Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Posted on

President Ramaphosa expresses sadness over tragic loss of life during recent floods in E Cape

Source: South Africa News Agency

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his sorrow over the recent floods in the Eastern Cape, which have claimed the lives of nearly 80 people. 

In response to the devastating situation in Mthatha this week, government officials, including the President, key Ministers, the Premier, and local government representatives, visited the area to offer support and assess the damage. 

The disaster has caused significant loss of life and widespread destruction of infrastructure.

“Many people have tragically died, especially young children whose school transport was swept away by the floods. I was informed that one child has still not been accounted for,” he told the community. 

The President shared a story about a local woman who lost her mother and children, one of whom is still missing.

“We sympathise with you because losing a parent or child is one of the most painful experiences one can endure. I also came here because we are not accustomed to losing so many people all at once.” 

The country’s commander-in-chief emphasised the severity of the situation, noting that while the impact has been tragic, quick response teams prevented an even worse outcome. 

“We are very, very disturbed that so many people have passed away, but it could have been much worse. The response teams acted quickly.” 

The President announced that the deceased individuals have been taken to a mortuary and that the forensic team have acted quickly to perform autopsies, ensuring that their loved ones can receive their remains and prepare for memorial services as well as burials.

“And my thanks also go to the Premier, his MECs, to the Mayors, as well as all other officials. This is a catastrophic disaster for us, which is caused by climate change.” 

The floods have caused widespread destruction to homes, government facilities, roads, hospitals, and schools, highlighting the urgent need to tackle climate change.

“There shouldn’t be any floods during winter. In the Eastern Cape, we expect cold weather and snow during this season. However, the occurrence of floods highlights the severity of the climate change issue we are facing. The same flooding issues are also happening in KwaZulu-Natal.” 

He highlighted that this is becoming a new reality for South Africa, with both Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal experiencing recurring annual disasters. 

“The Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal are now prone to continuous annual disasters that are causing a lot of pain and suffering amongst our people, where a number of people are dying.”

Government officials pledged continued support to the affected communities, promising to assist families in their time of grief. 

“We will continue to give you the support and the assistance that is required, so that your sorrow must not deepen beyond what you are experiencing now; this we will do; because it’s our responsibility as government, and that is why I also came.” 

He also extended his condolences to the people of KwaZulu-Natal, who are facing significant challenges due to climate change. 

The President expressed his gratitude to the Gift of the Givers, as well as other organisations and religious leaders, for their support and for comforting grieving families during this difficult time.

Government also announced that mourning is being considered to remember those who lost their lives in this catastrophic event. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Posted on

Deputy President to undertake working visit to Russia

Source: South Africa News Agency

Strengthening economic and trade relations will be at the core of Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s working visit to Russia.

According to the Deputy President’s Office, the trip will focus on enhancing cooperation in key sectors, including agriculture, automotive, energy, and mining, as well as collaboration in science and technology.

The working visit set for 17-21 June in Moscow and St. Petersburg, will involve high-level engagements and activities focused on economic diplomacy.

In Moscow, Deputy President Mashatile will meet with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin to discuss cooperation in the areas of economy, trade, and energy.

The Deputy President will meet with several high-ranking officials, including President Vladimir Putin, Valentina Matvienko, the Chairman of the Russian Federation Council, and Vyacheslav Volodin, the current Chairman of the State Duma, which is the lower house of the Russian Parliament.

While in Moscow, the Deputy President will lay a wreath at the memorial site honouring South Africa’s liberation heroes, John Beaver (JB) Marks and Moses Kotane. 

Following this, he will participate in the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF2025).

This year’s forum will be held from 19 to 21 June,  under the theme: “Shared Values: The Foundation of Growth in a Multipolar World.”

The Deputy President will take part in the plenary session of SPIEF2025 while he has also received an invitation to speak at the Russia-Africa Business Dialogue.

In addition, he is scheduled to deliver a public lecture at St. Petersburg State University on the topic: “South Africa’s G20 Presidency in a Rapidly Changing Geopolitical Environment.”

He will address attendees at the opening of the South African Trade and Investment Seminar.

“The St. Petersburg leg of the visit is expected to leverage on promoting South Africa’s trade relations and South Africa as an investment destination.” 

According to the Deputy President’s Office, this trip will be his first visit to Russia since he took office under the seventh administration. 

He will be accompanied by a delegation of Ministers and Deputy Ministers who are part of the Economic Sectors, Investment, Employment and Infrastructure Development Cabinet Cluster. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Minister calls for urgent, coordinated, and victim-focused response to GBVF

Source: South Africa News Agency

Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe has called for a more urgent, coordinated, and victim-centred national response to the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in the country. 

“This initiative is an urgent call for a more coordinated, victim-centered, and accountable approach to combating GBVF and ensuring justice and protection for women and children,” the Minister said. 

She was delivering opening remarks at a roundtable discussion at the Atteridgeville Community Hall in Pretoria on Friday, focusing on the implementation and progress made in the National Strategic Plan as well as evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of services provided to GBVF victims.  

The engagement, convened during Youth Month, comes as South Africa grapples with the devastating consequences of recent disasters and ongoing gender-based crimes that continue to claim the lives of women and children.

The Minister took a moment to send her condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the floods in the Eastern Cape this week. 

“Today, we are gathered here once again, saddened by the news as our country is devastated by the disaster that took the lives of young and elder people. To all those who have lost their lives, we are sending deepest condolences to their families and those who might be hospitalised we wish them a speedy recovery. 

“To those who have been affected; some in having lost their shelters; may our government agilely working with the relevant partners, work towards their settlement. This has also impacted negatively on the attendance of some Ministers who were supposed to be with us today,” she said. 

The roundtable is a response to widespread public protests and marches demanding justice for victims of GBVF. 

According to the Minister, the public outcry triggered the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) to propose an urgent engagement.

She highlighted the need to reflect on and address the challenges of existing legislation, including the National Strategic Plan on GBVF, which has yet to fully bridge service gaps or ensure trauma-informed support for survivors.

“Gender-based violence and femicide remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations affecting women and children in South Africa. 

“Hence today we must deal with all existing legislation and national strategies, including the National Strategic Plan on GBVF as victims continue to experience delays in accessing justice, poor service integration, and a lack of trauma-informed support. “Today we gather here to gain insights and brainstorm on ways to respond to the cry out there,” she said. 

Tolashe said the roundtable must serve as a platform to develop practical, community-driven and institutionally supported solutions.

“We need to respond in a collective national way to address institutional inefficiencies and restore public confidence,” the minister said.

A Cry for Shelter Services

One of the key voices at the roundtable, Dr Zubeda Dangor, Head of the National Shelter Movement of South Africa, painted a dire picture of the state of shelters in the country – particularly in Gauteng.

“Women’s shelters play an essential role in the fight against GBV, offering women and children safe accommodation, support, and training as they attempt to leave their abusers,” Dangor told SAnews.

Representing more than 100 affiliated shelters, Dangor called on government to urgently address the chronic underfunding of shelter services. 

“Currently in Gauteng, only 10 out of 23 shelters are funded. Now, the government is closing down some of the shelters or not supporting them, while starting new ones. Yes, it is good to open new ones since they are needed, however, the ones that are functioning need support as well,” she said. 

She emphasised that shelter helplines now have no place to refer victims to, placing them at risk of returning to dangerous environments. 

“We are appealing and hoping to engage government further,” she said. 

Background

The roundtable reaffirmed the urgent need for collaboration between government, civil society, and communities, to safeguard the rights and lives of South Africa’s women and children.

The South African government, through the Justice, Crime Prevention and Social Cluster (JCPS Cluster) established the 90-Day Accelerated Programme on Gender Based Violence and Femicide to focus and accelerate efforts to end the scourge of gender based violence. 

The 90- Day Accelerated Programme is co-chaired by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and the Department of Social Development, respectively. 

The implementation of the programme is convened through the NatJoints. 

Six workstreams were established to focus on key areas of the response to gender-based violence and femicide, with targeted deliverables for each workstream. 

One of the targeted deliverables was to convene a roundtable to focus on GBVF.

The roundtable convened national leaders, state departments, and civil society stakeholders to directly respond to these petitions, assess current gaps, and define a clear, actionable pathway to improve services and ensure justice for GBVF victims and survivors. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Apaiser les tensions entre éleveurs et agriculteurs à Ngaguene


Suite à un incident sécuritaire survenu dans le village de Ngam, à 30 km de Bouar, impliquant agriculteurs et éleveurs, une mission conjointe composée des autorités locales, de la MINUSCA et du comité local de paix et de réconciliation, s’est rendue, le 9 juin, à Ngaguene. Pour la délégation, l’heure était aux efforts pour apaiser les cœurs et promouvoir la paix et le vivre ensemble, outre des actions de sécurisations de la zone.

Cet affrontement entre éleveurs nomades et agriculteurs s’est soldé par la mort d’un villageois, provoquant la fuite massive des habitants de Ngam vers le village voisin, Ngaguene. La situation a vite dégénéré, paralysant la circulation des personnes et des biens dans la localité.

Ibrahim Banazala, un habitant de Ngaguene, témoigne de l’ampleur de la crise humanitaire engendrée :« Les événements se sont produits dans la brousse, et il y a eu un décès. Cela a semé la terreur dans le village, et tous les habitants de Ngam ont fui pour venir ici, à Ngaguene. Nous les avons accueillis à l’hôpital. Il y avait des femmes enceintes et des menaces d’avortement. Des enfants ont aussi développé des maladies comme le paludisme et la diarrhée. »

Lors des échanges avec les deux communautés, le Sous-préfet de Bouar, Jean-Michel Bouaka, a souligné que le manque de couloirs de transhumance clairement délimités est à l’origine des tensions récurrentes entre agriculteurs et éleveurs. Il a appelé à une meilleure organisation de la transhumance pour prévenir de nouveaux conflits.

La MINUSCA, par la voix de Serge Bambara, son représentant sur le terrain, a réaffirmé son engagement à accompagner les autorités dans la recherche de solutions durables : « L’échange a été fructueux. Les principaux défis qui ont été présentés, tels la délimitation des zones d’élevage et d’agriculture, ont mené à des propositions et des recommandations que nous allons transmettre au gouvernement et aux autorités locales », a-t-il affirmé.

Serge Bambara de poursuivre en soulignant qu’« ensemble, nous verrons comment mettre en œuvre ces recommandations pour que les champs des agriculteurs ne soient pas détruits et que les éleveurs puissent avoir suffisamment d’espace pour leur pâturage. C’est donc un ensemble de défis qui attendent les autorités locales et la MINUSCA. Nous allons travailler ensemble, pas à pas, pour que cela se fasse dans les meilleures conditions afin de ramener la paix et la cohésion sociale à Ngam et Ngaguene. »

La rencontre s’est conclue dans un esprit de réconciliation. Les représentants des deux communautés ont d’ailleurs échangé une salutation fraternelle, symbole de pardon et d’engagement commun en faveur d’une paix durable. A en croire les participants, les populations peuvent désormais reprendre sereinement leurs activités respectives.

L’intervention de la MINUSCA à Ngaguene s’inscrit dans sa mission plus large de soutien à la paix et à la cohésion sociale dans les zones fragilisées par les conflits intercommunautaires. Ceci inclut l’intensification dans la zone de patrouilles des Casques bleus bangladais de la Mission, y compris sur ses principaux axes routiers.

Distribué par APO Group pour United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

Posted on

RCA : 30 agents pénitentiaires mieux outillés à gérer des crises carcérales


Dans le cadre de la réforme du système pénitentiaire en République centrafricaine, 30 agents pénitentiaires centrafricains, dont six femmes, ont bénéficié d’une formation pratique axée sur les techniques d’intervention rapide en milieu carcéral. Les participants se disent désormais capables de répondre efficacement aux situations de crise dans les établissements pénitentiaires.

Organisée par l’Unité pénitentiaire de la MINUSCA, en collaboration avec l’Administration pénitentiaire centrafricaine, depuis le 21 mai 2025, la formation s’est achevée le 12 juin 2025 à Bangui, avec la remise des parchemins aux bénéficiaires.

Les lieux de détention sont fréquemment confrontés à des troubles internes tels des mutineries, des évasions et des prises d’otages, nécessitant l’intervention d’une équipe d’intervention rapide spécialisée. « Dans un contexte marqué par des défis sécuritaires, l’anticipation et la prévention des crises sont devenues des enjeux majeurs, tant pour l’État que pour les partenaires que nous sommes. La formation qui s’achève aujourd’hui est le fruit d’une collaboration efficace entre la MINUSCA et les autorités nationales, avec l’objectif de renforcer les capacités de l’administration pénitentiaire », a confié Ye Tchinro de la MINUSCA.

Evariste Ndomete, Directeur de l’administration pénitentiaire, demande aux participants de s’approprier les acquis de cette formation. « Ce que vous avez acquis au cours de ces jours intenses va bien au-delà des techniques d’intervention. Vous avez consolidé votre sens de la discipline, de la solidarité et de la responsabilité », a-t-il dit. Indiuant que « Ces valeurs sont au cœur de la nouvelle vision qui guide notre réforme : celle d’un service pénitentiaire républicain, respectueux des droits humains et tourné vers l’excellence. Je vous exhorte à porter haut ces acquis et à en faire un levier de transformation dans vos établissements respectifs ».

La cérémonie a vu la démonstration par les bénéficiaires de quelques techniques de maintien de l’ordre en milieu carcéral, notamment la maîtrise à mains nues des détenus dans le respect des droits humains, techniques apprises au cours de la formation.

The-Hotro Reakine Slim, l’une des récipiendaires, voit en cette formation un atout : « Je travaille à Ngaragba, c’est une administration où résident des gens qui ont perdu leur droit d’aller et de revenir. Leur objectif, souvent, c’est de sortir. Donc, cette technique apprise nous permettra de les maîtriser quand ils sont en période de mutinerie ou de crise ».

Il convient de rappeler que, depuis 2021, la MINUSCA a appuyé la formation de 180 personnels de l’administration pénitentiaire centrafricaine.

Distribué par APO Group pour United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

Posted on

Together, Lesotho’s blood donors save lives


Download logo

One afternoon in May 2025, 48-year-old Lebohang Pitso* from Lesotho’s capital, Maseru, felt her life slipping away. Weakened from a bout of severe bleeding caused by cervical cancer, she sought emergency care at the city’s renowned Senkatana Oncology Clinic. A few hours after being admitted and receiving a blood transfusion, she felt a powerful transformation take place in her body.

“It was like a heavy cover was removed from my face,” she says. “The blood gave me life.”

Moved by the experience, Pitso asked her family to give back. “Four of my family members went to the blood bank and donated blood,” she says. “Blood donors are doing a great job. If it were not for my condition, I would be a regular donor. I encourage those who can, to give life to others.”

Lesotho Blood Transfusion Services is ramping up efforts to recruit and retain blood donors. It has implemented several strategic approaches, such as promoting blood donor clubs in schools and conducting mobile outreach blood donation drives, which have led to improved blood collection. In 2024, the institution carried out 165 mobile blood donation drives. Overall, there has been an almost 70% increase in the number of units collected between 2017 and 2024, from 5583 to 9411.

“But demand is higher than supply,” says Manaledi Makhetha, a phlebotomist at Lesotho Blood Transfusion Services. “For example, the 180 units we collected during a week-long campaign this year were all used in just two days,” she says. The total number of units collected per year, although improved, still falls short of the annual target of 10 000 units.

Makhetha screens donors, collects blood and ensures its safe delivery to various hospitals. “The primary need for blood transfusions is maternal- and cancer-related cases and road traffic crash survivors, among others,” she says.

On average, Senkatana Oncology Clinic uses 2‒3 pints of blood a day. Many cancer patients require frequent transfusions, as both the illness and treatment compromise blood production. Rethabile Makhetha, an oncology nurse at the clinic, recalls one morning when four patients needed blood, but the clinic only had sufficient units for three. “Cancer is a long journey,” she says. “The patients become family. When we can’t help them due to blood shortages, it’s devastating.”

The Ministry of Health is increasing public awareness, advocating for regular donations and expanded infrastructure to meet increasing demand. “With World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners supporting the Ministry of Health with guidelines, policies and campaign events, Lesotho is making strides,” says Stephen Monkoe, Director of Laboratory Services at the Ministry of Health. “We are grateful to partners and donors alike. Blood donors are our heroes.”

Every year on 14 June countries mark World Blood Donor Day, as a tribute to unpaid blood donors who save lives, strengthen communities and show solidarity with others. The day is also an opportunity to highlight the ongoing need for safe, regular blood donations. 

“It is imperative that everyone, from citizens to community leaders, private and public partners, and government, redouble our efforts to strengthen the national blood service,” says Thato Mxakaza, Health Promotion Officer in WHO’s country office in Lesotho. “By investing in vigorous collection, safe processing, and equitable distribution, we ensure that the profound gift of blood translates into sustained life and renewed hope for every recipient.”

In Maseru, 32-year-old Nthomeng Leuta encourages others to become regular blood donors. Curious to know her blood type, she began donating blood at high school. She discovered she was type O negative, the only blood type that can be transfused to any recipient and is therefore critical during emergencies when a recipient’s blood type is unknown. Motivated by her special status as a “universal blood donor” she jokingly refers to the blood bank her “second home.” 

Leuta’s most precious memory is when she responded to a social media post from a man whose wife urgently needed a blood transfusion for an emergency caesarean section. Leuta responded, and the result of her donation was a healthy mother and baby boy. “The husband called me to inform me how I had saved two lives that are so dear to him,” she says. “I felt humbled and so happy.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Lesotho.

Posted on

Ghana Accelerates Efforts to Boost Intra-African Trade

Ghana is fast-tracking the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to unlock new opportunities for Ghanaian businesses across Africa by moving beyond commodity-based trade towards value addition for its traditional exports such as gold, oil and cocoa. 

Speaking during the Ghana Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2025 Business Roadshow, Ghana’s Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare highlighted the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive under AfCFTA by improving trade infrastructure, financing and market access. 

“Under our Market Expansion Programme, the National AfCFTA Coordination Office is providing firm-level support to over 2,000 MSMEs in Ghana. This includes sensitization, market readiness training programmes, training on AfCFTA’s Rules of Origin, trade finance and market access initiatives. Ghana has also conducted targeted trade expeditions to East Africa, taking Ghanaian businesses to Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda to explore real-time opportunities and negotiate supply contracts,” the Minister said in a speech read on her behalf by the Acting National Coordinator, National AfCFTA Coordination Office, Benjamin Kwaku Asiam. 

The Ghana IATF2025 Business Roadshow brought together government officials, the trade community, including businesses and investors, and executives from the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank). The event focused on promoting intra-African trade under the theme: Harnessing Regional and Continental Value Chains: Accelerating Africa’s Industrialisation and Global Competitiveness through AfCFTA. 

The Business Roadshow is one of five planned in Accra, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Lagos, and Algiers ahead of the fourth edition of the biennial Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 (IATF2025), scheduled to take place in Algiers, Algeria, from 4 – 10 September 2025. IATF is Africa’s premier trade and investment event, held by Afreximbank, in collaboration with the African Union Commission and the AfCFTA Secretariat, and provides a platform for businesses to showcase their goods and exchange trade and investment information within the continent’s single market. 

In his keynote address, the Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, H.E. Wamkele Mene noted that the IATF offers an unparalleled platform for the exchange of trade and investment information; and is a marketplace of ideas, opportunities, and partnerships.  

“As we work to scale up intra-African trade, build regional value chains, and accelerate industrialisation, IATF serves as a key platform for connecting African businesses, investors, governments, and innovators. It is a catalyst for turning the promise of AfCFTA into concrete outcomes: trade deals signed, investments mobilised, and jobs created. By establishing a large, integrated market, AfCFTA encourages countries to specialize and add value to products, attracting investment and creating jobs,” H.E. Mene said, adding that this supports economic diversification, poverty reduction, and Africa’s vision for sustainable and inclusive development. 

Afreximbank’s Group Chief Economist & Managing Director, Research, Dr. Yemi Kale described IATF as AfCFTA’s commercial marketplace, which brings to life Africa’s efforts to trade more with itself not only in raw materials, but also in value-added goods, services, and innovations. 

“One of the persistent barriers to intra-African trade is not tariffs or logistics alone—but also access to accurate, timely, and actionable market intelligence. Trade cannot flourish in the absence of information,” Dr Kale said, adding that IATF2025 provides a platform for addressing this. He invited Ghanaian businesses and government agencies to participate in IATF2025, where over 2,000 exhibitors from Africa and beyond will showcase their products to more than 35,000 visitors and buyers from over 140 countries, with trade and investment deals projected to exceed US$44 billion. 

Cumulatively, IATF has attracted over 4,500 exhibitors, more than 70,000 visitors, and facilitated over US$100 billion in deals. The last edition held in Cairo attracted nearly 2,000 exhibitors from 65 countries generated US$43.7 billion in trade and investment deals. 

The upcoming IATF2025 will be hosted by the Government of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria. Speaking at the Business Roadshow, Algeria’s Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Mourad Louhaidia welcomed visitors and exhibitors to Algiers, pledging his government’s commitment to facilitate a successful IATF2025 by mobilising transport and hospitality infrastructure and facilitating smooth entry for all participants into the country. 

“The Algerian embassy will fast track processing of visas for all participants from Ghana. We have set up a dedicated team at the embassy to handle all information requests and visa applications to participate in IATF2025,” H.E. Louhaidia added.  

IATF2025 will feature a trade exhibition, the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme spotlighting cultural industries, a four-day Trade and Investment Forum, and the Africa Automotive Show. Special Days will highlight countries, public and private sector entities, tourism, cultural attractions, and Global Africa Day celebrating ties with the African diaspora. 

Additional activities include business-to-business and business-to-government matchmaking, the AU Youth Start-Up programme, the Africa Research and Innovation Hub, and the African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) to promote local trade and cultural exchanges. The IATF Virtual platform is also live, connecting exhibitors and visitors all year-round. 

Ghanaian IATF Ambassador and Chairman, Oakwood Green Africa, Gabriel Edgal said: “Long before borders were drawn, Africa thrived as a connected economy. Trade was a way of life. Value was created locally. Progress moved through relationships and exchange. Across the world, we see increasing protectionism. Traditional aid partners are looking increasingly inward. The global economic tide is shifting, and everybody is focusing on themselves instead. I believe this is a wake-up call — that we need to now be more deliberate about trading among ourselves, to create interconnected prosperity, to trade among ourselves, build with ourselves, and grow for ourselves. It is time for action”. 

Ghana has been recognized as a leading example in AfCFTA implementation, with the government actively facilitating private sector participation through the National Coordination Office and initiatives like the Guided Trade Initiative, which has seen Ghanaian companies successfully trade with neighbouring African countries 

To participate in IATF2025 please visit www.IntrAfricanTradeFair.com.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Media contact: 
media@intrafricatradefair.com
 press@afreximbank.com

About the Intra-African Trade Fair:
Organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) is intended to provide a unique platform for facilitating trade and investment information exchange in support of increased intra-African trade and investment, especially in the context of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). IATF brings together continental and global players to showcase and exhibit their goods and services and to explore business and investment opportunities in the continent. It also provides a platform to share trade, investment and market information with stakeholders and allows participants to discuss and identify solutions to the challenges confronting intra-African trade and investment. In addition to African participants, the Trade Fair is also open to businesses and investors from non-African countries interested in doing business in Africa and in supporting the continent’s transformation through industrialisation and export development. 

Media files

Download logo
Posted on

South Sudan’s peace deal at risk of collapse without stronger regional action, warns United Nation (UN) Commission


Download logo

The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has sounded the alarm that the 2018 Revitalized (Peace) Agreement is at serious risk of collapse and called for urgent, coordinated regional intervention to salvage the faltering peace process.

The Commission stressed that escalating military offensives, political crackdowns, and foreign military presence are not only accelerating the breakdown of the Agreement but also fueling deep fear, instability and widespread trauma among the people of South Sudan.

“South Sudan’s peace agreement is in crisis,” said Yasmin Sooka, Chair of the Commission. “The renewed violence is pushing the Revitalized Peace Agreement to the brink of irrelevance, threatening a total collapse. Such a breakdown risks fragmenting the country even further.”

“Regional partners – especially the African Union and IGAD – must urgently increase their leverage and pressure on South Sudan’s leaders to de-escalate tensions, return to meaningful dialogue, and fully implement the peace agreement,” Sooka said. “It remains the only credible pathway to stability, peace, and democratic transition.”

Earlier this week, the Commission held consultative dialogues with a range of stakeholders, including civil society representatives, to assess the deepening crisis and explore measures to avert a return to civil war. Participants expressed widespread fear and anxiety among communities, who are increasingly traumatized by persistent violence, arbitrary arrests, and the erosion of civic space.

Since March 2025, the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) have launched sustained military operations, including airstrikes on civilian-populated areas, causing significant casualties and mass displacement. A state of emergency has been declared in several regions where operations continue.

Reports of Ugandan forces supporting the SSPDF, alongside the government’s move to recruit thousands of additional soldiers – seemingly outside the security sector reform commitments in the Revitalized Agreement and pointing towards protracted conflict – have further heightened public fear and concern over looming widespread violations.

“South Sudanese are living with extreme trauma. They are enduring targeted military attacks that have upended lives and instilled widespread fear. The ongoing recruitment drive by the SSPDF directly contradicts the Revitalized Agreement, which calls for the training and deployment of the Necessary Unified Forces. The country’s leaders – signatories of the Agreement – must abandon partisan agendas and act in the interest of the people,” said Commissioner Carlos Castresana Fernández. “The world cannot remain as bystander while civilians are bombed, and opposition voices are silenced. The time for passive diplomacy is over – these senseless attacks must stop.”

Political tensions in South Sudan have sharply escalated with the arbitrary detention of key opposition figures, including the First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar, alongside expanded military operations by the SSPDF, including in populated civilian areas, and against armed opposition forces and groups.

Escalating armed violence has deepened South Sudan’s humanitarian and human rights crises. Civilians in Upper Nile State have been particularly affected, as the region – already grappling with emergency-level food insecurity – has become a key transit corridor for refugees fleeing the conflict in Sudan. Fears are growing that if this conflict trajectory is not averted, South Sudan’s conflict will entwine with the crisis of Sudan, with even more dire consequences.

“Salvaging South Sudan’s peace agreement should be of utmost priority in an already turbulent region, as the agreement enables political adversaries to partner towards a transformative transition in this country,” said Commissioner Barney Afako. “Torpedoing the transition is an act of profound folly and recklessness, that is already reigniting violence, deepening insecurity, and imposing further grave violations on long suffering citizens, and undermining regional peace architectures.”

“Regional partners and peace guarantors must not indulge these damaging machinations; rather, they should resolve to urgently restore a credible transition that will deliver citizens’ aspirations for durable peace and justice,” Afako said.

The Commission reiterated its call for regional and international actors to intensify diplomatic pressure on South Sudan’s leaders to ensure immediate de-escalation and full implementation of the Revitalized Agreement.

Commissioner Yasmin Sooka also noted that “any unilateral attempts to derail the transition and undermine regional peace architectures have grave implications for peace and security in the Horn of Africa, and that failure to act could plunge the country into another devastating cycle of conflict.”

The Commission continues to monitor developments closely and is documenting human rights violations and abuses committed by all parties to the conflict, including those potentially amounting to war crimes.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Posted on

Le Ghana intensifie les efforts pour stimuler le commerce intra-africain

Le Ghana accélère la mise en œuvre de la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine (ZLECAF) afin d’ouvrir de nouvelles perspectives aux entreprises ghanéennes à travers l’Afrique, en passant d’un commerce basé sur les matières premières à une valeur ajoutée pour ses exportations traditionnelles telles que l’or, le pétrole et le cacao. 

S’exprimant lors de la tournée de présentation de la Foire commerciale intra-africaine au Ghana (IATF) 2025, le Ministre ghanéen du commerce, de l’agrobusiness et de l’industrie, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, a souligné l’engagement du gouvernement à créer un environnement propice à la prospérité des entreprises dans le cadre de la ZLECAf en améliorant l’infrastructure commerciale, le financement et l’accès au marché. 

Dans le cadre de notre programme d’expansion des marchés, le Bureau national de coordination de la ZLECAf apporte un soutien concret à plus de 2 000 MPME au Ghana. Cette initiative comprend la sensibilisation, les programmes de formation à la préparation au marché, la formation sur les règles d’origine de la ZLECAf, le financement du commerce et les initiatives d’accès aux marchés. Le Ghana a également mené des expéditions commerciales ciblées en Afrique de l’Est, emmenant des entreprises ghanéennes au Kenya, en Tanzanie et au Rwanda afin d’explorer des opportunités en temps réel et de négocier des contrats d’approvisionnement », a déclaré la Ministre dans un discours lu en son nom par le Coordinateur national par intérim du Bureau national de coordination de la ZLECAf, Benjamin Kwaku Asiam. 

La tournée de présentation commerciale de l’IATF2025 a réuni des représentants du gouvernement, des acteurs du monde des affaires, notamment des entreprises et des investisseurs, ainsi que des dirigeants de la Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank). L’événement a été axé sur la promotion du commerce intra-africain sous le thème : Tirer parti des chaînes de valeur régionales et continentales : Accélérer l’industrialisation de l’Afrique et la compétitivité mondiale grâce à la ZLECAf. 

Le Business Roadshow est l’une des cinq tournées de présentation prévues à Accra, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Lagos et Alger en prélude à la quatrième édition de la Foire commerciale intra-africaine biennale 2025 (IATF2025), qui se tiendra à Alger, Algérie, du 4 au 10 septembre 2025. L’IATF est le premier événement africain en matière de commerce et d’investissement, offrant aux entreprises une plate-forme leur permettant de présenter des biens et d’échanger des informations sur le commerce et l’investissement au sein du marché unique du continent. 

Dans son discours liminaire, le Secrétaire général de la ZLECAf, S.E. Wamkele Mene a souligné que l’IATF offre une plate-forme inégalée pour l’échange d’information sur le commerce et l’investissement ; ajoutant qu’il s’agit d’un marché d’idées, de possibilités et de partenariats.  

« Au moment où nous nous efforçons à développer le commerce intra-africain, à créer des chaînes de valeur régionales et à accélérer l’industrialisation, l’IATF sert de plateforme clé pour mettre en relation les entreprises, les investisseurs, les gouvernements et les innovateurs africains. Il s’agit d’un catalyseur pour transformer la promesse de la ZLECAf en résultats concrets : accords commerciaux signés, investissements mobilisés et création d’emplois. En établissant un grand marché intégré, la ZLECAf encourage les pays à se spécialiser et à ajouter de la valeur aux produits, en attirant les investissements et en créant des emplois », a-t-il poursuivi. Mene a ajouté que cette démarche soutient la diversification économique, la réduction de la pauvreté et la vision de l’Afrique pour un développement durable et inclusif. 

Dr Yemi Kale, Économiste en chef et Directeur général de la Recherche du Groupe Afreximbank, a décrit l’IATF comme le marché commercial de la ZLECAf, qui donne vie aux efforts de l’Afrique pour commercer davantage avec elle-même non seulement dans les matières premières, mais aussi dans les biens à valeur ajoutée, les services et les innovations. 

« L’un des obstacles persistants au commerce intra-africain n’est pas seulement les droits de douane ou la logistique, c’est aussi l’accès à des informations commerciales précises, opportunes et exploitables. Le commerce ne peut prospérer en l’absence d’informations », a déclaré le Dr Kale, ajoutant que l’IATF2025 fournit une plate-forme pour y remédier. Il a invité les entreprises et les agences gouvernementales ghanéennes à participer à l’IATF2025, où plus de 2 000 exposants d’Afrique et d’ailleurs présenteront leurs produits à plus de 35 000 visiteurs et acheteurs de plus de 140 pays. Il a ajouté que l’IATF2025 devrait être sanctionnée par des accords commerciaux et d’investissement dépassant 44 milliards de dollars US. 

Au total, l’IATF a attiré plus de 4 500 exposants, plus de 70 000 visiteurs et a facilité la conclusion de contrats d’une valeur supérieure à 100 milliards de dollars US. La dernière édition, qui s’est tenue au Caire, a attiré près de 2 000 exposants de 65 pays et a généré 43,7 milliards de dollars US en transactions commerciales et d’investissement. 

La prochaine édition de l’IATF2025 sera accueillie par le Gouvernement de la République Démocratique Populaire d’Algérie. 

Prenant la parole lors du Business Roadshow, Son Excellence Mourad Louhaidia, Ambassadeur d’Algérie au Ghana, a souhaité la bienvenue aux visiteurs et exposants attendus à Alger, tout en réaffirmant l’engagement de son gouvernement à garantir le plein succès de l’IATF2025, notamment par la mobilisation des infrastructures de transport et d’hébergement, ainsi que par la facilitation de l’entrée sur le territoire pour tous les participants. 

« L’ambassade d’Algérie accélérera le traitement des visas pour tous les participants en provenance du Ghana. Nous avons mis en place une équipe dédiée au sein de l’ambassade pour gérer l’ensemble des demandes d’informations et de visas dans le cadre de l’IATF2025 », a ajouté S.E. Louhaidia. 

L’IATF2025 comprendra une exposition commerciale, le programme Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) mettant en lumière les industries culturelles, un forum sur le commerce et l’investissement de quatre jours et le salon africain de l’automobile. Les journées spéciales mettront à l’honneur certains pays, des entités des secteurs public et privé, le tourisme, les attractions culturelles, ainsi que la Journée de l’Afrique globale, qui célèbre les liens avec la diaspora africaine. 

Parmi les autres activités figurent la mise en relation entre entreprises et entre entreprises et pouvoirs publics, le programme AU Youth Start-Up, le Centre africain de recherche et d’innovation et le Réseau africain des gouvernements sous-souverains (AfSNET) visant à promouvoir le commerce local et les échanges culturels. La plateforme virtuelle de l’IATF est également en service, connectant exposants et visiteurs tout au long de l’année. 

Gabriel Edgal, Ambassadeur ghanéen de l’IATF et Président d’Oakwood Green Africa, a déclaré : « Bien avant que les frontières ne soient tracées, l’Afrique prospérait en tant qu’économie connectée. Le commerce était un mode de vie. La valeur a été créée localement. Le progrès se fait à travers les relations et les échanges. Partout dans le monde, nous assistons à un renforcement du protectionnisme. Les partenaires d’aide traditionnels regardent de plus en plus vers l’intérieur. La tendance économique mondiale est en train de changer, et chacun se concentre désormais sur ses propres intérêts. Je pense que c’est un signal d’alarme qui nous invite à réfléchir davantage à nos échanges commerciaux, à créer une prospérité interconnectée, à commercer entre nous, à construire avec nous-mêmes et à croître pour nous-mêmes. Il est temps d’agir ». 

Le Ghana a été reconnu comme un exemple de premier plan dans la mise en œuvre de la ZLECAf facilitant activement la participation du secteur privé par le biais du Bureau national de coordination et d’initiatives telles que l’Initiative pour le commerce guidé, qui a permis aux entreprises ghanéennes de commercer avec succès avec les pays africains voisins 

Pour participer à IATF2025, veuillez visiter www.IntrAfricanTradeFair.com.  

Distribué par APO Group pour Afreximbank.

Contact pour les médias : 
media@intrafricatradefair.com 
press@afreximbank.com

À propos de la Foire commerciale intra-africaine :
Organisée par la Banque africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank), en collaboration avec la Commission de l’Union africaine (CUA) et le Secrétariat de la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine (ZLECAf), la Foire commerciale intra-africaine vise à fournir une plate-forme unique pour faciliter l’échange d’informations sur le commerce et l’investissement afin de soutenir le développement du commerce et de l’investissement intra-africains, en particulier dans le contexte de la mise en œuvre de l’Accord sur la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine (ZLECAf). La Foire commerciale intra-africaine réunit les acteurs continentaux et internationaux afin qu’ils présentent et exposent leurs biens et services, tout en explorant les opportunités d’affaires et d’investissement sur le continent. L’IATF offre en outre une plateforme pour partager des informations sur le commerce, les investissements et le marché avec les parties prenantes et permet aux participants d’examiner et d’identifier des solutions aux difficultés auxquelles sont confrontés le commerce et l’investissement intra-africain. Outre les participants africains, la foire commerciale est ouverte aux entreprises et aux investisseurs de pays non africains qui souhaitent faire des affaires en Afrique et soutenir sa transformation grâce à l’industrialisation et au développement des exportations 

Media files

Posted on

Deputy President Mashatile undertakes a Working Visit to Russia alongside St Petersburg International Economic Forum

Source: President of South Africa –

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will undertake a Working Visit to the Russian Federation on 17-21 June 2025, aimed at strengthening bilateral economic and trade ties between South Africa and Russia.

The purpose of the Working Visit is to strengthen bilateral economic and trade ties between South Africa and the Russian Federation, particularly focusing on enhancing economic cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, automotive, energy and mining industries as well as science and technology cooperation. 

The Working Visit will take place in two cities in the Russian Federation, namely Moscow and St. Petersburg for high-level engagements as well as economic diplomacy activities. 

In Moscow, Deputy President Mashatile will meet with the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, H.E. Mr Mikhail Mishutin, to discuss cooperation in the economic, trade and energy spheres. The Deputy President will also meet with the following Leaders from the Russian Federation: 

• President of the Russian Federation, H.E. Mr Vladimir Putin
• Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Mrs Valentina Matvienko (Speaker of Upper House)
• Chairman of the State Duma, Mr Vyacheslav Volodin (Speaker of Lower House)

During his stay in Moscow, the Deputy President will lay a wreath at the memorial site dedicated to South Africa’s liberation stalwarts, John Beaver (JB) Marks and Moses Kotane. 

The second part of the Working Visit will take place in St. Petersburg where the Deputy President will participate in the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2025 (SPIEF ’25), held under the theme: “Shared Values: The Foundation of Growth in a Multipolar World”. The forum will take place from 19-21 June 2025. 

Deputy President Mashatile will participate in the plenary of SPIEF ’25 and has also been invited to participate as a speaker in the Russia-Africa Business Dialogue. 

On the sidelines of SPIEF ’25 Deputy President Mashatile is scheduled to deliver a Public Lecture at the St Petersburg State University under the theme: “South Africa’s G20 Presidency in a rapidly changing Geopolitical Environment” and also speak during the opening of the South African Trade and Investment Seminar. 

The St. Petersburg leg of the visit is expected to leverage on promoting South Africa’s trade relations and South Africa as an investment destination. 

The Working Visit will be Deputy President Mashatile’s first visit to the Russian Federation since he took office as Deputy President under the 7th Administration. The the Working Visit is preceded by the following high-level visits to the Russian Federation by South African leaders: 
• President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Working Visit to Kazan, Russia for the BRICS Summit in October 2024; 
• Deputy Minister of International Relations & Cooperation, Ms Thandi Moraka’s participation in the First Russia-Africa Ministerial Meeting in November 2024; 
• Minister of International Relations & Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola’s visit to co-chair the 18th ITEC session in April 2025, and
• Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Angie Motshekga represented South Africa during the “80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War Celebrations” held in Moscow in May 2025. 

Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by a delegation of Ministers and Deputy Ministers who are part of the Economic Sectors, Investment, Employment and Infrastructure Development Cabinet Cluster. 

These include International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Alvin Botes; Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande; Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina; Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau; Agriculture Deputy Minister Nokuzola Capa; Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala; Mineral and Petroleum Resources Deputy Minister Phumzile Mgcina, and Sport, Arts and Culture Deputy Minister Peace Mabe.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria