The EU and its Member States stand firm in our commitment to defending freedom of expression across the country in Libya and the protection of journalists and media workers. The freedom of media is crucial to democratic transition. We echo UNSMIL’s concern about the increasing nationwide trend of arbitrary detention of individuals who peacefully express their political views and promote the right to freedom of expression. The growing climate of fear and deteriorating civic space highlighted by UNSMIL’s reports demands immediate attention and action from all stakeholders to uphold the rule of law and respect human rights in Libya.

We are concerned by the reported arrest on 11 July of journalist Ahmed Sanussi. We join UNSMIL in calling for his immediate release and swift action from Libya’s judicial and law enforcement authorities to ensure the safety and rights of individuals, journalists and media workers.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Delegation of the European Union to Libya.

In a significant and pivotal event, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., today officially launched the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7 (GC7) at the Monrovia City Hall.

The launch signifies an unwavering commitment to combat the epidemics of HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, which have posed significant challenges to the nation’s health care delivery system.

Addressing a distinguished gathering including the Minister of Health, Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, representatives of the NGO community, Global Health Partners, partner governments, foreign diplomats, and esteemed guests, President Boakai expressed immense pride and gratitude for the support of the Global Fund in addressing critical healthcare challenges faced by Liberia.

The GC7 grant in the sum of one hundred and seventeen million, five hundred and forty-six thousand, six hundred and seventy United States dollars (US$117,546,670), represents a renewed dedication to improving health care outcomes for Liberia.

The President acknowledged the invaluable partnership of the Global Fund, emphasizing its crucial role in supporting Liberia’s development agenda by contributing to the healthcare system and providing crucial assistance in the fight against HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.

Highlighting the achievements made with previous grants, President Boakai emphasized the need for continued progress and the importance of the GC7 grant in further strengthening and accelerating the national response to these diseases.

He outlined the comprehensive approach that will be undertaken through the GC7 grant, focusing on key areas such as expanding access to essential health services, increasing the availability of life-saving medications, and improving healthcare infrastructure.

He reiterated the commitment to prioritizing the training and capacity-building of healthcare professionals and strengthening supply chain management systems to ensure timely and efficient distribution of medications and medical supplies.

The fight against HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, the President noted, will be approached with innovative strategies to reach key populations, reduce stigma, and promote community engagement.

Specific interventions for each disease were highlighted, including scaling up antiretroviral therapy and HIV testing and counseling services for high-risk population groups, strengthening diagnostic capacity for tuberculosis, and intensifying efforts in malaria prevention and control particularly for vulnerable populations.

The GC7 grant will further support resilient and sustainable health systems, with integrated interventions aligned with government policies and priorities. The comprehensive vision encompasses strengthening the supply chain system, network of laboratories, community systems strengthening, health financing systems, monitoring and evaluation systems, and overall healthcare delivery.

President Boakai concluded by reaffirming the unwavering commitment of Liberia to improving healthcare and expressed gratitude to all funding donors of the Global Fund for their indispensable support in making lives healthier and longer.

The launch of the GC7 grant marks a critical milestone for the Sanitation and Healthcare Pillar of the ARREST (Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Sanitation&Tourism) Agenda and Liberia’s efforts to combat HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, and sets the stage for enhanced healthcare resilience and accessibility for all Liberians.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of Liberia: Executive Mansion.

The UAE Embassy in Rabat and the Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco organized an international seminar titled ‘Moroccan-Emirati relations: a prosperous reality and promising prospects,’ to mark the 52nd anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Morocco.

The seminar commenced with a speech delivered by His Excellency Al Asri Saeed Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco, along with His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah, Chairman of the UAE Fatwa Council and Head of the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace, and His Excellency Abdeljalil Lahjomri, Permanent Secretary of the Kingdom of Morocco’s Academy.

During his speech, H.E. Al Dhaheri highlighted that the celebration of 52 years of productive contributions and achievements since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries embodies deep-rooted and close fraternal ties.

His Excellency added that economic and trade relations between the two countries are strong, and are making further progress towards achieving an advanced economic partnership, leveraging the strengths of integration between both the Emirati and Moroccan economies.

The seminar aimed to discuss the vision regarding the fundamentals and achievements of UAE-Morocco relations, their geopolitical significance, and their promising future prospects.

The event witnessed the participation of several government officials, heads and representatives of diplomatic missions in the Kingdom of Morocco, academic experts, university professors from the UAE and Morocco, in addition to local and international media outlets.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs&International Cooperation.

The top United Nations official for Somalia today visited its Federal Member State (FMS) of Puntland, where he discussed a range of local and national topics with its leader, President Said Abdullahi Mohamed ‘Deni.’ 

In relation to Puntland, efforts at improving security and lowering tensions figured prominently. 

“We discussed the security situation and I commended Puntland authorities for their efforts in containing terrorist groups in Bari region, and for working to de-escalate clan conflicts over land disputes in Mudug region,” said the UN Secretary-General’s Acting Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan.

He was speaking at a joint press encounter with President Deni in the FMS’ capital, Garowe. This followed meetings between Puntland’s leader and Mr. Swan, as well senior members of the former’s administration and senior UN humanitarian and development officials who formed part of the latter’s delegation.

In his remarks, the Acting UN Special Representative also noted that renewed incidents of piracy off the FMS’ coast, as well as the impact of continued migration flows through Puntland, required attention.

On democratization efforts in the FMS, the top UN official welcomed preparations by the Puntland Electoral Commission, and the population of Nugal region, for the start of a direct local elections campaign there, scheduled on 23 July in three districts, including in Garowe. 

“We hope these elections for local councils will build on the achievements of the local election held in May 2023, and further reinforce democratization as well as progress in the participation of women and youth,” Mr. Swan said. 

Solutions for national challenges 

On issues of national importance, President Deni and Mr. Swan discussed topics which included the ongoing campaign against the Al-Shabaab terrorist group, the constitutional reform process, and the next election cycle. 

The Acting UN Special Representative noted that, while Somalia had achieved tremendous progress in recent years, many challenges remained, and highlighted the need for agreement and cooperation.

“In light of this reality, I expressed the view that it would be to the benefit of the Somali people if the country’s senior leaders – the Federal Government President and Federal Member State Presidents – could overcome any outstanding differences and find a way to work together, to agree on solutions to these national challenges, and then to take action in unity,” said Mr. Swan.  

“To this end, I urge leaders in Mogadishu and Garowe, with the help of other Federal Member State leaders, to take the steps necessary so that they can resume working together cooperatively,” he added. 

Humanitarian and development support 

Another area highlighted during the meetings was the continued focus of the government of Puntland on advancing development priorities and responding effectively to humanitarian needs. 

“UN efforts support the Puntland Development Plan, which is in turn aligned with the Somali National Development Plan and UN Sustainable Development Goals,” Mr. Swan noted in his remarks.  

Mr. Swan travelled to Garowe with a small delegation of UN officials working in support of Puntland and Somalia’s humanitarian and development goals. They included Crispen Rukasha, the Head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA); Ezana Kassa, the Head of Programme of the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO); and Prestage Murima, the Deputy Head of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) operation in Somalia.

“Humanitarian aid provided through the UN includes extensive support to address food insecurity, health needs, and the requirements of Internally Displaced Persons, among many other activities,” Mr. Swan said.

“Let me reiterate,” he continued, “the United Nations’ commitment to working closely with President Deni and his government to support the advancement of the people of Puntland and all Somalia.”

This year, a budget of $120 million was allocated for humanitarian, development, peace-building, security sector reform and democratization interventions led by 14 UN agencies, funds and programmes active in Puntland’s cities of Garowe, Bosaso and Galkayo.

As part of his initial round of in-person meetings with Somali leaders, the top UN official has already visited the Federal Member States of Jubaland, Galmudug, and South West State. He met with Federal President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre in Mogadishu.

James Swan was appointed to his current position by the UN Secretary-General António Guterres on 14 May 2024. He previously served as the UN chief’s Special Representative for Somalia and Head of UNSOM from 2019 to 2022.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM).