Category: Africa

Posted on

BRICS expresses concern over trade-restrictive measures

Source: Government of South Africa

BRICS expresses concern over trade-restrictive measures

New Delhi, India -BRICS has expressed concern over the rise in unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures, saying such actions distort trade and are inconsistent with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.

“The proliferation of trade-restrictive actions that are inconsistent with WTO rules, whether in the form of indiscriminate rising of tariffs and non-tariff measures, or protectionism under the guise of environmental objectives, threatens to further reduce global trade, disrupt global supply chains, and introduce uncertainty into international economic and trade activities, potentially exacerbating existing economic disparities and negatively affecting prospects for global economic development,” the BRICS New Delhi declaration said on Saturday.

The WTO oversees the global rules-based system that governs trade between nations.
India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit, which began on Saturday under the theme: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, reflecting a people-centred and humanity-first approach.
The grouping adopted the declaration on the first day of the Summit, which will conclude on Sunday in New Delhi, noting that the multilateral trading system has long been at a crossroads.

“We voice serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures which distort trade and are inconsistent with WTO rules. 

“We will work together to enhance the WTO’s responsiveness to trade disruptions and the needs and priorities of emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs), as well as advance discussions on outstanding issues, and support balanced, inclusive and concrete outcomes that strengthen the multilateral trading system and enable it to better address evolving global challenges,” BRICS said.

The grouping reaffirmed its unwavering support for reforming the World Trade Organization and strengthening a non-discriminatory, open, equitable, transparent, fair, inclusive, predictable and rules-based multilateral trading system, with the WTO at its core.

It also upheld foundational principles such as Most-Favoured-Nation Treatment and Special and Differential Treatment for developing members, particularly least-developed countries (LDCs).

“We remain committed to active engagement in multilateral negotiations in Geneva, especially in the debates regarding the reform of the WTO. We will advance efforts and enhance coordination under the BRICS Informal Consultative Framework on the challenges undermining the effectiveness and credibility of the WTO and solutions to these challenges,” BRICS said.

BRICS has expanded from its original membership of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia as full members.
The 2025 partner-country framework includes Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

According to India’s BRICS Presidency, the 11 member countries account for about 49.5% of the world’s population, 40% of global gross domestic product and 26% of global trade.

The grouping provides a platform for consultation and cooperation on global and regional matters, including political, economic, financial and people-to-people cooperation. – SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle

5

Posted on

President calls on BRICS to strengthen multilateral order

Source: Government of South Africa

President calls on BRICS to strengthen multilateral order

New Delhi, India – As multilateral institutions and rules face growing threats, President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on BRICS countries to strengthen multilateralism through reform and action.

“Over many decades, multilateralism has shown itself to be effective in organising global relations, advancing human rights and promoting development. Yet, the relevance of the United Nations (UN) and the durability of multilateralism are now threatened by overt violations of the UN Charter and the resort to war to settle differences between Member States,” Ramaphosa said on Saturday.

The President was speaking during the closed session on Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India.

“It is up to BRICS to defend and strengthen that multilateral order. South Africa advocates a predictable global system based on international law, with the UN Charter at its centre,” he said.

The President said the challenges facing the world require a more inclusive and effective multilateral system, with BRICS having an important role to play.

He outlined several ways in which BRICS can contribute to strengthening the multilateral order.
“First, BRICS must remain a united voice for reform. It must advocate for a UN system that reflects current realities and in which all regions are effectively represented. Second, BRICS should demonstrate that multilateral cooperation delivers practical results.”

Through the New Development Bank and other areas of cooperation, the President said BRICS can help advance infrastructure development, sustainable growth, food security, health, industrialisation and climate resilience.

“Third, BRICS should help shape approaches to global governance that are fairer, more accountable and development-oriented.

“Fourth, BRICS is a bridge across geopolitical divides. In a fragmented world, dialogue matters more than confrontation. We should ensure that countries with developing economies have a meaningful voice in global decision-making and that power remains constrained by law,” he said.

Upholding international law
The President stressed that the international community must uphold international law and ensure that no country acts with impunity.

“And we must ensure that the voices of Africa and the Global South are fully reflected in shaping the future international order. South Africa advocates a predictable global system based on international law, with the UN Charter at its centre.

“An order founded on the sovereign equality of states, territorial integrity and political independence benefits all nations, large and small,” the President said.

He said the international order prohibits intervention in the internal affairs of other states and the use of force not consistent with Article 51 of the UN Charter or authorised by the Security Council.
It also obliges states to settle disputes peacefully and to respect human rights and self-determination.

Accountability
To give strength to international law, there must be accountability for atrocities, including those involving Palestinians, Sudan and Iran.

“We must exert pressure and expose violations whenever, and by whomever, they are committed. International law cannot be applied selectively: the same principles must apply to all states and the same protections must apply to all peoples.

“It is for this reason that South Africa and other Member States have turned to bodies like the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court to seek justice for the people of Palestine. We cannot allow the United Nations to disappear into irrelevance,” he said.

Africa’s representation on UN Security Council
At the same time, President Ramaphosa said the UN and other global institutions don’t adequately reflect today’s realities and are ill-equipped to address the challenges of the future.

“Africa accounts for 54 Member States of the United Nations and nearly one-fifth of humanity yet remains without permanent representation on the Security Council. This is neither just nor sustainable.

“South Africa reiterates its call for comprehensive Security Council reform that makes the Council more representative, accountable, transparent and effective.

“South Africa supports strengthening the wider UN system, including through the UN80 Initiative and a renewed United Nations focused on peace and security, human rights and humanitarian affairs, and socio-economic development,” he said.

President Ramaphosa arrived in India to attend the 18th BRICS Summit on Friday, with the Presidency saying South Africa will use the Summit to advance its diplomatic and economic priorities.

The President also addressed the BRICS Business Forum on Friday, where he said the ambition of governments and business communities must extend beyond increasing intra-BRICS trade to deepening productive relationships between economies.

Earlier on Saturday, President Ramaphosa addressed the India-South Africa Business Leadership Roundtable.-SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle

5

Posted on

Liberia: President Boakai Reaffirms National Commitment to Return 250,000 Children to the Classroom

Source: APO – Report:

His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that out-of-school children are identified, enrolled, supported, retained, and empowered to thrive through the Back to My Classroom (BTMC) Campaign.

Launched in 2024, BTMC seeks to return 250,000 out-of-school children to education by 2029, beginning with 80,000 children across seven priority counties in 2026.

Speaking at the BTMC National Steering Committee Presidential Midterm Review, President Boakai emphasized that bringing children back to school is a shared national responsibility requiring sustained leadership from Government, county authorities, communities, families, schools, civil society, development partners, and other stakeholders. He also officially endorsed the rollout of the strengthened BTMC model to six additional priority counties, following the establishment of the first county structure in Gbarpolu.

Minister of Education Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah reaffirmed Government’s determination to translate the President’s vision into measurable action, stressing that successful reintegration goes beyond enrollment. Poverty, distance, disability, lack of birth documentation, inadequate facilities, and other barriers require a coordinated, child-centered response.

The meeting brought together representatives of Education, Health, Gender, Children and Social Protection, Local Government, Finance and Development Planning, LISGIS, UNICEF, development partners, county authorities and civil society, reflecting BTMC’s integrated model of bringing different services and responsibilities together around the same child.

Since its launch, the Campaign has strengthened national coordination, incorporated lessons from the Grand Bassa pilot, established the first County Steering Committee and Secretariat in Gbarpolu, and advanced systems for coordinated referrals, child-level tracking, retention and accountability.

250,000 children. 250,000 dreams. One national commitment.

Every child belongs in the classroom. Together, Liberia will bring them home.

– on behalf of Ministry of Education: Republic of Liberia.

Media files

.

Posted on

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Receives Ambassador Kalilou Traoré of Côte d’Ivoire on First Official Visit to Commission President General Birame Diop, Highlighting Regional Cooperation, Security and Integration

Source: APO – Report:

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. General Birame Diop, received H.E. Kalilou Traoré, Ambassador of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire to Nigeria and Permanent Representative of Côte d’Ivoire to ECOWAS, on a courtesy visit following his assumption of office as President of the Commission. The visit, the first paid by a Member State Ambassador to President Diop since he assumed office on 31 August 2026, provided an opportunity for both leaders to reaffirm their commitment to the ideals of regional integration and to exchange views on matters of mutual interest concerning the ECOWAS Community.

The discussions underscored the importance of sustained dialogue, close cooperation and regular consultations between the ECOWAS Commission and Member States in advancing peace, stability, regional integration and sustainable development across West Africa. The meeting was attended by the Chief of Staff to the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Sylvain SAMBOU, the Director of External Relations, Mr. Jérôme BOA, the Director of Communication, Mr. Joël AHOFODJI, and members of Ambassador TRAORÉ’s delegation, reflecting the shared commitment of both institutions to strengthening collaboration and engagement in support of the Community’s objectives.

The President and Ambassador Traoré reviewed developments relating to regional peace and security, including ongoing engagement between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), the evolving political situation in Guinea-Bissau and the persistent threat of terrorism across the Sahel region. President Diop stressed the need for continued dialogue, cooperation and coordinated action to preserve stability and safeguard the gains of regional integration.

Discussions also touched on the operationalisation of the ECOWAS Standby Force and broader regional security initiatives, as well as ongoing efforts to strengthen free movement of persons and goods and to advance regional connectivity and infrastructure development.

President Diop commended Côte d’Ivoire’s continued support for the Community’s integration agenda, while Ambassador Traoré, for his part, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to regional integration and to strengthening cooperation with the Commission.

The visit forms part of the Commission’s ongoing consultations with Member States aimed at advancing peace, stability, economic integration and sustainable development across West Africa.

– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Media files

.

Posted on

Jeux de la Confédération des États du Sahel (JAES) 2026 : le Président du Faso récompéense les jeunes athlètes et encourage la relève sportive

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Les performances des jeunes athlètes engagés dans les Jeux de la Confédération des États du Sahel (JAES) 2026 sont accompagnées d’un dispositif de prix et de primes offert par le Président du Faso, le Camarade Capitaine Ibrahim TRAORE, Président du Faso, Président de la Confédération des États du Sahel et Haut Patron des JAES. Cette initiative traduit la volonté de valoriser les efforts consentis par les jeunes sportifs et de les encourager à poursuivre leur progression.

Les récompenses concernent les différentes disciplines inscrites au programme des JAES. Dans les sports individuels et les sports de combat, les trois premiers reçoivent respectivement 400 000, 300 000 et 200 000 FCFA. Pour les épreuves par équipes en sports individuels, les montants sont fixés à 1 000 000 FCFA pour le premier prix, 700 000 FCFA pour le deuxième et 500 000 FCFA pour le troisième.

Dans les sports collectifs, les récompenses tiennent compte des disciplines. En football, les trois premières équipes reçoivent respectivement 5 millions, 3 millions et 2 millions de FCFA. En handball, les montants sont de 3 millions, 2 millions et 1 million de FCFA pour les premières, deuxièmes et troisièmes places.

Au-delà de leur dimension financière, ces récompenses constituent un encouragement adressé aux jeunes athlètes pour les efforts fournis dans la préparation et la compétition. Elles contribuent également à renforcer la reconnaissance du mérite sportif et à créer des conditions favorables à l’éclosion de nouveaux talents appelés à assurer progressivement la relève du sport dans l’espace de la Confédération des États du Sahel.

En récompensant les performances réalisées à l’occasion des JAES, le Président du Faso, le Camarade Capitaine Ibrahim TRAORE, Président du Faso, Président de la Confédération des États du Sahel et Haut Patron des JAES, réaffirme ainsi l’importance accordée à la jeunesse et au développement du sport. À travers cette reconnaissance, les jeunes athlètes sont invités à maintenir leurs efforts, à cultiver l’excellence et à poursuivre leur engagement au service de la relève sportive sahélienne.

Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement du Burkina Faso.

Media files

Posted on

 Well wishes over Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

Source: Government of South Africa

 Well wishes over Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

President Cyril Ramaphosa has wished the Jewish community in South Africa and around the world a peaceful, safe, and joyous Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

“As the Jewish community enters the period of the high holy days, we are reminded of the abiding value in faith and family,” President Ramaphosa.

In his statement on Friday, the President said: “In Jewish tradition, Rosh Hashanah is a time for renewal and reflection and carries a profound and timeless message about our power to bring about change – not only in our own lives, but in the lives of those around us.”

The President paid tribute to the South African Jewish community as an important part of South Africa’s national fabric.

“On behalf of all South Africans, we wish those who are observing Rosh Hashanah a sweet year full of hope and happiness, and a meaningful Yom Kippur fast,” the President said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

Neo

0

Posted on

Statement by His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa during a session on Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism, 18th BRICS Leaders' Summit, New Delhi, India

Source: President of South Africa –

Your Excellency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
Fellow BRICS Leaders,
Honourable Ministers,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

I wish to extend my appreciation to you, Prime Minister Modi, for convening this important discussion. 

Our sincere thanks for your gracious hospitality here in New Delhi. 

We meet at a time of profound challenge and change in global affairs. 

The United Nations has entered its eighty-first year, having endured the Cold War and many other challenges while largely upholding its mandate to maintain global peace and security. 

Over many decades, multilateralism has shown itself to be effective in organising global relations, advancing human rights and promoting development.

Yet, the relevance of the United Nations and the durability of multilateralism are now threatened by overt violations of the UN Charter and the resort to war to settle differences between Member States. 

Multilateral institutions and rules are being ignored and subverted.

At the BRIC Summit in Yekaterinburg in 2009, leaders committed to multilateral diplomacy with the United Nations at its centre and to a just multipolar order based on international law and equality. 

It is up to BRICS to defend and strengthen that multilateral order.

South Africa advocates a predictable global system based on international law, with the UN Charter at its centre. 

An order founded on the sovereign equality of states, territorial integrity and political independence benefits all nations, large and small. 

It prohibits intervention in the internal affairs of other states and the use of force not consistent with Article 51 of the UN Charter or authorised by the Security Council. 

It obliges states to settle disputes peacefully and to respect human rights and self-determination.

To give strength to the law, there must be accountability for atrocities: for the ongoing genocide against the Palestinians, for the crimes committed against the people of Sudan and for the illegal war against Iran. 

We must exert pressure and expose violations whenever, and by whomever, they are committed.

International law cannot be applied selectively: the same principles must apply to all states and the same protections must apply to all peoples. 

It is for this reason that South Africa and other Member States have turned to bodies like the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court to seek justice for the people of Palestine.

We cannot allow the United Nations to disappear into irrelevance. 

At the same time, we must acknowledge that the UN and other global institutions do not reflect the realities of today and are ill-equipped for the world of tomorrow. 

Africa accounts for 54 Member States of the United Nations and nearly one-fifth of humanity, yet remains without permanent representation on the Security Council. This is neither just nor sustainable.

South Africa reiterates its call for comprehensive Security Council reform that makes the Council more representative, accountable, transparent and effective. 

South Africa supports strengthening the wider UN system, including through the UN80 Initiative and a renewed United Nations focused on peace and security, human rights and humanitarian affairs, and socio-economic development. 

The challenges the world faces today require more inclusive and more effective multilateralism.

BRICS can contribute in four ways.

First, BRICS must remain a united voice for reform. It must advocate for a UN system that reflects current realities and in which all regions are effectively represented.

Second, BRICS should demonstrate that multilateral cooperation delivers practical results. 

Through the New Development Bank and other areas of cooperation, we can help advance infrastructure development, sustainable growth, food security, health, industrialisation and climate resilience.

Third, BRICS should help shape approaches to global governance that are fairer, more accountable and development-oriented.

Fourth, BRICS is a bridge across geopolitical divides. In a fragmented world, dialogue matters more than confrontation.

We should ensure that countries with developing economies have a meaningful voice in global decision-making and that power remains constrained by law. 

We must strengthen multilateralism through reform and action.

We must uphold international law and allow no one to act with impunity.

And we must ensure that the voices of Africa and the Global South are fully reflected in shaping the future international order.

I thank you.
 

Posted on

Bénin : Enseignement secondaire : Le Gouvernement accélère la transformation numérique avec 628 équipements informatiques

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Gouvernement béninois poursuit la modernisation de l’enseignement secondaire et fait du numérique un levier majeur de l’amélioration de la qualité des apprentissages. Une nouvelle étape a été franchie le vendredi 11 septembre 2026, à la Cité ministérielle, avec la remise officielle par l’UNICEF d’un lot de 628 équipements informatiques destinés au renforcement de l’intégration du digital et des TIC en milieu scolaire. 

Cette dotation comprend notamment des ordinateurs de bureau et portables, unités centrales, écrans, vidéoprojecteurs, imprimantes, périphériques, équipements de stockage et divers accessoires informatiques. Elle bénéficiera à 43 Collèges d’Enseignement Général répartis dans neuf départements, ainsi qu’à quatre Directions départementales de l’Enseignement secondaire et quatre Directions départementales des Enseignements maternel et primaire. 

« Au-delà de la remise de ces équipements, il s’agit d’un investissement dans l’avenir des enfants et des jeunes du Bénin », a souligné Monsieur Ousmane NIANG, représentant résident de l’UNICEF au Bénin. Il a réaffirmé l’engagement de l’organisation et de ses partenaires à accompagner les efforts du Gouvernement béninois en faveur d’une éducation de qualité pour chaque enfant. 

La dotation permettra notamment l’installation de 12 nouvelles salles numériques dans les collèges bénéficiaires. Celles-ci viendront renforcer les 55 salles numériques déjà déployées dans les zones d’intervention de l’UNICEF au profit du système éducatif béninois. 

« Ces équipements vont permettre de réduire la fracture numérique. Ils ouvriront de nouvelles perspectives d’apprentissage, faciliteront les recherches et moderniseront les méthodes pédagogiques en classe », a déclaré Monsieur Adéyèmi Clément KOUCHADÉ, Ministre de l’Enseignement secondaire. 

Pour les structures administratives bénéficiaires, ces outils contribueront également à renforcer les capacités de gestion, de suivi et de pilotage du système éducatif. Le Ministre a salué l’appui constant de l’UNICEF et de ses partenaires aux côtés du Gouvernement béninois. 

Cette nouvelle dotation confirme la volonté du Gouvernement de faire du numérique un outil concret de transformation de l’école, d’équité dans l’accès aux ressources pédagogiques et d’amélioration des performances du système éducatif.

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

Media files

Posted on

Training for Peace: Corporal Kaitell builds capacity for Somali Police at African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) Sector 2

Source: APO

Training and mentorship are at the heart of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). In Kismayo’s Sector 2, that work falls in part to Corporal George Fitzpatrick Kaitell. An armourer by trade, he now heads training for the Sierra Leone Formed Police Unit.

With 21 years of experience in the Sierra Leone Police Force, Cpl Kaitell has dedicated his career to public service, professional policing and capacity building. Since joining the police in 2005, he remains dedicated to serving not only his country, but the broader African community.

“I was inspired by friends and also to dedicate myself to my country and to the world at large,” he said.

For Cpl Kaitell, cooperation helped strengthen the relationship between the AUSSOM personnel and their Somali counterparts.

Key areas of instruction include public order management and weapons handling, both critical components of modern policing and civilian protection. These training courses are designed to improve technical skills and enhance professionalism in the Protection of Civilians.

For Cpl Kaitell, the mission goes beyond security operations. He believes the training effort represents a broader African commitment to peace, cooperation and rebuilding societies affected by conflict.

“We are all Africans, and we want Africa to be peaceful. We want Somalia to move on from the past and lead a new path with peace and a happy life.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

Media files

.

Posted on

Eritrea: Conference on Importance of Mother-Tongue Education

Source: APO

A conference on the importance of mother-tongue education was held for nationals in Switzerland. The conference was attended by over 60 teachers from 19 schools, education coordinators, and heads of national organizations.

The conference focused on teaching methods, reference books and their types, the structure of mother-tongue schools, teachers and curriculum design, as well as the role of mother-tongue education in nurturing love of country.

The participants held extensive discussions on the paper presented, focusing on the efforts needed to familiarize Eritrean children born in the Diaspora with their history, society, and country.
A task force was established to design and coordinate the administrative framework of the schools and prepare relevant textbooks.

The participants also called for training to upgrade teachers’ skills and measures to address textbook shortages.

In related news, a seminar focusing on the current situation in the homeland and regional developments was held for nationals in Graubünden, while nationals in Sion conducted activities reflecting their culture.

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

Media files

.