Category: Africa

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Burundi eliminates trachoma as a public health problem

Source: APO


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The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated Burundi as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, making it the eighth country in WHO’s African Region to reach this important milestone. Trachoma is also the first neglected tropical disease (NTD) to be eliminated in the country.

“Eliminating a disease like trachoma is a major public health achievement that requires sustained effort and dedication,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “I congratulate the government and the people of Burundi and commend them for their hard work and commitment. It is great to see Burundi join the growing group of countries that have eliminated at least one NTD”.

Trachoma is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and spreads through personal contact, contaminated surfaces and by flies that have been in contact with eye or nose discharge. Repeated infections can lead to scarring, in-turning of the eyelids, and ultimately blindness. Globally, the disease remains endemic in many vulnerable communities where access to clean water and sanitation is limited.

“This validation marks a major milestone in our commitment to health equity”, said Dr Lydwine Baradahana, Minister of Public Health and the Fight Against AIDS, Burundi. “It is a collective victory made possible by nearly 20 years of national mobilization and international solidarity. I thank all the partners, community actors and institutions in Burundi and beyond who made this historic achievement possible”.

Burundi’s progress

Before 2007, with no reported cases or epidemiological studies, the extent of trachoma endemicity in Burundi was largely unknown. That year, the country launched an initiative to tackle NTDs, which included integrated mapping of soil-transmitted helminthiases, schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis and trachoma. Following the mapping, the Ministry of Public Health and the Fight Against AIDS conducted further investigations. Baseline surveys carried out in 2009–2010 confirmed that trachoma was endemic in parts of the country. This prompted introduction of interventions based on the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy for 2.5 million people who needed them across 12 health districts.

Burundi’s trachoma elimination programme was supported technically and financially by CBM Christoffel Blindenmission, the END Fund, Geneva Global and WHO. The International Trachoma Initiative at the Task Force for Global Health donated azithromycin (Zithromax, Pfizer, New York NY, USA). WHO continues to support support the country’s health authorities to monitor communities in which trachoma was previously endemic to ensure there is no resurgence of the disease.

This achievement reflects the government’s resolve to protect its most vulnerable populations. Under the leadership of the Ministry of Public Health and the Fight Against AIDS, and with the dedication of community health workers, support from key partners, and WHO’s technical guidance, this success was made possible” said Dr Xavier Crespin, WHO Representative in Burundi. “This win inspires us to press forward with the same determination to eliminate all remaining neglected tropical diseases.”

Disease prevalence

Trachoma remains a public health problem in 32 countries with an estimated 103 million people living in areas requiring interventions against the disease. Trachoma is found mainly in the poorest and most rural areas of Africa, Central and South America, Asia, the Western Pacific and the Middle East.

The African Region is disproportionately affected by trachoma with 93 million people living in at-risk areas in April 2024, representing 90% of the global trachoma burden. Significant progress has been made in the fight against trachoma over the past few years and the number of people requiring antibiotic treatment for trachoma in the African Region fell by 96 million from 189 million in 2014 to 93 million as of April 2024, representing a 51% reduction.

There are currently 20 countries in WHO’s African Region that are known to require intervention for trachoma elimination. These include: Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central Africa Republic, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, South Sudan, United Republic of Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The seven countries in the region previously validated by WHO as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem are Benin, Gambia, Ghana, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania and Togo. A further 4 countries in the WHO African Region (Botswana, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia and Senegal) claim to have achieved the prevalence targets for elimination.

Global progress

With today’s announcement, a total of 57 countries have now eliminated at least one NTD. Of these, 24— (including Burundi)—have successfully eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. Other countries that have reached this milestone include Benin, Cambodia, China, Gambia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Ghana, India, Iraq, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia, Togo, Vanuatu and Viet Nam.

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

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President Ramkalawan Honours Mahé Skimmers Swimming Club Following Outstanding Performance at Mauritius Championships

Source: APO


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President Wavel Ramkalawan welcomed members of the Mahé Skimmers Swimming Club to State House on Friday morning for a courtesy meeting, celebrating their exceptional performance at the Winter National Championships held in Mauritius from June 19-22, 2025.

In a proud moment for the nation, a 24-member delegation of young athletes, accompanied by their parents, coach, and committee officials, was officially recognised for an outstanding performance at a high-profile regional competition, where they clinched a total of 108 medals, including an impressive 46 golds.

During the meeting, President Ramkalawan congratulated the swimmers and commended their outstanding performance, which demonstrated strong will and competitive spirit. “These swimmers have given us hope, proving what can be achieved through hard work and the unwavering support of their parents,” the President stated.

The discussions focused on the athletes’ experiences, highlighting personal bests achieved and new records established, showcasing the continuous improvement in their performance levels. As a gesture of appreciation, the delegation presented President Ramkalawan with a commemorative t-shirt and token, while the President gifted each member a small Seychelles flag as a symbol of motivation and continued success.

Speaking to the local press after the meeting, Coach Mr. Barnsley Albert praised the high level of competition, noting that it has allowed the team to measure each athlete’s progress according to their age group, with remarkable improvement demonstrated throughout the years. He particularly highlighted the strong performances of the Boys Under-12 and Girls 13-14 age groups.

The presidential meeting holds special significance as the Mahé Skimmers Swimming Club prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of nurturing young aquatic talent in Seychelles.

The club’s success at the Mauritius Championships reinforces Seychelles’ growing reputation in regional swimming competitions and demonstrates the potential of the local athletes as they prepare for upcoming major competitions including the CJSOI Games, World Championships, and World Junior Championships.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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African Development Bank’s Johannesburg Deal Signals a New Era in City-Led Urban Investment (By Bleming Nekati)

Source: APO

 Bleming Nekati is the Regional Head for Private Sector Operations in Southern Africa at the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org).

In June 2025, a quiet but important decision marked a real turning point in African urban finance. The African Development Bank’s Board of Directors approved a ZAR 2.5 billion ($139 million) corporate loan for the City of Johannesburg, marking the first time the Bank has extended financing without a sovereign guarantee to a subnational government in Africa.

This funding will have a direct and tangible impact on the daily lives of Johannesburg residents by strengthening basic services and expanding economic opportunities. Residents can expect fewer power outages, improved water supply, more efficient waste collection, and increased industrial productivity, all of which contribute to broader economic growth. Importantly, these improvements are being financed through a more sustainable, market-based model that reduces reliance on national subsidies.

 The deal is more than just a funding breakthrough; it validates the growing view among investors and development professionals alike that, when well-managed, African cities can and should access capital markets on their own terms.

A Market-Ready Metropolis

Johannesburg isn’t just South Africa’s largest city. It is a major economic hub and powerhouse. With $67 billion in economic output, and housing at least 6.44 million residents, the city generates more wealth than many African countries.

However, like many fast-growing African cities, the City of Johannesburg is under pressure.

Legacy infrastructure is aging. Its electricity and water systems suffer significant losses, at rates exceeding 30% and 46%, respectively. Sanitation and waste services are overwhelmed, particularly in underserved communities. Population growth is intensifying these challenges. Yet these constraints also represent opportunities: Johannesburg has unmet demand, real scale, and crucially, a clear willingness to reform.

From Municipal Risk to Bankable Asset

Historically, African municipalities have struggled to attract direct capital investment due to legal constraints and concerns about credit risk. The City of Johannesburg has now defied this trend through a decade of governance, budgeting, and financial reforms that have strengthened its independently verified credit profile and inspired investor confidence.

The African Development Bank loan is tied to over 100 capital projects spanning four critical sectors:

  • Electricity: Grid upgrades, smart meters, renewables, and 3,200 new household connections
  • Water & Sanitation: Pipeline repair, water treatment, and a plan to reduce losses to 37%
  • Solid Waste: More efficient collection, landfill upgrades, and recycling expansion
  • Revenue-Generating Utilities: All investments are linked to tariff-backed revenue streams for repayment

Economic Stimulus with Returns

The infrastructure program is designed to deliver both economic and social returns:

  • Job Creation: Nearly 2,900 construction jobs and 592 permanent roles, with gender and youth inclusion targets
  • Procurement Opportunity: ZAR 500 million in contracts allocated to SMEs, half to youth-owned businesses
  • Productivity Gains: More reliable services for industrial users support operational efficiency
  • Service Equity: 160,000 low-income households will receive improved access to utilities

The partnership has embedded strong governance practices into the program, including independent oversight, transparent procurement, and financial safeguards, key criteria for future capital access.

Momentum Beyond the City of Johannesburg

While the City of Johannesburg may be the first African city to secure a non-sovereign guaranteed loan from the African Development Bank, it is not alone in its efforts to achieve financial independence. Other cities, such as Dakar, Cape Town, Nairobi, and Kigali, have also made significant progress towards attaining more autonomy and accountability in their financing mechanisms.

These cities share a common understanding that urban growth must be matched by fiscal capability, and that capital markets, not subsidies, will drive the next generation of infrastructure investments.

Investor Takeaway: Cities Are the Next Frontier

 Johannesburg’s breakthrough isn’t just a local success; it’s a signal to the market. African cities are increasingly proving themselves as bankable partners. For investors, lenders, and infrastructure firms, the rise of creditworthy municipalities is an untapped opportunity.

The trend is clear: well-managed cities are evolving from mere service providers. They are also infrastructure clients, capital partners, and engines of inclusive economic growth.

As Africa continues to urbanize, cities such as Johannesburg are showing that the future of investment is increasingly rooted in local contexts. When the appropriate financial architecture is established, cities are well-positioned to lead and drive sustainable development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

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Batangafo : La Sous-Préfecture Réhabilitée Officiellement Remise par la United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA)


« La République centrafricaine est en phase de développement, et nous sommes pleinement conscients des apports de la MINUSCA pour la restauration de l’autorité de l’État et l’assistance à nos populations en détresse », a déclaré le Préfet de l’Ouham-Fafa lors de la cérémonie officielle de remise des bâtiments réhabilités de la sous-préfecture de Batangafo.

Organisée par la Section DDR de la MINUSCA le 19 juin 2025, cette initiative s’inscrit dans le cadre du programme de Réduction des Violences Communautaires (CVR8). Les travaux ont été réalisés avec l’appui logistique du contingent pakistanais PAKBATT-11 et la contribution active de la main-d’œuvre locale. Cette action s’inscrit pleinement dans les efforts de stabilisation et de reconstruction post-conflit, en rétablissant une administration fonctionnelle et accessible pour les citoyens.

La cérémonie s’est déroulée en présence des autorités locales, du maire de Batangafo, du chef de bureau intérimaire de la MINUSCA à Kaga Bandoro, ainsi que des représentants des composantes de la mission onusienne (MILOBS, Force, UNPOL), des leaders communautaires et de nombreux habitants.

Moment fort de l’événement, la coupure du ruban et la signature du procès-verbal ont marqué la remise officielle des clés au Préfet. Cette remise est un signal fort du partenariat entre la MINUSCA et les autorités locales pour renforcer la présence de l’État, améliorer l’accès aux services publics et soutenir les communautés dans leur quête d’un avenir pacifique et stable.

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

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L’accord de la Banque africaine de développement pour Johannesburg marque le début d’une nouvelle ère dans l’investissement urbain piloté par les villes (Par Bleming Nekati)

Bleming Nekati est responsable régional des opérations du secteur privé en Afrique australe à la Banque africaine de développement (www.AfDB.org).

En juin 2025, une décision discrète, mais importante, a marqué un véritable tournant dans la finance urbaine africaine. Le Conseil d’administration de la Banque africaine de développement a approuvé un prêt de 2,5 milliards de rands (139 millions de dollars) à la ville de Johannesburg. Pour la première fois de son histoire, la Banque a accordé un financement sans garantie souveraine à une collectivité territoriale africaine.

Ce financement aura un impact direct et tangible sur la vie quotidienne des habitants de Johannesburg en renforçant les services de base et en améliorant les opportunités économiques. La population peut espérer une diminution des coupures d’électricité, un meilleur approvisionnement en eau, une collecte des déchets plus efficace et une productivité industrielle accrue, qui sont autant d’éléments contribuant à une croissance économique plus importante. Il est important de noter que ces améliorations sont financées par un modèle de marché plus durable, ce qui réduit la dépendance aux subventions nationales.

Cet accord est plus qu’une simple avancée en matière de financement ; il confirme l’opinion croissante parmi les investisseurs et les professionnels du développement selon laquelle, lorsqu’elles sont bien gérées, les villes africaines peuvent et doivent accéder aux marchés financiers à leurs propres conditions.

Une métropole prête pour le marché

Johannesburg n’est pas seulement la plus grande ville d’Afrique du Sud. Elle est aussi un pôle économique majeur et une véritable puissance économique. Avec une richesse créée d’une valeur de 67 milliards de dollars et une population d’au moins 6,44 millions d’habitants, la ville génère plus de richesses que de nombreux pays africains.

Cependant, comme de nombreuses villes du continent en pleine croissance, Johannesburg est sous pression.

Les infrastructures existantes sont vieillissantes. Les réseaux d’électricité et d’eau subissent des pertes importantes, dépassant respectivement 30 % et 46 %. Les services d’assainissement et de gestion des déchets sont débordés, en particulier dans les quartiers mal desservis. La croissance démographique accentue ces défis. Mais ces contraintes représentent aussi des opportunités : Johannesburg est aux prises avec une demande non satisfaite, à une échelle réelle et, surtout, à une volonté claire de réforme.

Du risque municipal à l’actif bancable

Historiquement, les municipalités africaines ont peiné à attirer des investissements directs en raison de contraintes juridiques et de préoccupations liées au risque de crédit. La ville de Johannesburg a défié cette tendance grâce à une décennie de réformes de gouvernance, de budgétisation et de financement, qui ont renforcé son profil de crédit vérifié de manière indépendante et inspiré la confiance des investisseurs.

Le prêt de la Banque africaine de développement est lié à plus de cent projets d’investissement couvrant quatre secteurs critiques :

  • L’électricité : modernisation du réseau, compteurs intelligents, énergies renouvelables et 3 200 nouveaux raccordements de ménages.
  • L’eau et l’assainissement : réparation des canalisations, traitement de l’eau et plan visant à réduire les pertes à 37 %.
  • Les déchets solides : collecte plus efficace, modernisation des décharges et expansion du recyclage.
  • Des services publics générateurs de revenus : tous les investissements sont liés à des flux de revenus garantis par les tarifs pour le remboursement. 

Stimulus économique avec retours

Le programme d’infrastructure est conçu pour produire des résultats économiques et sociaux :

  • Création d’emplois : près de 2 900 emplois dans le secteur de la construction et 592 postes permanents, avec des objectifs d’inclusion des femmes et des jeunes.
  • Opportunité d’approvisionnement : 500 millions de rands sud-africains de contrats alloués aux PME, dont la moitié à des entreprises appartenant à des jeunes.
  • Gains de productivité : des services plus fiables pour les utilisateurs industriels favoriseront l’efficacité opérationnelle.
  • Équité des services : 160 000 ménages à faible revenu bénéficieront d’un meilleur accès aux services publics.

Le partenariat a intégré de solides pratiques de gouvernance au programme, notamment un contrôle indépendant, des marchés publics transparents et des garanties financières, qui sont des critères essentiels pour un accès futur aux capitaux.

Une dynamique qui dépasse la ville de Johannesburg

Si Johannesburg est peut-être la première ville africaine à obtenir un prêt non garanti par l’État auprès de la Banque africaine de développement, elle n’est pas la seule à s’efforcer d’atteindre l’indépendance financière. D’autres villes, comme Dakar, Le Cap, Nairobi et Kigali, ont également réalisé des progrès significatifs vers une plus grande autonomie et une plus grande responsabilité dans leurs mécanismes de financement.

Ces villes partagent la même compréhension selon laquelle la croissance urbaine doit s’accompagner d’une capacité fiscale et que ce sont les marchés de capitaux, et non les subventions, qui seront le moteur de la prochaine génération d’investissements dans les infrastructures.

Ce qui ressort pour les investisseurs : les villes sont la prochaine frontière

La percée de Johannesburg n’est pas seulement une réussite locale ; c’est un signal envoyé au marché. Les villes africaines s’avèrent être de plus en plus des partenaires rentables. Pour les investisseurs, les prêteurs et les entreprises d’infrastructure, l’essor de municipalités solvables représente une opportunité inexploitée.

La tendance est claire : les villes bien gérées ne sont plus de simples prestataires de services. Elles sont également clientes d’infrastructures, partenaires financiers et moteurs d’une croissance économique inclusive.

Alors que l’Afrique continue de s’urbaniser, des villes comme Johannesburg démontrent que l’avenir de l’investissement est de plus en plus ancré dans les contextes locaux. Lorsqu’une architecture financière appropriée est mise en place, les villes sont bien placées pour piloter et impulser le développement durable.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

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Soudan : le nombre d’enfants atteints de malnutrition aiguë sévère a doublé au Darfour


De nouvelles données alarmantes publiées par l’UNICEF révèlent une augmentation de 46 % du nombre d’enfants traités pour malnutrition aiguë sévère dans la région du Darfour au Soudan entre janvier et mai 2025, soulignant l’urgence d’un accès à l’aide humanitaire dans cette zone touchée par le conflit.

Selon le Fonds des Nations Unies pour l’enfance (UNICEF), plus de 40.000 enfants ont été admis au Darfour du Nord pour traitement contre la malnutrition aiguë sévère au cours des cinq premiers mois de l’année. Il s’agit du double du nombre enregistré à la même période l’année dernière.

« Les enfants du Darfour sont affamés en raison du conflit et privés de l’aide qui pourrait leur sauver la vie », a déclaré Sheldon Yett, représentant de l’UNICEF au Soudan.

Les prémisses d’une catastrophe sans précédent

« Même avant que la saison de soudure ne s’installe complètement, les chiffres étaient déjà alarmants, et risquent de s’aggraver sans une intervention humanitaire rapide. Nous sommes à un moment critique : la vie des enfants dépend de la décision du monde d’agir ou de détourner le regard »,a -t-il ajouté.

Les dernières études menées dans les cinq régions du Darfour pour la période (avril-mai 2025) révèlent une augmentation très alarmante de la malnutrition infantile. Dans 9 des 13 localités, le taux de malnutrition aiguë a dépassé les niveaux d’urgence fixés par l’Organisation mondiale de la santé.

Dans la localité de Yasin, dans le Darfour-Oriental, l’enquête menée au début de la période de soudure en mai révèle un taux de malnutrition aiguë globale – qui comprend la malnutrition aiguë sévère et modérée – de 28 %.

Si ce chiffre atteint 30 %, il dépassera l’un des trois seuils critiques fixés pour déclarer une famine.

Ces données annoncent une catastrophe sans précédent pour les enfants si des mesures urgentes ne sont pas prises, dans un pays où la famine sévit déjà dans plusieurs régions.

L’urgence nutritionnelle s’aggrave

La situation est également alarmante dans d’autres régions du pays. Les admissions pour malnutrition aiguë sévère ont augmenté de plus de 70 % dans le nord du Kordofan, de 174 % dans l’État de Khartoum et de 683 % dans l’État d’Al Jazirah.

À Al Jazirah et à Khartoum, l’augmentation des taux d’admission s’explique en partie par l’amélioration de la sécurité et de l’accès humanitaire, qui permet aux mères de se rendre plus facilement dans les centres de santé pour obtenir de l’aide.

Alors que le Soudan est actuellement dans la période la plus critique de la saison de soudure, le risque de mortalité infantile massive augmente rapidement dans les régions déjà proches du seuil de famine.

Pour aggraver les choses, les épidémies de choléra, les cas de rougeole et l’effondrement des services de santé aggravent la crise et exposent les enfants vulnérables à un risque encore plus grand.

Déplacement massif et besoins croissants

Depuis avril, le conflit dans le Darfour du Nord, en particulier autour d’Al Fasher et du camp de Zamzam, s’est intensifié. Des quartiers entiers ont été assiégés, des hôpitaux bombardés et des routes bloquées. Les convois humanitaires sont victimes de pillages et d’attaques. L’accès humanitaire est désormais presque totalement coupé.

La crise provoque le déplacement de centaines de milliers de personnes. Rien qu’en avril, près de 400.000 personnes ont fui Zamzam, beaucoup ont marché jusqu’à 70 km pour atteindre Tawila. À Tawila, plus de 500.000 personnes déplacées s’entassent désormais dans des bâtiments publics ou dorment à la belle étoile, avec peu de nourriture, d’eau ou d’abris.

L’UNICEF a réussi à acheminer un lot de fournitures à Al Fasher au début de l’année, mais les tentatives d’en acheminer davantage ont été compromises par l’insécurité. Les stocks d’aliments thérapeutiques prêts à l’emploi (RUTF) à Al Fasher sont désormais épuisés.

Les établissements de santé à Zamzam et dans ses environs ont fermé leurs portes, tandis que les pénuries d’eau et le manque d’hygiène font planer la menace d’une propagation du choléra et d’autres maladies mortelles.

L’UNICEF a besoin de 200 millions de dollars supplémentaires cette année

L’UNICEF et ses partenaires font tout leur possible pour venir en aide aux victimes de ce conflit, qu’il s’agisse de soigner les blessés et les enfants souffrant de malnutrition, de forer des puits ou de distribuer des vivres. Cependant, la violence génère des besoins urgents qui ne peuvent pas être comblés assez rapidement.

L’UNICEF appelle toutes les parties pour qu’elles facilitent l’accès rapide, sûr et sans entrave de l’aide humanitaire aux populations touchées au Darfour et dans les Kordofans.

L’agence en appelle également aux pays donateurs. Le Fonds de l’ONU pour l’enfance a besoin de 200 millions de dollars supplémentaires cette année pour maintenir et étendre les services nutritionnels essentiels, en particulier le traitement de la malnutrition et la distribution d’aliments thérapeutiques.

Distribué par APO Group pour UN News.

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Cape Town carries out temp repairs on potholes

Source: Government of South Africa

Officials from the City of Cape Town have undertaken temporary pothole repairs in Gugulethu, Manenberg and Newlands, as wet conditions persist.

“During winter, and as a result of heavy and ongoing rains, water seeps into cracks on the road surface. These cracks widen, and turn into potholes that damage tyres and cause accidents. 

“Permanent pothole repairs require dry, warm conditions, thus during the wet months, we have to do cold mix asphalt repairs. 

“In summer, we will return to monitor the performance of the cold mix and do permanent repairs with hot mix asphalts, where needed,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Rob Quintas.

READ | Western Cape concerned at 23 deaths on province’s roads in one week

Quintas joined the city’s Roads Infrastructure Management team this week as they embarked on temporary pothole repairs.

Excessive mountain run-off has also led to flooding in some areas. In Gugulethu and Manenberg, the city found that illegal dumping of household items into stormwater drains increased the severity of flooding, as the drains were blocked.

“Another issue is illegal outlets or the dumping of greywater which contains chemicals that damage road surfaces and causes potholes. This greywater contains detergents and comes from baths, clothes, dishes and car washing. 

“Our teams are working hard to clear blocked drains and keep roads safe this winter, but we need your help. 

“Please dispose of greywater properly through the sewer system so it can be treated and re-used, and keep it off our road surfaces. Together, we can reduce winter flooding and prevent the forming of new potholes,” said Quintas.

Residents are encouraged to report incidents of flooding and related issues to the city’s call centre at 0860 103 089, via the City App, or alternatively via email on transport.info@capetown.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Ramaphosa calls for citizen-led national dialogue

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has convened the inaugural meeting of the Eminent Persons Group to kickstart a critical national dialogue aimed at addressing South Africa’s persistent challenges 31 years after democracy.

Speaking at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Friday, President Ramaphosa candidly acknowledged the country’s ongoing struggles. 

“There can be no doubt that we have begun to transform our society and our economy. And yet, the vestiges of our apartheid past remain,” he said, pointing to persistent issues of inequality, poverty and unemployment that continue to plague the nation.

“Our economy has not been growing, and the number of unemployed people has been rising.” 

He also acknowledged the deterioration in governance, a decline in the delivery of services, and widespread corruption and wastage of public resources.

“At the same time, we have seen an increasing disengagement by many people from the democratic process, as witnessed by the turnout in the May 2024 elections.” 

According to the country’s Commander-in-Chief, the national dialogue represents a bold attempt to unite South Africans across political, cultural, and social divides. 

READ | National Convention to set agenda for the National Dialogue

President Ramaphosa used Friday’s meeting to call for a process that is inclusive and citizen-led.

“It cannot be partisan. It cannot favour one group or perspective over any other.

“It needs to be citizen-led, and the outcomes need to reflect the collective views of the South African people.”

The President said the national dialogue represents a strategic effort to mobilise South Africans and restore the country’s developmental trajectory. 

“The national dialogue is neither government-driven nor directed,” President Ramaphosa stressed, underlining the importance of genuine public participation.

“Citizens must be able to freely and fully participate in the national dialogue as individuals, in organised formations, and through representative bodies.

“That is why the Eminent Persons Group is so important.” 

Highlighting the nation’s rich tradition of collaborative problem-solving, President Ramaphosa noted that “dialoguing is not a new phenomenon to South Africans”. 

He also pointed to previous successful national conversations like drafting the Constitution, the National Peace Accord, and the country’s response to the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. 

However, the President emphasised that the dialogue is not intended to replace existing democratic processes. 

Instead, President Ramaphosa pointed out that it aims to create a social compact that outlines clear commitments for government, political parties, business, labour, civil society, and citizens. 

President Ramaphosa stated that a carefully selected Eminent Persons Group will champion the dialogue, tasked with ensuring its authenticity and effectiveness. 

He challenged these leaders to be critical guardians of the process, not mere cheerleaders.

“We are asking you, Eminent Persons, to be champions of the national dialogue, not cheerleaders.

“We expect that you will critically consider the progress and the conduct of the national dialogue, and provide advice where correction is required.

“If there is confusion or misunderstanding, or disarray, we ask you to help correct it. If there are groups that seek to commandeer the process, we ask that you alert us.” 

Strengthening social cohesion

The First Citizen announced that the first national convention is scheduled for August, with the hopes of generating a collective vision for South Africa’s future. 

“South Africans want to be heard, they want to participate; they want to be included in whatever process is meant to improve their lives.”

With scepticism and political tensions already emerging, President Ramaphosa believes that the success of this national dialogue remains to be seen. 

“We have already been confronted by the challenge of misinformation and misrepresentation, whether on the cost of the national dialogue or on who is running it.

“But that should not distract us from the work we have to do to give a platform to the millions of voices in our country, so that they may be heard and so that they may be counted.

“We should not fear criticism. We should welcome it.”

Despite criticism, the President strongly believes this platform represents a potentially crucial step in addressing the country’s deep-seated challenges. – SAnews.gov.za

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Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA)’s Sustainable Support for Emergency Medicine Capacity in The Gambia

Source: APO – Report:

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The Emergency Medicine Capacity Building Program (ATKAP), launched in 2021 by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) in cooperation with the Ministries of Health of the Republic of Turkey and the Republic of The Gambia, continues to yield lasting results.

The Introduction to Emergency Response Training (ADG+), which started as part of the project, is now delivered by Gambian doctors thanks to the “training of trainers” model. TİKA continues to support the program by providing modern training equipment.

In the second phase of the 2025 program, a total of 50 healthcare providers participated in the training held at Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, which included extensive theoretical and practical modules on emergency response, trauma management, disaster planning, and teamwork during crises.

With ATKAP, TİKA continues to strengthen local health capacity through similar trainings held in various countries.

– on behalf of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).

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Sudan: Surge in Darfur displacement pushes Tawila into full-scale crisis, cholera spreading

Source: APO – Report:

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A massive increase in people fleeing to Tawila in North Darfur over the last three months is propelling the small town into a full-scale humanitarian crisis. With the rainy season starting, hundreds of thousands of people who just barely escaped horror are bracing themselves for torrential storms, cholera outbreak and spiralling hunger.

Since April 2025, Tawila, has absorbed nearly 379,000 people fleeing repeated campaigns of mass destruction and year long siege on Zamzam Camp and Al Fasher, where famine has also been confirmed. Most are women (70 per cent), children, and people with disabilities, arriving into camps, mostly on foot after days of fleeing for their lives. Four new camps were set up to cope with the spiralling numbers and humanitarian organisations are overwhelmed, with prepositioned aid ahead of the rainy season already depleted. 

“The situation in Tawila is collapsing,” said NRC’s Sudan Country Director Shashwat Saraf. “Families are surviving on scraps, sleeping in the dirt under roofs made out of straw, with barely any access to clean water and toilets. Cases of cholera are rising, and the rainy season is approaching fast, making living conditions more miserable.” 

NRC’s June 2025 assessment across four new camps in Tawila housing 213,000 people confirms: 

  • Lack of access to water: only 21,000 people, or 10 per cent, have reliable water access. 
  • Latrine shortages: approximately 2,684 households, or less than 10 per cent, have access to latrines, while 31,238 households are without access. 
  • Severe food shortages: most families report that they are eating one meal a day or less. 
  • Lack of schools: only 11 temporary learning spaces means that many children are unable to attend classes. 
  • Major protection concerns: 39 per cent of women are pregnant or lactating, 22 per cent of households include persons with disabilities, and there is a lack of proper services and support 
  • Uncertain future: 60 per cent of the people in the camps say they are intending to stay long-term, yet 27 per cent have no plan, reflecting fear and uncertainty. 

The families in the camps have been fleeing scenes of extreme violence: April’s raid on Zamzam and Abu Shouk camps left up to 400 dead, many raped, aid workers killed, and survivors risking their lives to flee into Tawila in desperation. Since April 2023, 782,000 people have been displaced from Al Fasher and Zamzam, including nearly 500,000 in April – May 2025 alone.  

A separate assessment by aid agencies and local authorities in Al Fasher found 38 per cent of children under 5 at displacement sites suffer from acute malnutrition, 11 percent with severe acute malnutrition.  

“The window for saving thousands of lives is closing fast,” Saraf added. “We need funding and decisive action from the world’s leaders to get aid trucks and relief teams to Tawila – without delays and restrictions from the warring parties – before this spirals completely out of control.”

– on behalf of Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).