Two C-130 military planes from Egypt landed at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu on August 27, 2024, reportedly carrying military equipment as part of a broader deployment of Egyptian forces in Somalia. This deployment follows a defense agreement between Egypt and Somalia, which aims to bolster security cooperation in the region.
The arrival of the military equipment comes at a time of heightened tension in the Horn of Africa. Recently, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohammed canceled the third round of indirect talks with Ethiopia, which were initiated by Turkey. The cancellation follows a controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland, granting Ethiopia access to 20 kilometers of coastal land in Somaliland on a 50-year rental agreement. Somalia has accused Ethiopia of violating its sovereignty due to this agreement, which has further strained relations in the region.
Somalia’s federal government, led by President Mohammed, has been actively seeking diplomatic and military support from neighboring countries, particularly Egypt and Eritrea. The Egyptian military presence in Somalia is framed as part of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission (AUSSOM), which is set to replace the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) by the end of January 2025.
Tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia have been exacerbated by the ongoing dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which is nearing completion. In light of these developments, Somalia has explicitly stated its opposition to the inclusion of Ethiopian forces in the upcoming AUSSOM mission. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre emphasized that Ethiopian forces would not participate unless Ethiopia withdraws from the contentious MoU with Somaliland.
During a recent town hall meeting in Mogadishu, Prime Minister Barre asserted, “If Ethiopia does not withdraw from its MoU agreement with Somaliland, its forces will not be part of the upcoming operation. If they remain, it will not be under the African Union mandate.” He further stated that Somalia has effectively outmaneuvered Ethiopia regarding the implementation of the agreement with Somaliland.
The Prime Minister highlighted widespread rejection of the MoU among Somalis, asserting, “This agreement is not something Somalis anywhere can accept.” The situation remains fluid as Somalia navigates its diplomatic relations and security arrangements amidst regional tensions.
Egyptian military planes arrive in Somalia amid rising regional tensions
UGANDA: New law to regulate engineering professionals in the offing
A law that will regulate the operations of technologists and technicians, has been mooted for consideration by Parliament.
The Bill was tabled by the State Minister for Works and Transport, Hon. Musa Ecweru during the first day of the regional plenary sittings in Gulu City on Wednesday, 28 August 2024.
The Bill seeks to repeal the existing Engineers Registration Act, as well as to establish the Uganda Institution of Engineering Professionals that will provide for the regulation and licensing of other professionals in the industry, apart from engineers.
The Bill will also provide for a code of ethics for engineering professionals and provide for a mechanism for inquiry into the conduct of an engineering professional who contravenes the code of ethics.
“The Engineers Registration Act Cap.271 regulates aspects of engineers only and does not provide for the regulation of other engineering professionals. There is need to regulate the technologists and engineers who are the other cadres of engineering professionals,” reads the Bill in part.
While presiding over the plenary sitting, the Speaker, Anita Among, referred the Bill to the Committee on Physical Infrastructure for further processing, with a report expected to be given to the House for consideration and approval.
Rule 129(2) of the Rules of Procedure states that, ‘The Committee shall examine the Bill in detail and make all such inquiries in relation to it as the Committee considers expedient or necessary and report to the House within 45 days from the date the Bill is referred to the Committee.’
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Delegation Holds Meetings with Government and PFDJ Officials
The delegation of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), led by Mr. Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the Commission, held extensive discussions with various Government and PFDJ officials yesterday.
During its meetings with Mr. Hagos Gebrehiwet, Head of Economic Affairs of the PFDJ; Dr. Gergis Teklemicael, Minister of Finance and National Development; and Mr. Arefaine Berhe, Minister of Agriculture, the ECA delegation focused on mutual cooperation regarding Eritrea’s priority development programs.
Briefing the delegation, Mr. Hagos Gebrehiwet stated that Eritrea is working on development programs with the objective of ensuring social justice. He also expressed a willingness to work in collaboration with the Commission on priority development sectors.
In the meeting with the Minister of Finance and National Development, Mr. Claver Gatete conveyed the Commission’s readiness to enhance human resources development and implement tangible programs in various developmental sectors, particularly in the energy and renewable energy sectors.
At the Ministry of Agriculture, Minister Arefaine Berhe highlighted Eritrea’s motto, “Ensuring Nutritious Food for All and Everywhere,” and emphasized that the country is working on strategic plans centered on farmers. Minister Arefaine also expressed a commitment to transform these plans into large-scale industrial outputs in collaboration with the Commission.
The ECA delegation expressed its readiness to adopt development programs that align with Eritrea’s priorities and to share Eritrea’s experience in water and soil conservation with other countries.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej focuses on ‘Women Empowerment’ in the Twelfth Episode of “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” TV Program
Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany released the Twelfth Episode of their first-ever TV program – ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ on their social media handles.
‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ is a pan African TV program that is conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation to feature African Fashion Designers, Singers, and prominent experts from various domains with the aim to raise awareness and create a culture shift across Africa.
The TV program is currently broadcasting on KTN Home in Kenya, every Saturday at 5 pm and repeated every Thursday at 6:30 am.
It has also been broadcasted on prime TV stations of many countries like BTV (Botswana) Mashariki TV (Burundi), GHOne &TV3 (Ghana), QTV (The Gambia), LNTV (Liberia), Mibawa Limited (Malawi), Defi Media (Mauritius), AYV TV (Sierra Leone), NTV (Uganda), ZNBC TV (Zambia) and it immediately captured the attention and hearts of millions of viewers across Africa. “Our Africa” TV Program will soon be broadcast on GTV in Ghana, NBC in Namibia, and ZTN in Zimbabwe. “Our Africa” TV Program is also currently on social media handles of Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4g0FgDw), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4g43Hjj), X (https://apo-opa.co/4g4rdNq) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3YXKvxK) and Merck Foundation (Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4g5dLbM), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3yLym4t), X (https://apo-opa.co/3yMrrYJ) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3Ta8OF4).
Watch the Promo of ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ here: https://apo-opa.co/3AHWLZa
The theme for the Twelfth Episode is Women Empowerment.
Watch the Twelfth Episode promo here: https://apo-opa.co/4e1aKHE
Watch the Twelfth Episode here: https://apo-opa.co/3T4UTQk
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation expressed, “Firstly, I would like to thank all our audiences for the overwhelming response we have been getting for ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ on our social media handles. I am excited to bring to you the twelfth episode of this entertaining and informative TV Program that you all have given so much love. ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ TV Program’s twelfth episode focuses on ‘Women Empowerment’. I firmly believe that investing in Women Economic Empowerment sets a direct path towards gender equality, poverty eradication and inclusive economic growth.”
“We have addressed this very sensitive topic of Women Empowerment through Merck Foundation’s ‘Fashion and Art with Purpose’ community. I strongly believe that media, fashion and art should have a purpose beyond entertainment and looking good and can raise awareness about issues such as Diabetes Awareness, Breaking Infertility Stigma, Ending Child Marriage, stopping FGM, stopping GBV, Supporting Girl Education and Women Empowerment, among other social and health issues affecting the continent. Through our programs, we want to reach out to youth and other members of urban and rural communities across the continent to address and raise awareness about a wide range of hindering social and health issues that are relevant to Africa”, added Dr. Rasha Kelej.
The twelfth episode of “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” features Prince Akpah, Founder&Managing Director, Avance Media, Ghana; Wezi Afro-Soul Singer; Songwriter Advocate and Humanitarian, Zambia; Dr. Sabrina Devi Ramamy Iranah, Director of Fashion and Design Institute, Mauritius and Jean Luc Emile, Managing Editor, Defimedia Group, Mauritius. Fashion designers from Mauritius: Dasheena Deena Appaddo and Desire Cedric Vincent featured their designs in this episode displaying strong and relevant messages on Women Empowerment.
Senator, Dr. Rasha further emphasized, “Empowering girls and women is part of our DNA at Merck Foundation. Together with our ambassadors, First Ladies of Africa, we work closely to empower women and girls through our programs including our “More Than a Mother” Campaign, “Educating Linda” program, Merck Foundation Capacity Advancement, and Merck Foundation STEM program”.
Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” campaign is a strong movement that aims to empower women living with Infertility through access to information, education, change of mind-set, and economic empowerment.
“Moreover, we have benefitted many girls through our awareness campaign which includes releasing many inspiring children’s storybooks, animation films and songs to support girl education and end child marriage”, shared Senator Kelej.
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej further emphasized, “In partnership with the First Ladies of Africa, we have been building healthcare capacity through providing training to healthcare providers in many medical specialties. Out of the total 1810 scholarships, more than 828 scholarships have been provided to female doctors in critical and underserved specialties especially that is related to women’s health and reproductive health such as fertility specialty, embryology and sexual&reproductive care and also other specialties like Oncology, diabetes, endocrinology, respiratory care, intensive care, preventive cardiology and many more. This is a great achievement for us”.
Additionally, Merck Foundation is adapting their storybooks to create interesting animation films with the purpose of reaching out to the communities to raise awareness on the important supporting girl education and ending child marriage. Watch Ride into the Future Animation Film here: https://apo-opa.co/3AHWOEk
Merck Foundation also supports childless women by helping them start their own small businesses. It’s all about giving every woman the respect and support she deserves to lead a fulfilling life, with or without a child.
“Moreover, we also trained more than 3200 media representatives from more than 35 countries, to be the voice of the voiceless and raise community awareness around breaking infertility stigma around women and other critical issues such as: ending child marriage, stopping GBV, supporting girl education and women empowerment. In partnership with African First Ladies, we have also announced awards for Media, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers and Musicians/ Singers to raise awareness through their creative work about these critical social and health issues.”, explained Senator, Dr. Rasha.
Merck Foundation strongly believes that Education is one of the most critical areas of women’s empowerment. Through their ‘Educating Linda’ program, Merck Foundation together with African First Ladies has been supporting the education of many unprivileged but brilliant African girls by providing scholarships, so they can reach their potential and pursue their dreams.
Merck Foundation has also announced the MARS Awards to appreciate and recognize ‘Best African Women Researchers’ and ‘Best Young African Researcher’. The aim is to empower women and young African researchers, advance their research capacity and promote their contribution to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
Also, Merck Foundation has released many inspiring children’s storybooks, Animation Movies and over 30 songs on breaking infertility stigma, supporting girls’ education, and women empowerment, in English, French and Portuguese language. To listen to the Merck Foundation songs and read the Merck Foundation storybooks, please visit: https://apo-opa.co/3TbaX39
“I am very excited to bring to you all the upcoming episodes of ‘OUR AFRICA by Merck Foundation’ TV program. So, stay tuned and be ready to Get informed, Get healthy, and Get entertained!”, concluded Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej.
You can watch all the past episodes by referring to the below links:
Watch Episode 1 here: https://apo-opa.co/4g5Jgm8
Watch Episode 2 here: https://apo-opa.co/3ABjQMY
Watch Episode 3 here: https://apo-opa.co/3Z62uSD
Watch Episode 4 here: https://apo-opa.co/4g4j3EI
Watch Episode 5 here: https://apo-opa.co/4g43Y5P
Watch Episode 6 here: https://apo-opa.co/4e47Emz
Watch Episode 7 here: https://apo-opa.co/3T1MAVp
Watch Episode 8 here: https://apo-opa.co/4ge26I2
Watch Episode 9 here: https://apo-opa.co/4fZwO7x
Watch Episode 10 here: https://apo-opa.co/3Z0ueIk
Watch Episode 11 here: https://apo-opa.co/4g67XyP
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.
More images: https://apo-opa.co/3T7y0M6
Contact details:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
+91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com
Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4g5dLbM
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3Ta8OF4
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3yLym4t
X: https://apo-opa.co/3yMrrYJ
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4g68mkP
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/3AHWW6M
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/4ge2INQ
About Merck Foundation:
Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality&equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare and scientific research capacity and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit: Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com); Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4g5dLbM), X (https://apo-opa.co/3yMrrYJ), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3yLym4t), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3Ta8OF4), Thread (https://apo-opa.co/3AHWW6M) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4g68mkP).
