The leaders of Egypt, Australia, Spain, and Croatia sent messages of congratulations in connection with the 33rd Independence Day anniversary of Eritrea.

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Governor-General David Hurley of the Commonwealth of Australia, King Felipe VI of Spain, and President Zoran Milanović of the Republic of Croatia extended wishes for good health to President Isaias Afwerki and for peace and prosperity to the people of Eritrea.

In his message, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi reaffirmed the willingness and readiness to develop and enhance the historic relationship between Egypt and Eritrea in all aspects, aiming to benefit the peoples of both nations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Taking advantage of the National Awakening Day, the Indonesian Embassy on Sunday (19/5) held meetings with student groups and university alumni in Sudan.

This time the gathering event was held in a hybrid manner using the Zoom Meeting platform and was attended by no less than 100 participants.

Indonesian Ambassador Sunarko was present to have a warm dialogue with students from various regions and Sudanese alumni, and conveyed the latest developments in the higher education administration process which was of primary interest to students, especially regarding the issuance of diplomas, implementation of exams, and teaching and learning activities. Ambassador Sunarko is proud to see the enthusiasm of the students who are now in Indonesia after the evacuation and continue to struggle to complete their education online from Indonesia, despite the limitations that exist in Sudan due to the impact of the war.

Representatives of Indonesian students and alumni expressed their appreciation and gratitude for the attention given by the Indonesian Ambassador and the Indonesian Embassy work team to the continuity of the student education process. One of the student representatives also expressed support for the Indonesian Embassy’s efforts to maintain coordination and friendship, as well as maintaining the cohesiveness of student groups.

Ambassador Sunarko hopes that all students can complete their education smoothly. The Indonesian Embassy is committed to providing assistance and facilities to students in accordance with applicable regulations. At the end of the activity, Ambassador Sunarko also advised Indonesian students and alumni to maintain the spirit of work and foster an entrepreneurial spirit as a form of contribution to Indonesia’s development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Khartoum, Sudan.

The Burundi National Defence Forces (BNDF) troops serving with the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) have been honoured for their contributions to peace and security in Somalia at a colourful ceremony on Saturday at the Jowhar Airfield Base in Hirshabelle State.

ATMIS Sector Five Commander, Col. Oscar Hatungimana, presided over the event, which was attended by United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) Regional Administrative Officer, Gagan Banjara, and other senior ATMIS and UN officials.

The outgoing Burundi contingent troops, who have completed their one-year tour of duty, were recognized for their dedication and contributions to ATMIS mandate, which includes joint operations with Somali security forces to defeat Al-Shabaab, securing population centres and Main Supply Routes (MSRs) in the Middle Shabelle region. 

Col. Hatungimana praised the troops for their dedication and commitment to peace and stability in Somalia. 

“These officers have served with courage and discharged their duties diligently. I commend them for their bravery, discipline, and exemplary service to ATMIS and the people of Somalia,” said Col. Hatungimana. 

He welcomed the newly rotated troops and urged them to carry on the legacy of the previous contingent. 

“We welcome those taking over and urge them to be diligent. You have the responsibility of supporting Somali security forces to effectively take over full security responsibility for their country,” said Col. Hatungimana. 

UNSOS Regional Administrative Officer, Gagan Banjara, representing the UN, commended the outgoing Burundi troops for their distinguished service to the peace support operations and for providing security to humanitarian actors. 

“ATMIS Burundi troops have done a commendable job in their Area of Responsibility (AoR). We applaud them for their courage, dedication, and professionalism exhibited in discharging their duties in this region. The UN country team is grateful to them and their leadership for the good work done in supporting UN agencies and other humanitarian organisations,” said Mr. Banjara. 

The outgoing BNDF troops deployed to Somalia in May 2023. 

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

Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron said:

“The violence in and around El Fasher in Sudan is appalling.”

“Villages around El Fasher have been burnt down. Hospitals have been destroyed. Hundreds are dead and injured from the fighting in recent days, and over 800,000 civilians have no means of escape.”

“I am deeply concerned by highly credible reports that some of the violence in Darfur is ethnically motivated. Attacks against Masalit, Fur, Zaghawa, and other non-Arab communities by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias are already taking place around El Fasher. The ongoing pattern of violence in Darfur, including apparent systematic attacks against civilians, may amount to crimes against humanity.”

“I also condemn the indiscriminate shelling and aerial bombing in densely populated areas by the Sudanese Armed Forces, which has led to catastrophic losses of civilian life.”

“It is within the power of the warring parties to stop this. The RSF must halt its siege of El Fasher and both sides must de-escalate immediately.  Both sides must fully honour the commitments made in the Jeddah Declaration, including allowing unhindered and safe humanitarian access and complying with their obligations under international law.”

“We must hold accountable those responsible for violence against civilians. Thanks to open-source reporting, including that funded by the UK, we have detail about who on the ground is responsible. And we will continue to explore all levers to disrupt the funding of those perpetrating the violence.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.