Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Meets US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs

Source: Government of Qatar

Washington, June 28, 2025

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi met in Washington, with HE Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs of the United States of America, Allison Hooker on the sidelines of the signing ceremony of the peace agreement between the Republic of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

During the meeting, they reviewed the close strategic relations between the State of Qatar and the US, ways to support and strengthen them, and the joint efforts that resulted in the peace agreement between Rwanda and the DRC, and the ceasefire agreement between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Israel.

The two sides also discussed the latest developments in the Gaza Strip, the occupied Palestinian territories, Lebanon, and Syria, in addition to a host of topics of mutual interest.

During the meeting, HE the US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs expressed her country’s appreciation for the role played by the State of Qatar in mediation and conflict resolution, and its continuous efforts to support regional and international stability through peaceful and diplomatic means.

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South Sudan’s Minister of Mines to Showcase E&P Prospects at African Mining Week (AMW) 2025

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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Martin Gama Abucha, Minister of Mines of South Sudan, has joined the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference as a speaker. Minister Abucha will take part in the Ministerial Forum, where he will share insight into South Sudan’s policy frameworks, investment incentives and infrastructure plans aimed at unlocking the full potential of the country’s mining sector. 

As South Sudan seeks to increase mining investments and drive projects forward, AMW provides an ideal platform for Minister Abucha to outline the country’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with global public and private stakeholders to build a robust and competitive mining value chain. As the premier gathering for mining stakeholders in Africa, the event connects global financiers and project developers with African mining opportunities, facilitating collaboration and deal-signing. Insights shared by Minister Abucha will support future deals. 

African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Under Minister Abucha’s leadership, South Sudan’s Ministry of Mines has been accelerating geological mapping to identify exploration hotspots and reduce investment risk. In April 2025, the Ministry hosted a delegation from Qatar, including government officials and mining investors, to discuss opportunities in seismic studies, gold refining and the extraction of lead and critical minerals. The meeting follows Qatari firms such as United Gold investing across South Sudan to establish gold marketing stations. The stations aim to formalize artisanal mining by integrating informal production into the formal economy. 

Collaborations are also underway with South Africa to leverage the country’s mining expertise, investment portfolio and technology to better understand South Sudan’s mineral landscape. Other partnerships include with Russia’s ROSGEO, the U.S.-based REE-Magnesium and Canada’s CVMR to map the country’s mineral resources and better understand the geology. In November 2024, South Sudan’s national oil company Nilepet announced the discovery of critical minerals following a geological survey conducted in the first half of 2024 and revealed plans to establish a national mining company to support sector growth. 

Amid these developments, AMW 2025 offers a timely opportunity for Minister Abucha to engage with global geoscience firms, mining investors and African stakeholders to forge new partnerships and strengthen existing collaborations. AMW 2025 panel discussions and project showcases will position South Sudan as an emerging mining destination on the continent. 

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Deputy President Mashatile takes the Clean Cities and Towns service delivery programme to Free State Province

Source: President of South Africa –

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Tuesday, 01 July 2025, lead the Clean Cities and Towns integrated service delivery programme in the Matjhabeng Local Municipality near Welkom, in the Free State Province.

Launched last month in Gauteng, the Clean Cities and Towns campaign is a nationwide initiative aimed at fostering cleaner, greener, and more inclusive urban and rural spaces, while encouraging citizens to come together for community cleaning activities throughout townships and villages. 

It is envisaged that the service delivery initiative will not only promote cleaner surroundings but also cultivate a sense of community spirit, volunteerism and pride among residents.

Additionally, the campaign also builds on the Deputy President’s commitments made at the SALGA Lekgotla earlier in the year to address both environmental and socio-economic challenges faced by municipalities as part of a broader service delivery drive by Government within the context of the District Development Model.

As part of his visit to the Matjhabeng Municipality, Deputy President Mashatile will embark on a guided tour of the Renergen Tetra4 Facility. The visit aims to provide him with first-hand insight into the operations of the Helium Gas Plant and its contribution to the local and national economy.

The Deputy President will interact with both workers and management of the facility.

The second leg of the Deputy President’s visit will take place at the Thabong Water Treatment Plant, where he will assess the project’s progress toward completion. The plant is vital in improving sanitation services for communities in Thabong East, Thabong Central, Riebeeckstad, and Bronville.

On the last leg of this Integrated Service Delivery and Cleaning campaign, the Deputy President will join members of the community in a number of activities including pitching potholes, road marking and other cleaning services in the Matjhabeng Local Municipality.

Deputy President Mashatile will be joined in the Clean Cities and Towns Campaign by the Premier of Free State Province, Mme Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae; Representatives of Provincial and Local Government; Executive Mayor of Matjhabeng Local Municipality, Cllr Thanduxolo Khalipha, Executive Mayor of Lejweleputswa District Municipality, Cllr. Veronica Ntakumbana and senior government officials.

Details of the campaign are as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 01 July 2025
Time: 09h30 (Media to arrive 09h00)
Venue: Matjhabeng Local Municipality Main Building, Matjhabeng, Free State Province.

Media wishing to cover the service delivery programme must please RSVP with Mr Tshediso Tlali (Matjhabeng Municipality) on 072 133 4424 or Bongani Majola (Presidency) on 082 339 1993.

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 8840

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Cassava Technologies partners with the South African Artificial Intelligence Association to boost local access to Artificial Intelligence (AI) compute services

Cassava Technologies (https://www.CassavaTechnologies.com), a global technology leader of African heritage, is pleased to announce that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the South African AI Association (SAAIA), an industry body focused on growing responsible AI adoption, to deliver artificial intelligence (AI) solutions and GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaas) across the African continent.  

In terms of the agreement, SAAIA’s more than 3,000 AI practitioners, comprising entrepreneurs, researchers, and members of the wider business community in South Africa, will have access to Cassava’s data centre GPUs to develop and deploy local AI solutions and initiatives. The two organisations will also collaborate on initiatives aimed at supporting the regional and broader African AI ecosystem.

“We are proud to partner with SAAIA to support the growth of Africa’s AI ecosystem. By extending our advanced AI infrastructure and capabilities to SAAIA’s growing community of AI professionals, we’re enabling greater access to the compute power required to build, test, and scale innovative local solutions. We believe this partnership will deliver meaningful value to both organisations and, more importantly, to the business and research communities driving AI development on the continent,” said Ziaad Suleman, CEO of Cassava Technologies South Africa and Botswana.

As South Africa’s leading AI ecosystem builder, the South African Artificial Intelligence Association is focused on promoting the advancement of responsible AI in the country by uniting thousands of AI practitioners across the commercial, government, academic, startup, and NGO sectors. SAAIA also hosts the largest AI event in Africa, AI Expo Africa, and serves as a driving force behind trade and investment in the continent’s rapidly expanding smart technology segment.

“SAAIA is pleased to be partnering with Cassava Technologies in strengthening AI in South Africa.  Supporting local AI entrepreneurs is a key pillar of SAAIA, and access to GPU-as-a-Service is a key enabler to growing the emerging AI startup ecosystem,” said SAAIA Founder and Chairman, Dr Nick Bradshaw. 

Cassava’s collaboration with SAAIA reinforces its commitment to providing world-class digital solutions and advancing responsible AI adoption, innovation, and growth in Africa. It follows Cassava’s recent announcement of plans to build Africa’s first AI factory, providing local businesses, governments, and researchers with access to cutting-edge AI computing capacity. This aligns with Cassava’s vision of being the leading digital solutions provider in its chosen markets, empowering Africans to thrive in the digital economy. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Cassava Technologies.

About Cassava Technologies:
Cassava Technologies is a global technology leader of African heritage providing a vertically integrated ecosystem of digital services and infrastructure enabling digital transformation. Headquartered in the UK, Cassava has a presence across Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and the United States of America. Through its business units, namely, Cassava AI, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Liquid C2, Africa Data Centres, and Sasai Fintech, the company provides its customers’ products and services in 94 countries. These solutions drive the company’s ambition of establishing itself as a leading global technology company of African heritage. https://www.CassavaTechnologies.com/ 

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La Banque Ouest-Africaine de Développement (BOAD) obtient la certification professionnelle l’Institut Français de l’Audit et du Contrôle Internes (IFACI) pour l’Audit Interne, une première dans l’univers des Banques Multilatérales de Développement

La Banque Ouest-Africaine de Développement (BOAD) (www.BOAD.org) franchit une étape majeure dans le renforcement de sa gouvernance en obtenant la certification professionnelle de l’Institut Français de l’Audit et du Contrôle Internes (IFACI) pour l’Audit Interne.

Cette reconnaissance, matérialisée par le certificat N° IFACI/2025/0227r, délivré le 27 février 2025, est valable jusqu’au 26 février 2028.

Elle atteste de la maturité organisationnelle de l’Audit Interne de la BOAD et de sa capacité à apporter une valeur ajoutée concrète à la performance globale et à la gouvernance de l’institution. Elle vient également renforcer la crédibilité de la Banque auprès de ses partenaires techniques et financiers, en confirmant sa volonté de se conformer aux standards internationaux les plus élevés.

La BOAD devient ainsi la première Institution Financière Multilatérale de Développement à obtenir cette certification internationale, marquant son leadership dans l’adoption des meilleures pratiques internationales en matière d’audit interne.

Le Président de la BOAD, Monsieur Serge EKUE, tout en saluant cette avancée et exprimant ses félicitations à l’équipe d’Audit Interne ainsi qu’à l’ensemble du personnel de la Banque pour leur engagement et leur professionnalisme, il a réaffirmé l’attachement de l’institution à ses valeurs fondamentales : intégrité, agilité, collaboration, responsabilité sociale, excellence et professionnalisme.

Pour Monsieur EKUE, « l’obtention de ce label de qualité est un marqueur important de la maturité de notre Audit Interne et de sa capacité à être une source de véritable valeur ajoutée pour la gouvernance et la performance globale de notre Banque ».  

Cette distinction s’inscrit pleinement dans la dynamique du plan stratégique DJOLIBA, dont la mise en œuvre vise à positionner la BOAD comme un acteur de référence du développement durable en Afrique de l’Ouest.

Distribué par APO Group pour Banque Ouest Africaine de Développement (BOAD).

Pour plus d’informations :
Département de la Communication et des Relations Publiques
Tel : + 228 22 23 25 65
WhatsApp : +228 99 99 32 15
Fax : + 228 22 23 24 38
Email : boadsiege@boad.org

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La Chambre des mines de Guinée et le groupe Critical Minerals Africa signent un protocole d’accord historique pour stimuler les investissements étrangers et accélérer le secteur des minéraux critiques en Guinée

La Chambre des Mines de Guinée et Critical Minerals Africa Group (www.CMAGAfrica.com) ont annoncé aujourd’hui la signature d’un protocole d’accord novateur visant à favoriser un partenariat stratégique, à attirer des investissements et à exploiter l’immense potentiel du secteur guinéen des minéraux critiques. Cette alliance marque une étape importante dans le parcours de la Guinée pour devenir un acteur clé de l’industrialisation de l’Afrique et des chaînes d’approvisionnement mondiales en minéraux critiques.

Ce protocole d’accord souligne un engagement commun en faveur du développement des vastes gisements de bauxite et d’or de la Guinée et, surtout, de ses riches réserves de minéraux critiques tels que le lithium, le cobalt et les terres rares. En collaborant, les deux organisations visent à simplifier les processus d’investissement, à promouvoir des pratiques minières responsables et à dynamiser le développement des infrastructures pour soutenir une croissance durable.

Le secteur minier critique de la Guinée est promis à une croissance exponentielle, porté par la demande mondiale de véhicules électriques, de technologies d’énergie renouvelable et d’électronique de pointe. La situation stratégique du pays, ses abondantes ressources naturelles et le soutien de son gouvernement en font un pôle essentiel de l’industrialisation de l’Afrique.

L’un des projets phares qui alimentent cette dynamique est le gisement de fer de Simandou et ses gisements associés. La chaîne de Simandou est réputée pour ses vastes réserves de minerai de fer à haute teneur, essentiel à la production d’acier dans le monde entier. Son développement devrait dynamiser considérablement l’économie guinéenne et positionner le pays comme un fournisseur clé sur les marchés mondiaux.

« Ce partenariat avec Critical Minerals Africa Group témoigne de l’engagement de la Guinée à devenir une puissance industrielle. Nos abondantes ressources naturelles, notamment en minéraux critiques, sont essentielles à la transition mondiale vers une énergie propre. En favorisant les investissements stratégiques et les pratiques minières responsables, nous libérons le potentiel de transformation des richesses minérales de la Guinée », a déclaré Ismaël Diakite, président du conseil d’administration de la Chambre des mines de Guinée.

« La Guinée est à l’avant-garde de la révolution minière en Afrique. Ses riches gisements de minéraux critiques, associés à sa situation stratégique et à ses politiques de soutien, en font un pôle idéal pour le développement industriel du continent. Cette alliance accélérera les investissements, créera des emplois et soutiendra une croissance durable », a déclaré Veronica Bolton Smith, PDG de Critical Minerals Africa Group.

Économie à la croissance la plus rapide d’Afrique, la Guinée offre un environnement attractif aux investisseurs souhaitant exploiter les richesses minières du continent. Le gouvernement a donné la priorité au développement des infrastructures, aux réformes politiques et à la coopération régionale, faisant de la Guinée un pôle d’attraction pour les investissements directs étrangers.

Distribué par APO Group pour Critical Minerals Africa Group (CMAG).

Demandes des médias :
Halla Abdulla
Responsable des médias,
The Critical Minerals Africa Group
Courriel : info@cmagafrica.com

À propos de la Chambre des mines de Guinée :
La Chambre des Mines de Guinée est la première association industrielle représentant les sociétés minières et promouvant le développement minier durable en Guinée.

À propos du Groupe Critical Minerals Africa (CMAG) :
Le Critical Minerals Africa Group est un groupe de défense qui vise à renforcer les relations entre l’Afrique et les marchés mondiaux et à placer l’Afrique au cœur des discussions internationales sur les minéraux critiques et les chaînes d’approvisionnement associées. Le CMAG vise à favoriser la création de chaînes d’approvisionnement en minéraux critiques résilientes et diversifiées, bénéfiques pour les communautés où ils sont extraits, ainsi qu’à accélérer le développement économique grâce à la création d’activités à valeur ajoutée.

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The West African Development Bank (BOAD) achieves French Institute of Audit and Internal Control (IFACI) Professional Certification for Internal Audit — A first among Multilateral Development Banks

The West African Development Bank (BOAD) (www.BOAD.org) has achieved a major milestone in strengthening its governance by securing professional certification for its Internal Audit function from the French Institute of Audit and Internal Control (IFACI).

This certification, formalized under Certificate No. IFACI/2025/0227r, issued on February 27, 2025 and valid through February 28, 2028, attests to the organizational maturity of BOAD’s Internal Audit function and its ability to deliver tangible value to the Bank’s overall performance and governance. It also reinforces BOAD’s credibility with its technical and financial partners by demonstrating the Bank’s commitment to upholding the highest international standards.

With this achievement, BOAD becomes the first Multilateral Development Bank to receive this international certification, underscoring its leadership in adopting international best practices in internal audit.

Mr. Serge Ekue, President of BOAD, welcomed this accomplishment and extended his congratulations to the Internal Audit team and all Bank staff for their dedication and professionalism. He reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to its core values: integrity, agility, collaboration, social responsibility, excellence, and professionalism.

“Securing this quality certification is a key milestone in the maturity of our Internal Audit function and its ability to act as a true driver of added value for the Bank’s governance and overall performance,” declared Mr. Ekue.

This achievement is fully aligned with the objectives of BOAD’s Strategic Plan DJOLIBA, which seeks to position the Bank as a leading institution in sustainable development across West Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Banque Ouest Africaine de Développement (BOAD).

For further information:
Communication and Public Relations Department
Tel: + 228 22 23 25 65
WhatsApp : +228 99 99 32 15
Fax: + 228 22 23 24 38
Email: boadsiege@boad.org

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Guinea Chamber of Mines and Critical Minerals Africa Group Sign Landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to Boost Inward Investment and Accelerate Guinea’s Critical Minerals Sector

The Guinea Chamber of Mines and Critical Minerals Africa Group (www.CMAGAfrica.com) have today announced the signing of a ground-breaking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at fostering strategic partnership, attracting investment, and unlocking the immense potential of Guinea’s critical minerals sector. This alliance marks a significant milestone in Guinea’s journey to becoming a key player in Africa’s industrialisation and global supply chains for critical minerals.

The MOU underscores a shared commitment to developing Guinea’s vast deposits of bauxite, gold, and, most notably, its rich reserves of critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements. By working together, the two organizations aim to streamline investment processes, promote responsible mining practices, and catalyse infrastructural development to support sustainable growth.

Guinea’s critical minerals sector is poised for exponential growth, driven by global demand for electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, and advanced electronics. The country’s strategic location, abundant natural resources, and government support position it as a pivotal hub for Africa’s industrialization.

One of the standout projects fuelling this momentum is the Simandou iron ore and associated mineral deposits. The Simandou Range is renowned for its vast reserves of high-grade iron ore, which is essential for steel production worldwide. Its development is expected to significantly boost Guinea’s economy and position the country as a key supplier in global markets.

“This partnership with Critical Minerals Africa Group is a testament to Guinea’s commitment to becoming an industrial powerhouse. Our abundant natural resources, particularly in critical minerals, are vital to the global transition to clean energy. By fostering strategic investments and responsible mining practices, we are unlocking the transformative potential of Guinea’s mineral wealth,” Ismaël Diakite, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Guinea Chamber of Mines.

“Guinea is at the forefront of Africa’s mining revolution. Guinea’s rich deposits of critical minerals, coupled with the country’s strategic location and supportive policies, make it an ideal hub for industrial development on the continent. This alliance will accelerate investments, create jobs, and support sustainable growth,” stated Veronica Bolton Smith, CEO of The Critical Minerals Africa Group.

As Africa’s fastest-growing economy, Guinea offers an attractive landscape for investors seeking to tap into the continent’s mineral wealth. The country’s government has prioritized infrastructure development, policy reforms, and regional cooperation, making Guinea a magnet for foreign direct investment.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Critical Minerals Africa Group (CMAG).

Media Enquiries:
Halla Abdulla
Media Manager, The Critical Minerals Africa Group
Email: info@cmagafrica.com

About the Guinea Chamber of Mines:
The Guinea Chamber of Mines is the premier industry association representing mining companies and promoting sustainable mining development in Guinea.

About The Critical Minerals Africa Group (CMAG):
The Critical Minerals Africa Group is an advocacy group that seeks to foster deeper relationships between Africa and global markets and put Africa at the heart of international discussions surrounding critical minerals and associated supply chains. CMAG aims to enable the creation of resilient and diversified critical minerals supply chains that benefit the communities in which they are extracted, as well as to accelerate economic development through the capture of value-adding activities.

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Bénin – Clap de fin de la 5ème édition du Championnat National Scolaire : La détection des talents au cœur de la vision du Président Patrice TALON


Le samedi 28 juin 2025 marquait la dernière journée du Championnat National Scolaire 2025, clôturant ainsi des compétitions riches en intensité, en rebondissements et en engagement, sous le regard attentif du Ministre des Sports, Monsieur Benoît DATO. 

Démarrée le 21 juin 2025, la compétition s’est achevée dans une ambiance festive devant une foule enthousiaste et des officiels de haut rang. La cérémonie a été rehaussée par la présence du Ministre d’État Abdoulaye BIO TCHANÉ. Des figures emblématiques inspirantes du sport béninois, telles que Stéphane SÈSSÈGNON, Mickäel POTÉ, Mohamed AOUDOU, Isabelle YACOUBOU et Ian MAHINMI, ont également illuminé les rencontres de leur présence. 

La cuvée 2025 a mis en lumière les talents sportifs, offrant l’occasion de révéler des potentiels et de susciter des vocations. Cet évènement s’inscrit dans la vision du Président Patrice TALON et de son gouvernement, qui mettent un point d’honneur à encourager le développement sportif et à offrir des opportunités aux jeunes talents. 

Les discours des officiels ont souligné l’importance de cet évènement non seulement sur le plan sportif, mais aussi en tant que vecteur de cohésion sociale et d’inclusion. Sur le terrain, les équipes ont rivalisé d’ardeur et de talent, offrant aux spectateurs des matchs palpitants et riches en émotions. Ces jeunes athlètes ont démontré un niveau de jeu exceptionnel, captivant l’attention des spectateurs et des médias. 

Au terme des compétitions, les lauréats ont été honorés. Des médailles d’Or, d’Argent et de Bronze ont été remises aux meilleurs, ainsi que divers gadgets et des récompenses financières, en guise de reconnaissance et d’encouragement à poursuivre dans l’excellence. 

Au football, chez les filles, le CEG 1 Bassila s’est imposé 1-0 face au CEG Toviklin, tandis que chez les garçons, le même CEG 1 Bassila a remporté la victoire aux tirs au but (4-2) contre le CEG Zè. 

En handball, le Lycée Houffon (Zou) et le CEG Zongo (Borgou) ont décroché le titre. En basketball 5×5, chez les garçons, le CEG Tokpa-Domé (département de l’Atlantique) a dominé la compétition et décroché le titre national, tandis qu’en catégorie filles, c’est le CPEG Saint Luc (Ouémé) qui a été sacré champion. Une autre facette du spectacle a été offerte avec la version 3×3, un format rapide et spectaculaire très apprécié du public. Le CEG 2 Dassa chez les filles et le CEG 3 Djougou chez les garçons ont occupé les premières places. 

En volleyball, le CEG Zongo et le CEG Gbéto ont été sacrés champions. 

Sur la piste d’athlétisme du stade de Djakotomey, les cinq épreuves (saut en longueur, 100m, 400m, 1500m et relais medley) ont connu leurs champions. Au 400m, la jeune athlète venue du CEG 1 Zogbodomey, TOSSI Bosette, s’est imposée avec un temps de 1’01’’2, devant BOURAÏMA Moussilimatou du CEG Sokotindji et TAWEMA Céline (CEG Yaoui). Chez les garçons, la breloque en or a été remportée par DOSSA Igor du CEG Houègbo, auteur d’un chrono de 54’’3. La collégienne Lucresse EDAH du CEG Houéyogbé est devenue championne au saut en longueur grâce à son saut de 4m46. Les départements de l’Atlantique et de l’Alibori ont respectivement été couronnés champions au relais medley en filles et en garçons. 

Cette cinquième édition du Championnat National Scolaire a été un véritable succès, mettant en avant le potentiel sportif des jeunes Béninois. 

Rendez-vous l’année prochaine pour une nouvelle aventure pleine de promesses et de talents à découvrir !

Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.

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Seychelles: President Ramkalawan Presided over the Launching of National Monument Honouring Citizens Illegally Incarcerated at Union Vale Prison


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In a ceremony steeped in profound reverence and national healing, President Wavel Ramkalawan presided over the official launching of the National Monument honouring citizens illegally incarcerated at Union Vale Prison. Accompanied by First Lady Mrs. Linda Ramkalawan, the President led the nation in a solemn tribute that transformed a site of past suffering into a beacon of justice, memory, and hope.

The historic ceremony brought together survivors, families of victims, distinguished guests, and citizens united in their commitment to preserving the truth of Seychelles’ journey towards democracy and freedom. “As we commemorate those illegally incarcerated in our country, we would like to say thank you to the victims and families of those illegally incarcerated in our country, because of your suffering, we live today as a free nation,” declared President Ramkalawan, his words carrying the weight of national gratitude and solemn commitment.

The President vowed that no child of this land would endure the same turmoil that marked the darker chapters of the nation’s history. “As Seychellois continue to prosper, may this day be the day when Seychelles embraces the spirit of freedom, justice, and love for each other,” the President continued, painting a vision of a nation transformed by the courage of those who suffered for democracy.

President Ramkalawan had the honour of presenting the National Monument, competition winner Ms. Tanisha Elizabeth with a certification of appreciation.

The monument is a masterpiece with its structure rising on an elevated base one metre above the ground, symbolizing a platform where grief transforms into peace. From its foundation to the sculpted prison cell at its core, each corner bears the names of those who endured imprisonment for democracy and freedom. The prison cell’s stark design serves as an unflinching reminder of their suffering, honouring the struggles faced by Seychellois citizens in their fight for democratic ideals. At the monument’s pinnacle, a pair of hands releases a white-tailed tropicbird the ‘Payanke’ into the sky, creating a powerful representation of liberation and the triumph of freedom over oppression. Above this, the form of the sun radiates light, love, and unity, heralding hope for a brighter future.

The ceremony was profoundly enriched by the courageous testimony of Mr. Jean-Marc Fostel, a victim who had been illegally imprisoned and whose voice carried the echoes of many who suffered. With remarkable strength and deep emotion, Mr. Fostel shared his personal testimony, retracing the nation’s sad history while demonstrating extraordinary resilience and dignity. His testimony served as a stark reminder that the monument represents not just a structure, but a living symbol of justice, memory, and hope. Mr. Fostel urged the people to “find sense as human beings without repeating the same history, to look for ways to take care of our people,” his words resonating as both a warning from the past and a guide for the future.

The National Monument now stands as an eternal guardian of memory at the Union Vale site, ensuring that the experiences of those illegally incarcerated will never be forgotten or denied. It transforms what was once a site of suffering into a place of national reflection and renewal. It stands as tangible proof that from the depths of injustice can emerge a nation stronger in its commitment to truth, more vigilant in protecting human dignity, and more determined to ensure such violations never occur again.

The National Monument serves as a permanent reminder that a nation’s true strength lies not in denying its past, but in confronting it with courage, learning from it with wisdom, and ensuring that the sacrifices of the innocent were not made in vain.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.