Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Return of Cultural Heritage and Property to Their Countries of Origin: the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) Ministers Adopt a Joint Action Plan

Source: APO


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On the eve of the West African Arts and Culture Festival (ECOFEST), the Commissions of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) convened a meeting of ministers responsible for culture from both organizations’ Member States on Sunday, November 30, 2025.

In her opening remarks, Prof. Fatou Sow SARR, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, underscored that West Africa’s cultural heritage is not only a living testament to its history but also a fundamental pillar of regional identity and a vital source of pride.

“It is therefore essential that, wherever cultural property belonging to our States may be found, we undertake coordinated, sustained, and consistent efforts to secure its return and reinforce the regional heritage that binds us,” she stated.

Mr. Mamadù Serifo JAQUITE, UEMOA Commissioner for Human Development, called on the ministers to embrace their historic responsibility by adopting an ambitious and pragmatic action plan. Such a plan, he emphasized, would enable countries of the region to present a united front in international fora and accelerate the restitution of heritage to their peoples.

In his welcome address, Senegal’s Minister responsible for Culture, the Crafts sector, and Tourism, Mr. Amadou Ba, expressed appreciation for the presence in Dakar of ministers and senior officials from West African countries attending the meeting and ECOFEST. “You are welcome in Senegal, the land of Teranga—not only as political leaders, but above all as members of the same large family, that of West Africa, united by deep historical, linguistic, and cultural ties,” he declared.

He further affirmed that reclaiming the cultural and historical heritage of West African peoples is part of a broader struggle to recover their collective soul and sovereignty—a just cause that requires a coherent action plan and a comprehensive, collective, and coordinated strategy.

During the meeting, ministers examined and endorsed the recommendations put forward by experts who had convened earlier to discuss key issues, including the implementation of the ECOWAS Action Plan (2027-2031); the progress and challenges faced by member states in securing restitution and return of cultural property; and the status of national cultural policies and institutions responsible for heritage protection and the cultural and creative industries.

The ministers also emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation with international organizations, development partners, civil society, and cultural networks to advance the region’s cultural agenda.

As a reminder, the ECOWAS Regional Action Plan follows the Political Declaration adopted by Heads of State and Government at the 54th Ordinary Summit held in December 2018 in Abuja, Nigeria, on the return of African cultural property to their countries of origin. The ECOWAS Cultural Policy serves as a key instrument to promote cultural diversity and foster sustainable socio-economic development and regional integration through support for cultural and creative industries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

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Centrafrique : le chef des opérations de paix met en garde contre tout retrait prématuré de la MINUSCA

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


En visite à Bangui, le chef des opérations de paix de l’ONU a salué samedi la « trajectoire positive » de la République centrafricaine, où des soldats de la paix sont déployés depuis la guerre civile qui a secoué le pays il y a une décennie. Jean-Pierre Lacroix met toutefois en garde contre les risques d’un retrait prématuré de la mission pour la stabilité de la région.

« L’impression générale qui prévaut […] c’est que la République centrafricaine est sur une trajectoire positive », a affirmé le haut responsable, dans un entretien filmé depuis la capitale centrafricaine. Une rare note d’optimisme dans une région déstabilisée par le conflit sanglant au Soudan voisin et la multiplication des attaques de groupes djihadistes à travers le Sahel.

Au nombre des progrès accomplis, M. Lacroix cite le désarmement récent de plusieurs groupes armés, le renforcement de la présence de l’État à travers le pays et les préparatifs des élections générales du 28 décembre, qui seront selon lui « une étape très importante ». Cette dynamique, assure-t-il, s’accompagne d’une « reconnaissance unanime » du rôle central de la MINUSCA.

La mission de l’ONU a été déployée dans le pays en 2014, un an après la prise du pouvoir par la force de la Séléka, une coalition musulmane depuis officiellement dissoute. Les exactions alors commises par la Séléka ont provoqué la formation de milices à majorité chrétienne, dites  anti-Balaka, qui ont pris pour cible des civils musulmans du pays.

Malgré le déploiement des Casques bleus, la mise en place d’un processus de paix et la tenue d’élections en 2016, l’instabilité continue de marquer le pays. Une large partie du territoire reste sous le contrôle de groupes armés, en dépit de l’accord signé en 2019 entre 14 d’entre eux et le gouvernement.

Mais un tournant s’esquisse : deux des mouvements les plus actifs, l’Unité pour la paix en Centrafrique (UPC) et le groupe Retour, réclamation et réhabilitation (3R), ont accepté de déposer les armes en avril. Au total, 11 des 14 milices signataires de l’accord de 2019 ont été officiellement dissoutes, avec l’appui logistique et technique de la MINUSCA.

Une mission déterminée malgré la crise de liquidités

Mais cette trajectoire ne s’écrit pas sans tensions, notamment financières. La mission, qui compte plus de 13 000 soldats, ne reçoit pas l’intégralité des contributions financières obligatoires dues par les États membres de l’ONU. « Ce qui se passe, c’est un problème de disponibilité de cash », a résumé Jean-Pierre Lacroix. À cette crise de liquidité s’ajoutent les récentes coupes au budget onusien de maintien de la paix. « Les missions et la MINUSCA, y compris, doivent économiser 15% de leur argent », a-t-il précisé. Sur le terrain, cela se traduit par des réductions de capacités, qu’elles soient militaires, civiles ou policières.

Dans un pays où la logistique électorale dépend en partie de la MINUSCA – en matière d’enregistrement des électeurs, de sécurité des bureaux de vote ou de transport du matériel – le risque est évident. 

Le chef des opérations de paix insiste pourtant sur le sens de ces coupes : « Cet effort d’économie […] ça n’est pas du tout un signal de désengagement de la MINUSCA. C’est au contraire quelque chose que nous faisons pour préserver l’engagement de la MINUSCA », a-t-il insisté. Sans ajustements, prévient-il, la mission pourrait se trouver « dans l’obligation de cesser ses opérations avant la fin de notre année budgétaire, faute d’argent ».

Angoisse d’un départ prématuré

Ces annonces ont ravivé, à Bangui comme dans plusieurs préfectures, la crainte d’un retrait anticipé de la mission. Jean-Pierre Lacroix se montre catégorique : « Un départ prématuré risquerait de mettre en danger tous les acquis importants, tous les progrès réalisés en République centrafricaine ».

Il évoque un environnement régional menaçant, où s’entrecroisent la guerre civile au Soudan à l’est, la fragilité du Soudan du Sud voisin et, à l’ouest, les crises sécuritaires du Sahel, où sévissent de nombreux groupes terroristes. Dans ce contexte, affirme-t-il, la stabilisation de la Centrafrique « est également critique pour la stabilité de la région ».

Élections de décembre : une course contre la montre

À moins d’un mois du scrutin, les défis s’accumulent. La mission travaille, avec d’autres partenaires, à la logistique, à la sécurité et à la lutte contre la désinformation. Elle dit avoir entendu les alertes de l’agence nationale pour les élections, notamment sur les « messages négatifs », les « messages de haine » et la difficulté d’expliquer au public une élection « à plusieurs niveaux, quatre niveaux ».

Le calendrier, lui, n’est pas négociable. « La détermination de la date de l’élection, c’est une décision souveraine des autorités centrafricaines », rappelle Jean-Pierre Lacroix. À l’ONU, le mot d’ordre est de soutenir les autorités.

L’avenir de la mission en question

En novembre, le Conseil de sécurité a demandé au Secrétaire général de l’ONU de lui remettre un rapport avant le 15 septembre 2026 sur l’avenir de la MINUSCA. D’ici là, la mission devra poursuivre son appui tout en ajustant ses priorités. « La MINUSCA doit encore continuer à opérer en République centrafricaine », estime quant à lui M. Lacroix, tout en soulignant la nécessité de « faire évoluer [le] dispositif » au rythme des besoins du pays.

Distribué par APO Group pour UN News.

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State Minister for Foreign Affairs Receives Copies of Credentials of Greek and Georgian Ambassadors

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, December 01, 2025

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, on Monday, received copies of the credentials of two newly appointed ambassadors to the State of Qatar.
His Excellency received the documents from HE Christos Kapodistrias, the new Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic; and HE Varlam Avaliani, the new Ambassador of Georgia.
HE Al Muraikhi wished both diplomats success in their duties and affirmed Qatar’s readiness to provide all necessary support to help strengthen bilateral relations with their respective countries across various fields.

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Women in Unity urge Government to pass legislation to prevent gender-based violence

Source: APO


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Women and girls in Unity State are urging the Government to pass long-pending legislation to prevent and respond to gender-based violence, stressing the need to shield them from harmful practices such as early and forced marriage.

The call was made during a three-day women’s forum in Bentiu, organized by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan and State Ministry of Gender as part of the global 16 Days of Activism campaign, which brought together 80 participants, including women leaders, traditional chiefs, youth, and senior government officials.

“Among the challenges facing girls in South Sudan are many cases of early and forced marriages,” said women’s representative, Nyataba Gatluak Dor. “A strong law would help prevent these harmful practices and convince communities that gender-based violence must stop.”

Unity State’s Gender Advisor, Stephen Liah Kuach, stressed the government’s commitment to tackling the concerns raised at the forum.

“The Anti-Gender-Based-Violence Bill must be passed into law,” he said. “Women and girls in this country need to have equal rights, and this law will ensure that no one breaches these rights.”

Among the many topics debated at the forum was the importance of protecting women’s property rights.

“Some families still seize a husband’s belongings after his death, leaving their widow vulnerable. Both State and national governments need to work together urgently to enact legislation to protect their rights,” said women’s union representative, Mary Nyakun Diu.

“We need a law to stop the humiliation of women in this country. You cannot protect vulnerable women without regulations and rules.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

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Eritrea: President Isaias returns home

Source: APO


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President Isaias Afwerki returned home yesterday afternoon, concluding a two-day working visit to Sudan on the invitation of General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, Chairman of Sudan’s Sovereign Council.

During his visit, President Isaias held extensive meetings with General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, Prime Minister Dr. Kamal Idris, the Governor of the Darfur Region, Mr. Minni Arko Minnawi, and other senior officials. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, the overall situation in Sudan and possible pathways for resolving the current crisis, as well as regional and global issues of interest to the two countries.

President Isaias Afwerki reiterated that the objective of the visit was to reaffirm Eritrea’s firm and principled stance on, and support for, the unity and sovereignty of Sudan, and to stand alongside the Sudanese people and Sudan’s Sovereign Council who are shouldering the responsibility of ensuring the unity and territorial integrity of the country.

General Al-Burhan, for his part, paid tribute to Eritrea’s position, which is anchored in the historic ties between the two peoples, and affirmed that he will exert vigorous efforts to consolidate these ties for the benefit of both nations.

Upon arriving in Port Sudan by road travel, President Isaias was accorded a warm official and public welcome.

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

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President Ramaphosa extends completion date for Khampepe Commission

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa has determined 31 July 2026 as the new date for the submission of the final report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into allegations regarding efforts or attempts having been made to stop the investigation or prosecution of Truth and Reconciliation Commission cases.
 
In May 2025, President Ramaphosa signed a proclamation for a judicial commission of inquiry chaired by retired Constitutional Court Judge Sisi Khampepe, assisted by retired Northern Cape Judge President Frans Diale Kgomo and Adv Andrea Gabriel SC.
 
The original Terms of Reference of the Commission provided that the Commission would complete its work within a period of 180 days from the date of the Proclamation and submit its report to the President within 60 days after the date on which the Commission completed its work.
 
President Ramaphosa has recognised that the Commission started its work late, that there are outstanding documentary responses; that there will be applications for cross-examination and that the Commission will be in recess from mid-December 2025 to early January 2026.
 
The President has accordingly amended the Terms of Reference to provide that the Commission must complete its work on 29 May 2026 and submit its report by 31 July 2026.

President Ramaphosa says the extension will aid the Commission to complete its work without any further delay and to provide the country with a full account of the circumstances that gave rise to the establishment of the Commission.
 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Seychelles: President Announces High-Level Appointments to Strengthen Government Delivery

Source: APO


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President Dr. Patrick Herminie, in line with his administration’s commitment to effective governance, strengthened leadership, and improved service delivery for the Seychellois people, has announced a series of high-level appointments at the levels of Special Advisors, Secretaries of State, and Principal Secretaries.

These appointments are critical to ensuring that Government is positioned to deliver on its national priorities with greater coordination, accountability, and measurable results for citizens. All new appointments will take effect on 1st December 2025.

Appointments of new Chief Executive Officers will be made during the month of December 2025.

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

  • Ms. Jennifer Vel – Chief of Staff, Presidential Affairs and Economic Advisor
  • Mr. Nirmal Shah – Special Advisor
  • Ms. Doreen Zelia – Principal Secretary Administration
  • Mr. Terry Jones – Principal Secretary Government Implementation and Delivery
  • Ms. Melissa Simeon – Principal Secretary Public Affairs
  • Ms. Shelda Commettant – Chief Press Secretary
  • Mr. Aubrey Payet – Chief Presidential Protocol Affairs
  • Mrs. Anna Gutierez – Chief Public Relations and Communications Advisor

CABINET AFFAIRS AND CIVIL SERVICE

  • Ms. Margaret Moumou Secretary of State, Cabinet Affairs and Civil Service
  • Ms. Shella Mohideen Chief Secretary
  • Ms Florry Payet Deputy Cabinet Secretary

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

  • Major General Michael Rosette Chief of Defence Force

DEPARTMENT OF LEGAL AFFAIRS

  • Mr. Vinsent Perera Attorney General
  • Ms Wendy Zialor Registrar General

VICE PRESIDENT’S OFFICE

  • Mr. Alvin Laurence Secretary of State Poverty Alleviation
  • Mr. Xavier Estico Secretary of State Science, Technology and Innovation
  • Mr. Benjamin Choppy Principal Secretary Department of Information Communication Technology and Digital Transformation
  • Ms. Ginnie Lucas Principal Secretary Department of Information
  • Mr. Daniel Cetoupe Principal Secretary Department of Risk and Disaster Management
  • Mr. Joseph Francois Secretary of State Lands, Housing and Infrastructure
  • Mr. Denis Barbe Principal Secretary Department of Lands
  • Mr. Jude Florentine Principal Secretary Department of Housing

MINISTRY OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC PLANNING, TRADE AND INVESTMENT

  • Mr. Patrick Payet Secretary of State Finance, Economic Planning, Trade & Investment
  • Ms. Astride Tamatave Principal Secretary Finance Department
  • Mrs. Elizabeth Agathine Principal Secretary Economic Planning Department
  • Mrs. Natalie Edmond Principal Secretary Trade and Investment Department

MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, AGRICULTURE AND BLUE ECONOMY

  • Mr. Alain Decommarmond Secretary of State Fisheries and Blue Economy
  • Mrs. Phillianne Ernesta Principal Secretary Blue Economy
  • Mr. Keven Nancy Principal Secretary Agriculture
  • Mr. Roy Clarisse Principal Secretary Fisheries

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND THE DIASPORA

  • Ambassador Ian Madeleine Principal Secretary Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora

MINISTRY OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND CIVIL AFFAIRS

  • Ms. Sheryl Vengadasamy Principal Secretary Homeland Security
  • Mr. Alain Volcere Principal Secretary Civil Affairs
  • Mr. Ted Barbe Commissioner of Police
  • Mr. Antoine Denousse Acting Commissioner of Prison
  • Ms. Tally Domingue Chief Fire Officer Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services

MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT, PORTS AND CIVIL AVIATION

  • Mr. Patrick Andre Principal Secretary Land Transport
  •  Mr. David Bianchi Principal Secretary Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine

MINISTRY OF HEALTH

  • Dr. Jude Padayachy Secretary of State for Health
  • Dr. Bernard Valentin Special Advisor
  • Dr. Sandra Crewe Principal Secretary Health Services
  • Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Pugazhendi Principal Secretary Policy, Planning, Strategy and Accountability

MINISTRY OF YOUTH AND SPORTS

  • Ms. Begitta Jeannevol Special Advisor Youth Affairs
  • Mr. Jean Larue Special Advisor Sports
  • Ms. Fatime Kante Principal Secretary for Youth and Sport

MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY AND ENTERPRISE

  • Mr. Michael Nalletamby Principal Secretary Industry and Enterprise

MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND INNER ISLANDS

  • Mr. Dan Frichot Special Advisor
  • Mrs. Vicky Van Der Westhuizen Principal Secretary Local Government and Community Services
  • Mr. Denis Antat Principal Secretary Inner Islands Affairs and Community Delivery

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE, ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES

  • Mr. Denis Matatiken Special Advisor
  • Mr. Tony Imaduwa Principal Secretary Energy and Climate Affairs
  • Ms. Nanette Laure Principal Secretary Environment and Natural Resources

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

  • Mr. John Lesperance Special Advisor
  • Dr. Justin Zelime Principal Secretary General Education and Curriculum
  • Mr. Bernard Arnephy Principal Secretary Educational Support and Projects
  • Mr. Jean Alcindor Principal Secretary Human Resource Development

MINISTRY OF EMPLOYMENT AND HUMAN RESOURCE PLANNING

  • Ms. Veronique Bresson Special Advisor
  • Ms. Susan Morel Principal Secretary Employment and Human Resource Planning
  • Mr. Steve Monnaie Principal Secretary Labour Relations and Regulations

MINISTRY OF SOCIAL AFFAIRS, FAMILY AND EQUALITY

  • Mrs. Linda William-Melanie Secretary of State Social Affairs, Family and Equality
  • Mrs. Beryl Payet Principal Secretary Social Affairs
  • Mr. Mike Morel Principal Secretary Family Affairs and Equality

MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND CULTURE

  • Mrs. Bernadette Willemin Special Advisor Tourism
  • Mrs. Sherin Francis Principal Secretary Tourism
  • Mrs. Cecile Kalebi Principal Secretary Culture, Arts and National Heritage

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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President El-Sisi Inaugurates Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX 2025)

Source: APO


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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi witnessed the opening of the fourth Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX 2025), at Al-Manara International Conference Center and the Egypt International Exhibition Center in New Cairo. The President was received by Prime Minister Dr. Moustafa Madbouly, Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Armed Forces and Minister of Defense and military Production General Abdel Mageed Saqr and Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Lieutenant General Ahmed Khalifa.

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said a commemorative photo was taken of the President with the senior guests before the exhibition activities commenced with the performance of the song, “We are always together”, in Arabic, English and French. This was followed by a presentation of the joint manufacturing project for the howitzer (K9A1 EGY) and a documentary about the project, in addition to a documentary about the Egypt Defence Expo.

The spokesman for the presidency said Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Minister of Defense and Military Production, General Abdel Mageed Saqr, delivered an address on this occasion, welcoming the participants in the exhibition’s activities. He confirmed that the exhibition has become a global platform for countries and companies producing armament systems and defense platforms from all parts of the world to showcase the latest advancements in sophisticated technologies.

General Saqr pointed out that this year’s edition of the exhibition takes place amidst rapid transformations and complex conflicts in our region and the world, which renders permanent readiness to confront dangers and threats a duty that allows no room for complacency.

The Defense Minister added that the world now realizes that Egypt’s persistent warnings, repeatedly voiced by the President, about the region sliding into a comprehensive war that would drag the world toward an unknown fate, reflected a profound vision and a voice of wisdom, and were a sincere and conscious caution against the repercussions of following the logic and arrogance of power, instead of the logic of just and comprehensive peace. Egypt has practically affirmed this commitment during the Sharm El Sheikh Peace Summit, where it gathered on its soil nations that believe in peace to unify efforts to end the war in Gaza and stop the bloodshed after two years that defied human logic.

General Saqr emphasized stated that Egypt’s possession of various elements of capability is an investment in true peace, as strong nations have their will respected and their borders protected. He further affirmed that the Egyptian Armed Forces has been, and will always remain, a wise and rational force that protects and does not threaten, builds and reconstructs.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Minister of Defense and Military Production noted that the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum serves as a testament to the greatness of Egypt and a bridge connecting its glorious past with its vibrant present and promising future.

He said Egypt is today presenting an image of its modern strength through the fourth edition of the Egypt International Defense Exhibition (EDEX), which demonstrates its commitment to keeping pace with global developments in the field of armament and enhancing its military capabilities to reinforce its national security. The Defense Minister also underscored Egypt’s keenness to foster partnership frameworks and strategic relations with sisterly and friendly nations.

The Defense Minister extended gratitude and appreciation to President El-Sisi for his ongoing support and unwavering commitment to enhancing the capabilities of the Armed Forces to complete the modernization process and raise combat efficiency. He also thanked the President for fostering cooperation with friendly nations to protect regional and international peace and security, and for building bridges of cooperation through joint training and exchange of expertise with numerous countries worldwide.

The President then headed to the Egypt International Exhibition Center to inspect the pavilion of the Arab Republic of Egypt. The President was given a brief about the pavilions of vehicle administration (Engineering Industries Complex), the pavilion of the Ministry of Military Production, the pavilion of the Arab International Optronics, and the pavilion of the Arab Organization for Industrialization. The President also inspected the pavilions of the United Arab Emirates and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

At the conclusion of the event, a commemorative photo was taken of the President and representatives of major global defense industry companies.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

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FG Gold, Sociedade Financeira Africana (AFC) e Afreximbank realizam encerramento financeiro de financiamento de dívida sénior no valor de 330 milhões de dólares americanos para o projecto Baomahun Gold

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

A FG Gold Limited (“FG Gold”) tem o prazer de anunciar que realizou o encerramento financeiro e a primeira utilização do seu Financiamento de Dívida Sénior no valor de 330 milhões de dólares americanos com a Sociedade Financeira Africana (AFC) e o Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com), para o seu Projecto Baomahun Gold, marcando o desenvolvimento da mina de ouro comercial de grande escala emblemática da Sierra Leone. Este marco desbloqueia um dos acordos de financiamento de projectos mais significativos da história do país e apoia a ambição da Sierra Leone de explorar de forma responsável os seus recursos minerais para uma transformação económica sustentável. A transacção foi ainda mais reforçada pelo capital mobilizado através do Grupo Trafigura.

A linha de crédito sénior completa o pacote de financiamento necessário para construir e desenvolver o Projecto Baomahun Gold, complementando o investimento inicial de 100 milhões de dólares americanos da AFC em compromissos de streaming e mezanino de ouro. Isso eleva o investimento total das principais instituições financeiras de desenvolvimento africanas (IFD) para 430 milhões de dólares americanos, incluindo a contribuição do Afreximbank de 75 milhões de dólares americanos. Este financiamento histórico garante o caminho completo para o desenvolvimento de Baomahun, permitindo à FG Gold acelerar a construção de infra-estruturas essenciais e manter o seu impulso rumo à primeira produção de ouro.

Um marco transformador para a Sierra Leone e a mineração africana

“Esta conquista marca um novo capítulo não só para a FG Gold, mas igualmente para a Sierra Leone”, afirmou o Sr. Oliver Tunde Andrews, Fundador e Presidente Executivo da FG Gold. “O Projecto Baomahun demonstra que África tem capacidade – não só em termos de recursos, mas igualmente em termos de sofisticação financeira, capacidade técnica e colaboração institucional – para desenvolver activos mineiros em grande escala e competitivos a nível global. Estamos satisfeitos com a nossa colaboração e parceria construtivas e contínuas com o Governo da Sierra Leone e a comunidade local, bem como com o apoio das principais instituições financeiras de desenvolvimento africanas para concretizar este projecto transformador. Segundo Andrews, “o investimento âncora fornecido pela AFC foi fundamental para atrair financiadores adicionais e estabelecer a confiança necessária para mobilizar mais capital para o projeto”.

A AFC e o Afreximbank lideram o desenvolvimento de recursos africanos

Samaila Zubairu, Presidente e Director Executivo da Sociedade Financeira Africana (AFC), comentou: A AFC orgulha-se de ter liderado e estruturado o Projecto Baomahun Gold, um empreendimento que concretiza a nossa missão de catalisar o crescimento industrial sustentável liderado por África. Esta transacção demonstra o que pode ser alcançado quando as instituições africanas colaboram para desbloquear o valor dos recursos do nosso continente. Baomahun não só irá gerar benefícios económicos a longo prazo para a Sierra Leone, como irá igualmente estabelecer uma referência para o desenvolvimento mineiro responsável e de classe mundial em toda África.”

O Dr. George Elombi, Presidente e Presidente do Conselho de Administração, observou: “O Afreximbank está bastante satisfeito por fazer parte de um projecto que tem importância económica para a Sierra Leone e para todo o continente. O nosso financiamento reflecte o compromisso de apoiar a criação de valor em África, permitindo que os governos e os promotores privados aproveitem os seus recursos naturais para a criação de riqueza interna e o crescimento e desenvolvimento inclusivos. O Projecto Baomahun Gold é um exemplo poderoso da capacidade, inovação e colaboração africanas.

Gonzalo De Olazaval, Responsável Global de Metais e Minerais da Trafigura, acrescentou “Estamos satisfeitos por apoiar a primeira mina de ouro comercial em grande escala da Sierra Leone, em parceria com a AFC e o Afreximbank. A nossa participação nesta linha de crédito reforça a nossa crescente presença nos mercados de ouro, complementada pelo alcance global e pela escala do nosso negócio mais amplo de metais.”

Um projecto definido pela capacidade africana e padrões globais

O Projecto Baomahun Gold está a ser desenvolvido sob a liderança da Boxmoor Au e da Plataforma de Processamento de Minerais e Metais de África (A2MP), com o apoio de uma equipa predominantemente africana e de parceiros líderes do sector, incluindo Lycopodium (EPCM), Knight Piésold, CrossBoundary Energy e Komatsu/PanAfrican Equipment.

Reconhecido como um dos empreendimentos mineiros mais pioneiros da Sierra Leone, Baomahun introduz várias “novidades” nacionais em financiamento, engenharia, soluções de energia e parceria comunitária, estabelecendo um modelo escalável para estruturar e executar projectos mineiros de alto impacto em toda África.

Impulsionar o crescimento económico e a prosperidade partilhada

A FG Gold já é um importante empregador local, com 90% da sua força de trabalho composta por cidadãos da Sierra Leone. Durante as operações, prevê-se que a mina apoie até 900 empregos directos e indirectos, contribua com aproximadamente 10% do PIB nacional e estimule um crescimento substancial da cadeia de abastecimento local.

De acordo com o Ministro das Minas e Recursos Minerais da Sierra Leone, S. Ex.ª Julius D. Mattai, “O Projecto Baomahun Gold representa um marco para o sector mineiro da Sierra Leone e um sinal claro da confiança que instituições africanas respeitadas depositam no nosso ambiente de investimento. Este financiamento marca uma nova era de desenvolvimento mineral responsável e orientado para a comunidade. Congratulamo-nos com o compromisso da FG Gold com a participação local, o desenvolvimento de competências e a prosperidade partilhada, e aguardamos com expectativa o impacto transformador que Baomahun terá nas gerações futuras.”

Desenvolvimento comunitário já em curso

A FG Gold comprometeu-se a destinar 1% das receitas brutas a um Fundo de Desenvolvimento Comunitário que apoia a educação, os cuidados de saúde, a agricultura, as infra-estruturas e as iniciativas sociais nas comunidades afectadas pelo projecto. As primeiras iniciativas incluem o Centro Comunitário de Baomahun, a Escola Primária St. Joseph Bakhita, a renovação do Centro de Saúde de Baomahun e melhorias na estrada de acesso Matotoka-Baomahun, com 66 km.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Afreximbank.

Contato para a Imprensa:
Nicola Asgill
Directora de Desenvolvimento Corporativo, Sustentabilidade e Relações com Investidores
FG Gold
Telemóvel: +232 99 503 506
Correio Electrónico:: nicola.asgill@fg-gold.com

Yewande Thorpe
Comunicações
Sociedade Financeira Africana
Telemóvel: +234 1 279 9654
Correio Electrónico: yewande.thorpe@africafc.org

Vincent Musumba
Gestor de Comunicações e Eventos (Relações com os Meios de Comunicação Social)
Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank)
Correio Electrónico: press@afreximbank.com

Sobre a FG Gold Limited:
A FG Gold é uma empresa de desenvolvimento de ouro focada na construção e operação do Projecto Baomahun Gold, localizado na Sierra Leone. Baomahun é um dos maiores depósitos em desenvolvimento em África e se tornará a principal mina de ouro comercial em grande escala da Sierra Leone. Após o início das operações, prevê-se que o projecto tenha uma produção média anual de ouro de cerca de 150.000 onças por ano ao longo de uma vida útil da mina de 12,5 anos, com um pico de 201.000 onças.

Sobre a Sociedade Financeira Africana:
A AFC foi criada em 2007 para ser o catalisador de investimentos pragmáticos em infra-estruturas e na indústria em toda África. A abordagem da AFC combina conhecimentos especializados da indústria com foco na consultoria financeira e técnica, estruturação de projectos, desenvolvimento de projectos e capital de risco para responder às necessidades de desenvolvimento de infra-estruturas de África e impulsionar o crescimento económico sustentável.

Decorridos dezoito anos, a AFC desenvolveu um historial como parceiro de eleição em África para o investimento e a execução de activos de infra-estruturas fundamentais e de alta qualidade que prestam serviços essenciais nos principais sectores de infra-estruturas de energia, recursos naturais, indústria pesada, transportes e telecomunicações. Desde a sua criação, a AFC conta com 47 países membros e já investiu mais de 15 mil milhões de dólares em 36 países africanos.

Sobre o Banco Africano de Exportação-Importação:
O Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank) é uma instituição financeira multilateral pan-africana com mandato para financiar e promover o comércio intra e extra-africano. Há mais de 30 anos que o Banco utiliza estruturas inovadoras para oferecer soluções de financiamento que apoiam a transformação da estrutura do comércio africano, acelerando a industrialização e o comércio intra-regional, impulsionando assim a expansão económica em África. Apoiante firme do Acordo de Comércio Livre Continental Africano (ACLCA), o Afreximbank lançou um Sistema Pan-Africano de Pagamento e Liquidação (PAPSS) que foi adoptado pela União Africana (UA) como plataforma de pagamento e liquidação para sustentar a implementação da ZCLCA. Em colaboração com o Secretariado da ZCLCA e a UA, o Banco criou um Fundo de Ajustamento de 10 mil milhões de dólares para apoiar os países que participam de forma efectiva na ZCLCA. No final de Dezembro de 2024, o total de activos e contingências do Afreximbank ascendia a mais de 40,1 mil milhões de dólares e os seus fundos de accionistas a 7,2 mil milhões de dólares. O Afreximbank tem notações de grau de investimento atribuídas pela GCR (escala internacional) (A), Moody’s (Baa2), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) e Fitch (BBB-). O Afreximbank evoluiu para uma entidade de grupo que inclui o Banco, a sua subsidiária de fundo de impacto de acções, denominada Fundo para o Desenvolvimento das Exportações em África (FEDA), e a sua subsidiária de gestão de seguros, AfrexInsure (em conjunto, “o Grupo”). O Banco tem a sua sede em Cairo, Egipto.

Sobre o Fundo Soberano de Angola:
O Fundo Soberano de Angola (FSDEA) foi criado para promover o desenvolvimento social e económico sustentável de Angola, gerando riqueza a longo prazo para o povo angolano através da gestão prudente dos recursos nacionais, abrangendo investimentos numa vasta gama de instrumentos financeiros e classes de activos, tanto a nível nacional como internacional, com o objectivo de garantir rendimentos competitivos, preservar o capital e catalisar a diversificação económica nos sectores produtivos de Angola.

Sobre a Boxmoor Au:
A Boxmoor Au é uma empresa africana de metais preciosos dedicada a construir a próxima geração de operações mineiras responsáveis e de alto desempenho em todo o continente. Como subsidiária do Grupo Boxmoor, uma plataforma de desenvolvimento de projectos e investimento fundada em 2021 pelo Sr. Oliver Tunde Andrews, a Boxmoor Au aproveita a melhor experiência técnica, financeira e operacional para desbloquear o potencial mineral de África.

O Grupo Boxmoor reúne um ecossistema poderoso, incluindo uma empresa de consultoria financeira com sede em África e uma empreiteira de engenharia civil, permitindo a criação de valor desde a origem do projecto até à sua entrega. Esta capacidade integrada reforça a missão do Grupo de ajudar a reduzir o défice de infra-estruturas de África, ao mesmo tempo que promove benefícios localizados.

A equipa de gestão dedicada da Boxmoor Au tem mais de 150 anos de experiência combinada nos sectores de recursos naturais e infra-estruturas em África. A equipa está empenhada em criar valor a longo prazo na indústria dos metais preciosos através de investimentos estratégicos que maximizem o potencial económico de África e promovam o desenvolvimento e as operações sustentáveis dos recursos.

Impulsionada pela sua missão de se tornar um dos principais produtores intermediários de ouro africanos, a Boxmoor Au está focada no desenvolvimento e operação de minas para proporcionar benefícios duradouros às comunidades locais, nações e principais partes interessadas.

Sobre a A2MP Investments:
A Plataforma de Processamento de Minerais e Metais de África (A2MP) é uma plataforma industrial pan-africana dedicada à mineração responsável e ao processamento e transformação de valor acrescentado – libertando todo o potencial da vasta riqueza mineral de África e impulsionando uma nova era de crescimento industrial em todo o continente.

A A2MP acredita que a mudança da exportação de matérias-primas para o processamento e transformação locais contribuirá para reforçar a base industrial de África, reduzir a sua dependência das importações e impulsionar o crescimento económico, posicionando África como líder global.

As operações da A2MP abrangem 11 países, incluindo 9 em África, com uma carteira de 12 activos minerais e 4 instalações de processamento de última geração. A nossa carteira inclui FG Gold, Canyon Resources, Nouvelle Gabon Mining, Alpha Centauri Mining, Fura Gems, entre outras. No centro da missão da A2MP está o impacto, com o objectivo de gerar mais de 5 mil milhões de dólares americanos em impacto anual no PIB e criar mais de 11.000 postos de trabalho.

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