Kamati ya sensa yakutana

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dKLjpB1D8to/VI23oetV40I/AAAAAAAAFD4/N7kAvA0V7bs/s1600/624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dKLjpB1D8to/VI23oetV40I/AAAAAAAAFD4/N7kAvA0V7bs/s1600/624.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Kamati Kuu ya Taifa ya Sensa ya Watu na Makazi ya mwaka 2012 imekutana katika Kikao chake cha Kawaida cha 14 chini ya mwenyekiti wake Waziri Mkuu wa Serikali ya Jamuhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania Mh. Mizengo Pinda.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Kikao hicho kilichoshirikisha pia Mwenyekiti Mwenza wa Kamati hiyo Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif Ali Iddi, Wajumbe wa Pande zote mbili za Muungano ambao ni baadhi ya Mawaziri na watendaji wa Taasisi za Umma kilifanyika katika Ukumbi wa Mikutano wa Ofisi ya Waziri Mkuu Jijini Dar es salaam.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Akiwasilisha utekelezaji wa agizo la Kamati Kuu ya Taifa ya Sensa ya watu na Makazi ya mwaka 2012 la kikao cha 13 Kamishna wa Sensa Tanzania Hajat Amina Mrisho alisema kazi za usambazaji wa chapisho la tatu la Taarifa za msingi la Kidemografia, Kijamii na Kiuchumi unaendelea kusambazwa kwa watumiaji.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Hajat Amina alisema kwamba utaratiubu wa kusambaza taarifa hizo katika ngazi ya Mkoa imeanza katika Mkoa wa Pwani Tanzania Bara ambako warsha iliyohusisha Viongozi na watendaji katika ngazi ya Mkoa na Wilaya imeshafanyika mwezi Oktoba mwaka 2014.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Kamishna wa Sensa huyo Tanzania alifahamisha kwamba warsha kama hizo zinatarajiwa kuendelea katika Mikoa mengine hapa Nchini mara uwezeshaji utakapokamilika.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Kigusia suala la uhakiki wa mipaka ambayo inastahiki kufanyika kwa uangalifu mkubwa utakaoshirikisha wadau wote wa mikapa Hajat Amina alisema kazi hiyo imepangwa kufanyika nchi nzima kulingana na uwezo wa Kifedha.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Alisema hadi sasa shughuli hiyo hadi sasa imeweza kufanyika katika Wilaya za Gairo na Chemba,Bagamoyo na hivi sasa inaendelea Wilkaya ya Kiteto kwa Tanzania Bara na Wete Visiwani Zanzibar.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Akiwasilisha Taarifa za uhakiki wa mipaka katika Wilaya ya Kiteto Afisa Takwimu wa Taifa Bwana Enest Bugambi alisema ipo changamoto nyingi zinazowakwaza wananchi hasa lile suala la kuhama hama kwa wafugaji na wakulima na kuingia ktaika maeneo ha hifadhi ya misitu.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Bwana Enest alisema uimarishaji wa usalama wa umiliki wa ardhi kwa maeneo ya kilimo na mifugo ndilo jambo la msingi litakalopunguza au kuondoa kabisa migogoro ya mipaka pamoja na umiliki wa ardhi.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Mtaalamu huyo wa Takwimu alifahamisha kwamba timu ya wataalamu wake tayari imesha hakiki vijiji vipatavyo 36 wakibakisha vijiji kumi ndani ya Wilaya ya Kiteto katika mpango mzima wa matumizi ya chapisha la Sensa ya watu na Makazi ya mwaka 2012.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Wakichangia katika Kikao hicho cha 14 cha Kamati Kuu ya Taifa ya Sensa ya Watu na Makazi ya mwaka 2012 baadhi ya Wajumbe wa Kamati hiyo walisema bado suala la migogoro ya wafugaji na wakulima litaendelea kuwepo kwa vile taratibu za umiliki wa ardhi haujawa makini.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Walishauri kutumiwa kwa wataalamu wa taasisi zinazosimamia maendeleo ya jamii ili kutoa taaluma kwa umma katika maeneo mbali mbali hasa zile sehemu za migogoro ili kupunguza matokeo ya ya balaa yakiwemo yale ya mauaji.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Walisema viongozi wa kidini na kisiasa ni vyema wakashirikishwa katika kusaidia migoogoro pale inapotokea katika maeneo wanayoishi.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Akitoa nasaha zake mwenyekiti wa Kamati Kuu ya Taifa ya Sensa ya Watu na Makazi ya Mwaka 2012 Waziri Mkuu wa Serikali ya Jamuhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania Mh. Mizengo Pinda aliipongeza Timu ya wataalamu wanaosimamia uhakiki wa mipaka kwa kazi kuibwa waliyoifanya katika kipindi kifupi.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Mh. Pinda alisema kitendo cha wataalamu hao kushirikisha watendaji wa taasisi husika katika zoezi hilo imeleta uelewa na kupunguza joto la migogoro ya mipaka ambalo lilikuwa likionekana kuelekea kubaya.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“Ni mwanzo mzuri uliofanywa na wataalamu wetu unatoa mwanga mzuri wa muelekeo wa kupunguza migogoro ya mipaka ya ardhi na kustawisha jamii “. Alisema Mh. Pinda.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Mwenyekiti huyo wa Kamati Kuu ya Taifa ya Sensa ya Watu na Makazi ya Mwaka 2012 aliiomba kamati hiyo ya uhakiki wa mipaka kuandaa taarifa yao katika mfumo wa kisasa wa teknolojia utakaowawezesha maafisa wa Sensa na ustawi wa jamii kuzitumia vizuri katika kutoa elimu kwa umma.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Othman Khamis Ame</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Ofisi ya Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar</span></div> </div>

Kamati ya sensa yakutana

Kamati Kuu ya Taifa ya Sensa ya Watu na Makazi ya mwaka 2012 imekutana katika Kikao chake cha Kawaida cha 14 chini ya mwenyekiti wake Wa...

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CCM yazoa maelfu ya viti bila kupingwa

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VUR5cXeYjWg/VI21zh34MKI/AAAAAAAAFDs/2P4M_Pp59Xs/s1600/nape%2Bakitambulisha%2Bmgombea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VUR5cXeYjWg/VI21zh34MKI/AAAAAAAAFDs/2P4M_Pp59Xs/s1600/nape%2Bakitambulisha%2Bmgombea.jpg" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Na Bashir Nkoromo</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) kinaingia katika uchaguzi wa serikali za mitaa kesho, kikiwa kimeshajizolea maelfu ya nafasi ambazo wagombea wake wamepita bila kupingwa.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Akihutubia kwenye mkutano wa kufunga kampeni za uchaguzi huo, </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">katika Mtaa wa Mtambani B, Kata ya Jangwani, jimbo la Ilala jijini Dar es Salaam, Katibu wa NEC, Itikadi na Uenezi Nape Nnauye alisema, kulingana na takwimu CCM imepita bila kupingwa katika vijiji 2708, mitaa 644, na vitongoji zaidi ya 26,300.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Alisema, CCM imeweza kupita bila kupigwa baada ya vyama vya upinzani kushindwa kusimamisha kabisa wagombea na maeneo mengine kuweka wagombea ambao walionekana kukosa sifa za kugombea baada ya kuwekewa pingamizi.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Nape alisema, hatua hiyo ya CCM kuingia kwenye uchaguzi huo ikiwa na mtaji mkubwa wa nafasi ambazo wagombea wake amepita bila kupingwa ni dalili tosha kwamba chama kitavibwaga vibaya vyama vya upinzani kuliko uchaguzi uliopita mwaka 2009.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">"Uchaguzi uliopita wa serikali za mitaa CCM iliibuka na ushindi wa asilimia 96, sasa kutokana na dalili za mapema, uchaguzi wa safari hii sina shaka kabisa kwamba wapinzani tutawapiga kwa ushindi wa asilimia mia moja", alisema Nape.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Nape aliupongeza uongozi wa CCM katika jimbo la Ilala, baada ya kumthibitibishia kwamba katika kipindi chote cha kampeni jimbo hilo </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">wamekuwa wakifanya kampeni za kistaarabu na wanao uhakika wa </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">kuibuka na ushindi kwa asilimia mia moja baada ya uchaguzi.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">"Sina shaka kabisa kwamba hapa Ilala tutashinda kwa kishindo, mnastahili kupata pongezi kutoka makao makuu kutokana na mlivyoendesha kampeni, hongereni sana.". alisema Nape.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Alisema, pamoja na CCM kuwa na uhakika wa kushinda lakini itafanya kazi ya ziada ya kuhakikisha wapigakura waliojiandikisha wanapata fursa ya kwenda kupiga kura bila kubughudhiwa na watu ambao huandaliwa na vyama vya upinzani kufanya fujo ili kuzuia watu wasijitokeze kupiga kura.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">"Nasema bila kificho, vijana wa CCM kama mtamuona mtu yeyote anajaribu kufanya fujo wakati wa upigaji kura mshughulikieni kidogo kabla ya kumpeleka polisi, maana watu wa aina hii wanabaka demokrasia, lazima waadabishwe". alisema Nape na kuongeza.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">"Vijana wa CCM lazima tuwe shupavu, maana kujifanya wanyonge unyonge huu hautatusaidia chochote, na hili mimi sihamasishi fujo na si wa kwanza kulisema hata Mwenyekiti wetu wa CCM alishasema kwamba unyonge basi. Sasa mimi hapa napigilia msumari tu".</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Nape aliwataka wananchi wa Ilala na Watanzania kwa jumla kuchagua wagombea wa CCM, kwa kuwa ana uhakika ndio watakao watumikia vizuri.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Aliwataka viongozi watakaochaguliwa katika uchaguzi huo wa serikali za mitaa kuhakikisha wanawatumikia wananchi, hasa kwa kusimamia kuondoa kero zao na kusimamia misingi ya kuboresha mazingira ya shughuli mbalimbali zikiwemo za biashara kama za mamalishe na machinga.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Nape alisema, CCM, itaendelea kusimamia na kutetea haki za wananchi hasa walio wanyonge na si kwa sababu ya kutaka kura ila kwa sababu ni wajibu wake kama chama kilichopewa ridhaa ya kutawala nchi.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Katika mkutano huo, Nape aliwanadi wagombea wa nafasi mbalimbali katika Mtaa huo wa Mtambani B, akiwemo mgombea wa nafsi ya Ueneyekiti wa mtaa huo, Gungu Tambaza.</span></div> </div>

CCM yazoa maelfu ya viti bila kupingwa

Na Bashir Nkoromo Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) kinaingia katika uchaguzi wa serikali za mitaa kesho, kikiwa kimeshajizolea maelfu ya na...

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Orange and USAID join forces to boost mHealth innovations across Africa

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qqn-4oFGdHA/VI20xsXnBUI/AAAAAAAAFDk/DVXSaL2uIno/s1600/us%2Ba.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="96" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qqn-4oFGdHA/VI20xsXnBUI/AAAAAAAAFDk/DVXSaL2uIno/s1600/us%2Ba.png" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The U.S. Agency for International Development (<a href="http://www.usaid.gov/">USAID</a>)</span><span style="font-size: large;"> and global telecommunications operator <a href="http://www.orange.com/">Orange</a></span><span style="font-size: large;"> announced a new alliance to develop innovations in mobile health (mHealth) at the Global mHealth Forum</span><span style="font-size: large;"> in <a href="http://www.mhealthsummit.org/globalmhealthforum">Washington</a>, DC. These mHealth innovations will help treat and care for individuals in developing countries across Africa.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“With the increasing use and decreasing cost of mobile phones, leveraging mobile phone technology to accelerate acces to health information and services is a game changer,” said Dr. Ariel Pablos-Méndez, USAID’s Assistant Administrator for Global Health. “USAID’s partnerships with private companies, such as Orange, enable us to have a larger impact in a cost-effective manner.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The first phase of these health system-strengthening programs will leverage the expertise, technology and local resources of both organizations to improve quality of care and ensure that health services are readily accessible to the public at large. Niger and other countries are currently under exploration.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Future services will use integrated mHealth platforms and Orange mobile networks to communicate alerts and share resources around family planning and maternal health. Healthcare workers will be able to use the technology to share medical expertise, collaborate with specialists regardless of location, and improve patient care. In addition, the public will be able to access health information via the mHealth platforms. Orange’s global fooprint, with mobile and fixed networks in 20 countries in Africa and the Middle East, will provide seamless and reliable access to these services.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">A maternal mHealth solution will provide medical practitioners access to the latest tools and medical information allowing them to monitor a mother’s pregnancy from a distance. This is particularly useful in some parts of Africa where much of the population lives in rural areas without easy access to healthcare or readily available means of transport. By using mHealth solutions, medical professionals would be able to flag potential problems early and provide the necessary care that reduces risks to mother and child.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“There is a tremendous amount of good that mobile technology and digital innovations can bring to improve the quality of healthcare to those less fortunate,” said Thierry Zylberberg, Director, Orange Healthcare. “Together with USAID, we are creating innovative mHealth platforms that open up the opportunities for remote patient monitoring or healthcare workers to make better-informed decisions and facilitate quality care for all citizens.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The goal of the USAID/Orange alliance is to create a framework for easily replicating these important mobile services in a number of African countries throughout the region. In West Africa, USAID and Orange are starting to develop a regional platform with a menu of mobile applications that ministries of health, donors and NGOs could use for consumer education, health worker tools, mobile money, and data collection.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Orange’s expertise in interoperability and scalability will ensure that such platforms adhere to local regulatory and structural organizations. Orange has been at the forefront of realizing Africa’s digital transformation, connecting people, entrepreneurs, towns and cities, and delivering innovative services such as mobile payment.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Orange.</span></div> <div class="yiv4978515646MsoNoSpacing" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1418572708308_3333" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; padding: 0px;"> <br /></div> </div>

Orange and USAID join forces to boost mHealth innovations across Africa

The U.S. Agency for International Development ( USAID )  and global telecommunications operator Orange  announced a new alliance to deve...

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APO now offers embargoed press release distribution as a complimentary service

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9BvGdjB4MY/VIneLZoKqTI/AAAAAAAAFDU/fmjy5UAg6iw/s1600/apo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9BvGdjB4MY/VIneLZoKqTI/AAAAAAAAFDU/fmjy5UAg6iw/s1600/apo.png" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">APO (African Press </span><a href="http://www.apo-opa.com/" style="font-size: x-large;">Organization</a><span style="font-size: large;">) , the sole press release newswire in Africa and the global leader in media relations relating to Africa, today announced that it will offer distribution for embargoed press releases as a complimentary service.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Embargoes play an important role in disseminating news to the media in Africa.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Journalists in Africa are often bombarded with information coming from all types of sources and qualifying them can sometimes be a challenge.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">An embargoed news release allows the journalist to prioritise on the news of the day, research and produce a story.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">APO is the African leader in news distribution and is viewed by the media as a valuable source for legitimate and accurate information. In fact, APO content is republished on a regular basis by respected global news media.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Journalists, freelancers and bloggers who are registered with APO are eligible to receive advance, embargoed press releases distributed by APO. Eligible individuals are screened and must agree to follow the terms of the APO embargo policy.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">"APO has extensive contacts with influential news editors specialised in Africa, allowing targeted and effective news distribution of embargoed material. Embargoed press release distribution in Africa will now be included as a complimentary service in response to client requests," said Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, Founder and CEO of APO (African Press Organization).</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">APO is the creator of <a href="http://www.apo-opa.com/press_release_distribution.php">Africa </a>Wire®, the newswire service for press release distribution and monitoring in Africa. This reaches over 50,000 media outlets, bloggers and social networks, and redistributes content to more than 50 African websites, as well as to Bloomberg Terminal, Thomson Reuters, Lexis Nexis, Dow Jones Factiva, 250 million mobile subscribers in 30 countries, and more.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">APO Africa Wire® has a potential reach of 600 million and guarantees the most efficient media influence in Africa ; in turn, this is how APO’s clients can directly target audiences in all corners of the continent and the world.</span></div> </div>

APO now offers embargoed press release distribution as a complimentary service

APO (African Press Organization ) , the sole press release newswire in Africa and the global leader in media relations relating to Afric...

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USD 35 Million grant The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdallah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud of Saudi Arabia

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--SfO5iRaVXQ/VIndS-VyBdI/AAAAAAAAFDM/-bOazsCBf1o/s1600/isalamic.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="105" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--SfO5iRaVXQ/VIndS-VyBdI/AAAAAAAAFDM/-bOazsCBf1o/s1600/isalamic.png" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Saudi Arabia’s King Abdallah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud has extended a grant of US$35 million to help fight Ebola in West Africa.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">In a statement to the media on this occasion, Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Ali, President of the Islamic Development Bank (<a href="http://www.isdb.org/">IDB</a>) said that the Ebola fighting programme, initiated by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and implemented by IDB, comprises the following elements:</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">1- Providing schools with thermal sensors and medical examination equipment designed to diagnose the disease, thereby facilitating its treatment and preventing its spread. The equipment will allow governments to open schools for the current academic year. Pupils will be examined at entry to ensure they have not contracted the disease, thus reassuring parents about the safety of their children at school.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">2- Providing thermal sensors and medical examination equipment at airports, railway stations and bus stations to diagnose the disease and ensure early treatment.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">3- Establishing a specialized treatment centre in each of the three endemic countries, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia, designed to serve suspected cases in schools, hospitals and public transport, and wherever contamination is likely to occur in crowded conditions. Suspected cases will be received in these centres for further medical tests before they are referred for specialized treatment if necessary.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">4- Establishing a specialized treatment centre in Mali where Ebola appears to have broken out but is not widespread. The centre will help the country’s health authorities cope with potential epidemics in the future.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The IDB President emphasized that the kind donation made by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques will further boost the Islamic world efforts in supporting the international fight against Ebola. He added that the equipment financed by this donation will speed up the opening of schools in the countries concerned, reinforce the institutional and health infrastructure to fight the current epidemic and any potential epidemics in the future, Allah forbids, thus saving thousands of lives and ensuring the safety of those at risk of contamination.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Ali implored Allah to preserve the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdallah Bin Abdulaziz for his kind deeds to save the lives of people in line with Allah’s saying in the Quran "and that whoever saves one life should be regarded as though he had saved all mankind". He also prayed the Almighty to cure the sick and to protect humanity from all evils and disease.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB).</span></div> </div>

USD 35 Million grant The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdallah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud of Saudi Arabia

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Saudi Arabia’s King Abdallah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud has extended a grant of US$35 million to help ...

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Flydubai will become the first carrier to operate to Hargeisa, Somaliland from Dubai with four weekly flights

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wIIRbV-pntY/VIiYafhZWYI/AAAAAAAAFC8/O8wUYNuqVaM/s1600/dubai.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wIIRbV-pntY/VIiYafhZWYI/AAAAAAAAFC8/O8wUYNuqVaM/s1600/dubai.png" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Dubai-based <a href="http://www.flydubai.com/">flydubai</a></span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.flydubai.com/"> </a>announced the addition of three new routes to its growing network. Flights to Hargeisa (Somaliland), Chennai (India), and Nejran (Saudi Arabia) will commence in the first quarter of 2015, further expanding the carrier’s footprint to 89 destinations in 46 countries.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">From 05 March 2015, flydubai will become the first carrier to operate to Hargeisa, Somaliland from Dubai with four weekly flights. flydubai has expanded its network in Africa in 2014 to 13 points served by 60 weekly flights.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Commenting on the new announcements, Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer at flydubai, said: “2014 continues to be a very busy year for flydubai. We have announced 26 new routes since January and took delivery of eight new aircraft to support the phenomenal growth plans. We are very excited about the untapped opportunities in the emerging African markets, the progress the UAE has made on the bilateral front in India and the ongoing strong ties with Saudi.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The new announced routes underline flydubai’s commitment to connecting the UAE to previously underserved markets. The carrier has linked Dubai to 56 underserved destinations since it started its operations in 2009.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President Commercial (GCC, Subcontinent, Africa) for flydubai, said: “We are committed to bringing flydubai’s high quality and reliable services to underserved markets like Hargeisa and giving passengers more options to travel to the UAE and beyond through Dubai’s aviation hub. We are sure that both our Economy Class and Business Class will exceed the passengers’ expectations and live up to the Dubai brand we proudly carry in our name.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">flydubai has a brand new fleet of 43 new Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft and operates more than 1,200 flights a week across the Middle East, GCC, Africa, Caucasus, Central Asia, Europe and the Indian Subcontinent.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of flydubai.</span></div> </div>

Flydubai will become the first carrier to operate to Hargeisa, Somaliland from Dubai with four weekly flights

Dubai-based flydubai   announced the addition of three new routes to its growing network. Flights to Hargeisa (Somaliland), Chennai (Ind...

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Aidan Eyakuze Appointed as new Executive Director of Twaweza

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nfy4paTH2dI/VIiXPVt-K_I/AAAAAAAAFCw/fIgbmVv0GKA/s1600/AEyakuze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nfy4paTH2dI/VIiXPVt-K_I/AAAAAAAAFCw/fIgbmVv0GKA/s1600/AEyakuze.jpg" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Twaweza East Africa today announced the appointment of Aidan Eyakuze as its new Executive Director. Eyakuze, who was selected after an extensive international search, will take up his new post on 1 March, 2015. He will replace Twaweza’s founder and current head, Rakesh Rajani.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Educated as an economist, Eyakuze has been a thought leader on issues of development in East Africa for the past 15 years. He currently serves as Associate Regional Director of the Society for International Development (SID) and head of the SID Tanzania office. He is a scenario practitioner who has participated in national scenario-building projects in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Nigeria and elsewhere. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">As Director of the SID’s Futures Programme since 2006, Eyakuze has led the publication of the State of East Africa Reports and facilitates futures thinking for private sector, civil society and public organisations. He is an Archbishop Desmond Tutu Leadership Fellow and is a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network (AGLN). He serves on the Governing Board of the Millennium Challenge Account (Tanzania), ICEA Lion General Insurance Company (Tanzania) and NIC Bank Tanzania Limited. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Eyakuze is a co-founding director of Serengeti Advisers Limited, a regional advisory firm in economic and public policy analysis, corporate finance and media analysis. He maintains a keen intellectual and professional interest in economic policy, financial markets and trends in information and communications technologies and their impact on society.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">A citizen of Tanzania, Eyakuze graduated with a BSc in Economics from Trent University and a MA in Economics from Simon Fraser University, both in Canada.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“Aidan brings vision, intellectual curiosity, strong analytical skills and a track record of effective public and policy engagement”, said Ben Witjes, Program Director at Hivos and Chair of Twaweza’s Governance Board, “we are excited to support him to lead the second phase of our work.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Rajani noted that, “We were looking for a bold leader, who uses data and evidence for policy engagement; who is thoughtful, creative and independent; who is able to straddle different worlds and connect global engagement with on-the-ground realities; and who can inspire and manage a strong team. Aidan is a wonderful embodiment of these characteristics.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">On learning of his appointment Eyakuze remarked, “I am honoured to serve as Twaweza’s Executive Director. The opportunity to lead such a high quality East African organization with a global reputation is a unique privilege. I have collaborated with Twaweza on several occasions, and admire the organization’s vision of ordinary East Africans confidently acting to make a positive difference in their lives and communities. Twaweza’s dedication to fresh thinking and new ways of weaving evidence, citizen action and responsive authorities to transform basic education and open government is inspiring. I am eager to start learning from the whole team and our partners across East Africa and beyond. In turn I look forward to sharing my experience from the corporate world, policy research and public interest scenarios as we move into the second leg of our journey.” </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Rakesh Rajani will step down on 31 December and relocate to New York to take up a new position as Director of Democratic Participation and Governance with the Ford Foundation. Kees de Graaf, Twaweza’s Director of Programs and Services, will serve as the Acting Head until Eyakuze takes over.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Twaweza works on enabling children to learn, citizens to exercise agency and governments to be more open and responsive in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. It has programs, staff and offices across all three countries, and a globally respected practice of learning, monitoring and evaluation. Its flagship programs include Uwezo, Africa’s largest annual citizen assessment to assess children’s learning levels across hundreds of thousands of households, and Sauti za Wananchi, Africa’s first nationally representative mobile phone survey. The organization is also well known for effective public and policy engagement, through powerful media partnerships and its global leadership of initiatives such as the Open Government Partnership. For its first phase Twaweza was housed within Hivos, an independent Dutch development organization with over 30 years’ experience in East Africa.</span></div> </div>

Aidan Eyakuze Appointed as new Executive Director of Twaweza

Twaweza East Africa today announced the appointment of Aidan Eyakuze as its new Executive Director. Eyakuze, who was selected after an...

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Only 15% of countries in Africa have mental health services

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1KTsJJkGnUk/VIiT2mIXK5I/AAAAAAAAFCc/azakFHa6iPI/s1600/Un.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1KTsJJkGnUk/VIiT2mIXK5I/AAAAAAAAFCc/azakFHa6iPI/s1600/Un.png" width="226" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">The Global status report on violence prevention 2014 reveals that 475 000 people were murdered in 2012, and homicide is the third leading cause of death globally for males aged 15-44 years, highlighting the urgent need for more decisive action to prevent violence.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Despite indications that homicide rates decreased by 16% globally between 2000 and 2012, violence remains widespread. Non-fatal acts of violence take a particular toll on women and children. One in four children has been physically abused; one in five girls has been sexually abused; and one in three women has been a victim of physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence at some point in her lifetime.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The Global status report on violence prevention 2014 and related <a href="http://www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention/violence/status_report/2014">materials</a>. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Jointly published today by the World Health Organization</span><span style="font-size: large;">, the United Nations Development <a href="http://www.who.int/">Programme</a>, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the report indicates that.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">• only one third of the 133 countries surveyed are implementing large-scale initiatives to prevent violence, such as bullying prevention programmes, visits by nurses to families at risk, and support to those who care for older people;</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">• just over half the countries are fully enforcing a set of 12 laws generally acknowledged to prevent violence, although 80% countries have enacted them;</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">• only half of all countries have services in place to protect and support victims of violence.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The consequences of violence on physical, mental, sexual and reproductive health often last a lifetime. Violence also contributes to leading causes of death such as cancer, heart disease and HIV/AIDS, because victims are at an increased risk of adopting behaviours such as smoking, alcohol and drug misuse, and unsafe sex.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“The consequences of violence on families and communities are profound, and can result in lifelong ill health for those affected,” states Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization. “Yet we know what works to prevent violence in our homes, schools and workplaces and on our streets and playgrounds. We should take inspiration from governments which have demonstrated success in reducing violence by taking the steps needed. They have shown us that indeed violence is preventable.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The Global status report on violence prevention 2014 is the first report of its kind to assess national efforts to address interpersonal violence, namely child maltreatment, youth violence, intimate partner and sexual violence, and elder abuse. Individual country profiles reflect the extent to which key violence prevention programmes and laws and selected services for victims of violence are being implemented.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The report assessed the scale of implementation of 18 “best buy” violence prevention programmes. It shows, for example, that:</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">• one half of countries are implementing school-based programmes to teach children and adolescents “life-skills” such as non-violent conflict resolution;</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">• one half of countries are promoting efforts to change gender norms supportive of violence against women;</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">• one third of countries are putting in place programmes to improve parenting in families at risk of violence</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">• less than one quarter of countries are developing public information campaigns to prevent elder abuse.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">"High levels of family and community violence cripple both people’s ability to sustain their individual livelihoods, as well as a nation’s options for political, social, and economic development”, said Helen Clark, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">"This report takes stock of the measures countries are taking to prevent and respond to interpersonal violence, but the report also reveals gaps in global violence prevention which must be filled, such as the quality and reach of prevention programmes, the access to services for victims, particularly for women and girls who are disproportionately affected by violence, and the enforcement of existing laws."</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The report also reviewed 12 laws which are relevant for violence prevention. It shows, for example, that:</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">• 98% of countries have laws against rape;</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">• 87% of countries have laws against domestic violence;</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">• 84% of countries have laws against carrying weapons in schools;</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">• 40% of countries have laws against abuse in institutions for older people.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">On average 80% of countries have enacted each of these 12 laws relevant for violence prevention. However, only just over half of countries report that these laws are fully enforced.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“Laws protecting citizens against violent crime send a clear message to society about what is acceptable,” said Yury Fedotov, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. “With this Global status report on violence prevention 2014, we have a useful tool for identifying the gaps in legislation and enforcement in countries, which can help to indicate what further action is needed to ensure reductions in violent crime.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Providing care and support to victims of violence is important for reducing psychological trauma, helping victims heal, and preventing further involvement in violence. Despite strong evidence linking experiences of violence to mental health problems, under half of countries have mental health services to address victim needs, with only 15% of countries in Africa offering such services. Over two thirds of countries make available child protection services and medico-legal services for victims of sexual violence.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The Global status report on violence prevention 2014 calls for a scaling up of violence prevention programmes in all countries; stronger legislation and enforcement of laws relevant for violence prevention; strengthened justice and security institutions to uphold the rule of law; and enhanced services for victims of violence. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">It also advocates for better and more effective use of data to inform violence prevention programming and to measure progress. The report is intended for use by governments to help identify gaps and encourage and guide actions, and by nongovernmental organizations and experts to assist governments in their efforts.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of the World Health Organization (WHO).</span></div> </div>

Only 15% of countries in Africa have mental health services

The Global status report on violence prevention 2014 reveals that 475 000 people were murdered in 2012, and homicide is the third leading ...

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The Minister of Information and Communications of Sierra Leone, Alpha Kanu, will host an online press conference Thursday, December 11, at 15 GMT

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RUHQ7Y9ANsk/VIiR86pX5PI/AAAAAAAAFCQ/3Xz4y2ASnUo/s1600/ebola.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RUHQ7Y9ANsk/VIiR86pX5PI/AAAAAAAAFCQ/3Xz4y2ASnUo/s1600/ebola.png" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">It is now seven months since Sierra Leone recorded the first case of Ebola and, in spite local and international efforts in the fight against the virus, the numbers continue to spike, particularly in the Western areas of the country.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma has himself been touring the length and breadth of the country mobilizing paramount chiefs and other stakeholders for community involvement in the fight against the Ebola virus disease.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The message of the President has been very clear: Sierra Leone can get the best of treatment centers, the best of clinicians and doctors but unless and until the chain of transmission is broken at the community level by respecting the health measures being put in place of avoiding body contacts, not to touch or bury corpses, and above all, to always call the national Ebola response toll free number of 117, the fight against the virus can still be a herculean challenge.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The Minister of Information and Communications of Sierra Leone Alpha Kanu will host an international press conference to dilate on this and several other issues, including concerns over the spike of cases particularly in the western areas of the country, on Thursday, December 11, 2014 at 3pm Sierra Leone time.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of The Republic of Sierra Leone.</span></div> </div>

The Minister of Information and Communications of Sierra Leone, Alpha Kanu, will host an online press conference Thursday, December 11, at 15 GMT

It is now seven months since Sierra Leone recorded the first case of Ebola and, in spite local and international efforts in the fight ag...

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Powering Africa: Summit set to advance deals and partnerships for Africa’s power industries in Washington D.C. this January

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Raj0JoGSV8/VIdAbLJEfbI/AAAAAAAAFCA/ikSoGl3NnnM/s1600/Africa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Raj0JoGSV8/VIdAbLJEfbI/AAAAAAAAFCA/ikSoGl3NnnM/s1600/Africa.jpg" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Over the last 20 years EnergyNet has co-ordinated investor meetings with some of the most reliable and successful power developers operating on the continent of Africa. Symbion Power, GE, Siemens, Copperbelt, Goldwind, Azura Power, Aldwych, Karpowership, Globeleq, Schneider Electric, ESBi, Transcorp, Chint, China State Grid, Hanergy and others have all been companies that have made long term commitments to the sector and invested in sustainable solutions. These are powerful companies with strong balance sheets backed by some of the biggest banks.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Despite all this interest, knowledge and experience, billions of dollars has been spent on development over the last 20 years and many projects have not reached financial closure. Therefore, one key question is how sustainable is the current way of doing things?</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">How can investors take greater responsibility for the success and speed of the development of long standing projects? Ultimately, African governments and the public sector are the ‘power in Africa’ and it is their responsibility to build power stations and distribute power for the people. Electrification could lead to increased wealth for all, but equally importantly it could lead to increased stability in order to promote further private sector investment, creating more jobs and even more wealth.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">It all sounds so simple…. Of course it does, but when a potential investor works across the continent with ministries that lack IT infrastructure and any real depth of international experience across all departments, one starts to understand the challenge that governments and developers face when trying to reach agreements.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Over the last year we’ve seen a change in conversation and indeed a change in the right direction focused on capacity building and infrastructure support for public sector entities. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Symbion Power, Schneider, GE, Aggreko, and Norton Rose Fulbright among others have been investing in long term capacity building including providing grass roots level training. These companies, along with PwC and Deloitte are working with public sector corporations on additional development projects to support capacity development. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">One of the game change actions has of course been the launch of President Obama’s “Power Africa” initiative designed to increase access to electricity in all of sub-Saharan Africa. Power Africa seeks to strengthen the institutional and human capacity needed to attract investment on a long-term, sustainable basis, and to effectively manage a growing power sector.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Since its launch in late June 2013, Power Africa has helped facilitate the financial close of private sector transactions which expect to produce over 3,100 Megawatts (MW) of new generation capacity. In addition, Power Africa has already mobilized more than $20 billion in commitments from more than 80 private sector partners. Power Africa has also forged strategic partnerships with the World Bank, the African Development Bank and the Government of Sweden, which together have committed an additional $9 billion.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">At the ‘Powering Africa: Summit’ in <a href="http://www.poweringafrica-summit.com/">Washington</a> next month many of the challenges and opportunities will be discussed, with many of the investors in the initiative present including those from the AfDB, World Bank, the United States Government and private sector partners.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">With such powerful cooperation among international investors in play, we’re sure that it’s not so much an ‘if’ this will create opportunities, as ‘when’ those opportunities will impact the lives of those on the ground.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Having focused solely on Africa’s power sector and frontier market power generation for 20 years, EnergyNet has had the privilege to witness the passion and long term commitment it takes to ‘turn the lights on in Africa.’ Today there is more enthusiasm and more ‘expectation’ about the potential of Africa’s electricity market, and we’re delighted to play [even] such a small role within such an important and exciting sector.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">From 28-30th January 2015, EnergyNet will welcome a high powered delegation of Ministers and officials from utilities and regulatory bodies from Africa to meet with US private and public sector stakeholders at the Powering Africa: Summit where they will continue the crucial conversation on how to maintain the momentum behind building up Africa’s power sector.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of EnergyNet Ltd.</span></div> </div>

Powering Africa: Summit set to advance deals and partnerships for Africa’s power industries in Washington D.C. this January

Over the last 20 years EnergyNet has co-ordinated investor meetings with some of the most reliable and successful power developers opera...

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DAMAC Properties Announce Tiger Woods Design to Create Golf Course for ‘AKOYA Oxygen’

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nMoX2ij4Xzg/VIc-UwPSXwI/AAAAAAAAFB0/m-QaefZa6q8/s1600/Dama.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="38" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nMoX2ij4Xzg/VIc-UwPSXwI/AAAAAAAAFB0/m-QaefZa6q8/s1600/Dama.png" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Golfing superstar <a href="http://www.damacproperties.com/">Tiger</a> Woods will design the new 18-hole championship golf course in Dubai to be built by luxury real estate developers, DAMAC Properties</span><span style="font-size: large;"> and operated by The Trump Organization.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Set within the 55 million sq ft master community of AKOYA Oxygen, the ‘Trump World Golf Club, Dubai’ will include a state-of-the-art clubhouse, world-class restaurant and pro shop. The course will be situated at the heart of the development, with some of the highest premium, residential developments in Dubai overlooking the course.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">"Tiger Woods is one of the most famous and iconic sportsmen in the world who will bring his design expertise and worldwide playing experience to this amazing development,” said Ziad El Chaar, Managing Director, DAMAC Properties. “Add to that the golfing prowess and skills of The Trump Organisation, our leadership position in luxury real estate development, with the global appeal of Dubai, we believe The Trump World Golf Club Dubai, designed by Tiger Woods, will be a market leader, judged against the best golf courses in the world.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“Bringing Tiger Woods to Dubai is a testament to the luxury and quality that can be anticipated at AKOYA Oxygen – where fashion meets the outdoors, and green really is the new black.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Woods has already gained a strong reputation for golf course design, with projects underway in Mexico and the United States. His first course to open for play will be El Cardonal in Mexico, which is scheduled to open before the end of the year.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">In reference to the style of course that he is creating, Woods said: “I’ve been fortunate to play great golf courses all over the globe, from the original links courses in Scotland to the famous parkland courses in America and the distinctive layouts on the sandbelt of Australia. I hope to bring elements of those great courses and others to the Trump World Golf Club Dubai with the end result being a course that golfers will want to play again and again.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Woods has won 14 Majors in golf, second only to Jack Nicklaus, and is one of the most iconic sportsmen ever to grace the game. The two-time winner of the Dubai Desert Classic (2006 & 2008), who had previously looked at the opportunity to design a course in Dubai, is now returning to realize that dream.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">He has won a total of 105 tournaments, 79 of those on the PGA TOUR, including four Masters Tournaments, four PGA Championships, three U.S. Open Championships, and three British Open Championships. With his second Masters victory in 2001, Woods became the first player ever to hold all four professional major championships at the same time. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“I can’t wait to see this stunning project come to life,” added Woods. “Dubai is fast becoming one of the most influential golfing destinations in the world, both for the professional game and for amateurs looking to enjoy the great weather, great courses and amazing lifestyle.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“We plan to create a distinct and memorable golf course that players of all abilities find enjoyable,” he added. “I am very much looking forward to adding to the great courses of Dubai.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Site preparation work on the Trump World Golf Club Dubai is already underway, with the course due to open by the end of 2017.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">This will be the Trump Organization’s 18th golf property in the world and marks the second world-class course in Dubai with DAMAC Properties.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“Tiger Woods is the biggest name in professional golf,” said Mr. Donald J. Trump, Chairman & President of The Trump Organization. “His expertise comes from winning on every great course in the world, including his win at the WGC - Cadillac Championship at Trump National Doral, Miami. Tiger will be a tremendous asset in developing the course at the Trump World Golf Club, Dubai - and together, with DAMAC Properties, we will be doing something very special.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The Trump World Golf Club, Dubai will anchor the AKOYA Oxygen master community that is located just off the Umm Suqeim road extension and less than 15 minutes from AKOYA by DAMAC.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">AKOYA Oxygen will showcase the greenest living spaces in Dubai with parklands, green open spaces and private gardens. The development will include luxury living experiences in a lush, peaceful environment.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Established in 2002, DAMAC has delivered almost 12,000 units to date and currently has a development portfolio of over 39,000 units at various stages of progress and planning as of September 30th 2014, which includes over 10,000 hotel rooms and serviced hotel apartments.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of DAMAC Group.</span></div> </div>

DAMAC Properties Announce Tiger Woods Design to Create Golf Course for ‘AKOYA Oxygen’

Golfing superstar Tiger Woods will design the new 18-hole championship golf course in Dubai to be built by luxury real estate developer...

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Government affirms commitment to send capitation grant directly to schools

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wGLHKYa2OLQ/VIc87SQYQyI/AAAAAAAAFBo/shbSQ-CW5-c/s1600/IMG_9373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wGLHKYa2OLQ/VIc87SQYQyI/AAAAAAAAFBo/shbSQ-CW5-c/s1600/IMG_9373.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Government officials have confirmed the government’s intention to send capitation grant money directly to primary and secondary schools, in order to boost quality of learning.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">This was said by the Minister of Education and Vocational Training (MOEVT) and the Minister of Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG) at an event on 5 December releasing preliminary results for KiuFunza (thirst to learn), Tanzania’s largest randomized control trial in education. KiuFunza, run by Twaweza and Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) with support from the Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), has demonstrated that when funds are sent directly to schools they reach there in full and on time, and in a predictable manner, increasing the ability of schools to plan better and purchase essential learning materials.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The Minister of Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG) said “…the process of sending money directly to schools is being reviewed to plan for effective implementation. The government will work with stakeholders , including Twaweza, to see how best to implement the program successfully.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Sara Mlaki, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Education and Vocational Training (MOEVT) and Kassim Majaliwa (MP), Deputy Minister PMO-RALG responsible for education, both emphasized how the Twaweza project had shown how the capitation grant could be administered more effectively. Congratulating Twaweza, the ministers noted that the civil society organization’s approach increased reliability, transparency and accountability. They assured the participants that the government is open to ideas and evidence, and that these measures will be taken up without further delay, including strengthening auditing of use of funds at school level.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Twaweza presented its first year preliminary results at a special event held in Mbweni and Kiumbageni Primary Schools in Dar es Salaam Region the presence of a number of key government personnel and members of parliament. KiuFunza tests the impact on learning outcomes of two ideas – sending capitation grant directly to schools and providing teachers bonuses based on how many of their students pass basic literacy and numeracy tests. The two are also being tested in combination. The project operates in 156 schools in 11 districts of the country.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Initial findings show that after one year, children in schools where the interventions were tested together show significantly better learning outcomes than schools in which no interventions were carried out. In addition, the capitation grant was received in full by all the schools and this has led to reports of fewer shortages of essential materials. However, the capitation grant alone did not lead to improved learning results, at least in the first year.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The bonus only scheme has had some result evidenced by teachers spending more time teaching (extra classes and additional test taking) but has not yet shown significant impact on learning outcomes. However, in early 2014 teachers have responded positively to receiving the bonus for 2013. Many teachers confirmed that in 2013 they lacked trust in the bonus offer, but, having seen Twaweza deliver the bonus as promised, they have expressed belief in the incentive offer in the second year of the project.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">During the event, there was broad support for the Twaweza initiative with government officials expressing interest in implementing the local cash on delivery (bonuses for teachers whose children learn) intervention. On behalf of the Chief Executive Officer Of the President's Delivery Bureau (PDB), Omari Issa, Dr Linda Ezekiel stressed discipline and accountability, as well as teamwork in implementing Initiatives, in conjunction with KiuFunza’s incentive payments experiments, which is also a BRN initiative that PDB oversees. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Dr Hassan Mshinda, Director General of COSTECH, emphasized the need for policy to be informed by this type of rigorous scientific research and called for similar initiatives in other sectors.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">All participants at the event, which included MPs and donors, were able to observe school premises and KiuFunzatesting methodology. The tests determine teachers’ bonus payments and are based on the national curriculum and developed in collaboration with experts from the Tanzania Institute of Education (TIE) and endorsed by the Tanzania’s Teachers’ Union (TTU). The tests are for Grades 1, 2, and 3 in Kiswahili, English and Mathematics.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">All schools and districts in the trial were chosen randomly and the methodology for KiuFunza conforms to the highest scientific standards. The work of the research team is overseen by Professor Isaac Mbiti of the University of Virginia and Professor Karthik Muralidharan of the University of California in San Diego, international leaders in education research. The entire trial takes place over two years and final results are due mid-2015.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Rakesh Rajani, Head of Twaweza, said “Everyone agrees that we have a quality of education problem in our country. The challenge now is how to improve learning. A lot of things are done with good intentions, but they are not as effective. The fact that the budget for education has tripled in the last decade while quality has gone down shows we need to do something different. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">KiuFunza employs scientifically rigorous research methods to generate new ideas and evidence for what works. Although we are only half-way through the trial, we are already seeing positive results in the combination schools. We are pleased that the government is following developments closely and has already acted swiftly to change the way in which capitation grants are disbursed. In mid-2015 we will have new data on what works, and in particular whether the bonus scheme increases teacher motivation and accountability. In the 21st century, the government needs to use evidence and thoughtful ideas to improve education.”</span></div> </div>

Government affirms commitment to send capitation grant directly to schools

Government officials have confirmed the government’s intention to send capitation grant money directly to primary and secondary schools,...

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Gemalto Launches Enhanced Visual and Tactile Security Features for Official Identity Documents

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SQOXWsSB57k/VIc6cy27ccI/AAAAAAAAFBc/UhC1bMeqlOE/s1600/Gal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SQOXWsSB57k/VIc6cy27ccI/AAAAAAAAFBc/UhC1bMeqlOE/s1600/Gal.jpg" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Gemalto (Euronext <a href="http://www.gemalto.com/">NL0000400653</a>)</span><span style="font-size: large;">, the world leader in digital security, launches Sealys Secure <a href="http://www.gemalto.com/govt/sealys/sealys-secure-surface-feature">Surface</a></span><span style="font-size: large;">, a new family of cost-effective security features for polycarbonate identity documents that strengthens protection against fraud by combining three different effects: light reflection, movement and tactile elements.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Sealys Secure Surface can be applied on the polycarbonate bodies of documents such as passport datapages, ID cards, healthcare cards, driver licenses, vehicle registrations, and resident permits. It offers visual and tactile effects that allow fast and efficient document authenticity checks, while legitimate document holders benefit from greater security and swift identification procedures.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Sealys Secure Surface is designed to enhance the security of existing features such as the changeable or multiple laser image, which enables several pieces of information - typically a portrait and a number - to be seen depending on the viewing angle.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">• Sealys Lens Surface incorporates complex shapes and combinations of elements inside the changeable or multiple laser image, further strengthening the security of this graphical feature</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">• Sealys Optically Variable Surface provides brand-new optical elements with light reflective and animation effects, revealed by tilting a document at different angles.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">• Sealys 3D Surface offers perceptible features for a polycarbonate document, such as surface embossing or Braille, with unmatched accuracy</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“The three new innovative features can be elegantly combined to keep our customers one step ahead in the fight against fraud. They have already been implemented in a European national program since mid-November,” said Youzec Kurp, Vice President of Marketing & Products, Government Programs at Gemalto. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“By combining Sealys Surface with Sealys Color in <a href="http://www.gemalto.com/govt/sealys/sealys-color-in-polycarbonate.html">Polycarbonate</a>, a remarkable innovation that allows color photographs to be permanently embedded into polycarbonate documents, Gemalto brings to the market a unique combination of graphical security features.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Gemalto.</span></div> </div>

Gemalto Launches Enhanced Visual and Tactile Security Features for Official Identity Documents

Gemalto (Euronext NL0000400653 ) , the world leader in digital security, launches Sealys Secure Surface , a new family of cost-effective...

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The Registrar of the International Criminal Court, Herman Von Hebel spoke to Rosemaryr

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pJXZLlZHDD8/VIXsQF19I6I/AAAAAAAAFBM/rmgXGBqacGk/s1600/EAC.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="56" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pJXZLlZHDD8/VIXsQF19I6I/AAAAAAAAFBM/rmgXGBqacGk/s1600/EAC.png" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">ReVision project is also looking into areas such as assistance and support to the defence, field operations and field presence, outreach, state co-operation and external relations, information management, and internal communication.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The Registrar of the International Criminal Court, Herman Von Hebel spoke to Rosemary Tollo about proposed change for the better.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Q: You are undertaking a major reorganisation of the ICC Registry. Explain the need for change.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">A: Change is desperately needed in order to make a more effective and efficient Registry, especially in dealing with victims.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Over the past 12 years of the court’s existence, we have learned many lessons and we need to ask ourselves whether the current organisational design, policies and practices of the Registry meet the needs of those that we serve.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">And the feedback from Registry staff, clients and partners indicates that things could be organised in a better way. There is just too much fragmentation and overlaps in some areas while we need to reinforce the Registry’s operations in others.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">One of the main things we are looking at is the assistance and support to victims and their representatives. Victims are often confused and frustrated by the numerous actors from different parts of the court who contact them or seek to represent them — VPRS, OPCV, CSS, PIDS (Outreach), TFV.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Even as ICC Registrar, I am sometimes completely lost as to who does what, when and where. How can we then expect the victims to understand this complex system? Clearly, we must create a more coherent, consolidated and effective structure to support victims and facilitate their legal representation.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The ReVision project is also looking into areas such as assistance and support to the defence, field operations and field presence, outreach, state co-operation and external relations, information management, and internal communication. The goal is to make the Registry more dynamic, effective and efficient in order to service our clients to the best of our ability.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Q: How will the changes you are contemplating affect the victims?</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">A: The changes will strengthen the support that the Registry provides to victims and provide a better support structure for their participation in the proceedings.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">As a first step, I am proposing to consolidate functions performed in several Registry offices into a Victims Office. There are just too many different parts of the court that often work independently in their contact with the victims.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">This has to change, and we have received support from a number of parties, including common legal representatives who have direct substantive experience in representing victims before the court. Victims are confused and frustrated with the multiple actors. We need to organise these actors. A single Victims Office is the best way to achieve that.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">This office will handle the entire victim participation — from the collection of applications to the provision of information and updates on the cases in the field to the actual representation in court.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">There will be a pool of independent lawyers within the office available for assignment to groups of victims at all times, much like a Public Defender’s Office.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">There will also be a second counsel assigned to every case for the duration of that case. That counsel would typically be based in the situation country to ensure closer ties and communication with the victims but will be an integral part of the team.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">We also foresee a reinforcement of our field offices, which will play a central role in the provision of assistance and support to victims and their legal representatives.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">We are addressing reorganisation from a number of important angles. I am convinced that this system, if adopted, would enable a more robust and better support structure for the participation of victims.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Q: Concerns are being raised about the proposed changes, including the possibility that they could leave defendants and victims insufficiently represented given the budget cuts. Are the concerns valid?</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">A: The proposal to establish a single Victims Office is not intended to save money.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Indeed, victims are the primary beneficiary of the proposed changes. The consolidation of functions will simply enable us to pool existing resources in support of victims, thereby rendering their participation in proceedings more effective and meaningful.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">It is my responsibility to ensure the Registry supports victim participation, as well as the defence and other functions, in the best possible way.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">If we do not create such an office, the problems being created now will only accumulate and make this an even more pressing issue.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Q: What can be done to increase field autonomy for the common legal representatives, given the budget cuts challenges? For instance, a legal representative’s complaints point to micromanagement by the Registry.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">A: The structure that I am proposing will address this.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The perception of micromanagement is due to the fact that common legal representatives are often assigned under the court’s legal aid scheme. This means all their fees and expenses are vetted by the Registry to ensure that they are reasonable and necessary, including the approval of field missions and other activities. This is rather frustrating to counsel.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Counsel would become more independent operationally as they would no longer be remunerated under the legal aid scheme, which requires an hourly accounting of work. The pool of in-house counsel, functioning as a Public Defender’s Office, will be joined by “external” counsel for each new case.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The external counsel would be retained either as a temporary staff member or a consultant for the duration of the case. That way, counsel’s remuneration would not depend on the approval by the Registry of counsel’s activities. Counsel would be fully independent and their performance subject only to the Code of Professional Conduct.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">All the support that counsel requires in the performance of their representation duties will be available within the Registry. There will be a coherent support structure — including legal assistants, case managers, field assistants and other support staff — who will be at the disposal of counsel, including field staff to support counsel’s activities on the ground.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Q: When will the proposed changes come into effect and what effect are they likely to have on the ongoing cases?</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">A: We have started implementing some of the structural changes. However, the changes in the areas of victims and defence, in particular the creation of a Victims Office and a Defence Office, require an amendment of the Regulations of the Court and, therefore, the approval of the court’s judges. This, inevitably, takes some time.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">I have already briefed the judges on the proposals and I am preparing a proposal for amendments to the regulations of the court.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Q: How does the Registry respond to the political onslaught against the Kenyan cases that might affect the victims?</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">A: The ICC is a court of law and cannot get involved in politics.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of The EastAfrican.</span></div> </div>

The Registrar of the International Criminal Court, Herman Von Hebel spoke to Rosemaryr

ReVision project is also looking into areas such as assistance and support to the defence, field operations and field presence, outreach...

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Management Changes at BancABC

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wxKZ6DJ1G2o/VIXrErQnrXI/AAAAAAAAFBA/hyevxBkP50k/s1600/Banc.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="61" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wxKZ6DJ1G2o/VIXrErQnrXI/AAAAAAAAFBA/hyevxBkP50k/s1600/Banc.png" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">ABC Holdings Limited ("<a href="http://www.bancabc.com/">BancABC</a>")</span><span style="font-size: large;"> announces that Doug T. Munatsi, Group CEO, Beki Moyo, Group CFO, and Francis M. Dzanya, Group COO, will be stepping down from their roles at BancABC at the end of the year. This follows Atlas Mara Co-Nvest Ltd's ("Atlas Mara") successful completion of its acquisition of BancABC in August 2014.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Since the completion of the transaction, the executive management of Atlas Mara and BancABC have been collaborating on identifying opportunities for enhancing BancABC's operations and executing its strategy. As the group embarks on the next phase of its development, it was determined, together with the Board of Directors of BancABC, that now is the right time for Mr. Munatsi, Mr. Moyo and Mr. Dzanya to stand down.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Atlas Mara, in consultation with the Board of Directors of BancABC, has identified a highly-qualified team led by Simbarashe Ronald Pfende, as CEO, who, following appropriate vetting and approvals by relevant regulators, will, together with the Atlas Mara team, be focused on leading BancABC's future growth and development. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Ronald will be supported by Makhosi Boyede and Amelia Reynecke, who have been appointed as Co-COOs, and Christine Bronkhorst, who has been appointed as CFO. Mr. Munatsi, Mr. Moyo and Mr. Dzanya are working closely with Atlas Mara and the new management team to ensure a carefully managed transition.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Additionally, Howard Buttery has stepped down from his role as Chairman of the Board of Directors of BancABC and will be leaving the Board at year-end, as will fellow director, Ngoni Kudenga. John Vitalo, CEO of Atlas Mara, has been appointed as Interim Chairman, subject to regulatory approval, and Bradford Gibbs, a member of the Atlas Mara Executive Committee, has also joined the Board of BancABC.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Doug Munatsi, Group CEO of BancABC, said: "Beki, Francis and I have decided that, following the completion of Atlas Mara's acquisition and the recent closing of Atlas Mara's mandatory offer, it is an opportune time to leave the group. We are particularly confident in BancABC's future knowing that the majority shareholder has the access to capital, expertise and experience to continue to grow the institution. I am tremendously proud of what we have accomplished during the past two decades and would like to thank BancABC's employees, customers and our Board, particularly two of our long-standing directors, Howard Buttery and Ngoni Kudenga, for their support during the past several years."</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">John Vitalo, CEO of Atlas Mara, said: "I want to thank Doug, Beki and Francis for their significant contributions in establishing and growing BancABC and assisting Atlas Mara since the acquisition. Were it not for their dedication and hard work, BancABC would not be in the position it is today. I look forward to continuing to work with them as we effect a smooth management transition. I also wish them all the best for the future. Furthermore, I am delighted that Ronald, Makhosi, Amelia and Christine are joining BancABC. They represent an exceptional leadership team with deep experience in African banking. The Board of Atlas Mara is confident that they will continue the hard work already started at BancABC."</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Mr. Munatsi, Mr. Moyo and Mr. Dzanya received a total of 1,743,888 Atlas Mara shares in consideration for the transfer of their shares in ABC Holdings at the time of the completion of the BancABC acquisition. In connection with their separation, Atlas Mara has agreed to purchase these shares at a price of $10 per share. The repurchased shares will be held in treasury. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">In addition, the departing management team has been granted options over a total of 1,521,838 ordinary shares. The options have a strike price of $12 per share and are also subject to certain repurchase obligations. These options were previously agreed with the management team at the time of the initial acquisition of BancABC. In connection with the management team's departure, BancABC expects to incur a one-time net charge to income of approximately $5.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2014.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of ABC Holdings Limited ("BancABC").</span></div> </div>

Management Changes at BancABC

ABC Holdings Limited (" BancABC ")  announces that Doug T. Munatsi, Group CEO, Beki Moyo, Group CFO, and Francis M. Dzanya, Gr...

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Watanzania wana matarajio mengi kuhusu maisha yao ya baadaye

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bchQxYMJjV8/VIXHcfjVEUI/AAAAAAAAFAw/flDB1Ejb48g/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bchQxYMJjV8/VIXHcfjVEUI/AAAAAAAAFAw/flDB1Ejb48g/s1600/image.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Zaidi ya nusu ya wananchi (54%) wanafikiri kuwa maisha yao yatakuwa bora zaidi ifikapo mwaka 2025. Huu ndio mtazamo wa wananchi wakio katika makundi yote- vijana kwa wazee, wanaume kwa wanawake, na wakazi wa vijijini na mijini. Mtazamo huu ni tofauti kabisa na ule wa nchi za Marekani na Ulaya ambapo karibu wananchi saba kati ya kumi (65%) wanafikiri kuwa watoto wao watakuwa na hali mbaya zaidi kifedha kuliko walivyo wao sasa.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Matokeo haya yametolewa na Twaweza na Society for International Development (SID) kwenye muhtasari wa utafiti wenye jina laTanzania ifikapo mwaka 2025: Je, Watanzania wana matarajio gani na maisha yao ya baadaye? Muhtasari umetokana na takwimu zaSauti za Wananchi, utafiti wa kwanza barani Afrika wenye uwakilishi wa kitaifa unaofanyika kwa njia ya simu za mkononi. Utafiti huu hufanyika katika maeneo yote Tanzania Bara (Zanzibar haimo kwenye matokeo haya). Matokeo haya yametokana na takwimu zilizokusanywa kutoka kwa wahojiwa 1,408 mwezi Agosti 2014.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Wakiangalia nchi kwa ujumla, wananchi wawili kati ya watatu wanaamini kuwa Tanzania itakuwa mahali pazuri pa kuishi mwaka 2025. Wananchi makundi yote bila kujali hali zao za kiuchumi wanaamini hivyo; mathalan, wananchi wenye kipato kikubwa 64% na wananchi maskini 68% wana matumaini na siku zijazo. Watanzania wana matumaini na akiba tuliyonayo kwa ajili ya nchi.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Hata hivyo, baadhi ya wananchi bado wana wasiwasi. Karibu mwananchi mmoja kati ya watano (18%) wanahofia maisha yako yatakuwa mabaya zaidi mwaka 2025 kuliko yalivyo leo, na wapo wengine wanaodhani nchi itakuwa mahali pabaya pa kuishi mwaka 2025. Hapa kuna baadhi ya tofauti kati ya matajiri na maskini, mwananchi mmoja kati ya wanne katika kundi la matajiri (25%) na mmoja kati ya watano katika kundi la maskini (18%) hawana matumaini kuhusu siku zijazo.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Haijalishi mtazamo gani wananchi wanao, bado wanaamini kuwa matokeo na mustakabali wa Tanzania uko mikononi mwa Watanzania. Wananchi tisa kati ya kumi wanaamini kuwa viongozi wa Tanzania (54%) au wananchi (37%) watakuwa na udhibiti zaidi wa maamuzi ya nchi yao. Linapokuja suala la maisha yao wenyewe, wananchi wanaamini jitihada zao wenyewe kuwa ndizo zitazobadilisha maisha yao; wananchi sita kati ya kumi wanafikiri kuwa wao wenyewe ndio wenye ushawishi zaidi juu ya hatma yao ya baadaye. Hata hivyo, wakati mwananchi mmoja kati ya watano anaamini kuwa Serikali itakuwa na ushawishi mkubwa juu ya ustawi wa maisha yao ya baadaye, hakuna mwananchi wa mjini aliyetaja Serikali kama ina ushawishi muhimu. Mbali na wao wenyewe, wahojiwa wa mijini walitaja familia zao (20%) na marafiki au wenzao (19%) kuwa wenye ushawishi juu ya maisha yao ya baadaye.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Ukiangalia kila jambo moja baada ya jingine, karibu wananchi watatu kati ya wanne (72%) wanaamini kuwa Tanzania itakuwa nchi ya kipato cha kati ifikapo 2025. Wananchi saba kati ya kumi (68%) pia wanafikiri kutakuwa na Rais mwanamke ifikapo mwaka 2025, na wananchi sita kati ya kumi (64%) wanatabiri kukua kwa uzalishaji wa viwanda na kupungua kwa kilimo. Kwa upande mwingine, wananchi wengi wanatabiri kutokea migogoro ya kidini (62%) na nusu yao (51%) wanatarajia kugawanyika kwa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania. Chochote kitakachotokea huko mbeleni, wananchi wanaona mabadiliko makubwa, wananchi sita kati ya kumi wanatabiri kuwa upinzani utashinda urais, na tembo watapotea kabisa ifikapo 2025. Jambo la kushangaza, matukio mawili yenye uwezekano mdogo kutokea ni Tanzania kufuzu kushiriki mashindano ya Kombe la Dunia (38% ) na kuanzishwa kwa Shirikisho la Afrika Mashariki chini ya Rais mmoja (34%).</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Mambo muhimu wanayotaka wananchi kwa siku zijazo ni maboresho kwenye huduma za kijamii (28% wanaona ni kipaumbele chao muhimu) na ukuaji wa uchumi (16% wanaona ni kipaumbele muhimu).</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Aidan Eyakuze, Mkurugenzi wa shirika la Society for International Development, alitoa maoni yake kwenye matokeo haya "Watanzania kwa kiasi kikubwa wana matumaini na maisha yao binafsi ya baadaye, hasa ikilinganishwa na wenzao kutoka nchi zenye maendeleo makubwa kiuchumi, Marekani na Ulaya. Matumaini haya na mtazamo chanya ni mtaji mkubwa. Vinaimarisha uwezo wa nchi kusonga mbele kwa kujiamini na pia inaweka mzigo kwa kila mmoja wetu kuhakikisha kuwa tunafikia malengo ya mafanikio kwa nchi yetu."</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Rakesh Rajani, Mkuu wa Twaweza, alisema "Katika kipindi cha mabadiliko muhimu ya kitaifa na ya kimataifa, wananchi wa matabaka yote kiuchumi, maeneo na jinsia zote, wana matumaini kuhusu kile kilichopo siku za mbeleni nchini Tanzania. Changamoto kwa Serikali ya Tanzania, wasomi wa ndani pamoja na wananchi wenyewe, ni kuhakikisha kuwa matumaini haya yanaendelezwa kupitia utungaji sera na utekelezaji wenye ufanisi, kuhimiza maendeleo yenye usawa na kujenga mshikamano wa kijamii, ili matarajio ya wananchi ya maisha bora siku zijazo yafikiwe."</span></div> </div>

Watanzania wana matarajio mengi kuhusu maisha yao ya baadaye

Zaidi ya nusu ya wananchi (54%) wanafikiri kuwa maisha yao yatakuwa bora zaidi ifikapo mwaka 2025. Huu ndio mtazamo wa wananchi wakio kati...

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