NEW YORK, April 16, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President U. Joy Ogwu ( Nigeria):The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the attack against the Jordanian diplomatic convoy in Tripoli, Libya, on 15 April, which resulted in the abduction of the Jordanian ambassador and injuries to his driver.The members of the Security Council expressed their deep concern at this attack and called for the immediate release of the Jordanian ambassador.The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that such acts are unjustifiable regardless of their motivations,…
Author: apofeed
GENEVA, Switzerland, April 16, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — IOM has issued a report on psychosocial needs and resources in South Sudan, highlighting serious protection and mental health concerns in a country that has been wracked by conflict as well as major deficiencies in the health care system.The report is based on an assessment of the psychosocial support needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) seeking protection on the UN peacekeeping compound in Bor. Forty-eight interviews with 192 individuals were conducted during the assessment, together with interviews and focus group discussions with humanitarian actors and community leaders.The report aims to identify…
GENEVA, Switzerland, April 16, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Armed conflict in the Central African Republic (CAR) is causing massive human displacement and neighbouring countries with limited resources are carrying an increasingly heavy financial burden.Tens of thousands of Car Muslims, migrants and returnees fleeing armed groups continue to pour into Chad, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Republic of Congo (RoC). An estimated 200,000 have already fled CAR.IOM has stepped up its response to the influx in Chad and Cameroon, and is now present on the borders of both countries to provide registration, medical and psychosocial assistance,…
NEW YORK, April 16, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Authorities in Cameroon should release a newspaper editor who has been imprisoned since March 29 after being convicted of criminal defamation, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. On Friday, a judge postponed indefinitely a bail hearing for Amungwa Tanyi Nicodemus, according to news reports.On March 10, a court in the northwestern city of Bamenda sentenced Nicodemus, publisher and editor of the private weekly The Monitor, to four months in prison and ordered him to pay 10 million CFA francs in damages (US$21,000), his defense lawyer, Yijofmen Kol, told CPJ. The…
PARIS, France, April 15, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — FIDH and MBDHP welcome the decision of the African Court of Human and Peoples’ Rights in the affair concerning the assassination of the Burkinabe journalist, Norbert Zongo, and of three of his companions. Almost 16 years after these acts, the Court recognises the role of Burkina Faso in denying justice for the beneficiaries of these four murdered men.In its ruling of 8 March 2014, the African Court found that Burkina “failed to act with due diligence in seeking, trying and judging the assassins of Norbert Zongo and his companions” [and as…
DUBLIN, Ireland, April 15, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — His Excellency the Ambassador of Republic of Senegal presented its Letters of Credence to the President at Áras an Uachtaráin today.H.E. Mr. Abdou Sourang, Ambassador of the Republic of Senegal, was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Marieme Sourang, and by Mr. Sara Ndiaye, First Counsellor at the Embassy.Ms. Jan O’Sullivan, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, represented the Government at the ceremony.The following were also present: Mr. Loughin Quinn, Deputy Secretary-General to the President; Mr. David Cooney, Secretary-General, Department of Foreign Affairs and…
DAKAR, Senegal, April 15, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for West Africa, Mr. Said Djinnit, met yesterday, in Monrovia, the President of Liberia, Ms. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.SRSG Djinnit discussed with the Liberian President the implementation of the Transborder Security Strategy adopted by the Mano River Union leaders in October 2013. They also discussed issues related to stability in West Africa as well as to drug trafficking and organized crime.Mr. Djinnit had discussions on the same issues with the National Security Advisor, the Acting Minister of Justice and the heads of the country’s security in!…
LUXEMBOURG, Luxembourg, April 15, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Council today established a civilian mission under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) to support the internal security forces in mali. EUCAP Sahel mali is an additional contribution to the EU’s overall support to stability, institutional reform and the full restoration of state authority throughout the country. The mission will support the Malian state to ensure constitutional and democratic order and the conditions for lasting peace as well as to maintain its authority throughout the entire territory. The mission will deliver strategic advice and training for the three internal…
LUXEMBOURG, Luxembourg, April 15, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Council today extended the EU military training mission in mali (EUTM Mali) by two years, i.e. until 18 May 2016. EUTM mali supports the training and reorganisation of the Malian Armed Forces. It aims to help improve the military capacity of the Malian Armed Forces in order to allow, under civilian authority, the restoration of the country’s territorial integrity. The extension of the mandate will allow military training of four additional battalions of the Malian Armed Forces. At the same time, the Council approved additional activities for the mission. During…
ACCRA, Ghana, April 15, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Garmin Southern Africa (Pty.) Ltd (http://www.garmin.co.za) is pleased to announce that it is hosting a trade delegation in Accra, Ghana from the 12th to 16th May 2014. The purpose of the trade delegation is to engage with prospective businesses partners in West Africa who have strong distribution and/or reselling capabilities and a proven track record of successfully furthering brands into their designated markets.Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/garmin-logo.jpg With global annual revenues of over U$2.5 billion and a presence in 54 territories around the globe, Garmin has sold over 100 million products sold worldwide, and…
NEW YORK, April 15, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:The Secretary-General is shocked and saddened by the many lives lost today in a bomb attack at a bus station in the Nyanyan neighbourhood, close to the Nigerian capital, Abuja. He offers his condolences to the bereaved families and to those injured.The Secretary-General strongly condemns all indiscriminate killings and acts of violent extremism. The perpetrators of this attack, and those responsible for the continuing brutal attacks in the north-east of the country, must be brought to justice.
RABAT, Morocco, April 15, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — In the current global-security environment, one nation isn’t enough. After decades of overseas contingency operations, from the sands of Afghanistan to the jungles of Mali, coalitions are a clear indicator of partner nations’ commitment to worldwide stability and security.Exercise African Lion is U.S. Africa Command’s flagship program in Northern Africa to build partner-nation capacity and interoperability. With more regional cooperation between North African nations, bringing more partners into the mix would increase expertise, capabilities and professionalism across the board.“We are very keen to work together with [Moroccans]; they are great partners…
NAIROBI, Kenya, April 15, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Kenya’s transition to a green economy could produce major economic benefits – equivalent to an estimated USD 45 billion by 2030 – as well as greater food security, a cleaner environment and higher productivity of natural resources, according to a new study launched Tuesday by the Government of Kenya and the UN Environment Programme. The Green Economy Assessment Report: Kenya finds that the transition to an inclusive, low emission , resource efficient green economy will result in stronger economic growth and increased wealth creation opportunities by 2021.Under a green economy scenario,…
GENEVA, Switzerland, April 15, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — IOM has received USD 1 million from Japan to support a project that aims to enhance community stabilization for mobile populations and communities that host them in Northern Kenya.The project was launched yesterday (14/4) by Japanese Ambassador to Kenya Tatsushi Terada and will be implemented in close cooperation with the local (county) governments of Turkana, Marsabit, Uasin Gishu and Garissa.Turkana County is currently grappling with drought and an influx of refugees from South Sudan. The targeted counties have also had to contend with severe flooding, landslides and recurrent inter-communal conflicts.About 30…
NEW YORK, April 15, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President U. Joy Ogwu ( Nigeria):The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the multiple terrorist attacks committed by Boko Haram that occurred in Nigeria on 13 and 14 April, causing numerous deaths and injuries.The members of the Security Council expressed their deep sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and expressed their sympathy to all those injured in these attacks, and to the people and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.The members…
OTTAWA, Canada, April 15, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement following a deadly bombing on the outskirts of Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, that claimed the lives of more than 70 people and left over 100 injured:“Canada condemns in the strongest possible terms this cowardly terrorist attack during rush hour at a busy bus station in Abuja.“On behalf of all Canadians, we extend our sincerest condolences to the families and friends of the innocent victims of this attack.“Such brutal acts of terror cannot be allowed to go unpunished. Canada reaffirms its support to…
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, April 15, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, is deeply shocked and appalled by the bomb attack that took place this morning in the outskirts of Abuja, Nigeria. This attack claimed dozens of innocent lives and wounded many others.The Chairperson of the Commission strongly condemns this cowardly and terrorist attack. She expresses AU’s most sincere condolences to the bereaved families and to the people and Government of Nigeria. She wishes those wounded strength and a speedy recovery. The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates AU’s solidarity…
GENEVA, Switzerland, April 15, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Tunisia’s Ministry of Justice, the Council of Europe and IOM will today (15/4) open a two-day international conference on “The Fight against Human Trafficking: A Multiple Response to a Multi-faceted Challenge”. The event will take place through April 16th at the Golden Tulip, El Mechtel Hotel in Tunis.Participants will discuss the human trafficking in Tunisia, the Mahgreb and the Western Mediterranean and international measures to combat the problem, including the Council of Europe’s Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. They will also share practical experiences and best practices.
LONDON, United-Kingdom, April 14, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Foreign Secretary condemns Abuja bomb attack and offers continued UK support for Nigeria.The Foreign Secretary, William Hague, said:“I was deeply saddened to hear of the bomb explosion in the east of Abuja. I unreservedly condemn those responsible and hope they are swiftly brought to justice. “I offer the British government’s deepest condolences to the bereaved and those who have suffered injury. We will continue to work closely with the Nigerian government to help them tackle the threat from terrorism.”Notes for Editors The FCO has updated its travel advice, advising British Nationals…
CAIRO, Egypt, April 14, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — • Philips’ fifth Cairo to Cape Town roadshow contributes to ambitions to significantly expand its business footprint on the continent• Focus on the UN Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5 as well as the post-2015 Development agenda; maternal and child health, non-communicable diseases and energy efficient LED lighting• 21st century LED technology to highlight iconic city monumentsRoyal Philips (http://www.philips.com) (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) announces its fifth consecutive pan-African Cairo to Cape Town roadshow (http://www.philips.com/africaroadshow) (from 14 April to 3 September 2014) continuing to focus on key challenges facing Africa today -…