Statement of the International Contact Group for the Great Lakes (ICG) on the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Source: APO


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The ICG reiterates its concerns over the continued conflict in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the impediment that the conflict poses to regional stability and prosperity. The ICG also restates its support for the ongoing international peace efforts facilitated by Qatar, the US, African Union-appointed mediator Faure Gnassingbé, President of the Council of Ministers of the Togolese Republic, the Panel of Facilitators and regional partners.

The ICG welcomes the progress achieved under both the Washington Accords between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, and the Doha Framework Agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23).

The ICG commends the progress made by the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the AFC/M23 on 13-19 April in Montreux, Switzerland, in supporting humanitarian operations and committing to release prisoners and implement the Ceasefire Oversight and Verification Mechanism, supported by the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region and MONUSCO, as stated in the public statement issued at the end of the meeting.

The ICG also welcomes the progress achieved at the 23 April meeting in Washington DC, where the DRC and Rwanda convened the Joint Oversight Committee. The ICG welcomes the expressed commitment by both sides to uphold their engagements under the Washington Accords and recalls the importance of implementing Resolution 2773 of the United Nations Security Council. The ICG recalls the importance of creating conditions for an inclusive inter-Congolese dialogue with all key Congolese stakeholders – a necessary element for durablepeace in the DRC – and welcome the consultations undertaken by the Republic of Angola.

The ICG urges all parties to the conflict to build on this momentum, fulfil their commitments under these and earlier agreements, and remain steadfast in their pursuit of peace through negotiations. The ICG reiterates that there can be no military solution to the conflict.

All parties must protect civilians in line with their obligations under international humanitarian law. The escalating use of drones by various actors, including by state actors, has led to an increasing number of civilian casualties. The ICG condemns violations of international humanitarian law in the strongest terms. There is an urgent need for improved civil-military coordination and liaison mechanisms, notification procedures and pre-identification of humanitarian infrastructure.

Political progress must immediately translate into improvements on the ground. The ceasefire must be respected by all parties, and the humanitarian situation must improve. Humanitarian relief personnel must be allowed safe, rapid and unimpeded access. The ICG calls on all parties to facilitate humanitarian access in line with international humanitarian law, including by working towards the sustained opening of the Goma and Kavumu airports, the establishment of safe humanitarian corridors in North and South Kivu, and simplified administrative procedures. The recent outbreak of Ebola, declared by WHO as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 17 May, and declared by Africa CDC as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security on 18 May, adds to an already fragile humanitarian situation in the eastern DRC. The ICG urges all parties to the conflict to facilitate efforts to respond to the Ebola outbreak. This threat underscores the importance of regional cooperation to address common challenges.

In line with the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the region, the ICG will continue to support regional partners in addressing the drivers of the conflict and support lasting peace and shared prosperity in the Great Lakes region. Inclusive governance, accountability and the safeguarding of rights are essential for long-term stability, helping to address grievances and break cycles of instability.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Call to vaccinate as 3.5 million FMD vaccine doses arrive

Source: Government of South Africa

Call to vaccinate as 3.5 million FMD vaccine doses arrive

With the arrival of the first batch of a 3.5 million-dose consignment of Biogénesis Bagó Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccines, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has called on all provincial departments to prioritise vaccinating as many animals as possible over the coming weeks.

The remainder of the record-breaking shipment from Argentina is already en route and is expected to arrive during the week.

“This is the largest single consignment of FMD vaccines ever imported into South Africa. Provinces must now move with speed and urgency to scale up frontline vaccination efforts and protect our national herd of approximately 14 million cattle,” the Minister said on Sunday.

South Africa has successfully secured and imported a total of 13.5 million vaccine doses before the end of May 2026, including the 3.5 million doses that arrived on Sunday.

“The acquisition of 13.5 million doses in just four months demonstrates the seriousness with which we are confronting this disease,” Steenhuisen said.

The rollout forms part of the Department of Agriculture’s broader strategy to achieve and maintain “FMD free with vaccination” status, while safeguarding rural livelihoods, food security and agricultural exports.

“If we maintain this disciplined and aggressive trajectory, and ensure these vaccines are administered rapidly and effectively, we can ensure that South Africa never again experiences outbreaks on this scale. But the government cannot do this alone. 

“Every livestock owner has a responsibility to protect their animals through strict biosecurity measures, compliance with movement controls, and full participation in vaccination and identification programmes,” he said.

The Minister emphasised that defeating FMD requires a unified national effort across government, industry and farming communities.

“This is a moment that demands partnership and collective action. Commercial farmers, communal farmers, veterinarians, industry bodies and government all have a role to play if we are to defeat this disease and secure the future of our livestock sector.

“The stakes could not be higher. This is about protecting jobs, defending rural economies, safeguarding food security, and protecting the national interest,” Steenhuisen said.

To support the accelerated vaccination campaign, more Animal Health Technicians will be appointed and deployed across affected provinces to strengthen the frontline operations and expand vaccination capacity. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Holds Phone Call With Kuwaiti Foreign Minister

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, May 24, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani held a phone call on Sunday with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the sisterly State of Kuwait Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah. 

During the phone call, they discussed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and enhance them, in addition to Pakistan’s mediation efforts between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran. 

The phone call also addressed coordination efforts to support mediation aimed at reducing escalation, in a way that contributes to promoting security and stability in the region. 

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed the importance of supporting the ongoing mediation efforts to reach a sustainable peace agreement.

16 Arab Islamic Countries Condemn Somaliland’s Opening of Purported Embassy in Jerusalem

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha – May 24, 2026

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Republic of Türkiye, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Republic of Indonesia, the Republic of Djibouti, the Federal Republic of Somalia, the State of Palestine, the Sultanate of Oman, the Republic of the Sudan, the Republic of Yemen, and the Lebanese Republic condemn in the strongest terms the illegal and unacceptable step taken by the so-called “Somaliland” region in opening a purported “embassy” in occupied Jerusalem. This constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and relevant international resolutions, and represents a direct infringement on the legal and historical status of occupied Jerusalem.

The Ministers reaffirm their categorical rejection of any unilateral measures aimed at entrenching an illegal reality in occupied Jerusalem or conferring legitimacy on any entities or arrangements that contravene international law and relevant United Nations resolutions. They reiterate that East Jerusalem has been occupied Palestinian territory since 1967, and that any measures intended to alter its legal and historical status are null and void and without legal effect.

The Ministers further emphasize their full support for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, and their unequivocal rejection of any unilateral measures that undermine the unity of Somali territory or infringe upon its sovereignty.

SADC sets regional roadmap for resilience amid global geopolitical shocks

Source: Government of South Africa

SADC sets regional roadmap for resilience amid global geopolitical shocks

Southern African Development Community (SADC) Foreign Ministers have committed to a coordinated regional response aimed at strengthening economic resilience and shielding member states from escalating global geopolitical and economic disruptions.

This follows the SADC Ministers of Foreign Affairs Retreat held from 22 to 24 May 2026 in Skukuza in the Kruger National Park, where ministers assessed the impact of intensifying global tensions on trade, energy, food security and financial systems.

The retreat was convened in line with a decision taken at the SADC Council of Ministers meeting in March 2026, also held in South Africa, to reflect on evolving geopolitical developments and their implications for the region.

Delivering the outcome statement, South Africa’s International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Minister Ronald Lamola said ministers had noted the growing risks posed by global instability, including the ongoing Middle East conflict, climate-related pressures, and disruptions to global supply chains.

“Ministers underscored the impact of intensifying geopolitical rivalry, including the current Middle-East conflict, climate-related pressures, and disruptions to global trade, energy, tourism, and financial systems, and noted that these factors are driving higher food and fuel prices, exchange-rate volatility, and increasing risks to food and energy security across Member States,” the statement read.

Ministers further reaffirmed their commitment to collective action to strengthen regional integration, enhance policy coherence and advance sustainable development across SADC member states.

They also committed to strengthening regional institutions and coordinated diplomacy to ensure a more unified SADC voice in global engagements.

The retreat deliberated on five key thematic areas, including financing regional integration, investment, public debt management and domestic revenue mobilisation; industrialisation, value chains and trade; infrastructure, transport and logistics; free movement of people, goods and services; energy, oil and gas; and agriculture and food security.

According to the outcome statement, ministers identified priority measures for collective action aimed at accelerating regional cooperation and implementation across these sectors.

“Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening regional solidarity, enhancing policy coherence, strengthening regional institutions, and deepening cooperation in order to build a more resilient, self-sustaining, and competitive SADC region,” the statement said.

They further agreed that the outcomes of the retreat should serve as a practical roadmap to strengthen accountability, coordination and implementation across member states.

The retreat also recommitted the region to advancing SADC Vision 2050, which sets out a long-term aspiration for a common future characterised by economic well-being, improved living standards, social justice, peace and security. 

“The Retreat concluded with a renewed commitment to advancing the SADC Vision 2050, which envisions a Common Future within a regional community that ensures economic well-being, improved standards of living and quality of life, freedom, social justice, and peace and security for the people of Southern Africa,” the statement read.

The meeting concluded in Skukuza against the backdrop of the Kruger National Park’s vast wilderness, with ministers leaving the retreat having adopted what is expected to guide the region’s collective response to global uncertainty in the years ahead. – SAnews.gov.za

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Riposte à Ebola : la Mission de l’Organisation des Nations Unies pour la stabilisation en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO) remet des véhicules à Organisation mondiale de la santé (OMS) pour renforcer la mobilité des équipes en Ituri

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


La Mission de l’Organisation des Nations Unies pour la stabilisation en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO) a remis vendredi 22 mai 2026 un premier lot d’engins roulants à l’Organisation mondiale de la santé (OMS) à sa base logistique de Bunia, dans la province de l’Ituri. Ces engins vont servir pour la mobilité des équipes engagées dans la riposte contre l’épidémie d’Ebola.

Ce lot comprend cinq motos, deux ambulances et deux véhicules tout-terrain, destinés à améliorer la mobilité des équipes de riposte, en particulier dans les zones difficiles d’accès en raison du mauvais état des routes ou de l’insécurité. Au total, la MONUSCO prévoit de mettre à disposition quatre ambulances, deux véhicules blindés, huit motos et deux véhicules 4×4 pour soutenir la riposte à Ebola à travers l’OMS.

« La Mission appuie la riposte à plusieurs niveaux, notamment sur le plan logistique, à travers le transport de matériels et d’équipements médicaux », a déclaré Jean‑Jacques Lopez, chef de bureau par intérim de la MONUSCO à Bunia, ajoutant :

« Nous avons déjà facilité l’acheminement de plusieurs tonnes de fournitures médicales depuis Nairobi et Kinshasa vers Bunia, et cet appui se poursuivra jusqu’à l’endiguement de l’épidémie. Cet effort nécessite l’implication de tous les acteurs, en particulier des communautés locales. »

Le représentant de l’OMS à la cérémonie, le docteur Richard Fotsing, a salué cet appui opportun, soulignant l’extension de l’épidémie qui touche désormais trois provinces — l’Ituri, le Nord-Kivu et le Sud-Kivu — ainsi que six zones de santé en Ituri.

« Ces moyens roulants arrivent à un moment crucial, car nous avons besoin de capacités logistiques accrues pour atteindre les populations affectées et fournir des services essentiels », a-t-il fait savoir, insistant sur l’importance d’une action collective pour prévenir toute propagation supplémentaire, y compris au-delà des frontières.

« Nos efforts communs permettront que d’autre pays ne soient pas affectés ; c’est pour cela que la réponse à cette épidémie demande les efforts et la contribution de tout le monde et à tous les niveaux », a déclaré le docteur Richard Fotsing, louant au passage « le leadership du gouvernement provincial …qui facilite beaucoup de choses ».

Déclarée le 16 mai 2026 en Ituri, l’épidémie d’Ebola continue de se propager, en raison de certains obstacles, notamment l’insécurité, les capacités limitées de prise en charge et certaines résistances communautaires liées aux pratiques culturelles et religieuses.

En réponse à cette propagation de l’épidémie, les autorités provinciales ont annoncé ce vendredi 22 mai 2026 une série de mesures aussi restrictives qu’obligatoires : restriction des rassemblements publics, suspension des activités sportives locales et installation obligatoire de dispositifs de lavage des mains dans les lieux publics… Alors que l’OMS a déclaré le même jour le risque de contamination à « très élevé » en RDC.

À travers cet appui, la MONUSCO réaffirme son engagement à travailler aux côtés des autorités nationales et de ses partenaires pour contenir l’épidémie et protéger les populations.

Distribué par APO Group pour Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).

Programme d’appui au secteur vivrier/ UE-Côte d’Ivoire: d’importantes avancées enregistrées

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le coordonnateur national de la Cellule de Coordination de la Coopération Côte d’Ivoire–Union européenne (CCC CI-UE), semon Bamba, s’est félicité, le vendredi 22 mai 2026 à Abidjan-Cocody, des résultats de la mise en œuvre des projets du Programme d’Appui au Système Alimentaire Durable (PASAD) et du Programme d’Appui au Secteur vivrier en Côte d’Ivoire (PASV-CI).

Le bilan de ces deux projets a été présenté au cours de la troisième réunion conjointe du Comité de Coordination, de Suivi et d’Orientation des projets du PASAD et du Comité de Pilotage du PASV-CI organisée par la Cellule de Coordination de la Coopération Côte d’Ivoire–Union européenne (CCC CI-UE), avec l’appui de l’Union européenne et des différents partenaires techniques.

Au nombre des acquis, Semon Bamba a noté l’augmentation des capacités de production d’attiéké de +300 à 600%.

Selon lui, les deux premières années de la mise en œuvre du Programme d’appui au système alimentaire durable ont permis l’identification des bénéficiaires et la mise en place de parcelles expérimentales dédiées à l’utilisation de produits agroécologiques sur de petites superficies.

On enregistre également l’augmentation de la production vivrière avec la distribution de semences et l’accompagnement techniques pour emblaver plus de 300 ha pour la production de manioc, de maraîcher et de bananes plantains, l’amélioration de la gouvernance de la filière manioc avec la mise en place de l’Organisation Interprofessionnelle de la filière manioc.

Le coordonnateur national a salué l’amélioration de l’environnement de la commercialization des produits vivriers avec l’appui au fonctionnement de sept marchés de proximités construits par l’Office d’aide à la Commercialisation des Produits Vivriers (OCPV),  et l’amélioration de la digitalisation de la commercialisation des produits vivriers avec la version 2.0 de l’E-grenier qui est une application mise en place par l’OCPV appuyé par le projet SAFAF (Sécurité alimentaire de la Fourche à la Fourchette.

Il faut noter que depuis juin 2022, la Côte d’Ivoire bénéficie d’un appui financier de l’UE d’un montant de 10 millions d’euros, destiné à renforcer la résilience et la durabilité de son système alimentaire national.

Ce financement s’inscrit dans la continuité du PASV-CI, traduisant une volonté commune de consolider les acquis et d’amplifier les actions en faveur des filières vivrières. La mise en œuvre du PASV-CI a pris fin en novembre 2025 avec d’excellents résultats acquis

Distribué par APO Group pour Portail Officiel du Gouvernement de Côte d’Ivoire.

Eritrea: Messages of Congratulations

Source: APO


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Leaders of the Republic of Croatia, the Swiss Confederation, the Republic of Singapore, and Palestine have sent messages of congratulations to the people and Government of Eritrea on the occasion of the 35th Independence Day anniversary.

In their messages, President Zoran Milanovic of the Republic of Croatia, President Guy Parmelin of the Swiss Confederation, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam of the Republic of Singapore, and President Mahmoud Abbas of Palestine conveyed their best wishes for good health to President Isaias Afwerki, as well as peace and prosperity to the Eritrean people.

They also expressed their countries’ readiness to enhance friendship and cooperation with Eritrea.

President Guy Parmelin of the Swiss Confederation said that the good relations between the Swiss Confederation and Eritrea, based on trust and mutual respect, enable the two countries to tackle challenges together and provide a solid basis for continued cooperation in areas of common interest.

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

Western Cape pushes ahead with recovery efforts following severe weather

Source: Government of South Africa

Western Cape pushes ahead with recovery efforts following severe weather

Recovery and mop-up operations are continuing across the Western Cape following severe weather incidents that caused widespread damage to infrastructure, disrupted electricity supply and affected hundreds of roads across the province.

The recent weather events have officially been classified as disasters, highlighting the extent of the impact on communities, infrastructure and service delivery.

Providing an update on ongoing recovery operations, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde acknowledged the frustrations experienced by residents as efforts continue to restore services.

“We understand the frustration many residents are feeling. It has been an exceptionally difficult time and we, along with all role players, apologise for any inconvenience. We thank residents for their patience. Officials have been working tirelessly under extremely difficult conditions to restore power and other critical services as quickly and safely as possible,” Winde said. 

According to the provincial government, Eskom has restored electricity to 80% of affected customers.

However, restoration efforts have been hampered by difficult terrain, vandalism and cable theft.

The Western Cape Government strongly condemned acts of vandalism and theft, saying they continue to aggravate the situation. 

In the Cape Winelands District, repairs to the main power line between Boskloof and Romansrivier are progressing, while teams are also attending to faults in Chavonnes, Hexrivier, Rawsonville and Witzenberg.

In the Cederberg area, repair teams are replacing and restringing damaged poles and conductors in Citrusdal. Work in Algeria is expected to begin once repairs in Citrusdal and Lutzville have been completed.

Several areas in the Garden Route District, including Blanco farms and Harkerville, also remain without electricity as restoration efforts continue.

Construction work in Lutzville in the Matzikama region is progressing, while recovery operations are ongoing in Elgin, Papiesvlei and Stanford in the Overberg region.

The province said about 400 roads were affected by the storms, with more than 60% already repaired and reopened.

Humanitarian relief efforts have also intensified across affected communities.

Non-governmental organisations funded by the Western Cape Department of Social Development are working with relief organisations and government entities to provide meals, blankets, mattresses, water, baby packs and clothing to affected residents.

On Friday, Winde visited the Mustadafin Foundation in Cape Town, where volunteers have been distributing warm meals and disaster relief packs.

“The work this foundation and others do is inspiring. Thank you for your selflessness,” the Premier said during the visit.

Winde also visited the National Sea Rescue Institute Volunteer Support Centre in Cape Town, commending rescue personnel involved in search and rescue operations during and after the storms.

“These brave women and men think little of giving their time and expertise, often risking their own safety to help others. You are truly extraordinary,” the Premier said.

The Provincial Disaster Management Centre continues to coordinate the province’s disaster response and recovery operations. – SAnews.gov.za

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Banque Africaine de Développement (BAD) – Assemblée Annuelles 2026 : Diffusion intégrale et en direct sur Africa 24

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Groupe Africa24 (https://Africa24TV.com) vous fait vivre en intégralité et en direct,  du 25 au 29 mai 2026, à Brazzaville la 61ème Assemblée du Conseil des gouverneurs de la Banque Africaine de Développement et la 52ème Assemblée du Fonds africain de développement, principal événement statutaire annuel du Groupe de la BAD

Le Centre International de Kintélé, va accueillir plus de 3 000 participants : chefs d’État et de gouvernement, ministres des Finances et du Plan, les délégués des 81 pays membres de la BAD, les gouverneurs de banques centrales, acteurs du secteur privé, institutions financières internationales, philanthropes, société civile, universitaires et médias.

Les Assemblées annuelles 2026 sont les premières pour Dr Sidi Ould Tah, qui a pris ses fonctions en tant que neuvième président du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement en septembre 2025. L’un des premiers résultats majeurs sous sa direction est la dix-septième reconstitution des ressources du Fonds africain de développement (FAD-17), qui a eu lieu en décembre 2025 à Londres et a mobilisé un montant record de 11 milliards de dollars.

Placés sous le thème « Mobiliser des ressources à grande échelle pour le financement du développement de l’Afrique dans un monde fragmenté », les travaux ambitionnent d’élaborer une architecture financière innovante pour l’Afrique face aux mutations géopolitiques.

« Mobiliser les ressources à grande échelle pour le financement du développement de l’Afrique dans un monde fragmenté ».

l’Afrique a besoin de financements à long terme pour l’énergie, la sécurité alimentaire, l’adaptation au changement climatique, les infrastructures et la création d’emplois pour une population croissante et inquiète. En outre, le déficit de financement du développement du continent s’élève à 400 milliards de dollars par an. l’Afrique détient environ 4 000 milliards de dollars d’épargne dans des fonds de pension, des fonds souverains, ainsi que d’autres mécanismes d’épargne similaires ; Dans le cadre de la Nouvelle architecture financière africaine pour le développement (NAFAD), portée par le président Ould Tah, ces ressources seront mobilisées projets investissables ayant un impact socio-économique.

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Distribué par APO Group pour AFRICA24 Group.

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