The expected significant rise in the water level of the Nile has heightened the need for immediate awareness and preparedness to protect lives and property, especially in high-risk areas such as communities living by rivers or swamp land.

Given the extreme flood alerts for five counties in Jonglei, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is actively assisting the State authorities to develop strategies to mitigate the risks to people, property and livelihoods.

The mission organized a two-day workshop for about 70 community members to help them identify elevated areas that can serve as safe zones and discuss the urgent threats posed by climate change.

“National and state task forces are responsible for assessing threat levels to populations, taking decisive action to minimize the impact on communities, and provide timely warnings. The United Nations, including UNMISS, is part of these task forces and is doing everything it can to support within its capacity,” said Geetha Pious, Head of UNMISS’ Field Office in Bor.

The Jonglei High-Level Committee for Disaster Risk and Management, led by Minister of Roads and Bridges James Mawech Makuac, attended the workshop, which was hosted in Panyagor, Twic East.

“We are sending out an urgent plea for humanitarian aid to assist people whose homes and livelihoods have already been devastated. In addition, it is crucial to address any potential disputes arising from the high risk of displacement.”

Twic East had 35 primary schools and 15 health facilities. However, due to heavy rainstorms in 2020, that number was reduced to one operational primary school and two health facilities.

“In 2020, key crops like sorghum and maize were swamped, raising concerns about this year’s expected increase in rainfall intensity,” said Twic East County Executive Director Manyok Ayiei.

Other participants called for more support to defend communities from the expected surge in flood waters.

“We’re currently unable to evacuate to higher ground or afford transportation costs. It would be incredibly helpful if the government could provide us with excavators to strengthen the dykes and prevent additional flooding,” urged Rebbeca Yar Bol Kuot, a resident of Panyagor.

The State’s Flood Management Committee committed to continued collaboration with international partners, including UN agencies, to explore ways of supporting this much-needed construction of dikes.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

The delegation from the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), led by Mr. Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the Commission,  met with and held discussions with Mr. Nesredin Mohammed-Saleh, Minister of Trade and Industry; Mr. Tesfay Gebreselasie, Minister of Land, Water, and Environment; and Mr. Alem Kibreab, Director General of Mining.

Briefing the delegation, Minister Nesredin highlighted that although Eritrea has vast resources, it has not yet achieved significant export opportunities. He also expressed readiness to work in collaboration with Commission in developing processed products.

Minister Tesfay Gebreselasie provided an extensive briefing to the delegation, noting that while many countries are facing severe challenges due to climate change, Eritrea has made exemplary achievements by constructing strategic dams. He expressed readiness to collaborate with the Commission on proper waste and water management, as well as human resource development.

Mr. Alem Kibreab mentioned that the primary challenge in Africa, particularly in the Horn of Africa, is energy supply. He noted that Eritrea is addressing this challenge by developing renewable and geothermal energy sources.

Mr. Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the Commission, stated that implementing development programs through loans from regional and global financial institutions is contributing to increased poverty in many African countries. He praised Eritrea’s achievements in priority sectors, including solar, geothermal, and wind energy, agriculture, trade, and statistics, through the mobilization of its resources and human capacity, suggesting it could serve as a model for other African countries.

The ECA delegation also visited to Eritrea visited various developmental sites in the Southern Region including the Gergera Dam and its associated infrastructure, as well as the solar power system and agricultural activities in the area.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has made additional appointments in government affecting the Ministry of Finance&Development Planning, National Bureau of Veteran Affairs, Public Procurement&Concessions Commission (PPCC), National Commission on Disabilities (NCD), and the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE).

The institutions and those appointed are:

I. Ministry of Finance&Development Planning 
1. Mr. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Minister

II.  Board of Directors National Bureau of Veteran Affairs 
1. Minister of Defense, Chairperson
2. Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia, Member
3. Minister of Finance, Member
4. Director of the National Security Agency, Member
5. Minister of Public Works, Member
6. Minister of Internal Affairs, Member
7. Director General of the National Bureau of Veteran Affairs, Secretary

III. Public Procurement&Concessions Commission (PPCC) Complaint Appeal&Review Panel

1. Cllr. Sundayway E. Nelson Amagashie, Member
2. Cllr. Vincent Smith, Member
3. Cllr. Morris Davis, Member
4. Mr. Ezekiel F. Nyumah, Member
5. Mr. Michael C.G. George, Member

IV. National Commission on Disabilities (NCD)

1. Ms. Winnifred Paye, Deputy Director for Administration
2. Mr. Charles Sayphan, Deputy Director for Technical Services

V. National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE)

1. Rev. Ben P. Cooper, Member, Board of Trustees
2. Prof. Nathaniel G. Gbessagee, Deputy Executive Director for Operations

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

President Boakai calls on appointed officials of government 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.

Canon Europe (www.Canon-Europe.com) announces the release of the highly anticipated imagePROGRAF PRO-1100, a flagship A2 model from the desktop inkjet professional printer range. Designed specifically for professional photographers and serious enthusiasts, the imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 is engineered to deliver exceptional photo quality and durability.  

The printer sets new standards in photo printing, featuring pigment ink LUCIA PRO II [1] newly developed for the series. Offering unparalleled image quality with a wider spectrum of colour compared to the existing imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 model, it delivers prints with breathtaking depth and detail, capturing the subtlest nuances in photography.

The printer’s advanced ink technology ensures remarkable light fastness and scratch resistance, allowing high-quality printed works to be appreciated and preserved for decades to come, with light resistance up to 200 years [2] – perfect for archival and documentary purposes. The 12-ink pigment system with its wider colour gamut delivers smooth colour graduation and deeper blacks and blues, revealing previously unseen detail and depth, particularly in landscapes, seascapes and challenging shadow areas. This level of detail gives users, from entry-level enthusiasts to those exhibiting their prints, the confidence that the prints will be faithful to the original image. 

For those who like a matte finish with art papers, the inclusion of a matte black ink dramatically enhances black density, achieving rich, deep blacks that bring images to life – especially in black and white photography. For those who prefer a glossier finish, the imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 maintains exceptional quality on glossy and semi-glossy papers, utilising the Chroma Optimiser for uniform glossiness and refined expression. The reliable scratch resistance on both glossy and semi-glossy prints makes them easy to handle during framing, packaging, transportation and display. These advancements make the imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 one of Canon’s most advanced and sophisticated printing solutions to date.

Whether printing proofs or working in an educational environment such as a photography school or university, the imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 eliminates the need to outsource for larger prints. Sharing the same print head, inks and software as larger models (imagePROGRAF PRO-6600, PRO-4600, and PRO-2600), the imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 ensures complete consistency across different print sizes from 17″ all the way to 60″ wide. This makes it the ideal choice for photographers who want the flexibility of a smaller set-up for proofing, while retaining the ability to easily scale up to larger formats at a professional lab. It also partners perfectly with Canon’s Professional Print & Layout software, offering a seamless workflows so photographers can print with confidence.

The printer features the iconic red line, signifying high performance and follows the release of the flagship EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II cameras last month. From capture to print, photographers can trust Canon to deliver exceptional tools for every step of their creative journey.

Available from September 2024, this new model marks a milestone in Canon’s history of innovation in the imaging industry, setting a new standard for professional photo printing. Accredited photographers attending Visa pour l’Image in Perpignan, France, can visit the Canon experience centre at the festival’s headquarters to get an image from their portfolio printed on the new imagePROGRAF PRO-1100.

For more information about the imagePROGRAF PRO-1100, visit: https://apo-opa.co/3XlwNDG

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon Central and North Africa
Mai Youssef
e. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com

APO Group – PR Agency
Rania ElRafie
e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com

About Canon Central and North Africa: 
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (www.Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.

Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.

Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (https://apo-opa.co/3yVP29o) – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.

For more information: www.Canon-CNA.com