Category: APO-OPA

MALABO, Equatorial Guinea, June 30, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Equatorial Guinea’s President, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo (http://equatorialguineainfo.blogspot.com), asked African countries to invest heavily in their agricultural sector to decrease their dependence on the developed world, ensure food security, and significantly reduce hunger in their countries. He made his remarks at the closing session of the Assembly of Heads of State of the African Union (AU).

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Photo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=1199 (Equatorial Guinea’s President, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, with U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon during the AU Summit)

President Obiang said that Africa should reorient itself to ensure its independence and security of African states through the safe production of its own consumer goods. “Africa cannot be content to continue with the current dependence on the economies of the developed world. Africa is sailing upstream against a dependency that prevents them from moving toward sustainable development. Africa should rethink its relationship with the developed world to reduce as far as possible the gap that prevents access to development,” said Obiang.

“The development of agriculture can greatly reduce this dependence,” he said. “Africa can ensure food security and significantly reduce hunger in our countries. Africa should heavily invest in agricultural development to transform itself in order to accelerate growth to increase production and productivity,” said Obiang.

President Obiang proposed to the African Union the establishment of a program that focuses on the organization and exploitation of markets to promote trade and food security and to eradicate hunger, malnutrition and rural poverty. This will also reinforce the fight against climate change and agriculture.

He said that Equatorial Guinea is already investing in its agricultural sector. “As part of our diversification plan, Equatorial Guinea currently focuses on [agricultural] production to achieve these goals. It is imperative to ensure the security and stability of our states, since agriculture is the most vulnerable sector in times of instability, war and terrorism.” said Obiang

“It’s no coincidence that this session focuses on the issue of agriculture and food security in Africa. We cannot talk about the development of Africa if there is no agricultural development to ensure food security and avoid lifelong dependence on imports of consumer products.”

He noted that Africa counts on the support of organizations focused on agriculture and ways to improve the sector, and urged continued support for those organizations.

“The African Union must recognize and financially support the structures of non-governmental organizations, businesses and institutions created in Africa to support agriculture, such as the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).”

Obiang linked democratic and economic development. “Africa must contribute to a democratic development aimed at achieving economic development of society and the welfare of its citizens. It must be a democracy that seeks conflict reduction, he said.”

Obiang also urged his fellow Africans to prioritize South-South cooperation, a cooperation that respects the principles of equality.

“The last decade has marked considerable advancements of the African states. Many of them aspire to economic emergence in the near future. Nonetheless, the continent continues to be a victim of endemic diseases and insecurity that require a unified solution of the states.”

Obiang said it was a great honor for Equatorial Guinea to host the 23rd African Union Summit at “a moment that is crucial for the world nations as they struggle to find solutions to economic crises, security, hunger and poverty, and climate change that affect the world.” He said, “The participation of the heads of state and numerous guests in this summit shows the interest and commitment that Africa and its partners have to find solutions to current issues.”

A session on agriculture and food security under the slogan “Transforming Africa’s Agriculture, for Shared Prosperity and Improved livelihoods, through Harnessing Opportunities” was held in the afternoon.

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea.

Media Contact:

Matt J. Lauer

+1703-463-1841

matt.lauer@qorvismsl.com

About Equatorial Guinea

The Republic of Equatorial Guinea (http://equatorialguineainfo.blogspot.com) (República de Guinea Ecuatorial) (http://www.guineaecuatorialpress.com/noticia.php?id=590) is the only Spanish-speaking country in Africa, and one of the smallest nations on the continent. In the late-1990s, American companies helped discover the country’s oil and natural gas resources, which only within the last five years began contributing to the global energy supply. Equatorial Guinea is now working to serve as a pillar of stability and security in its region of West Central Africa (http://www.flickr.com/photos/50152514@N07). The country hosted the 2011 Summit of the African Union. For more information, visit http://www.guineaecuatorialpress.com.

This has been distributed by Qorvis Communications, LLC on behalf of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea. More information on this relationship is on file at the United States Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, June 26, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission led by S. Kal Wajid visited Addis Ababa June 11-25 to conduct discussions for the 2014 Article IV Consultation with Ethiopia.1

At the conclusion of the mission, Mr. Wajid issued the following statement:

“The Ethiopian economy continues to experience robust growth and single-digit inflation. The mission projects real GDP growth in the 8-8.5 percent range for 2013/14 and 2014/15. The expansion in economic activity has contributed to poverty reduction and progress toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Deterioration in the trade balance this year was partly offset by higher net inflows from services and transfers. Strong external loan and higher foreign direct investment, however, allowed for a modest increase in gross international reserves. Sizeable investment spending of public enterprises continues to absorb a large share of domestic financing and constrain credit available to the private sector.

“Going forward, the mission recommends continued cautious monetary policy stance that keeps money growth consistent with preserving the gains on inflation and achieving robust economic growth. The stable inflation conditions are ripe for developing market-based instruments of indirect monetary control. In this respect, there is a need to gradually raise nominal interest rates to activate the Treasury bill market for more flexible liquidity management. There is scope for improving the market functioning and price setting mechanism for the exchange rate. This may entail greater exchange rate flexibility not only to help to clear the foreign exchange market but also to promote the competiveness of the traded goods sector. The mission supports the National Bank of Ethiopia’s objective of gradually raising foreign exchange reserves to 3 months of imports.

“The mission stresses the importance of obtaining comprehensive financial information of major public enterprises for establishing an overall fiscal anchor. The consolidated fiscal position is required to assess the fiscal policy impact on macroeconomic developments and debt sustainability. The continued large borrowing of the public sector with large share from domestic banking system is crowding out the private sector. In this respect, to further support private sector development and employment creation, there is a need to reduce public sector borrowing by either prioritizing investment projects or attracting more external financing at appropriate terms.

“Ethiopia’s public sector led development strategy has delivered robust growth and rising living standards. To sustain these achievements, adapting policies to provide greater scope for the private sector will be important. In terms of the next Growth and Transformation Plan, consideration should be given to mitigating constraints to private sector development and improving export competiveness. Concerted efforts are needed for improving efficiency of trade logistics, increasing access to financial services, ensuring a competitive exchange rate, and providing a predictable regulatory environment for businesses. Harnessing the transformation power of private enterprises will be increasingly important as Ethiopia transition from agricultural to industrial based economic growth.

“The IMF Executive Board is expected to complete the 2014 Article IV consultation in September 2014.”

1 The mission met with Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia Teklewold Atnafu, State Minister of Finance and Economic Development Abraham Tekeste, Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister Newai Gebre-ab, other senior officials, as well representatives of the private sector, the international community, and civil society

JOHANNESBURG, South-Africa, June 26, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — As the 23rd African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government Summit gets underway in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, ONE.org’s Do Agric petition (http://www.one.org/doagric) — which calls on African leaders to recommit to spending at least 10% of national budgets on effective agriculture investments — has gathered more than 2 million signatures of support from African citizens across the continent.

Download Do Agric Petition deliveries Pics and captions: http://www.apo-mail.org/1606262.ppt

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The petition has been hand delivered to a number of Heads of State, including Presidents JakayaKikwete of Tanzania, YayiBoni of Benin, John Mahama of Ghana, MahamadouIssoufou of Niger, and MackySall of Senegal. The petition has also been hand delivered to Vice-President Guy Scott of Zambia, to Prime Ministers Moussa Mara of Mali and BrigiRafini of Niger, as well as to Minister for Agriculture of Nigeria AdesinaAkinwumi, Minister for Agriculture and Food Security of Burkina Faso MahanaZougrana, Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister for the Economy, NgoziOkonjo-Iweala, and South Africa’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, SenzeniZokwana.

ONE.org (http://www.one.org) officially launched its “Do Agric, It Pays” campaign on 20 January 2014 along the margins of the 22nd Ordinary Session of the AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in support of the 2014 AU Year of Agriculture. The campaign encourages African governments to keep their 2003 Maputo promise to invest at least 10% of national budgets in agriculture, and makes a case for better strategic policies and transparent public investments that will better support smallholder farmers, especially women, and lift millions of Africans out of poverty.

Receiving the petition on June 10 in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, President JakayaKikwete said:

“I will champion this cause at the AU Summit. I will present this petition to the other Heads of State. We as African governments cannot succeed in taking agriculture forward unless we modernize it, instead of our people continuing to use the hand-held hoe and other farming implements from pre-biblical times.”

Ghana’s President John Mahama accepted the petition in Accra, Ghana on June 20. He hailed the initiative and reiterated Ghana’s commitment to improving the lives of smallholder farmers, adding that “your campaign is preaching to the converted as we in Ghana are already stepping up the policies and investments in agriculture.”

In April, D’banj and 18 artists representing 11 different countries came together to record the single “Cocoa na Chocolate” in support of the Do Agric campaign. Addressing African leaders on behalf of the artists, D’banj said:

“We came together because we know Africa is rising. Yet the farmers who produce most of our food still struggle to survive. 70% of Africans are employed in agriculture. This week’s AU Summit in Malabo is a historic opportunity for you to change the lives of millions of Africans and create a better future for our youth through better agricultural investment.”

Ahead of the summit, Dr. Sipho S. Moyo, ONE.org’s Executive Director for Africa, said:

“It is time for our leaders to step up and Do Agric at this year’s summit during the AU Year of Agriculture. Millions of smallholder farmers are counting on you—including the over 2 million African citizens who have signed the Do Agric petition and the 400 million who live on less than a dollar a day.”

This week, ONE.org and 120 partner organizations from across the continent released an open letter addressed to AU Heads of State reminding them of their 2003 promise to end hunger and extreme poverty for millions of Africans by 2024. The partner organizations also laid out 10 joint policy recommendations to accelerate economic development on the continent through an African-led agricultural transformation agenda steered by the AU’s own CAADP (Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme).

DjiboBagna, President of Pan African Farmers Forum (PAFFO), one of the leading partners of the Do Agric campaign, said:

“The small holders farmers know it: Africa future is in their hands. They are ready to take their responsibility of feeding Africa, ensuring food and nutrition security for all African citizens, growing jobs and boosting the continental growth but only if African heads of State and Government take theirs as well. So I am asking you: Are you ready?”

According to the recommendations, AU members should:

1. Adopt a target-based timeline towards reaching the AU 2003 promise to dedicate a minimum of 10% of the annual budget for agriculture and create a mechanism for monitoring progress.

2. Commit to making investments that increase the support for small-scale producers, which include investments in hard infrastructure, technologies, research, extension services, information services and end post-harvest losses.

3. Commit to implementing quality focused agriculture budgets and services that are clear and transparent to farmers and citizens.

4. Adopt measures to eliminate the gender and youth gap with respect to access to finance, land, technology, and training and extension services as well as markets access.

5. Adopt guiding principles on Large Scale Land Based Investments that will strengthen land governance and security of tenure rights for small-scale producers and curb land grabs through the implementation of AU ‘Framework and Guidelines on Land Policy in Africa’.

6. Adopt a mechanism for mutual accountability and joint sector reviews to account for progress in ending hunger within the CAADP result framework.

7. Adopt measures to reduce barriers to domestic and intra-regional trade.

8. Adopt measures to integrate sustainability and climate resilience measures into national agriculture investment plans.

9. Adopt mechanisms for preventing, managing and monitoring the recurrent food and nutrition crisis

10. Adopt measures to ensure policy making under CAADP is inclusive, effective, transparent, mutually accountable, and participatory.

If measures to support the 10 recommendations are adopted, partner organizations expect the following benefits for Africa by 2025:

• Boosted yields for smallholder farmers and a reduced food import bill, which currently stands at about $25 billion annually.

• Increased food availability for the 265 million Africans who are under-nourished.

• Increased intra-Africa trade benefits, estimated to reach $2 trillion by 2030.

• Increased incomes for farming families through reduced post-harvest loss which is today at $48 billion a year.

• Increased food production and agro-processing can provide millions of jobs for African youth.

Dr. Moyo concluded:

“There are real agriculture success stories across the continent for countries to build upon—from Burkina Faso to Ethiopia. If the continent is going to go from what until now has been termed “jobless growth” to inclusive growth, then now is the time for our leaders to commit to a big push toward implementing effective agricultural policies, scale up public investment in agriculture and catalyze private sector participation in agriculture development.”

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of ONE.org.

CONTACT:

NDE NDIFONKA

Email: nde.ndifonka@one.org

Tel: +27 60 528 2518

About ONE.org

ONE.org (http://www.one.org) is a campaigning and advocacy organization of nearly 6 million people taking action to end extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa. Strictly nonpartisan, we raise public awareness and press political leaders to combat AIDS and preventable diseases, increase investments in agriculture and nutrition, and demand greater transparency in poverty-fighting programs. ONE.org is not a grant-making organization and does not solicit funding from the public or receive government funding. We achieve change through advocacy. Our teams in Washington, D.C., London, Johannesburg, Brussels, Berlin, and Paris – and soon in Abuja – educate and lobby governments to shape policy solutions that save and improve millions of lives. To learn more, go to http://www.one.org.

EL FASHER (DARFUR), Sudan, June 26, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — On behalf of the African Union – United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) and indeed on my own behalf, I would like to extend my best wishes to the Government and people of Sudan, on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan.

Ramadan is a month of worship, reflection and reconciliation; where the basic tenets of tolerance and forgiveness are integral to our fasting. I therefore hope that the observance of Ramadan this year shall bring to us the strength and the earnest will to work together to bring about peace in Darfur.

Let the people of Darfur and Sudan in general translate the essence of Islam as a religion of peace, love and compassion into action by engaging in a constructive and meaningful dialogue that leads to peace, prosperity and a better life for present and future generations.

In this spirit, I would like to renew UNAMID’s commitment to exert all possible efforts within its capability, as well as doing my utmost as Joint Chief Mediator, to support and facilitate such efforts in order to help the parties to the conflict to achieve a viable lasting peace in this region.

May the spirit of this holy month inspire and give us the desire, strength, as well as the determination to achieve durable peace and stability in Darfur.

Ramadan Kareem

PORT-LOUIS, Mauritius, June 26, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The International Monetary Fund (IMF) today opened the Africa Training Institute (ATI) in Ebene, Mauritius, adding an important regional center to a global network of centers helping to develop countries’ policymaking capacity by transferring economic skills and best practices.

The institute’s key objective is to contribute to improved macroeconomic and financial policies through high-quality training, which will ultimately support sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction in sub-Saharan Africa.

“This is a new type of institution and it embodies the IMF’s new integrated approach to capacity development,” IMF Deputy Managing Director Min Zhu told ministers, central bank governors, development partners, diplomats and senior Mauritius government officials at the opening ceremony.

Mr. Zhu said the ATI was strategically located right next to the Fund’s Africa regional technical assistance center (AFRITAC) AFRITAC South in Ebene, which already provides technical assistance to 13 countries in Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean.

“Africa now benefits from a whole network of regional technical assistance centers – in addition to the AFRITAC South, there are two AFRITACs in the West, one in the East, and one in Central Africa. The ATI will be a welcome addition to this network. Because it develops synergies between training and technical assistance, the institute will fit into this network, which will greatly enhance capacity development in Africa,” said Mr. Zhu.

Mr. Zhu recognized contributions to the set-up of the ATI from the host country of Mauritius and also from the Australian Agency for Economic Development (AusAid) and the People’s Bank of China.

The opening of the ATI comes at a time when growth in Africa continues to average more than 5 percent, and with some countries also showing improvements in governance, private sector growth, and improved health and education. However, there are still many risks and challenges.

“Some of these risks are driven by external factors, such as global financial conditions, but others – such as rising fiscal imbalances and elevated current account deficits – are driven by domestic policies. African countries are also facing the challenge of making growth more inclusive so as to ensure that it benefits all African people,” stated Mr. Zhu.

“In partnership with African governments, partners and all stakeholders, the IMF will ensure that the ATI’s program aligns with the challenges faced by the region, by providing practical training in support of sound macroeconomic policies,” he added.

Some key components of the training program already go in this direction, with training on issues of importance for many sub-Saharan African countries, such as inclusive growth policies; financial inclusion; macroeconomic management and natural resource management; and economic and monetary integration.

For additional information see:

IMF Launches Institute for Capacity Development

http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/pr/2012/pr12156.htm

IMF Set to Open New Training Center for Sub-Saharan Africa:

http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/survey/so/2012/new122712f.htm

Factsheet: IMF Training Centers:

http://www.imf.org/external/np/exr/facts/training.htm

Factsheet: IMF Regional Technical Assistance Centers:

http://www.imf.org/external/np/exr/facts/afritac.htm

NAIROBI, Kenya, June 26, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor should accept a request from the Central African Republic government to open a new investigation into serious crimes committed in the country, Human Rights Watch said today.

On May 30, 2014, the interim president, Catherine Samba-Panza, formally asked the ICC prosecutor to open an investigation, acknowledging that Central African courts are not in a position to carry out the necessary investigations.

“Everyone involved in the horrific crimes in the Central African Republic should know there is a price to pay for committing atrocities,” said Daniel Bekele, Africa director at Human Rights Watch. “The ICC prosecutor should accept the government’s request, investigate crimes by all parties, and help provide a sense of justice for the victims.”

The Central African Republic has been in a state of acute crisis since March 2013, when the Seleka, a predominantly Muslim rebel coalition, seized power and began killing civilians, burning and looting homes, and committing other serious abuses. In mid-2013, a group of predominantly Christian and animist fighters calling themselves the anti-balaka came together to attack the Seleka, but have committed large-scale reprisal attacks against Muslim civilians. Insecurity still reigns, with killings on an almost daily basis.

Over the course of 12 research missions to the Central African Republic since March 2013, Human Rights Watch has documented serious crimes by all parties to the conflict. The crimes include murder and summary executions, deliberate and indiscriminate attacks on the civilian population, torture, cruel and degrading treatment, the destruction of entire villages or neighborhoods, forced displacement, recruitment of child soldiers, and targeting on an ethnic or religious basis. There have also been credible reports of sexual violence, including rape. The crimes have affected hundreds of thousands of people and are serious violations of international law falling within the jurisdiction of the ICC, including crimes against humanity.

In February, the ICC prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, announced that her office had received sufficiently serious allegations of crimes within the court’s jurisdiction to trigger the opening of a preliminary examination. In May, her office sent a team to assess the situation, but she has yet to respond to the interim government’s request.

The ICC already has one case pending in connection with alleged crimes committed in the country between 2002 and 2003 by Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo, a Congolese national and the former vice-president of the Democratic Republic of Congo who was invited to the Central African Republic in 2002 to help resist a coup attempt by François Bozizé, who later became president. The case against Bemba is insufficient to address the current situation.

While Central African Republic government institutions were weak and mismanaged before the Seleka coup, judicial and security structures disappeared almost completely after the rebel coalition seized power in March 2013. When interim President Samba-Panza took office on January 23, 2014, there was not a single properly functioning detention center in the entire country, and courts had stopped working.

Despite efforts to re-establish law and order, law enforcement authorities still lack the authority and means to carry out arrests and there are almost no appropriate and secure detention centers for male suspects. A small prison with 12 female inmates is still functioning in Bimbo, near Bangui.

Many judicial authorities have been unable to resume work. Most courthouses and detention facilities outside the capital, Bangui, have been destroyed or looted, and court and security officials have either abandoned their posts or are not working due to lack of pay or threats to their lives. In November 2013 a senior judge, Modeste Martineau Bria, was gunned down in a street in Bangui by former Seleka fighters. In Bangui, court officials are slowly beginning to return to their posts but are struggling to resume work in unsecured and ill-equipped facilities.

On April 9, interim president Samba-Panza issued a decree that establishes a special investigative cell to investigate crimes committed in the country since January 1, 2004. The unit, which will consist of prosecutors, investigative judges, and police investigators, is tasked with identifying people responsible for crimes and building cases against them for trial. Its initial focus will be on the most recent crimes. Establishment of the specialized unit is an important step toward ensuring accountability, Human Rights Watch said.

The government appointed senior staff for the unit on June 20, but it still needs resources and logistical support to begin its work. It also needs adequate security and sufficient independence to look into abuses committed by both the Seleka and the anti-balaka.

“There can be no durable peace in the Central African Republic unless law and order are restored,” Bekele said. “The government of the Central African Republic should cooperate with any ICC investigation. The UN and international donors need to provide urgent financial and technical support to assist the interim government in restarting the country’s judicial system and get the special investigative cell up and running.”

On April 10, the UN Security Council approved the deployment of a peacekeeping force, MINUSCA, to the Central African Republic. It is to become operational in mid-September. The peacekeepers should help the government document crimes, apprehend and detain suspects, and carry out investigations and prosecutions, Human Rights Watch said. Until then, French, African Union, and EU forces should help the government with basic law-and-order functions.

“A commitment to accountability will reassure victims that justice will be done, not by lynch mobs on the streets, but under the law,” Bekele said. “Trials will not happen overnight, but the government and international community need to send a strong signal that ongoing abuses will not be tolerated.”

LONDON, United-Kingdom, June 26, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — UK welcomes Parliamentary elections in Libya and supports inclusive national dialogue to achieve stable prosperous future.

Foreign Office Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa, Hugh Robertson, said:

“Yesterday, the Libyan people exercised their democratic right to elect a new parliament. These elections are a welcome result of the 2011 revolution and I congratulate those who took part. I look forward to seeing the new parliament support the work of the Constitutional Drafting Assembly to complete the next stage of Libya’s political transition to a more stable, secure and prosperous future. A fully inclusive national dialogue and reconciliation process will be vital to achieve this.

“The UK remains committed to supporting Libya’s transition through a range of programmes, including through supporting the UN support mission to provide expert advice to the Libyan High National Election Commission.”

GENEVA, Switzerland, June 26, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The emergence of an Ebola virus disease outbreak in West Africa in 2014 has become a challenge to the three countries involved, as the Governments of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone work intensively with WHO and other partners to ramp up a series of measures to control the outbreak. Since March 2014, more than 600 cases of Ebola and over 390 deaths have been reported in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. While the number of suspected, probable and confirmed cases and deaths changes rapidly, the outbreak is causing concern among health authorities because the deadly disease is being transmitted in communities and in health-care settings, and it has appeared in cities as well as rural and border areas. The disease, which causes severe hemorrhaging and can kill up to 90% of those infected, is spread by direct contact with the blood and body fluids of infected animals or people.

WHO, the Global Alert and Response Network (GOARN), and its partners are providing guidance and support and have deployed teams of experts to West African countries and to WHO’s African Regional Office in Brazzaville, Congo.

These experts include:

• Epidemiologists to work with the countries in surveillance and monitoring of the outbreak.

• Laboratory experts to support mobile field laboratories for early confirmation of Ebola cases.

• Clinical management experts to help health facilities treat affected patients.

• Infection and prevention control experts to help the countries stop community and health-care facility transmission of the virus.

• Logisticians to dispatch needed equipment and materials.

• Social mobilization and risk communications teams to help health officials deliver appropriate messages about how to report, handle, and treat Ebola cases.

Recognizing that a coordinated regional response is essential, WHO is convening the leading health authorities from the affected and nearby countries in Accra, Ghana July 2 to 3, to agree on a comprehensive operational response to control the Ebola outbreak. A wide range of partners have been invited, and Ministries of Health of Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone will report on their preventive and control measures, contact identification and tracing; case management; infection and prevention control; social mobilization; and situation reports.

The countries are working to bring supportive care to the ill, inform affected communities of recommended practices, trace contacts of infected patients, control infections in health care settings, and taking other measures to control the outbreak. Despite their progress in implementing preventive and control measures, health authorities still face challenges in curbing the spread of the outbreak, and will discuss these at the Accra meeting .

The latest numbers, which change as cases are discovered, investigated, or discarded, are:

• Guinea has reported some 396 cases and 280 deaths,

• Sierra Leone has 176 cases and 78 deaths,

• Liberia reports 63 cases and 41 deaths.

CAPE-TOWN, South-Africa, June 26, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ —

• DHL’s latest trend report identifies eleven potential Augmented Reality use cases in logistics

• Wearables and Augmented Reality enable higher efficiency as well as speed, resulting in an improved supply chain

DHL (http://www.dpdhl.com), the world’s leading logistics provider, has issued a new study on Augmented Reality in logistics, focusing on possible applications of this emerging trend in the different stages of the supply chain. The trend report illustrates how operations in warehouses, during transportation and last-mile delivery as well as value-added services could be enhanced by computer-generated sensory input such as videos or graphics. The trend report has been developed by DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation’s Trend Research team as part of an on-going research project into Augmented Reality in logistics. DHL is planning to test some of the derived use cases in proof of concept studies.

The report is available online at http://www.dhl.com/augmentedreality.

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)

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

Augmented Reality (AR) – a live, direct or indirect, enhanced view of a real-world environment whose elements are augmented by a computer-generated sensory – merges what’s real and what’s computer generated by adding layers of digital information, such as sounds, videos, graphics or GPS data, in the line of vision with the use of a devices, such as glasses or smartphones.

“Recent developments such as heads-up displays on windshields or use of Augmented Reality for vehicle repairs from the automotive sector shows how rapidly this technology is developing and finding its way into industries outside of the IT sector. We believe that the technology also offers significant potential for the logistics industry, and are currently selecting cases for further research,” explains Charles Brewer, Managing Director of DHL Express Sub Saharan Africa.

We move in excess of 2 million shipments per day across our network, and rely on world class technology to provide a seamless and reliable delivery service for our customers. We are always interested in the latest IT developments and it’s no surprise that this exciting new trend is already scheduled for proof of testing studies.”

The trend report explains briefly the emerging trend and innovation in Augmented Reality technology and hardware and how it can be implemented in logistics. It also provides an overview on best practices from various industries. “Augmented Reality in Logistics” presents 11 different possible applications for the industry, among them improved picking in warehouses for example, by equipping staff with head mounted displays, they could find the right route and the right item more efficiently. The surplus in information would also reduce picking errors.

Brewer explains that the report also sketches how transportation could be perfected. “Delivery vehicles with augmented windshields could display real-time traffic data, as well as other valuable information, such as cargo temperature and alerts, thereby minimising driver distraction.”

Moreover, drivers and staff at the parcel hub could be equipped with wearable devices to gain critical information on each parcel, such as contents, weight and destination. This would improve loading processes and reduce handling damages. Finally, Augmented Reality could also improve maintenance and repair services offered by logistics providers if workers are equipped with smart glasses that blend in step-by-step instructions.

The trend report “Augmented Reality in Logistics” has been created on the basis of the overarching Logistics Trend Radar, which DHL uses to identify and leverage trends and technologies relevant for the logistics industry. The report is available online at http://www.dhl.com/augmentedreality.

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 industry and “The Logistics company for the world”. DHL commits its expertise in international express, air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation, contract logistics and international mail services to its customers. A global network composed of more than 220 countries and territories and about 285,000 employees worldwide offers customers superior service quality and local knowledge to satisfy their 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 revenue of more than 55 billion euros in 2013.

For more information: http://www.dpdhl.com

Stock images available: http://www.dpdhl.com/en/media_relations/media_library.html

NAIROBI, Kenya, June 26, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — High-level government representatives from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania today, at the first United Nations Environment Assemble (UNEA), announced their intention to work together, along with INTERPOL and UN agencies, to curb the illegal timber trade that is stripping East Africa of one of its most valuable natural resources.

The East Africa Initiative on Illegal Timber Trade and REDD+ represents an innovative cross-border, multi-sectoral effort that will create a powerful deterrent to Africa’s illegal timber trade.

Illegal logging degrades forests, causes economic loss, destroys biodiversity and livelihoods, promotes corruption, and funds armed conflict. The economic costs of illegal logging are staggering. Including processing, an estimated US$30-100 billion is lost to the global economy through illegal logging every year, making the trade in illegally harvested timber highly damaging to national and regional economies.

Well-managed forests are a vital economic resource that supports the livelihoods of 1.6 billion people. Ecosystem services from tropical forests alone are estimated to be worth, on average, US$6,120 per hectare each year. Africa’s forest cover is estimated at 675 million hectares, or 23 per cent of the continent’s total land area continent. Between 2000 and 2010, 3.4 million hectares were lost annually to illegal logging –equivalent to an area 322 times the size of Paris, or 5.1 million football pitches.

In addition to facing the challenges of illegal logging within their borders, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda are also used as transit countries for timber illegally logged in other countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The Tanzanian strategy to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+), the on-going Kenya REDD+ governance project and the Uganda REDD+ readiness plan highlight the importance of strengthening law enforcement and forest governance to address the illegal timber trade as one of the key drivers of deforestation.

These countries recognize that illegal logging must be mitigated, and forests managed sustainably, in order to reduce emissions from forest loss. As such, a key goal of the initiative is to curb illegal logging and trade in East Africa as a way to address deforestation and subsequently reduce emissions from forests.

The government of Norway, a strong global supporter of tropical forests and those that depend on them, has announced its intended support for this important collaboration.

”I am very enthusiastic to learn that there is great interest from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda to tackle illegal logging and trade,” said Tine Sundtoft, Minister of Climate and Environment, Norway. “We know that these illegal activities constitute an important driver of deforestation and forest degradation in the region.”

“Due to illegal logging, countries are deprived of substantial revenues from the forest sector, and the income from this trade often ends up in illegal networks, fuelling crime as well as conflict,” she said. “Norway is committed to supporting this initiative and congratulates the countries, the UN and INTERPOL, for coming together and announcing their dedication to work together on this important initiative.”

The East Africa Initiative on Illegal Timber Trade and REDD+ provides an opportunity to build on each country’s experiences combatting the illegal timber trade, and brings in the specialized expertise of INTERPOL and each collaborating UN agency. The five agencies will assist the governments of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania to address a different facet of the illegal trade in timber: from economic drivers, and corruption, to law enforcement, customs control, and monitoring.

“Safeguarding the world’s forests is not just the most cost-effective way to mitigate climate change: well-managed forests also generate multi-trillion dollar services such as reliable water flow, clean air, sustainable timber products, soil stabilization and nutrient recycling,” said UN Under-Secretary General and UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner.

“We cannot afford, economically or environmentally, to allow the continued wholesale destruction of one of our planet’s most valuable resources,” he added. “That is why UNEP applauds the East Africa Initiative on Illegal Timber Trade and REDD+ and the firm commitment of the governments of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda to help ensure the responsible management of one of the most important sources of inclusive and sustainable economic growth available to us.”

Given the multi-sectoral negative impact of the illegal timber trade, the initiative will receive strong implementation support from Interpol, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

“This initiative demonstrates the UN’s strong support to Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in tackling illegal logging and trade, and our appreciation to Norway for leading this process,” said UNDP Administrator Helen Clark. “Moving forward, leadership and agreement on the need to act is critical, and co-operation remains essential.”

A key element of the initiative’s strategy is to support countries in addressing the illegal timber trade from source (illegal logging) to export. This will focus on increasing accountability, transparency and developing the technical capacities to deliver effective enforcement and verification.

“Wildlife and forest crime demands a global solution that offers international cooperation founded on joint operations, intelligence sharing and strong and compatible national legislations,” said Yury Fedotov, Executive Director, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). “We can do nothing less. This is our shared planet; wildlife and forest crime is our shared responsibility.”

Enforcement plays a critical role in the process. The apprehension and prosecution of those involved in the illegal timber trade and in illegal logging reduces the perceived rewards of taking part in these illegal activities. For this reason, the initiative will also include, with the support of INTERPOL, and with the engagement of police forces, strengthened exchange of intelligence and communication across borders.

“We remain committed to developing and maintaining networks of cooperation like the one we see here today between UN agencies and INTERPOL,” said David Higgins, Head of INTERPOL’s Environmental Security Unit. “Through collaboration and coordination, we are building an unprecedented approach to address illegal logging and trade in East Africa.”

Additional Information

To download the joint UNEP-INTERPOL report, The Environmental Crime Crisis, which defines the cost of environmental crime that is threatening security and development, please visit http://www.unep.org/unea/docs/RRAcrimecrisis.pdf

General photos of the timber trade and logging (not specifically illegal or in East Africa), are available here, with full photo credits required: http://bit.ly/1lbcMmk