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Mozambique: Council extends the mandate of the European Union training mission until 2026 and paves the way for its evolution into a European Union Military Assistance Mission

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The Council today prolonged the mandate of the EU Training Mission in Mozambique, until 30 June 2026, with a budget allocation of over €14 million for this period.

Furthermore, the Council decided to adapt the strategic objectives of the mission to new circumstances, thereby favouring its transition from a training to an assistance model, combining advising, mentoring and specialised training in support of the units of the Quick Reaction Force (QRF) of the Mozambican armed forces.

As a consequence of this change, the mission will be renamed EU Military Assistance Mission Mozambique (EUMAM Mozambique), as of 1 September 2024.

As part of the EU’s integrated approach encompassing humanitarian, peacebuilding, security and development actions, EUTM Mozambique was set up in July 2021 with the aim of training and supporting the Mozambican armed forces in protecting the civilian population, and restoring safety and security in the Cabo Delgado province, where the security and humanitarian situation had been continuously deteriorating since 2017.

The mission has supported the capacity building of the units of the Mozambican armed forces that have then become part of the QRF. In particular, the mission has provided military training including operational preparation, specialised training on counter-terrorism, and training and education on the protection of civilians and compliance with international humanitarian law and human rights law.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Council of the European Union.

“Yigermal’’ Sintayehu Belay and Balkew Alemu’s second duet is out

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Sintayehu Belay and Balkew Alemu’s second collaboration named “Yigermal” is out now on Muzikawi YouTube channel and digital streaming platforms. This release promises a mesmerizing blend of modern rhythms and traditional Ethiopian jazz influences, curated to captivate audiences and make a significant mark on the music landscape. It’s to be recalled that Sintayehu and Balkew have recently released a duet titled “Kehasabe”.

“YIGERMAL” stands as a testament to the creative brilliance of acclaimed musician Girum Mezmur, who expertly blends various genres to craft a captivating auditory journey. Alemayehu Demeke showcases his lyrical finesse through the song’s heartfelt verses, while also playing a role in reshaping its melodious arrangement, which was publicly reimagined alongside the renowned melody. The flawless mixing, which guarantees a fluid sonic experience, is skillfully handled by Abegasu Shiota.

Both Sintayehu and Balkew have gained recognition for their individual pursuits, each releasing their own EPs in recent times. Tsedey” by Sintayehu Belay and “Yene Alem” by Balkew Alemu. 
While duets haven’t been popular in a while, there are still many artists who have made duets that are still in high demand, including Kennedy Mengesha and Yeshiemebet Dubale with “Liben Starochiw,” Tewodros Tadesse and Assefu Debalke “with Atbabi Sileyish” Mahmoud Ahmed and Hirtu Bekele with “Tew Zegeyeh,” and many more. Balkew’s and Sintayehu’s music transports the listener back to that era and is nostalgic.

With “Yigermal,” Sintayehu Belay and Balkew Alemu take listeners on a musical journey that takes them back in time.

Stellantis Pro One Achieves No. 1 Spot in Middle East & Africa Region and Strengthens Commercial Vehicle Leadership in Europe and South America

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Achieves No. 1 spot with a record 26% market share in Middle East&Africa, led by strong performance in Algeria with the FIAT Professional brand; Confirms market leadership in Europe 30 and South America; North America plays a key role in Pro One success; Ram announces new professional commercial vehicle division; Stellantis Pro One (www.Stellantis.com) on track to global leadership by 2027; achieve Dare Forward 2030 target. 

Demonstrating its market leadership in the Middle East and Africa region for the second quarter in a row, the Stellantis Pro One commercial vehicles offensive delivered an excellent performance in the first quarter of 2024, accounting for one-third of Net revenues reported by Stellantis.

The performance highlights the strength of Stellantis Pro One in global markets and puts it on track to achieve global leadership in commercial vehicles by 2027 and reach the targets outlined in the Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan.

Stellantis Pro One Middle East and Africa region market share reached 26% in the first quarter of 2024. In addition, it maintained the No. 1 position in both EU30 and South America regions. For EU30 BEV (battery electric vehicle) sales for the quarter, Pro One takes the top spot with 33% market share, with the Peugeot brand leading across the region. 

“The Q1 2024 sales performance in commercial vehicles confirms and validates our Stellantis Pro One strategy,” said Xavier Peugeot, Stellantis Senior Vice President, Commercial Vehicles Business. “The enthusiastic welcome of our entirely new van line-up, combined with new connected services and concrete hydrogen fuel cell propulsion van offers confirm Stellantis’ position as the relevant choice for professionals.”

Regional highlights include:

Europe 30:

Maintained commercial vehicle leadership with 30% market share (ICE + BEV)  
Continued BEV leadership with 33% market share; Peugeot No. 1 brand
No. 1 in France and Spain; No. 1 in Italy with FIAT Professional market leader; No. 1 in Germany with market share up 3.6 percentage points vs. Q1 2023
BEV leadership in Poland, Belgium, and Portugal; and in the Netherlands with a 2.7 percentage point increase in total market share
Expansion of in-house production of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles on both mid-size and large vans during the year in Hordain (France) and Gliwice (Poland) will boost the Company’s Pro One hydrogen offerings and help cement Stellantis’ standing as the undisputed leader in European commercial vehicle market.

Middle East&Africa:

Stellantis Pro One achieved the No. 1 spot in the Middle East&Africa region for the second consecutive quarter
Led by strong performance in Algeria with the FIAT Professional brand, Stellantis achieves leadership in the region becoming No. 1 in light commercial vehicles (LCV) with 26% market share, up 7.5 percentage points versus Q1 2023
More than 60% volume growth fueled by Algeria, Turkey, and GCC (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman)
Stellantis maintained its No. 1 position in Turkey, Israel and overseas departments and regions of France.

North America:

Ram maintains its No. 3 position in the region 
New Ram trucks: 2025 Ram 1500 with more powerful, fuel-efficient Hurricane Twin Turbo engine now available; 2025 Ram 1500 Tradesman tailored for fleet customers; and Ram 1500 RHO with 540-horsepower Hurricane H/O
In March, Ram announced the new Ram Professional commercial vehicle division with full-service customer mobility and value solutions.

South America:

Leader in LCV with 31.5% market share versus 26.6% in Q1 2023
Market leader in van and pickup sales in the region, with 37.7% and 36.5% share, respectively
FIAT Professional is the leading LCV brand in the region with 23.1% share vs. 19.9% Q1 23; Strada is the “most sold” LCV in the region with 13.8% market share vs. 11.5% Q1 23
Ram Rampage No. 2 in Brazil (C-segment pickup) with a 23% market share.

India&Asia Pacific:

Peugeot light commercial vehicles retail sales improved 50% versus the first quarter of 2023
FIAT Professional commercial performance increased 8% year-over-year, thanks to the brand’s strong performance in Australia
Ram remains the No. 1 brand in the 1-ton-plus pickup segment in the Australian market.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Stellantis.

For more information, contact:
Fernão SILVEIRA
+31 6 43 25 43 41
fernao.silveira@stellantis.com

Alessandro NARDIZZI
+39 338 62 39 046
alessandro.nardizzi@stellantis.com

communications@stellantis.com
www.Stellantis.com

Social Media: 
X: @Stellantis
Facebook: Stellantis
LinkedIn: Stellantis
YouTube: Stellantis

About Stellantis Pro One: 
Stellantis Pro One is dedicated to leading the global commercial vehicle market with the most efficient portfolio of products, 20,000 dedicated touchpoints and competitive services, bringing exceptional solutions from the Citroën, FIAT Professional, Opel, Peugeot, Ram and Vauxhall brands to professional customers. One of seven accretive businesses in the Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, Stellantis Pro One targets a doubling of revenues, a 40% electric vehicle mix with battery, hydrogen fuel-cell and range-extending propulsion technologies, over-the-air update capabilities for each new vehicle from 2026, a suite of connected services dedicated to improving business customer efficiency, and innovative autonomous solutions. As such, Stellantis Pro One will strongly contribute to achievement of the Dare Forward 2030 objectives to reach a 100% passenger car BEV sales mix in Europe and 50% passenger car and light-duty truck BEV sales mix in the United States by 2030. Stellantis Pro One is fully part of the company ambition to become a carbon net zero corporation by 2038, all scopes included, with single-digit percentage compensation of remaining emissions.

About Stellantis: 
Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA / Euronext Milan: STLAM / Euronext Paris: STLAP) is one of the world’s leading automakers aiming to provide clean, safe and affordable freedom of mobility to all. It’s best known for its unique portfolio of iconic and innovative brands including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, FIAT, Jeep®, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall, Free2move and Leasys. Stellantis is executing its Dare Forward 2030, a bold strategic plan that paves the way to achieve the ambitious target of becoming a carbon net zero mobility tech company by 2038, with single-digit percentage compensation of the remaining emissions, while creating added value for all stakeholders. For more information, visit www.Stellantis.com.

Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) meets the 83 Winners of “More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes and Hypertension” Media Awards 2023, in partnership with the First Ladies of Africa

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Merck Foundation CEO (www.Merck-Foundation.com) announced call for application of 2024 Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards in partnership with African First Ladies – apply now at submit@merck-foundation.com.

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, in partnership with the African First Ladies, announced the winners of Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition “More Than a Mother” Awards 2023 and “Diabetes and Hypertension” Awards 2023. The awards ceremony was held via Videoconference to felicitate all the media award winners.

The winners were announced and acknowledged by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” campaign. The theme of “More Than a Mother” Awards was to raise awareness on any of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV at all levels and the theme of “Diabetes and Hypertension” Awards was to Promote a Healthy Lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension in the African countries.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej expressed, “I am proud to announce the winners. We have 83 winners from 22 African countries in partnership with my dear sisters First Ladies of Africa and Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More than a Mother”. Congratulations to all our winners.

We started our Media Awards in 2017, and year after year we are witnessing a substantial increase in the number of outstanding and regular  entries from many African countries, which is very encouraging for us.

All our winners are the Champions of critical and sensitive social and health issues in their communities.

It’s truly inspiring to witness how we’re actively involving and engaging everyone, enabling them to be the voice of the voiceless and create a culture shift.

I’m delighted to extend a warm welcome as you join the Merck Foundation Alumni. let’s keep raising awareness on social and health together .”

Merck Foundation is additionally rewarding the winners by providing them with one year access of an online educational training program called ‘MasterClass’. The MasterClass is an immersive online experience and self-paced learning course that can be accessed anywhere with the internet.

Senator Rasha Kelej further added, “We recently met and awarded the winners from Kenya, during my visit to the Nairobi for Merck Foundation Kenya Alumni Summit and Award Ceremony. Moreover, we will soon be meeting the Winners of Ghana, Botswana and Tanzania, during our upcoming visits.”

“I would also like to announce the Call for Applications for the Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards 2024 “More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes and Hypertension”. These awards are in partnership with my dear sisters, the African First Ladies who are also the Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother””, concluded Senator Kelej.

Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Media Recognition Awards 2023

Here are the winners from West African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of The Gambia, H.E. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW; and The First Lady of Ghana and H.E. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

Raissa Sambou, The Spectator, Ghana (First Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Emelia Naa Ayeley Aryee, Myjoyonline, Ghana (First Position)
Mariam Hamzat, Freelancer, Nigeria (Second Position)
Mariama, Dem Star.gm, The Gambia (Second Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNER

Evelyn Kpadeh Seagbeh, New Narratives, Liberia (First Position)
Mavis Offei Acheampong, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), Ghana (Second Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

Emmanuel Samani, TV3, Ghana (First Position)
Stanley Nii Blewu, TV3, Ghana (Second Position)

Here are the Winners from Southern African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Malawi, H.E. MONICA CHAKWERA; The First Lady of Zambia, H.E. MUTINTA HICHILEMA; The First Lady of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

Melody Mupeta, Zambia Daily, Zambia (First Position)
Moses Mugugunyeki, The Standard, Zimbabwe, (Second Position)
Gresham Ngwira, Freelancer, Malawi (Second Position)
Sonja Smith, The Namibian, Namibia  (Third Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Michael Magoronga, Zimpapers, Zimbabwe (First Position)
Munyaradzi Blessing Doma, ZimNow, Zimbabwe (Second Position)
Caroline Mapando, Africabrief, Malawi (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Charlotte Nambadja, Desert Radio, Namibia (First Position)
Britta Mpata Blantyre, Synod Radio, Malawi (First Position)
Sera Tamina, Radio Icengelo, Zambia (Second Position)
Monde Chaba, Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation, Zambia (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

Mirriam Kayemba, CAMNET TV,  Zambia (First Position)
Alepher Kasongo, MBC News, Malawi (Second Position)

Here are the winners from East African Countries:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

Marco Maduhu, Nipashe Newspaper, Tanzania (First Position)
Elizabeth Angira, MT Kenya Times and People Daily, Kenya (First Position)
Shaban Njia, Nipashe Newspaper, Tanzania (Second Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Moraa Obiria, Nation Media Group, Kenya (First Position)
Isabella Maua Chemosit, The Times, Kenya (Second Position)
Aveline Kitomary, Tanzania Standard, Tanzania (Third Position)
Sophia Rukwaro, Black Hustlers TV, Kenya (Third Position)
Hudson Kuteesa, The New Times, Rwanda (Third Position)
Beatrice Philemon Mukocho, The Guardian Newspaper, Tanzania (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Caren Waraba Sisya, Citizen Radio, Kenya (First Position)
Olga Fadhil Lungala, Moshifm Radio, Tanzania (Second Position)
Adam Hhando, CG FM, Tanzania (Second Position)
Namale Hajara Shahista, CBS FM, Uganda (Third Position)
Angela Kezengwa, Citizen Radio, Kenya (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER

Walter Mwesigye, NTV Uganda, Uganda (First Position)
Elizabeth Atieno Ochieng, TV 47 KENYA, Kenya (Second Position)

Here are the winners from French Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Burundi, H.E. ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE; The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo, H.E. DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

Koami Agbetiafa, Societe, Niger (First Position)
Astère NDUWAMUNGU, www.lerenouveau.bi, Burundi (Second Position)
Traore Brehima, The TOGUNA, Mali (Third Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Mêmèdé Ambroisine Azododassi, Savoir News, Togo (First Position)
Jessy NZENGU, lualabamaprovince.com, DRC (First Position)
AYIBE Ablavi Ayélo, SAVOIR NEWS, Togo (Second Position)
Tognisse Pugilbert Yannick, DecryptageBenin.com, Benin (Third Position)
Haburanimana Gérard, Agaseke.bi, Burundi (Third Position)
JEANINE NYABENDA, Ijisho Web Site News TV, Burundi (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Cyriaque NDAYISHIMIYE, Radio TV BUNTU, Burundi (First Position)
Edmond Niyonkur, Radio Ubuzima-FM, Burundi (Second Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

Bahwa Ferdinand, Le Journal.Africa, Burundi (First Position)
Amadou BELLO, Balafon Direct, Cameroon (Second Position)

Here are the winners from Portuguese Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Cabo Verde, H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO:

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Ângelo Amaro Semedo, DW África, Cabo Verde (First Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Maria José Teixeira Veiga Macedo, Rádio de Cabo Verde, Cabo Verde (First Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

Edineia Barros, TV Cabo Verde, Cabo Verde (First Position)

Merck Foundation “Diabetes&Hypertension” Media Recognition Awards 2023

Here are the winners from West African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Ghana, H.E. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

Jennifer Ambolley, Chronicle, Ghana (First Position)
Godwin Awuni Anafo, Daily Graphic, Ghana (Second Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Odimegwu Onwumere, thenigerianvoice.com, Nigeria (First Position)
Muniratu Akweley Issah, Ghana News Agency, Ghana (Second Position)
Cecilia Lagba Yada, Ghanaian Times, Ghana (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER

Grace Hammoah Agyemang, TV3, Ghana (First Position)

Here are the Winners from Southern African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Malawi, H.E. MONICA CHAKWERA; The First Lady of Zambia, H.E. MUTINTA HICHILEMA; The First Lady of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

Ed-Grant Ndoza, Malawi News Agency, Malawi (First Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Maria Kandjungu, Unwrap, Namibia (First Position)
Alain Kabinda, Daily News Agency, Zambia (Second Position)
Rosalia Hipondoka, DBS Blogposts, Namibia (Third Position)
Phillipa Mwazvita Chinhoi, Herald.co, Zimbabwe (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Henry Haukeya, MBC Radio, Malawi (First Position)
Sylviah Chisi, Trans World Radio Malawi (TWR), Malawi (Second Position)
Martha Mzumara, Trans World Radio Malawi (TWR), Malawi (Third Position)

Here are the winners from East African Countries:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

Christina Stephen Mwakangale, Nipashe, Tanzania (First Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Lucy John Bosco, Mwananchi Online, Tanzania (First Position)
Dorcas Wangira, BBC, Kenya (Second Position)
Veronica Romwald Mrema, Freelancer, Tanzania (Third Position)
Tulinagwe Alison Malopa, Gazetini, Tanzania (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Mildrine Nafula Sabwami, North Rift Radio FM, Kenya (First Position)
Mwanaisha Mohamed Makumbuli, Highlands FM Radio, Tanzania (Second Position)

Here are the winners from French Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Burundi, H.E. ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE; and The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo, H.E. DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

Moïse NKURUNZIZA, Le Renouveau du Burundi, Burundi (First Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Cassien Tribunal Aungane, Diplomacy&Development, DRC (First Position)
Akossiwa Agossivi YIBOKOU-MENSAH, SAVOIR NEWS, TOGO (Second Position)
Alphonse Julio GADA, GLOBAL NEWS BÉNIN, Benin (Third Position)
Petga Tonga Valgadine, lavoixdukoat.com, Cameroon (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Honorine NININAHAZWE, Burundi National Radio, Burundi  (First Position)
Maurice TUNINAHAZIMANA, Radio TV Buntu,          Burundi (Second Position)
Rémy RUKUNDO, TV BUNTU, Burundi (Third Position)
 

Here is the winner from Portuguese Speaking African Country in partnership with The First Lady of Mozambique, H.E. ISAURA FERRÃO NYUSI:

RADIO CATEGORY WINNER

Abdul Ibraimo, Radio of Mozambique, Mozambique (First Position)

Details of Merck Foundation Media Awards 2024:

1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition “More Than a Mother” Awards 2024

Theme for the awards: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Who can apply: Journalists from Print, Radio, Online, and Multimedia platforms from the following groups:

Southern African Countries
West African Countries
East African Countries
French Speaking African Countries
Portuguese Speaking African Countries

Submission deadline: 30th September 2024.

2. Merck Foundation Media Recognition “Diabetes&Hypertension” Awards 2024

Theme for the awards: Promoting a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Who can apply: Journalists from Print, Radio, Online, and Multimedia platforms from the following groups:

Southern African Countries
West African Countries
East African Countries
French Speaking African Countries
Portuguese Speaking African Countries
Latin American Countries
Asian Countries

Submission deadline: 30th October 2024.

All entries are to be submitted to submit@merck-foundation.com.

Kindly note, sending multiple relevant entries for both the categories will increase the chances of winning the award.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Media contact:
Mehak Handa 
Community Awareness Program Manager 
+91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669  
mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com 

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About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality&equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare and scientific research capacity and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. To know more, reach out to our social media: Merck Foundation (Merck-Foundation.com); Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4biBkex), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/4bfrI4p), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4bnIuOU), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3yjN7dY), and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/44Iyz3z).