Category: APO-OPA

NEW YORK, October 8, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Secretary-General is outraged by today’s attack that took place in Mali and that killed one Senegalese peacekeeper and wounded another.

In this second attack in five days against the…

NEW YORK, October 8, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the targeted attack against an United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) camp …

KIGALI, Rwanda, October 8, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, led by Mr. Paulo Drummond, visited Kigali during September 22 to October 7 to conduct the 2014 Article IV Consultation and the second review of the economic program supported by the Policy Support Instrument (PSI).1 Mr. Drummond, released the following statement at the end of the mission:

“Rwanda’s recent economic performance has been favorable. Growth in the first half of 2014 rebounded to 6.8 percent. Agriculture output also recovered due to favorable climate conditions. The pick-up in growth was broad-based, including construction, real estate, and services. Consumer price inflation remained low at below 1 percent at end-August, driven by low import and food prices.

“The main objectives of the 2014/15 budget remain within reach: greater revenue mobilization, targeting an increase of 1 percentage point in the tax revenue ratio to 16 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP); containing current spending while protecting priority spending; and limiting domestic financing to avoid crowding out the private sector. Aid flows have increased, but donor disbursements are expected to be about 1 percent of GDP lower relative to the 2014/15 budget. The mission welcomes the decision by the authorities to respond and keep the overall budget in line with available resources.

“Policy performance under the IMF-supported program remains satisfactory. All quantitative indicators for end-June 2014 were met. The fiscal position through end-June 2014 was broadly in line with PSI objectives, except for slightly less than anticipated revenue collection; the monetary program was on target; and structural reforms advanced broadly as planned.

“Looking ahead, economic growth is projected at 6 percent in 2014, and end-year inflation is expected to be 3.2 percent. International reserves are targeted to remain at about 4 months of imports.

“The authorities and the mission discussed economic policies and reforms to maintain economic stability and manage a successful transition from a public sector-led, aid-dependent economy to a more private sector-led economy in the medium term. Key to sustaining high growth will be the implementation of the authorities’ strategy to further reduce the cost of doing business and remove impediments to private sector development. In this regard, the mission welcomes the government’s intention to improve project implementation, including through increased oversight, and prepare a targeted public investment plan for infrastructure projects in priority areas, such as water, energy, and transport. The mission also welcomes the authorities’ plan to explore all concessional financing options, private sector participation, including through public private partnership (PPP), before considering non-concessional resources.

“The mission met with Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Amb. Claver Gatete, Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda Hon. John Rwangombwa, as well as with other senior government officials, development partners, and representatives of the business community and civil society.

“Subject to management approval, the IMF’s Executive Board is expected to consider the second PSI review and the Article IV Consultation in December 2014.”

1 The PSI is an instrument of the IMF designed for countries that do not need balance of payments financial support. The PSI helps countries design effective economic programs that, once approved by the IMF’s Executive Board, signal to donors, multilateral development banks, and markets the Fund’s endorsement of a member’s policies (see http://www.imf.org/external/np/exr/facts/psi.htm). Details on Rwanda’s current PSI are available at www.imf.org/rwanda.

NEW YORK, October 7, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today announced the appointment of Simon Munzu of Cameroon as his Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI).

He will succeed Arnauld Akodjènou of Benin, who now serves as Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). The Secretary-General is grateful to Mr. Akodjènou for his outstanding performance in Côte d’Ivoire.

Mr. Munzu brings to this position a wealth of political, human rights, legal, academic, and management experience from a career spanning more than thirty years. He joined the United Nations as a United Nations Volunteer in 1995, and served the Organization until 2012 in various capacities in Rwanda, New York, Côte d’Ivoire and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Mr. Munzu has served as Acting Head of the United Nations Human Rights Field Operation in Rwanda; Senior Policy Adviser with the United Nations Development Programme; Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Côte d’Ivoire and Chief of UNOCI’s Human Rights Division and Director of Political Affairs in the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO). Prior to joining the United Nations, Mr. Munzu spent more than thirteen years in academia as a senior lecturer in law in Cameroon, and is currently an advocate and member of the Cameroon Bar Association.

Mr. Munzu holds a degree in law from the University of London, as well as a doctorate degree in law from the University of Cambridge, and has been a Member of the Bar in England since 1973.

Born in 1949, Mr. Munzu is married and has four children.

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, October 7, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Sweden today allocated an additional SEK 105 million in humanitarian support to efforts aimed at stopping the Ebola epidemic in West Africa. Following a decision by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the funds will primarily be given to UN bodies (UNICEF, WHO and WFP) in their joint efforts to fight the epidemic. This means that Sweden’s total contribution to fight the epidemic amounts to some SEK 145 million.

“The UN is now focusing on stopping the spread of the virus and ensuring that those affected receive medical care. Success depends upon the world working together in a forceful and coordinated manner,” says Minister for International Development Cooperation Isabella Lövin.

Part of Sida’s contribution will go to supporting healthcare staff at Ebola clinics. The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) will receive SEK 25 million to arrange housing and medical care for up to 200 healthcare workers on-site in Liberia’s capital, Monrovia.

“Helping people and stopping the spread of the virus depends on ensuring that healthcare staff can work in an efficient manner,” says Ms Lövin. “Safe working conditions and the opportunity to themselves receive medical care are vital for doctors and nurses from other countries to be willing to volunteer,” Ms Lövin emphasises.

The Government is currently considering what other measures Sweden can take to help in the fight against the ongoing Ebola outbreak in West Africa.

GENEVA, Switzerland, October 7, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Spanish authorities notified WHO under the International Health Regulations (IHR) last night that a Spanish nurse working in Spain has been diagnosed with Ebola virus disease (E…

GENEVA, Switzerland, October 7, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — In response to the flooding of 2013 and the subsequently displaced population of over 150,000 persons, the government of Mozambique established voluntary relocation sites for th…

GENEVA, Switzerland, October 7, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — In South Sudan, IOM celebrated the inauguration of the newly rehabilitated Bor marketplace. The opening of the Marol marketplace in Jonglei State’s capital, Bor, is the first ea…

CAPE-TOWN, South-Africa, October 7, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — In what could transpire into a movie or a book, a team has just embarked on a grand and ambitious journey through 45 African countries, starting in Cape Town and ending up in London in September 2015.

Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/dhl_logo2.jpg

Photo Charles Brewer: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/photos/charles-brewer-1.jpg (Charles Brewer, Managing Director for DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa)

Forming part of the build up to Rugby World Cup 2015 in England, the DHL Africa as One tour will see the team pass a single rugby ball from hand to hand while introducing Africa to the game of Rugby.

As part of this epic campaign, the team from DHL (http://www.dpdhl.com), the official logistics partner of Rugby World Cup 2015, will be driving across Africa in three Land Rover Discoveries, while capturing every step of the journey, every person, every place and every pass on film, in photographs and words, and then sharing this content with Africa and the world.

The seven-strong team will be leaving Cape Town today from the Cape Town DHL office and will be on the road for the next 11 months, engaging in various rugby and corporate responsibility activities. This journey in itself will be a test of endurance and commitment with the team having to face challenges from all quarters including terrain, security, health and safety.

According to Charles Brewer, Managing Director for DHL Express Sub Saharan Africa, the campaign highlights DHL’s continuous commitment to investing in the African continent. “The journey will see us delivering the game of rugby and what it represents, across Africa. More importantly, on a continent synonymous with the game of soccer, we aim to unearth a keen interest in the global sport of rugby”.

“This tour is not just about rugby, it is about showcasing Africa to the rest of the world in all her beauty. We aim to capture Africa in her everyday routine, highs and lows and share this beautiful continent with the rest of the world” adds Brewer.

“Africa As One is also about making an impact in Africa. In addition to the rugby fairs in cities and rugby clinics in local communities, we will be distributing over half a million units of stationery to young children across Africa and providing free eye tests for thousands of people across Africa through our partnership with Mercy Ships,” adds Sumesh Rahavendra, Head of Marketing for DHL Express Africa.

“We are present in all the African markets and our investment in this continent is unparalleled. Africa As One is another way for us to demonstrate our faith in Africa and celebrate her potential” adds Rahavendra

“Through ongoing sponsorships, such as our partnership with DHL Western Province and the DHL Stormers, we remain committed to the development of rugby in South Africa. However, we feel that there is also significant untapped rugby interest beyond South Africa’s borders and are confident that, as a result of this campaign and journey, the game of rugby will be embraced by the continent and the future for rugby in Africa will be great,” concludes Rahavendra.

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Deutsche Post DHL.

Media Contact:

Megan Collinicos. Head: Advertising & Public Relations, Sub-Saharan Africa

DHL Express

Tel +27 21 409 3613 Mobile +27 76 411 8570

megan.collinicos@dhl.com

DHL – The logistics company for the world

DHL (http://www.dpdhl.com) is the global market leader in the logistics and transportation industry and “The logistics company for the world”. DHL commits its expertise in international express, national and international parcel delivery, air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation as well as contract and e-commerce related solutions along the entire supply chain. A global network composed of more than 220 countries and territories and around 315,000 employees worldwide offers customers superior service quality and local knowledge to satisfy their shipping and supply chain requirements. DHL accepts its social responsibility by supporting environmental protection, disaster management and education.

DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL. The Group generated revenues of more than 55 billion euros in 2013.

JUBA, South Sudan, October 7, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Thursday 9 October marks the official opening of this year’s national campaign on the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) in the Republic of South Sudan.

The campaign, undertaken in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare (MoGC&SW), the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), the United Nations agencies, funds and programs, and the civil society will develop a series of awareness-raising activities in each state across the country running from 09 October through 25 November, 2014.

This annual campaign builds on the momentum of the successful 2013 campaign and seeks to underscore the United Nations family in the Republic of South Sudan, and the Government of South Sudan’ zero-tolerance policy towards any act of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA).

One of the main goals of the national campaign is to raise awareness on SEA among all community groups, especially women, children and other vulnerable ones. A further objective is to provide adequate tools and sufficient knowledge to identify actions and behaviors that may lead to SEA, to prevent SEA and to report SEA to designated mechanisms/entities when it occurs.

Members of the media are invited to attend the series of nationwide events starting on Thursday in Yei, Central Equatoria state. A schedule of future events together with focal points in each state is attached.

This year’s campaign theme is: Speak Up!!Mata Askut!!

With an emphasis on the following messages:

The use of your body in exchange for money, food or employment is against the law!

Sexual exploitation and abuse is wrong! It harms our values, our culture, our society…and our future!

My body is NOT FOR SALE!! Respect yourself.

My body, my pride, my dignity: do not exploit or abuse me!!

I am under 18, I am a child. Do not abuse me!

Treat others with Respect and Dignity. Do not exploit or abuse.