From left: French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Stephane Sejourne, President of the Republic of Fiji, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere and French Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra attend the "Sport for Sustainable Development" Summit at Carrousel du Louvre, Paris-France. President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere has commended the International Olympic Committee Summit for its focus on sustainability, inclusion, and global cooperation. Ratu Wiliame attended the summit on sport and sustainable development convened by President of France Emmanuel Macron and International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, highlighting the pivotal role of sports in advancing sustainable development goals. Article continues after advertisementInternational Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach says the summit emphasizes the alignment of sports with social impacts in areas such as health, nutrition, education, inclusion, and equality. Sport is health, sport is inclusion, sport is respect, sport is empowerment, sport is solidarity, sport is peace.”Paris Olympics officials have set ambitious targets for reducing their overall carbon footprint compared to previous Games.

Artist Tewodros Kasahun, also known as Teddy Afro, donated one million birr to the victims of the landslide in Kencho Shacha Gozdi Kebele, Gofa Zone, Geze Gofa District, South Ethiopia. Tewodros Kasahun extended his support to those affected by the sudden landslide in Kencho Shacha Gozdi Kebele and offered condolences to the families who lost loved ones. Senior government officials are also present at the scene, offering support to the victims. In response to the tragedy, the House of People’s Representatives has declared three days of national mourning in Ethiopia, starting tomorrow. This decision was made to honor the citizens who lost their lives in the landslide in Kencho Shacha Gozdi Kebele, Gofa Zone, Geze Gofa District, South Ethiopia.

By Phenyo SelindaPretoria – President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his heartfelt condolences and sorrow following the recent landslides in Ethiopia, which have claimed the lives of over 200 people. “President Cyril Ramaphosa, on behalf of the government and the people of South Africa, has expressed deep sorrow and condolences following the recent landslides in Gofa, South Western Ethiopia, which tragically took the lives of at least 250 of people at this stage,” stated the Presidency on Thursday. Tragedy Unfolded Due to Heavy RainsAccording to news reports, the landslides occurred after heavy rains hit the Gofa region on Monday. The natural disaster has caused significant loss of life and disruption in the area, prompting international attention and condolences. Advertisement:To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.zaFor Business Related:business@centralnews.co.zaNewsroom:Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.zaGeneral Info:info@centralnews.co.zaOffice Administrator:admin@centralnews.co.zaWhatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487Website: https://www.centralnews.co.zaSocial Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube#centralnewsza #freestate

Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics (ESL) generated a revenue of Birr 57.14 billion birr, surpassing its financial targets for the 2023/24 fiscal year by 20%. ESL attributed its success to increased ship and truck loading capacity, enhanced service delivery, and the adoption of technology-driven processes. Nevertheless, the company faced a considerable setback in its vehicle transport operations, falling short of its target by two-thirds due to a government-imposed ban on fuel-powered vehicle imports. This policy resulted in a backlog of vehicles at the Port of Djibouti, impacting ESL’s transport performance and revenue. The company aimed to ship 2,143 vehicles weighing under three tons but only managed to transport 677.

The 2024 Summer Olympics got underway under the rain in the French capital, Paris, on Friday evening with French soccer legend Zinedine Zidane kicking off the opening ceremony with the Olympic flame in his hands. They then made their way through the Catacombs and to a boat, at which point the broadcast switched to a real-time view of the Seine River. About 45,000 police and thousands of soldiers were deployed for the opening ceremony, with armed police patrolling the river as the armada made its passage along the Seine. About 100 world leaders, government officials, and heads of international organizations are believed to have attended the opening ceremony. A series of legendary French athletes then carried it across from the Louvre to its final destination in the Jardin des Tuileries, where the cauldron was lit.

ListenYAOUNDÉ, Cameroon – Following deadly landslides that struck southern Ethiopia last week, the humanitarian arm of the U.S. bishops’ conference is set to mobilize an emergency response team to provide relief. “The recent landslides in Southern Ethiopia have caused immense suffering, leaving many without homes and mourning the loss of loved ones,” said Zemede Zewdie, Catholic Relief Services country representative in Ethiopia. Catholic Relief Services will deploy an emergency response team with critical assistance early next week. “In response to this grave situation, the Ethiopian Catholic Church, through its various agencies and in collaboration with other humanitarian organizations, is stepping up its efforts to provide relief and support. Gugala said continued rainfall could provoke further landslides, and noted that “this ongoing threat necessitates further evacuations and poses a significant challenge to emergency response efforts.

United Nations, July 27 Humanitarians said that the United Nations and its partners are continuing to support the Ethiopian government in responding to the devastating landslides in the south of the country. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the aid supplies include shelter, nutrition, and water sanitation and hygiene assistance, Xinhua news agency reported. OCHA said it is leading a team of UN agencies on the ground to assess the impact of the landslides, including the scale of displacement. Deadly landslides hit a remote village in southern Ethiopia on Sunday and Monday, leaving at least 257 dead. Ethiopia has declared a three-day national mourning for the dead, starting from Saturday.

[Source: Fiji Corrections Service/Facebook]The Fiji Correction Service is undertaking a comprehensive review of the chaplain appointment process within its staff establishment. However, the FCS recognizes the need for a formal policy to guide the appointment and functions of the chaplain. As part of the review, FCS is drafting a new policy that will facilitate a more inclusive and transparent appointment process. The Commissioner of the Fiji Correction Service will invite nominees from major denominations to apply for the chaplain position. The selection process will be transparent, ensuring that the chosen candidate is rotated between denominations to meet the evolving needs of the FCS.

Association President Abebe Ayalew spoke at an event on the 71st anniversary of the attacks on the Moncada (Santiago de Cuba) and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes (Bayamo) garrisons at the Cuban Embassy in Addis Ababa. He said that Cuba’s inclusion in Washington’s spurious list is absolutely unjustified and unacceptable. Days before leaving office in January 2021, then President Donald Trump included Cuba in that list, from which the Caribbean island had been excluded in 2015, during the Barack Obama administration. “That is why, we enshrine the belief that this country, our second homeland, has been an example for the world in terms of solidarity. You cannot mention a single epidemiological event in which Cuba’s presence has not been noted,” he asserted.

Ethiopian officials declared three days of mourning on Friday as diggers continued their search for bodies of mudslide victims in a remote part of the East African country. It said in its latest update that the death toll could rise to as many as 500, citing local officials. Many people were buried in the Gofa Zone of Kencho Shacha Gozdi district on Monday, as rescue workers searched the steep terrain for survivors from mudslides the previous day. Photos from the scene show residents standing over the shrouded bodies of mudslide victims who are being pulled, one by one, from the muddy earth. Deadly mudslides often occur in the wider East African region, from Uganda’s mountainous east to central Kenya’s highlands.

Today, I would like to especially commend our warriors who are striking Russian bases and logistics in the occupied territories. The statement did not say which weapon was used but that the attack was carried out by Ukraine's missile forces alongside other contingents. Ukraine's navy says a recent strike has forced Russia to withdraw its warships from the Azov Sea. (AP PHOTO)More than two years into Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine has claimed to have struck in recent months with a string of Russian air defence systems deployed in Crimea, such as S-300 and S-400 units. Ukraine says it has destroyed or damaged 27 Russian warships in the Black Sea and near Crimea during the war.

TLTB CEO Solomoni Nata [File Photo]The iTaukei Land Trust Board has given the green light for Waisasa settlement landowners in Tacirua to develop their land for residential purposes. TLTB says a 10-year development lease has been issued for this. It says this will ensure that landowners can enjoy fair and equitable returns of the use of their land. Nata says the development aims to transform the prime site into 57 residential lots, offering existing occupants the first opportunity to purchase these lots. He says should they be unable to afford the lots, TLTB and the landowners will work together to identify alternative relocation sites.

NAJRAN: Two citizens have been arrested in Najran by the General Directorate of Narcotics Control for smuggling tablets subject to the regulation of medical circulation. Preliminary procedures were taken against them and they were subsequently referred to the Public Prosecution. Meanwhile, authorities arrested an Ethiopian in Al-Baha for violating border security laws and smuggling hashish. Elsewhere, a citizen was arrested in Jouf for smuggling hashish and amphetamines. Preliminary procedures were taken against him and he was referred to the Public Prosecution.

According to Saeed, over 6,080 Sudanese refugees, displaced by conflict and seeking safety in Ethiopia, are facing dire conditions in a makeshift settlement in the Awlala region. Saeed calls for swift and decisive action, urging UNHCR to collaborate with stakeholders to find sustainable solutions for the Sudanese refugees in Amhara and beyond. The letter concludes with a plea for concrete steps to be taken by UNHCR to alleviate the suffering of Sudanese refugees. It reflects the growing concern over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region and the urgent need for international action. The UNHCR’s response to this urgent appeal is awaited with great anticipation, as it is expected to set the tone for international efforts to address the dire situation of Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia.

Close friends Evelyn Lau, left, and Juman have known each other for a decade. Evelyn Lau / The NationalClose friends Evelyn Lau, left, and Juman have known each other for a decade. Evelyn Lau / The NationalI'm American, but it's my 10-year friendship with a Palestinian that taught me empathy