Category: Africa

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South Africa elected to AU Peace and Security Council

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa elected to AU Peace and Security Council

South Africa has been elected to serve a two-year term on the African Union’s (AU) Peace and Security Council.

AU member states elected South Africa to the council during the 38th Ordinary Session of the AU’s Executive Council.

According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), South Africa was elected alongside Lesotho to represent Southern Africa on the council.

On the election, DIRCO Minister Ronald Lamola said: “To achieve the goals of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, we have to exert more efforts on peace making and peacebuilding in our continent”.

South Africa will serve on the council from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2028. 

“The Republic of South Africa thanks the AU Member States for their confidence and reaffirms its commitment to work constructively with the entire membership of the AUPSC [African Union Peace and Security Council] in addressing the many peace and security challenges that bedevil our continent.

“The continent continues to grapple with issues such as unconstitutional changes of government, a recurring trend since 2020, which persists until today; and terrorism and violent extremism that has resulted in killings and maiming of thousands of innocent civilians.

“It is in this context that South Africa’s term on the PSC will be guided by its foreign policy which prioritises the African continent’s peace, stability and development,” DIRCO said on Wednesday.

South Africa reaffirmed its commitment to “contributing to a continent that is peaceful, prosperous and embodies pan-African ideals”.

“This commitment is evident in the numerous peace and security initiatives in which South Africa has participated and continues to engage, including its role as interim Chair of the Southern African Development Community.

“South Africa will advocate for peaceful conflict resolution, inclusive dialogue and negotiations, aimed at supporting conflicting parties in finding durable solutions,” the department added. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO de la Fondation Merck : Après avoir été reconnue comme l’Une des 100 Africains les Plus Influents par le New African Magazine, elle figure parmi les 100 Femmes Africaines Les Plus Influentes, aux côtés des Présidentes de Tanzanie et de Namibie, selon Avance Media, et ce pour la 7ème année consécutive

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Après avoir été récemment reconnue comme l’une des 100 Africains Les Plus Influents de 2025 par le magazine britannique New African Magazine, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO de la Fondation Merck et Présidente de la Campagne « Plus Qu’une Mère », figure pour la septième année consécutive parmi les 100 Femmes Africaines Les Plus Influentes de 2025 par Avance Media. Elle est ainsi distinguée aux côtés de personnalités africaines de premier plan, dont S.E. SAMIA SULUHU HASSAN, Présidente de Tanzanie, et S.E. NDEMUPELILA NETUMBO NANDI-NDAITWAH, Présidente de Namibie. Cette reconnaissance souligne son engagement indéfectible en faveur de l’autonomisation des femmes, de l’éducation des filles et de la transformation des soins de santé en Afrique.

Ce classement annuel met à l’honneur les femmes africaines dont le leadership, l’influence et les réalisations continuent de façonner les prises de décision aux plus hauts niveaux, tant au niveau local qu’international.

Commentant cette distinction, la Sénatrice Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret) a déclaré : « Je suis profondément honorée d’être reconnue comme l’une des 100 Femmes Africaines Les Plus Influentes pour la septième année consécutive. C’est un privilège d’être citée aux côtés de dirigeants africains aussi estimés, notamment les Présidentes de Tanzanie et de Namibie, et de tant d’actrices inspirantes du changement. Félicitations à toutes les femmes remarquables distinguées cette année. »

« Je suis reconnaissante de cette reconnaissance, qui salue l’engagement indéfectible de la Fondation Merck à renforcer les capacités du système de santé, à transformer le paysage des soins aux patients en mettant l’accent sur la santé des femmes, à autonomiser les femmes infertiles en particulier et les femmes en général, et à soutenir l’éducation des filles pour les aider à réaliser leur plein potentiel. Cet honneur nous motive encore davantage à bâtir un héritage durable d’impact et de changement à travers l’Afrique pour les générations à venir. » a ajouté la Dr. Rasha Kelej, une dirigeante largement respectée sur le continent, qui travaille en étroite collaboration avec les gouvernements, les Premières Dames, les professionnels de la santé et les communautés locales.

Plus d’une décennie de leadership transformateur

Sous la direction du Dr. Rasha Kelej, la Fondation Merck a lancé et développé de nombreux programmes à fort impact, notamment le Programme de Bourses d’études pour les professionnels de la santé, qui transforme le paysage des soins aux patients et améliore l’accès à des soins de santé de qualité et équitables en Afrique et au-delà ; le mouvement phare « Plus Qu’une Mère », qu’elle a lancé en 2015, grâce auquel elle renforce les capacités en matière de soins de reproduction et de fertilité de qualité et équitables, brise la stigmatisation de l’infertilité et sensibilise le public à la prévention de l’infertilité et à l’infertilité masculine ; et le programme « Éduquer Linda », qui soutient l’éducation des filles dans de nombreux pays africains.

Au cours des onze dernières années, le Dr. Rasha Kelej a collaboré étroitement avec plus de 33 Premières Dames d’Afrique et d’Asie, Ambassadrices de la Campagne « Plus Qu’une Mère » de la Fondation Merck, ainsi qu’avec les Ministères de la Santé, de l’Éducation, de l’Égalité des Genres, de l’Information et de la Communication, le monde universitaire, les instituts de recherche, les médias et les arts.

Transformer les soins aux patients, bâtir un héritage durable

Sous son impulsion, la Fondation Merck a octroyé plus de 2 500 bourses à de jeunes professionnels de santé issus de 52 pays, dans plus de 44 spécialités médicales essentielles et sous-dotées.

Avant le lancement des programmes de la Fondation Merck en 2012, de nombreux pays, comme la Gambie, Libéria, Sierra Leone, République Centrafricaine, Guinée, Burundi, Niger, Tchad, l’Éthiopie et Namibie, ne disposaient d’aucun spécialiste, ou de très peu, dans des domaines cruciaux tels que l’oncologie, fertilité et médecine reproductive, diabétologie, pneumologie et soins intensifs. Grâce au leadership visionnaire du Dr. Rasha Kelej, la Fondation Merck a joué un rôle déterminant pour combler ces lacunes et transformer les capacités des systèmes de santé dans ces pays.

« Nombre de nos anciens boursiers sont devenus les premiers spécialistes de leur pays. À travers ces réussites, nous ne nous contentons pas de renforcer les systèmes de santé, nous écrivons véritablement l’histoire », a-t-elle expliqué.

Autonomisation des femmes dans les soins de santé et les STIM, et des filles dans l’éducation

Sur plus de 2 500 bourses d’études octroyées, près de 1 200 ont été attribuées à des professionnelles de la santé, témoignant de leur engagement en faveur de l’autonomisation des femmes dans le secteur de la santé.

La Fondation Merck décerne également chaque année les Prix MARS (Sommet de Recherche en Afrique de la Fondation Merck) afin de récompenser et de soutenir les Meilleures Chercheuses Africaines et les Meilleurs Jeunes Chercheurs Africains, promouvant ainsi la recherche scientifique africaine et la participation des femmes aux STIM, avec un accent particulier sur la santé des femmes et les soins de reproduction.

Grâce au Programme « Éduquer Linda », mené en partenariat avec des Premières Dames d’Afrique et d’Asie, le Dr. Kelej soutient l’éducation de plus de 1 200 filles en octroyant des bourses annuelles à des écolières méritantes issues de milieux défavorisés. Ces bourses leur permettent de poursuivre leurs études et de réaliser pleinement leur potentiel. Elles sont destinées à des filles originaires de 19 pays africains, dont le Botswana, Burundi, Cap-Vert, République Centrafricaine, République Démocratique du Congo, Gabon, Gambie, Ghana, Kenya, Libéria, Malawi, Namibie, Nigeria, Sao Tomé-et-Principe, Tanzanie, Togo, Zambie et Zimbabwe. Par ailleurs, le programme fournit des fournitures scolaires essentielles à des milliers d’écolières dans plusieurs pays africains.

Inspirer le changement par l’innovation, l’art et la créativité

Le Dr. Rasha Kelej sensibilise le public à plusieurs enjeux sociaux cruciaux, tels que la lutte contre la stigmatisation de l’infertilité, le soutien à l’éducation des filles, l’abolition du mariage des enfants et des mutilations génitales féminines, la lutte contre les violences sexistes, l’autonomisation des femmes et les problèmes de santé comme le diabète, l’hypertension et le cancer. Elle est convaincue que les médias, la mode et l’art peuvent être de puissants outils pour sensibiliser le public à ces enjeux cruciaux et susciter un changement culturel.

Elle a conçu, produit, réalisé et anime « Notre Afrique de la Fondation Merck », une émission télévisée panafricaine unique qui sensibilise le public aux questions de santé et sociales grâce à la mode et à l’art engagés. L’émission est diffusée dans plusieurs pays africains et disponible en diffusion sur les plateformes de la Fondation Merck et des réseaux sociaux du Dr. Kelej.

Convaincue du pouvoir de la communication créative, la Dr. Kelej a également :

  • Composé plus de 30 chansons de sensibilisation en anglais, français, portugais et langues africaines locales
  • Publié 9 livres pour enfants en trois langues
  • Réalisé 6 films d’animation en quatre langues
  • Formé plus de 4 000 journalistes dans 45 pays
  • Créé 8 prix annuels récompensant l’excellence dans les médias, la mode, le cinéma et la musique pour leur impact social et sanitaire et leur contribution à la sensibilisation

Distribué par APO Group pour for Africa.

Réseaux sociaux : 
Instagram de Dr. Rasha Kelej : https://apo-opa.co/4qsFdUX
Facebook de Dr. Rasha Kelej : https://apo-opa.co/4qA7zwO
Twitter de Dr. Rasha Kelej : https://apo-opa.co/4ktZLem

Pour plus d’informations sur la Fondation Merck, veuillez consulter le site : www.Merck-Foundation.com

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Doutora Rasha Kelej, CEO da Fundação Merck: Depois de ter sido reconhecida como uma das 100 pessoas africanas mais influentes pela revista New African, foi nomeada entre as 100 mulheres africanas mais influentes, ao lado dos presidentes da Tanzânia e da Namíbia, pela Avance Media pelo sétimo ano consecutivo

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Depois de ter sido recentemente reconhecida como uma das 100 pessoas africanas mais influentes de 2025 pela revista New African Magazine (Reino Unido), Dra. Rasha Kelej, CEO da Fundação Merck e Presidente da campanha “Mais do Que uma mãe”, foi agora nomeada entre as 100 mulheres africanas mais influentes de 2025 pela Avance Media, pelo sétimo ano consecutivo. É reconhecida ao lado dos líderes mais importantes de África, incluindo S. Exª. SAMIA SULUHU HASSAN, Presidente da Tanzânia, e S. Exª. NDEMUPELILA NETUMBO NANDI-NDAITWAH, Presidente da Namíbia. O reconhecimento destaca o seu compromisso inabalável com o empoderamento feminino, a educação das raparigas e a transformação dos cuidados aos doentes em toda a África.

A lista anual celebra as mulheres africanas cuja liderança, influência e realizações continuam a moldar a tomada de decisões aos mais altos níveis, a nível local e internacional.

Ao comentar o reconhecimento, a Senadora Dra. Rasha Kelej (aposentada) disse: “Sinto-me profundamente honrada por ser reconhecida como uma das 100 Mulheres Africanas Mais Influentes pelo sétimo ano consecutivo. É um privilégio ser nomeada ao lado de líderes estimados de África, incluindo as Presidentes da Tanzânia e da Namíbia, e tantos outros agentes de mudança inspiradores. Parabéns a todas as mulheres notáveis ​​reconhecidas neste ano.”

“Estou grata por este reconhecimento, que reconhece o compromisso inabalável da Fundação Merck em desenvolver capacidade na área da saúde, transformar o panorama dos cuidados aos doentes com um forte foco na saúde da mulher, empoderar as mulheres com infertilidade em particular e as mulheres em geral, e apoiar a educação das raparigas para as ajudar a realizar todo o seu potencial. Esta honra motiva-nos ainda mais a construir um legado duradouro de impacto e mudança em toda a África para as gerações futuras.” Acrescentou a Dra. Rasha Kelej, uma líder amplamente respeitada em todo o continente, que trabalha em estreita colaboração com governos, Primeiras-Damas, profissionais de saúde e comunidades locais.

Mais de uma década de liderança transformadora

Sob a liderança da Dra. Rasha Kelej, a Fundação Merck lançou e ampliou vários programas de alto impacto, incluindo o Programa de Bolsas de Estudo para Profissionais de Saúde, que está a transformar o panorama dos cuidados aos doentes e a melhorar o acesso a cuidados de saúde de qualidade e equitativos em África e noutros continentes; o movimento inovador “Mais do Que uma Mãe”, por ela iniciado em 2015, através do qual está a desenvolver capacidade de cuidados reprodutivos e de fertilidade de qualidade e equitativos, combatendo o estigma da infertilidade e sensibilizando para a prevenção da infertilidade e da infertilidade masculina; e o Programa “Educar Linda”, que apoia a educação de raparigas em vários países africanos.

Nos últimos 11 anos, a Dra. Rasha Kelej trabalhou em estreita colaboração com mais de 33 Primeiras-Damas de África e da Ásia, que são embaixadoras da campanha “Mais do que uma Mãe” da Fundação Merck, com os Ministérios da Saúde, Educação, Género, Informação e Comunicação, universidades, instituições de investigação, meios de comunicação social e artes.

Transformar o Cuidado ao Doente, Criando um Legado Duradouro

Sob a sua liderança, a Fundação Merck atribuiu mais de 2.500 bolsas de estudo a jovens profissionais de saúde de 52 países, em mais de 44 especialidades médicas críticas e carenciadas.

Antes do lançamento dos programas da Fundação Merck em 2012, muitos países como a Gâmbia, Libéria, Serra Leoa, República Centro-Africana, Guiné, Burundi, Níger, Chade, Etiópia, Namíbia, etc., não tinham especialistas, ou tinham muito poucos, em áreas críticas como oncologia, fertilidade e cuidados reprodutivos, diabetologia, medicina respiratória e cuidados intensivos. Através da liderança visionária da Dra. Rasha Kelej, a Fundação Merck desempenhou um papel fundamental na superação destas lacunas e na transformação da capacidade de cuidados de saúde nestes países.

“Muitos dos nossos antigos alunos tornaram-se os primeiros especialistas nos seus países. Com estas conquistas, não estamos apenas a reforçar os sistemas de saúde, estamos verdadeiramente a fazer história”, explicou ela.

Empoderar as mulheres na área da saúde e STEM, e as raparigas na educação.

Das mais de 2.500 bolsas de estudo atribuídas, quase 1.200 foram atribuídas a profissionais de saúde do sexo feminino, reflectindo o seu compromisso em empoderar as mulheres na área da saúde.

  • A Fundação Merck anuncia também anualmente o Prémio MARS (Cimeira Africana de Investigação Científicat) para reconhecer e empoderar as melhores investigadoras africanas e os melhores jovens investigadores africanos, promovendo a investigação científica africana e a participação das mulheres em STEM (Ciência, Tecnologia, Engenharia e Matemática), com especial enfoque na saúde da mulher e nos cuidados reprodutivos.
  • Através do programa “Educar Linda”, em parceria com Primeiras-Damas Africanas e Asiáticas, a Dra. Kelej apoia a educação de mais de 1.200 raparigas, oferecendo bolsas de estudo anuais a alunas merecedoras, mas carenciadas, permitindo-lhes completar os seus estudos e atingir o seu pleno potencial. As bolsas de estudo são atribuídas a raparigas de 19 países africanos, incluindo o Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, República Centro-Africana, República Democrática do Congo, Gabão, Gâmbia, Gana, Quénia, Libéria, Malawi, Namíbia, Nigéria, São Tomé e Príncipe, Tanzânia, Togo, Zâmbia e Zimbabwe, entre outros. Além disso, o programa fornece materiais escolares essenciais a milhares de alunas em diversos países africanos.
  • Inspirar Mudanças Através da Inovação, Arte e Criatividade
  • A Dra. Rasha Kelej está a sensibilizar para várias questões sociais críticas, como o combate ao estigma da infertilidade, o apoio à educação das raparigas, o fim do casamento infantil e da MGF (Mutilação Genital Feminina), o fim da violência de género, o empoderamento feminino e também questões de saúde como a diabetes, a hipertensão e o cancro. Ela acredita firmemente que os media, a moda e a arte podem ser ferramentas poderosas para sensibilizar para estas questões urgentes e criar uma mudança cultural.
  • Idealizou, produziu, dirigiu e apresenta “Nossa África da Fundação Merck”, um programa televisivo pan-africano único que sensibiliza para a saúde e para as questões sociais através da Moda e da Arte com Propósito. O programa é transmitido em diversos países africanos e disponibilizado nas plataformas de redes sociais da Fundação Merck e da Dra. Kelej.
  • Acreditando fortemente no poder da defesa criativa, a Dra. Kelej também:
  • Produziu mais de 30 canções de sensibilização em inglês, francês, português e línguas africanas locais
  • Lançou 9 livros de histórias infantis em três línguas
  • Desenvolveu 6 filmes de animação em quatro línguas
  • Formou mais de 4.000 jornalistas em 45 países
  • Criou 8 prémios anuais que reconhecem a excelência nos media, moda, cinema e música pelo seu impacto e consciencialização social e em saúde

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para for Africa.

Mídias sociais:
Instagram da Dra. Rasha Kelej: https://apo-opa.co/4qsFdUX
Facebook da  Dra. Rasha Kelej: https://apo-opa.co/4qA7zwO
Twiter da  Dra. Rasha Kelej: https://apo-opa.co/4ktZLem

Para mais informações sobre a Fundação Merck, visite: www.Merck-Foundation.com

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Fundação Merck concede 1.195 bolsas de estudo a profissionais de saúde do sexo feminino, visando o empoderamento feminino na ciência – Dia Internacional das Raparigas e Mulheres na Ciência 2026

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

  • Fundação Merck e Primeiras-Damas Africanas celebram o Dia Internacional das Raparigas e Mulheres na Ciência 2026, empoderando as mulheres em STEM (Ciência, Tecnologia, Engenharia e Matemática) e apoiando a educação das raparigas.
  • Dra. Rasha Kelej, CEO da Fundação Merck, com as Primeiras-Damas Africanas, celebram o Dia Internacional das Raparigas e Mulheres na Ciência 2026 através dos seus programas de bolsas de estudo, dos Prémios MARS e do programa “Educar”.

A Fundação Merck (https://Merck-Foundation.com), braço filantrópico da Merck KGaA Alemanha, celebra o ‘Dia Internacional das Raparigas e Mulheres na Ciência 2026’ com as Primeiras-Damas de África e parceiros, incluindo os Ministérios Africanos da Saúde, Educação, Género e Informação, e Academia, através do seu “Programa de Bolsas de Estudo” e dos “Prémios MARS”.

A Senadora, Dra. Rasha Kelej (Aposentada), CEO da Fundação Merck enfatizou: “Ao celebrarmos o Dia Internacional das Raparigas e Mulheres na Ciência 2026, reafirmamos o forte compromisso da Fundação Merck em empoderar as mulheres na ciência e na tecnologia através do nosso “Programa de Bolsas de Estudo”, que oferece bolsas de estudo especializadas em medicina para profissionais africanas de saúde, e através do “Prémio MARS”, que reconhece e empodera mulheres cientistas de destaque em STEM (Ciência, Tecnologia, Engenharia e Matemática).”

A Fundação Merck já atribuiu mais de 2.500 bolsas de estudo a profissionais de saúde de 52 países em 44 especialidades médicas críticas e carenciadas, e quase 1.200 bolsas foram atribuídas a mulheres licenciadas em medicina.

“Tenho orgulho de que quase 50% do nosso total de mais de 2.500 bolsas de estudo tenham sido atribuídas a profissionais de saúde. Esta é uma conquista significativa para reduzir a disparidade de género na ciência e fortalecer a liderança feminina em STEM, uma vez que, embora as mulheres tenham feito progressos notáveis ​​globais, continuam significativamente sub-representadas nos campos científicos e tecnológicos. Na Fundação Merck, trabalhamos todos os dias para diminuir esta disparidade”, acrescentou a Dra. Rasha Kelej.

A Fundação Merck lança anualmente o Prémio MARS para incentivar e reconhecer as “Melhores Investigadoras Africanas” e os “Melhores Jovens Investigadores Africanos”. O objectivo do Prémio MARS é empoderar as mulheres e os jovens investigadores africanos, promover a sua capacidade de investigação e divulgar o seu contributo para STEM (Ciência, Tecnologia, Engenharia e Matemática). Até agora, a Fundação Merck já premiou mais de 90 vencedores.

Recentemente, a CEO da Fundação Merck realizou a cerimónia virtual de entrega de prémios com os seus parceiros, a Sociedade Africana de Cuidados Reprodutivos (ARCS) e a Universidade Manipal, para reconhecer os investigadores africanos pelo seu valioso trabalho de investigação e contribuição para o empoderamento das mulheres e dos jovens em STEM em África, com especial enfoque no “O Papel da Investigação Científica na Saúde da Mulher e nos Cuidados Reprodutivos e de Fertilidade”. Ela anunciou também a Chamada de Candidaturas para o Prémio MARS 2026.

Assista aqui, à Cerimónia de Entrega de Prémios MARS 2025 da Cimeira de Investigação da Fundação Merck em África: https://apo-opa.co/3MA66Zj

Candidate-se ao Prémio MARS 2026: https://apo-opa.co/3MroNOO

A Fundação Merck acredita firmemente que a educação é uma das áreas mais críticas para o empoderamento feminino e serve como base e factor-chave para impulsionar uma mudança impactante.

“Como parte do nosso programa Educar Linda, juntamente com as minhas queridas irmãs, as Primeiras-Damas de África, atribuímos, até à data, mais de 1.200 bolsas de estudo anuais a raparigas africanas merecedoras, mas carenciadas, de 19 países, permitindo-lhes concluir os seus estudos e atingir o seu pleno potencial”, partilhou a Dra. Kelej.

Além disso, a Fundação Merck está a sensibilizar para a importância de apoiar a educação das raparigas através de uma série de iniciativas criativas, incluindo livros de histórias infantis inspiradores, filmes de animação, música de sensibilização e episódios dedicados a este tema através do programa televisivo Nossa África da Fundação Merck.

Assista aos episódios de Nossa África, com foco no apoio à educação das raparigas:

Episódio 2: https://apo-opa.co/461MPXc

Episódio 11: https://apo-opa.co/4aeoXCn

Episódio 14: https://apo-opa.co/3O48vMm

Leia o livro de histórias infantis “Educar Linda” aqui.: https://apo-opa.co/4aaIRy0

Assista aos filmes de animação da Fundação Merck sobre o apoio à educação das raparigas:

  • Resgate da Jaqueline: https://apo-opa.co/4reE3Og
  • Viagem ao Futuro: https://apo-opa.co/4qvU2WY

Ouça as músicas da Fundação Merck para apoiar o empoderamento feminino e a educação das raparigas:

  1. Assista, partilhe e subscreva-se à música “Girls Can” aqui, cantada por Cwesi Oteng do Gana e Irene Logan da Libéria: https://apo-opa.co/46NI2Jc
  2. Assista, partilhe e subscreva-se à música “Like Them” aqui, cantada por Kenneth, um cantor famoso do Uganda: https://apo-opa.co/4kxvRpL
  3. Assista, partilhe e subscreva-se à música “Take me to School” aqui, cantada por Wezi, cantora afro-soul da Zâmbia, para apoiar a educação das raparigas: https://apo-opa.co/4bQEYQ6
  4. Assista, partilhe e subscreva-se à música em português “Tu Podes Sim”, que significa em inglês “Yes, You Can,” cantada por Blaze e Tamyris Moiane, cantoras de Moçambique: https://apo-opa.co/3MrgYbV 
  5. Assista, partilhe e subscreva-se à música “ABC, 123” de Sean K da Namíbia: https://apo-opa.co/4kCC6Zy
  6. Assista, partilhe e subscreva-se à música “Brighter day” cantada por Sean K e Cwesi Oteng da Namíbia e Gana respectivamente: https://apo-opa.co/46NI4Rk
  7. Assista, partilhe e subscreva-se à música “Superwoman” de Cwezi e Adina cantoras do Gana aqui: https://apo-opa.co/4qqHiRf

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Merck Foundation.

Contato:
Mehak Handa
Gerente do Programa de Conscientização Comunitária
Telefone: +91 9310087613 / +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Junte-se à conversa nas plataformas das nossas mídias sociais e deixe a sua voz ser ouvida!
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X: https://apo-opa.co/3OevRPi
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Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/46yaHls
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/406Wc4q
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4040cCG
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Baixar a Aplicação da Fundação Merck: https://apo-opa.co/4kvRlTP

Sobre Fundação Merck:
A Fundação Merck, criada em 2017, é o braço filantrópico da Merck KGaA Alemanha, tem como objectivo melhorar a saúde e o bem-estar das pessoas e aprimorar as suas vidas atravez da ciência e da tecnologia. Os nossos esforços estão focados principalmente na melhoria do acesso a soluções de saúde de qualidade e equitativas em comunidades carenciadas, no desenvolvimento da capacidade de saúde e na investigação científica, no empoderamento das raparigas na educação e no empoderamento de pessoas em STEM (Ciência, Tecnologia, Engenharia e Matemática) com foco especial em mulheres e jovens. Todos os comunicados de imprensa da Fundação Merck são distribuídos por e-mail ao mesmo tempo em que são disponibilizados no site da Fundação Merck. Visite www.Merck-Foundation.com para ler mais. Siga a mídia social da Fundação Merck: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4rcWSkG), X (https://apo-opa.co/3OevRPi), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/46yaHls), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4rKCmI7), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/406Wc4q) e Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4040cCG).

A Fundação Merck está dedicada a melhorar os resultados sociais e de saúde para comunidades necessitadas. Embora colabore com vários parceiros, incluindo governos, para atingir os seus objectivos humanitários, a Fundação permanece estritamente neutra em questões políticas. Ela não se envolve ou apoia nenhuma actividade política, eleições ou regimes, concentrando-se exclusivamente na sua missão de elevar a humanidade e melhorar o bem-estar, mantendo uma postura estritamente apolítica em todos os seus esforços.

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Dr. Rasha Kelej, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Merck Foundation: After Being Recognized as One of the 100 Most Influential Africans by New African Magazine, Named Among the 100 Most Influential African Women alongside Tanzania and Namibia Presidents, by Avance Media for the 7th Consecutive Year

Source: APO

Following her recent recognition as one of the 100 Most Influential Africans 2025 by New African Magazine (UK), Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of the “More Than a Mother” Campaign, has now been named among the 100 Most Influential African Women 2025 by Avance Media, for the seventh consecutive year. She is recognized alongside Africa’s highest-ranking leaders, including H.E. SAMIA SULUHU HASSAN, President of Tanzania, and H.E. NDEMUPELILA NETUMBO NANDI-NDAITWAH, President of Namibia. The recognition highlights her unwavering commitment to women empowerment, girls’ education, and the transformation of patient care across Africa.

The annual list celebrates African women whose leadership, influence, and accomplishments continue to shape decision-making at the highest levels locally and internationally.

Commenting on the recognition, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) said, “I am deeply honored to be recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential African Women for the seventh consecutive year. It is a privilege to be named alongside Africa’s esteemed leaders, including the Presidents of Tanzania and Namibia, and so many inspiring change-makers. Congratulations to all the remarkable women recognized this year.”

“I am grateful for this recognition, which acknowledges Merck Foundation’s unwavering commitment to building healthcare capacity, transforming patient care landscape with a strong focus on women’s health, empowering infertile women in particular and women in general, and supporting girl education to help them realize their full potential. This honor further motivates us to build a lasting legacy of impact and change across Africa for generations to come.” Added Dr. Rasha Kelej, a widely respected leader across the continent, working closely with governments, First Ladies, healthcare professionals, and local communities.

Over a Decade of Transformative Leadership

Under Dr. Rasha Kelej’s leadership, Merck Foundation has launched and scaled multiple high-impact programs, including the Scholarship Program for Healthcare Providers, which is transforming the patient care landscape and improving access to quality, equitable healthcare across Africa and beyond; the landmark “More Than a Mother” movement started by her in 2015, through which she is building quality & equitable reproductive and fertility care capacity, breaking infertility stigma, and raising awareness about infertility prevention and male infertility; and the “Educating Linda” Program, which supports girls’ education across numerous African countries.

Over the past 11 years, Dr. Rasha Kelej has worked closely with more than 33 First Ladies of Africa and Asia, who are the Ambassadors of the Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Campaign, alongside Ministries of Health, Education, Gender, Information and Communication, academia, research institutions, media, and the arts.

Transforming Patient Care, Creating a Lasting Legacy

Under her leadership, Merck Foundation has provided more than 2500 scholarships to young healthcare providers from 52 countries, in over 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

Before the launch of Merck Foundation programs in 2012, many countries like The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Burundi, Niger, Chad, Ethiopia, Namibia etc. had either no, or very few, specialists in critical fields such as oncology, fertility and reproductive care, diabetology, respiratory medicine, and intensive care. Through the visionary leadership of Dr. Rasha Kelej, Merck Foundation has played a pivotal role in addressing these gaps and transforming healthcare capacity across these nations.

“Many of our alumni have become the first-ever specialists in their countries. Through these milestones, we are not only strengthening healthcare systems, we are truly making history,” she explained.

Empowering Women in Healthcare and STEM, and Girls in Education

Out of the 2500+ scholarships provided, nearly 1200 have been provided to female healthcare professionals, reflecting their commitment to empower women in healthcare.

Merck Foundation also announces annually the MARS Awards (Merck Africa Research Summit) to recognize and empower Best African Women Researchers and Best Young African Researchers, promoting African scientific research and women’s participation in STEM, with a special focus on women’s health and reproductive care.

Through the “Educating Linda” Program, in partnership with African and Asian First Ladies, Dr. Kelej is supporting the education of more than 1200 girls by providing annual scholarships to deserving yet underprivileged schoolgirls, enabling them to complete their studies and achieve their full potential. The scholarships are provided for girls from 19 African countries, including Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tanzania, Togo, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, among others. Additionally, the program provides essential school supplies to thousands of schoolgirls across several African countries.

Inspiring Change Through Innovation, Art, and Creativity

Dr. Rasha Kelej’s is raising awareness about several critical social issues like breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, ending child marriage and FGM, stopping gender-based violence, women empowerment and also health issues like diabetes, hypertension and cancer. She strongly believes that media, fashion and art can be strong tools to raise awareness about these pressing issues and create a culture shift.

She conceptualized, produced, directed, and hosts “Our Africa by Merck Foundation”, a unique pan-African TV program that raises awareness on health and social issues through Fashion and Art with Purpose. The program is broadcast across multiple African countries and streamed on Merck Foundation and Dr. Kelej’s social media platforms.

Believing strongly in the power of creative advocacy, Dr. Kelej has also:

  • Produced over 30 awareness songs in English, French, Portuguese, and local African languages
  • Launched 9 children’s storybooks in three languages
  • Developed 6 animated films in four languages
  • Trained over 4000 journalists across 45 countries
  • Established 8 annual awards recognizing excellence in media, fashion, film, and music for social and health impact and awareness

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of for Africa.

Social Media:
Dr. Rasha Kelej Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4qsFdUX
Dr. Rasha Kelej Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4qA7zwO
Dr. Rasha Kelej Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/4ktZLem

For more information on Merck Foundation, please visit: www.Merck-Foundation.com

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Merck Foundation provided 1195 scholarships to women healthcare providers to empower women in science – International Day of Girls & Women in Science 2026

Source: APO

  • Merck Foundation and African first Ladies mark International Day of Girls & Women in Science 2026 by empowering women in STEM and supporting girl education
  • Dr. Rasha Kelej, Merck Foundation CEO together with The First Ladies of Africa mark ‘International Day of Girls & Women in Science 2026’ through their ‘Scholarship Program’, ‘MARS Awards’ and ‘Educating Linda’ Program

Merck Foundation (https://Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, marks ‘International Day of Girls and Women in Science 2026’ together with the First Ladies of Africa, and partners including African Ministries of Health, Education, Gender & Information and Academia through their “Scholarship Program” and “MARS Awards”.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation emphasized, “As we mark the International Day of Girls and Women in Science 2026, we reaffirm Merck Foundation’s strong commitment to empowering women in science and technology through our “Scholarship Program”, as a part of which we provide specialized medical scholarships to African women healthcare providers, and through the “MARS Awards”, through which we recognize and empower outstanding women scientists in STEM.”

Merck Foundation has provided more than 2,500 scholarships to healthcare professionals from 52 countries across 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, and nearly 1,200 scholarships have been provided to women medical graduates.

“I am proud to that nearly 50% of our total 2500+ scholarships have been provided to women healthcare providers. This is a significant achievement toward reducing the gender gap in science and strengthening women’s leadership in STEM as while women have made remarkable progress globally, they remain significantly underrepresented in scientific and technological fields. At Merck Foundation, we work every day to bridge this gap.” Added Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Merck Foundation annually launches their MARS Awards to encourage and recognize ‘Best African Women Researchers’ and ‘Best Young African Researcher’. The aim of MARS Awards is to empower women and young African researchers, advance their research capacity and promote their contribution to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Merck Foundation has celebrated more than 90 winners s far.

Recently Merck Foundation CEO hosted the virtual Award Ceremony together with their partners Africa Reproductive Care Society – ARCS and Manipal University to recognize African Researchers for their valuable research work and contribution to empowering women and youth in STEM in Africa with special focus on ‘The Role of Scientific Research in Women Health and Reproductive & Fertility Care’. She also announced the Call for Applications for MARS Awards 2026.

Watch Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit MARS 2025 Award Ceremony video here: https://apo-opa.co/3MA66Zj

Apply for MARS Awards 2026: https://apo-opa.co/3MroNOO

Merck Foundation strongly believes that Education is one of the most critical areas of women empowerment and serves as the base and key factor in driving an impactful change.

“As a part of our Educating Linda program, together with my dear sisters, the First Ladies of Africa, we have year to date provided more than 1200 annual scholarships to deserving yet underprivileged African schoolgirls from 19 countries, enabling them to complete their education and reach their full potential,” shared Dr. Kelej.

Moreover, Merck Foundation is raising awareness about the importance of supporting girls’ education through a range of creative initiatives, including inspiring children’s storybooks, animation films, awareness songs, and dedicated episodes on this theme through their Our Africa by Merck Foundation TV program.

Watch episodes of Our Africa, focusing on Supporting Girl Education:

Episode 2: https://apo-opa.co/461MPXc

Episode 11: https://apo-opa.co/4aeoXCn

Episode 14: https://apo-opa.co/3O48vMm

Read Educating Linda Storybook here: https://apo-opa.co/4aaIRy0

Watch Merck Foundation Animation Films on supporting girl education:

Listen to Merck Foundation songs to support women empowerment and girl education:

  1. Watch, share & subscribe “Girls Can” song here, sing by Cwesi Oteng from Ghana and Irene Logan from Liberia: https://apo-opa.co/46NI2Jc
  2. Watch, share & subscribe the “Like Them” song here, sung by Kenneth, a famous singer from Uganda: https://apo-opa.co/4kxvRpL
  3. Watch, share & subscribe “Take me to School” song here, sung by Wezi, Afro-soul singer from Zambia, to support girls’ education: https://apo-opa.co/4bQEYQ6
  4. Watch share & subscribe “Tu Podes Sim” Portuguese song, which means “Yes, You Can” in English by Blaze and Tamyris Moiane, singers from Mozambique in English here: https://apo-opa.co/3MrgYbV 
  5. Watch, share & subscribe “ABC, 123” by Sean K from Namibia song here: https://apo-opa.co/4kCC6Zy
  6. Watch, share & subscribe “Brighter day” song by Sean K and Cwesi Oteng from Namibia and Ghana respectively: https://apo-opa.co/46NI4Rk
  7. Watch and share “Superwoman Song” by singers Cwezi and Adina from Ghana here: https://apo-opa.co/4qqHiRf

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager 
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4rcWSkG
X: https://apo-opa.co/3OevRPi
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4rKCmI7
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/46yaHls
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/406Wc4q
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4040cCG
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/4kvRlTP

About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4rcWSkG), X (https://apo-opa.co/3OevRPi), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/46yaHls), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4rKCmI7), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/406Wc4q) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4040cCG).

The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.

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Government intensifies oversight of Midrand water supply interventions

Source: Government of South Africa

Government intensifies oversight of Midrand water supply interventions

By Moahlodi Maphori 

The stabilisation of water supply in Gauteng remains a priority for government as it implements infrastructure upgrades, system balancing and accelerates investment in new storage capacity.

On Thursday, the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Penny Majodina, alongside Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo, Deputy Minister of COGTA, Dr Dickson Namane Masemola, Gauteng MEC of COGTA, David Mamabolo and Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Councillor Dada Morero conducted an oversight visit to key water infrastructure sites in Midrand. 

The visit formed part of government’s response to the ongoing water supply challenges in Midrand and surrounding areas, where residents have experienced intermittent water supply linked to system pressure constraints, high demand and ageing infrastructure.

 Early‑morning inspections at strategic reservoirs

The oversight programme began at Errand in Midrand, where political principals and city officials received a technical briefing on the current operational status of the local water supply system.

An inspection was conducted at the Johannesburg Grand Central Water Tower in Glen Austin, a critical component of the area’s distribution network. 

The delegation also received an overview of how the system functions under pressure, particularly the role of elevation in determining which areas receive water during periods of constrained supply.

The ministerial delegation proceeded to the President’s Park Reservoir, where further assessments were conducted on the reservoir’s contribution to supply stability in Midrand. 

Officials indicated that the interconnected nature of the system requires careful management to ensure equitable distribution across affected suburbs.

Another identified challenge was that lower‑lying reservoirs and towers tend to receive water more consistently, while elevated areas become vulnerable during system strain, underscoring the need for improved balancing and additional storage capacity.

New reservoirs in Carlswald

As part of long-term interventions to address Midrand’s water supply issues, the ministerial team visited a building site in the Carlswald area where two new reservoirs are currently being built. 

It is anticipated that the new reservoirs will boost system resilience and storage capacity, especially during times of high demand or operational interruptions. When complete, the infrastructure will facilitate improved pressure control and shorten supply outages’ duration and frequency. 

Minister Majodina said government was concentrating on structural solutions that would sustain water supply in quickly expanding metropolitan areas, like Midrand, rather than relying solely on temporary fixes. 

“The goal of these investments is to future-proof the system and make sure that communities are not repeatedly affected by water disruptions,” she said.

Cooperative governance at the centre of interventions

The visit highlighted the importance of coordination between national departments, municipalities and water entities in resolving water challenges. 

Minister Hlabisa emphasised that water security remains a key service delivery priority and that improved coordination between spheres of government is essential to prevent infrastructure failures from escalating into community crises.

Mayor Morero reaffirmed the City of Johannesburg’s commitment to accelerating maintenance, addressing leaks, and ensuring that new infrastructure projects are delivered on time. 

The city is investing in major infrastructure upgrades in the Brixton, Crosby, and Hursthill supply districts, including the construction of new reservoirs, the installation of modern pump stations, and the refurbishment of ageing infrastructure.

Reassurance to residents

Government has assured residents that work is underway to stabilise supply in Midrand, while longer‑term projects, including the Carlswald reservoirs, are working towards completion.

As government works to make the system stronger and more reliable, residents have been encouraged to use water sparingly and to report leaks and infrastructure failures to municipal authorities in the city.

The oversight visit signalled government’s commitment to ensure that water, as a basic service and constitutional right, is accessible to all members of the public. – SAnews.gov.za

Janine

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Simpósio das Conferências Episcopais de África e Madagáscar (SCEAM) e União Africana prontos para assinar um Protocolo de Acordo renovado na sede da Comissão da União Africana

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Simpósio das Conferências Episcopais de África e Madagáscar (SCEAM) (www.SECAM.org) e a União Africana (UA) assinarão um novo Protocolo de Acordo na sexta-feira, 13 de Fevereiro de 2026, às 13h00, na sede da Comissão da União Africana (CUA), em Adis Abeba.

O Protocolo será assinado pelo SCEAM por Sua Eminência o Cardeal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, OFMCap, Arcebispo Metropolitano de Kinshasa, República Democrática do Congo, e Presidente do SCEAM, e pela União Africana por Sua Excelência o Embaixador Bankole Adeoye, Comissário para os Assuntos Políticos, Paz e Segurança (PAPS) da Comissão da União Africana.

Esta assinatura ocorre uma década após a conclusão do primeiro Protocolo de Acordo,assinado em 19 de Agosto de 2015 na Comissão da UA. O novo acordo está alinhado com as directrizes e quadros institucionais recentes da Comissão da UA, fortalecendo a colaboração estruturada entre a UA e os seus parceiros.

O Protocolo de Acordo visa reforçar a cooperação na promoção e protecção dos direitos humanos e dos povos, bem como na boa governação, democracia e Estado de direito. Também busca consolidar a paz, promover a reconciliação e a coesão social em todo o continente. Além disso, apoiará esforços conjuntos para enfrentar crises humanitárias, proteger pessoas deslocadas e populações vulneráveis, responder às mudanças climáticas por meio da gestão sustentável dos recursos naturais e promover o desenvolvimento humano integral, em conformidade com a Agenda 2063: A África que queremos. Conforme indicado no texto a ser assinado, a cooperação baseia-se na visão comum da Agenda 2063 de «uma África integrada, próspera e pacífica, liderada pelos seus próprios cidadãos».

O momento escolhido para esta assinatura é especialmente significativo, pois ocorre seis dias após o SCEAM ter organizado, em 7 de Fevereiro de 2026, em parceria com a Comissão da União Africana (CUA), um evento paralelo de alto nível da União Africana sobre a sustentabilidade da água e do saneamento, reunindo importantes parceiros continentais e internacionais, incluindo a Santa Sé, através do Dicastério para a Promoção do Desenvolvimento Humano Integral. A assinatura acontecerá também um dia antes da 39.ª Sessão Ordinária da Assembleia dos Chefes de Estado e de Governo da União Africana, programada para 14 e 15 de Fevereiro de 2026.

Essa sucessão de eventos destaca o fortalecimento da parceria institucional entre a União Africana e o SCEAM, evidenciando o compromisso contínuo da Igreja Católica em contribuir significativamente para as prioridades de África. O Protocolo de Acordo renovado reflecte a convicção partilhada de que uma cooperação multilateral eficaz é essencial e de que a colaboração entre organizações internacionais, governos, sociedade civil e instituições confessionais é vital para promover justiça, paz e desenvolvimento humano integral. Num momento em que um compromisso multilateral renovado é cada vez mais necessário, essa parceria encarna o princípio de soluções africanas para os problemas africanos, fundamentada na solidariedade, responsabilidade partilhada e numa visão comum para o futuro do continente.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).

Contacto para os meios de comunicação:
Gabinete de Ligação do SCEAM junto da União Africana
Adis Abeba
Etiópia
E-mail: secamauliaisonoffice@gmail.com
Tel.: +251 900485018 / +251 940173527

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Le Symposium des Conférences Épiscopales d’Afrique et de Madagascar (SCEAM) et l’Union Africaine prêts à signer un Protocole d’Accord renouvelé au siège de la Commission de l’Union Africaine

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Symposium des Conférences Épiscopales d’Afrique et de Madagascar (SCEAM) (www.SECAM.org) et l’Union Africaine (UA) signeront un nouveau Protocole d’Accord le vendredi 13 février 2026 à 13h00, au siège de la Commission de l’Union Africaine (CUA) à Addis-Abeba.

Le Protocole d’Accord sera signé au nom du SCEAM par Son Éminence le Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, OFMCap, archevêque métropolitain de Kinshasa, République Démocratique du Congo, et Président du SCEAM, et au nom de l’Union Africaine par S.E. Monsieur l’ambassadeur Bankole Adeoye, Commissaire aux Affaires Politiques, à la Paix et à la Sécurité (PAPS) de la Commission de l’Union Africaine.

Cette signature intervient une décennie après la conclusion du premier Protocole d’Accord,signé le 19 août 2015 à la Commission de l’UA. Le nouvel accord s’aligne sur les directives et les cadres institutionnels récents émis par la Commission de l’UA, renforçant ainsi la collaboration structurée entre l’UA et ses partenaires.

Le Protocole d’Accord vise à renforcer la coopération dans la promotion et la protection des droits humains et des peuples, ainsi que dans la promotion de la bonne gouvernance, de la démocratie et de l’État de droit. Il a également pour objectif de renforcer la consolidation de la paix, la réconciliation et la cohésion sociale à travers le continent. De plus, il soutiendra les efforts conjoints pour faire face aux crises humanitaires, protéger les personnes déplacées et les populations vulnérables, répondre au changement climatique par une gestion durable des ressources naturelles et promouvoir le développement humain intégral, conformément à l’Agenda 2063 : L’Afrique que nous voulons. Comme indiqué dans le texte à signer, la coopération repose sur la vision commune de l’Agenda 2063 d’« une Afrique intégrée, prospère et pacifique, dirigée par ses propres citoyens ».

Le moment choisi pour cette signature est particulièrement significatif. En effet, elle intervient six jours après que le SCEAM ait organisé, en partenariat avec l’Union Africaine, le 7 février 2026 à Addis-Abeba, un événement parallèle de haut niveau sur la durabilité de l’eau et de l’assainissement, réunissant des partenaires continentaux et internationaux clés, dont le Saint-Siège par l’intermédiaire du Dicastère pour la Promotion du Développement Humain Intégral. La signature aura également lieu juste un jour avant la 39ème Session Ordinaire de l’Assemblée des Chefs d’État et de Gouvernement de l’Union Africaine, prévue les 14 et 15 février 2026.

Cette succession d’événements met en évidence le renforcement du partenariat institutionnel entre l’Union Africaine et le SCEAM et souligne l’engagement continu de l’Église Catholique à contribuer de manière significative aux priorités de l’Afrique. Le Protocole d’Accord renouvelé reflète la conviction partagée qu’une coopération multilatérale efficace est essentielle et que la collaboration entre les organisations internationales, les gouvernements, la société civile et les institutions confessionnelles est vitale pour faire progresser la justice, la paix et le développement humain intégral. À un moment où un engagement multilatéral renouvelé est de plus en plus nécessaire, ce partenariat incarne le principe de solutions africaines aux problèmes africains, fondé sur la solidarité, la responsabilité partagée et une vision commune de l’avenir du continent.

Distribué par APO Group pour Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).

Contact médias :
Bureau de Liaison du SCEAM auprès de l’Union Africaine
Addis-Abeba
Éthiopie
Courriel : secamauliaisonoffice@gmail.com
Tél. : +251 900485018 / +251 940173527

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Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) and the African Union to Sign Renewed Memorandum of Understanding at African Union Commission Headquarters

Source: APO

The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) (www.SECAM.org) and the African Union (AU) will sign a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Friday, 13 February 2026 at 1:00 PM, at the African Union Commission (AUC) Headquarters in Addis Ababa.

The MOU will be signed on behalf of SECAM by His Eminence Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, OFMCap, Metropolitan Archbishop of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, and President of SECAM, and on behalf of the African Union by H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) of the African Union Commission.

This upcoming signing occurs a decade later after the first MOU was concluded on 19 August 2015 at the African Union Commission. The renewed agreement aligns with the new directives and institutional frameworks issued by the African Union Commission, reinforcing structured collaboration between the AU and its partners.

The MOU aims to strengthen cooperation in the promotion and protection of human and peoples’ rights, the advancement of good governance, democracy, and the rule of law, as well as the enhancement of peacebuilding, reconciliation, and social cohesion across the continent. It also seeks to bolster joint efforts in addressing humanitarian crises, protecting displaced persons and vulnerable populations, responding to climate change through sustainable natural resource management, and promoting integral human development in line with Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want. As stated in the text to be signed, the cooperation is grounded in the shared vision of Agenda 2063: “An integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens.”

The timing of this signing is particularly significant. It comes six days after SECAM hosted a high-level side event in partnership with the African Union on Water Sustainability and Sanitation on 7 February 2026 in Addis Ababa, which brought together key continental and international partners, including the Holy See through the Dicastery for the Promotion of Integral Human Development. It will also take place just one day before the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union, scheduled for 14–15 February 2026.

This sequence of events highlights the strengthening institutional partnership between the African Union and SECAM and underscores the Catholic Church’s continued commitment to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s priorities. The renewed MOU reflects a shared conviction that effective multilateral cooperation is essential and that collaboration among international organisations, governments, civil society, and faith-based institutions is vital for advancing justice, peace, and integral human development. At a time when renewed multilateral engagement is increasingly necessary, this partnership embodies the principle of African solutions to African problems, rooted in solidarity, shared responsibility, and a common vision for the continent’s future.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).

Media Contact:
SECAM Liaison Office to the African Union
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Email: secamauliaisonoffice@gmail.com
Tel: +251 900485018 / +251 940173527

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