Year: 2023

Reading Time: 2 minutesOn Friday, Somalia officially became the eighth member state of the East African Community by signing the Treaty of Accession. On December 15, the Treaty of Accession was signed by Somalia’s President Sheikh Hassan Mohamud and President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan. Who serves as the chairperson of the Summit of EAC Head of State. The ceremony was held at Entebbe State House in Uganda. It was witnessed by President Yoweri Museveni and EAC Secretary-General Peter Mathuki. “By Somalia joining the EAC we have a major boost in the integration particularly in the regional and continental trade under the AFCFTA,” said President Kiir. The ceremony held today symbolizes the shared commitment of Somalia and the East African Community to unite in the spirit of African solidarity for the mutual benefit of our respective populations. On behalf of the EAC Heads of State Summit. I extend a warm welcome to Somalia as it officially joins the East African Community. He also noted that Somalia is becoming a part of a regional economic bloc that has achieved notable success. Across all its four pillars of integration including the customs union, common market, monetary union, and political federation. President Muhamud has pledged to actively support the integration process. Aiming to enable his people to benefit from the advantages of unhindered movement of goods, people, and services between Mogadishu and other partner states. “Today is a day of immense pride as we celebrate Somalia’s admission to the EAC. This community is where Somalia belongs to. It symbolizes the realization of our collective aspirations. It is a beacon of hope for a future filled with opportunities,” said President Mohamud. READ ALSO: East African Force Withdraw from Democratic Republic of Congo “The integration of Somalia will enhance people-to-people connections. Providing various benefits to East Africa. The people of Somalia are already present and today marks a symbolic rebirth for legitimacy and legalization.” President Museveni called for the strengthening of free trade within the bloc.” I ‘m glad that the East African region is assembling and regrouping like it used to be before the colonial divide. I congratulate Somalia for joining the EAC. Somalia has already joined the EAC. I’m sure if you go to Mogadishu, you will find Kenyan goods in the shops,” said Museveni. Dr. Mathuki stated that Somalia has a six-month window to submit the instruments of the Treaty of Accession to the EAC headquarters. Following this, the integration roadmap for Somalia into the EAC will commence. Dr. Mathuki assured that the secretariat is prepared to facilitate Somalia’s integration, expressing the desire to witness the community’s expansion.

Reading Time: 2 minutesEven though the immune system has become familiar with SAR-CoV-2. The emergence of new virus variants remains a hurdle. Professor Dr. Florian Klein, leading a research team at the Institute of Virology in the University Hospital Cologne and the Faculty of Medicine. Has recently released two studies delving into the evolution of the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2. Also, the ingenious strategies employed by the immune system in anticipation of new variants. The initial paper entitled, “Amplified SARS-CoV-2 Human Immunity After Breakthrough Infection Expands the Existing Memory B Cell Pool.” Has been published in Science Immunology. The subsequent paper title, ” Some Hypermutation Induces Bystander Mutation, Priming SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies for Emerging Variants,” is featured in immunity. Through a phenomenon called affinity maturation. Antibodies undergo a maturation process over time, characterized by the exchange (mutations) of individual amino acids. This process enhances their ability to detect infectious pathogens effectively. Professor Kleins’s research team has demonstrated that an Omicron infection triggers a renewed immune response in vaccinated individuals. This response is predominantly driven by the reactivation of memory B cells. Remarkably, the maturation process of antibodies generated by these cells had occurred well in advance of the emergence of Omicron. Indicating that the immune system was pre-equipped. The findings from the two studies underscore the significant impact of the initial encounter with SARS-CoV-2 on the immune system. It suggests the likelihood of its readiness for forthcoming variants as well. The primary objective was to examine the impact of a third vaccination against the original SARS-CoV-2 strain on the antibody response in healthy individuals. Surprisingly, the third vaccination significantly boosted the overall SARS-CoV-2 immune response. There was minimal additional maturation at the individual antibody level. READ ALSO: ‘Despacito’ Artist, Retire in the world of Reggaeton Music Upon analyzing individuals who contracted the Omicron variants BA.1 and BA.2 post-vaccination. A re-evaluation revealed the proliferation of memory B cells capable of producing Omicron-neutralizing antibodies. Intriguingly, these immune cells targeting the Omicron variant were present before any contract with Omicron and were not induced by it. Furthermore, the study explored the molecular mechanism of affinity maturation. Revealing that some modification during this process is random rather than intentional. Surprisingly, these random modifications proved crucial for neutralizing Omicrons variants. Researchers successfully utilized these biological insights to modify a therapeutic antibody. Originally ineffective against Omicrons, it effectively neutralized Omicron variants. In conclusion, the study sheds light on how the human immune system responds to a new virus and it’s evolving variants. The newly discovered broad neutralizing antibodies have therapeutic potential. Offering effective prevention against newer Omicron variants.

Reading Time: 2 minutesThe regional force of the East African Community (EAC) initiated its withdrawal from the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday morning. This decision came after Kinshasa labeled the force as ineffective and declined to renew its mandate. In November of the preceding year, the regional bloc deployed troops to the conflict-ridden area in response to the renewed activities of the M23 rebel group. At that time, The DRC authorities extended an invitation to the East African Community to deploy its forces. To help liberate the areas captured by the rebels. However, the prospects for the deployment became uncertain. President Felix Tshisekedi of DRC accused the force of cohabiting with the rebels instead of compelling them to disarm. After a summit held on November 24. The EAC declared that the DRC had decided not to extend the mandate of the regional force beyond December 8, 2023. The initial batch comprised approximately 100 Kenyan soldiers from the regional force. Inclusive of troops from Uganda, Burundi, and South Sudan. Departed from Goma airport en route to Nairobi. The spokesperson for the one-site force disclosed this information but did not furnish additional details regarding subsequent withdrawals. AFP journalist observed a plane departing at 5 am as the East African Community (EAC) regional force began its withdrawal. Ongoing clashes between the M23 group and the DRC army persist. The UN mission, Monusco, and the EAC force face criticism for ineffectiveness, with Kinshasa pushing for Monusco’s accelerated departure. READ ALSO: The Most Discipline Forces in The World The general elections are scheduled for December 20, but conflict in North Kivu may disrupt voting. President Tshisekedi aims for Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) support, but plans for a SADC force have not materialized. European “Instructors’ and DRC’s national army buildup are reported in North Kivu. According to DRC authorities, the national army is reportedly undergoing a strengthening process to defend the territory and ensure protection from neighboring countries.

Reading Time: 2 minutesGlobal focus on oil and gas sector methane reduction pledges highlights the need for tangible actions over symbolic gestures. Urgency in addressing climate change emphasizes the importance of substantive commitments. Requiring comprehensive approaches and transformative shifts in operations. Adherence to these pledges is crucial for meeting international climate goals and mitigating the severe consequences of emissions. The consequences of climate change are apparent, with global average temperatures reaching approximately 1.4°C above pre-industrial levels. The UNEP‘s Emissions Gap Report cautions about a trajectory heading towards 2.5 to 2.9°C this century. Carrying the potential for progressively severe and fatal impacts on both populations and economies. The onset of climate chaos is marked by global average temperatures rising to approximately 1.4°C above pre-industrial levels. The UNEP’s Emissions Gap Report indicates a projected increase to 2.5 to 2.9°C this century. Such temperatures threaten to escalate the impact, posing severe and lethal consequences for numerous individuals and economies. To meet the 2°C and 1.5°C climate targets, it is essential to achieve a 28-42% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Prioritizing cuts in methane emissions offers a cost-effective and swift solution. Providing time for developing nations to decarbonize while delivering added benefits. Such as reducing air pollution and preventing crop losses. READ ALSO: Israel-Palestine Conflict’s Active Influence on the World Fuel Price The commitment from the oil and gas sector through the Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter is a positive step. However, ensuring transparency is crucial due to existing low trust levels. While companies express the right intentions, the projected coal, oil, and gas production for 2030 exceeds levels compatible with the 1.5°C target. Convincing themselves and others that they are truly doing everything possible for the climate will require overcoming significant challenges and dispelling doubts. UNEP collaborates with the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0. Part of the International Methane Emissions Observatory, to establish a global Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification system for methane. The UNEP Methane Alert and Response System swiftly detects emissions, thanks to new funding from Bloomberg Philanthropies. The oil and gas sector must now make and fulfill stronger commitments, integrating methane action with deep decarbonization. To build global trust and adapt to profitable new business models amid the inevitable low-carbon transition.