Alison Blackburne has been appointed UK Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa and Red Sea. She takes up the role with experience in a wide range of diplomatic roles in the UK and overseas, including previously serving as the British High Commissioner to Uganda and British Ambassador to South Sudan. 

The UK Envoy’s role is to lead the UK response to international activity in the Horn of Africa region, engaging with key actors.

Deputy Foreign Secretary Andrew Mitchell said: The UK is committed to building our long-term partnerships in the Horn of Africa, wider East Africa and across the Gulf. Our relationship tackles a range of issues, from humanitarian crises to trade, investment, and regional security.  

It’s been a critical year for the region, from a devastating conflict in Sudan, to attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and building our trade links in the Gulf. 

Alison will bring invaluable knowledge and experience to the role, and I am confident she will grow our diplomatic relationships in the coming years.

UK Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa and Red Sea Alison Blackburne said:  The Horn of Africa is a dynamic region, and the UK remains focussed on working with partners to bring peace, stability, and prosperity for its people.

We are committed to tackling the key issues which affect communities across the region.  These include conflict and instability, humanitarian crises, climate change and food insecurity, as well as the challenges and opportunities of regional economic cooperation and trade and investment. 

 It is a privilege to accept this position, and I look forward to working with our international partners at such a crucial time.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Government of UK.

Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) provided a feed pellet machine to fishers working in Yumbe, a city in the northwest of Uganda, to enhance their production capacities.

In Yumbe, located in the northwest of the country and being the second poorest region, through the ACOSED development program, which carries out activities for the city’s development under the guidance of Yumbe Deputy Naima Melsa Gule Avako, important activities are implemented regarding fish products, which rank as the country’s third top export item.

Nearly 3 tons of production

Despite high feed costs, a daily production capacity of nearly 3 tons is achieved thanks to the feed pellet machine provided by TİKA in the region, where approximately 100 fishers work. The project aims to reach fishers working in 10 different cities, especially in Yumbe, and in the settlements on the borders of Congo and South Sudan.

The city of Yumbe aims to set an example in fish farming

Speaking at the delivery ceremony, Yumbe Deputy Naima Melsa Gule Avako expressed, “Today marks a revolutionary day for the hardworking people of Yumbe. We will always remember Türkiye’s support,and we will ensure that Yumbe becomes an exemplary region for fish farming by enhancing our efforts in order to show that we always remember this support.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).

On behalf of the Government and people of Seychelles, I would like to extend our warm greetings and congratulations to the people of the European Union (EU) as you celebrate Europe Day.

Europe Day is a celebration of the core European values and beliefs, guided by the principles of the rule of law, democracy, justice, respect for human rights and dignity, and solidarity. Today serves as an opportune moment of reflection on the historical events that led to the establishment of the European Community. Preserving this spirit is, now more than ever, crucial against the backdrop of the current international climate and discourse.

As a Small Island Developing State in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles recognises its longstanding partnership with the Union, and the strong cooperation in areas of mutual interests including, but not limited to, the environment and climate change, trade, and maritime security. The European Union has been a steadfast partner in our journey towards attaining sustainable development, progress and prosperity.

In November 2023, we signed the Samoa Partnership Agreement with the EU, alongside other members of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), to extend our cooperation in key priority areas, such as democracy, climate change and ocean governance. This new cooperation agreement is a testament of the national importance we give towards strengthening international alliance in order to address emerging threats and new opportunities, with our partners. We are optimistic that this new agreement will build further on the foundations laid by the Cotonou Agreement and other agreements.

I wish every European a happy Europe Day and may the spirit of solidarity, peace and prosperity guide your efforts in building a more prosperous and sustainable world.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism – Foreign Affairs Department, Republic of Seychelles.

The National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students’ Central Region branch organized seminars in connection with the 33rd Independence Day Anniversary.

The seminars, targeting junior and high school students as well as youth civil servants in the Berik, Gala-Nefhi, and Serejaka sub-zones, were conducted by veteran fighters.

They aimed to impart the noble values of the Eritrean revolution, highlight the sacrifices made, and discuss the psychological warfare and resilience of the Eritrean people.

Additionally, author Solomon Dirar hosted a seminar focusing on the heroic feats of the Eritrean Commando.

Organizers emphasized their responsibility to transmit the noble values of the Eritrean struggle for independence to future generations.

Participants on their part recognized the significance of these events in conveying the history of the Eritrean people to the new generation and stressed the importance of continuing these educational efforts.

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