Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General and Resident Humanitarian Coordinator, Georgette Gagnon, led a mission to Kufra on 18 July with the heads of five UN agencies to see the situation of Sudanese refugees and host communities, and guide the UN’s scaled up humanitarian response and action.

Since war broke out in Sudan in April 2023, over 1.8 million refugees, according to UNHCR, have been forced to flee to neighboring countries including to Libya, particularly to Kufra in southeastern Libya which hosts thousands of refugees from Sudan.

“Local authorities and host communities in Kufra and other cities in Libya have been actively assisting Sudanese refugees since the conflict,” said Gagnon. “More support, access and coordination are urgently needed to meet the increasing humanitarian and protection needs.”

She added that local services are overstretched, with many refugee families in need of adequate shelter and medical facilities unable to meet healthcare and nutrition needs including of children arriving in Libya with malnutrition. More support to local infrastructure is also needed to ensure continued basic services for communities hosting refugees.

In Kufra, the UN team met with doctors and patients at a medical facility supporting refugees  with assistance from UN agencies including medical equipment, medicines, generators and health care professionals. Mobile health clinics are providing primary healthcare services, vaccinating nearly 20,000 children and supporting over 14,000 refugees with basic healthcare. Other humanitarian assistance includes hygiene kits, core relief items, water tanks and protection services for women and children. Sudanese refugees expressed their appreciation for the support provided by local authorities and stressed the urgent critical need for increased assistance.

In support of official and community efforts, the UN in Libya launched the Response Plan for Sudanese Refugees in Libya (RPSL) for 2024 to provide support and ensure responsibility sharing with the State of Libya, local authorities and the Libyan population in managing ongoing challenges with USD 48.6 million requested from donors. UNHCR, the refugee agency, is coordinating the refugee response and upscaling and deploying emergency teams to coordinate the response among all partners. Funds are needed to strengthen official efforts to deliver critical assistance for health, nutrition, protection, shelter, water and sanitation, education, and registration and identification services that permit refugees to safely and voluntarily move from Kufra to other areas.

“In coordination and cooperation with local authorities, refugees and humanitarian partners, the UN in Libya is committed to providing more support to Sudanese refugees and host communities,” said Gagnon.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

On July 16, the European Union marked a milestone with the inauguration of newly constructed facilities at the General Dhagabadan Training Center (GDTC) in Somalia. This significant event was attended by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Salah Jama, alongside the EU Ambassador to Somalia, H.E. Karin Johansson, the EUTM Force Commander, General Giuseppe Zizzari, and a visiting delegation from the Brussels HQ.

Under the European Peace Facility (EPF), the European Union has been providing substantial support to the Somali National Army (SNA), delivering vehicles, trucks, combat equipment, and life-saving materials. Additionally, the EPF has contributed to the construction of the training facility itself. To date, the EU has committed 110 million EUR to support the SNA.

Deputy Prime Minister Salah Jama highlighted the significance of this development, stating, “It is crucial to have a training facility in this country. The General Dhagabadan military training facility is the most important facility for training SNA personnel. We are pleased that the EU has played a pivotal role in supporting Somalia.”

EU Ambassador Karin Johansson reiterated the EU’s commitment, saying, “The EU is, and remains, committed to assisting the Federal Government on this road ahead.”

General Giuseppe Zizzari, EUTM Mission Force Commander, underscored the importance of the facility, noting, “The facility symbolizes our collective commitment to advancing training and cooperation.”

During the event, the Deputy Prime Minister officially inaugurated the shooting ranges, multi-purpose track, and equipment. The delegation, along with Somali officials, toured the EUTM GDTC training areas and classrooms, observing training routines and engaging with Somali soldiers. This event highlights the EU’s enduring values and principles, reinforcing its steadfast support for Somalia’s security.

For decades, the EU has played a significant role in supporting Somalia’s security sector, enhancing safety and security for all. The Foreign Policy Instrument (FPI) and EPF are crucial components of the EU’s strategy in the Horn of Africa, supporting missions like EUCAP-Somalia and EUTM-Somalia. This support strengthens the capacity of the Somali National Army, thereby enhancing safety and security for all.

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

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has made additional nominations and appointments in government affecting the Liberia Land Authority, and Boards of the William V. S. Tubman University, ArcelorMittal Liberia Limited, ArcelorMittal Holdings (Concessionaire) National Public Health Institute of Liberia, and Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA)

These appointments, where applicable, are subject to confirmation by the Liberian Senate.  
The institutions and those nominated and appointed are:

I.)    Liberia Land Authority
1.    Ali Kaba, Commissioner, Land Policy&Planning
2.    Mahmoud Solomon, Commissioner, Land Administration
3.    Uriah Garsinii, Commissioner, Land Use&Management

II.)    Board of Trustees William V. S. Tubman University 
1.    Hon. Conmany B. Wesseh, Chairman, Representative of the Visitor 
2.     Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah, Member Ex- Officio, Statutory Member
3.    Hon. Francis S. Dopoh II, Statutory Member, House of Senate
4.    Hon. P. Mike Jury, Statutory Member, House of Representatives
5.    Mr. Patrick Nugba, Statutory Member, Representative of the Alumni Association of the University
6.    Mr. Floyd Thomas, Statutory Member, Representative of the College of Technology     
7.    Mr. James Thompson, Statutory Member, Representative of the College of Education     
8.    Dr. Siedoh Freeman, Statutory Member, Representative of the College of Health Science     
9.    Dr. James Elliot, Member, Representative of the Public
10.    Cavalla Rubber Corporation Plantation, Member, Representative of the Public
11.    ArcelorMittal Holdings, Member, Representative of the Public
12.    LibEnergy, Member, Representative of the Public
13.    Golden Veroleum Liberia, Member, Representative of the Public
14.    Dr. Olu Q. Menjay, President of the William V.S. Tubman University, Statutory Member
III.)    Board of ArcelorMittal Liberia Limited        
1.    Minister of Finance&Development Planning, Statutory Member
2.    Minister of Mines&Energy, Statutory Member
3.    Minister of Justice, Statutory Member
4.    Mr. Daniel Frank Gould, Sr., Representative of the Government of Liberia, Member    
5.    Madam Mary Dahn, Representative of the Government of Liberia, Member

IV.)    Board of ArcelorMittal Holdings (Concessionaire)        
1.    Hon. Francis Korkpor, Representative of the Government of Liberia, Member                                       
2.    Madam Doris Wilson, Representative of the Government of Liberia, Member

V.)    Board of National Public Health Institute of Liberia        
1.    Walter T. Gwenigale, Jr., Member   
                     
VI.)    Board of Controlled Drugs and Substances at the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA)
1.    Minister of Justice, Statutory Member 
2.    Minister of Internal Affairs, Statutory Member
3.    Minister of Education, Statutory Member
4.    Minister of Health, Statutory Member 
5.    Minister of Foreign Affairs, Statutory Member 
6.    Minister of Youth and sports, Statutory Member 
7.    Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Statutory Member 
8.    Director General of the Drug Enforcement Agency, Statutory Member

VII.)    Board of Governors Central Bank of Liberia  
1.    George H. Gooding, member
2.    Joseph F. Robertson, Jr., Member
3.    Cllr. Ebenezer Z. Gibson. Member

President Boakai calls on those nominated and appointed to continue to demonstrate diligence, commitment, integrity, professionalism, and loyalty in service to country.

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

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr, has heaped praises on Liberian Muslims for their continuous contributions to nation building.

The President made the commendation at this year’s Islamic Intercessory Service held at the 17th Street Mosque in Sinkor, as part of celebrations marking Liberia’s 177th Independence Anniversary.

In his address, the President emphasized the importance of unity, faith, and collective responsibility in shaping the future of the nation. He recognized the sacrifices made by Liberia’s forefathers and highlighted the need to honor their legacy by fostering a society based on justice, equality, and mutual respect.

The Liberian Leader called upon all citizens to transcend ethnic, religious, and political differences and work together towards building a prosperous and unified Liberia.

President Boakai stressed that the development of Liberia is a shared responsibility, urging every citizen to embrace a role in nation-building, emphasizing the significance of perseverance, compassion, and service to others by drawing strength from the values upheld by Islam.

Further, the President expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Muslim community for their continuous support and contributions to the nation.

He encouraged all Liberians to strive for a stable, peaceful, united, and prosperous Liberia, urging them to always think, love, and build Liberia.

The President expressed the hope that his message resonated with the audience, emphasizing the significance of unity, faith, and collective action in shaping a brighter future for Liberia.

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