Tag Archives: Hassan

AMA, Business, Health

Common questions about gene drive, answered

MaraviPost

Kampala, Uganda, 30 March 2026 -/African Media Agency(AMA)/ – Across Africa, scientists are exploring new tools to reduce malaria, a disease that continues to claim hundreds of thousands of lives each year.
At this year’s 39th African Union Summit in Ethiopia, African Heads of State and Governments issued a unified call for a new era of malaria financing, warning that progress is at risk.

The 2025 Africa Malaria Progress Report shows that Member States accounted for 270 million malaria cases in 2024 – 96% of the global total. It cautions that without urgent and sustained investment, the continent could lose decades of hard-won gains.

The consequences of inaction have serious costs. The report indicated that a projected 30% reduction in funding could result in 640 million fewer insecticide-treated nets, 146 million additional malaria cases, and nearly 400,000 more deaths – three-quarters of them children under five. Economically, this would translate into an estimated USD 37 billion loss in GDP by 2030.

In response to these challenges, African researchers are studying complementary and innovative approaches to strengthen malaria control.

H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, highlighted the country’s investments in research and innovation, “Our approach has spanned the full spectrum of what it takes to beat this disease. Tanzania has invested in world-class research where our scientists are working at the frontier of new technologies. One of them is gene drive, an innovative approach that aims to ensure mosquitoes can no longer transmit the malaria parasite. This is African science, conducted by African researchers, addressing an African challenge.”

While gene drive technology has generated significant interest, it has also raised important questions. Target Malaria’s Dr Jonathan Kayondo addresses the most common questions, and what it could mean for malaria prevention in Africa.

What is gene drive?
Gene drive is a naturally occurring biological process that is being harnessed into the technology. In living organisms, gene drive increases the chance of inheritance of certain genes or traits. Gene drive is being researched to be a complementary tool to fight malaria in Africa, working alongside bed nets, insecticides, drugs and vaccines. By biasing the rate of inheritance of certain genes from one generation to another, gene drive can spread a modification to be passed on to all the mosquito population.

There are two gene drive strategies currently under investigation among various research teams in the world: either to reduce the number of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, or to stop the parasite from infecting the mosquitoes. At Target Malaria, we focus on the first approach. It is important to note that we do not target all mosquito species, but only the four Anopheles mosquitoes species are the main vectors of malaria in Africa3.

Target Malaria is one of the research projects developing gene drive mosquitoes. Part of a consortium of research institutions in Africa, Europe and North America, Target Malaria researchers and scientists are working to reduce the population of malaria mosquitoes, because fewer mosquitoes carrying malaria would mean stopping the transmission of the disease.

Is gene drive the same as genetically modified crops?
No. While both involve genetics, gene drive research in malaria is focused on mosquito populations, not crops, not humans, and not livestock.

Are there gene drive mosquitoes in Africa at the moment?
Gene drive mosquitoes are being researched in controlled laboratory settings in Europe and the United States. There are currently no gene drive mosquitoes in contained laboratory in Africa. Gene drive mosquitoes have so far never been released in the wild.

An Anopheles mosquito in the lab
Photo credit: Target Malaria

Will gene drive eliminate all mosquitoes?
No. There are more than 3,500 species of mosquitoes worldwide. Only Anopheles mosquitoes can transmit malaria and only three to four Anopheles mosquitoes are responsible for the most of malaria transmission in Africa. Gene drive research targets specific malaria-carrying species: An. coluzzii, An. gambiae, An. arabiensis, An. funestus. The goal is not to eliminate all mosquitoes, but to reduce the population of those species enough to stop the transmission of the disease.

Is gene drive technology safe?
At Target Malaria, safety is our priority. We perform studies in our laboratories and insectaries to ensure our technology is safe and effective.

Gene drive research follows international and national regulations, ethical review processes, and international guidance. Before any future use, extensive testing, risk assessment, submissions of regulatory dossiers and community engagement would be required.

All phases of our work and anywhere in the world complies with the biosafety laws of the countries where we conduct our research.

No release can take place without regulatory approval. At present, all gene drive research takes place in controlled conditions in the lab. We hope to conduct gene drive field trials by 2030 in a malaria-endemic African country.

Why research gene drive at all, and why Africa
Malaria remains a major public health challenge, especially in Africa. It is the main cause of deaths for children under five and a huge economic burden on the countries where it is endemic (estimated at 16b$ a year1).

Despite tools such as insecticide-treated nets, indoor spraying, vaccines, and medicines, malaria cases remain high. Insecticide resistance in mosquitoes and drug resistance in parasites are increasing concerns because they are rendering the current tools ineffective.

A new study published in the journal Nature projects that climate change could cause an additional 500,000 deaths and 123 million clinical cases of malaria in Africa over the next 25 years (by 2050), even if current global climate pledges (SSP2-4.5) are met2.

Researchers are exploring gene drive as a potential complementary tool, not a replacement, to strengthen existing malaria control efforts.

Target Malaria’s approach combines long-term, self-sustaining impact with precise targeting of malaria-transmitting mosquito species, offering a complementary tool that is not reliant on insecticides and is developed through a strong framework of regulation, transparency and community engagement in the countries most affected by the disease.

Why answering questions matters
Science communication is not separate from public health, it is part of it. Clear, accessible information helps communities, policymakers, and journalists make informed decisions.
When people understand how research works, how safety is assessed, and who is involved, public dialogue becomes stronger and more constructive.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Target Malaria

Notes to editors:

1 https://www.malarianomore.org/story/new-analysis-malaria-elimination-to-boost-african-economies-by-16-billion-average-annually

2 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-10015-z 

3 Anopheles gambiae, An. coluzzii, An. arabiensis and An. funestus.

About Target Malaria:

Target Malaria is a not-for-profit research consortium that aims to develop and share new, cost-effective and sustainable genetic technologies to modify mosquitoes and reduce malaria transmission. Our vision is to contribute to a world free of malaria. We aim to achieve excellence in all areas of our work, creating a path for responsible research and development of genetic technologies, such as gene drive. www.targetmalaria.org

Target Malaria receives core funding by the Gates Foundation and Coefficient Giving (formerly Open Philanthropy). The lead grantee organisation is Imperial College London with partners in Africa, Europe and North America.

Follow Target Malaria on Facebook, X , LinkedIn and YouTube.

Follow Target Malaria Uganda on Facebook

The post Common questions about gene drive, answered appeared first on African Media Agency.

AMA, Health

African Leaders Call for Sustainable Malaria Financing as Progress Stalls and Funding Crisis Deepens

MaraviPost

The 2025 Africa Malaria Progress Report reveals 270.8 million cases and nearly 600,000 deaths. It warns of potential resurgence, as Heads of State and Government urge increased domestic resource mobilisation, call on partners to honour their commitments, and demand a renewed World Bank Malaria Booster Programme.

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, 16 February 2026-/African Media Agency(AMA)/- Against a backdrop of stalled progress, declining international funding, and intensifying threats, African Heads of State and Government today issued a unified call for a new era of malaria financing at the 39th African Union Summit in Ethiopia. The African Union Malaria Progress Report 2025, presented by President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko of the Republic of Botswana and Chair of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), warns that without urgent action, the continent risks losing decades of hard-won gains against the disease.

Urgent action required as perfect storm intensifies
The 2025 report reveals that African Union Member States accounted for 270.8 million malaria cases (96% of the global total) and 594,119 deaths (97% of the global total) in 2024. Progress has stalled since 2015, and only five Member States have achieved the 2025 Catalytic Framework targets for reducing malaria incidence or mortality by 75%. These targets are part of the AU Catalytic Framework to End AIDS, TB and Eliminate Malaria in Africa by 2030.

The report warns that a 30% reduction in funding will result in 640 million fewer insecticide-treated nets, 146 million additional malaria cases, 397,000 additional deaths (75% among children under five), and a loss of $37 billion in GDP by 2030. Without urgent action, the report warns that malaria could resurge significantly, with cases potentially exceeding 400 million per year and deaths surpassing one million annually.

“The perfect storm of converging crises threatening malaria elimination has intensified. Official Development Assistance for health in Africa has declined by 70% in just four years, and the Eighth Replenishment of the Global Fund fell significantly short of its $18 billion target. We cannot allow these challenges to reverse decades of progress that have prevented 1.64 billion cases and saved 12.4 million lives since 2000.”
~ President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, Republic of Botswana, Chair of ALMA

A new era of financing as Africa takes the lead
In response to the funding crisis, African leaders reaffirmed their commitment to domestic resource mobilisation, innovative financing and the development of national health financing sustainability plans. The report highlights that End Malaria Councils and Funds in 12 countries have now mobilised over $200 million through public-private partnerships, demonstrating the power of multisectoral collaboration. Establishing public-private partnerships is essential for delivering sustainable financing. These partnerships can unlock new investments, propelling progress not only toward malaria elimination but also toward universal health coverage. A whole-of-society approach, engaging the private sector, philanthropic foundations, high-net-worth individuals and the diaspora through a public private health accelerator, will reinforce domestic commitments and deliver a win-win partnership.

Countries across the continent are stepping up with increased domestic financing commitments for malaria in 2025. Leaders called on global partners to honour their commitments, renew the World Bank’s Malaria Booster Programme, and align support with national strategies. The original World Bank Malaria Booster Programme (2005-2010) committed over $1 billion with transformative results. Today, African leaders are urging a renewed programme to close funding gaps, deploy next-generation tools, strengthen community health worker programmes, and build climate-resilient health systems. Investing in malaria in this way will also strengthen primary health care, making our health systems more resilient to shock and put us on a path to defeating other health challenges such as neglected tropical diseases.

“Our approach has spanned the full spectrum of what it takes to beat this disease. Tanzania has invested in world-class research and is home to the Ifakara Health Institute, where our scientists are working at the frontier of new technologies, including gene drive–an innovative approach that aims to ensure mosquitoes can no longer transmit the malaria parasite. This is African science, conducted by African researchers, addressing an African challenge.”
~ H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania

New, powerful next-generation tools gaining ground
Despite the challenges, the report highlights significant progress in deploying innovative tools. In 2025, 74% of insecticide-treated nets distributed across Africa were next-generation dual active-ingredient nets, up from just 20% in 2023. These nets are 45% more effective than pyrethroid-only nets against resistant mosquitoes.

Twenty-four countries have now introduced WHO-approved malaria vaccines for children under five, with 28.3 million doses distributed in 2025, up from 10.5 million in 2024. Additionally, WHO prequalified two spatial repellent products in 2025, marking the first new vector control intervention introduced in decades. A record 22 countries planned to implement seasonal malaria chemoprevention in 2025. The malaria innovation pipeline remains stronger than ever.

Promoting health sovereignty through local manufacturing
Leaders emphasised the importance of local manufacturing to ensure affordability, access, and supply chain resilience. Currently, Africa imports 99% of vaccines and 95% of medicines. The report highlights that Nigeria has entered into partnerships for local production of antimalarial treatments and rapid diagnostic tests, and is working to establish the first Africa-manufactured next-generation nets.

The African Medicines Agency, with 31 countries now ratified, and Regional Economic Communities are harmonising regulatory frameworks to accelerate the registration of new commodities across the continent.

“Full deployment of existing and new tools, combined with full funding, could save over 13.2 million lives over the next 15 years and boost African economies by over $140 billion. Every dollar invested in the Global Fund delivers $19 in returns. We have the tools. We need the resources.”
~ Dr. Michael Adekunle Charles, CEO, RBM Partnership to End Malaria

What must be done
The Heads of State and Government issued a clear call to action, urging all Member States to treat malaria as a central pillar of health sovereignty and economic transformation, protect and increase domestic and external funding, and fully implement the priorities of the Catalytic Framework through a Big Push Against Malaria.

Leaders called on international partners to fulfil commitments, align support with national strategies, and invest in the tools and systems that will secure a malaria-free future. They emphasised that the path ahead is challenging. Nevertheless, with determined leadership, the smart use of data, and sustained investment, Africa can bend the curve towards elimination and ensure that future generations grow up free from the threat of malaria.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of African Union

Notes to Editors: The African Union Malaria Progress Report 2025 is available for download at:  www.au.int and  www.alma2030.org

About the Africa Malaria Progress Report:
The Africa Malaria Progress Report is an annual publication prepared by the African Union Commission, African Leaders Malaria Alliance and RBM Partnership to End Malaria. It tracks progress against the AU Catalytic Framework targets, highlights challenges and threats to malaria elimination, and documents Member State actions to accelerate progress. The report is presented annually to Heads of State and Government at the African Union Summit.

About ALMA:
Founded in 2009, the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) is a ground-breaking coalition of African Heads of State and Government working across country and regional borders to achieve a malaria-free Africa by 2030. www.alma2030.org

Media Inquiries:

The post African Leaders Call for Sustainable Malaria Financing as Progress Stalls and Funding Crisis Deepens appeared first on African Media Agency.

AMA, Sports, Technology

TECNO and CAF Elevate Dream On The Field to New Heights with “Future Star of Africa” Youth Sponsorship Initiative

MaraviPost

Groundbreaking partnership transforms pitch renovation program into comprehensive talent development platform, offering long-term support for promising U12-15 players across African nations.

RABAT, Morocco, 29 December 2025/African Media Agency (AMA)/ – TECNO, the Official Global Partner of the Total Energies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (“AFCON”) Morocco 2025, today unveiled a major evolution of its flagship football charity program of DreamOnTheField with the launch of TECNO x CAF “Future Star of Africa” initiative. The announcement represents a pivotal moment in the partnership between TECNO and the Confederation of African Football, expanding beyond infrastructure investment to direct youth talent development.

This launch exemplified the TECNO x CAF partnership’s commitment to community engagement and transparency. TECNO executives joined CAF Secretary General Véron Mosengo-Omba, football legends Yaya Touré and Ahmed Hassan, Nigerian artist and TECNO Power Moment Featured Artist Joeboy, along with customers and key opinion leaders to witness the launch.

The Dream On The Field program, which began as an infrastructure initiative, now has evolved into a holistic ecosystem for African football development. The Dream On The Field program, launched by TECNO, has already made a tangible impact across the continent with eight completed pitch renovations. Seven additional projects are currently underway in different African countries. TECNO has committed to an ambitious target: renewing 100 pitches across Africa in the coming years, creating a continent-wide network of development centers that will serve millions of young players.

Today’s announcement of TECNO x CAF “Future Star of Africa” initiative represents the natural evolution of this initiative. By combining pitch infrastructure with youth player development, the collaboration creates a complete pathway from grassroots participation to professional elite development.

“Our partnership with TECNO goes far beyond renovation, it is about building foundations for dreams,” said Hassan Elkamah, Commercial Director of CAF. “From revitalizing pitches to the launch of the Future Star of Africa initiative, we are creating pathways for the next generation.”

This initiative builds directly on the DreamOnTheField program as a new extension.The initiative will identify young male and female talents aged 12-15 in Africa, providing continuous support and development opportunities until age 18. This long-term commitment addresses a critical gap in African football development: the lack of sustained investment in promising young players during their formative years.

“At TECNO, we believe talent is universal, but opportunity is not,” Jack Guo, general manager of TECNO emphasized. “Through DreamOnTheField, we’ve built the stages. Through Future Star of Africa, we’re ensuring the performers have everything they need to shine.”

The TECNO x CAF partnership approach is deliberately holistic. The renovated pitches provide the infrastructure; the selection process provides the pathway; and the long-term sponsorship provides the sustained support that transforms potential into achievement. The collaboration extends beyond traditional corporate sponsorship. As Official Global Partner of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, TECNO has positioned itself as a long-term stakeholder in African football’s future.

The partnership leverages CAF’s unparalleled expertise in football development and governance with TECNO’s commitment to empowering Africa’s rising generation through technology and social investment. CAF will appoint lead technical scouts, senior youth development experts, to ensure professional fairness in each country, while local jury members will include national football association youth coaches, sports academics, and TECNO representatives.

“Football is Africa’s heartbeat. It unites us, inspires us, and transforms lives,” said Véron Mosengo-Omba. “With TECNO, we are not only improving facilities but also investing in talent, young boys and girls who will carry Africa’s football legacy forward.”

Through joint efforts with CAF, Players will be evaluated across comprehensive and professional criterias; the assessment framework evaluates everything from ball mastery and game reading to resilience, concentration, and leadership potential, identifying not just talented players, but future stars with the character to inspire the next generation. Selection results will remain national, with no cross-border rounds, allowing each country to recognize and develop its own talent while contributing to the broader continental vision.

The TECNO x CAF partnership continues to demonstrate that corporate social responsibility, when executed with genuine commitment and strategic vision, can create a transformative impact that extends far beyond brand recognition, building infrastructure, nurturing talent, and strengthening communities across an entire continent.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of TECNO

About TECNO
TECNO is an innovative, AI-driven technology brand with a presence in over 70 markets across five continents. Committed to transforming the digital experience in global emerging markets, TECNO relentlessly pursues the perfect integration of contemporary aesthetic design with the latest technologies and artificial intelligence. Today, TECNO offers a comprehensive ecosystem of AI-powered products, including smartphones, smart wearables, laptops, tablets, smart gaming devices, the HiOS operating system, and smart home products. Guided by its brand essence of “Stop At Nothing,” TECNO continues to pioneer the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and AI-driven experiences for forward-looking individuals, inspiring them to never stop pursuing their best selves and brightest futures. For more information, please visit TECNO’s official site: www.tecno-mobile.com.

Media Contact:
relationspresse@box-com.com

The post TECNO and CAF Elevate Dream On The Field to New Heights with “Future Star of Africa” Youth Sponsorship Initiative appeared first on African Media Agency.

Health

Post-war Somalia proves multilateralism can make the world a better place, says President

MaraviPost

In his address to the General Assembly, the President of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud outlined global challenges and shared the progress his country has made in the fight against terrorism, promoting inclusive governance and economic development. 

AMA, Technology

Djamo Finances Secures Its Microfinance License in Côte d’Ivoire

MaraviPost

ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire, 12 September, 2025 /African Media Agency (AMA)/ – Djamo Finances, a subsidiary of the Djamo group and a pioneering digital financial services platform in Francophone Africa, has officially obtained its license as a microfinance institution in Côte d’Ivoire, issued by the Ministry of Finance and Budget.

This regulatory recognition provides Djamo’s clients with an additional guarantee. The company’s governance has also been strengthened to better support and serve the financial needs of its growing customer base.

“Obtaining this license is a key milestone in our mission. It gives us the tools to reinforce customer trust and to become their primary financial partner in managing their daily finances, with regulated and guaranteed services designed to meet local economic realities. Thanks to our digital model, these microfinance services will now be within reach, anywhere, at any time, directly from a smartphone,” said Elfried Didehia, CEO of Djamo Finances.

With this license, Djamo will offer its clients new solutions such as access to credit, interest-bearing savings, and current accounts without limits. These new offerings build on an already strong suite of services that includes salary reception, payments and transfers, budget management, secure savings vaults, and investment. Djamo aims to become the primary financial partner for its clients, providing them with the full range of services they need to manage their finances. For users, this evolution means more simplicity, more security, and more opportunities.

In recent years, Côte d’Ivoire has recorded significant progress in financial inclusion: according to the World Bank, the rate has risen from 41% in 2017 to 58% in 2024. While more people now have access to bank accounts, access to credit and savings remains limited. Djamo’s license is part of this dynamic, enabling millions of people to access credit and savings services, paving the way for more comprehensive and sustainable financial inclusion.

Beyond Côte d’Ivoire, this license reflects Djamo’s Pan-African strategy to build a solid digital financial institution capable of supporting millions of people in their financial journey. Also present in Senegal, where it operates with its digital payment and transfer services, Djamo serves today more than one million users with a seamless, innovative, and 100% digital experience. Building on this milestone, the company reaffirms its vision of creating an accessible, user-centered financial institution

Distributed by African Media Agency on behalf of Djamo.

About Djamo

Djamo is a Pan-African digital financial services platform designed to make financial services simple, accessible, and useful to millions of people excluded from the traditional banking system, particularly in Francophone Africa, where fewer than 25% of adults hold a bank account.

Founded in 2019 in Côte d’Ivoire by Hassan Bourgi and Regis Bamba, Djamo provides, through a single interface, a range of solutions including Visa cards, instant transfers, bill payments, budgeting tools, secure savings vaults, and investments.

Driven by rapid growth, Djamo continues its regional expansion and its ambition to become the financial partner of choice in Francophone Africa.

Learn more: www.djamo.com

Press contact: press@djamo.io

The post Djamo Finances Secures Its Microfinance License in Côte d’Ivoire appeared first on African Media Agency.

Lifestyle

Tanzania opposition leader Tundu Lissu to be remanded for 14 more days

Maravi Post Reporter

The embattled Tanzanian main opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, will remain in remand for 14 more days pending further investigations.

The Police and the state prosecutors requested the Kisutu Magistrates Court to allow them more time to conclude their investigations.

The court granted them two more weeks until June 2, when the case will be heard again. It was the first time Lissu appeared in person for the mention as he previously attended sessions virtually.

The defence team, led by the Senior Counsel Mpale Mpoki, objected to the application, citing infringement of Lissu’s fundamental rights. They made several other applications with one questioning why the prosecuting teams were not able to move on with the case despite all evidence being available and accessible to everyone.

Lissu’s team also claimed that their client was being placed under unnecessary heavy police supervision and that he was just an accused and not a threat to anyone in court.

Opposition leader Tundu Lissu was arrested on April 9 after calling for electoral reforms before a general election in October and was charged with treason, a charge for which bail isn’t available.

Lissu’s party, Chadema, has been outspoken about electoral reforms, arrests and detentions of opposition politicians before the vote in which President Samia Suluhu Hassan is seeking election after serving out her predecessor’s term in office.

Human rights activists have accused the government of Hassan of heavy-handed tactics against the opposition. The government denies the claims.

In 2017, three years before the last election, Lissu survived an assassination attempt after being shot 16 times. His party has been critical of laws that favor the ruling CCM party, which has been in power since Tanzania’s independence in 1961.

Source: Africanews

Lifestyle

Morocco’s capital, Rabat, seeing uptick in luxury tourism

Maravi Post Reporter

With its warm weather and rich history, the Moroccan capital Rabat is seeing a growth in its luxury tourism sector, with five new opulent hotels under construction.

“We have approximately 10 luxury hotels, all of them international brands. The goal is to attract the largest number of foreign tourists,” says regional tourism delegate, Noureddine Sridi.

One of them, the Four Seasons Hotel Rabat, was Sultan Moulay Slimane’s palace during the 18th century and then a military hospital from 1912.

This grand property is now one of the city’s most prominent landmarks, with the hotel opening in October last year.

Spanning two hectares, it boasts an architectural design that reflects Moroccan heritage and preserves design elements dating back to the Sultan’s era, such as carved wooden ceilings.

Its general manager, Gregory Viaud, says they are very proud of the hotel’s history

“The team is all aware of what it used to be and share the history of the place with all the guests checking in,” he says.

The hotel has 200 rooms and suites and some lucky guests may even get to sleep in the room where the Sultan once slept.

In Harhoura, some 23 kilometres from Rabat, the Conrad Rabat Arzana Hotel overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.

Its general manager Jean Yong Pittion says they are seeing an increase in guests from Asia, and particularly Taiwan.

“They show a great interest to Morocco, looking for a new destination, something different that a lot of people are actually looking at now,” he says.

While the hotel does embrace the local culture, offering guests traditional mint tea when they arrive, the restaurant also serves a selection of Asian dishes.

Sridi says, however, that guests coming to Rabat are not only looking for luxury, they also want to explore the city’s history.

They are venturing out to discover some of Rabat’s many historical sites, including the 12th century Hassan Tower, the Chellah or medieval fortified necropolis, and the old city

With it beautiful beaches, exotic cities, and pristine mountains, Morocco is very popular among Europeans too, and tourism makes up about 7% of the country’s GDP.

Source: Africanews

https://video.euronews.com/mp4/ED/14/01/85/02/ED_PYR_1401852_20250505100105.mp4
Lifestyle

UN Pushes for Inclusive Somali dialogue

Maravi Post Reporter

In Baidoa, a top UN official discusses South West State issues and underscores role of dialogue for tackling national priorities.

Visiting South West State today, the top United Nations official in Somalia covered a range of local topics with the Federal Member State’s leadership, in addition to reiterating the need for discussion on various national issues the country faces.

“I underscored the importance of unity and inclusive dialogue among Somalia’s political and community leaders,” said the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan, while also adding that the national matters include security priorities and election planning.

“And I reiterated,” he continued, “the position of Somalia’s international partners: we welcome the initiative announced by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in his Eid-al-Fitr message to arrange a platform that brings together the full range of Somali voices to advance the country’s state-building priorities and respond effectively to the Al-Shabaab threat.”

The UN Special Representative made the comments at a joint press encounter with South West State’s President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed ‘Laftagareen’ after meeting with him and members of his administration at the Federal Member State’s State House.

On Tuesday (29 Apr), Swan made a similar call in press remarks after meeting with Galmudug’s President Ahmed Abdi Karie ‘Qoor Qoor’ and members of his team in that Federal Member State’s capital, Dhusamareb.

A group made up of 28 of Somalia’s international partners – including the United Nations – issued a statement in early April welcoming the proposal of the country’s president to organize a platform for Somali political and community leaders to ensure their views and efforts form part of the fight against terrorism and the establishment of a democratic and federal system of government.

South West State matters

Specifically to South West State, the president and UN official covered a range of topics, including state-building, security and humanitarian needs.

The UN Special Representative highlighted that that they touched on ongoing preparations for voter registration with the National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC), as well as direct local council elections.

“In that regard, I recalled the importance of an open political environment to permit the successful conduct of elections at all levels,” Swan said.

The serious humanitarian situation in South West State was also discussed, especially in the face of global uncertainties in maintaining aid levels.

“In collaboration with humanitarian partners, the United Nations is working hand-in-hand with the South West State authorities to address these urgent needs,” Swan said. “And we want to give priority to those who most need assistance. We also, of course, want to link the humanitarian response to this state’s longer-term development needs.”

On the security front, the UN Special Representative spoke to South West State’s steadfastness in the fight against the Al-Shabaab terrorist group.

“I commend the ongoing efforts by the Somali National Army and South West State forces to defend and recover territory in different regions of the state,” Swan said. “These efforts are testament to the courage and tenacity of the Somali forces battling Al-Shabaab.”

The UN Special Representative ended his press remarks with a reaffirmation of the world body’s support for South West State and its state-building priorities, and appreciation of the strong collaboration of the President and his administration.

Additional sources • AP

Source: Africanews

https://video.euronews.com/mp4/ED/13/75/66/04/ED_PYR_1375664_20250501114229.mp4
Lifestyle

Somali president focuses on reforms, not re-election for now

Maravi Post Reporter

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud says he has not yet decided whether he will run for re-election in 2026. Speaking to Kenya’s Nation Media Group, he emphasized that his priority right now is improving national security, boosting the economy, and ensuring Somalia’s first direct elections in decades.

Since returning to office in 2022, Mohamud points to progress in Mogadishu’s security and economic growth. His government plans local elections for June 2025 and national elections by September, aiming to move away from Somalia’s traditional clan-based voting system.

However, opposition figures, including leaders from Puntland and Jubbaland, have raised concerns about the election timeline and potential constitutional breaches. Despite these tensions, Mohamud says he remains focused on national reforms and will decide on a potential third-term bid closer to election time.

Source: Africanews

https://video.euronews.com/mp4/ED/13/41/65/08/ED_PYR_1341658_20250428083134.mp4
Lifestyle

Burying Nasrallah, Flooding In NC, Veterans and the Election, How to Stress Less

Maravi Post Reporter

Lebanon prepares to bury Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. In North Carolina, damage from flooding is “widespread and catastrophic,” according to Gov. Roy Cooper. The two candidates for vice president are both veterans. How do their campaigns approach vets’ issues? And for NPR’s new series on stress reduction, we consider the benefits of “positive reappraisal.”

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Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Russell Lewis, Vincent Ni, Andrew Sussman, Ally Schweitzer and Alice Woelfe. It was produced by Iman Maani, Paige Waterhouse, Nia Dumas and Ana Perez. We get engineering support from Carleigh Strange, and our technical director is Andie Huether.

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