On August19th, Yin Chengwu, Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, attended the medical outreach event of the 16th Chinese medical team to Liberia and made reamrks in the presence of Hon. Stephen J.H. Zargo, Commissioner General of Liberia Immigration Service among others.

Yin said that today is the 7th Chinese Doctor’s Day, and I would like to extend my special thanks to all the medical staff of the 16th Chinese medical team to Liberia. Over the past 40 years, the Chinese medical team has been rooted in Liberia, upholding the pledge of “fearless of hardship, risk taking, life-saving and boundless love”, and has cured tens of thousands of patients, donated equipment and medicines, and trained medical personnel for Liberia. They have travelled almost all over Liberia. China will continue to strengthen bilateral health cooperation, enhance the friendship between the two countries and build a global community of  health for all.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Liberia.

Thousands of civilians remain trapped by heavy fighting in Al Fasher, Sudan, where Al Saudi, the only remaining hospital, has suffered repeated attacks, and the hospital staff is running out of medical supplies.

Despite numerous efforts, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has not managed to bring humanitarian relief into the city to this day. We call on the parties to the conflict to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and facilitate access for lifesaving humanitarian assistance.

The main supply routes around Al Fasher remain inaccessible, and humanitarian and commercial trucks cannot bring necessities like food and medical supplies. At the same time, hundreds of thousands of displaced people, who lost their livelihoods and access to farmland in places like Zam Zam camp, go hungry, as food shortages are becoming critical. Humanitarian organizations must be able to reach vulnerable communities in Zam Zam and other places with relief supplies before it is too late.

In the short term, we urge the parties to the conflict to open more supply routes to ensure the safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance and the movement of essential commercial goods to Al Fasher, Al Obeid, Sennar, Al Jaziera, and other areas affected by fighting.

We welcome the Sudanese authorities’ decision to reopen the Adré crossing between Chad and Sudan for three months to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid into the Darfur region. Any initiative that can improve humanitarian access is an important and encouraging development.

It is a positive first step, however, we remind all parties that the three months coincide with the rainy season, which naturally complicates access because of heavy rains and flash floods. And we urge the parties to keep the Adré crossing open to ensure the flow of aid.

We also call on the authorities to rapidly communicate operational modalities for cross-border operations and reduce bureaucratic impediments so that humanitarian organizations can fully take advantage of this window of opportunity to deliver urgent humanitarian aid.

We call on all parties to meet their obligations under international humanitarian law to address the basic humanitarian needs of the civilian population, and to consider a more permanent solution for cross-border humanitarian operations to ensure sustainable and safe humanitarian access.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today welcomed a contribution of US$ 1.4 million (JPY 200,000,000) from the Government of Japan. This funding will allow WFP to support approximately 26,000 people affected by the ongoing El Niño-induced drought in Zimbabwe.

Over 5.9 million people in rural parts of Zimbabwe are at risk of food insecurity between January and March 2025, the peak of the lean season, the period between planting and harvest. 

“The Government of Japan and the Embassy of Japan in Zimbabwe are very concerned about the food insecurity in Zimbabwe,” said H.E Mr Shinichi Yamanaka, the Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe. “I hope that this food assistance will help these vulnerable people to overcome the current crisis. We will continue our support to allow all Zimbabweans to meet their food security needs.” 

With this contribution, WFP will provide cereals, pulses, and vegetable oil to vulnerable communities in the hardest-hit areas impacted by the previous poor harvest due to the drought.

“Many families around Zimbabwe are worried about their next meal, so this timely and critical additional funding from the Government of Japan will help us reach the most food insecure people with nutritious food assistance,” said Mr Billy Mwiinga, WFP Zimbabwe Deputy Country Director. “We are grateful for Japan’s unwavering partnership in our mission to end hunger and contribute to building resilience.”

Through the Lean Season Assistance, WFP supports the Government of Zimbabwe’s Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy, which protects the most vulnerable individuals from worsening food insecurity.

“The declaration of a state of disaster by His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, underscores the severity of the drought situation in Zimbabwe,” said Hon July Moyo, Minister of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare. “We deeply appreciate the support from Japan and the collaborative efforts with WFP to ensure that no one is left behind during these difficult times.” 

The Government of Japan’s continued support highlights the strong and enduring partnership between Japan, WFP, and the Government of Zimbabwe. Over the past five years, Japan has provided food assistance through WFP amounting to US$10 million, supporting about 190,000 people, including during the COVID-19 emergency.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).

At its session on 22 August, the Government appointed a Deputy Director General to the Department for Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.

The Government appointed Counsellor for Foreign Affairs Helena Airaksinen to serve as Deputy Director General for a fixed term from 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2026.

Airaksinen has served as Deputy Director General since 2020. Her previous positions include Head of Mission in Addis Abeba and Director of Unit at the Department for Africa and the Middle East.

Airaksinen joined the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in 1990. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture and forestry.

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