insert_link APO International Guinea: An almost-forgotten disease makes a resurgence in West Africa In recent months, countries across West Africa have been battling the worst wave of diphtheria on record on the continent. The first cases were diagnosed in August 2022 in Niger, before the disease spread to Algeria, Mauritania, Nigeria and Guinea. The first patient in Guinea was diagnosed in July 2023 in Siguiri, a prefecture in the northeast of the country. Since then, cases of the life-threatening disease have continued to […] todayJanuary 12, 2024 1
insert_link APO International Japan’s humanitarian assistance supports more than 65,000 refugees in the Mauritania Mbera camp The Government of Japan's US$2 million (over 79 million ouguiyas) funds in 2023 allowed the UN World Food Programme (WFP) in Mauritania to provide food assistance to more than 65,000 vulnerable Malian refugees in the Mbera camp. Japan's contribution ensured food security for nearly 65,210 beneficiaries over five months (July-November 2023), through the distribution of in-kind food to vulnerable refugee populations who had fled the armed conflict in Mali to […] todayJanuary 12, 2024
insert_link APO International United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Government to coordinate in investigating breach of United Nations (UN) compound At approximately 5:00am this morning, an unidentified armed intruder in military uniform entered the United Nations Mission in South Sudan’s (UNMISS) base in Tomping and began shooting indiscriminately at a sentry post and other UNMISS installations. UNMISS personnel manning the post responded in self-defense, wounding the intruder who later succumbed to his injuries. UNMISS regrets the loss of life and is coordinating with South Sudanese authorities to investigate the incident […] todayJanuary 12, 2024
insert_link APO International Afreximbank announces an initial disbursement of US$2.25 billion under a syndicated US$3.3 billion Crude Oil Prepayment Facility sponsored by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited This landmark financing is the largest syndicated loan ever raised by Nigeria in the International market and one of the largest syndicated debts raised in Africa in recent years; The Facility will enhance Nigeria’s macroeconomic stability and long-term economic growth, while enabling access to raw materials and trade development efforts; Raising such a significant amount at year end when many financiers are closing their books represented a vote of confidence on Nigeria […] todayJanuary 12, 2024 4
insert_link APO International Presidential Election in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Statement by Press Secretary KOBAYASHI Maki) The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) held a presidential election which began on 20 December 2023 (local time) and its Constitutional Court declared the final result on 9 January 2024 (local time). Japan congratulates Mr. Félix Antoine TSHISEKEDI TSHILOMBO, the incumbent candidate, on his re-election as President. Japan considers that the election was held with the strong will of the people of the DRC towards the consolidation of democracy […] todayJanuary 12, 2024 2
insert_link APO International International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Amani Africa Launch a Policy Brief on Safeguarding the Humanitarian Space in Africa: Analysis of Current State of Affairs and Policy Recommendations Across Africa, a humanitarian crisis unfolds. Spiraling conflicts, a changing climate, and restrictive government policies cast a long shadow on millions in need. A joint policy brief, a product of Amani Africa in collaboration the ICRC, illuminates this stark reality, showcasing how the very space for delivering vital aid shrinks with each passing day. The need for action is immense. Food insecurity and displacement figures climb at an alarming rate, […] todayJanuary 12, 2024
insert_link APO International Uganda: Legislators raise concerns over country’s debt burden The increasing debt burden facing the country continues to bother Members of Parliament on the Budget Committee who have put the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to task on how to manage it. According to the State Minister for Finance, Hon. Henry Musasizi, the total debt stock as of June 2023 stood at US$23.7 billion, compared to December 2022 when it stood at US$21 billion. Musasizi made this […] todayJanuary 12, 2024
insert_link APO International At the United Nations Security Council, Special Representative Simão Reiterates D’ United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel’s (UNOWAS) Commitment to Working with Regional and International Partners to Consolidate Peace, Security and Democracy in West Africa and the Sahel The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Leonardo Santos Simão, yesterday presented to the United Nations Security Council the latest report of the Secretary-General on the activities of UNOWAS. The report covers the period from 30 June 30 to 31 December 2023. Addressing the members of the Security Council, Mr. Simão evoked the persistence of socio-political tensions, the […] todayJanuary 12, 2024 1
insert_link APO International East African Community (EAC) Statement on Inter-Partner States Cooperation The East African Community was founded primarily to cooperate for mutual benefit and to promote the welfare of the people of East Africa, including jointly undertaking activities in furtherance of the objectives of the Community. Accordingly, all East African Community Partner States are urged to strive to achieve harmonious cooperation in their undertakings to ensure the people of East Africa remain at the centre of our integration. The Community’s operational […] todayJanuary 12, 2024 6