Nineteen police officers serving with the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) recently completed an intense six-day training on vehicle checkpoint screening in Hiiran region.

The training, organised by the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), aimed to enhance regional security and counter the threat of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to civilians and critical infrastructure.

At the closing ceremony, the Team Leader of ATMIS Individual Police Officers in Beletweyne, SP (Superintendent of Police) Moffat Chungu praised the training as essential in the fight against terrorism in Somalia. 

“This training was insightful because it depicted the true picture of what is required of us as police officers when performing vehicle checkpoint procedures, both theoretical and practical,” said SP Moffat Chungu. 

He also urged the officers to apply the knowledge and skills they had acquired to help the people of Somalia. 

“We are sure that whatever has been imparted to us will never be forgotten. We will try to implement the skills learned to ensure we secure ourselves and the people of Somalia,” explained SP Chungu. 

During the training, the officers were taken through several topics including, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Awareness, Explosive Hazard Awareness, Persons and Baggage Search, Improvised Explosive Devices and Vehicle Search, among others. 

Inspector Priscilla Essel, from the Ghana Formed Police Unit (FPU) described the training as crucial to bolstering security in the Hiiran region. 

“This vehicle checkpoint training will be very helpful and will have a big impact not only on us but also on the region,” said Inspector Essel. 

In Somalia, IEDs are the preferred weapons of choice for the Al Shabaab and the indiscriminate use of explosive devices poses a significant threat to both civilians and security forces. 

As a result, ATMIS is developing the capacity of the Somali Security Forces to detect and deter the use of IEDs by illegal armed groups. 

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

His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio has commissioned the massive expansion with the construction of 34 new school building blocks at the Kenema Government Secondary School, marking a significant step in Sierra Leone’s ongoing education reform.

The project is funded by the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) and other agencies, with a total investment of $65 million aimed at enhancing the country’s educational infrastructure.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, President Bio expressed deep gratitude to BADEA and its funding partners, highlighting the importance of their trust and confidence in his administration.

“This $65 million project for the construction, rehabilitation, refurbishment, and equipment of schools and technical colleges is a testament to our commitment to education and the international community’s belief in our vision,” he stated.

The President detailed the scope of the project, which includes the construction of new buildings and the rehabilitation of existing structures across four government secondary schools and two technical colleges in Sierra Leone. He emphasised the challenges faced in securing the funding but noted that his administration’s track record in fighting corruption, promoting human capital development, and empowering women and girls were key factors in gaining the necessary approvals.

“I convinced the funders because of our commitment to transparency, our dedication to rebranding Sierra Leone’s image, and our focus on building a strong educational foundation for future generations,” President Bio added. He also took the opportunity to encourage parents to actively support their children’s education, stressing that a solid educational foundation is essential for lifelong success.

Deputy Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kadiatu Alie, described the initiative as a significant capital investment, with the government contributing an additional $3 million to bring the total project funding to $68 million. She underscored the importance of the project for both current and future students, calling it a “timely and valuable contribution to the nation’s development.”

Kenema Government Secondary School Principal, Mustapha J. Mansaray, expressed his gratitude for the inclusion of his school in the project, calling it a “dream come true.” He emphasised that the improved facilities would greatly enhance the learning environment, allowing the school to accommodate more students and better support the Free Quality Education programme.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

On August 24, commencing at 10:45 a.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Ramadan Mohammed Abdallah Goc, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Republic of South Sudan who is visiting Japan to attend the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) Ministerial Meeting. The overview is as follows.

At the outset, Minister Kamikawa stated that Japan emphasizes the stability of South Sudan for the peace and stability of the Horn of Africa, and has extended support to the country since its independence. Minister Kamikawa also conveyed that Japan decided to provide food assistance to contribute to the response to the serious food crisis in the country. Furthermore, Minister Kamikawa stated that she would like to support the country’s efforts, as an escort runner of South Sudan since its independence. In response, Minister Goc expressed his gratitude for Japan’s support to South Sudan to date, and his expectation for further strengthening bilateral relations, including through Japanese companies’ operation in South Sudan .
Minister Kamikawa stated that Japan attaches importance to the implementation of elections as the consolidation of democracy, and that Japan expects the implementation of peaceful elections based on a schedule agreeable to the parties through sufficient discussions. Minister Goc stated that the Government of South Sudan will continue to make efforts for the early implementation of elections and expressed his gratitude for Japan’s cooperation.

The two ministers confirmed that Japan-South Sudan relations will be further developed towards TICAD 9 in the coming year.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

On August 24, commencing at 3:05 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who is visiting Japan to participate in the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) Ministerial Meeting. The overview is as follows.

At the outset, Minister Kamikawa expressed her gratitude for the substantial dialogues held on the occasion of her visit to Nigeria this April. She also expressed her intention to discuss ways to further strengthen business and economic relations including start-ups, and to enhance partnership with Nigeria.
Minister Kamikawa stated that she had observed the serious situation facing internally displaced women during her visit to Nigeria this April, which had made her realize the need for initiatives based on a Women, Peace and Security (WPS) perspective. Minister Kamikawa also stated that Japan intends to deepen cooperation to solve global challenges with Nigeria, a leader among African countries sharing values and principles such as democracy. In response, Minister Tuggar welcomed the concrete outcomes through the TICAD process and expressed his gratitude for Japan’s cooperation to date, and stated that he would like to strengthen bilateral relations including regional cooperation.

The two ministers confirmed the further deepening of Japan-Nigeria relations toward TICAD 9 next year.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.