Ethiopia National Defence Forces (ENDF) troops serving with the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) have donated medical supplies to Bay Regional Hospital in South West State to improve access to healthcare in the region.

The donation, made in response to a request from the South West State administration, consisted of 73 different drugs and essential supplies including antibiotics such as amoxicillin, azithromycin, erythromycin, cetirizine, dextrose and insulin. Additionally, the troops provided  surgical aids such as syringes, gloves, masks, bandages and catheters.

“We are hopeful that the assorted medical supplies donated today will significantly meet and improve the urgent medical needs of the local population,” said Lt.Col. Dr Terefe Nigussie, the head of the ATMIS Level Two hospital in Baidoa.

Dr Nigussie also highlighted ATMIS’ ongoing medical efforts stating that, “This donation compliments the weekly free medical treatment provided by our doctors at the ATMIS Level Two hospital to residents who seek further medical attention or are referred for specialised treatment.”

Receiving the donation on behalf of the South West State administration, the Mayor of Baidoa, Abdullahi Watin, appreciated ATMIS’ support to the local community.

“We thank ATMIS troops for coming to the aid of our community. Every time we’ve called upon them, they’ve always responded to our pleas,” said Mayor Watin.

The Director General of the hospital, Abdifatah Ibrahim Hashi, pledged to ensure the donation benefits the local community especially the vulnerable and less privileged.

“The response by ATMIS is commendable. This donation has come in at a time when the hospital is running out of essential medical provisions. You can imagine the impact it will have on our patients” said Abdifatah.

Established in 1936, Bay Regional Hospital is a public health facility in the heart of Baidoa town and serves residents of Bay and Bakool in South West State as well Gedo region of the neighboring Jubaland State.

The hospital offers free healthcare services including surgery, maternal care, pediatric healthcare, nutrition, outpatient treatment and laboratory services.

Managed by the South West State administration with the support of international partners, the facility plays a crucial role in the region’s healthcare system.

ATMIS troops in South West State also provide food and non-food relief items to local communities during emergencies.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi spoke by phone with Sultan of Oman, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said. President El-Sisi extended his sincere and deepest condolences for the victims of the shooting incident in Al-Wadi Al-Kabeer area of Muscat. The President prayed to Allah the Almighty to envelope the victims of this tragic incident with his perfect mercy and wished the wounded speedy recovery. President El-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s condemnation of this heinous terrorist act and expressed full solidarity with the Sultanate of Oman during this challenging time, within the framework of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and extremism.

His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq appreciated Egypt’s supportive stance towards Oman, emphasizing the strength and depth of the historical fraternal relations binding Egypt and Oman and their respective peoples. He reaffirmed his country’s commitment to further strengthening the distinguished bilateral cooperation between the two countries across various fields.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Since the establishment of the ECOWAS Integrated Maritime Strategy (EIMS) in 2014, the operationalization of the ECOWAS Maritime Coordination Centres (EMCCs) across maritime zones E, F, and G, as well as the West Africa Regional Maritime Coordination Centre (CRESMAO), has significantly contributed to the reduction of piracy and sea robbery incidents in the ECOWAS Maritime Domain (EMD). Despite these successes, the EMCCs face challenges that undermine their efficiency, such as the unclear status of the Maritime Centres, staffing issues, and funding constraints. As part of the acceleration of the proper operationalization of the Maritime Centres, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission is organizing an interdepartmental meeting from 15th to 18th July 2024 in Accra, Ghana.

The meeting is aimed at reviewing and streamlining the structure of the EMCCs to ensure their effective functioning and sustainability. The meeting had representatives from various ECOWAS Departments, Directorates, Also from the ECOWAS Parliament, the ECOWAS Court of Justice, ECOWAS Maritime Coordination Centres.

During the opening ceremony, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Abdel- Fatau MUSAH, PhD, underscored the importance of Maritime Security in the West African region which currently has four  key zones, if properly managed could help with the prosperity for all in accordance with the ECOWAS Agenda 2050: ECOWAS of the people, Peace and Prosperity for all.

The Director for the MMCC Zone F, Oboumou Noel (Capt) represented by   the Deputy Director, Lt Cdr Edem AKATI emphasized the importance of the structural and technical reform of the Maritime Centres as a testament of the importance of the EMCCs in enhancing maritime safety and security in the ECOWAS Maritime domain.

In his opening remarks, the Representative of UNODC, M. Abbas Daher stated the importance of this milestone in the continuing engagement with ECOWAS with the aim of funding practical and innovative solutions towards ensuring maritime security and ensuring a safe and secure maritime domain to allow for economic prosperity in the ECOWAS States.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in the United Kingdom Rohitha Bogollagama met the new South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola at the Service of Thanksgiving celebrating the 30th Year of South Africa’s Democracy. The event was hosted by the High Commission of South Africa in London on 16 July 2024 at Westminster Abbey.

High Commissioner Bogollagama and Minister Lamola exchanged views on strengthening the bilateral relationship between Sri Lanka and South Africa as well as ties within the Commonwealth. Both dignitaries expressed a strong commitment to enhancing cooperation and deeper ties between their respective governments.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Sri Lanka.