Category: Africa

Source: APO – Report:

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Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, H.E. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, has conveyed the Government and people of Kenya’s sincere condolences to the Government and people of Nepal following the devastating floods that have caused loss of lives and extensive destruction.

H.E. Mudavadi expressed his deepest sympathies to the families who have lost their loved ones and to all those affected by the disaster, including foreign nationals and tourists, as well as their families and Governments.

During this difficult time, H.E. Mudavadi affirmed Kenya’s solidarity with the Government and people of Nepal and all those affected by the floods.

He wished the bereaved families and affected communities strength and comfort as they come to terms with the loss, and expressed hope for the recovery and restoration of affected communities.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Republic of Kenya.

Source: APO – Report:

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This is one of the key goals of the virtual technical meeting on the review, which kicked off on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. The meeting will present participants with the progress made on essential review documents, primarily the stocktaking report and priorities for the next decade, following additional contributions received from various actors after the meeting held in Banjul, The Gambia, in June 2026.

While ECOWAP serves as the benchmark framework for agricultural development and food security in West Africa, its review must inject new momentum into it, according to Ousman Sylla, representative of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Livestock of Senegal, the country currently holding the rotating chair of ECOWAS.

“Its review must provide tailored responses to the region’s persistent challenges: food insecurity, climate change, low regional trade, insufficient local processing, and financing constraints,” he declared.

For him, the future common agricultural policy must align with the ambitions of the Kampala Declaration, the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) 2026–2035, and ECOWAS Vision 2050, while paying special attention to producers, women, and youth.

To achieve this, he expressed the hope that discussions among participants would lead to ambitious, realistic, and consensual guidelines to identify the necessary adjustments required to build more resilient, inclusive, and high-performing agrifood systems within the ECOWAS region.

“Special attention must be given to prioritizing key actions, governance, financing, coordination between national and regional levels, as well as monitoring, evaluation, and accountability,” indicated Ousman Sylla.

For her part, the Acting Director of Agriculture and Rural Development at the ECOWAS Commission, Ms. Fatmata Seiwoh, welcomed the participation of the representative of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) Commission at the meeting. She promised to work

toward including representatives of the Entente Council and the Mano River Union in upcoming meetings on the topic.

“Involving these various institutions, which include several ECOWAS Member States, will ensure that the ECOWAP review process remains inclusive,” stated Ms. Fatmata Seiwoh.

She invited the more than eighty participants—including national focal points, technical experts, stakeholder representatives, ECOWAS Commission members, and regional consultants—to formulate relevant recommendations for the ECOWAP review.

These recommendations will be presented at the virtual ministerial meeting scheduled for August 27, 2026, during which regional Ministers of Agriculture will review the outcomes of the ECOWAP regional review process. This includes the draft stocktaking report, the draft outlook for the next ten (10) years, and the proposed strategic priorities for adopting the revised ECOWAS Common Agricultural Policy.

The ECOWAS Common Agricultural Policy, better known as ECOWAP, was adopted in January 2005 in Accra, Ghana, by West African leaders. It serves as the regional strategic framework for agricultural development, food and nutrition security, and the agricultural sector’s contribution to sustainable economic and social development in West Africa.

As the 2015–2025 implementation cycle comes to a close, ECOWAS has launched a new review process aimed at repositioning ECOWAP toward 2035, in line with the renewed ambitions of the Kampala Declaration, the upcoming CAADP cycle (2026–2035), and the strategic directions of ECOWAS Vision 2050.

The future ECOWAS Common Agricultural Policy will be producer-centric, placing increased emphasis on women and youth—two essential categories for the future of West African agriculture.

It will also place particular focus on the digitalization of agriculture and the marketing of agricultural products, two recognized levers for modernization and value creation.

It should be noted that during the meeting, participants attended a presentation delivered by Emmanuel Ahouansinkpo, consultant at the Directorate of Agriculture and Rural Development of the ECOWAS Commission.

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

Source: APO – Report:

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OCHA reports that efforts are underway to scale up safe and dignified burials as the Ebola outbreak spreads in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, since the virus remains highly contagious after death.

The World Health Organization warns that 60 per cent of deaths are occurring in communities, underscoring the critical need for strict burial protocols and sufficient capacity for safe and dignified burials.

Partners – the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the DRC Red Cross and FHI 360 – are expanding safe and dignified burial teams in affected provinces to prevent further transmission and protect communities.

Together, partners will expand the response with 35 additional mobile safe and dignified burial teams and 286 community-based teams across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and Tshopo, while extending coverage to Haut-Uélé and Bas-Uélé.

The scale-up is starting now and will continue over the coming months, involving more than 2,500 volunteers and civil protection personnel, as additional capacity is deployed where needed.

The mobile safe and dignified burial teams are able to respond rapidly to alerts and conduct burials – with community-based teams providing support on disease surveillance, community engagement and psychosocial assistance, while conducting safe and dignified burials when needed.

As of Tuesday, national authorities had reported 5,713 confirmed cases and 2,744 deaths, with nearly one in two people who contract the virus dying from the disease.

– on behalf of United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).

Source: APO – Report:

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Ambassador Ukaeje gave the commendation on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, when the Force Commander (FC) ESSMGB, Brigadier General Danjuma Ribah Dantani, led senior officers, including the newly inducted Deputy Force Commander, Contingent Commanders and staff officers of the Force Headquarters (FHQ), on a visit to the Office of RRPC/HOM at the ECOWAS Office in Bissau.

The RRPC/HOM, who expressed delight at receiving the new officers into the ECOWAS Mission, said she was particularly impressed by the professionalism of the contingents and their ability to immediately hit the ground running upon assumption of duty. She advised the Contingent Commanders to ensure they tailor their in-house trainings towards supporting the National Defence Forces of Guinea-Bissau in the forthcoming referendum and subsequent general elections in the country. Dr Ukaeje further encouraged the officers to remain focused and brace up for the tasks ahead in order to achieve the objectives of the Mission.

Earlier, the FC stated that the visit was aimed at formally introducing the newly inducted senior officers to the RRPC/HOM in line with the traditions of the FHQ. He added that the visit would also provide an opportunity for the RRPC/HOM to meet the officers and engage them directly whenever the need arises.

Brigadier General Danjuma further briefed her on administrative and operational matters concerning the contingents and expressed appreciation for her exemplary leadership and her continued support in leading the affairs of the mission.

The newly introduced senior officers included the Deputy Force Commander, Colonel Nicholas Sambou from Senegal, Contingent Commanders of Nigeria, Ghana, and their deputies, as well as staff officers of the FHQ

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

Source: APO – Report:

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ddressing the nation Wednesday evening, President Boakai said the Government’s fight against narcotics trafficking will be pursued without fear or favor, and the law will be applied equally, while ensuring that the constitutional rights of every person are protected. 

He pointed out that allegations of criminal conduct are determined through Liberia’s independent justice system.

“My Administration will neither persecute nor shield anyone because of political affiliation, office, status, or influence. Whether one has held high office, served in government, led a business, or lived as an ordinary citizen, the law must apply equally to all,” the Liberian Leader assured.

The President’s address comes amid heightened public attention surrounding the recent arrest and detention of former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor. 

While acknowledging the national and international concern generated by the case, President Boakai stressed that the former Vice President is being treated in accordance with the Constitution and laws of Liberia, and that she remains presumed innocent, has access to legal counsel and is entitled to due process.

“It is not the President’s role to determine guilt or innocence. That responsibility belongs to our independent justice system,” he reminded Liberians.

The Liberian Chief Executive cautioned against allowing political considerations, public pressure, rumors or conjecture to determine the outcome of criminal proceedings, insisting that guilt or innocence must be established by the courts.

He further rejected suggestions that the Government’s campaign against drugs and organized crime is targeted at any particular individual, political party or movement, saying the campaign is directed solely at conduct that threatens Liberia s security, stability and future.

“This national campaign against drugs and organized crime is not directed at any individual, party, or political movement; it is directed at conduct that threatens the safety, stability, and future of Liberia,” President Boakai stated.

The President described illicit drugs and organized crime as among the greatest threats confronting Liberia, warning that narcotics are destroying young lives, weakening families, fueling violence and placing the nation s future at risk. “This is not simply a law enforcement issue; it is a national security and moral issue,” he said.

He disclosed that his Administration has intensified the fight against narcotics trafficking, money laundering and organized crime, directing security institutions to act professionally, independently and without fear or favor, while working with national and international partners to prevent Liberia from becoming a transit point for illegal drugs or a safe haven for criminal networks.

“This campaign is deliberate, coordinated, and unrelenting. It is intended to defend the Liberian people, protect the Liberian character, and safeguard our nation s future,” he added.

The President went on to  commend the Joint Security for what he described as their professionalism, courage and devotion to duty, urging them to remain steadfast and impartial while respecting the rights and dignity of all citizens.

The President continued by linking the drug fight directly to his broader commitment to the rule of law and the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, stressing that Liberia’s progress in education, infrastructure, the economy and public institutions cannot be sustained without justice and strong national institutions.

“None of our work in the economy, education, infrastructure, or public institutions can succeed unless it is anchored in one fundamental principle: the rule of law,” he said.

President Boakai called on parents, communities, schools, religious institutions, traditional leaders and young people to support the fight against drug abuse, reject misinformation and report criminal activities through lawful channels. 

He also urged political and religious leaders, civil society organizations and public commentators to act responsibly and avoid statements or actions that could incite violence, undermine national institutions or intimidate law enforcement officers.

“Liberia has come too far to revert to a culture in which justice is swayed by fear, power, or political pressure,” President Boakai warned.

Concluding his address, President Boakai assured the nation that his Government would remain committed to justice, fairness, accountability and peace, while protecting the constitutional rights of every citizen.

“We will govern without fear or favor, protect every citizen s rights, and build a Liberia where peace is preserved, justice is impartial, and accountability applies equally to all,” he said.

– on behalf of Republic of Liberia: Executive Mansion.

Source: APO – Report:

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Seminars focusing on the objective situation were organized for Eritrean nationals in Switzerland and Austria from 16 to 23 August.

Mr. Ismail Mohammed-Nur, Head of Public and Community Affairs at the Eritrean Embassy in Switzerland, conducted seminars for nationals residing in the Swiss cities of Zug, Schwyz, Schaffhausen, and St. Gallen.

At the seminars, Mr. Ismail noted that the Government of Eritrea is closely following developments unfolding in the Horn of Africa and is working earnestly, in collaboration with peace-loving countries, to avert potential dangers. He also said that the Government is working to translate its national security program and principles of social justice into practice, implement sustainable development programs, and improve citizens’ livelihoods.

Noting that the Eritrean people remain in a strong position as a result of their unity and organization, Mr. Ismail urged nationals in Switzerland to enhance their awareness and organization and play their due part in national development programs.

Mr. Mihreteab Malik, Chairman of the Eritrean National Committee in Switzerland, called on nationals to exert strong efforts to reinforce their organization, nurture young people and children who uphold noble societal values, and particularly promote mother-tongue education.

The participants called for the Ministry of Education to prepare a curriculum for Eritrean community schools abroad, sustainable training to be provided to the heads of national organizations, and tours of Eritrea to be organized for young people, among other proposals.

In related news, Mr. Kibreab Tekeste, Eritrea’s Consul General in Frankfurt, and Mr. Teame Haile, Head of Public and Community Affairs at the Eritrean Embassy in Germany, conducted a seminar for nationals residing in Vienna, Austria. The seminar focused on the objective situation in the homeland, regional and global developments, the significance of strengthening organizational capacity, and the timely responsibilities of nationals. They also provided a briefing on the timely and efficient provision of consular services.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.