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The Springbok Sevens team finished in fifth place at the 2020 Olympic Games after winning both their matches on Wednesday, and Blitzbok coach Neil Powell, who joined the side for their final encounter, felt they managed to restore some pride after the heart-breaking quarter-final defeat.

The South Africans outplayed Australia (22-19) and the USA (28-7) on the final day of the Rugby Sevens tournament played at Tokyo Stadium and recovered well from Tuesday&#39;s quarter-final defeat to Argentina, when they were knocked out of the race to the podium at the Olympics.
The Blitzboks bounced back to the form that saw them as one of the pre-tournament favourites and they ended the tournament with five wins from six matches and an average score of 21-12, but unfortunately no medal.
Fiji (gold), New Zealand (silver) and Argentina (bronze) were on the podium, with Great Britain and South Africa finishing fourth and fifth respectively.
Powell said he was grateful to be part of the Olympics, even if only for one match. The Blitzbok coach had tested positive for COVID during their training camp in Kagoshima and had to stay in quarantine until this morning, when he departed the southern city and linked up with the squad just before their final match against the USA.
“I am very grateful indeed, even if it was just for the last match,” said Powell.
“Obviously, we did not plan it like this, but that is life, it is not always perfect, challenges come across your way, and you need to adapt. It is not always a fairy tale.”
Powell felt the team won back some respect with their two victories on Wednesday: “The character and fightback were important, we needed to show some fight and what we stand for as a team.
“We spoke about that today – that we wanted to leave with our heads held high and our standards restored. We needed to make the jersey proud again and I am really pleased that we managed that and there were many good outcomes,” said Powell, adding that the players deserve a lot of credit for the way they responded after their quarter-final defeat.
On his own plight, Powell said he tried to stay positive: “It was tough to watch from afar. If you think it is tough to sit next to the field and assist the guys, but this was much worse because you cannot really contribute to their effort on the field, and it was nerve-racking and stressful.”
For the experienced Chris Dry, the comeback effort was very pleasing.
“We needed to show who we are today and what the jersey stands for – that one poor performance could not define us as a group, and I think we showed that today,” said Dry.
“Nothing will take away the disappointment of that quarter-final result, but at least we finished on a strong and positive note today.”
It was most likely Dry&#39;s Blitzbok swansong, as his national contract ends this month.
“I have no regrets, only massive gratitude for all the opportunities that came my way. I am very pleased we could finish on a high,” he said.
Match reports:
In the USA clash, very strong defence had the Americans in trouble from the start and when they spilled the ball due to the pressure applied, Justin Geduld was an early beneficiary to score under the posts for an early 7-0 lead.
The USA rebounded when Geduld slipped a tackle, but the seven-point buffer was restored just before the break when Sako Makata dotted down for a converted try.
The second half saw a tense opening couple of minutes. Both defences remained tight despite the tired legs, but a Kurt-Lee Arendse intervention opened up the gap to 14 points. The centre showed good footwork to outfox the USA defence and his converted try all but secured the win.
Stedman Gans then finished the match with a well-taken try, with some delightful stepping by the midfielder securing a final try and a 28-7 win. Ronald Brown and Branco du Preez both kicked two conversions.
In the opening match on Wednesday, against Australia in the fifth-place semi-final, the first try came from wing Siviwe Soyizwapi, with the South African captain finishing off some patience on attack.
The 5-0 lead became 10-0 and then 17-0 at halftime courtesy of two tries by Brown, who started in his first match for South Africa. Geduld converted the second try.
Australia came back strongly in the second half, scoring twice to cut the lead to five points, but a strong run by JC Pretorius eased the Blitzboks out to 22-12. Australia breached the SA line once more, but that was it and the Blitzboks walked off victors by 22-19.
South African scorers:
SA 28, USA 7 – Tries: Justin Geduld, Sako Makata, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Stedman Gans. Conversions: Ronald Brown (2), Branco du Preez (2).
SA 22, Australia 19 – Tries: Siviwe Soyizwapi, Ronald Brown (2), JC Pretorius. Conversion: Justin Geduld.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Rugby Union.
Media Contact:  Rugby@APO-opa.com

Blitzboks place fifth at Olympics in Tokyo

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Stakeholders in the waste management value chain have called for deepened collaboration and commitment among key actors to promote sustainable waste management and circular economy in Ghana. This call was made at the maiden Ghana Waste Fair organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Coca Cola Foundation and the Ghana National Plastic Action Partnership under the Waste Recovery Platform.

Speaking at the Fair, the Resident Representative of UNDP Ghana, Dr. Angela Lusigi urged all to leverage inclusive partnerships to mobilise support to help in the scaling up of innovative solutions for sustainable waste management. She further called on stakeholders to recognize the urgency of environmentally sound waste management as a gateway to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and take action for the prosperity of people and the planet.
‘It is time to make the right choices for equitable and lasting prosperity for all people across generations by prioritising waste prevention, reduction, recycling, and re-use”, Dr. Lusigi added.
The Chief Director at the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ms. Cynthia Asare Bediako underscored the importance of sustainable waste management to job creation and urged all stakeholders, especially households to actively participate in the waste management agenda.
‘’The time to make good use of our abundant resources is now. We must therefore deepen our partnerships across all sectors to support innovations that will transform waste management into a profitable venture’’, Ms. Asare Bediako stated.
Key actors in the waste value chain underscored the need for a policy intervention to support innovation in the waste management ecosystems that will motivate more people and companies to find innovative solutions for sustainable waste management and promote circular economy.
‘’Whilst we do our best as individuals and companies to solve the waste problem through our innovations, government should incentivize us with tax exemptions and other support to enable us scale up for a deepened impact’’, noted Matilda Payne Boakye-Ansah, Founder of MH Couture and Extreme Upcycle, who was a panelist.
The stakeholders also highlighted the need for an inclusive policy making processes to allow innovators and waste collectors at the grassroot level to make inputs towards waste management policies.
Exhibitors at the fair expressed their satisfaction and called for sustained efforts to build more partnerships for an improved waste management system in Ghana.
‘’This fair has been a great platform for us to showcase the potential of waste recycling. Apart from the huge sales we have made here, we have also built some partnerships that we are going to leverage to scale up our business’’, stated Amos Gbortse Kokoti, Operations Manager of Fibre Wealth, a company recycling coconut husk into organic fertilizer.
The Ghana Waste Fair 2021 brought together over 300 stakeholders to dialogue and share ideas on how innovation can be leveraged to promote sustainable waste management in Ghana.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Stakeholders Call for Concerted Efforts Towards Sustainable Waste Management

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Women’s Olympic rugby sevens competition begins with France v Fiji at 09:00 local time (GMT+9) on Thursday; The 12 women’s teams are in three pools with reigning Olympic champions Australia set to play USA, China and hosts Japan in Pool C; Current Rugby World Cup Sevens and World Series title holders New Zealand face the Russian Olympic Committee team, Great Britain and Kenya in Pool A; Three days of competition will culminate in the medal matches on ‘Super Saturday’; Women’s rugby is experiencing unprecedented growth with more than 2.7 million women and girls are currently playing, representing a quarter of the world’s playing population.

Women’s rugby sevens will take centre stage at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 from 29-31 July as the final squads have been confirmed ahead of three days of intense competition in Tokyo Stadium, which will conclude with the gold medal final on ‘Super Saturday’.
View Tournament Preview: https://bit.ly/3jccoMb
The 12 teams have been allocated to three pools of four teams, according to rankings based upon performances in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and other World Rugby sanctioned tournaments over the past two years.
View Match Schedule: https://bit.ly/3f58y6a
There are many exciting encounters for fans around the globe to look forward to as rugby sevens makes its second appearance at the Olympic Games following an outstanding debut in Rio, which attracted an estimated 30 million new fans to the sport.
View Pools: https://bit.ly/3x9DJDm
Host nation support will be focused on Pool C where Japan are grouped with Rio 2016 Olympic champions Australia, alongside a powerful USA team, who qualified directly for Tokyo after finishing runners-up in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2019 and reached the medal podium in five of the six rounds. The pool is completed by Olympic debutants China, who secured their place in Tokyo with an emphatic 33-0 victory over Hong Kong in the Asian qualifier final.
Pool B is the only pool without an Olympic debutant as Rio 2016 bronze medallists Canada are joined by France, Fiji and Brazil. France were in fine form as they swept all before them to qualify for Tokyo via the World Rugby Sevens Repechage in Monaco last month. Brazil qualified for Tokyo thanks to a 28-15 victory over Colombia in the South American qualifier, while Rio 2016 quarter-finalists Fiji overcame Papua New Guinea to qualify from Oceania.
In Pool A, current Rugby World Cup Sevens and World Series title holders New Zealand will face the Russian Olympic Committee team, Great Britain and Kenya. New Zealand beat both Kenya and Great Britain on the way to claiming the silver medal at Rio 2016, while Russia ended the Black Fern’s record-equalling 37-match winning run on the Series with a 17-17 draw in Kitakyushu in April 2019. The Russian Olympic Committee team secured their Olympic debut via last month’s Repechage.
View Olympic Qualification Graphic: https://bit.ly/3ygoqdK
The top four placed teams in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2019 qualified directly for Tokyo while Japan were awarded their place as host nation. The remaining seven teams qualified via regional tournaments and the World Rugby Sevens Repechage in Monaco.
View Women’s Squads: https://bit.ly/3l4eEaH
World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin said: “Following a fantastic debut Olympic Games in Rio five years ago, we are looking forward to another spectacular showcase of the best of women’s rugby sevens in front of a huge global TV audience over the next three days in Tokyo, culminating in the medal matches on ‘Super Saturday’.
“Not only are the players exceptional, world class athletes, they are incredible role models both on and off the pitch, combining rugby’s core values of respect, integrity and teamwork, with the strength, speed, skill and flair that makes rugby sevens such an exciting fast-paced and action-packed sport to watch.
“Women’s rugby is going from strength to strength, with more than 2.7 million women and girls currently playing globally, making up a quarter of the world’s playing population and we have ambitious plans to further advance women in rugby at all levels.
“Accelerating the development of the women’s game is a key strategic objective for World Rugby and the recently launched ‘Team Powered’ campaign is designed to boost the sport’s growth, inspiring a new generation of players and fans to get involved in the ultimate team sport.
“I am sure the next three days of Olympic competition will provide another great leap forward for the global growth of women’s rugby and we are very happy to play our full and exciting part in the most gender equal Games in history.”
New Zealand Coach Allan Bunting said: “The way that I see it is that everyone starts level. What’s happened in the past has been the past and it’s who steps out on the field and makes the most of those 14 minutes each game. It’s an Olympic sport so you’re got to be ready for the best against each team.”
USA Women’s Coach Chris Brown said: “Our experience at the Olympics has been brilliant so far. The atmosphere in the village is one of a kind. We’ve had a sevens style week of training in the sense that we&#39;ve been excellent at times and have had some other moments where we&#39;ve had to find a way to get back on track.
“The biggest challenge for us will be finding a way to allow ourselves to be free in the moment. That&#39;s the key to playing at our absolute best. When we stop trying to control the what ifs and focus on being present and loving the emotional roller coaster of the game, the result follows suit.
Great Britain women’s co-captain Meg Jones said: “We’ve spent the last week refining the final details and we’re really looking forward to the competition kicking off. The biggest thing for us will be stepping onto the pitch after the year that we’ve all had and we’re just so excited. We’ve got huge aspirations for this group, we really want to be contenders and we’ve got a lot of belief in ourselves.”
Great Britain women’s co-captain Abbie Brown: “We’re feeling well prepared and we’re dreaming big for this tournament. We have our sights set on that gold medal, but alongside that, we’re hoping that we can inspire and carve the path for future sevens players which is something that we’re very passionate about as a group.”
Canada Women’s Captain Ghislaine Landry said: “The opportunity to go to another Olympic Games with this team is very exciting. For the last five years, we&#39;ve been training hard and hunting down podium finishes. I’m proud of our team and I know we are heading into the Games with a ton of talent and huge potential. We can’t wait to show Canada, and the world, how fast and exciting rugby sevens is.”
To ensure teams are as best prepared as possible to perform on the greatest sporting stage of all, World Rugby has invested US$4 million into Olympic qualified unions’ sevens programmes and towards the costs of hosting a number of high-performance pre-Olympic preparation events.
Rugby sevens’ first appearance at Rio 2016 had a profound, game-changing effect, attracting an estimated 30 million new fans globally. The dynamic, action-packed nature of rugby sevens has captured the attention of fans around the world, with research showing women and the 18-24 age group were the most strongly supportive of sevens’ fit with the Olympics.
In a sign of the respect shown towards rugby’s values, and a reflection of how well sevens was received on its Games debut in Rio, four players from different countries were awarded the honour of carrying the flag for their country at the Opening Ceremony on Friday, including women’s players Sarah Hirini (New Zealand) and Rusila Nagasau (Fiji).
Women’s rugby is experiencing unprecedented growth in recent years – more than 2.7 million women and girls are currently playing globally, making up a quarter of the world’s playing population. Latest Nielsen Research for World Rugby has reported women’s rugby is on the rise with interest in established markets up to 45 per cent and in emerging markets to 27 per cent, a 15 and 22 per cent increase since 2018, respectively.
World Rugby recently launched the ‘Team Powered’ Women in Rugby marketing campaign, which aims to inspire more women and girls to play and watch the sport. For more information visit www.Women.Rugby.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Rugby.
Media Contact: Rugby@APO-opa.com

Women’s rugby sevens ready to take centre stage at Olympic Games in Tokyo

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The leading pan-African banking group, Ecobank Group (www.Ecobank.com), and the African Union Development Agency New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD), held a virtual graduation ceremony for more than 200 alumni of the inaugural Ecobank’s MSME Training for Financing Program. The Graduates came from the eight (8) countries in the pilot phase of the MSME Academy namely, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda and Togo.

The MSME Academy, launched by the Ecobank Group and AUDA-NEPAD in 2020, in the midst of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic is part of AUDA-NEPAD’s transformational ‘100 000 MSMEs’ initiative, a continental response to COVID-19. The Academy provides entrepreneurs, owners and managers of micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs) with coaching, mentoring and business skills training courses.

Ade Ayeyemi, CEO, Ecobank Group who attended the ceremony, said: “We had no hesitation in supporting AUDA-NEPAD’s ‘100,000 MSMEs’ initiative. The framework we designed collectively hinges on three critical pillars needed for MSMEs to build resilience in such unprecedented times, being access to capabilities, access to finance and access to markets. The graduation ceremony is another milestone achieved in our journey and commitment to supporting MSMEs and helping them to grow into tomorrow’s larger businesses. My very hearty congratulations to the MSME Training for Financing class of 2021. This is the beginning of wholesome success for your businesses and Ecobank is here to support you in evolving into a major business owner on our continent”.

Dr Ibrahim Mayaki, CEO AUDA-NEPAD, added “This graduation comes at an opportune time, after the first anniversary of the 100 000 MSMEs Initiative. The Ceremony builds on other important milestones achieved so far, including the launch of the Initiative in 13 Member States, reaching out to more than 3 million participants, mostly micro entrepreneurs, who learned about the potential the MSME Academy platform offers. I would like to commend Ecobank for their commitment to the success of this program. I wish the very best to the graduates of this programme.”

About 3000 MSMEs applied to the MSME training for the Ecobank Financing program, out of which 850 were short-listed in the 8 pilot countries. The 6 weeks long programme covered 4 modules and 15 training sessions per country &#8211; in total &#8211; 120 sessions were delivered in all 8 countries. In Q3 2021, Ecobank will deliver a unique sandwich programme for the remaining over 2000 SMES who registered but were not shortlisted in the just ended training programme. The objective is to ensure that no MSME who expressed the desire to be part of this learning experience is left behind.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ecobank.
Media Contact: Christiane Bossom Group Communications Manager Email: groupcorporatecomms@ecobank.com Tel: +228 22 21 03 03
African Union Development Agency-NEPAD Ms Millicent Kgeledi – Communications Officer Email: Millicents@nepad.org Tel: +27 83 2661829
About Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (‘ETI’ or ‘The Group’): Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (‘ETI’) is the parent company of the Ecobank Group, the leading independent pan-African banking group. The Ecobank Group employs over 14,000 people and serves about 29 million customers in the consumer, commercial and corporate banking sectors across 33 African countries. The Group has a banking licence in France and representative offices in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Johannesburg, South Africa; Beijing, China; London, the UK and Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. The Group offers a full suite of banking products, services and solutions including bank and deposit accounts, loans, cash management, advisory, trade, securities, wealth and asset management. ETI is listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchanges in Lagos, the Ghana Stock Exchange in Accra, and the Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières in Abidjan. For further information please visit www.Ecobank.com.
About AUDA-NEPAD: The African Union Development Agency-NEPAD is the development agency of the African Union, coordinating and executing priority regional and continental development projects to promote regional integration towards the accelerated realisation of Agenda 2063 – Africa’s vision and action plan. We are mandated to strengthen capacity of Member States and regional bodies.

Over 200 graduates emerge from the Ecobank Group and AUDA-NEPAD MSME Training for Financing program

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="547" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/GettyImages-1153321722-820x547.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-410664" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/GettyImages-1153321722-820x547.jpeg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/GettyImages-1153321722-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/GettyImages-1153321722-120x80.jpeg 120w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/GettyImages-1153321722-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/GettyImages-1153321722.jpeg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption>TORONTO, ONTARIO &#8211; JUNE 02: Former President of the United States, Barack Obama waves to the crowd during Game Two of the 2019 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on June 02, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



The National Basketball Association (NBA) (www.NBA.com) today announced that former <a href="https://www.nba.com/news/former-president-barack-obama-joins-nba-africa-as-strategic-partner">President Barack Obama</a> has joined NBA Africa (https://on.nba.com/3eZjcuX) as a strategic partner.



President Obama will help advance the league’s social responsibility efforts across the continent, including programs and partnerships that support greater gender equality and economic inclusion.&nbsp; In this capacity, President Obama will have a minority equity stake in the new venture, which over time he intends to use to fund Obama Foundation youth and leadership programs across Africa.



NBA Africa conducts the league’s business in Africa, including the&nbsp;Basketball Africa League&nbsp;(BAL) (www.theBAL.com), which held its&nbsp;inaugural season (https://on.nba.com/3rBynjl)&nbsp;in May featuring 12 of the top club teams from 12 African countries.&nbsp; NBA Africa is focused on expanding the NBA’s presence in priority African markets, deepening the league’s engagement with players and fans across the continent, and continuing to grow Africa’s basketball ecosystem through programs like&nbsp;the Jr. NBA, Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Africa and NBA Academy Africa.&nbsp; In addition, NBA Africa has launched several&nbsp;social responsibility initiatives (https://on.nba.com/2UMLuCp)&nbsp;aimed at raising awareness of gender-based violence, supporting girls’ education, and improving the livelihoods of African youth and families.



“The NBA has always been a great ambassador for the United States—using the game to create deeper connections around the world, and in Africa, basketball has the power to promote opportunity, wellness, equality, and empowerment across the continent,” said President Barack Obama.&nbsp; “By investing in communities, promoting gender equality, and cultivating the love of the game of basketball, I believe that NBA Africa can make a difference for so many of Africa’s young people.&nbsp; I’ve been impressed by the league’s commitment to Africa, including the leadership shown by so many African players who want to give back to their own countries and communities.&nbsp; That’s why I’m proud to join the team at NBA Africa and look forward to a partnership that benefits the youth of so many countries.”



“We are honored that President Obama has become a strategic partner in NBA Africa and will support our wide-ranging efforts to grow the game of basketball on the continent,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.&nbsp; “In addition to his well-documented love for basketball, President Obama has a firm belief in Africa’s potential and the enormous growth opportunities that exist through sports.&nbsp; NBA Africa will benefit tremendously from his engagement.”



“We have ambitious growth plans for <a href="https://www.cnbcafrica.com/2021/nba-lures-players-and-investors-to-form-africa-business-entity-valued-at-nearly-1-billion/">NBA Africa</a> and having President Obama join our efforts is a recognition that through sport, Africa can take its rightful place on the world stage,” said NBA Africa CEO Victor Williams.  “We look forward to working with President Obama and our strategic investors to use basketball as an economic growth engine across the continent and as a platform to improve the health and wellness of one of the world’s youngest and fastest-growing populations.”



Strategic investors in NBA Africa include a consortium led by Babatunde “Tunde” Folawiyo, Chairman and CEO of Yinka Folawiyo Group, and Helios Fairfax Partners Corporation (HFP), led by Co-CEO Tope Lawani.&nbsp; Additional investors in NBA Africa include NBA Legends Junior Bridgeman, Luol Deng (South Sudan), Grant Hill, Ian Mahinmi (France; ties to Benin), Dikembe Mutombo (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and Joakim Noah (ties to Cameroon).



The NBA has a decades-long history in Africa and opened its African headquarters in Johannesburg in 2010.&nbsp; Since then, the league’s efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through social responsibility, grassroots and elite development, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, the launch of the BAL, and more.



The inaugural BAL season was broadcast to fans in 215 countries and territories in 15 languages.&nbsp; On Sunday, May 30,&nbsp;Zamalek (Egypt) defeated US Monastir (Tunisia) 76-63 to win the first BAL Championship.&nbsp; Fans can follow @NBA_Africa and @theBAL on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.



Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).

2019 NBA Finals – Game Two

Former President Barack Obama Joins NBA Africa as Strategic Partner

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Even with schools in the northern hemisphere closed for the summer, more than 600 million children in countries not on academic break are still affected by school closures.

&#8220;In Asia and the Pacific: in nearly half the countries, schools have been closed for more than 200 days during the pandemic.
&#8220;After some of the longest closures ever seen, and despite some returns, in Latin America and the Caribbean, there are 18 countries and territories where schools are either closed or partially closed.
&#8220;And based on our most recent estimates, a staggering 40 per cent of all school-aged children across Eastern and Southern Africa are currently not in school. Four in ten.
&#8220;Across that region, we are seeing re-closing of schools mid-year due to recent COVID-19 surges, with over 32 million children estimated to be out of school because of pandemic closures or having failed to return once their schools opened earlier this year. That is in addition to an estimated 37 million children who were out of school before the pandemic.
&#8220;Education, safety, friends and food have been replaced by anxiety, violence, and teenage pregnancy
&#8220;Take Uganda: between March last year and this June, there was a more than 20 per cent increase in pregnancy among 10-24-year-olds (who were seeking antenatal care). 
&#8220;Child helplines have seen triple-digit rises.
&#8220;And for at least a third of the world’s schoolchildren, remote learning is simply out of reach. Across East Asia and the Pacific, UNICEF estimates that more than 80 million children did not have access to any distance learning during school closures. In Eastern and Southern Africa, Uganda schools have been closed for 306 days and the country has the lowest at home internet connectivity (0.3 per cent); followed closely by South Sudan with 231 days of full school closure and again less than half a per cent of schoolchildren have internet access at home.
&#8220;In South Africa, school closures mean 400,000 to 500,000 learners have reportedly dropped out of school altogether over the past 16-months.
&#8220;And if that doesn’t resonate with those in power, then consider a World Bank report that estimates a loss of 10 trillion dollars in earnings over time for this generation of students.
&#8220;Quite simply, there is no better investment than education, and here UNICEF is not talking development; but economics: Schooling raises earnings by 10 per cent a year.
This cannot go on. While we recognize that leaders around the world are frequently being forced to grapple with the impossible choice between locking down their communities or helping to facilitate the mass spread of a dangerous disease, schools should be the last to close and the first to reopen.
&#8220;There is clear evidence that primary and secondary schools are not among the main drivers of transmission.
&#8220;And yet the losses that children and young people will incur from not being in school may never be recouped. This shock will have lasting negative impacts, so we must use it as an opportunity to accelerate – to reimagine education.
&#8220;UNICEF implores five actions:
1/ Schools should reopen just as soon as possible. Reopening schools cannot wait for all teachers and students to be vaccinated. With the global vaccine shortages plaguing low and middle-income countries, vaccinating frontline workers and those most at risk of severe illness and death will remain a priority. 2/ Governments and donors must protect the education budget. 3/ As schools reopen, we need to extend enrolment to those children who were already out of school pre‑COVID‑19. This can be done by removing financial barriers, providing learning resources, loosening registration requirements and offering flexible programmes, both in school and in non-formal programmes. Enrolling all new entrants into school regardless of age is a key strategy. In some countries, government officials and school staff make door-to-door visits to get all children enrolled. We also need to change policies that ban pregnant girls from school and allow pregnant girls and young mothers to return to school. 4/ We need increases in cash transfers to the most vulnerable, including by scaling up financing via a global funding facility, resourced by debt relief savings, international financial institution funds, and the fulfillment of official development assistance commitments by donor governments. 5/ We need to do everything we can to bring this pandemic to an end.  This starts with making vaccines available everywhere. COVAX, led by the WHO, Gavi and CEPI, with UNICEF as implementing partner, represents one pathway to equitable distribution of vaccines. But COVAX is undersupplied.
&#8220;Immediately sharing available excess doses is a minimum, essential and emergency stop-gap measure, and it is needed right now. As is financing to support the roll-out of vaccines.
&#8220;In addition to vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics are critical to bringing this pandemic under control, which is why, as part of its annual Humanitarian Appeal for Children, UNICEF has called for US$ 659 million to help countries with the delivery of vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostic tools in 2021.&#8221;
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Coronavirus – Geneva Palais briefing note on the current COVID-19-induced education crisis

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UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is extremely worried about the fate of thousands of Eritrean refugees currently trapped in two refugee camps in Ethiopia’s Tigray region as fighting between armed groups escalates in and around the camps.

An estimated 24,000 Eritrean refugees in Mai Aini and Adi Harush camps in Tigray’s Mai Tsebri area are facing intimidation and harassment and living in constant anguish, cut off from humanitarian assistance.
We have received disturbing and credible reports in recent days from Mai Aini camp that at least one refugee was killed by armed elements operating inside the camp. This latest death is in addition to the killing of another refugee on 14 July.
UNHCR implores all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international law, including respecting the civilian character of refugee camps, and the rights of refugees and all civilians to be protected from hostilities.
Our staff have lost all access to the refugee camps for the last two weeks. Trapped refugees need urgent life-saving assistance. Clean drinking water is running out, no healthcare services are available and hunger is a real danger. The last food distribution to both camps was done in late June, providing rations for one month.
Recent armed clashes have also displaced thousands of people in the Afar region that neighbours Tigray to the east and where an additional 55,000 Eritrean refugees are hosted. There are reports of armed confrontations close to the locations where they live.
Meanwhile, the main humanitarian supply road between Semera in Afar and Mekelle in Tigray has been completely blocked since 18 July. UNHCR supplies, like those of other agencies, are stranded in Semera.
UNHCR urges all parties to the conflict to give immediate humanitarian access and safety for aid workers attempting to provide life-saving assistance.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Eritrean refugees in Tigray caught up in conflict

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The Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Sudan, H.E. Dr. Maryam Al-Sadiq Al-Mahdi, and in the presence of the Ambassador of the Republic of Sudan to the Kingdom of Bahrain, Mr. Ibrahim Mohamed Al Hassan, inaugurated today the new premises of the Embassy of the Republic of Sudan in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the residence of the Ambassador, located in the Seef area.

At the beginning of the ceremony, Her Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Sudanese Ambassador raised the flag of the Republic of Sudan in the embassy building and played the national anthem of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the national anthem of the Republic of Sudan. The two ministers cut the ribbon for the inauguration and lifted the curtain on the commemorative plaque. Then they toured the embassy and viewed an exhibition of Sudanese plastic arts that was held specifically for this occasion.
The Sudanese Minister delivered a speech in which she extended the highest expressions of appreciation and gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa , the Crown Prince, the Prime Minister, for advancing Bahraini-Sudanese relations, expressing her deepest gratitude to H.E. Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, for his kind invitation, warm reception and genuine Bahraini hospitality.
She further added that the outcomes of the bilateral talks session held yesterday, moved the future of relations between the two countries to broad prospects for joint cooperation in all fields, adding that the joint discussions between the two brotherly countries culminated in a historic meeting with His Majesty the King, during which she conveyed the appreciation of the Government and people of the Republic of Sudan for the position of the Kingdom of Bahrain in support of Sudan and its people following its revolution, under the wise leadership of His Majesty in all fields, especially the Bahraini position in support of Sudan regarding the Renaissance Dam.
Her Excellency noted her country’s pride towards the praise of His Majesty the King to the distinguished Sudanese community, and its contributions in many fields, highlighting the support of the Royal Humanitarian Foundation in December 2020 to the Republic of Sudan through the visit of RHF Secretary-General Dr. Mustafa Al-Sayyed, as a result of the floods that swept its lands. She also pointed out the visit of the former Minister of Foreign Affairs and current Advisor to His Majesty the King for Diplomatic Affairs, H.E. Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, who was the first foreign minister from the regional and international arena to visit the Republic of Sudan after the December Revolution in April 2019.
She also appreciated the positions of the Kingdom of Bahrain in support of the issues of the Republic of Sudan in regional and international forums, as well as the positive statements of Bahraini officials in support of Sudan’s position on the Renaissance Dam, stressing that the Republic of Sudan is following with great interest the positive, constructive and transparent approach to the Bahraini media in its various means to support the transition in Sudan.
At the conclusion of her speech, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Sudan expressed her thanks and appreciation for towards the attendees of the inauguration, looking forward to expand bilateral relations towards reaching the desired prospects in cooperation, solidarity and coordination in all forums regional and international.
H.E. Dr. Abdullatif welcomed the Sudanese Minister and expressed his pleasure for having her accepted the invitation to visit the Kingdom of Bahrain to inaugurate the new premises of the embassy, noting that it provided a good opportunity to discuss areas of bilateral cooperation and ways to enhance and develop them in various fields, looking forward to work together to strengthen brotherly relations and cooperation between the two brotherly countries under the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and Sudan&#39;s President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, HE Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan.
H.E. the Minister added that Bahrain greatly appreciates the close brotherly relations that bind it with the Republic of Sudan, and is proud of the broad bilateral cooperation between the two brotherly countries that includes various vital areas that would strengthen brotherly relations between the two countries, and enhance the ties that unite the people of the Kingdom of Bahrain with the brotherly Sudanese people.
The Minister also expressed his pride in the opening of the new premises of the Embassy of the Republic of Sudan in the Kingdom of Bahrain, expressing confidence that it will strengthen brotherly relations between the two countries and the two brotherly peoples, and an essential link in developing the course of bilateral cooperation in various fields. He expressed his deep thanks and appreciation for the good efforts made by the Ambassador of the Republic of Sudan to the Kingdom of Bahrain, Mr. Ibrahim Mohamed Al Hassan, over years of effective diplomatic work to consolidate relations of cooperation between the two brotherly countries, wishing His Excellency continued success, as well as praising the contributions of the generous Sudanese community in the development process in of the Kingdom.
The Sudanese Ambassador also delivered a speech in which he stressed that the building of the Sudanese Embassy in the Kingdom of Bahrain is not just an official headquarters of the mission, but rather is a natural extension, documenting and culmination of a unique relationship between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of Sudan. He also praised the efforts of all those who preceded him to establish the building blocks of this great edifice, pointing out that the implementation of this great project under the current circumstances, is a great achievement that he hopes will contribute to the promotion of bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of Sudan for the benefit of the two brotherly countries and people, and thanking all the official authorities in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of Sudan and the members of the Sudanese community, led by the Sudanese Club, for their direct contribution to the follow-up of the work.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by a number of Ambassadors accredited to the Kingdom of Bahrain and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Sudanese Embassy.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kingdom of Bahrain.

H.E. Minister of Foreign Affairs and H.E. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Sudan inaugurate new premises of Sudanese Embassy in Bahrain

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The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Sudan, H.E. Dr. Maryam Al-Sadiq Al-Mahdi, visited today the Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa Academy for Diplomatic Studies, as part of her official visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Upon her arrival to the Academy, she was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani and the Executive Director of the Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa Academy for Diplomatic Studies, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Shaikha Muneera bint Khalifa Al Khalifa.
During her visit, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Sudan toured the Academy and was briefed by the Executive Director of the Academy about MBMA’s goals in setting its training and development plans and strategies in order to advance the diplomatic and administrative work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She also shed light on the most prominent programs and workshops organized by the Academy to develop the skills of the Ministry&#39;s employees, including diplomats and administrative staff, as well as the process of conducting training programs and its outcomes.
H.E the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Sudan commended the advanced level of the Academy’s work, objectives and programs, and the efforts exerted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to constantly develop the capabilities and skills of its employees. She also noted her appreciation towards the relentless efforts made in preparing and organizing training programs, wishing the Academy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continued success and prosperity.
The Sudanese Minister was accompanied on the visit by the Ambassador of the Republic of Sudan to the Kingdom of Bahrain, Mr. Ibrahim Mohamed Al Hassan, and her accompanying delegation.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kingdom of Bahrain.

H.E. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Sudan visits Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa Academy for Diplomatic Studies

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In agreement with its local partners and during the Board of directors meetings of its subsidiaries, Orange (www.Orange.com) has appointed the following CEOs for three of its subsidiaries in Africa and the Middle East:

 	Patrick Benon (currently CEO of Orange Botswana) has been appointed CEO of Orange Cameroon, replacing Frédéric Debord – Board of directors meeting on July 13th 2021 	Frédéric Debord (currently CEO of Orange Cameroun) has been appointed CEO of Orange Madagascar, replacing Michel Degland – Board of directors meeting on July 2nd 2021 	Michel Degland (currently CEO of Orange Madagascar) has been appointed Deputy CEO of Mauritius Telecom – Board of directors meeting on June 24th 2021 
All of these appointments are part of the Group&#39;s international mobility policy, and have taken place at the end of the previous CEO&#39;s term.
The appointments are effective from September 2021.
Orange is present in 18 countries in Africa and the Middle East and has more than 130 million customers at of 31 March 2020. With 5.8 billion euros of revenues in 2020, Orange MEA is the first growth area in the Orange group. Orange Money, its flagship mobile-based money transfer and financial services offer is available in 17 countries and has more than 50 million customers. Orange, multi-services operator, key partner of the digital transformation provides its expertise to support the development of new digital services in Africa and the Middle East.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Orange.
Press contacts: Khadija Komara khadija.komara@orange.com +33 6 76 45 96 18
Tom Wright tom.wright@orange.com +33 6 78 91 35 11
About Orange: Orange is one of the world’s leading telecommunications carriers with a turnover of €42.3 billion in 2020 and 142,000 employees as at March 31, 2021, of whom 82,000 are in France. The Group has a total customer base of 262 million customers worldwide at March 31, 2021, including 217 million mobile customers and 22 million fixed broadband customers. The Group is present in 26 countries. Orange is also a leading provider of global IT and telecommunication services to multinational companies, under the brand Orange Business Services. In December 2019, the Group presented its new ‘Engage 2025’ strategic plan, which, guided by social and environmental accountability, aims to reinvent its operator model. While accelerating in growth areas and placing data and AI at the heart of its innovation model, the Group will be an attractive and responsible employer, adapted to emerging professions.
Orange is listed on Euronext Paris (symbol ORA) and on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol ORAN).
To find out more (online and via your mobile device), go to: www.Orange.com, www.Orange-business.com or to follow us on Twitter: @orangegrouppr.
Orange and any other Orange product or service names included in this material are trademarks of Orange or Orange Brand Services Limited.

CEOs named for three Orange subsidiaries in Africa and the Middle East

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The AGRF (www.agrf.org) and Heifer International (www.Heifer.org) today announced the launch of Pitch AgriHack 2021, a competition focused on accelerating entrepreneurial growth and job creation in the agriculture sector by leveraging advanced technologies and youth participation in Africa’s food security agenda. This seventh edition of Pitch AgriHack is a pitching contest aimed exclusively at African businesses bringing technological innovation to the agriculture sector. Generation Africa (www.GenAfrica.org), a thematic platform of the AGRF will host the competition.

The open competition portion of Pitch AgriHack 2021 will support companies that are driving innovation in agriculture across three categories-Early-stage, Mature/Growth-stage, and Women-led, with prizes totalling US$45,000. A fourth invite-only category known as the AYuTe Africa Challenge, sponsored by Heifer International, will award up to $1.5 million in grants to scalable ventures that are already generating measurable impact for Africa’s smallholder farmers.  

“As a continent with a thriving youth population, Africa’s agricultural sector must look to its youth for the innovation that will fuel the future growth of this strategically important sector,” said Adesuwa Ifedi, Senior Vice President for Africa Programs at Heifer International. “Integrating youth and technology in the agricultural sector will transform the continent, creating new jobs and income-generating opportunities for young Africans”. 

In addition to its sponsorship of Pitch AgriHack 2021, Heifer International is partnering with Generation Africa to run this year’s competition. Both organizations have a shared vision of eradicating hunger and poverty through sustainable, community-led development that begins with agriculture. 

“It’s a privilege to have an established and experienced non-profit organization like Heifer International on board,” said Head of Generation Africa, Dickson Naftali. “At Generation Africa, we believe that food systems can change if we collaboratively support young African agrifood entrepreneurs. Pitch AgriHack 2021 can give access to the tools and expertise they need to make their businesses successful.”

Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of AGRA and Special Envoy to the UN Food Systems Summit, said, “We are excited to welcome Heifer International as it partners with the AGRF and Generation Africa on Pitch AgriHack 2021. By working together, sharing knowledge, and supporting mutually beneficial projects, we can make a bigger impact and drive agricultural transformation in Africa. We want young people across Africa to hear our message – the future of food and farming depends on them.”

Six winners will be selected from the open-application categories and two winners from the invite-only AYuTe Africa Challenge category, with winners announced at the AGRF Summit which takes place September 7-10 in Nairobi. Top contestants will receive a one-day boot camp in preparation for their final pitches, with winners receiving continued support as they develop and grow their enterprises.

Business profiles of the finalists will also be published in a Deal Book for circulation at the AGRF and online, while individual profiles will be made public on the GenAfrica.org platform and reviewed for relevance to their investor community. 

Applications are open July 27 to August 16, 2021, https://bit.ly/2UKWAaZ
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of AgriHouse Foundation.
Media Contact: Jane Machigere Email: jane@jsmcommunications.com Website: www.GenAfrica.org 
ABOUT HEIFER INTERNATIONAL: For 77 years, Heifer International has worked with more than 36 million people around the world to end hunger and poverty in a sustainable way. Working with rural communities across Africa for 47 years, Heifer International supports farmers and local food producers to strengthen local economies and build secure livelihoods that provide a living income. For information, visit www.Heifer.org.

ABOUT GENERATION AFRICA: Generation Africa is a thematic platform of the AGRF, whose mandate is to strengthen the ecosystem for youth entrepreneurs in the agri-food sector across Africa. From its start in 2019, Generation Africa has brought together industry leaders, government institutions, NGOs, NPOs, and community platforms to collaborate on ecosystem development, curation and support of agribusinesses, research and advocacy, and the inspiration of young people to embrace opportunities in the agrifood sector. Find out more at www.GenAfrica.org.

ABOUT THE AGRF: The AGRF is the world&#39;s premier forum for African agriculture, bringing together stakeholders in the agricultural landscape to take practical actions and share lessons that will move African agriculture forward. Under AGRF&#39;s current strategy, the Forum is particularly focused on driving progress of the Malabo Declaration by 2025 as the priority set of commitments African Heads of State and Government have made to strengthen agricultural development at the centre of the continent&#39;s overall development and progress. The AGRF is organised by the AGRF Partners Group, a coalition of institutions that care about Africa’s agriculture transformation. For more information visit www.AGRF.org

AGRF and Heifer International Launch Pitch AgriHack 2021

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12 boys and girls Under-16 teams contest week-long event; Tournament also included training for young referees and reporters; Grand Popo hosts event showcasing link between football, education and society.

Mouyibath Aweba donned the colours of his school and prepared to play in a significant event in Benin’s football history. The best 12 teams in the country were gathered in Grand Popo having progress through departmental qualification stages to contest an inaugural national tournament and the young player was in no doubt as to the implications of the event.
“This competition will bring me many good things – things that may help my region in its development,” he said. “It will make my future better. It may help me make something of myself.”
It wasn’t only players having the chance to hone their skills through the seven-day tournament in Benin’s south-west, jointly organised by FIFA, the Beninese Football Association (FEBEFOOT) and the Benin Ministry of Sport. Young referees and reporters also underwent training sessions before putting their skills into practice once the action got underway.
Match officials given the chance to shine
Secondine Dassoukpo had gone through written, practical and physical tests at her district level in Benin and was chosen to represent the Zou region in the tournament as a match referee. Like the players, referees were selected from the different departments nationwide. Ahead of the tournament, she was one of many to benefit from the experience and training of Beninese referee Bonaventure Coffi Codjia, who himself officiated at the FIFA World Cup™ in both 2002 and 2006.
“The instructors taught me how to improve my positioning on the pitch and how to move efficiently and that’s great,” the young match official told FIFA.com. “I am so happy [to be part of the tournament]: there was a selection process and it was not easy. My ambition is to become an international referee. We all have our passions and for me, it’s football and refereeing above anything else.”
Reporters showcasing the best of the action
Young journalists had some guidance in reporting the action and content creation as well, led by French Football Federation (FFF) Press Officer, Laura Goutry.
“We did several modules and the idea was to explain the job of a press secretary and to do some media training in real-life situations,” Goutry explained to FIFA.com. “They all participated well and were curious to learn and they will now put everything into practice with the coaches and players in this schools championship.”
What they said
Kenny Jean-Marie Chief of Member Associations, FIFA: “FIFA’s vision is to make football truly global and for that, we need to be everywhere. So, an operation like this one with the support of the Beninese government and President [Patrice] Talon is important because it allows us to reach young people whilst they are still in school. It will promote education, culture and exchanges together in this mixed environment.”
Véron Mosengo-Omba Secretary General, CAF: “It is important for the Confederation of African Football to support this initiative: it is in Africa and it is of interest to the whole continent. President [Patrice] Motsepe wants to expand the competition to make it continent-wide. Young people who go to school need to find a place to play.”
Oswald Homeky Benin Minister for Sports: “I would like to express our delight today as we launch this important event which is not only a major event for Benin – our country – but also for Africa and the world of football. [This] is the start of a great journey, which will definitely see new talents blossom in our country.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).
Contact for African media: AfricanMedia@fifa.org

Benin Hosts Landmark Schools’ Tournament

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A pilot project between FIFA, the Beninese Football Association (FEBEFOOT), the Benin Ministry of Sport is taking place from July 23-30, 2021. Both boys’ and girls’ Under-16 teams from schools across the country have competed for a place at the finals in Grand Popo, where 12 boys and 12 girls teams will be accommodated in the same city.

The importance of schools’ football was emphasized by FIFA President Gianni infantino on a visit to Benin in February 2021: Schools football progress tops Benin agenda (fifa.com) (https://fifa.fans/3kZektF). Furthermore, the agreement had been signed with FIFA in 2020, proving the important link between football, development and society FIFA gives backing to Benin’s school football championship (https://fifa.fans/3rASxK6). 
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).

Video News Release: FIFA video news release: Schools tournament (Benin)

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Tunisian President Kais Saied should publicly commit to respecting and protecting human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, after he suspended parliament and assumed some judicial powers, said Amnesty International.

Concerns that human rights are at risk have heightened following an alarming raid by security forces on Al Jazeera’s office in Tunis today and the president’s threats during his speech of resorting to heavy-handed force against “those threatening state security”. 
“The hard-won freedoms and human rights gains of Tunisia’s 2011 uprising are at risk, particularly in the absence of a Constitutional Court to protect the rights of everyone in the country. President Kais Saied must ensure that any acts he orders are strictly in line with Tunisia&#39;s obligations under international human rights law and most importantly must refrain from political purges,” said Heba Morayef, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa. 
“The raid on Al Jazeera’s offices is an outrageous assault on the right to freedom of expression and deeply worrying precedent signalling that human rights are in danger during this period.” 
In a televised speech late on 25 July after a day of protests, President Kais Saied, who presides over the armed forces, announced plans to temporarily suspend the parliament for 30 days, to lift immunity for its members, and stated that he will personally preside over the public prosecution of parliamentarians. After his announcement, the army moved to block access to the Parliament.
During his speech, the Tunisian President also warned that anyone who &#8220;would use a bullet&#8221; against the security forces will be met with &#8220;a hail of bullets&#8221;. Under international law and standards, lethal force can only be used lawfully by security forces when strictly necessary to protect life and must be used proportionately. Tunisian security forces have a dire track record of resorting to unnecessary or excessive force for which they are hardly ever held to account. 
President Kais Said also dismissed Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi, whose government was responsible for a sharp deterioration of human rights in Tunisia. During demonstrations in January 2021, thousands of young people were arrested and protests were violently dispersed by security forces, who also tortured protesters in custody. His government also targeted human rights defenders and activists who voiced critical opinions or participated in peaceful demonstrations. Discontent with the government’s Covid-19 response and vaccine rollout, with the second highest daily deaths per million people rate in the world, led to high participation in the 25 July protests.
On 26 July, Al Jazeera reported that 20 heavily armed plainclothes police officers raided its office in Tunis, expelling all staff, confiscating their telephones and other equipment. Closing television stations or imposing similar arbitrary restrictions on media purely on the basis of their perceived political or other affiliations is a flagrant violation of the right to freedom of expression.
Kais Saied invoked Article 80 of the 2014 Constitution, which according to some interpretations, gives him the right to take exceptional measures in the case of an &#8220;imminent threat against the country&#39;s security and independence&#8221;. The article requires the president to ensure that the measures will &#8220;guarantee, as soon as possible, a return to the normal functioning of state institutions and services,&#8221; and assumes the existence of a Constitutional Court to protect human rights. However, successive parliaments have failed to elect the required members to form the Constitutional Court, which is now seven years overdue. 
Amnesty International is particularly concerned by the President&#39;s announcement that he will preside over the prosecution office in judicial affairs related to parliamentarians, after lifting their immunity. 
“Judicial independence is one of the cornerstones of a rights-respecting society and should not be trampled on. The concentration of powers in the hands of the executive branch is alarming. Tunisia’s president must uphold all fair trial guarantees for everyone and must not use his judicial powers to settle political scores or to conduct purges of critical voices,” said Heba Morayef.
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Tunisia is a party, prohibits states from suspending certain human rights, even during a state of emergency, including fundamental requirements of fair trials. 
Tunisia has been undergoing a shaky democratic transition since it toppled its longtime ruler Zine el Abidine Ben Ali. The country held its second parliamentary and presidential elections since the 2011 Revolution in October and November 2019, which brought President Kais Saied to power and yielded a fragmented parliament, with no party capturing more than 25% of the seats. The Islamist Ennahda party came in first, with 52 out of 217 seats, closely followed by Qalb Tounes party. Since the elections, three heads of government were appointed. For several months, the country has been embroiled in a political crisis and disagreements over power sharing between the President and the head of government, who both exercise executive powers under the 2014 Constitution.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Amnesty International.

Tunisia: Human Rights Must be Upheld Following Suspension of Parliament

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A UN expert called on authorities in the Central African Republic to thoroughly investigate the killing of 13 individuals whose bodies were found by UN peacekeepers north of the capital, Bangui, last week.
&#8220;I deplore the killing of these individuals, and call for justice to be served for the victims and their families,&#8221; said Yao Agbetse, UN Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic.
The 13 people were killed on 21 July in the vicinity of Bongboto village, 12 km from Bossangoa (Ouham Prefecture &#8211; Bossangoa Sub-Prefecture) on the Bossangoa-Nana-Bakassa axis, some 300 kilometres north of the capital.
The UN peacekeeping mission, MINUSCA, sent a joint patrol of UN Police (UNPOL) and MINUSCA Force to the Bossangoa-Nana-Bakassa axis and dispatched a joint mission composed of UNPOL and its Human Rights Section to investigate and establish the facts.
&#8220;I appeal to the Central African authorities to shed light on this alarming incident as soon as possible,&#8221; said Agbetse. &#8220;Impartial and diligent investigations must be carried out, the facts established, the perpetrators and all their accomplices must be identified.
&#8220;The CAR Government must keep on its promise – made in a statement issued the same day the bodies were found – to open a judicial investigation to identify the perpetrators of these heinous crimes and their accomplices and bring them to justice. The victims and their families deserve no less.&#8221;
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

CAR must Impartially Investigate Bongboto Killings and bring Killers to Justice – UN Expert

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This fact was criticised in a report published by the International Organisation of the Francophonie.

In the report, OIF experts cite specific cases of “unjustified” expenses and “a lack of transparency” in the management of funds allocated for organising the preparation of the Francophonie Games.
The report issued highlights the audit of the 2020 financial statements.
It focuses on several cases of irregularities and “failings in the system put in place by President Félix Tshisekedi to supervise the organisation of the 9th edition of the Francophonie Games.”
Regarding the contract for the construction of the games village, the OIF notes that though initially budgeted at USD 41 million, the cost of the work has skyrocketed to USD 113 million.
The OIF also reports that as of April 2021, several financial transactions had already raised suspicion.
The head of the Games National Organising Committee (CNJF), Didier Tshiyoyo, is said to have withdrawn large sums of money in cash in his own name from accounts opened in the name of the (CNJF).
“It would be good to establish and communicate the bank account number for the 9th Francophonie Games”, the OIF notes.
The 2020 financial report also reveals that 961,000 US dollars were spent. This amount “is not justified considering the extremely limited activities that the CNJF undertook” in the year in question.
While the amount allocated to operations remains stable at EUR 12.1 million, the budget for investments rose from EUR 36 million to 93 million. As a result, the Francophonie Games International Committee (CIJF) is very concerned about CNJF’s management and organisation, which “remains fragile and lacks control.”
According to the report, the significant delays already recorded “risk undermining organisational quality.”
The OIF report also mentions that most of the documents audited are not initialled and are often incomplete.
According to the report, none of the contracts signed by Didier Tshiyoyo include the statement “approved by the Directorate General of Public Procurement”.
The renovation of the Tata-Raphael stadium for over USD 11 million, entrusted to the Alliance des Bâtisseurs Congolais (ABC) consortium, also raises concerns. Deadlines are often not specified, leading to fears of major delays.
OIF experts note that the CIJF does not have terms of reference or specifications that would enable it to issue invitations to tender or enter into direct agreements, often the preferred choice for CNJF management.
The conditions for awarding contracts for the construction and rehabilitation of infrastructures “do not meet the transparency requirements for major international events.”
It should be noted that after the 19th meeting of the CIJF Steering Committee, held on 28 April 2021 under Morocco’s presidency, the Congolese CNJF was required to provide evidence of compliance with financial regulations, particularly in terms of management of funds and contract awards.
After examining the documents provided, it was found that almost 90% of the submitted documents contained “inconsistencies”, “shortcomings” and “legal weaknesses”.
The 9th edition of the Francophonie Games will be held from 19 to 28 August 2022 in Kinshasa.
According to recommendations from the CIJF Steering Committee, on 2 July 2019 the Permanent Francophonie Council approved holding the 9th Francophonie Games in 2021 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which committed to signing the specifications, creating the National Francophonie Games Committee by decree, and starting the construction works for the village before the Council next convened on 29 October 2019. Olivier KAFORO The original article can be found via the following link:https://bit.ly/3iLyfK0
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Zoom eco.

Democratic Republic of the Congo: The International Organisation of the Francophonie (OIF) criticises unjustified expenses and a lack of transparency in expenditure management for the 2022 edition of the Francophonie Games

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As announced by President Macron on 29 May during his State Visit to South Africa, the French Embassy in South Africa and the Consulates General in Cape Town and Johannesburg organised a vaccination campaign for French citizens and their family dependants in Pretoria and Cape Town.

The Covid-19 vaccination campaign started on 15 June in Pretoria and lasted until 24 July in Cape Town.
The campaign initially focused on French citizens and their family dependants aged 55 and over. Following a recommendation by the French High Authority for Health dated 9 July 2021, it was extended to people aged 18 years and over
In total, 1,272 French citizens and their family dependants in South Africa and Lesotho were vaccinated with the Janssen vaccine from Johnson&#038;Johnson supplied by the French government.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ambassade de France à Pretoria.

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H.E. Minister of Foreign Affairs and H.E. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Sudan inaugurate new premises of Sudanese Embassy in Bahrain

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Coronavirus – Geneva Palais briefing note on the current COVID-19-induced education crisis

Eritrean refugees in Tigray caught up in conflict

H.E. Minister of Foreign Affairs and H.E. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Sudan inaugurate new premises of Sudanese Embassy in Bahrain

H.E. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Sudan visits Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa Academy for Diplomatic Studies

CEOs named for three Orange subsidiaries in Africa and the Middle East

AGRF and Heifer International Launch Pitch AgriHack 2021

Benin Hosts Landmark Schools’ Tournament

Video News Release: FIFA video news release: Schools tournament (Benin)

Tunisia: Human Rights Must be Upheld Following Suspension of Parliament

CAR must Impartially Investigate Bongboto Killings and bring Killers to Justice – UN Expert

Democratic Republic of the Congo: The International Organisation of the Francophonie (OIF) criticises unjustified expenses and a lack of transparency in expenditure management for the 2022 edition of the Francophonie Games

Coronavirus – South Africa: Covid-19 vaccination campaign in South Africa and Lesotho

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