insert_link APO International United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia starts operations The United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) began operations today, succeeding the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM). “UNTMIS reaffirms the UN’s commitment to the Government and people of Somalia in building a stronger country and better future – we look forward to working together as partners throughout this planned two-year transitional mission, as Somalia further reinforces national ownership and self-reliance,” said the UN Secretary-General’s Acting Special […] todayNovember 1, 2024 6
insert_link APO International Libyan youth call for an active participation in Ceasefire Agreement implementation during United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) workshop Fourteen young men and women from across Libya joined UNSMIL experts from the Ceasefire Monitoring Component on Wednesday in Tripoli to share their ideas and recommendations on how youth can support the implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement in Libya. In breakout discussions the participants continually raised the issues of insecurity on both militarily and political fronts, and the impact that this has on the social and economic fabric of the […] todayNovember 1, 2024 5
insert_link World Hundreds of troops help search effort after devastating floods in eastern Spain Search and rescue teams are still looking for missing people after devastating flash flooding in eastern Spain. At least 95 people have been confirmed as dead so far. Our southern Europe correspondent Giles Gibson has more. todayNovember 1, 2024 12
insert_link Namibia Nkurenkuru Town Council Receives Adverse Audit Report Amid Financial Irregularities The Auditor-General’s latest report on the Nkurenkuru Town Council has issued an adverse audit opinion for the financial year ending 30 June 2023. Key findings include improper revenue recognition for land sales, overstatements in infrastructure projects, VAT discrepancies, and issues with trade receivables. Additionally, the Council implemented a travel allowance policy against ministerial advice. Recommendations were given to improve compliance with accounting standards and ensure accurate financial reporting. todayNovember 1, 2024 8
insert_link Namibia INTERVIEW: Omar van Reenen Reflects on Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize In a groundbreaking moment for LGBTQI+ rights in Namibia, Omar van Reenen has been awarded the prestigious Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize. This honor recognizes young leaders worldwide for their dedication to safeguarding democracy and human rights. In an exclusive interview, van Reenen shared his thoughts on receiving this award, its significance for the LGBTQI+ community, and his plans moving forward. Van Reenen expressed his gratitude for being nominated by […] todayNovember 1, 2024 8
insert_link South Africa Deputy President Says Government Is Collaborating with Development Bank to Aid Indebted Municipalities S.A's Deputy president Paul Mashatile says the government is working with the Development Bank of Southern Africa to secure resources to assist municipalities that are in debt. Municipalities owe creditors 116.5-billion-rand, with 75.3-percent of this debt more than 90 days overdue. In turn municipalities in 2023/2024 were owed 339.9-billion-rand. Answering questions in the National Assembly yesterday, Mashatile said it is concerning that many municipalities are in financial stress: todayNovember 1, 2024 21
insert_link Namibia Historic Win for Namibian LGBTQI+ Activist Omar van Reenen, a prominent Namibian LGBTQI+ activist, has made history by becoming the first advocate for LGBTQI+ rights to win the Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize in Athens, Greece. This prestigious award honors young leaders globally who demonstrate exceptional commitment to promoting democracy and human rights. Van Reenen's activism in Namibia includes efforts to advocate for protective LGBTQI+ laws, challenge discriminatory policies, and mobilize public support for queer rights. […] todayNovember 1, 2024 17
insert_link APO International Eritrea: Meeting with National Organizations in Sweden Ambassador Fesehatsion Petros, Eritrea’s non-resident Ambassador to Sweden, held a meeting with leaders of Eritrean national organizations in Sweden. The meeting focused on strengthening organizational capacity, nurturing competent and patriotic youth, and discussing the situation in the homeland and the progress of national development programs. Ambassador Fesehatsion emphasized that organization is the foundation of success, calling on nationals in Sweden to enhance their organizational strength, reinforce resilience against external hostilities, […] todayNovember 1, 2024 4
insert_link APO International 9th Meeting of Eritrean National Committee in Germany The Eritrean National Committee in Germany convened for its 9th meeting on 26 October in Frankfurt. The gathering included representatives from various national committees and members of the Eritrean Commission from cities across Germany. Mr. Yohannes Woldu, Charge d’Affaires at the Eritrean Embassy in Germany, provided a comprehensive briefing on the objective situation in the homeland as well as on regional and global developments. He emphasized the importance of the […] todayNovember 1, 2024 3