Nationals in Sydney, Australia, celebrated the 33rd Independence Day anniversary with patriotic zeal on 11 May under the theme “Peace Anchored on Resilience.”

Speaking at the celebratory event, Mr. Mehari Tekeste, Chargé d’Affaires at the Eritrean Embassy in Australia and New Zealand, elaborated on the deep meaning and the significant sacrifices made for independence. He emphasized the responsibility that the current stage places on every citizen. He also called for strengthening organizational capacity and increasing participation in national affairs, with particular attention to organizing the youth.

Mr. Samson Amanuel, chairman of the Eritrean community in Sydney, and Mr. Tsegai Hagos, chairman of the Holidays Coordinating Committee, delivered messages reflecting on the significance of the day. They commended those who contributed to the vibrant celebratory event.

The event featured cultural and artistic programs that illustrated the themes of the day. Certificates of recognition were also awarded to those who have diligently served the community for a long time, and others.

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

Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health (MOH) partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO) to observe World Malaria Day (WMD) in Jigjiga City. The theme for this year was “Accelerating the fight against Malaria for a more equitable world.”

The event, held on May 11, 2024, aimed to raise awareness and advocate for intensified efforts against Malaria, a significant health threat in Ethiopia. 

Jigjiga stadium hosted the main event, with high-level officials like Engineer Mohamed Shalle, Head of the Somali Region Prosperity Party, in attendance.

Engineer Mohamed emphasized the Ethiopian government’s commitment to curb the adverse impacts of Malaria, highlighting nationwide reductions in its prevalence. He called for a comprehensive approach, including community engagement alongside healthcare efforts.

Dr. Hiwot Solomon, MOH’s lead executive officer for Disease Prevention and Control, stressed the severe impacts of Malaria in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia.

She pointed out that 75% of Ethiopia’s landmass is prone to Malaria, affecting 69% of the population in those areas. 

She stressed that malaria cases have risen over the past three years, necessitating urgent action.

Dr. Mussie Ahmed, Head of the Somali Regional Health Bureau, echoed the need for collaboration between regional and federal health authorities as well as anti-malaria partners such as the World Health Organization. He acknowledged progress in the region but stressed the importance of sustained efforts to roll back Malaria.

The event included social mobilization activities and sports competitions to engage communities and emphasized shared responsibility in combating Malaria.

As Ethiopia reflects on World Malaria Day, the message is clear: unified, focused, and sustainable action is essential to curb the malaria burden, embark towards national elimination, and ensure health equity for all” Dr. Ayalneh Melesse, Malaria Specialist with WHO Ethiopia said on behalf of Dr. Owen Laws Kaluwa, WHO, Representative to Ethiopia.

WHO will further strengthen its strategic support for the malaria elimination and control efforts of the country, he added.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Ethiopia.

Eritrean nationals in the Republic of South Sudan, Germany, Sweden, and Italy have conducted public diplomacy activities.

According to reports, nationals in the Republic of South Sudan celebrated the 33rd Independence Day anniversary on 11 May in Juba under the theme “Peace Anchored on Resilience.” At the celebratory event, which included heads of Consular Affairs, national associations, staff of the Embassy, community members, as well as teachers and students, football competitions between eight teams were held.

Mr. Tsegay Mehari, head of Consular Affairs, stated that preserving independence, which was achieved through heavy sacrifices, and doubling efforts for national development, is the responsibility of every citizen.

In a similar spirit, the Swedish branch of the National Association of Eritrean War Disabled Veterans commemorated the 30th anniversary of the association’s establishment under the theme “War Disabled Veterans: Our National Pride.”

The event was attended by Mr. Fesehaye Tesfamicael, deputy chairman of the National Association, and Mr. Mohammed-Ali Mohammed-Seid, head of Public and Community Affairs of the association.

At the event, Mr. Tekeste Fesehaye, chairman of the association branch, noted that the branch was established in 1994 by interested war-disabled veterans and now has sub-branches across Sweden. He added that the branch, in cooperation with partners, has extended material support worth 100 million Kroner to support war-disabled veterans in the country.

In a message, Ms. Leul Gebreab, Minister of Labor and Social Welfare, praised the support extended by the Swedish branch, acknowledging its care towards war-disabled veterans and commending the association branch and its partners.

The National Association of Eritreans in Germany also conducted its annual activity assessment meeting, attended by representatives from various cities across Germany. The National Association of Eritreans in Germany incorporates sub-associations in 26 German cities.

Reports also indicated that the German branch of the National Union of Eritrean Women contributed about 42 thousand Euros in support of the National Association of Eritrean War Disabled Veterans.

Similarly, heads and staff members of Consular Affairs in European countries held an activity assessment meeting from 10 to 12 May in Milan, Italy. The objective of this meeting, which included participants from Italy, Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Great Britain, was to ensure effective and timely consular services for nationals.

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

President William Ruto has called for reforms of international financing institutions, advocating for a more inclusive approach.

The President emphasised the need to democratise the boards of multilateral development banks, ensuring that all members have an equal say in the management of these institutions.

President Ruto said the current financial system is unfair, noting that it neglects the interests of developing countries.

He argued that these reforms would enable underserved countries to advocate for mutually beneficial outcomes, such as the allocation of additional resources for concessional loans.

“Concessional loans have many benefits: they are long-term and can easily be leveraged by the private sector to enhance those resources,” he said.

This, he explained, will help pull many countries out of debt distress and give them the opportunity to pursue their development goals.

He made the remarks during the Presidential Conversation Session at the Africa CEO Forum 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda.

President Ruto noted there was a need to allocate resources tailored to address the challenges posed by climate change, in order to advance global climate action objectives.

He noted the unfortunate reality of having to redirect funds originally designated for social amenities towards climate-related initiatives.

The President said Africa must also prioritise value addition and stop exporting raw materials from the continent to enhance exports as a percentage of GDP.

Corruption, he added, must be dealt with to ensure resources are utilised to benefit all people.

President Ruto said during his State Visit to the US he will advocate for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

He said he will pursue reforms of the African Union to make it fit for purpose and focused on providing a clearer voice for the continent.

The President stated that Africa must move quickly to integrate the continent and implement the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement to enhance intra-African trade.

He said as African states look for trading partners outside, they must leverage trade opportunities within.

“We need to increase intra-African trade from the current 15 percent,” he said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of President of the Republic of Kenya.