Religious leaders from the wide range of Ethiopian faith groups play a crucial role in promoting peace, unity, and harmony. On March 26, U.S. Ambassador Ervin Massinga hosted an interfaith iftar dinner at his residence to bring together faith leaders from Ethiopia’s different religious groups to celebrate the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Massinga stressed that “this interfaith iftar is part of the U.S. Embassy’s commitment to creating bridges of understanding and respect that will bring people of different faiths together.”

In his remarks, Sheikh Haji Ibrahim Tufa, President of the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council (EIASC) said, “All religions preach peace and Ethiopian faith leaders are promoting dialogue through their umbrella organization: Inter-Religious Counci of Ethiopia.”

Religious leaders from Ethiopia’s different faith groups attended the iftar including the EIASC, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, the Catholic Church, Protestant churches, Beta Israel Jewish Community, and the Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia.

The United States and Ethiopia share deep people-to-people bonds that ground our 120 years of diplomatic relations in an enduring spirit of friendship, respect, partnership, and the shared aspirations for the well-being of the Ethiopian people.  That spirit has propelled cooperation in health and education, agriculture and food security, science and the environment, and many other areas where the United States government and the American people have made enduring investments to help improve the lives of all Ethiopians.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia.

The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has constituted the Board of the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), added a member to the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation Board and nominated local government officials of Gbarpolu County. 

Those nominated are: 

I. Board of the Forestry Development Authority (FDA)

1.    Philip C. Parker Jr., Chairman 
2.    Isaac Grigsby, Member 
3.    Loretta Pope Kai, Member 
4.    President of the Liberian Bank for Development and Investment –Statutory Member
5.    Ministry of Labor –Statutory Member
6.    Ministry of Agriculture– Statutory Member
7.    Liberia Land Authority– Statutory Member
8.    The Managing Director, Secretary, and non-voting member of the Board
 
II. Board of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC)

1.    Mohammed Barrie—Member 

III. Gbarpolu County Local Government 

1.    Sam K. Zinnah, Superintendent 
2.    James Kpoto Scott, County Administrative Officer
3.    Howard P. Bunday, County Finance Officer
4.    Onagbah S. Mormalee, County Development Officer
5.    Siah Kieh Victor, City Mayor- Bopolu City 
6.    Karma Boima, Relieving Commissioner Gbarpolu County 
7.    Jestina Dukuly, District Commissioner, Bopolu District 
8.    Musa D. Kamara, District Commissioner, Gbarma District 
9.    Lawerance Sherbro, District Commissioner, Kongba District 
10.    Milton Yarkpawolo Gertee Sr., District Commissioner, Gou Wolala District 
11.    John M. Belleh, District Commissioner, Belleh District 
12.    John K. Korsee, District Commissioner, Bokomu District 
13.    Beyan M. Yarsiah, Township Commissioner, Bella Yallah Township
14.    Joseph T. Mulbah, Township Commissioner, Bella Fassama Township
15.    Debbie M. Gokpolu, Statutory Superintendent, Bokomu Statutory District
16.    Harris F. Tanjoe, Sr., Statutory District Development Officer, Bokomu Statutory District
17.    Ballah S. Saywo, Statutory District Administrative Officer, Bokomu Statutory District
18.    Harris C. Kawolo, Statutory District Reliving Commissioner, Bokomu Statutory District
19.    Edwin Mcgill, Statutory Superintendent, Gbarma Statutory District
20.    Quaye B. Varney, Statutory District Development Officer, Gbarma Statutory District 
21.    Melvin Marab Statutory District Administrative Officer, Gbarma Statutory District
22.     Emmanuel Moma, Statutory District Relieving Commissioner, Gbarma Statutory District

These nominations, where applicable, are subject to confirmation by the Liberian Senate. 

Furthermore, all local government positions published shall commensurate with the Local Government Act of 2018 to reflect the appropriate nomenclatures. 

President Boakai further calls on all those nominated and appointed to continue to demonstrate diligence, commitment, integrity, professionalism, and loyalty in service to country.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of Liberia: Executive Mansion.

Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) established a recycling unit in Agadez, where environmental pollution is intense, enabling the reuse of accumulated plastic waste and glass bottles.

Within the project, one of the existing hangars of the Municipality of Agadez has been transformed into a recycling workshop. The workshop has been equipped with machines, devices and other consumables, and a 2-week training program has been conducted on the use of these devices.

Speaking at the delivery ceremony, the Republic of Türkiye’s Ambassador to Niamey, Özgür Çınar, expressed that the project complements the efforts of the Municipality of Agadez, and such projects contributing positively to the daily life of the people will continue.

The Mayor of Agadez, Abdourrahmane Aboubacar Touraoura stated that the equipment provided marks a significant step for the recycling initiative launched by the Municipality of Agadez, which will create job opportunities for a total of 4,500 people. He also expressed his gratitude to the brother Turkish nation.

Through the project, it is aimed to prevent the negative effects of environmental pollution, create new employment opportunities, transform the city into a clean and spacious place and contribute to the preservation of national wealth in Agadez. Agadez is not only one of the cultural capitals of Niamey but also one of the important centers of historical Turkish-African cooperation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).

President William Ruto has called on the private sector to play a greater role in hosting the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally.

Saying the global event presents huge untapped opportunities for business people, President Ruto asked them to participate and take advantage of the benefits the rally provides.

The President pointed out that the WRC Safari Rally in Kenya was this time watched by over 85 million people in 170 countries globally, with over 50 international television channels airing it.

“I invite the private sector to take over this event and manage it better and gain from it. This is an event every entrepreneur would want to sample,” he said.

He made the remarks on Sunday during the closing ceremony of the 2024 WRC Safari Rally at Hell’s Gate in Naivasha, Nakuru County.

The President said the government is willing to cede space to the private sector while continuing to support the event.

He said that working with the private sector would make the event more efficient and cost-effective.

“This year, we have made the event more efficient, cost-effective and better. Next year, we intend to double our efforts,” he added.

President Ruto congratulated Kalle Rovanpera of Toyota Gazoo Racing for emerging victorious in the competitive race.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of President of the Republic of Kenya.