Fifteen people from armed opposition groups surrendered to authorities on Wednesday and were reunited with relatives in Yangon. The group consisted of 12 men and three women from townships across Yangon and Bago regions who cited mistreatment and violence within rebel ranks as reasons for leaving. They reported forced recruitment, internal conflicts, and harsh conditions that prompted their decision to rejoin society under government protection.
Another 21 fighters from Sagaing Region also turned themselves in with weapons and ammunition at a separate ceremony. Officials gave cash payments and food to those who surrendered and encouraged others to contact military posts or police stations. Returnees expressed regret for damage caused...
Two members of the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission visited a women's facility in Yangon on Wednesday to assess living standards and rights protections. U Kyaw Myint and U Than Win examined health care, meals, housing, educational opportunities, and family contact privileges at the Center for Women's Care and Development in Shwepyitha Township. The team checked whether residents received national identification cards, exercise opportunities, clean water, religious freedom, and job training.
The commission will send its observations and suggestions to government agencies for follow-up action under the law that governs the rights body.
Myanmar earned nine percent more from clothing exports between April and September compared with the same months a year earlier. Daw Khaing Khaing Nwe from the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry reported the increase. The garment industry ranks as the nation's leading export earner alongside farm products and contributes substantially to gross domestic product.
Factories produce apparel through cutting, making and packaging arrangements for buyers in European Union nations, Japan, South Korea, the United States and China. The Myanmar Garment Manufacturing Association collaborates with partner organizations to transition from contract manufacturing to fully integrated production operations. Manufacturers...
Myanmar plans to finish highway repairs by the end of the month despite weather challenges. Workers have resurfaced sections of the Yangon-Pathein Highway since mid-October, removing uneven pavement and adding new asphalt layers. The Department of Highways manages repairs from mile marker 56 to Pathein, while a private contractor handles the earlier stretch under a build-operate-transfer agreement.
Crews are patching roads and cutting vegetation along segments that pass through Pantanaw and Kyaunggon townships. Rain has slowed progress on the 113-mile route connecting Yangon to Pathein, providing access to several delta communities. The highway serves as a main artery to Hinthada, Myaungmya, Labutta, and Wakema from the Bo Myat Tun...
Myanmar's military has begun restoration efforts in Hsipaw Township after completing security operations in the northern Shan State region. Troops worked with police, firefighters, and local residents to clean a high school and hospital on Thursday. The government has reopened Basic Education High School No. 1, enrolling 112 students who received textbooks and supplies at no cost from the Education Ministry.
A temporary immigration office has started processing citizenship documents and household records for area residents. Military forces continue to clear mines from government buildings and public spaces across the township. Armed personnel maintain security patrols to support economic activities and protect residents. Officials aim...
The Gambia won election to the Fund Approval Committee of the Fund for the Elimination of Doping in Sport at the tenth session of the Conference of the Parties to the International Convention against Doping in Sport at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. Youth and Sports Minister Bakary Y. Badjie will represent the nation on the six-member panel through 2027. The committee manages global resources dedicated to eliminating performance-enhancing drug use in athletic competition. Geographical balance guides member selection.
The panel reviews funding applications according to conference resolutions and handbook guidelines. Representatives develop advocacy campaigns and recommend resource management approaches. Committee members collaborate with...
Officials gathered on Tuesday to plan the 2025 Banjul Cultural Festival set for December at the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture. The weeklong celebration, which runs from Christmas Eve through New Year's Day, draws both local residents and international visitors who return to experience traditional culture. Minister Abdoulie Jobe led the task force meeting, praising organizers for achieving strong results at the 2024 event while identifying opportunities for enhancement.
Committee members reviewed strategies and divided into working groups to refine plans for the upcoming festival. The celebration features elaborate parades with masked performers from groups across Banjul. National Centre for Arts and Culture Director General...
Women Initiative Gambia completed a tree planting program on Sunday across schools in the Central River Region North. The organization planted 960 trees at upper basic and senior secondary schools through its Reforest the Future initiative. Students received training to monitor tree growth and establish environmental clubs focused on climate protection. The program aims to restore forest coverage while teaching young people about sustainability.
Executive Director Isatou Ceesay said the effort encourages students to care for individual trees and understand environmental stewardship. The trees will provide shade and windbreaks while improving public health conditions. Women Initiative Gambia operates recycling programs that convert...
Real Madrid secured a 1-0 victory against Juventus at Santiago Bernabeu in third-round Champions League group stage action. The Spanish side climbed to fifth place with nine points, while the Italian club remained in 25th position with two points. Thibaut Courtois made several critical saves throughout the contest to preserve his clean sheet against persistent attacking pressure.
Vinicius Junior created the decisive moment in the 58th minute when his shot rebounded off the post for Jude Bellingham to convert. Juventus generated multiple scoring chances but failed to capitalize as Courtois denied Dusan Vlahovic and other attempts. Kylian Mbappe missed a clear opportunity before halftime when the opposing goalkeeper blocked his effort...
