    Most of the research participants said their experience of gender-based violence was different from how it had been before COVID-19. Asked to explain, most of them responded in similar ways.

    One of the women said:

    I have difficulty escaping my abuser.

    Another said:

    I struggled to sleep, and I was anxious for a long time. I accepted the situation and told myself that I will be fine. I was abused by a stranger, which made it difficult for me to get justice but I told myself that abuse is something that you cannot run away from.

    Lack of sleep is a common challenge for many survivors of gender-based violence.

    One of the male survivors in the study, a married man, spoke of the difficulty of dealing with societal norms which are rooted in patriarchy. There’s a local saying which captures the typical attitude: indoda yokwenyani ayikhali (“a real man does not cry”).

    There appeared to be a general sense that gender-based violence would not change, so women and men just accepted and normalised it.



    Read more:
    Men abused by women don’t all fight back. Some believe a strong man is non-violent – South African study

    Next steps

    An effective response to gender-based violence requires sufficient staffing of response facilities. There is also a need for robust communication tools and training to handle remote support scenarios as happened during COVID.

    Gender-based violence is a serious problem that needs a multi-faceted response. Governments, and non-profit, non-governmental and
    civil society organisations must work together. This will help in achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality. Gender equality is a fundamental human right. It is a foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world. While some progress has been made in recent decades, the world is not on track to achieve gender equality by 2030.

    To lessen the impact of future crises on survivors of gender-based violence, several steps are essential:

    • the government must recognise support services as critical in emergencies; social workers must be classified as essential personnel so that they can continue their work without restrictions

    • essential services such as safe shelters, mental health support and legal aid must be in place, and healthcare services must be fully available, well-equipped and well-staffed

    • the government must expand and train the social worker workforce, and provide specialised training for any crisis situation in the future

    • there is need to develop support channels, including online platforms, helplines and mobile outreach programmes

    • investing in reliable communication technologies and transportation can help people reach support services

    • long-term strategies should focus on reducing gender inequalities and challenging patriarchal norms.

    Bongeka Zawani, a master’s student at the University of Fort Hare, carried out the study this article is based on.

    Marinei Herselman and Bongeka Zwani received funding from the University of Fort Hare GMRDC for this study.

    – ref. Women trapped with abusers: South Africa’s COVID lockdowns exposed serious protection gaps – https://theconversation.com/women-trapped-with-abusers-south-africas-covid-lockdowns-exposed-serious-protection-gaps-243198

    MIL OSI Analysis –

    June 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Sudan: foreign interests are deepening a devastating war – only regional diplomacy can stop them

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By John Mukum Mbaku, Professor, Weber State University

    The war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has raged since April 2023. It’s turned Sudan into the site of one of the world’s most catastrophic humanitarian and displacement crises.

    At least 150,000 people have been killed. More than 14 million have been displaced, with over 3 million fleeing to neighbouring countries like Chad, Ethiopia and South Sudan. Once a vibrant capital city, Khartoum is now a “burnt-out shell”.

    This devastating war, rooted in long-standing ethnic, political and economic tensions, has been compounded by what international and regional actors have done and failed to do. As Amnesty International notes, the international response remains “woefully inadequate”.

    The problem lies in the fact that external involvement has not been neutral. Instead of halting the conflict, many external players have complicated it. In some cases, international interventions have escalated it.

    More than 10 countries across Africa, the Middle East and Asia have been drawn into Sudan’s war. This has turned it into a proxy conflict that reflects the interests of external actors, such as Egypt, Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

    Several actors have taken sides.

    Saudi Arabia, for instance, backs the Sudanese army. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is alleged to support the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Egypt, citing historical ties, backs the army. For their part, Ethiopia and Eritrea reportedly support the paramilitary group. Chad has been accused of facilitating arms shipments to the Rapid Support Forces via its eastern airports. Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and Iran have also been linked to diplomatic and military support to Sudan’s army.

    These geopolitical entanglements have made peace nearly impossible, deepening the conflict instead of resolving it.

    I have studied Africa’s governance failures for more than 30 years, from military elites and coups to state capture and political instability. Based on this, my view is that Sudan’s conflict cannot be resolved without serious international commitment to neutrality and peace.



    Read more:
    Sudan’s peace mediation should be led by the African Union: 3 reasons why

    The involvement of foreign actors on opposing sides must be reversed. International involvement must be premised on helping the Sudanese people develop the capacity to resolve governance problems themselves.

    For this to happen, regional diplomacy must be stepped up. The African Union must assert its legitimacy and take the lead in addressing this challenging crisis. It can do this by putting pressure on member states to ensure that any ceasefire agreements are enforced.

    The East African Community and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development can provide assistance in securing a peace agreement and ensuring it’s enforced. Members of these continental organisations can encourage external actors to limit their intervention in Sudan to activities that promote democratic governance and sustainable development.

    The African Union

    The African Union should play a central role in bringing peace to Sudan. But its absence has been conspicuous.

    Despite adopting the “African solutions to African problems” mantra, the African Union has neither held Sudan’s warlords accountable nor put in place adequate civilian protection measures.

    First, it could have worked closely with the UN to deploy a mission to Sudan with a mandate to protect civilians, monitor human rights (especially the rights of women and girls), assist in the return of all displaced persons and prevent any further attacks on civilians.

    Second, the African Union could have sent an expert group to investigate human rights violations, especially sexual violence. The results could have been submitted to the union’s Peace and Security Council for further action.

    Third, the African Union could have worked closely with regional and international actors, including the Arab League. This would ensure a unified approach to the conflict, based on the interests of Sudanese people for peace and development.

    Finally, the AU could have addressed the root causes of Sudan’s conflicts, which include extreme poverty, inequality, political exclusion and economic marginalisation.

    The African Union could also make use of the insights and knowledge gleaned by African leaders like Kenya’s William Ruto and Egypt’s Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who have attempted to mediate, but have failed. The AU should also use the political expertise of elder statesmen, such as Thabo Mbeki, Moussa Faki and Olusegun Obasanjo, to help address the conflict and humanitarian crisis.

    The United Arab Emirates

    The UAE is alleged to back the paramilitary troops in the war. In recent years, the UAE has become increasingly involved in African conflicts. It has supported various factions to conflicts in the Horn of Africa, the Sahel region and Libya.

    Its increased involvement in Africa is driven by several strategic interests. These include fighting terrorism, securing maritime routes, and expanding its trade and influence.



    Read more:
    Sudan is burning and foreign powers are benefiting – what’s in it for the UAE

    In 2009, the UAE helped Sudan mediate its border conflict with Chad. The UAE supported the ouster of Omar al-Bashir in April 2019, as well as Sudan’s transitional military council.

    In 2021, the UAE signed a strategic partnership with Sudan to modernise its political institutions and return the country to the international community. The UAE has stated that it has taken a neutral position in the present conflict. However, on 6 March 2025, Sudan brought a case against the UAE to the International Court of Justice. It accused the UAE of complicity in genocide, alleging that the UAE “has been arming the RSF with the aim of wiping out the non-Arab Massalit population of West Darfur.”

    The United States

    During his first term, US president Donald Trump spearheaded the Abraham Accords. These agreements were aimed at normalising relations between Israel and several Arab countries, including Sudan. Subsequently, Sudan was removed from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism.

    The accords appeared to have brought Khartoum closer to Washington. They provided avenues for the type of engagement that could have placed it in good stead when Trump returned to the White House in 2025.

    However, Sudan’s internal political and economic instability, including the present civil war, has complicated the situation.

    The Abraham Accords were a significant foreign policy achievement for Trump. A peaceful, democratically governed, and economically stable and prosperous Sudan could serve as the foundation for Trump’s “circle of peace” in the Middle East.

    But Trump and his administration are preoccupied with other domestic and foreign policy priorities. During his May 2025 visit to Saudi Arabia, Trump did not officially address the conflict in Sudan. Instead, he placed emphasis on securing business deals and investments.

    The European Union

    The European Union has strongly condemned the violence and the atrocities committed during the war in Sudan, especially against children and women. The organisation has appealed for an immediate and lasting ceasefire while noting that Sudan faces the “most catastrophic humanitarian crisis of the 21st century”.

    Unfortunately, member countries will remain preoccupied with helping Ukraine, especially given the growing uncertainty in Washington’s relationship with the authorities in Kyiv.

    The preoccupation and focus of the EU and the US on Gaza, Ukraine and Iran may, however, be underestimating the geopolitical risks Sudan’s war is generating.

    A peaceful and democratically governed Sudan can contribute to peace not just in the region, but also in many other parts of the world.

    What now?

    To end Sudan’s war and prevent future ones, international and African actors must do more than issue statements. They must act coherently, collectively and with genuine commitment to the Sudanese people’s right to peace, democratic governance and sustainable development.

    Democracy and the rule of law are key to peaceful coexistence and sustainable development in Sudan. However, establishing and sustaining institutions that enhance and support democracy is the job of the Sudanese people. The external community can provide the financial support that Sudan is likely to need. It can also support the strengthening of electoral systems, civic education and citizen trust in public institutions.

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

    – ref. Sudan: foreign interests are deepening a devastating war – only regional diplomacy can stop them – https://theconversation.com/sudan-foreign-interests-are-deepening-a-devastating-war-only-regional-diplomacy-can-stop-them-259824

    MIL OSI Analysis –

    June 27, 2025
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