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Today, 6 May 2021, Trial Chamber IX of the International Criminal Court (&#8220;ICC&#8221; or &#8220;Court&#8221;) sentenced (https://bit.ly/3vFojXc) Dominic Ongwen to 25 years of imprisonment following the Trial Judgment (https://bit.ly/33rpsW9) in which the Chamber found him guilty for a total of 61 crimes comprising crimes against humanity and war crimes, committed in Northern Uganda between 1 July 2002 and 31 December 2005. The period of his detention between 4 January 2015 and 6 May 2021, will be deducted from the total time of imprisonment imposed on him. The sentence may be appealed before the ICC Appeals Chamber by either party to the proceedings.

Judge Bertram Schmitt, Presiding Judge, read a summary of the Chamber’s decision (https://bit.ly/33mXV8l). He highlighted that the Chamber was confronted in the present case with a unique situation. It is confronted with a perpetrator who wilfully and lucidly brought tremendous suffering upon his victims. However, it is also confronted with a perpetrator who himself had previously endured extreme suffering himself at the hands of the group of which he later became a prominent member and leader.
The Chamber decided to give certain weight in mitigation to the circumstances of Dominic Ongwen’s childhood, his abduction by the Lord&#39;s Resistance Army (LRA) at a very young age and his early stay with the LRA.
The Chamber rejected the Defence’s arguments, recalling its analysis of evidence in the Judgment issued on 4 February 2021, and considered that the mitigating circumstances of substantially diminished mental capacity and duress are not applicable.
The Chamber also rejected the arguments of the Defence concerning traditional justice mechanisms, noting that there exists no possibility under the Statute to replace a term of imprisonment with traditional justice mechanisms, or to incorporate traditional justice mechanisms into the sentence in any other way.  It also noted that Acholi traditional justice mechanisms are not in widespread use, to the extent that they would replace formal justice, and that they are reserved to members of the Acholi community, meaning that their use would mean that some victims belonging to other ethnic groups would be excluded. The Chamber emphasised that reconciliation, whatever its form, is a process in which victim participation is essential, and noted that it is clear that many victims of the crimes committed by Dominic Ongwen do not support the idea of traditional justice in the present case, and that they have also criticised the fact that submissions in this regard were made to the Chamber without consulting them. 
The Chamber analysed one-by-one the gravity of each of the 61 crimes for which Dominic Ongwen was convicted, finding several aggravating circumstances applicable to some or even most crimes. Aggravating circumstances included particular cruelty, multiplicity of victims, the victims being particularly defenceless, and discrimination on political grounds and discrimination against women. The Chamber imposed individual sentences for each crime, taking the mitigating circumstance of Dominic Ongwen’s childhood and abduction by the LRA into due account. The highest individual sentences were of 20 years. Other sentences pronounced for individual crimes were of 14 or 8 years of imprisonment.
In its determination of the joint sentence for all the crimes for which Dominic Ongwen was convicted, the Chamber declined to sentence Dominic Ongwen to life imprisonment, considering his individual circumstances and in order to envisage a concrete prospect for Dominic Ongwen to eventually re-build his life.
The Chamber then, by majority, decided to impose a joint sentence of 25 years of imprisonment. The Majority, composed of Judge Bertram Schmitt and Judge Péter Kovács, is of the view that this joint sentence adequately reflects the strongest condemnation by the international community of the crimes committed by Dominic Ongwen and acknowledges the great harm and suffering caused to the victims. At the same time, the Majority held that such a joint sentence acknowledges Dominic Ongwen’s unique personal history and safeguards the prospect of his successful social rehabilitation and, consequently, the concrete possibility of future re-integration into society. Judge Raul Cano Pangalangan appended a partly dissenting opinion on this matter as he would have sentenced Dominic Ongwen to a total period of imprisonment of 30 years.
The Chamber also issued today an order for submissions on reparations (https://bit.ly/3b9oYbM). It emphasised that the right of victims to reparations is also an essential part of the system of justice at the Court, and stated that it will push forward the reparation stage of the proceedings with vigour and the utmost care.
Sentence (https://bit.ly/3up8WCf) Partly dissenting opinion (https://bit.ly/3h7Qydg) Summary of the decision (https://bit.ly/2PSpOlA) Order for Submissions on Reparations (https://bit.ly/3vISE7i)
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Criminal Court (ICC).
Background: The trial in this case opened (https://bit.ly/3tjy4sJ) on 6 December 2016. On 4 February 2021, the Chamber delivered its judgment pursuant to Article 74 of the Statute, convicting Dominic Ongwen of a total of 61 crimes comprising crimes against humanity and war crimes. On the same day, the Chamber decided to hold a hearing under Article 76(2) of the Statute, in the presence of Dominic Ongwen, his defence counsel, representatives of the Office of the Prosecutor (“Prosecution”) and the legal participants of the victims participating in the proceedings, to hear further submissions and any additional evidence relevant to the appropriate sentence to be imposed on Dominic Ongwen. Additional evidence was submitted by the Defence, whereas the Prosecution and the legal representatives of the participating victims chose not to present any additional evidence. On 14 and 15 April 2021, the Chamber held a hearing on sentence under Article 76(2) of the Statute in the presence of the Prosecution, Dominic Ongwen and his Defence and both teams of the legal representatives of the participating victims.
A total of 4095 victims, represented by their legal counsels Joseph Akwenyu Manoba, and Francisco Cox, as well as Paolina Massidda, respectively, have been granted the right to participate in the proceedings.
The Trial Chamber issued 70 oral decisions, and 528 written decisions up until the issuance of the sentence. The total case record, consisting of the filings of the parties and participants and the Chamber&#39;s decision, currently includes more than 1810 filings.
For further information on this case, please click here (https://bit.ly/3tpmWKX)
Questions and Answers on the sentence: English (https://bit.ly/33iixyE); Français (https://bit.ly/2PThUZd)
Audio-visual materials:
Sentence in the Ongwen case, full hearing, 6 May 2021 
 	YouTube (for viewing): English (https://bit.ly/3tr5iX3); Acholi (https://bit.ly/3eoEnac); French (https://bit.ly/3h4WbIW) 	Video (MPEG-4) for download: English (https://bit.ly/3xRb9IM); Acholi (https://bit.ly/3epWnAI); French (https://bit.ly/2Sy8N19) 	Audio (MPEG-3) for download: English (https://bit.ly/3h5A2u5); Acholi (https://bit.ly/3f1GmQC); French (https://bit.ly/3vITsZS) 
For further information, please contact: Fadi El Abdallah Spokesperson and Head of Public Affairs Unit International Criminal Court Telephone at: +31 (0)70 515-9152 or +31 (0)6 46448938 E-mail at: fadi.el-abdallah@icc-cpi.int
You can also follow the Court&#39;s activities on Twitter (bit.ly/2QPhIu9), Facebook (bit.ly/3dBe5Qv), Tumblr (bit.ly/2PMkBLD), YouTube (bit.ly/3dm3vMT), Instagram (bit.ly/3ft1iBX) and Flickr (bit.ly/2PlhBGo)
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Dominic Ongwen sentenced to 25 years of imprisonment

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Energy Capital &#038; Power (ECP) (www.EnergyCapitalPower.com) is proud to announce its partnership with Equatorial Guinea’s Ministry of Mines and Hydrocarbons (MMH) for the premier U.S.-Africa Energy Forum (USAEF) 2021; ECP, in partnership with Equatorial Guinea’s MMH, officially commenced work in-country on the Africa Energy Series: Equatorial Guinea 2021 special investor report and documentary film on Wednesday; The USAEF will take place in Houston, Texas, on 4-5 October 2021. Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons will speak and the MMH will showcase opportunities; The Africa Energy Series report will be distributed in print and digitally, and the documentary shown on international news outlets including CNBC Africa.

Energy Capital &#038; Power (ECP) is proud to announce its strategic partnership with Equatorial Guinea’s Ministry of Mines and Hydrocarbons (MMH) for the highly anticipated U.S.-Africa Energy Forum (USAEF) and the Africa Energy Series: Equatorial Guinea 2021 investment report and documentary film.
Equatorial Guinea’s MMH will be participating actively in the USAEF, which serves as the premier event for taking U.S.-Africa energy partnerships to new heights. H.E. Gabriel Obiang Lima, Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons, will speak at the forum’s 2021 event in Houston on October 4-5, 2021 and at the preceding networking function in Washington D.C. on July 12. The MMH has fully endorsed the forum, and in recognizing the valuable role that U.S. companies involved in the Equatorial Guinea market play, the Minister is formally inviting all companies and investors to participate in this distinguished event through his official letter of endorsement.
“America is a preferred partner for Equatorial Guinea, and we are keen to engage with existing investors and new companies to further develop our energy sector. The USAEF is the primary venue to fulfil these goals,” stated H.E. Gabriel Obiang Lima, Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons, Equatorial Guinea in the letter.
ECP is also excited to announce its partnership with, and official endorsement by, the MMH to produce the Africa Energy Series: Equatorial Guinea 2021 special investment report and documentary.
The report will provide a comprehensive written analysis of Equatorial Guinea’s dynamic market through insightful interviews and in-depth articles and resources, produced both digitally and in print, and distributed to a wide network of international stakeholders. The documentary offers a visual overview of the market and will be filmed by CNBC Africa and shown on the network, as well as on national television, online and at ECP events. In-country production of the book and documentary began today, and both initiatives will be officially launched in Houston at the USAEF by H.E. Minister Obiang Lima.
“Now is a critical moment to communicate and evaluate Equatorial Guinea’s successes and outlook to the world. The Africa Energy Series: Equatorial Guinea 2021 book and documentary will … be the official platform for the government and private sector of Equatorial Guinea to take a strong message to international investors and partners on our continued value creation and progress,” stated H.E. Minister Obiang Lima in his letter of support for the project.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital &#038; Power.
To find out more about the U.S.-Africa Energy Forum, please visit www.EnergyCapitalPower.com, and to advertise or sponsor, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.
For more information on participating in the Africa Energy Series: Equatorial Guinea 2021 book and documentary, contact editorial@energycapitalpower.com, or email sales@energycapitalpower.com for sponsorship options.
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Energy Capital & Power, Equatorial Guinea Partner for Investor Report, Documentary, and U.S. Event

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In the spirit of uniting Africa through sport, Khaled Babbou The President of Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) officially launched the #AfricaAsOne campaign, which has set off to echo support for all of Africa&#39;s representatives taking African Rugby to the international field of play. Speaking on the freshly cut green, he emphasised Rugby Africa’s commitment to delivering teams from their preparation games, all the way to international fixtures such as the Olympic Games and others.

Currently only South Africa and Kenya have qualified for the Olympic Games in the men&#39;s category. But Uganda and Zimbabwe still stand a chance through the Olympic Repechage. The Olympic Repechage is due to take place in Monaco on the 19th and 20th of June with the Olympic Games Tokyo starting on the 26th to the 28th of July for Men.
Through the leadership of Rugby Africa, African teams will be coming together to prepare the qualified teams for the Olympic Games and Olympic Repechage with friendly tournaments and shared preparation camps.  
With Covid-19, opportunities to play have been limited and it has proven difficult for some teams to travel outside Africa. This will be a first of its kind initiative, where the term Solidarity really takes on its full meaning. Teams will share their experiences and learn from each other in the process. Even though these games are only friendly encounters, teams will gauge themselves against some of the best teams on the continent, to prove that they can compete at the highest level.
According to Andrew Owor, President Rugby Committee and Vice-President Rugby Africa the Men’s Sevens Solidarity Camp inauguration will take place on  6th May, and end on the16th of May and as usual, much action, speed and intensity is expected for the fans of the sport.
Steph Nel, Rugby Services Manager for Africa at World Rugby announced that the venue for this season&#39;s fixtures will be at the leafy Stellenbosch Academy of Sports and Markotter Sports Field in South Africa.
Neil Powell, Coach Sevens Blitzboks spoke broadly on the readiness of his squad. According to Coach Powell, The Springbok Sevens team returned to full training at their Stellenbosch Academy of Sport base this week, with their eyes firmly fixed on their main goal for the season- success at the Olympic Games in Tokyo in July.
‘We are extremely grateful for these tournaments, organised by Rugby Africa, to give ourselves and Kenya another opportunity to prepare for the games and hand Uganda and Zimbabwe playing time as they prepare for the repechage tournament to the Olympics, that will take place in Monaco in June,” said Coach Powell.
Michael Wandera Team Manager Uganda, which will be participating this season, also chorused Powell’s sentiments by thanking Rugby Africa for yet again dedicating time, resources and leadership in building the sport continentally and most importantly providing a platform for teams to be globally competitive.
Erick Ogweno Team Manager of Kenya looks forward to a stellar performance from his athletes, believing that they have invested much in discipline and endurance, which will guarantee the speed and agility of his squad for the field of play. He exclaimed that the appetite for the sport has seen tremendous growth in Kenya over the years and it is now more than ever important for the coaching staff and players to deliver wins for the fans in Kenya.
John Ewing, Team Manager Zimbabwe, anticipates an explosive encounter for his team, which he has calibrated for a clinical performance in the games scheduled. He spoke much of how teams have been through many challenges around training due to Covid-19 related restrictions. However, he strongly believes that much of what will decide the result of this year’s Camp, will be based on the team that was most resourceful in the grey areas of preparation.
Streaming live from Rugby Africa platforms, this year&#39;s Men’s Sevens Solidarity Camp will bring together champions of African Sevens Rugby under one camp. Fans will also be able to watch highlights on the action-packed fixtures on Supersport, where they will be able to see interviews and snapshots as well. The Men’s Sevens Solidarity Camp promises to change the face of Rugby in Africa, open new ways, and opportunities for collaboration amongst coaching staff, players and more importantly fans.
Overall, this initiative will grow the influence of Rugby in Africa, drawing more inquisitive eyes to the oval-ball. Such Solidarity will inspire both young and old, to follow a sport that has already taught Africa that it is possible to be a dominating world champion. It is in this spirit that Andrew Owor, Vice President of Rugby Africa, and President of the Rugby Committee, wished all the participating teams the best of luck in the forthcoming Men’s Solidarity Camp.
Quick Facts: Men’s Sevens Solidarity Camp:
 	Dates: 6 – 16 May 	Venue: Stellenbosch Academy of Sports and Markotter Sports Field 	Teams arrive: 6 May 	Tournament: 8 &#038; 9 May – 14 &#038; 15 May 	Teams: South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.
For media enquiries please contact: N: Lerato Chiyangwa E: Rugby@apo-opa.com
News &#038; results: Follow @RugbyAfrique on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook Website: www.RugbyAfrique.com
About Rugby Africa: Created in 1986, Rugby Africa, previously the African Confederation of Rugby (Confédération Africaine de Rugby – CAR), is one of the six regional associations composing World Rugby (WorldRugby.org), the international organization responsible for the governing of Rugby Union and Rugby Sevens. Rugby Africa unites all African countries which play rugby union, rugby sevens, and women’s rugby. Rugby Africa organizes the qualifying competition for the Rugby World Cup, and Africa Sevens, a qualifying competition for the Olympic Games. Rugby Africa has 39 members. 
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Rugby Africa mulligrubbers #AfricaAsOne with launch of Men’s Sevens Solidarity Camp

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With Africa-bound COVID-19 vaccine doses from the Serum Institute of India delayed for the foreseeable future, slow vaccine rollouts and new variants making inroads, the risk of a new wave of infections in Africa remains high.

Delays and shortages of vaccine supplies are driving African countries to slip further behind the rest of the world in the COVID-19 vaccine roll out and the continent now accounts for only 1% of the vaccines administered worldwide, down from 2% a few weeks ago.
COVID-19 vaccine rollouts have been exemplary in some African countries, yet around half, or 19 million, of the 37 million COVID-19 vaccine doses received in Africa have been administered so far, according to reports from African countries. 
Initial deliveries through COVAX to 41 African nations have been staggered since early March, yet nine countries have administered less than a quarter of the doses they have, and 15 countries have given less than half. Eight countries have given all of their COVAX doses.
“While we call for vaccine equity Africa must also knuckle down and make the best of what we have. We must get all the doses we have into people’s arms, “said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa. “It’s a race against time and the virus. Given the limited supply we recommend that countries prioritize giving the first dose to as many high-risk people as possible in the shortest amount of time.”
Modelling suggests that vaccinating more people in the highest priority population groups with one dose as opposed to vaccinating half that number with two doses will substantially reduce death rates.
Africa’s vaccination coverage is the lowest for any region of the world. While globally, 150 doses of the vaccine have been administered per 1000 people, in sub-Saharan Africa it’s about 8 doses per 1000 people. Low vaccination coverage places African countries at higher risk of a massive upsurge in cases.
Vaccine patent waiver could be &#39;game changer&#39; 
South Africa and India are leading efforts to temporarily waive patent protections for COVID-19 vaccines and medicines at the World Trade Organization (WTO). The United States has offered its support to waive intellectual property rights for COVID-19 vaccines. 
“This could mark a game-changer for Africa, unlocking millions more doses and saving countless more lives. We commend the leadership shown by these countries and urge others to back them at the WTO, including for life-saving therapeutics. We hope negotiations are quickly wrapped up so we can ramp up the manufacturing and roll-out of safe and effective vaccines. No country is safe until all countries are safe,” said Dr Moeti 
COVAX and WHO are exploring all options to mitigate the impact of the global vaccine supply shortage, including supporting the reallocation of excess doses, boosting manufacturing and encouraging suppliers with extra capacity to support and prioritize COVAX.
WHO is assisting African member states efforts to roll-out COVID-19 vaccines with preparation, coordination, training of health professionals, providing policy and technical guidance and assisting with communications to boost the uptake of vaccines.
New variants and risk of resurgence
New variants also place the continent at risk of a third wave. The B.1.617 variant that was first found in India has been reported in at least one African country. The B1.351 strain, first found in South Africa, is spreading in 23 African countries and the B1.1.7 strain, first found in the United Kingdom, has been found in 20 countries.
With new variants circulating, low vaccination levels, population fatigue in adhering to preventive measures, and easing of restrictions, the conditions are present for a resurgence.
“The tragedy in India does not have to happen here in Africa, but we must all be on the highest possible alert. Governments must maintain strong surveillance and detection systems, reassess and bolster their treatment capacities, step up the supply of critical medicines, including medical oxygen and ensure there are enough beds for severely ill patients.” said Dr Moeti.
Africa&#39;s readiness
Although capacities have improved over the past year, hospital beds with capacity to deliver oxygen, and oxygen supplies, remain limited in most countries. Whereas most high-income countries globally have at least two intensive care beds per 100 000 people, only nine countries in the African Region have this many.
WHO is supporting countries to increase their oxygen supplies by providing technical assistance to high-risk countries in how to build oxygen production plants, as well as delivering more than 3,500 oxygen concentrators. WHO is collaborating with professional medical and nursing associations on the continent to scale up critical care training in member states.
In Africa, there have now been almost 4.6 million COVID-19 cases and 123,000 lives lost to this virus. In the past two weeks there has been a slight decrease in cases after a six-week plateau. However, in nine countries there is an upward trend, including in Angola, Cabo Verde, Cameroon and Eritrea.
Dr Moeti spoke during a virtual press conference today facilitated by APO Group. She was joined by Thabani Maphosa, Managing Director, Country Programmes, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Also on hand to answer questions were Dr Richard Mihigo, Immunization and Vaccine Development Programme Coordinator, WHO Regional Office for Africa and Dr Ngoy Nsenga, WHO COVID-19 Incident Manager
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.

Vaccine supply crunch adds to risk of COVID-19 resurgence

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COVID-19 daily update &#8211; 5th May: we report 45 new cases out of 4,663 tests (1% positivity), 32 recoveries, 7,198 new vaccinations and 1 death.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI).
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Coronavirus – Zambia COVID-19 statistics daily status update (5 May 2021)

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Daily: Laboratory test: 5,733 Cases: 785 Severe cases: 777 New deaths: 23 Recovery: 729

Total: Laboratory test: 2,599,462 Active cases: 52,934 Total cases: 260,139 Total deaths: 3,795 Total recovery: 203,408 Total vaccinated: 1,215,934
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Ethiopia.
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Coronavirus – Ethiopia: COVID-19 reported cases in Ethiopia (5 May 2021)

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.
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WHO Africa COVID-19 Online Briefing

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Watch the video: https://bit.ly/3nPZ8P9?info=BmQDaQRiADhTKANyV2wAZARhADsBdlV0B3MLNlYnACMGCwMiBTgOa1M1VScHaAd2VG5SYVdvAG8KfVVmBGFRMVdmCXgAM1AyBXoBZAtpXnYGNANnBGoANlNmAztXZgBlBHMAOgEnVT0HPwttVncAMgY6AzIFDg5yUzlVaAc2BydUb1IjV2wAZApmVW4Ec1ExV2cJZwAyUCoFZwFhC3JeZgYzA3MEYQA3U2kDNVdjAG8EYQAxAXZVPAd6
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
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Weekly Press Briefing on the Coronavirus Disease Outbreak

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The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) has welcomed a report published by the UK House of Commons’ International Development Committee on Britain’s support to the African Development Bank Group. The report was prepared by the Sub-Committee on the Work of the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI).

The report recognises the Bank’s effectiveness in responding to the pandemic and encourages the British government to work with it to ensure that momentum is not lost in 2021.
It notes: “We are heartened by the evidence of concerted and determined efforts on the part of the African Development Bank to mitigate the worst effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and support the response of individual countries. We also welcome what appears to have been wider enhanced coordination between development institutions in the face of the pandemic.”
The UK is one of 28 non-regional members and shareholders of the African Development Bank Group. The report recognises the quality of the UK’s engagement with the Bank and acknowledges the Bank’s performance in supporting the UK’s development priorities in Africa. It also found that the Bank compared well with other development institutions, both in Africa and beyond. Sub-Committee Chair Theo Clarke, said: “Since its inception, the African Development Bank has offered valuable financial assistance to developing countries across the continent.”
Dr. Tamsyn Barton of the ICAI spoke positively about the Bank’s progress in decentralizing its operations — which the UK has encouraged — and about recent policy capacity improvements, as well as the importance of the strong relationships the Bank has established with African governments.
Overall, the report reflects the UK’s appreciation on its ability to work with the Bank to deliver funds to all parts of the continent. Debbie Palmer of the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development office said: “We can leverage… funds through our support [for the Bank]. We can reach places that we otherwise may not be able to reach with our bilateral funds. We can support regional investments in the large, cross-country infrastructure projects that Africa desperately needs and that the African Development Bank is investing in.”
Through the report, the UK Parliament is encouraging the British government to ensure that it is up to date with capital for the African Development Bank as the UK’s “important development partner.” It states that one possible action which could improve the prospects for funding African infrastructure is faster disbursement of the African Development Bank’s paid-in capital. It notes: “We urge the Government, through its position as UK Executive Director, to consider encouraging this and other possible routes to maintaining financial support for Africa’s infrastructure development.”
“We welcome the positive findings of this important UK parliamentary report,” said African Development Bank President Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina. “The constructive feedback of our members and shareholders is extremely valuable to us as we continually assess the efficacy of our overall operations – especially as we strive to help our regional member countries cope with and recover strong from the pandemic,” he added.
The full report can be read here (https://bit.ly/3vIh2G8).
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Media Contact: Amba Mpoke-Bigg Communication and External Relations Department email: a.mpoke-bigg@afdb.org
About the African Development Bank Group: The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 44 African countries with an external office in Japan, the AfDB contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: j.mp/AfDB_Media

UK Parliamentary Committee recognises the African Development Bank’s effectiveness in responding to Covid-19

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Liquid Intelligent Technologies Botswana, part of the Liquid Intelligent Technologies group (www.Liquid.Tech), a pan-African technology company, unveils its new brand identity.  This rebrand reflects the organisation&#39;s extensive business transformation from being a telecommunications and digital services provider to a full one-stop-shop technology group for local businesses.

Over the last two decades, Liquid has firmly established itself as the leading pan-African digital infrastructure provider. This rebrand to Liquid Intelligent Technologies highlights the organisation&#39;s expansion of its Cloud business, Cyber Security services, and other technologies added to its existing telecoms and connectivity capability.
Liquid Intelligent Technologies will expand its Managed Services offerings to drive and ensure successful adoption of tools to re-imagine their customers&#39; businesses and how they work and connect. Whether they are focused on enabling collaboration or utilising the most advanced cloud applications.
As a Microsoft Gold Partner, Liquid Intelligent Technologies is redefining Network, Cloud and Cyber Security offerings through strategic partnerships with leading global players, bringing innovative business applications, intelligent cloud services and world-class security to the African continent.
According to Mr. Odirile Tamajobe, MD Liquid Intelligent Technologies Botswana. “The onset of the Fourth Industrial revolution led to the introduction of numerous digital technologies. Through its Broadband Strategy, the Government of Botswana as well as companies in the Private sector have made substantial investments towards ICT to facilitate a digitally inclusive economy. Liquid has been partnering with stakeholders in the local community as a connectivity provider so far, and now we have the opportunity to partner with them with our digital solutions in the Cloud that will be vital to ensure a digital adoption that bolsters the local economy”.
With the future of network security-driven from the Cloud, Liquid Intelligent Technologies&#39; recently launched its Cyber Security business unit, which uniquely delivers security at its core, protecting your business&#39;s data throughout its lifecycle.
&#8220;Our Southern Africa market can look forward to a refreshed and exciting bouquet of products and services that will ultimately accelerate the digital transformation goals of our existing and potential customers. With our intelligent technology offerings, we now provide more services over and above our usual connectivity, such as managed services , cybersecurity and Cloud services. We now have more capabilities to assist businesses to increase their productivity through our integrated bespoke ICT solutions,&#8221; concludes Mr. Wellington Makamure, Regional Chief Executive Officer – Southern Africa, Liquid Intelligent Technologies. 
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.
For more information contact: Angela Chandy Email: Angela.chandy@liquid.tech
Liquid Intelligent Technologies – Brand video (https://bit.ly/3vPlCmb) LinkedIn &#8211; www.linkedin.com/company/liquid-intelligent-technologies/ Twitter – www.twitter.com/LiquidInTech Facebook &#8211; www.facebook.com/LiquidInTech
About Liquid Intelligent Technologies: Liquid Intelligent Technologies is a pan-African technology group with capabilities across 14 countries, primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa. Established in 2005, Liquid has firmly established itself as the leading pan-African digital infrastructure provider. Liquid Intelligent Technologies is redefining Network, Cloud and Cyber Security offerings through strategic partnerships with leading global players, innovative business applications, intelligent cloud services and world-class security to the African continent. Under its new brand identity, Liquid Intelligent Technologies has eight business units,namely: Liquid Networks, Liquid Business, Liquid Sea, Liquid Cloud, Liquid Cyber Security, Liquid Home, Liquid Innovation and Liquid Satellite. Liquid Intelligent Technologies is now a full one-stop-shop technology group that provides tailor-made digital solutions to businesses in the public and private sectors across the continent. The Group also operates state-of-the-art data centres in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Nairobi, Harare and Kigali, with a combined potential 19,000 square metres of rack space and 78 MW of power.

Liquid Telecom unveils its new identity, Liquid Intelligent Technologies in Botswana as it establishes itself as the digital service partner of choice for African businesses

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Twenty-six patients have been diagnosed positive for COVID-19 in tests carried out today at Quarantine Centers in Gash Barka, Central, and Northern Red Sea Regions.

Out of these, eighteen patients are from Quarantine Centers in Ali Ghidir (9), Adibara (7), and Ghirmaika (2), in Gash Barka Region. Six patients are from Quarantine Centers in Asmara; Central Region.  The last two patients are from Quarantine Center in Massawa; Northern Red Sea Region.
On the other hand, thirty-five patients who have been receiving medical treatment in hospitals in Gash Barka (26), Central (6), and Southern (3), Regions have recovered fully and have been discharged from these facilities.
The total number of recovered patients to-date has accordingly risen to 3538 while the number of deaths stands at 12.
The total number of confirmed cases in the country to-date has also increased to 3707.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
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Coronavirus – Eritrea: Announcement from the Ministry of Health (5 May 2021)

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489 people have tested positive to the disease, from a sample size of 4,426 tested in the last 24 hours. Our positivity rate is at 11.0%. From the cases 449 are Kenyans while 40 are foreigners. Total confirmed positive cases are now 161,393 and cumulative tests so far conducted are 1,692,532.

552 patients have recovered from the disease, 303 from various health facilities countrywide while 249 are from Home Based &#038; Isolation Care. Total recoveries now stand at 109,769 of which 79,774 are from Home Based Care &#038; Isolation while 29,995 are from various health facilities.
20 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours, 11 on diverse dates within the last one month and 9 being late death reports from facility record audits. This now pushes cumulative fatalities to 2,825.
1,164 patients are currently admitted in various health facilities countrywide, while 6,603 patients are on Home Based Isolation and Care.  153 patients are in the ICU, 28 of whom are on ventilatory support and 99 on supplemental oxygen. 26 patients are on observation. 119 patients are separately on supplemental oxygen with 111 of them in general wards and 8 in High Dependency Units.
VACCINATION: A total of 900,459 persons have so far been vaccinated against the COVID-19 disease countrywide. Of these 524,720 are aged 58 years and above plus others, Health workers, 159,308, Teachers 140,354, while Security Officers 76,077.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
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Coronavirus – Kenya: COVID-19 update (5 May 2021)

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Tests conducted: 10,739,813 Positive cases identified: 1,588,221 Total recoveries: 1,510,385 Total deaths: 54,557 New cases: 2,073
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa, Department of Health.
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Coronavirus – South Africa: COVID-19 Statistics in South Africa (5 May 2021)

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Total daily tests: 928 New confirmed cases: 6 Cumulative confirmed cases: 18,467 Active cases: 28 Recoveries: 17,768 (5 new) Currently admitted: 1 New deaths: 0 Total deaths: 671 Total vaccinated to date: 35,227
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini.
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Coronavirus – Eswatini: COVID-19 daily update (5 May 2021)

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Total cases: 25,421 (+70) Recovered: 23,710 (+187) | 93.2% Active cases: 1,373 In critical condition: 0 Tests: 1,330,298 (+3,592) Test positivity rate: 2% Vaccinated: 350,352 (+42) Deaths: 338 (+1) | 1.3%
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Republic of Rwanda.
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Coronavirus – Rwanda: COVID-19 update (5 May 2021)

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Liquid Intelligent Technologies Zambia, part of the Liquid Intelligent Technologies group (www.Liquid.Tech), a pan-African technology company, unveils its new brand identity.  This rebrand reflects the organisation&#39;s extensive business transformation from being a telecommunications and digital services provider to a full one-stop-shop technology group for local businesses.

Over the last two decades, Liquid has firmly established itself as the leading pan-African digital infrastructure provider. This rebrand to Liquid Intelligent Technologies highlights the organisation&#39;s expansion of its Cloud business, Cyber Security services, and other technologies added to its existing telecoms and connectivity capability.
Liquid Intelligent Technologies will expand its Managed Services offerings to drive and ensure successful adoption of tools to re-imagine their customers&#39; businesses and how they work and connect. Whether they are focused on enabling collaboration or utilising the most advanced cloud applications.
As a Microsoft Gold Partner, Liquid Intelligent Technologies is redefining Network, Cloud and Cyber Security offerings through strategic partnerships with leading global players, bringing innovative business applications, intelligent cloud services and world-class security to the African continent.
With the future of network security-driven from the cloud, Liquid Intelligent Technologies&#39; recently launched its Cyber Security business unit, which uniquely delivers security at its core, protecting your business&#39;s data throughout its lifecycle.
Over the last decade, the Government in Zambia has been working with businesses in the private sector to realise their vision of a Smart Zambia. Core to this vision is digital inclusion where no one in the country is left behind. At Liquid Zambia we have been partnering with the government to help them accelerate their digital transformation agenda and our rebrand serves as a reaffirmation to this continuous partnership. Our extensive and reliable backbone infrastructure in the country has ensured that our customers in the business and retail sectors identify us as a premier connectivity provider, now we will be layering our existing offering with our digital products and services like cybersecurity and cloud services showcasing our commitment to transforming our great nation into a digitally led economy,” concludes Mark Townsend, CEO Liquid Intelligent Technologies Zambia.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.
For more information contact: Angela Chandy Email: Angela.chandy@liquid.tech
Liquid Intelligent Technologies – Brand video (https://bit.ly/3eorexW) LinkedIn &#8211; www.linkedin.com/showcase/liquid-east-africa/ Twitter – www.twitter.com/LiquidInTechZM Facebook &#8211; www.facebook.com/LiquidInTechZM 

About Liquid Intelligent Technologies: Liquid Intelligent Technologies is a pan-African technology group with capabilities across 14 countries, primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa. Established in 2005, Liquid has firmly established itself as the leading pan-African digital infrastructure provider. Liquid Intelligent Technologies is redefining Network, Cloud and Cyber Security offerings through strategic partnerships with leading global players, innovative business applications, intelligent cloud services and world-class security to the African continent. Under its new brand identity, Liquid Intelligent Technologies has eight business units, namely: Liquid Networks, Liquid Business, Liquid Sea, Liquid Cloud, Liquid Cyber Security, Liquid Home, Liquid Innovation and Liquid Satellite. Liquid Intelligent Technologies is now a full one-stop-shop technology group that provides tailor-made digital solutions to businesses in the public and private sectors across the continent. The Group also operates state-of-the-art data centres in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Nairobi, Harare and Kigali, with a combined potential 19,000 square metres of rack space and 78 MW of power.

Liquid Telecom unveils its new identity, Liquid Intelligent Technologies in Zambia as it establishes itself as the digital service partner of choice for African businesses

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A joint CAF and FIFA (www.FIFA.com) delegation travelled to Liberia to hold meetings today with the Liberian Football Association and government officials in Monrovia. Partnerships with the public and private sectors, increased opportunities for youth through football and the appointment of Liberian President George Weah as the first Ambassador of the Pan-African Inter-School Championship were among the topics discussed.

Upon arrival last night at Monrovia Roberts Airport, the delegation were greeted by Liberia Football Association (LFA) President Mustapha Raji, members of the LFA Executive Committee (EXCO) and Minister of Youth and Sports, the Honorable D. Zeogar Wilson. In Monrovia city, Mayor Jefferson T. Koijee welcomed the delegations to the capital and presented the FIFA President with a key to the city in a gesture of friendship.
This morning, the delegation attended a meeting with the LFA EXCO, listening to the challenges it is facing with football infrastructure. CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe underlined to members present that Liberia had huge potential, which could be harnessed by providing more opportunities for youth through football. He also stressed that working together for the good of African football is the best way to ensure progress for the game and the continent. FIFA President Gianni Infantino reinforced this message, referencing the iconic George Weah – now President of Liberia – as a great example of the positive impact football can have on a country.
An official meeting with the Minister of Youth and Sports followed. CAF President Dr Motsepe said: “We hear your concerns and would like to assure you of CAF’s commitment to work with Liberian football and government authorities to improve football infrastructure here.”
The delegation, together with the Minister of Youth and Sports, then visited the Samuel K Doe Football Complex, which has been fitted with a new turf pitch through funding from the FIFA Forward (https://fifa.fans/2R1hqAN) programme. Speaking at the complex, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “FIFA believes that every country should have access to the best quality pitches and football facilities, and we will work with CAF to bring about more improvements to Liberia.”
An audience with Liberian President, His Excellency George Weah, followed. Strengthening African and Liberian football was central to discussions, with Gianni Infantino stating: “We are happy to be in a country so passionate about football. We are here to give you CAF and FIFA’s full support to take football into a new era and we will work with you to do this.”
Talks also covered the power of football on economies. “Football and economic development go hand in hand, so let’s try through football to invest in job creation,&#8221; said CAF President Dr Motsepe. &#8220;It’s also our duty to make sure stadia meet the required standards, and CAF will work with the Liberian authorities to do so.&#8221;
The conclusion of the meeting saw the CAF and FIFA Presidents present President Weah – the only African to have won the FIFA World Player of the Year award – with a certificate announcing him as the first Ambassador of the Pan-African Inter-School Football Championship.
Gianni Infantino said: “President Weah is an icon of football and now a respected statesman. FIFA and CAF are delighted to have his support. His stellar football career is an inspiration to young Africans and we welcome him on board this initiative, supported by the African Union, which will see football competitions at national level in schools throughout Africa. Football offers us a unique opportunity to connect with young people and empower them through this programme.”
The joint delegation then visited the construction site at the headquarters of the LFA to discuss the developments that have taken place in expanding women’s football in the country, before attending a women’s youth football match at Antoinette Tubman Stadium.
Before kick-off, LFA President Mustapha Raji thanked both the CAF and FIFA Presidents for visiting his country and for believing in the power of football to give hope, education and joy to children in Liberia. This was followed by addresses from the Minister of Education and Youth and Sports respectively.
CAF President Dr Motsepe’s took to the stage for a short address, concluding: “We must be proud of and thankful to the LFA President for his excellent work. Football has a bright future here. The girl who is going to be the African winner of The Best FIFA Women’s Player Award (https://fifa.fans/3nZyxze) could be here today!”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).
Contact for African media: AfricanMedia@fifa.org
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