The Secretary-General met today with the President of the Central African Republic, H.E. Mr. Faustin Archange Touadéra. The Secretary-General congratulated Mr. Touadéra on his recent election and the timely formation of a government. Noting that the Central African Republic has turned a corner with the conclusion of the political transition, the Secretary-General stressed the importance of now addressing the root causes of the crisis.

They discussed immediate priorities for the new government. The Secretary-General reaffirmed the United Nations’ unwavering determination to continue supporting the Central African Republic. The Secretary-General also reiterated his firm determination to implement the United Nations zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse.

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Zainab Hawa Bangura, has concluded her second visit to Guinea, urging the Government to accelerate the progress of justice for the victims of the 28 September 2009 crimes, including survivors of sexual violence.

“I commend the Government of Guinea for the responsibility it has taken to drive a domestic process of accountability for these crimes, and I now urge the authorities to move as soon as possible from the investigations phase to begin the trials,” said the Special Representative.

Since 2012, the Office of the Special Representative through its Team of Experts on Rule of Law and Sexual Violence has supported a panel of Guinean Judges established to investigate and prosecute the grave human rights violations that took place in 2009. This has led to 16 indictments, including of former President Moussa Dadis Camara and high ranking military commanders. The Panel of Judges has interviewed over 400 victims and witnesses.

“This process is critical for justice and reconciliation in Guinea. It can also be a powerful example to which many other countries in Africa and beyond look for lessons and inspiration,” stressed Special Representative Bangura.

During the visit the Special Representative met with representatives of victims associations and survivors, many of whom continue to suffer from debilitating physical injuries, psychological trauma and destitution due to stigma and shame. Special Representative Bangura emphasized that even as the course of justice progresses, the immediate priority must be to ensure that the survivors and their families receive the services, care and livelihood support that they so urgently require.

The Special Representative also met with the President of Guinea, His Excellency Alpha Condé; Prime Minister Mamady Youla; Minister of Justice Cheick Sako, as well as the Panel of Judges. She discussed the continued support of the United Nations to the Government of Guinea in addressing the considerable practical and political challenges as the justice process moves forward.

“In my discussion with the Guinean authorities, I urged them to take steps to ensure that all those who have been indicted by the Panel of Judges are suspended from public positions until the conclusion of the process,” the Special Representative noted. She alsomade a call for increased judicial cooperation with Guinea to allow the Panel of Judges to hear remaining key witnesses that are outside the country.

The visit of the Special Representative was conducted jointly with Dr. Sarah Sewall, the United States Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights, who reiterated the support of her Government to strengthening the justice sector in Guinea. The United States remains one of the strongest supporters, both politically and financially, of the United Nations Security Council mandate to prevent and address conflict-related sexual violence.

“I stand in solidarity with the victims of sexual violence in Guinea, and pledge that the United Nations will continue to champion their cause of justice and dignity,” concluded Special Representative Bangura.

Following the success of Access UK in mainland China, UKVI is rolling out the service globally to customers applying for a Standard Visitor Visa, Visitor (Marriage & Civil Partnership), or Visitor (Permitted Paid Engagement) Visa.

Customers can now use Access UK to apply, book an appointment and pay for their application through the standard, priority or super-priority visa service (where applicable).

The global rollout continued on from China in February 2016 with the launch of Access UK in India. It has since extended to Russia, Belarus. Turkey, Nigeria and Benin and will be completed this Summer. Over 270,000 applicants have already used Access UK and feedback is really positive.

Access UK is designed to provide a simple and intuitive customer experience. The Home Office is committed to making it more convenient, quicker and easier for applicants to apply for UK visas.

Visit Access UK onwww.gov.uk/apply-uk-visa.

The Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU), at its 589thmeeting, held on 12 April 2016, adopted the following decision on elections in Africa:

Council:

1. Takes note of the briefing by the Commission on the recent elections in Benin, Cape Verde, Central African Republic Chad, Djibouti, Comoros, Congo, Niger, Tanzania (in Zanzibar), and Uganda. Council also takes note of the briefing by the Commission on preparations for elections that will be held during the second quarter of 2016 ; 2. Expresses its satisfaction that the culture of peaceful and democratic elections continues to take root across Africa, as evidenced by the regular holding of national elections in AU Member States. In the same context, Council welcomes the growing positive trend of peaceful transfers of power in some AU Member States. In this regard, Council commends all Member States, which have successfully conducted peaceful elections and urges Member States to to ensure peaceful, credible, transparent and democratic elections, which should be held in conformity to the AU shared values and instruments, in particular the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance in conducting their future elections; 3. Commends the efforts being deployed by the Commission, through the Department of Political Affairs, to ensure successful organization of peaceful, credible, transparent and democratic elections throughout the continent. In this regard, Council reiterates the need for the Commission to take the necessary steps for the deployment of pre-election assessment missions, long-term election observer missions and post-election observer missions, in sufficient numbers and on time taking into consideration the available financial resources, particularly in countries emerging from conflict and other Member States, where election-related violence has the potential of generating crisis or conflict situation, in line with Article 14 (1) of the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council; 4. Expresses serious concern over the boycott of elections by some political parties. In this connection, stresses the need for the Commission to engage political parties, especially during the pre-election period, to encourage dialogue and negotiations in their efforts to resolve any existing disputes rather than resorting to violence and boycotts, in order to ensure that the elections are conducted in a calm and peaceful atmosphere. Council emphasizes the importance of the Commission to continue its early warning initiatives aimed at detecting signs of instability early enough to ensure early response. In the same context, Council encourages political stakeholders to accept election results and resolve election-related disputes through available legal avenues. 5. Also stresses the need for the Commission, working in collaboration with the Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC), to engage with civil society organizations with a view to ensuring that they continue to play a more constructive and positive role during elections processes. Council highlights the need for Member States to undertake civic and voter education for their citizens; 6. Acknowledges the important role that the media, in general, and social media, in particular, can play in the promotion of democracy, including the holding of peaceful elections. In this regard, Council emphasizes the need to ensure that social media is not abused to disrupt or undermine the credibility of election processes; 7. Expresses deep concern over the growing tendency of external interference in elections in the continent and in ways that often polarize communities and societies leading to election-related violence. In this regard, Council stresses the need for Member States to take full ownership of, and fund their election processes using national resources, bearing in mind that elections are very critical and sensitive processes and that, doing so, will also significantly contribute towards reducing their dependence and the vulnerabilities that are usually associated with external donor funding. In the same context, Council urges Member States to make contributions to the Democracy and Electoral Assistance Fund, in order to enable the Commission to more effectively assist those Member States that may need support in enhancing their electoral machinery; 8. Reiterates the need for the Commission to ensure that the popularization, in all AU Member States, of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, is considered as a continuous process, rather than wait for the time that Member States organize their elections. In this regard, Council, once again, encourages those Member States, which have not yet done so, to sign, ratify and domesticate the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, as well as all other relevant AU instruments; 9. Looks forward to the outcomes of the planned comprehensive review of AU election observation methodology. In this context, Council requests the Commission to follow up on the recommendations of the various AU election observer missions; 10. Decides to devote a session to discuss the challenges to and prospects for peaceful, transparent and credible elections in Africa; 11. Also decides to remain seized of the matter.

PRESSINVITATION

The Government of Japan has been providing funds to local non-profit organizations through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) since 1989. This year, the following organization is one of the few that has been selected to receive the grant.

Project :

The Project for the Rehabilitation of Kalimani Earth Dam

Grantee:

Initiative for Green Kenya

Grant Amount:

USD 101,159　 (approx. Kshs 9.1 Million)

Event:

Presentation of Special Seedlings donated through JICA/ KEFRI Project

Date:

26th April, 2016

Time:

12:00 noon ( Kindly requested to be seated by 11:45am )

Venue:

Project Site : Kalimani Earth Dam

Kalimani Location, Matinyani Division, Matinyani District,

Kitui County

Key Personalities:

H.E. Dr. Julius M. Malombe - Governor of Kitui County

H.E. Mr. Tatsushi Terada - Ambassador of Japan to Kenya

̴ Representatives of the media are welcome to cover this event ̴

Leading digital lifestyle company, Tigo Tanzania (www.Tigo.co.tz) has become the second largest player in the Tanzanian telecom market with the highest growth rate, recent statistics by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) have revealed.

The 2015 quarter four results, released online recently by TCRA in a document titled, “The Performance in Tanzania’s Telecom Industry’, for the trading period ending 2015 show that for the past two years, Tigo has recorded the fastest growth rate among other telecoms in the country.

TCRA shows in the report that, out of the 6.7 million total industry growth during the period,

Tigo grew by 2.5 million which is equivalent to 37 percent, or in two years from 11.4 million, Tigo scooped 4.8 million which is equivalent to 42 percent, the highest growth rate in the telecom sector.

Tigo’s enviably gigantic leap effectively positions it as the fastest growing telecommunications company in the country.

According to the country’s communications regulatory authority, Tigo increased its traffic by 2.3 billion minutes while its total market grew by 2.8 billion, compared to Vodacom which dropped by 1.5 billion while Airtel grew by 1.5 billion. Tigo’s meteoric rise gave it 28% percent market share with its subscriber base rising to 11,115,991, effectively beating Airtel to the second position.

Airtel was relegated to the third position with a similar percentage market share but with 68,486 less than Tigo’s subscription numbers.

Tigo now is breathing down the neck of Vodacom that leads the pack with 32% market share, a drop from 45% that it recorded in December 2005-with 12,714,297 subscribers, according to TCRA figures.

Responding to questions from the media on the reasons for the surge in growth, Tigo General Manager, Diego Gutierrez, listed the main drivers of the growth as including affordability, innovation, digital financial initiatives, mammoth investments, and the launch of 4G LTE, the country’s fastest mobile internet connection and extensive network expansion.

Diego said other factors are digital inclusion initiatives such as the introduction of free access to the social media for Tigo customers including Facebook in Kiswahili, Smartphone with the menu in Kiswahili, and free WhatsApp messaging application service.

On Tigo investment, Gutierrez said Tigo has been investing about over US$ 120 million per year (US $ 2.3 million per week) mainly on network infrastructure, quality improvement and the roll out of new sites.

According to Gutierrez, the telecom’s unbridled growth has also been spurred by its closeness to the customers in which it has so far opened over 50 customer care shops in most parts of the country and hopes to meet the envisaged target for 2016 of having 100 shops countrywide.

The number of Tigo’s customer service shops is by far the largest in the country’s telecom industry and it has also an extensive network of over 50,000 mobile money agents.

Tigo’s growth has had unequalled developmental impacts in the largest East African country by lands mass that’s the home to a population of over 45 million.

According to Finscope survey, Tigo has immensely contributed to Tanzania’s financial inclusion through its Tigo Pesa mobile financial transfer service. Further, it has contributed to the country’s economic growth through remittance of taxes, and provided over 300,000 direct and indirect employment to Tanzanians.

It has also been at the forefront in supporting community projects through sponsorships and CSR initiatives such as Mobile Birth Registration; support for local artists through Tigo Music platform; provision of scholarships to ICT students in higher learning institutions and through

Tigo Changemakers, an innovative social initiative that identifies, empowers and mentors talented youths to enable them achieve their dreams through offering digital solutions that create bigger impact in the community-the program has impacted over 10,000 people.

On Tigo’s corporate social responsibility policy, Gutierrez says, “Tigo has a strong corporate social responsibility program that supports a wide range of activities within the focus of education, health and wellbeing and environment that is meant to contribute to improving the lives of people in the community it serves”.

Tigo Tanzania is the leading innovative telecommunication company in the country distinguished as a fully-fledged digital lifestyle brand. The company offers a diverse product portfolio in voice, SMS, high-speed internet and mobile money services, Tigo has pioneered innovations such as Facebook in Kiswahili, Tigo Pesa App for Android & iOS users, Tigo Music (Deezer), Tigo Backup, Africa’s first cross-border mobile money transfer with currency conversion and recently interoperability with Vodacom making Tigo the only operator interoperable with all the main MFS player in the market.

Tanzania was recently named as a world leader in MFS by World Bank and Tigo Pesa was accredited for being a large part of this accomplishment.

Tigo’s robust operational capacity, buoyed by its un-paralleled customer service has led to its scooping local and international accolades that include, GSMA Highly Commended Award in Africa: Best Network Improvement Category, GSMA mWomen Innovation Fund grant,

AfricaCom’s Most Innovative Service Award 2014: awarded for Tigo Pesa interoperability with Tigo Cash (Rwanda) and the Best Social Media (2016) — Tanzania Excellence Award.

For further information visit:Tigo.co.tzor contact: John Wanyancha — Corporate Communications Manager Mobile: 0658 123 089.john.wanyancha@tigo.co.tz

About Tigo: Tigo Tanzania (www.Tigo.co.tz) is the leading innovative telecommunication company in the country, distinguished as a fully-fledged digital lifestyle brand. Offering a diverse product portfolio in voice, SMS, high-speed internet and mobile financial services, Tigo has pioneered innovations such as Facebook in Kiswahili, TigoPesa App for Android & iOS users, Tigo Music (Deezer) and East Africa’s first cross-border mobile money transfer with currency conversion. The Tigo 3G network guarantees the best services to its subscriber’s in all regions across the country, and we have recently launched the 4G network available in specific regions and soon to be available all over the country. In the past three years, the company has launched over 500 new network sites, which translates to over 2,000 network sites and plans to double its investment by 2017 in terms of coverage and additional capacity networks for deeper penetration in rural areas. With over 10 million registered subscribers to their network, Tigo directly and indirectly employs over 300,000 Tanzanians including an extended network of customer service representatives, mobile money merchants, sales agents and distributors. Tigo is the biggest commercial brand of Millicom, an international company developing the digital lifestyle in 11 countries with commercial operations in Africa and Latin America and corporate offices in Europe and the USA. With the certain knowledge that only constant innovation will keep them on top, Millicom keeps creating greater shareholder value; applying their concept of “demand more” is how they do business and retain their position as digital lifestyle leaders in some of the most unique and challenging markets.

Almost two-thirds of children who have not been immunized with basic vaccines live in countries that are either partially or entirely affected by conflict, UNICEF said ahead of World Immunization Week.

Of countries in conflict, South Sudan has the highest percentage of unimmunized children, with 61 per cent not receiving the most basic childhood vaccines, followed by Somalia (58 per cent) and Syria (57 per cent).

“Conflict creates an ideal environment for disease outbreaks,” said UNICEF Chief of Immunization Robin Nandy. ”Children miss out on basic immunizations because of the breakdown — and sometimes deliberate destruction — of vital health services. Even when medical services are available, insecurity in the area often prevents them from reaching children.”

Measles, diarrhoea, respiratory infections and malnutrition are major causes of childhood illness and death, and in conflict and emergencies, their effects can worsen. When children contract measles in non-conflict settings, fewer than 1 per cent of them die. In areas where crowding and malnutrition are rife, such as refugee camps, child deaths from measles can soar to up to 30 per cent of cases. Overcrowding and lack of basic necessities like food, water and shelter make children even more vulnerable to disease.

Areas in conflict also see the killing of health workers and the destruction of medical facilities, supplies and equipment, all of which have a disastrous effect on children’s health.

Conflict-affected areas in Pakistan and Afghanistan are the last remaining strongholds of the crippling poliovirus, now eliminated from the rest of the world. In Syria, immunization levels have plummeted from over 80 per cent in 2010, prior to the conflict, to 43 per cent in 2014. Polio resurfaced in the country in 2013, after 14 years with no cases. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, over 2,000 suspected cases of measles have already been reported in 2016, with 17 deaths, most of them among children under 5 years old.

Vaccination — particularly against highly contagious measles — is a high priority in humanitarian emergencies and is a central part of UNICEF’s response to protect children’s health in such settings.

In Syria, a vaccination campaign planned to start on 24 April will target young children who have missed out on routine vaccination, especially those in besieged and hard-to-reach areas. Many of these children, born since the conflict began, have never been vaccinated. In Yemen, despite fierce fighting across the country, UNICEF-supported vaccination campaigns immunized 2.4 million children against measles and rubella in January and 4.6 million children against polio in April 2016. In Libya, the first nationwide polio immunization campaign in two years was completed in April. Earlier this month UNICEF shipped 1.5 million doses of vaccines to Tripoli. Over 36 million children are being reached with polio vaccinations across Pakistan, where polio cases have dropped 65 per cent since 2015. During 2014—2015, UNICEF supported emergency immunization campaigns against measles for more than 23 million children in Iraq, Syria and Yemen.

In emergencies and conflicts, UNICEF works with partners to restart the cold chain for vaccines and other essential medical supplies; put health teams back in place; and train health workers to provide immunization, nutrition screening, vitamin A supplements and medical treatment for women and children.

Immunization in conflict helps revive other badly needed health services. For example, in conflict-affected areas of Iraq, Syria and Yemen, health workers also offer health and nutrition services, as well as care for childhood illnesses, to populations who come forward in response to immunization campaigns.

“Children affected by conflict are pushed into a downward spiral of deprivation that robs them of their health and, by extension, their futures. Vaccination can help to break this vicious cycle,” said Nandy. “Immunization is a vital service that deserves and requires protection from all parties to a conflict.”

IOM is this week conducting an 8-day training of trainers workshop in Kampala for 20 Makerere University staff to pilot a 2-week certificate course in migration and health.

The course, which will target postgraduate students and senior government officials from key ministries, is expected to enable participants to gather, analyze, and disseminate the knowledge needed to conceptualize and implement health policies and programs related to migration and mobility in the Eastern Africa region.

“The migration and health course is the first multidisciplinary, university-based program in the region devoted to systematically studying the health consequences of local and international population movements and developing more effective strategies to address migration,” said IOM Uganda Chief of Mission Ali Abdi.

The certificate program will ultimately lead to the establishment of the Regional Centre for Migration and Health Studies in Makerere University’s School of Social Sciences. Makerere is one of the leading academic institutions in Eastern Africa and has carried out several research projects in partnership with IOM.

More than one million children in Libya have been immunized against polio in a 5-day national campaign concluding today. The campaign is the first to be held in Libya since 2014.

Approximately 2000 vaccinators in 600 health facilities around the country participated in the campaign which was conducted by the Ministry of Health's National Centre for Disease Control, with support from WHO and UNICEF.

"This is a truly significant achievement in ensuring Libya maintains its polio-free status," said Dr Syed Jaffar Hussain, WHO Representative for Libya. "Interruptions in routine immunization as a result of the conflict have placed children in Libya at prolonged risk of infectious diseases. Parents are desperate to keep their children safe and healthy, and the high level of demand was such that health facilities were overcrowded in the first days of the campaign."

Ongoing violence in Libya has created challenges for the provision of health care services, including immunization services. Health facilities are faced with critical shortages of health staff and insecurity has restricted transportation and contributed to shortages of medicines and medical supplies.

"Despite the challenges faced, including extremely limited funding for the health sector, WHO and partners continue to ensure that urgently needed basic health care services in Libya are provided. This campaign is a positive step towards ensuring that with increased support, vulnerable Libyans have access to the health services they need," said Dr Hussain.

Elena Valenciano, Chair of the Subcommittee on Human Rights in the EP, and Linda McAvan, Chair of the Committee on Development in the European Parliament (EP), on the worrying situation in southern Africa:

"No fewer than six countries in southern Africa (South Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Zambia) are facing a major crisis due to the worst southern African drought in decades. According to the World Food Programme (WPF) over 10 million people across the region will need food aid in the coming year. The WFP estimates that more than 30 million people are currently food insecure and the WFP believes that these numbers are still going to grow.

It is our moral duty to ensure that there will be no loss of life due to starvation. We also need to take into account the huge social implications of food insecurity and its very negative impact on the economy, often resulting in social unrest.

The EU and its Member States must therefore make sure the WFP and other aid agencies receive the funding needed to sustain the huge numbers of people affected. We have already witnessed what aid agencies' shortage of funds meant for refugees in Lebanon and Jordan who finally saw no option but to flee to Europe, and we should not allow such a shortfall in funding to happen again."

Today, UNICEF thanked donors for their generous contributions and the Government for its strong leadership, which together have enabled a concerted response to the current El Niño driven drought in Ethiopia, particularly in treating children with severe malnutrition.

With support from donors, UNICEF has procured 543,631 cartons of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), which represents 22 per cent of the global order for 2015 and is one of the largest single purchases in UNICEF’s history. The donors include the Governments of Canada, Germany, Japan, Sweden, United Kingdom and United States and partners including ECHO and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

To date in 2016, UNICEF procured in 2015 a further 73,344 cartons of RUTF out ofa global procurement estimated at 565,623 cartons, which corresponds to 13 per cent of the global supply. In addition to RUTF, other supplies including therapeutic milk, routine drugs and hygiene and sanitation commodities have been procured as part of the drought response. To accommodate this large volume of supplies and enhance preparedness for the drought response, UNICEF rented a new warehouse in the Gerji area of Addis Ababa, earlier this year.

“On behalf of the Government of Ethiopia and UNICEF, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the humanitarian donors for their timely and generous financial contributions to purchase Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food that will save the lives of millions of children diagnosed with severe malnutrition,” said Ms Gillian Mellsop, UNICEF Representative to Ethiopia. “I would also like to especially thank the Ethiopian Customs Authority, the Ethiopian Food Medicine and Health Care Administration and Akakas Logistics, this enormous supply chain operation would not have been possible without their active support. By accelerating our joint nutrition interventions, we can transform the lives of millions of children to become healthy citizens and reach their full potential.”

Ethiopia is experiencing one of the worst droughts in decades due to El Niño weather condition which continues to wreak havoc on the lives of children and their families’ livelihoods. According to the latest Humanitarian Requirement Document issued this year, 6 million children are at risk from hunger, disease and lack of water. Malnutrition rates have greatly increased — 450,000 children are expected to be treated for severe acute malnutrition (SAM) this year.

As part of the joint drought response coordinated by the Government, UNICEF is leading the Nutrition, Water Sanitation Hygiene, Education (together with Save the Children) clusters and the Child Protection sub-cluster. Together with other partners, UNICEF implements life-saving humanitarian responses including procurement and supply of therapeutic food and milk, drugs, other medical supplies, plus water/sanitation and education and child protection supplies.

UNICEF also supports the treatment of severely malnourished children through the community-based management of acute malnutrition, with training, quality assurance and coordination with other partners. Regular nutrition screening helps ensure that malnutrition in children is diagnosed and treated early, thereby reducing cases of severe acute malnutrition and life-threatening complications.

The supply of RUTF procured by UNICEF to date to respond to the current emergency is worth

US$28 million including freight and in-country distribution. With the continued effort of the Government and support from humanitarian actors, 350,451 children were treated for severe acute malnutrition in 2015.

Note to editors:

RUTF-Ready-to-use Therapeutic Food (also known as to as Plump’nut which is a brand name):

A high protein and high energy peanut-based paste that tastes slightly sweeter than peanut better. It requires no water for preparation or refrigerator and has a two-year shelf life, making it easy to deploy in difficult conditions to treat severe acute malnutrition. It is distributed under medical supervision, predominately to parents of malnourished children where the nutritional status of the children has been assessed by a doctor or a nutritionist.

SAM-Severe Acute Malnutrition:

A result of recent (short-term) deficiency of protein, energy and minerals and vitamins leading to loss of body fats and muscle tissues. Acute malnutrition presents with wasting (low weight-for-height) and/or the presence of oedema (i.e, retention of water in the tissues of the body). Defined as a weight-for-height below minus three standard deviations from the median weight-for-height for the standard reference population, a mid-upper-arm circumference of less than 115 mm, visible severe thinness or the presence of nutritional oedema.

MAM-Moderate Acute Malnutrition:

Defined as weight-for-height between minus two and minus three standard deviations from the media weight-for-height for the standard reference population.

About UNICEF: UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. For more information about UNICEF and its work visit: www.unicef.org

Following the cross border cattle raids in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia which has claimed the lives of more than 200 people and seen the kidnaping of 100 children; on behalf of the Government and people of Seychelles President James Michel has expressed his profound condolences in a message addressed to the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Hailemariam Desalegn.

"May all those touched by this calamity find the strength and courage to cope at this most difficult time,” said President Michel in his message.

INVITATION TO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MEDIA

WHAT: A High Level Solidarity Seminar and the photo Exhibition at the AU Headquarters under the theme: "40 FACES, 40 YEARS — A Lifetime in Exile." — The events are aimed at highlighting the humanitarian socio-economic and human rights tragedy of the Sahrawi people living in exile for the last 40 years.

WHEN: Seminar - Monday, 25 April 2016

Exhibition — Monday 25 April 2016 to Thursday 28 April 2016

Closing Ceremony (Diplomatic Cocktail) - Thursday 28 April 2016

TIME: Seminar from 09:00hrs — 14:00hrs

Exhibition from 09.00hrs- 17:00hrs every day

Closing Ceremony (Diplomatic Cocktail) —17:00hrs — 18:00hrs

WHO: African Union Commission and Oxfam

WHERE: Seminar - Medium Hall, New Conference Centre, African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Exhibition — Lobby Area A&B, New Conference Centre, African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

WHY: Over the last four decades, the OAU/AU has made numerous calls to the international community and initiated efforts to resolve the Sahrawi crisis. This has included the appointment in June 2014 of former President Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique as AU Special Envoy to consult with the permanent members of the UN Security Council and Spain, as well as with the UN Secretariat, on how best the AU can support international efforts to find a lasting solution to the conflict in Western Sahara — also calling for renewed international engagement towards the resolution of the conflict. The African Union’s efforts are within its mandate as Guarantor of the Peace Plan endorsed in resolution AHG/Res.104(XIX) of the 19th Ordinary Session of the OAU Assembly of Heads of State and Government, held in Addis Ababa from 6 to 12 June 1983, which essentially served as the basis of the August 1988 Settlement Proposals that set into motion the peace process for Western Sahara.

The Event is open to the Public.

JOURNALISTS ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EXHIBITION

The first national polio vaccination campaign for two years was completed in Libya yesterday. The five day campaign is estimated to have reached more than one million children under the direct supervision of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and with support from UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Ahead of the campaign, UNICEF provided 1.5 million doses of polio vaccines to the country, through a special flight to the Mitiga Airport in Tripoli. The shipment contained enough vaccines to cover nearly 1.2 million children below the age of six. WHO has catered for all the operational cost of the campaign as well as the technical assistance.

“This recent shipment of vaccines is part of UNICEF’s efforts to restore routine immunization activities across Libya, crucial to the survival of all children in the country”, said Dr. Ghassan Khalil, UNICEF Special Representative in Libya.

Libya has been polio free since 1991. Conflict and violence have interrupted routine immunization against polio, mandatory since 1970. This campaign is the first since 2014. Implemented across Libya’s 64 districts, the campaign includes 2,000 trained vaccinators working in 600 health facilities.

“UNICEF is looking forward to further cooperation with the NCDC and WHO to improve the coverage of immunization, effective vaccine management including procurement and strengthening cold chain system, surveillance and information sharing systems in Libya” added Dr Khalil.

The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its 590th meeting, held on 14 April 2016, adopted the following decision on the situation of refugees in the Dadaab Refugee camps in Kenya:

Council,

1. Takes note of the Report of the Chairperson of the Commission on the Comprehensive Technical Assessment Mission to Dadaab Refugee Camps, in Kenya [PSC/PR/(DXC)] and the briefing provided by the Commissioner for Political Affairs on the matter. Council also takes note of the statements made by the representatives of the Republic of Kenya, the Federal Republic of Somalia and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR);

2. Recalls its previous communiqués and press statements on the Republic of Kenya’s efforts in fighting al-Shabaab and its plan of relocating the Dadaab Refugee Camps, in particular, press statement [PSC/PR/BR.(DXXXVII)], and communiqué [PSC/PR/COMM.(DLIV)], adopted at its 537th and 554th meetings, held on 24 August 2015 and 3 November 2015, respectively;

3. Reiterates the importance of upholding relevant international and African instruments, including the 1951 United Nations Convention relating to the status of refugees and the 1967 UN Protocol relating to the status of refugees, as well as the 1969 Organization of African Unity Convention governing the specific aspects of refugee problems in Africa;

4. Further reiterates its appreciation to the people and Government of Kenya for upholding its international obligations on refugees, hosting large number of refugees in the country, particularly at the Dadaab Refugee Camps, since its establishment in 1990, despite the attendant security, economic and environmental challenges;

5. Acknowledges the legitimate security concern of Kenya that the Dadaab Refugee Camps, in existence for more than 25 years, have been infiltrated and have become hideouts of Al Shabaab terrorist group, which exploits the camps to plan and carry out attacks against Kenyan institutions, installations and civilians. Council deplores that the Dadaab Refugee Camps have been deprived of their humanitarian character and function by the Al Shabaab terrorist group;

6. Agrees with the findings of the Comprehensive Technical Assessment Mission, which aligns with the conclusions reached by the Government of the Republic of Kenya, that the Dadaab Refugee Camps constitute a serious threat to the security of Kenya. Council reiterates that no refugee camp should assume a permanent existence. In this respect, Council urgently calls for practical measures to accelerate the voluntary repatriation of Somali refugees in safety and dignity, to the liberated areas and safe locations inside Somalia;

7. Underscores the seriousness of the terrorist threat in Kenya, the region and the continent as whole. Council reiterates its strong condemnation of all acts of terrorism committed on the continent by whomever, wherever and for whatever purposes. Council further reiterates the AU’s determination to rid Africa of the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism, which cannot be justified under any circumstances, noting that terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or group. Council expresses the AU’s full solidarity with the affected countries and the victims of terrorism;

8. Notes with concern that the repatriation of the Somali refugees to their country, as provided for in the 2013 Tripartite Agreement between Kenya, Somalia and the UNHCR, has moved at a slow pace and has consequently not achieved the desired results since the signing of the Agreement on 10 November 2013. Council further notes that the Tripartite Agreement is a working and living mechanism aimed at facilitating voluntary repatriation of Somali refugees and can be enhanced to boost its effective implementation in order to meet with expectations of concerned parties, including those of the Government of Kenya;

9. Stresses that it is the responsibility of any government to take care of its citizens. Council appreciates the readiness of the Federal Government of Somalia to welcome back its citizens and provide for their needs. In this regard, Council stresses the need for a speedy reconstruction of Somalia, in order to capacitate it to take responsibilities over its citizens. Council, therefore, appeals to the entire international community, particularly the United Nations, to further enhance its support to the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the Somali Security Forces in their efforts to stabilize Somalia, a condition which will encourage Somali refugees to voluntarily return to their country;

10. Reiterates its appeal to the international partners to extend the necessary financial, logistical and technical support to the Federal Government of Somalia, to further strengthen its security forces and facilitate the effective delivery of the required social services, so as to create the conducive conditions, including pull factors, for the voluntary and safe return of the Somali refugees;

11. Stresses that shouldering the burden of refugees is the responsibility of the international community as a whole and not individual countries alone. In this regard, Council strongly urges the international community to increase funding to Somalia, Kenya, UNHCR and other humanitarian agencies operating in Kenya and Somalia, in order to enhance and support voluntary repatriation of Somali refugees. Council calls on AU Member States and partner countries, which are in a position to do so, to volunteer to receive Somali refugees, particularly those that request and qualify for resettlement in a third country;

12. Calls on the international community, particularly those who made pledges at the October 2015 Brussels Pledging Conference on Somalia, to honour their commitments to facilitate the voluntary repatriation of Somali refugees in Kenya back to their country. Council regrets that, out of the US$ 500 million that was pledged at the Pledging Conference, only US$105 million has been redeemed. Council renews its call for donors to redeem the remaining gap of US $395 million;

13. Decides, in light of the foregoing, that:

i) Kenya, Somalia and the UNHCR, being signatories to the Tripartite Agreement, should urgently take measures to accelerate the voluntary repatriation of Somali refugees in the Dadaab Refugee Camps in Kenya, back to Somalia. In this context, requests that the signatories re-negotiate the Agreement with a view to resolving the limitations in it, that have so far hindered the voluntary repatriation process;

ii)Accelerated repatriation measures be put in place aiming to maximize the voluntary return of the Somali refugees, particularly those from the Dadaab Refugee Camps, during the period 2016-2017, on the basis of either a re-negotiated Tripartite Agreement or a new mechanism to be negotiated and agreed upon by Kenya, Somalia and the UNHCR;

iii)In view of the recommendation by the Technical Assessment Mission to the Dadaab Refugee Camps that the imperative of closure of the camps is a reality that must be confronted immediately and with the urgence it deserves, Council requests the Commission to investigate and present, within 30 days, a report on a mutual way forward regarding the paradox between international legality and terrorism.

14. Requests the AU Commission to deploy the required efforts to provide support to Kenya, Somalia and the UNHCR in their efforts to achieve a balanced and realistic solution that fully takes into account the needs of the refugees and the Kenyan concern regarding the serious security threat arising from the exploitation and abuse of refugee camps in Kenya by the Al Shabaab terrorist group;

15. Further requests the AU Commission, through its relevant departments, in consultation with AMISOM, to embark on implementing programmes inside Somalia, particularly in the liberated areas, that will contribute to supporting the voluntary repatriation of the Somali refugees and also enhance the pull factors within Somalia, in order to promote the required momentum for voluntary repatriation;

16. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

INVITATION TO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MEDIA

What: Meeting of African Union Experts

High Level Dialogue on Ending Malaria for Good in Commemoration of World Malaria Day 2016

When: Experts Meeting- 08:30 hrs to 17:00 hrs from 25 to 26 April 2016

High Level Dialogue-13:00hrs-14:30hrs

Where: Experts Meeting- Nelson Mandela Hall, New African Union Conference Centre, African Union Commission, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

High Level Dialogue-Between Building B and C, African Union Commission

Who:

Experts Meeting

African Union Member State Experts

High Level Dialogue

Dr. Kesetebirhan Admasu, Minister of Health of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia; Dr Richard Nchabi Kamwi, Malaria Elimination 8 Ambassador, RBM Board Member and Former Minister of Health for Republic of Namibia; Members of the Diplomatic Corps; Ms. Joy Phumaphi, Executive Secretary, African Leaders Malaria Alliance.

Objectives: The purpose of the African Health Experts meeting is to examine and endorse the following AU Health Policy Instruments that will be considered by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in July 2016 in Kigali, Rwanda:

African Health Strategy (2016-2030); Maputo Plan of Action (2016-2030) for the implementation of the Continental Framework on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights; Catalytic Framework to end AIDS, TB and Eliminate Malaria in Africa by 2030; Common Africa Position on the High Level Meeting on AIDS (8-10 June 2016); Concept document on the establishment of the African Health Volunteers Corps.

The High Level Dialogue will share experiences and best practices from AU Member States in their efforts to eliminate malaria.

The members of the Troika (United States, United Kingdom, and Norway) are deeply disappointed by Riek Machar’s continued failure to return to South Sudan’s capital Juba to form the Transitional Government of National Unity. This represents a wilful decision by him not to abide by his commitments to implement the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan.

We congratulate the government for demonstrating maximum flexibility for the sake of peace by agreeing to the compromise proposal on the return of security forces proposed by regional and international partners and mediated by the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission. It remains important that the government fully withdraws its troops from Juba as called for in the peace agreement. We also welcome the opposition’s support for the compromise proposal and demand that Machar abide by this commitment and return to Juba by 23 April.

Machar’s failure to go to Juba, despite efforts from the international community to support his return, places the people of South Sudan at risk of further conflict and suffering and undermines the peace agreement’s reform pillars - demilitarizing South Sudan, injecting transparency of public finances, and pursuing justice and reconciliation - that offer South Sudan a chance for renewal.

We will pursue appropriate measures against anyone who further frustrates implementation of the peace agreement.

Vantage Capital (www.VantageCapital.co.za), Africa’s largest mezzanine fund manager, announced today that it has provided a debenture facility of N$80 million (R80 million) to United Africa Group (“UAG”) (www.UnitedAfricaGroup.com.na), an established hospitality and property-owning group in Namibia. The funding is being used to support the group’s equity contribution for the construction of a new Hilton Garden Inn, a 181-key three-star hotel to be located in the heart of the Windhoek city centre on Freedom Square, adjacent to UAG’s existing five-star Hilton Windhoek Hotel.

UAG was founded in 1992 by Haddis Tilahun and was later joined by his wife, Dr. Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun. It has since grown rapidly to become one of the largest property-owning and hospitality groups in Namibia, with ten existing hotels in its portfolio (nine operated by Protea and one by Hilton) as well as commercial real estate in Windhoek covering over 12,000 m2 of office space and in excess of 2,500 m2 of retail space.

Growing tourism demand in Namibia has been a key driver behind the hotel construction project. Tourist arrivals to Namibia have shown consistent growth over the past five years and the trend is expected to continue going forward, with tourist arrivals projected to double over the next ten years. The Namibian Government has in fact identified tourism as one of the economy’s key growth sectors over the next decade. The new hotel will be equipped with all the amenities expected of a world-class business and leisure hotel including a pool, sundeck, gym and roof garden. The proximity to the existing Hilton Windhoek Hotel will also allow for the sharing of services including conference facilities.

The Hilton Garden Inn forms part of the broader 2.4 hectare Freedom Square development that is being undertaken by UAG. The site is bordered by Sam Nujoma Drive to the south, Independence Avenue to the west, Fidel Castro Street to the north and the Supreme Court of Namibia to the east. It is one of the few remaining undeveloped sites in the Windhoek city centre and is in a prime location, situated close to a host of government ministries, corporate head offices and shopping centres. In addition to the five-star Hilton Windhoek Hotel and three-star Hilton Garden Inn, the square will incorporate public spaces as well as government’s new Social Security headquarters, a high-end residential building and a new head office for First National Bank.

“We are delighted to partner with UAG for our first investment in Namibia and Vantage’s 21st mezzanine transaction overall,” said Warren van der Merwe, chief operating officer of Vantage Capital. “UAG has built up a quality portfolio of hospitality and commercial property assets under the strong leadership of Haddis and Martha Tilahun and we are pleased to provide them with financial backing as they further entrench themselves as a leader in the local hospitality sector.”

David Kornik, associate partner at Vantage Capital, added that “we always look for our funding to facilitate expansion and economic development; in this investment we are therefore proud to be supporting a local business group, in a project that will have a significantly positive impact on tourism growth as well as on the development of Windhoek’s city centre.”

Willem Mouton, chief executive officer of UAG added, “We are pleased to bring Vantage on board as an experienced African investor who shares our views on the exciting prospects for Namibia’s tourism and hospitality sector. We look forward to a mutually rewarding partnership in the coming years.”

The United Africa Group investment is Vantage Capital’s third transaction in Fund III, which is targeting a final close of US$260 million (R4 billion), and has a 60% allocation to countries outside South Africa. After supporting the Servest buyout last year, Vantage’s Fund III recently concluded a $20 million investment in a Nigerian property group, Landmark. The Fund is expecting to close its fourth transaction during the first half of 2016 for an investment of over $17m (R250m).

For more information contact:

David Kornik Associate Partner Vantage Capital david@vantagemezzanine.com Tel: +27 21 418 1130

Warren van der Merwe Chief Operating Officer Vantage Capital warren@vantagecapital.co.za Tel: +27 11 530 9106

About United Africa Group

United Africa Group (www.UnitedAfricaGroup.com.na) was founded in 1992 by Haddis Tilahun and was later joined by his wife, Dr. Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun. It has since grown rapidly to become one of the largest property-owning and hospitality groups in Namibia, with over 600 employees (46% of which are women). The two primary divisions of the Group are Hospitality and Commercial Real Estate. The Hospitality division consists of 9 Protea Hotels and 1 Hilton Hotel, making UAG the largest hotel-owning group in the country. The Commercial Real Estate division owns commercial properties covering over 12,000 m2 of office space and 2,500 m2 of retail space. Outside of the property portfolio, the Group also holds interests in the mining, energy and financial services industries.

Website: www.UnitedAfricaGroup.com.na

About Vantage

Vantage Capital Group (www.VantageCapital.co.za) was established in 2001 and currently manages over $540 million (R8 billion) of investments. In addition to managing mezzanine debt, renewable energy debt and technology funds, Vantage also provides advisory and origination services through its debt capital markets division and makes proprietary investments using its balance sheet capital.

Vantage has offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town and targets mezzanine debt opportunities in a number of high-growth African countries including South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia. Mezzanine is an intermediate form of risk capital, which is situated between senior debt, the least risky tranche of the capital structure, and equity, the most risky. It combines elements of both debt and equity thereby providing companies with long-term funding on terms which are less dilutive to shareholders than pure equity.

Website: www.VantageCapital.co.za

More than 300 experts and diplomats from the 54 Member State backed African Union and development partners meeting in Addis Ababa Monday to define Africa’s future health direction jointly commemorated World Malaria Day under the theme “End Malaria for Good in Africa by 2030”.

“The malaria fight is one of the most inspiring global health stories of our time, resulting from smart investments and strong partnerships that have resulted in dramatic progress against malaria in the past 15 years.” said the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union, H.E. Mr. Erastus Mwencha.

This year the day is being commemorated as a good number of African countries successfully met Millennium Development Goals (MDG) targets to end Malaria. Africa contributed to the global reduction of malaria related deaths by 60 percent globally, with 6.2 million lives saved since 2000. Malaria is no longer the leading cause of death of African children as malaria related deaths among children under five years declined by 71%.

“In the last few years we have built more than 15,000 health centres and trained more than 30,000 community health extension workers in Ethiopia. These numbers are truly impressive, and a testimony of the willpower of our people. Yet, the story of what this has meant to our people is even more compelling” said Dr. Kesetebirhan Admasu, Minister of Health of Ethiopia while giving the key note during the meeting in the diplomatic and political capital of Africa.

Africa remains the continent with the highest burden of malaria globally but fighting malaria is part of the bigger fight to strengthen health systems. With the potential to have major seasonal malaria resurgences reversing the gains made in close to two decades it is important to ensure that global financing mechanisms such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria are fully replenished as key mechanisms to provide African countries with the needed support in the medium term.

“This is the time to embark on an elimination path with significant human and financial investment in the scale up of efforts in high transmission areas. Efforts are underway to strengthen the global partnership for malaria thus creating an opportunity for collective action towards eliminating the disease” said Honourable Dr. Richard Kamwi, who is the Malaria 8 Elimination Ambassador, Roll Back Malaria Board Member and former Minister of Health of the Republic of Namibia.

Significant progress has been made in Africa in the last decade and a half in responding to malaria. Significant challenges including a huge gap in financing and broader health systems challenges threaten to stall the progress being made. It is in this context that African Heads of State and Government set the bold target to eliminate malaria in Africa by 2030 in the 2013 Abuja Declaration. Subsequently this target was embraced with key actions in Africa’s Catalytic Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Ambassador Gaspard celebrated the growing trade relationship between South Africa and the United States and the successful renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) at a braai at his residence onApril 25.

As U.S. poultry, beef, and pork make their way to South African retailers’ shelves, the longstanding trade dispute has ended and new avenues for trade and partnership between the U.S. and South Africa are opening. Ambassador Gaspard acknowledged this milestone at "The Mother of All Braais,” where grilled chicken, beef, and pork were served to more than 100 invited guests, including officials from the Department of Trade and Industry, led by Ambassador Faizel Ismail, the United States of America Egg and Export Council (USAPEEC), led by President Jim Sumner, representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, as well as media, importers, restauranteurs, and others who simply enjoy a good braai.

Ambassador Gaspard said, “It is an honor to welcome so many South African friends to my home today. With the AGOA trade talks concluded, we can now redouble our efforts toward a partnership for prosperity that creates jobs and supports South Africa’s economic growth. We’re already working on strengthening the domestic information economy, including ICT and pharmaceuticals, addressing structural challenges in order to improve port efficiencies, and expanding private sector power generation, including rooftop solar revolution. And this is just the beginning. I am certain, working together; our governments can achieve great things.”

Jim Sumner added, “We are thrilled to be back in the South African market. This will help South African consumers who are facing drought and increasing food prices. U.S chicken is among the most safe and wholesome in the world. I know in the future we can all work together effectively and cooperatively to the benefit of Americans and South Africans.”

On March 14, 2016, President Obama issued a proclamation confirming South Africa’s eligibility to continue to participate in AGOA. The entry of U.S poultry into South Africa was required as a condition for avoiding South Africa's suspensions under AGOA. With all issues involving AGOA resolved, Ambassador Gaspard has conveyed his commitment to developing a broader, stronger economic partnership with South Africa. As a part of the AGOA agreement, fifty percent of the 65,000 ton quota is being set aside for historically disadvantaged individual (HDI) importers. Through programs such as this, the U.S. government is ensuring the benefits of AGOA are broad and inclusive.

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