Category: Africa

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Durban ready to welcome SADC neighbours

Source: Government of South Africa

Durban ready to welcome SADC neighbours

South Africa is preparing to welcome leaders, ministers, diplomats and other delegates from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to Durban, with authorities calling on residents to showcase the warmth and hospitality for which the country is known.

The city is set to host the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit later this week, bringing together 12 Heads of State and Government for one of the region’s major gatherings.

While extensive security preparations are under way for the summit, National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) chairperson Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said the event was also an opportunity for South Africans to demonstrate the country’s welcoming spirit.

“We want our visitors to experience the best of South Africa,” Mosikili said during a media briefing in Durban on Tuesday.

She appealed particularly to the people of Durban to welcome visitors from neighbouring SADC countries with “warmth, hospitality and Ubuntu”.

The message comes as delegations begin arriving in the country ahead of the main summit, with Ministers and other high-level representatives expected from Wednesday.

Heads of State and Government are expected later in the week.

Mosikili said the regional gathering presented South Africa with an opportunity to demonstrate not only its ability to host a major international event, but also the character and hospitality of its people.

“This is an important regional gathering,” she said.

Durban has been declared stable, secure and ready to host the summit, according to NATJOINTS, with preparations extending beyond the main venue at the Durban International Convention Centre.

Security plans cover venues, accommodation facilities, transport routes, public spaces and side events, with authorities also taking into consideration rugby and soccer matches taking place during the summit period.

Temporary road closures are expected when Heads of State are transported between venues, and motorists have been urged to cooperate with law enforcement and plan their journeys accordingly.

Authorities have also asked members of the public to take precautions when travelling to Durban because of current cold weather conditions and to monitor advisories from the South African Weather Service.

Despite the logistical and security requirements surrounding the summit, NATJOINTS said Durban residents should continue with their daily lives while cooperating with security personnel and following official traffic and security instructions.

The emphasis on hospitality is intended to complement the extensive preparations already under way to ensure the safety of visiting leaders and delegates.

Mosikili said South Africa was ready to welcome its SADC neighbours and that NATJOINTS was ready to ensure the summit was safe and successful. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Cabo Verde e China reforçam cooperação em tecnologia de ponta e infraestruturas

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Governo de Cabo Verde, através do Ministério da Coordenação de Projetos Especiais e Acesso a Fundos, e a China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) assinaram, esta terça-feira, 11 de agosto, um Memorando de Entendimento para desenvolver projetos estratégicos nas áreas da energia, água, agricultura e desenvolvimento integrado de São Vicente e das ilhas do Norte.

O acordo, rubricado pelo Ministro de Coordenação de Projectos e Acesso a Fundos, José Carlos Varela, e pelo representante da CIMEC, Wang Bo, num acto testemunhado pelo Primeiro-Ministro, Francisco Carvalho, e pelo embaixador da China, Zhang Yang, estabelece um quadro de cooperação de médio e longo prazo e prevê a mobilização de tecnologia, engenharia, investimento e financiamento para infraestruturas consideradas prioritárias para o desenvolvimento do país.

A cooperação está estruturada em três áreas principais. A primeira é a segurança e transição energética, com intervenções previstas na modernização e reabilitação das centrais termoelétricas existentes, construção de novas infraestruturas de energia, sistemas de armazenamento, redes elétricas e infraestruturas de apoio aos veículos elétricos. A estratégia está alinhada com a meta de atingir 70% de energias renováveis até 2031 e alcançar a descarbonização até 2040.

A segunda área abrange a gestão dos recursos hídricos e a agricultura moderna, incluindo dessalinização da água do mar, reutilização de águas residuais, rega de precisão e gestão inteligente da água. Está igualmente prevista a reabilitação da Barragem de Poilão. As medidas têm como objetivo reforçar a segurança hídrica, aumentar a disponibilidade de água para a população e criar melhores condições para o desenvolvimento agrícola.

O terceiro eixo está centrado no desenvolvimento integrado de São Vicente e das ilhas do Norte, através da valorização da Baía Sul, da requalificação da orla marítima de Cabnave e do reforço das ligações entre São Vicente, Santo Antão e São Nicolau. A iniciativa pretende criar um corredor de desenvolvimento no Norte, dinamizando a logística, os serviços marítimos, o turismo e a integração económica entre as ilhas.

Durante a cerimónia, o Presidente do Conselho de Administração da CMEC, Wang Bo, destacou a experiência da empresa em projetos internacionais de engenharia, energia, transportes e recursos hídricos, bem como a sua participação no projeto de dessalinização da água do mar na ilha de Santiago.

A empresa chinesa manifestou disponibilidade para colocar a sua capacidade tecnológica, de gestão, engenharia e financiamento ao serviço das prioridades de desenvolvimento de Cabo Verde. Entre os resultados esperados estão a criação de emprego local, o reforço da capacidade industrial e a concretização de infraestruturas com impacto direto na melhoria das condições de vida da população.

O Embaixador da China em Cabo Verde, Zhang Yang, considerou a assinatura mais um resultado da cooperação prática entre os dois países e afirmou que a China está disponível para apoiar o novo Governo cabo-verdiano, liderado pelo Primeiro-Ministro Francisco Carvalho.

Zhang Yang defendeu que o Memorando deve constituir um novo ponto de partida para reforçar a coordenação entre as partes e acelerar a concretização dos projetos. A Embaixada da China, acrescentou, continuará a apoiar as empresas chinesas em Cabo Verde e a facilitar a articulação com as autoridades cabo-verdianas.

Para o Primeiro-Ministro, Francisco Carvalho, a importância do Memorando está diretamente relacionada com as prioridades do programa de governação, nomeadamente a sustentabilidade energética, a agricultura e a água e a criação de um corredor de desenvolvimento a partir de São Vicente.

Francisco Carvalho defendeu uma estratégia de desenvolvimento equilibrado, assente na articulação entre diferentes áreas e regiões do país. Segundo o governante, a combinação destas dimensões é essencial para a construção de um Cabo Verde desenvolvido e participado por todos.

A assinatura do Memorando acontece no ano em que Cabo Verde e China assinalam 50 anos de relações diplomáticas. Em 2024, os dois países elevaram as relações bilaterais ao nível de parceria estratégica.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

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SADC Summit disruptions ‘will not be allowed’

Source: Government of South Africa

SADC Summit disruptions ‘will not be allowed’

Organisers and participants of planned marches and demonstrations in Durban during the SADC Summit have been warned that while peaceful protest is protected, criminality, intimidation and attempts to disrupt the international gathering will not be tolerated.

National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) chairperson Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said on Tuesday that authorities were aware of a number of planned demonstrations during the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit.

Speaking during a media briefing on Tuesday, she acknowledged that most marches held across South Africa in recent months had been peaceful but a small number had involved criminality and lawlessness.

Mosikili urged protesters to exercise their constitutional rights responsibly and comply with the law and conditions governing their demonstrations.

“You have a right to protest peacefully and lawfully,” she said. “You do not have a right to commit criminal acts, intimidate others, damage property or disrupt a major international event.”

The warning comes as Durban prepares to host 12 Heads of State and Government for the 46th Ordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community.

NATJOINTS has deployed specialised units and what it describes as maximum available resources as part of the security operation, including public order policing, intelligence, crime prevention and traffic management.

Mosikili said the security forces would respond “decisively, proportionately and within the law” to threats to public safety and security.

She said disruption of the summit would not be permitted.

“Anyone who crosses the line from lawful protest into criminality or threatens the safety and security of others will face the consequences of the law,” she said.

A Zimbabwean foreign national was arrested after allegedly attempting to obtain accreditation for the summit while presenting himself as a performing artist.

According to Mosikili, the individual claimed that his documentation and supporting documents had been stolen but was unable to produce valid documentation while trying to secure accreditation as an artist for the event.

The incident prompted a further warning from authorities that access to the summit would be tightly controlled. “No accreditation, no access,” Mosikili said.

NATJOINTS warned that accreditation issued to one person cannot be exchanged, lent, borrowed or shared with another individual.

Anyone found doing so will be removed from the controlled area and could face legal action. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Seychelles: President Congratulates Samuel Fanny on World Kyokushin Karate Achievement and Reaffirms Support for His Sporting Journey

Source: APO

President Dr Patrick Herminie today received two-time World Champion Samuel Fanny and his coach, 8th Dan karate practitioner Mr Philip Moustache, during a courtesy call at State House.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the President to congratulate Mr Fanny on his recent achievement of finishing as second World Champion in Kyokushin Karate (Kata) held in Kazakhstan. President Herminie expressed pride in seeing the young Seychellois athlete represent the country on the international stage and fly the Seychelles flag high.

President Herminie highlighted sport as an important avenue for nurturing discipline, perseverance and determination among young people, while creating opportunities for them to represent Seychelles internationally.

“I am proud when I see young Seychellois pursuing sports. Through discipline and perseverance, they can achieve great things and serve as an inspiration to others,” the President said.

During the meeting, Mr Fanny’s coach, Mr Moustache, also spoke about his long-standing commitment to Kyokushin Karate. This year marks 51 years since he began practising the sport, having started his career at the age of 19.

He said that perseverance, discipline and determination have been key throughout his journey and have helped him reach where he is today.

President Herminie encouraged Mr Fanny to continue pursuing his sporting ambitions and reaffirmed the Government’s broader commitment to supporting the development of Seychellois athletes and creating opportunities for young people to excel through sport.

Mr Fanny has been practising karate for the past four years. Speaking during an interview, he said that he is preparing to participate in a local competition in September, while also looking forward to future international competitions.

Also present at the courtesy call was the Chief Executive Officer of the National Sports Council (NSC), Mr Mario Pragassen.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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NATJOINTS: Security operations ready for SADC Summit

Source: Government of South Africa

NATJOINTS: Security operations ready for SADC Summit

The 46th Ordinary SADC Summit is expected to take place under what the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has described as a comprehensive, intelligence-led security plan.

NATJOINTS chairperson Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said on Tuesday authorities have deployed the maximum available resources to ensure the safety of the 12 Heads of State and Government expected to attend the regional gathering.

Extensive security preparations are already in place at the Durban International Convention Centre with intelligence structures monitoring the security environment ahead of the arrival of Ministers, senior delegations and Heads of State.

The security operation began on 3 August, covering build-up meetings, side events and other activities linked to the summit.

Mosikili said no security incidents or disruptions had been reported in connection with those activities so far.

“We have planned extensively for this Summit, and we are not leaving anything to chance,” Mosikili said during a media briefing in Durban.

The operation extends beyond the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC), where the main summit will be held. NATJOINTS said its plans cover venues, accommodation facilities, transport routes, public spaces and side events.

Mosikili said specialised capabilities – including intelligence, crime prevention, public order policing and traffic management – had been incorporated into the security plan, with all relevant law enforcement and security agencies working together under the NATJOINTS framework.

The approach, she said, was proactive, with authorities identifying and assessing potential threats before putting measures in place to prevent them from materialising.

Temporary road closures are expected when the Heads of State are transported between venues. Members of the public have been urged to cooperate with law enforcement and plan their journeys around possible traffic disruptions.

NATJOINTS also appealed to motorists travelling to Durban to exercise caution because of the current cold weather conditions and to monitor advisories issued by the South African Weather Service.

Despite the extensive security measures, Mosikili said Durban remained stable and ready to host the summit.

She also called on residents to extend South Africa’s traditional hospitality to delegates arriving from across the SADC region.

“This is an important regional gathering,” she said, adding that South Africa had an opportunity to demonstrate both its ability to host a major international event and the warmth of its people,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Burundi – Le Président Ndayishimiye a inauguré un projet de distribution d’eau potable

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le Président de la République du Burundi, Son Excellence Évariste Ndayishimiye, a inauguré ce mardi plus de 180 robinets publics d’eau potable aménagés par l’ONG AMAZI WATER dans les localités de Tenga et Rubirizi en province de Bujumbura.

Cette réalisation vient renforcer les efforts en faveur de l’accès universel à l’eau potable et de l’amélioration des conditions de vie de la population.

S’adressant à la population bénéficiaire, le Chef de l’État a exprimé sa gratitude à l’endroit de l’ONG AMAZI WATER pour cette initiative, tout en l’encourageant à poursuivre sur le même élan afin de contribuer davantage à l’amélioration de l’accès à l’eau potable au Burundi.

Le Président Ndayishimiye a rappelé que l’accès à une eau potable en quantité suffisante constitue un facteur essentiel de développement. Au-delà de la satisfaction des besoins quotidiens, l’eau joue un rôle majeur dans l’hygiène, l’assainissement ainsi que dans la prévention et la lutte contre les maladies.

Le projet repose sur un forage permettant actuellement de recueillir quelques 600.000 litres d’eau, distribués à travers un réseau de tuyaux long de 21 kilomètres; l’ambition étant d’augmenter progressivement cette capacité pour atteindre 3 millions de litres, avec l’objectif de desservir environ 120.000 personnes.

Cette initiative constitue ainsi une contribution importante aux efforts visant à rapprocher l’eau potable des communautés et à réduire les difficultés liées à son accès.

Le Chef de l’État a également encouragé les populations des localités qui ne disposent pas encore d’eau potable à travailler en synergie et à prendre des initiatives, notamment en se mobilisant pour l’acquisition de pompes et de tuyaux. Ainsi
ces efforts pourront ensuite être accompagnés par le nouveau service « Initiative Eau » de la Présidence de la République, mis en place pour soutenir les communautés dans leurs démarches d’accès à cette ressource essentielle.

Ce projet s’inscrit dans la vision du Président de la République qui fait de l’accès à l’eau potable une priorité, en accord avec les priorités de l’Union Africaine, permettant une amélioration des conditions de vie de la population.

Il a enfin rassuré que les efforts seront poursuivis afin que toutes les collines du Burundi puissent être approvisionnées en eau potable d’ici 2030.

Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République du Burundi.

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Eritrea: Training on Compost Fertilizer Production

Source: APO

The Ministry of Agriculture branch in the Gash-Barka Region, as part of its efforts to increase agricultural production and ensure access to nutritious food through soil enrichment, provided farmers in the Barentu sub-zone with training on compost production.

During the theoretical and practical training, Mr. Musie Bahta, Head of the Agriculture Office in the sub-zone, indicated that organic fertilizer makes a significant contribution to boosting agricultural productivity and production. He called on the farmers to apply the knowledge they gained from the training in their agricultural activities and share it with fellow farmers.

Noting that organic fertilizer can easily be produced from leftover household waste, Eng. Azekia Alfayo, a water and soil conservation expert, said that its application makes a significant contribution to boosting agricultural production.

Indicating that similar training programmes will be organized for farmers on a regular basis, Eng. Azekia called for the avoidance of chemical fertilizers.

The trainees, for their part, commended the training they received and expressed their readiness to apply the knowledge they gained to their agricultural activities. They also called for the continuation of the programme.

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

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Eritrea: Call for Enhanced Public Understanding of Tourism Resources

Source: APO


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Mr. Saleh Ali, Director General of Tourism in the Anseba Region, highlighted the significance of enhancing public understanding of tourism resources so that they can be properly preserved, passed on to future generations and utilized to contribute to the country’s economic development.

Mr. Saleh made the call during exploratory research conducted on tourism resources in the sub-zones of Geleb and Elaberet, as well as during meetings held with residents of Merat and Deki-Andu on 8 and 9 August.

The research covers the historical remains at the Rora Mensa’e fortress, where heavy fighting took place following the defeat of the Ethiopian colonial army’s ‘Nadew Iz’ in 1988; the forest and wildlife resources in the areas of Merat and Deki-Andu that are on the verge of extinction; and the red marble found in the Bielta area.

Noting that natural resources, religious sites, cultural diversity and traditions, archaeological sites and other attractions are among the country’s unique resources, Mr. Feseha Habte, Head of Research and Resource Follow-up at the Tourism Department in the Anseba Region, called for due attention to be given to indigenous trees that are on the verge of extinction, as well as to ensuring the continuity of cultural and artistic resources.

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

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South Sudan: Displaced families in Udier demonstrate true resilience amidst immense hardship

Source: APO


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In the wake of intense clashes between government and opposition armed groups, villagers across eastern Upper Nile are bearing the brunt of the impact on their shattered lives.

As the violence erupted, families were forced to flee their homes and run deep into the nearby bushes to hide.

During their desperate journey to safety, many lost, not only, their homes and livelihoods but also those they loved most.

“We lost people in the bushes and later returned to find nothing but devastation; our homes were deliberately burned down by fire. We face a situation in which the entire community draws water from a single borehole; other basic needs are unavailable. The same applies to nearby villages,” explains Thabitha Nyitapo, Udier Women’s Leader.

“Twenty people share a single room to sleep in and stay protected during the rain. Also, there are no health care facilities left, pregnant women have nowhere to deliver during labor, and mothers and children are suffering due to a lack of medicine.”

Today, the village of Udier serves as a refuge for more than 36,000 displaced people as well as others originally from the area who are returning as fragile calm is restored.

The challenges they face are daunting: how to rebuild their lives with no secure shelter, no reliable access to food, clean water, healthcare, education, or the means to earn a living.

“We have no school now, like I mentioned before, that everything was looted and hospital beds were looted, the schools’ materials, including chairs, were looted, everything was looted, there is nothing here now,” said Wochan Wuordol, Commissioner of Udier.

For the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, protecting civilians and ensuring that life-saving humanitarian aid reaches those most in need has never been more urgent. Their commitment remains unwavering, even as the challenges grow by the day.

Recently, UNMISS peacekeepers patrolled the area to assess the security situation. They met with local authorities and listened to the community’s concerns while working together to identify shared solutions amid ongoing uncertainty.

“People in this community have different political views which can cause tension. Our goal is to ensure that, regardless of their differences, they can live peacefully together,” explains Civil Affairs Officer, William Jial.

Only by strengthening protection for civilians and restoring the basic services they have lost can these families begin to recover, rebuild, and look forward to a future lived in safety and dignity.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

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Eritrea: National Half-Marathon Competition in Mendefera

Source: APO

The National Athletics Federation of Eritrea conducted the 31st National Half-Marathon Competition in Mendefera on Sunday, 9 August.

More than 150 male and female athletes from the Southern, Central and Gash-Barka regions, as well as the Ministry of Defense’s Denden Club, took part in the competition.

In the men’s category, Athlete Major Tedros from the Southern Region won the race, finishing in 1 hour, 4 minutes and 41 seconds. Athlete Teklehaimanot Berhane from the Southern Region and Athlete Saimon Mebrahtu from Denden Club finished second and third, respectively.

In the women’s category, Olympian Nazareth Woldu from the Gash-Barka Region won the race, finishing in 1 hour, 19 minutes and 1 second. Athlete Mikal Tsegazeab and Olympian Dolci Tesfu, both from Denden Club, finished second and third, respectively.

Likewise, in the men’s five-kilometre category, Athlete Yobel Zerit from the Central Region won the race, finishing in 14 minutes, 14 seconds and 3 microseconds. In the women’s category, Athlete Delina from the Central Region finished first in 16 minutes, 43 seconds and 24 microseconds.

In the one-mile race, Athlete Fitsum Abraham from the Southern Region and Athlete Canary Teklemariam from the Central Region won the men’s and women’s categories, respectively.

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

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