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Minister of Health Lizzie Nkosi&#39;s COVID-19 update on 31 March 2021:

New cases: 4 Total cases: 17,337 Active cases: 138 New recoveries: 47 Total recoveries: 16,528
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Coronavirus – Eswatini: COVID-19 update (31 March 2021)

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Total cases: 21,783 (+138) Recovered: 20,182 (+181) | 92.4% Active cases: 1,294 In critical condition: 5 Tests: 1,148,201 (+9,464) Test positivity rate: 1.4% Vaccinated: 348,926 Deaths: 307 (+1) | 1.4%
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Republic of Rwanda. Media files

Coronavirus – Rwanda: COVID-19 update (31 March 2021)

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Smile Telecoms Holdings Ltd. (www.Smilecoms.com), a Pan-African telecommunications group with operations in Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, announced today, March 30th 2021 that its RP (Restructuring Plan) has been approved and agreed with the lenders.

This debt restructuring plan sees an injection in fresh money funding from Smile&#39;s majority shareholder, the Al Nahla, and rescheduling on debt repayment until post-March 2022.

The fresh injection of $51m in funding for Operations will further enhance Smile&#39;s position in its respective markets and energize Smile&#39;s operations and support efforts towards achieving better performance.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Smile Telecoms Holdings Ltd.
By: Nicolene van Zyl Group Head: Corporate Communications and Marketing Email: nicolene.vanzyl@smilecoms.com Smile Telecoms Holdings Ltd www.Smilecoms.com
About Smile Telecoms Holdings Ltd: Founded in 2007, with its head office in England, Smile Telecoms Holdings Ltd is a Pan-African telecommunications group with operations in Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and South Africa. The company has one of the largest sub-1 GHz 4G LTE commercial networks in Africa, operating in the &#8220;future proof&#39; low band, 800 MHz band, and mid-band.
Smile was the first to launch VoLTE on its network and continued its innovation, introducing SmileVoice, a free mobile app. SmileVoice enables customers with any Android or Apple iPhone device (including those which are not VoLTE-enabled) to make SuperClear voice calls over Smile&#39;s 4G LTE network. Smile was also the first to introduce an Unlimited offering, which enables SuperFast data and SuperClear voice, all on one bundle.

Smile Telecoms Holdings Enters New Era with Approved Restructuring Plan – Fresh Money

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Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) has strengthened their ongoing support for gender equality by paving the way in women’s sport with the launch of the Women’s Rugby Advisory Committee (WRAC) and sub-committees.

As part of Rugby Africa’s broader strategy, the role of WRAC and its sub committees is to define key performance indicators that demonstrate progress of the development of women in rugby across Africa to promote gender inclusion practices that foster growth and development within the sport.
The committee will provide a platform for females in all spheres of in rugby to be recognised for the crucial value their contribution and participation provides towards shaping the future of the global game.
The four sub-committees will focus on key areas of advancing governance and leadership, competitions, player welfare, development, and retention to meet strategic goals for women’s rugby across Africa by implementing the following objectives with the following chairpersons in charge:
 	Chairperson: Zeena Isaacs-Van Tonder who is the Media Manager at South African Rugby Union &#8211; Communication, Marketing and Public Relations: to drive the overall communications plan for Rugby Africa to communicate effectively to stakeholders and raise the profile of women’s rugby. 	Chairperson: Regina Hellen Lunyolo who is the Director of Women’s Rugby at Uganda Rugby Union &#8211; Leadership, Training &#038; Conferences:  to review and track member unions’ Women in Leadership and develop strategies that support their identity, engagement and empowerment through conferences, awards, panel discussions and interviews. 	Chairperson: Anna Preira who is a board member of the Fédération Sénégalaise de Rugby medical committee &#8211; on the Player Welfare &#038; Participation: to serve as RA Women’s Rugby grassroots ambassadors fostering participation and support towards local RA activities and initiatives, while leveraging their social media engagement to publicize women’s rugby gains and achievements. 	Chairperson: Aaron Jani who is the President at Zimbabwe Rugby Union &#8211; Finance, Development &#038; Competitions: to review available funding from World Rugby, Rugby Africa, and Unions to assess the impact and propose enhanced funding strategies where applicable. 
This exciting new step for Rugby Africa confirms its ambition to innovate and invest in creating quality experiences for women in the game of rugby.
Women’s Rugby Advisory Committee Chairwoman Paula Lanco said the Committee is embracing its future to promote and position women in rugby at all levels, equipping them with adequate resources and the support needed to succeed and retain interest from fans and ultimately investors to further enhance the game.
“Our newly launched advisory committee and sub-committees has several Unstoppables and influential union leaders who reflect our values and intent to encourage the global development of women in rugby, giving them equality on and off the field,” said Lanco.
To date the WRAC committee and sub-committees has made significant strides, appointing quality members that are focused on reviewing and implementing finance strategies, leveraging publicity opportunities, and maintaining the overall welfare of players by providing access to trainers, coaches, and educators.
Women’s Rugby Manager at Rugby Africa, Maha Zaoui said the creation of the WRAC and its four sub committees has been instrumental towards building a global vision for women’s rugby in Africa.
“With the impact COVID-19 has placed globally we are able to work with the sub-committees to overcome challenges the pandemic has placed on world sports and identify untapped opportunities,” said Zaoui.
The President of Rugby Africa Khaled Babbou said the formation of WRAC and the sub-committees is a massive step forward in developing leaders in women’s rugby as it aligns with the recent International Women’s Day theme of Women in Leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world and our strategic goal for women in rugby.
“The aim is to achieve a minimum representation that includes 30 per cent of women in leadership roles and to have 40 per cent of the registered players to be female by 2025.
“Our goal is to continuously put women at the forefront of our strategic plan and ensure the objectives of each sub-committee serve in the interest of further developing the welfare and retention of female rugby players,” said Babbou.
General Manager at Rugby Africa Coralie van Den Berg testifies that, “the WRAC and creation of its sub-committees will ultimately help increase awareness of women in rugby, attracting more tournaments and partnerships with sponsors, increasing the overall popularity of the game in the continent.”
*NB – sub-committee members are as follows:
Communication, Marketing and Public Relations:
 	Paule Ella Guei – Côte d&#39;Ivoire (Unstoppable) 	Christel Janet Kotze – Namibia (Unstoppable 	Fatou Camara Sene – Senegal (Unstoppable) 	Georges Bebga – Cameroon 
Leadership, Training &#038; Conferences:
 	Naasu Fofanah – Sierra Leone 	Erica A.Amoako – Ghana 	Grace Lyorhe – Nigeria 	Abigail Mnikwa – Zimbabwe 	Wejdane Limame – Tunisia (Unstoppable) 
Player Welfare &#038; Participation:
 	Babalwa Latsha – South Africa (Unstoppable) 	Fatma El-kindiy – Botswana (Unstoppable) 	Abigail Kawonza – Zimbabwe (Unstoppable) 	Rafatu Inusah – Ghana (Unstoppable) 	Donatienne Rasoampamonjy – Madagascar (Unstoppable) 	Samiya Ayikoru – Uganda (Unstoppable) 	Sanaa Barakat – Egypt (Unstoppable) 	Kananelo Joyce Mokhachane – Lesotho 	Princess Alban Ugonwaezeh-Agugo – Nigeria 	Camilyn Oyuayo – Kenya 
Finance, Development &#038; Competitions:
 	Ando Niaina Herimahefa – Madagascar 	Havyarimana Albert – Burundi 	Janis Nduli – Zambia 	Rajinder Singh Sembi-Pape – Kenya 	Helmi Ben Salah – Tunisia Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.
Media Contact: N: Lerato Chiyangwa E: Rugby@apo-opa.com
News &#038; results: Follow @RugbyAfrique on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook Website: www.RugbyAfrique.com
Women’s Ruby in Africa: On the African continent, women’s rugby has seen tremendous growth. In the last decade it increased from 50 000 female players in 2012, to over 260 000 in 2018 and 350 000 in 2020.
For this tremendous growth to continue, strong leadership in women’s rugby needs to continue, the Women’s Executive Leadership Scholarship is one of the tools that will enable this.   
Africa will also be well represented when South Africa participates in the next rugby World Cup women in New Zealand in 2022 and Kenya in the Olympic Games in 2021.
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 (www.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.
Media files

Championing Gender Equality in Sports – Rugby Africa Launches the Women’s Rugby Advisory Committee

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FIFA (www.FIFA.com) President shares experience with members of G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group; 11 key reforms to combat corruption in football; FIFA offered as a global partner to help governments to fight corruption.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has addressed the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group on the last day of its videoconference summit.
Invited to speak on the fight against corruption in sport, President Infantino shared the lessons that the new FIFA has learned through its post-2016 reforms, as well as from the corruption scandal that brought down the previous administration.
Laying out the path taken by world football’s governing body in the first five years of his presidency, the FIFA President listed 11 key reforms designed “to tackle corruption, to bring back accountability in FIFA, in football more generally, and to safeguard the integrity of football and, of course, FIFA.”
In particular, those reforms were:
 	a fully transparent bidding process for the FIFA World Cup; 	the separation of political and executive powers; 	terms limits and eligibility checks for elected officials; 	transparency of finances and compensation; 	a transparent and centrally supervised transfer system; 	audited football development investment with accountability, which includes a five-time increase in such investment (USD1.8bn) when compared to the past; 	internal and external compliance overseen by an independent Audit and Compliance Committee; 	judicial bodies guided by a new FIFA Code of Ethics; 	strict tender processes for transparent procurement; 	the promotion of women to decision-making positions in football administration; and 	the formalised protection of human rights, and the protection of minors and children in sport, as it is important that our children are in a safe environment. 
President Infantino expressed FIFA’s desire to establish partnerships with the members of the G20, and pointed to the power of football to help combat corruption: “It’s crucial that the G20 takes an interest in these matters and gives a clear policy direction because football is much more than just a sport. Sport in general is so important for our society, economically and socially, but also in terms of education. We are here to offer our collaboration, we are here to offer our part as a player of a global team to fight corruption.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). Media files

President Infantino addresses G20 on tackling corruption in sport

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Raising the flag of rugby high in Namibia and across the African continent, Rugby Africa’s (www.RugbyAfrique.com) Unstoppable Christel Janet (CJ) Kotze is certainly a force to be reckoned with. Handpicked as one of 12 leading women in rugby on the African continent as part of Rugby Africa’s #Unstoppables, the Absolute Rugby producer and coach is certainly a beacon of inspiration to women in the game.

Twenty-seven-year-old Kotze was born with the game in her blood, having watched former Namibia international wing and her dad Jaco Kotze during his training sessions. Joining the sport back in 2013, she formed part of a historic moment for Namibian ladies in 2014, when she made the cut for the country’s first ever national women’s rugby team. With lots of learnings coming off the team’s first play in the 2014 Africa Women’s Sevens in Kenya, Kotze grabbed 2015 with gust as she led her team and tasted a win in the Africa Women’s Sevens tournament held in South Africa.

‘The 2015 tournament in South Africa had a different energy around it. The squad felt stronger, the belief in the team was bigger. Something was telling us that this tournament was going to be better than the previous year. It was in game two of day one where everything just came together. I was in the right place at the right time. I got the ball on the right wing and just did what was expected of me. I found the gap and I ran as if my life depended on it, scoring the try under the post. Just moments later I managed to convert the try. It was only after the game that I realised what had happened and how big it was!’

Noting that it has been a struggle to get the game back on its feet, Kotze said that it only started picking up in 2019 when a group of people who passionately believed in women’s rugby, pushed forward resulting in the formation of regional teams. By the start of 2020, there were three distinctive teams in the central area of Namibia. Today there are currently six senior women’s rugby teams countrywide.

‘The future of the game in Namibia seems to be bright once again, with more schoolgirls taking an interest in the game, meaning on a grassroots level the game is growing. This in turns feeds into clubs and eventually the national side is growing. Hopefully with this the Namibian national women’s team can once again step up and become a contender at African cups and not just as a participant in the next two years.’

With aspirations to become the first national coach of the women’s national team, Kotze is currently coaching on both Club and high school level, following an ACL injury that led her to trade in her rugby boots for a rugby whistle. As the first woman in Namibia to attain her 7’s level 2 coaching certificate in 2019, Kotze admitted that the biggest challenge that women’s rugby is faced with is the stigma surrounding women in the sport.

‘While coaching the boys at Orban, it is safe to say that it did not come easy. In the beginning it was hard trying to convince fathers – who are experts in the game in their own right- that two ladies could coach their boys. However, we stuck through it and yes at first, we did not win but the skill level and understanding of the game the boys had was clear and with each passing year the wins started rolling in. In the last two years, as the boys approached a big tour, a few fathers joined us to help hold tackle bags and just generally help where needed. Slowly their perspective changed about women coaching boys. I think the biggest lesson I learned through coaching the boys is to keep believing in your vision even if others do not see it or believe it. Keep believing in yourself.’

Rugby Africa General Manager, Coralie van den Berg, said that Kotze epitomised what an Unstoppable stood for. ‘Through the Unstoppable project, Rugby Africa is raising the profile and promoting women in rugby for a sustained change in the perception and diversity of the sport. An area that needs a special focus is the representation of female coaches and match officials as this is very low. Kotze is truly aiding in this focus area and is excelling in her coaching expertise. Her found love for coaching and her stance to give young boys and girls a real shot at a good rugby future is remarkable.’

Rugby Africa Women’s Rugby Manager, Maha Zaoui said that Kotze was a shining example of leading women in rugby within Africa. ‘CJ truly stands heads and shoulders with her male peers. Through her contribution and determination, we certainly could see a future national coach taking her team all the way to the Rugby World Cup. It is exactly her passion and deep love for the game that we need to light the path for future women in rugby.’
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.
Media Contact: N: Lerato Chiyangwa E: Rugby@apo-opa.com
News &#038; results: Follow @RugbyAfrique on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook Website: www.RugbyAfrique.com
Women’s Ruby in Africa: On the African continent, women’s rugby has seen tremendous growth. In the last decade it increased from 50 000 female players in 2012, to over 260 000 in 2018 and 350 000 in 2020.
For this tremendous growth to continue, strong leadership in women’s rugby needs to continue, the Women’s Executive Leadership Scholarship is one of the tools that will enable this.   
Africa will also be well represented when South Africa participates in the next rugby World Cup women in New Zealand in 2021 and Kenya in the Olympic Games.
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 (www.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.
Media files

Unstoppable Christel Janet Kotze is a National Rugby Coach to be watched for

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A shipment of 24 000 doses of the AstraZeneca South Korea COVID-19 Vaccine, has arrived at the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone. Obtained from SKBioscience in South Korea, it is the first shipment of 100 000 vaccines purchased by the Government of Botswana, enabled through the COVAX Facility.

While receiving the COVAX consignment, Vice President Slumber Tsogwane remarked that the vaccines have been acquired by the Government of Botswana with the intention to vaccinate everyone in the entire population. He furthermore affirmed President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s intention to do all that is necessary to save lives, including foregoing planned development projects.
The shipment is the first of many that will be allocated to Botswana in the coming months through the COVAX Facility. The facility is working to accelerate the development of and access to COVID-19 vaccines. It is co-led by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the World Health Organization (WHO) working in partnership with UNICEF as well as the World Bank, manufacturers, civil society organizations, and others.
“WHO and the COVAX partners are happy to support the Government of Botswana in combating COVID-19. These vaccines will complement the other public health measures including wearing masks, hand washing, and social distancing. Botswana has done a tremendous job in its efforts to control the disease and roll-out vaccination. We commend their efforts and reaffirm our commitment to support them further,” said Dr. Josephine Namboze, WHO Country Representative in Botswana.
This is the second batch of vaccines that entered the country this month. On 9 March Botswana received a donation of 30 000 COVID-19 vaccines from India. The Covishield vaccines are the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines manufactured locally by the Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer.
In the past year, over 36 000 people had been infected, over 500 lives lost, sluggish growth in the economy, and disruptions to everyday life. The COVAX Facility plans to deliver at least 2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines by the end of this year. This is an exceptional global effort to make sure citizens worldwide have access to vaccines and that lives may be saved. The arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine and the immediate roll-out of an extensive vaccination plan provides new hope in the continuing fight against the pandemic in Botswana.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.

Coronavirus – Botswana: New dawn for Botswana’s COVID-19 response

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Efforts to improve the productivity and resilience of pastoral production systems in the Sahel get a strong boost with a $375 million new IDA financing, approved by the Board of World Bank’s Executive Directors today, to support the implementation of the second Regional Sahel Pastoralism Support Project, known by its French acronym PRAPS-2 (Projet regional d’appui au pastoralisme au Sahel-Phase 2).

Pastoralism is a key driver of growth that provides livelihoods for more than 20 million people in the Sahel. The new project will support this important activity to improve the resilience of pastoralists and agro-pastoralists in selected areas of the Sahel region, including in Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Senegal. 
Building on the successes of its predecessor (PRAPS-1), PRAPS-2 will pursue investments to establish  more robust animal health systems, increase access and governance of natural resources – including new grazing areas and more water infrastructure—, support pastoralists’ peaceful mobility along the local and cross-border mobility routes, and increase income. It will also support national and regional institutions as well as stakeholders’ capacity to govern the sector.
COVID-19’s restrictions have impacted pastoral activities and have led to sharp increases in livestock prices, and pastoralists’ livelihoods have been undermined by markets closures and movement limitations. The new project will contribute to targeted responses to these pandemic-related challenges. PRAPS-2 will improve pastoral livestock value chains, facilitate livestock trade, support regional market integration, and will further fill gaps in strategic market infrastructure along regional trade corridors.
It is estimated that at about 13 million people including the youth, and of which at least 30% are women, will directly benefit from the project’s activities.
“Ensuring the socio-economic inclusion of women and youth in all development programs in the Sahel is key”, said Ms. Soukeyna Kane, World Bank Country Director for Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali and Niger. “PRAPS-2 will contribute to this goal by stepping up interventions towards vulnerable women and youth from pastoral households by increasing their access to training, including functional, digital and financial literacy, as well as business skills. It will finance income generating activities to support their self-employment initiatives and will improve access to social and civil registries, a strong demand of pastoralists’ organizations in the Sahel region”.
Despite continuous efforts of governments and partners, food insecurity and malnutrition persist in the Sahel, and pastoral livestock systems – among others – have been recognized for offering great opportunities that would contribute to address these issues, while serving as steward of the fragile and vast rangelands of these arid and semi-arid areas : “Interventions focused on increasing the availability of animal sourced foods and improving incomes, in particular for the most vulnerable, carry a significant potential for positive food security and nutritional outcomes”, said Simeon Ehui, World Bank’s Regional Director for Sustainable Development in Africa.
Cattle remain one of the main exports from Sahelian landlocked countries, and the most widely traded product between these and coastal countries. “Pastoralism presents advantages for the development of intraregional trade in animal products and it represents a compelling opportunity for regional integration”, said Ms. Deborah Wetzel, World Bank Director of Regional Integration for Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and Northern Africa. “The interdependence between Sahelian countries &#8211;that have a comparative advantage in supplying livestock and livestock products from pastoral systems&#8211; and the coastal countries –that provide feed during certain periods of the year and constitute important market outlets — strengthens the ties between people, societies, and economies”.
PRAPS-2 will work with regionally mandated institutions to help integrate policies, harmonize regulations and increase coordination among countries to fully realize the potential of pastoralism to achieve poverty reduction in the Sahel.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.

World Bank Provides $375 Million to Boost Efforts Towards Realizing the Full Potential of Pastoralism in the Sahel

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 New Cases: 0 Total Confirmed: 3,970 Deaths: 79 Recovered: 2,802 Total in quarantine: 40 Discharged from quarantine: 14,659
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information and Communication, Sierra Leone. Media files

Coronavirus – Sierra Leone: COVID-19 update (30 March 2021)

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Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Libya, and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Ján Kubiš met today with Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR) Mr. Agila Saleh in al-Qubba. Speaker Saleh expressed the House of Representatives’ willingness to work on finding the necessary constitutional and legal framework for holding elections on 24 December 2021. The Special Envoy congratulated Speaker Saleh on his leadership, which was illustrated in re-uniting the HoR and resulted in granting the vote of confidence for the new unified government, and renewed the UN commitment to provide all necessary support to HNEC and relevant Libyan authorities to  organize  national elections on 24 December 2021.

Yesterday, Special Envoy Ján Kubiš accompanied by Assistant Secretary-General (ASG), Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Libya Georgette Gagnon, met with the Chairman of the Board of the High National Elections Commission (HNEC), Dr. Emad Al-Sayah in Tripoli. Dr. Al-Sayeh briefed them on the ongoing HNEC’s technical and logistical preparations to implement the national elections.
They stressed the Importance of achieving timely constitutional and legal basis for elections. Special Envoy Kubiš renewed the commitment of the United Nations and its international partners to continue to support the HNEC, especially at this critical stage of the history of Libya, in order to fulfil the overwhelming demand by the Libyan people to hold the national elections on 24 December 2021.
Also yesterday, Special Envoy Kubiš met with Judge Mohamed Al-Qamoudi Alhafi, Head of the Supreme Judicial Council, along with his deputies and council members. They discussed ways to strengthen the Libyan-UN cooperation to support the judicial sector in the country. The Special Envoy expressed his admiration for the instrumental unifying role the judicial authority played during the past period while preserving its independence and its impartiality.
The Special Envoy congratulated the Minister of Interior Khaled al Tijani Maazen on his appointment, during a meeting yesterday in Tripoli, in which they discussed the security situation in Libya; unification of institutions ;ways to advance the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, including the opening of the coastal road and support the efforts of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission. The meeting, which was attended by ASG/UN Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator Georgette Gagnon, also touched upon the unification of security institutions across the country, protection of migrants, the security preparation for the holding of national elections, and the UN support to the ministry’s efforts, including in training and capacity building.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

Special Envoy Ján Kubiš Meets Speaker Agila Saleh, Chief Justice, Head Of High National Elections Commission And Minister Of Interior

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The American Petroleum Institute (API) and the African Energy Chamber (AEC) (EnergyChamber.org) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on capacity building initiatives and standardization to enhance safety, environmental protection and sustainability in African countries producing natural gas and oil.

“API is pleased to collaborate with the AEC to expand use of our world-class standards and programs to help enhance the safety, transparency and sustainability of natural gas and oil operations across the African continent,” API Segment Standards and Services Vice President Alexa Burr said. “This is our first partnership with an African based organization, and we look forward to supporting AEC’s efforts to drive industry-wide technical knowledge.”

The number of petroleum producing countries in Africa has increased substantially, coinciding with a movement across the continent to enact robust, equitable and imminently more transparent policies. This continent-wide pursuit to increase the technical capacity of local organizations is of paramount importance in these natural gas and oil economies. It will be vital for public and private representatives of African host economies to work with the international petroleum industry and help ensure the developmental needs of the local markets are met while maintaining policies that allow for oil sector investment in these economies and accelerating the adoption of industry practices that enhance safety and environmental protection.

The MOU will facilitate collaboration between API and AEC members in several areas, including:
 	Development of training programs and seminars 	Coordination, collaboration and sharing of the natural gas and oil industry’s good practices for environmental, health, safety, security and sustainability 	Organization of joint forums, conferences, roundtables, workshops, about energy issues and the continued multifaceted uses of natural gas and in the world’s energy future 

“Our association with API is a milestone for the work we do, and we are confident we will see American ingenuity – a key component of the partnership between African producing nations and IOCs – at its best,” US-Africa committee Chair of the AEC Jude Kearney said. “America has a tried, true and tested tradition of developing and deploying best-in-class standards, and industrial ingenuity to safely develop natural resources in America and around the globe. We also have a proud history of partnering with the earliest oil producing countries in Africa to create stable petroleum sectors and sustained economic contributions. Our goal is to work with the API to further support African nations and businesses to build technical capacity, harmonize standards and attract investment to help Africans monetize their resources and combat energy poverty while growing their economies while prioritizing safety and the environment.”

Given the economic and transformative potential which Africa’s natural gas and oil industry holds – including the focus on human capital growth, supply chain development and local and international partnerships for talent and infrastructure development – the AEC is determined to place this collaboration at the forefront of its mission.

API represents all segments of America’s natural gas and oil industry, which supports more than ten million U.S. jobs and is backed by a growing grassroots movement of millions of Americans. Our 600 members produce, process and distribute the majority of the nation’s energy, and participate in API Energy Excellence (https://bit.ly/2QV6gNN), which is accelerating environmental and safety progress by fostering new technologies and transparent reporting. API was formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization and has developed more than 700 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
About the African Energy Chamber NPC: Established in 2018 to promote sustainable investments and best practice in the African Energy Industry, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) brings together stakeholders from multiple African and global jurisdictions who are interested in energy matters across the entire energy value chain.
Media files

American Petroleum Institute (API) and African Energy Chamber sign First Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand Natural Gas and Oil Industry Standards and Initiatives

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Following the decision of Cabinet, and upon recommendation of the Minister of health, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs(COGTA), Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma designated under section 3 and 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002), has gazetted amendments to directions relating to alert level 1.

Communities, Industries, businesses and entities, both private and in the public sector, must operate within the Alert Level 1 regulations as amended and gazetted.
Every person is obliged to observe curfew time from 00H00 until 04H00 daily, unless a person has a permit.
It is important to note that even as the country remains at Alert level 1 during the Easter period, government urges everyone to be extremely cautious and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and others from possible COVID-19 infections. Government further implores people to observe and adhere to all the non-pharmacetical interventions in an effort to mitigate against the possibility of a resurgence.
Attendance of funerals is limited to 100 persons. All people attending gatherings including faith based ones, should endeavor to limit exposure to COVID-19 by adhering to all protocols and regulations. These gatherings are restricted to a total number of 250 people indoors and 500 outdoors.
Where the venue is too small to accommodate these numbers with appropriate social distancing, then no more than 50 per cent of the capacity of the venue may be used.
Congregants are urged not gather outside their usual places of worship, and people must go home and not sleep over after services.
With respect to other gatherings, these will also be restricted to a maximum number of 250 people indoors and 500 outdoors.
Where the venue is too small to accommodate these numbers with appropriate social distancing, then no more than 50 per cent of the capacity of the venue may be used.
Even though provisions have been made for gatherings, we however urge all South Africans, if possible to avoid gatherings, especially vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and those with co-morbidities.
The sale of alcohol for off-site consumption will be prohibited for the Easter period, Friday to Monday.
Minister Dlamini Zuma calls on citizens to remain cautious, vigilant and safe. We wish every person a blessed Easter.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Cooperative Governance Traditional Affairs, Republic of South Africa.

Coronavirus – South Africa: Minister Dlamini Zuma statement on the Covid-19 alert level 1 amended regulations

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The World Food Programme (WFP) is working to assist more than 50,000 people affected by the deadly violence in Palma, a town in Mozambique&#39;s troubled Cabo Delgado region.

 “It’s a real humanitarian catastrophe,” says Lola Castro, WFP&#39;s Regional Director in Southern Africa, “people are heading all over the place —  by boat, on foot, by road.”
WFP is distributing emergency food packages to “support the people wherever they are”, and working with UNICEF to supply a “desperate population” with drinking water, says Castro.
Cabo Delgado province already has the highest rates of chronic malnutrition in Mozambique, with more than half of children malnourished — now thousands are walking into even deeper food insecurity.
“The situation is very bad,” says Castro, “and it’s affecting Cabo Delgado’s neighbouring provinces.” She adds: “We don&#39;t have enough resources to support the scale-up that is needed.” 
The conflict has been hammering northern Mozambique since 2017, when non-state armed groups attacked police stations in the town of Mocimboa da Praia. Throughout 2019, as the country reeled from the devastating impact of two cyclones, it has continued — throughout 2020 the violence escalated while the number of displaced people multiplied.
“At the start of 2020, there were 18,000 people displaced — by December there were 500,000 people,” says Castro.
In February that figure reached nearly 670,000 people, around 80,000 of whom are currently inaccessible because of the violence.
“It’s a very serious situation,” says Castro. “We are talking about already desperate people who haven&#39;t been able to plan for three consecutive years, others who have recently been displaced, who don&#39;t have even food, water, shelter or anything. A huge humanitarian tragedy is unfolding before us.” 
Displaced people make efforts to reach their “family members in other places, these are host communities they know, some find shelter in government resettlement centres — anywhere that they can find that is a safe shelter,” she adds. 
It’s a sadly all-too-familiar narrative in northern Mozambique.
As WFP reported in October, following a previous exodus: “Some flee into the bush, surviving  by drinking river water and eating what they find along the way, only to return and find their homes burnt to the ground, forcing them to move southwards towards the provincial capital of Pemba and beyond. Others, fearing attacks on coastal villages, pack into boats to sail southwards, going for days without food or water.”
According to the latest figures, 950,000 people in Cabo Delado and the neighbouring provinces of Niassa and Nampula are food insecure.
As WFP responds, the current challenge is by no means surprising — the organization has long been at pains to point out the link between food insecurity, violence and the mass movements of people seeking safety and food security. However, previous calls for funds have not been answered. 
The organization requires US$10.5 million on a monthly basis to provide assistance and US$98 million is required to provide support for the next 12 months.
WFP and the humanitarian community have renewed their call for unhindered access to all areas to deliver life-saving assistance.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP). Media files

Mozambique: WFP responds as attack on Palma displaces thousands

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The 2023 electoral process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will mark “a new critical stage” in the country’s journey to democratic transition and stabilization, UN Special Representative Bintou Keita said on Tuesday in her first briefing to the Security Council. 

Ms. Keita, who also heads the UN mission in the country, MONUSCO, urged officials to use the interim period to overcome obstacles, and take advantage of opportunities, so that progress and reforms can be made.  
“Indeed, we cannot ignore the challenges, the persistent weaknesses and the remaining obstacles, and to overcome them will require the international community and the government to speak with one voice and act with one accord”, she said, addressing the virtual meeting in French.    
Momentum for change 
Ms. Keita, formerly a top official in UN peacekeeping and political affairs, was appointed by the Secretary-General in January.  Since arriving in the DRC, she has met with President Félix Tshisekedi and other top Congolese officials, and with civil society representatives. 
Switching to English, she outlined opportunities ahead of 2023, including the formation of a new Government, noting “there is a momentum for change that can be built.” 
The UN mission chief said she has stressed to leaders that the new Government must promptly act on several areas which also overlap with MONUSCO priorities, such as reform of the military and police forces, effective protection of civilians, and ensuring disarmament of combatants. 
“I am underlining to all stakeholders the need to act within the constitutional framework and to organize the elections in a timely and inclusive manner, respecting the electoral calendar”, she added. 
Silence the guns 
Turning to MONUSCO, Ms. Keita updated ambassadors on its ongoing strategy towards eventual withdrawal from the country.  The mission is preparing to close field offices in the Kasai region in June, and in Tanganyika province next year, while strengthening cooperation with UN agencies working in the areas of humanitarian aid, development and rule of law. 
However, the situation is different in the Kivus and Ituri, located in the country’s volatile eastern region, given the serious security, protection and humanitarian challenges that persist. 
“To silence the guns, there is no just military solution, but political strategies”, said Ms. Keita. “These strategies must take into account and address the many social, economic and governance needs, including in relation to the management of the security apparatus and addressing the underlying challenges of land insecurity and improving transparency and accountability in the mining sector.”   
Meanwhile, President Tshisekedi’s recent assumption of the presidency of the African Union is another opportunity for progress, according to Ms. Keita. 
“This presidency represents not just the return of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the African stage, but also it should make it possible to demonstrate the commitment of the country and the region to once and for all silencing guns throughout this part of the continent”, she said, again calling for the Council’s support.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

New mission chief points to opportunities ahead of 2023 election in DR Congo

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A group of UN experts today expressed alarm at the increased recruitment and use of private military and foreign security contractors by the Government of Central African Republic, and their close contacts with UN peacekeepers.

The Working Group on mercenaries said they were deeply disturbed by the interconnected roles of Sewa Security Services, Russian-owned Lobaye Invest SARLU, and a Russian-based organisation popularly known as the Wagner Group. In particular, they expressed concerns about their connections to a series of violent attacks that have occurred since the presidential elections on 27 December 2020.
In addition, the experts said they were disturbed to learn of the proximity and interoperability between those contractors and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). In particular, they pointed to coordinated meetings with “Russian advisors”, their presence at MINUSCA bases, as well as medical evacuations of wounded “Russian trainers” to MINUSCA bases. 
“This blurring of the lines between civil, military and peacekeeping operations during the hostilities creates confusion about the legitimate targets and increases the risks for widespread human rights and humanitarian law abuses,” said the experts.
The experts have received, and continue to receive, reports of grave human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law, attributable to the private military personnel operating jointly with CAR’s armed forces (FACA) and in some instances UN peacekeepers. Among the violations are reports of mass summary executions, arbitrary detentions, torture during interrogations, forced disappearances, forced displacement of the civilian population, indiscriminate targeting of civilian facilities, violations of the right to health, and increasing attacks on humanitarian actors.
“Unacceptably, there seem to be no investigations and no accountability for these abuses,” the experts said. “The close connections between the various actors, along with the lack of transparency, further jeopardises chances of any impartial investigation and ensuring accountability for those abuses and violations. “Greater clarity on the roles of ‘international partners’ and accountability is urgently needed in order to achieve sustainable peace and stability in Central African Republic,” they said. Experts called on the Government and their ‘international partners’ to comply with their obligations under international law, in particular to hold accountable all perpetrators of grave violations and abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law.
The experts have also conveyed their concerns about the above allegations directly to the Governments of the Central African Republic and the Russian Federation, and, to the extent possible, the companies concerned.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Central African Republic: Experts alarmed by government’s use of “Russian trainers”, close contacts with UN peacekeepers

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Jumeirah Group (www.Jumeirah.com), a global luxury hospitality company, has announced the appointment of Ermanno Zanini to the role of Regional Vice President and General Manager of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, its flagship hotel in the United Arab Emirates.

In his new role, Ermanno will oversee all aspects of the global icon’s operations, building on his rich background to further cement the exceptional service that Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is renowned for. He will lead and support the team in its unwavering dedication to create unforgettable guest experiences, while maintaining oversight for Italy and Spain.

Ermanno joined the Jumeirah family in 2019 when the renowned Capri Palace in Italy was added to the Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts portfolio. Ermanno continued in his role as General Manager for this Mediterranean gem in Anacapri – a position which he has held since 2002 – while taking on additional responsibilities for Jumeirah Group as Regional Vice President for Italy and Spain. A native of Naples, Ermanno is a true globetrotter, with a strong passion for culinary excellence, having launched several Michelin starred restaurants including the renowned Il Riccio restaurant and beach club as well as the two-starred L’Olivo restaurant, both located in Capri Palace Jumeirah. He is also an art and photography connoisseur who enjoys discovering new talent, and championed Contemporary Art installations throughout the hotel to create an exceptional setting. During his time at Capri Palace Jumeirah, Ermanno also created a unique wellness destination within the property, with the patented vascular therapy ‘The Leg School’, conceptualised by Professor Francesco Canonaco, the Medical Director of Capri Beauty Farm.

As part of his role as RVP for Italy and Spain, Ermanno was instrumental in the successful seasonal re-opening of the stunning Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel &#038; Spa in Mallorca, set within a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ermanno appointed Gianluca Priori as General Manager of this beautiful clifftop retreat, which boasts panoramic views of the mountains and sea. There too, the award-winning Talise Spa treatments have gained widespread recognition for the ultimate relaxation experience.

Fergus Stewart, Acting Chief Operating Officer of Jumeirah Group, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ermanno Zanini in his newest role as Regional Vice President and General Manager of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. In his new position, he will deliver the ethos of exceptional luxury at the iconic all-suite hotel where anything is possible together with his expert team, while ensuring successful operations for Italy and Spain.”

“Ermanno’s true passion for hospitality and gastronomy, and extensive expertise in the industry, will further elevate the guest experience at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah across dining service and wellness. We are extremely excited to embark on this new journey with him,” he added.

Commenting on his new role, Ermanno Zanini said: “Luxury to the sophisticated travellers – and to me – means living a transformational and intimate experience and being able to enrich ourselves and learn from it, which is exactly what Burj Al Arab Jumeirah offers. From the moment guests walk into the hotel, they are transported to a world of unparalleled luxury where memorable connections are made and anything is possible; I couldn’t be happier to be a part of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah’s family, and to embark on this enriching and exciting journey.”

Ermanno’s diverse career in hospitality began in 1993 with Four Seasons Hotels &#038; Resorts, seeing him enthusiastically take on roles in F&#038;B including Food &#038; Beverage Manager at the Four Seasons Hotel Milan in 2002. In addition to holding the title of General Manager at Capri Palace, he also led the operations as Chief Commercial Officer from 2015 to 2017 for Mytha Hotel Anthology (Capri Palace’s managing entity at the time) for its collection of seven unique hotels located across Italy, Turkey, Croatia, and Spain.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Jumeirah Group.
Media Contact: Sharifa Al Maawali Cluster PR &#038; Communications Manager sharifa.almaawali@jumeirah.com
About Jumeirah Group: Jumeirah Group, a member of Dubai Holding and a global luxury hotel company, operates a world-class 6,500+-key portfolio of 25 properties across the Middle East (including the flagship Burj Al Arab Jumeirah) Europe and Asia, with more properties currently under construction around the globe.
The health and safety of guests and colleagues is Jumeirah Group’s utmost priority. It has implemented a series of protective measures across all of its hotels, while strictly adhering to each market’s respective Government directives. Demonstrating Jumeirah’s commitment to operating its hotels to the highest global standards, 12 of its hotels were recently awarded the Bureau Veritas Safeguard Label, with Jumeirah Al Naseem being the first hotel in the world to receive the prestigious certification. The Group is working closely with Bureau Veritas to certify its wider portfolio.
Download the images &#8211; https://we.tl/t-J5cjXnPMjU.
Media files

Jumeirah Group Appoints Ermanno Zanini as Regional Vice President and General Manager of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah

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Three hundred and thirty-four (334) COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered, of which two hundred and forty-two (242) were in Khomas and ninety-two (92) in Erongo region.

Cumulatively, a total of one thousand two hundred and fifteen (1215) vaccine doses have been administered since the roll-out.

New confirmed cases: 128 Deaths: 7 Recoveries: 221 Active cases: 1845  
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health and Social Services, Namibia.

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