Category: Africa

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Opening remarks by the Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, on the occasion of the media briefing on the PYEI Q3 results

Source: President of South Africa –

Programme Director,
Deputy Minister in The Presidency Responsible for Women, Youth And Persons With Disabilities Steve Letsike
Director of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, Tshego Walker
COO of Edunova, Dietrich Baron
Leaders of Afrika Tikkun and Capacitate
Partners and stakeholders
Members of the media
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen

Good morning.

South Africa is a young nation. More than half of our population is under the age of 35. This is not simply a statistic it is a national reality that shapes our politics, our economy, and our future. Yet we must also confront a difficult truth. Too many young South Africans continue to face unemployment, exclusion, and limited pathways into meaningful economic participation. Youth unemployment is not only an economic challenge it is a social challenge, a developmental challenge, and fundamentally, a matter of justice.

As a democratic and responsive government, we are clear that the future of South Africa depends on the future of its young people. We cannot speak about growth, inclusion, or stability without addressing the lived realities of youth. Government has a responsibility not only to listen, but to act decisively to expand opportunity, restore hope, and ensure that no young person is left behind.

It is within this context that the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention was established not as a temporary response, but as a structural national effort to unlock earning opportunities at scale, remove barriers to entry, and support young people as they transition from learning to earning.

As Deputy President Paul Mashatile said yesterday in Khayelitsha, young people are the beating pulse of our nation, not only our future but our present. They shape the national mood, surface new ideas, and drive the conversations that define our country. Government therefore has a responsibility not only to speak to young people, but to listen, engage and act together with them to resolve the challenges of unemployment, education, economic inclusion and opportunity. Today’s generation of young South Africans carries the same sense of purpose and determination that defined the youth of 1976, and it is our duty to ensure that democracy delivers meaningfully for them.

Today, Colleagues, we present the Quarter 3 results of this intervention and reflect on the progress we continue to make in building a South Africa where young people can participate in the economy with dignity, agency, and hope.

Ladies and gentlemen,

We continue to see meaningful progress.

By the end of Quarter 3:

  • More than 5.77 million young people are registered on SA Youth, and over 4.8 million on ESSA.
  • The PYEI has facilitated access to over 2.36 million earning opportunities, with an additional 402,515 opportunities through ESSA since inception.
  • This represents an increase of more than 294,000 new opportunities in just one quarter.

Importantly, over 70% of opportunities accessed through SA Youth are taken up by young women, demonstrating our continued commitment to closing equity gaps in the labour market.

These are not just statistics. Behind every number is a young person whose dignity is restored, whose confidence is strengthened, and whose future is expanding.

Achievements in Quarter 3

In the period October to December 2025:

  • 294,530 earning opportunities were secured through the National Pathway Management Network.
  • Over 11,000 young people gained workplace experience opportunities through partnerships with the private sector and higher education institutions.
  • More than 6,700 enterprise opportunities were provided to support youth entrepreneurship.
  • The Revitalised National Youth Service continues to expand, with 132,784 young people placed in paid service opportunities to date. 
  • These achievements show that the PYEI is not only growing in scale, but also in depth, diversity, and sustainability of opportunities.

Colleagues,

One of the most important milestones this quarter has been the continued success of the Jobs Boost Outcomes Fund.

  • Over 9,170 young people enrolled, exceeding targets.
  • More than 7,200 young people placed into jobs.
  • Over R220 million disbursed based on verified employment outcomes. 
  • This results-based financing model ensures we do not simply fund activity, we fund real employment outcomes.

Ladies and Gentleman,

The Innovation Fund continues to demonstrate how targeted support can unlock new earning pathways.

From digital skills to the property sector and health services, innovative projects are helping young people enter industries that were previously difficult to access. 

This is why today’s venue, Edunova, is so significant.

The ComUnity Digital Enablers Initiative represents the future of youth employment.

Through collaboration between Edunova, Afrika Tikkun and Capacitate:

  • Young people, particularly young women, are trained as Community Digital Angels.
  • They operate through a micro-franchise model, building digital micro-enterprises in their own communities.
  • The initiative combines digital skills, entrepreneurship, and community-based opportunity creation. 

This model not only creates jobs, it builds local economies, strengthens digital inclusion something I am very passionate about, and empowers communities.

Colleagues and members of the media,

Policy and programmes matter. But what matters most is impact on people’s lives.

Shortly, we will hear directly from two young beneficiaries of this programme. They will share their journeys, their challenges, and how access to opportunity has changed their lives and their futures.

Their testimonies remind us why this work is urgent, why it is necessary, and why we must continue to scale these efforts.

To every young person watching and listening today, Opportunities are available to you right now.

You can register for free on the SAYouth.mobi platform, which is zero-rated on all major mobile networks, meaning you do not need data to access it. Through SAYouth.mobi, young people can:

  • Find earning and learning opportunities
  • Access work experience and enterprise support
  • Receive job-readiness support and guidance
  • Connect to opportunities in their communities and across the country.

This platform is designed to ensure that no young person is excluded because of cost, location, or lack of access to information.

We encourage every young South African to visit www.SAYouth.mobi, register, and take the first step toward opportunity.

Members of the Media, The PYEI is part of a broader national effort to remove structural barriers to job creation and economic participation.

Through partnerships and initiatives such as:

  • Demand-led skills development
  • Strengthening local economic ecosystems
  • Expanding youth service opportunities
  • Integrating with Operation Vulindlela and the Presidential Employment Stimulus.We are building a South Africa where young people participate in the economy with dignity, agency, and hope. 

Ladies and gentlemen,

The progress we present today is encouraging, but our work is far from complete.

Youth unemployment remains one of the greatest challenges facing our nation. But through partnership, innovation, and persistence, we are steadily expanding pathways to earning for millions of young South Africans.

To our partners and stakeholders, thank you.

And to the young people of South Africa we see you, we believe in you, and we will continue working to unlock opportunities for you.

I thank you.

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Governo cria Semana do Digital de Cabo Verde como iniciativa estratégica nacional

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Governo de Cabo Verde socializou esta quarta-feira, 11 de fevereiro, a Semana do Digital de Cabo Verde, aprovada terça-feira, 10, em Conselho de Ministros, uma iniciativa determinante para afirmar o país como nação digital, mais moderna, inclusiva e competitiva no plano regional e internacional.

A apresentação foi feita pelo Secretário de Estado da Economia Digital, Pedro Lopes, em conferência de imprensa presidida pelo Vice-Primeiro-Ministro, Ministro das Finanças e Ministro da Economia Digital, Olavo Correia, e contou com a presença da PCA da ARME, Leonilde dos Santos, do Diretor-Geral das Telecomunicações e da Economia Digital, Milton Cabral, bem como de profissionais da comunicação social.

Na ocasião, o Vice-Primeiro-Ministro afirmou que a Semana do Digital foi lançada para colocar o digital no topo da agenda pública e estimular todos a pensar digital, desde funcionários públicos e gestores até cidadãos, empresas, academia, municípios e diáspora.

“Queremos uma governação inteligente, assente na interoperabilidade de sistemas, na prestação de serviços públicos digitais e na adoção massificada da identidade, residência e assinatura eletrónicas. Esta transição permitirá serviços mais eficientes, maior coesão territorial e uma administração pública orientada para resultados”, referiu Olavo Correia.

Por sua vez, o Secretário de Estado da Economia Digital, Pedro Lopes, afirmou que o Governo pretende que a Semana do Digital não seja apenas uma bandeira do Executivo, mas sim de todos os cabo-verdianos. “Por isso, criámos a Semana do Digital, que decorrerá na primeira quinzena de março de 2026, como um palco privilegiado para promover a literacia digital, a inovação tecnológica, o fortalecimento do ecossistema de inovação, e para celebrar o percurso do país na nossa ambição de nos tornarmos um verdadeiro hub digital e uma nação digital.”

A Semana do Digital permitirá também destacar os investimentos em infraestruturas digitais, como os Parques Tecnológicos de Santiago e de São Vicente, a criação da Zona Económica Especial Tecnológica e as oportunidades para empresas cabo-verdianas e para aquelas que desejam estabelecer-se no território. Segundo Pedro Lopes, será uma ocasião para comunicar os ganhos tecnológicos recentes, incluindo o 5G, a renovação do Ring e a melhoria das comunicações entre ilhas, além de ativar talentos e competências digitais, fortalecer a conexão com a diáspora e parceiros globais, e dar visibilidade às empresas de base tecnológica.

O evento contará ainda com um reconhecimento de excelência, os Digital Awards, durante uma gala de encerramento, onde serão premiados os melhores projetos e iniciativas, especialmente aqueles que, ao longo do ano, contribuíram para consolidar o ecossistema digital em Cabo Verde como um setor de excelência.

Com esta iniciativa, o Governo reafirma o seu compromisso com uma transformação digital inclusiva, sustentável e orientada para resultados, colocando a tecnologia, a inovação e o conhecimento ao serviço do desenvolvimento económico, da coesão territorial e da cidadania.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

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Ituri : autorités et déplacés saluent les efforts de la Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO) pour la protection des civils à Fataki

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


À Fataki, dans le territoire de Djugu en Ituri, les premières lueurs du jour révèlent chaque matin l’ampleur des déplacements de population provoqués par l’activisme des groupes armés. Sous la protection des Casques bleus, des centaines de familles installées sous des bâches et dans des abris précaires tentent néanmoins de reconstruire un quotidien autour de la base de la MONUSCO.

C’est dans ce contexte que, le 6 février 2026, une délégation des États membres siégeant à la Cinquième Commission de l’Organisation des Nations Unies, chargée des questions budgétaires, administratives et financières, s’est rendue à la base du contingent népalais de la MONUSCO à Fataki pour rencontrer les Casques bleus, les autorités locales et les populations déplacées, et évaluer les besoins ainsi que l’impact de la Mission en matière de protection des civils.

Une base de la MONUSCO comme lieu de refuge

Depuis plusieurs mois, les affrontements armés le long de l’axe routier Lodda–Djaiba–Fataki ont contraint de nombreuses personnes à fuir leurs villages. En janvier 2026, environ 5 500 civils ont trouvé refuge à proximité de la base onusienne de Fataki. Dans le groupe, on compte environ 1 900 femmes et 1 400 enfants, cherchant protection auprès des Casques bleus népalais.

« Nous sommes reconnaissants envers les Casques bleus de la MONUSCO pour la protection dont nous bénéficions », a déclaré l’un des représentants des déplacés.

« Grâce à leur présence, » a-t-il ajouté,« nos enfants peuvent dormir en sécurité et nous pouvons accéder aux champs sans craindre pour nos vies. Nous espérons que cet appui se poursuivra jusqu’à ce que la paix soit définitivement rétablie. »

Jean-Baptiste Banga, déplacé à Lodda, abonde dans le même sens : « Sans la MONUSCO, il serait difficile de vivre dans ces sites. Même pour aller aux champs, nous avons besoin de leur protection. Nous demandons surtout le désarmement des groupes armés afin que nous puissions rentrer chez nous et reprendre une vie normale.»

Cette demande d’une paix durable qui permettrait à chaque famille de rentrer dans son village et reconstruire une vie chamboulée par la violence armée revient dans toutes les bouches.

Des efforts opérationnels renforcés

Situé à l’est de la province de l’Ituri, le territoire de Djugu s’étend sur une superficie d’environ 8 730 km² et abrite près de trois millions d’habitants. Depuis plusieurs années, cette zone est affectée par l’activisme de groupes armés, notamment CODECO [Coopérative pour le développement du Congo] et CRP [Convention pour la Révolution Populaire], provoquant de déplacements massifs de la population civile, de pertes en vies humaines et de graves violations des droits humains.

Face à ces défis, la MONUSCO, en coordination avec l’armée congolaise, a intensifié sa présence. En 2025, plus de 5 600 patrouilles ont été menées dans la zone de responsabilité du contingent népalais en Ituri, dont près de 800 patrouilles conjointes, afin de sécuriser les axes routiers, les marchés, les écoles et les lieux de culte.

C’est cet appui de la mission onusienne qu’a salué l’administrateur du territoire de Djugu, Ruffin Mapela : « Nous saluons la MONUSCO pour son appui opérationnel et sécuritaire dans le territoire de Djugu. Globalement, grâce aux efforts conjoints de la MONUSCO et des FARDC [Forces armées de la RDC], la situation se stabilise progressivement, même si des poches de tension persistent, notamment à Bule, où des affrontements opposent encore les CRP aux FARDC. »

« D’autres groupes armés sont aujourd’hui quasiment inactifs depuis les accords d’Aru I et II, le processus de paix local soutenu par les autorités et la MONUSCO », a-t-il poursuivi.

L’administrateur du territoire a également mis en avant la coordination opérationnelle existante à travers les patrouilles mixtes avec les militaires congolais ainsi que le renforcement du système d’alerte communautaire, permettant une réponse plus rapide en cas de menace des groupes armés.

Un engagement au-delà du volet sécuritaire

Au-delà des opérations militaires, la MONUSCO met en œuvre plusieurs projets à impact rapide dans ses zones d’intervention, notamment la réhabilitation de routes, la construction de ponts et l’installation de lampadaires solaires à Lodda, Djaiba, Pimbo et Gina. Ces initiatives ont bénéficié à plus de 140 000 personnes, contribuant à améliorer la mobilité, la sécurité nocturne et la relance des activités économiques et sociales.

Dans les sites de déplacés de Lodda et Djaiba, les populations plaident pour un retour sécurisé dans leurs villages, une accélération du processus de désarmement et un renforcement de l’assistance humanitaire.

En Ituri, la MONUSCO poursuit son engagement aux côtés du Gouvernement congolais et des communautés locales pour protéger les populations et créer les conditions d’une stabilité durable.

Distribué par APO Group pour Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).

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Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) Ministerial: New platform launched for sharing best practices

Source: APO


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The first meeting of the SME Ministerial community of 2026 saw an increase in the number of countries engaging with the process. This marks the beginning of a key phase of policy sharing which will mark the way towards the second Global SME Ministerial Meeting in 2027.

More than 70 countries joined the virtual gathering, with over 120 delegates representing countries from Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe.

The officials are part of ministries or government agencies which are tasked with policymaking for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

On the day, the International Trade Centre (ITC) launched a new platform where countries can upload best practices in policies and regulations that seek to provide further development to SMEs, but also to learn from peers on what is working.

Each country will have a dedicated account for the platform, where countries can set up a page with the best practices that can support policy development at a regional, continental or global level. 

At least 20 countries sent their inputs in advance to the launch.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.

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Transport Committee Chair Says Road Accident Fund (RAF) Shows Signs of Recovery, Reform Efforts Must Accelerate

Source: APO


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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Transport, Mr Donald Selamolela, has said that, contrary to public opinion, the Road Accident Fund (RAF) is on road to recovery.

“We are satisfied that indeed there is work happening to improve governance and stabilise operation of RAF. The committee accepts that RAF is a challenged entity of government, besieged by historical factors that unnecessarily frustrated the work of the entity,” the Chairperson noted.

“Concerns about organisational structure remain, and if not attended to with speed, they will frustrate the progress that is being realised. The negativity around how the entity is viewed by the public should cease, and our focus should be to service the claimants,” he said.

The RAF board appeared before the committee on Tuesday, where the committee continued with engagements that started in November 2025. The Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa, accompanied RAF and told the committee that reforming the RAF remains a priority and that direct claims are an immediate area of attention. Mr Hlengwa likened the work of reforming RAF to fixing an aeroplane while airborne.

Mr Selamolela said despite a Standing Committee on Public Accounts-led inquiry into the issues of RAF, the committee remained hopeful that significant strides are being made to stabilise the entity. “We are happy that you are summoning all capacities from the departments in marketing the work you are doing. Kindly speed up your game in whatever you are doing, and we share the view that RAF is an important service delivery mechanism that touches interrupted lives of people,” he said.

He also called on the department to move with speed to review the RAF legislation with the intention of closing all loopholes.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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Vice President Highlights Seychelles as a prime Investment Gateway in Gulf News Interview

Source: APO


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Seychelles is intensifying its international investment outreach, with Vice President Sebastien Pillay, using an interview with Dubai-based Gulf News to  position the country as a strategically located, politically stable and business-friendly hub for foreign investors.

Whilst speaking to the international news outlet on Wednesday, at State House, the Vice President highlighted Seychelles’ strong geographic position, noting that the country is  well positioned to serve as a regional platform for investors seeking access to emerging markets in the region.

He emphasised that as a high-income country, Seychelles relies significantly on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and said the current promotional drive comes at an opportune time to attract new investors. 

“There are substantial opportunities for the UAE to invest in Seychelles,” the Vice President said, identifying key sectors such as real estate, the digital economy, renewable energy, the blue economy, medical tourism, infrastructure development and education. 

He further explained that Seychelles is continuously  strengthening its investment climate, including through strategic  land reclamation projects to unlock new business opportunities. Efforts are also being made to bolster cybercrime legislation and enforcement frameworks to ensure that investors’ assets and transactions remain secure.

Political stability, he stressed, remains a cornerstone of investor confidence. “Stability  attracts investment, and predictability sustains it,” he added.

Renewable energy was highlighted as another priority sector, with the Vice President stating that increased investment in sustainable energy solutions would contribute to reducing the cost of electricity, strengthen energy security and enhancing long-term economic resilience.

Addressing the question of why investors should consider Seychelles now, the Vice President pointed to the country’s ease of doing business, ongoing reforms, and favourable economic indicators. He said Seychelles is placing renewed focus on processing and manufacturing, with the aim of expanding its export base and enabling investors to recoup the value of their investments at a faster pace. He added that the country’s GDP performance remains encouraging.

The Vice President also spoke of the importance of branding, noting that Seychelles must be marketed not only as a tourism paradise but as a credible, competitive, and secure investment destination.

Moreover, he said the engagement with the UAE media forms part of broader efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between Seychelles and the United Arab Emirates, a relationship that extends beyond diplomacy to meaningful people-to-people  ties. The Vice President acknowledged the UAE’s extensive global business networks, which he said can help Seychelles connect with a wider pool of potential investors.

Founded in 1978 and relaunched in 1985 under Al Nisr Publishing, Gulf News has grown into one of the most widely read English newspapers in the UAE and the Gulf region. In addition to its print edition, it operates a major digital platform covering local, regional, and international news, business, sports and lifestyle.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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Gabon and South Africa deepen mining ties through new geoscience collaboration agreement

Source: APO

Gabon has taken a significant step toward strengthening its mining sector by signing a new collaboration agreement between the Ministry of Mines and Geological Resources of Gabon (www.Mines.Gouv.ga) and South Africa’s Council for Geoscience. The partnership is designed to enhance geological research, build technical capacity, and accelerate the sustainable development of Gabon’s mineral resources.

The agreement reflects Gabon’s broader strategy to diversify its economy and unlock the full commercial potential of its mining industry. While the country is widely known for its oil production, it also possesses significant untapped deposits of iron ore, manganese, gold, and other strategic minerals. By collaborating with one of Africa’s leading geoscience institutions, Gabon aims to modernize its geological knowledge base and strengthen the institutional foundations of its mining sector.

At the core of the agreement is a commitment to conduct comprehensive geological assessments across Gabon to identify new potential. The Council for Geoscience will work alongside Gabonese experts to review existing geological data, carry out new surveys where necessary, and develop updated resource maps. These efforts are expected to provide a clearer picture of Gabon’s mineral endowment and help the government design more effective strategies for resource commercialization. The agreement was signed in Cape Town by Mr Alain Manzanza, Director General of Geology in the Ministry of Mines of Gabon and Mr Mosa Mabuza, CEO of the Council of geoscience South Africa under the watchful eyes of HE Sosthene Nguema Nguema, minister of Mines and Geological Resources of Gabon and HE Rod Rembendambya Gabon’s ambassador to South Africa.

Another key pillar of the partnership is capacity building. The agreement includes provisions for training programs, technical exchanges, and joint research initiatives aimed at developing the skills of Gabonese mining professionals. Through workshops, internships, and collaborative projects, Gabonese geologists and engineers will gain exposure to advanced exploration techniques and international best practices in mineral resource management.

Minister Nguema Nguema emphasized that the partnership is not limited to technical cooperation. It is also intended to strengthen economic ties between Gabon and South Africa by encouraging South African mining companies to explore investment opportunities in Gabon. By improving geological transparency and regulatory capacity, the agreement is expected to make Gabon a more attractive destination for foreign investment in the mining sector.

Environmental and technological standards form another important dimension of the collaboration. Both parties have committed to sharing knowledge on modern mining technologies and evolving environmental regulations. This includes promoting responsible mining practices, improving environmental monitoring, and integrating sustainability considerations into project planning. Such measures are increasingly important as global investors place greater emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.

The agreement also aligns with regional efforts to promote intra-African cooperation in the extractive industries. By leveraging South Africa’s long-standing experience in mining and geoscience, Gabon is positioning itself to benefit from African expertise while contributing to the continent’s collective development. The partnership demonstrates how African countries can collaborate to build stronger institutions and more competitive resource sectors.

According to Minister Nguema Nguema, “this is as a timely initiative in line with the directives of our head of State, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema who has pledged to increase the contribution of the mining sector to the national economy. Ultimately, we will have to work in collaboration with advanced mining economies like south Africa to achieve this.”

Global demand for minerals is rising, driven in part by the energy transition and the growing need for materials used in renewable technologies and infrastructure. With improved geological data and stronger technical capacity, Gabon is better placed to participate in these emerging markets and capture greater value from its natural resources.

In the coming months, joint working groups from both institutions are expected to outline a detailed implementation roadmap. Early priorities will likely include data integration, training schedules, and the identification of priority regions for geological surveys. As the partnership moves from agreement to action, it has the potential to play a transformative role in shaping the future of Gabon’s mining industry.

By combining expertise, technology, and institutional support, the Gabon – South Africa collaboration marks an important milestone in Gabon’s efforts to build a modern, transparent, and sustainable mining sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Mines and Geological Resources of Gabon.

Media files

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Central African Republic (CAR): Special Criminal Court at serious risk of closure in 2026 due to lack of funding

Source: APO


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  • Court’s closure would fail victims & survivors and represent “a catastrophic setback” in country’s fight against impunity
  • Court staff already reduced by 25%

The Special Criminal Court (SCC) of the Central African Republic is at serious risk of closure in 2026, potentially depriving thousands of victims and survivors of war crimes and crimes against humanity of justice and reparations, Amnesty International said today. The organization is calling on states to make urgent financial contributions to the court to ensure its crucial operations can continue.

The SCC, which relies solely on voluntary contributions from states and international organizations, has endured massive budget cuts over the past year. Without additional funding, the court, which has a mandate to investigate and prosecute crimes under international law committed during conflicts in the Central African Republic, will run out of money in June.

“Thousands of Central African civilians were killed, raped, abducted, maimed, injured, displaced, or had their homes burned down during waves of violence and armed conflict since 2003. For these victims and survivors, the SCC represents a hope for justice, which is now compromised. The court is doing essential work, with 15 investigations and three trials ongoing, and over 30 persons currently wanted. Its closure would be a catastrophic setback in the fight against impunity in the Central African Republic. It must continue its work,” said Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa.  

“Victims are excluded from their own trials, as the court no longer has the means to cover their transportation and accommodation costs. The possibility of cases being frozen or simply abandoned is no longer a hypothesis, it is a founded fear. Victims fear that justice will be extinguished due to lack of resources,” said a member of a local survivors’ association.

“The decline in funding has a significant impact. Financial partners are no longer responding to our needs, yet those partners are essential. This affects those most directly concerned, namely the victims who are seeking justice,” said the representative of another survivors’ association. 

The SCC was severely affected by the withdrawal of funding by the United States, which was the second biggest donor to the court after the United Nations (UN). The only current donors are the UN, through its peacekeeping mission and its development agency, and the European Union (EU). Due to the liquidity crisis faced by the UN, it cannot guarantee its planned contributions for 2026.

This drastic funding reduction has already profoundly affected the court’s functioning and jeopardizes its very existence, with serious repercussions for ongoing proceedings and the services provided to victims and witnesses. For this calendar year, only the EU has pledged a funding contribution. Some European states are also examining the possibility of providing funding, however they have not yet committed to making new contributions, and neither has any other state.

The court has already had to make a quarter of its staff redundant, particularly its foreign experts, between August and September 2025, according to information gathered by Amnesty International. There is now only one team of judicial police officers left to investigate, down from four previously, while there are 15 ongoing investigations into cases involving war crimes and crimes against humanity. The witness protection section has lost more than half of its staff, potentially reducing the court’s ability to prevent reprisals against witnesses.

“Victims and survivors of crimes under international law have a right to truth, justice, and reparations. We call on all partner states of the Central African Republic to urgently commit financial and human resources to the SCC so that justice can be served for these victims and survivors. Without this, impunity will prevail,” said Marceau Sivieude.

“National courts do not have the resources and capacity to carry out the mandate entrusted to the SCC, despite the efforts made by the Central African authorities. If the SCC closes, having arrested and prosecuted in person only a few low-level persons, and not the leaders most responsible, and for a few recent incidents, it will have largely failed in its mission and disappointed the hopes and expectations of the Central African people.”

Background

The SCC, inaugurated on 22 October 2018, is a hybrid court supported by the UN, composed of Central African and foreign prosecutors and judges.

On 19 April 2022, it opened its first trial, against three former members of an armed group for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Since then, four trials have taken place, two of these cases are still in the appeal phase. Two other trials are currently pending in first instance.

The SCC issued an arrest warrant for former President François Bozizé in 2024, which has not yet been executed, although the case was sent to trial in January 2026 even in the absence of Bozizé. Over 30 persons are currently wanted by the court in connection with ongoing investigations or proceedings.

The SCC began its second five-year term on 22 October 2023. It is due to end in October 2028.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Amnesty International.

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Le Gabon et l’Afrique du Sud renforcent leurs liens miniers grâce à un nouvel accord de collaboration en géosciences

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Gabon a franchi une étape importante dans le renforcement de son secteur minier en signant un nouvel accord de collaboration entre le ministère des Mines et des Ressources géologiques du Gabon (www.Mines.Gouv.ga) et le Conseil sud-africain pour les géosciences. Ce partenariat vise à améliorer la recherche géologique, à renforcer les capacités techniques et à accélérer le développement durable des ressources minérales du Gabon.

Cet accord s’inscrit dans la stratégie plus large du Gabon visant à diversifier son économie et à exploiter pleinement le potentiel commercial de son industrie minière. Si le pays est surtout connu pour sa production pétrolière, il dispose également d’importants gisements inexploités de minerai de fer, de manganèse, d’or et d’autres minerais stratégiques. En collaborant avec l’une des principales institutions africaines en géosciences, le Gabon entend moderniser sa base de connaissances géologiques et consolider les fondations institutionnelles de son secteur minier.

Au cœur de l’accord figure l’engagement de mener des évaluations géologiques complètes à travers le territoire gabonais afin d’identifier de nouveaux potentiels miniers. Le Conseil pour les géosciences travaillera aux côtés d’experts gabonais pour examiner les données géologiques existantes, réaliser de nouvelles études lorsque nécessaire et élaborer des cartes actualisées des ressources. Ces efforts devraient permettre de mieux cerner le potentiel minéral du Gabon et d’aider le gouvernement à concevoir des stratégies plus efficaces de valorisation commerciale.

L’accord a été signé au Cap par M. Alain Manzanza, Directeur général de la géologie au ministère des Mines du Gabon, et par M. Mosa Mabuza, Directeur général du Conseil sud-africain pour les géosciences, sous la supervision de Son Excellence Sosthène Nguema Nguema, ministre des Mines et des Ressources géologiques du Gabon, et de Son Excellence Rod Rembendambya, ambassadeur du Gabon en Afrique du Sud. La cérémonie de signature a mis en évidence le soutien politique de haut niveau accordé à cette initiative et la volonté commune de renforcer la coopération bilatérale.

Un autre pilier essentiel du partenariat concerne le renforcement des capacités. L’accord prévoit des programmes de formation, des échanges techniques et des initiatives de recherche conjointes destinés à développer les compétences des professionnels gabonais du secteur minier. Grâce à des ateliers, des stages et des projets collaboratifs, les géologues et ingénieurs gabonais auront accès à des techniques d’exploration avancées et aux meilleures pratiques internationales en matière de gestion des ressources minérales.

Le ministre Nguema Nguema souligné que le partenariat ne se limite pas à la coopération technique. Il vise également à renforcer les liens économiques entre le Gabon et l’Afrique du Sud en encourageant les entreprises minières sud-africaines à explorer des opportunités d’investissement au Gabon. En améliorant la transparence géologique et les capacités réglementaires, l’accord devrait rendre le pays plus attractif pour les investissements étrangers dans le secteur minier.

Les normes environnementales et technologiques constituent une autre dimension importante de la collaboration. Les deux parties se sont engagées à partager leurs connaissances sur les technologies minières modernes et l’évolution des réglementations environnementales. Cela inclut la promotion de pratiques minières responsables, l’amélioration du suivi environnemental et l’intégration des considérations de durabilité dans la planification des projets, des aspects de plus en plus déterminants pour les investisseurs internationaux.

Selon le ministre Sosthène Nguema Nguema, “cet accord représente une initiative opportune, conforme aux orientations du chef de l’État, le président Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, qui s’est engagé à accroître la contribution du secteur minier à l’économie nationale. la collaboration avec des économies minières avancées comme l’Afrique du Sud sera essentielle pour atteindre cet objectif.”

L’accord s’inscrit également dans une dynamique régionale plus large visant à promouvoir la coopération intra-africaine dans les industries extractives. En s’appuyant sur la longue expérience de l’Afrique du Sud dans les domaines minier et géoscientifique, le Gabon se positionne pour tirer parti de l’expertise africaine tout en contribuant au développement collectif du continent.

La demande mondiale en minerais est en hausse, portée notamment par la transition énergétique et le besoin croissant de matériaux destinés aux technologies renouvelables et aux infrastructures. Grâce à de meilleures données géologiques et à des capacités techniques renforcées, le Gabon est mieux placé pour participer à ces marchés émergents et tirer davantage de valeur de ses ressources naturelles.

Dans les prochains mois, des groupes de travail conjoints devraient définir une feuille de route détaillée pour la mise en œuvre de l’accord. Les priorités initiales incluront probablement l’intégration des données, la planification des formations et l’identification de régions prioritaires pour les études géologiques. À mesure que le partenariat passera de la signature à l’action, il pourrait jouer un rôle déterminant dans l’avenir du secteur minier gabonais.

En combinant expertise, technologie et soutien institutionnel, la collaboration entre le Gabon et l’Afrique du Sud marque une étape importante dans les efforts du Gabon pour bâtir un secteur minier moderne, transparent et durable.

Distribué par APO Group pour Ministry of Mines and Geological Resources of Gabon.

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Eritrea: Commendable Health Care Provision in Southern Region

Source: APO


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At an activity assessment meeting conducted on 9 and 10 February in Mendefera, the Ministry of Health branch in the Southern Region reported that commendable health care services were provided to the public in 2025.

Dr. Amanuel Mihreteab, head of the branch office, said that as part of the efforts carried out to control the prevalence of diseases, the overall prevalence of communicable diseases, including malaria, declined by 11%.

Dr. Amanuel went on to say that, with the contribution of the public and administrations, 37 maternity waiting rooms have been constructed in various sub-zones. He further noted that the number of pregnant women delivering at health facilities has doubled, while the maternal and infant mortality rate during delivery has declined significantly.

Noting that vaccination coverage has reached 87% and the TB cure rate 93%, Dr. Amanuel commended the foot doctors assigned in various parts of the region for their role in these achievements.

According to reports from the sub-zones, eye surgeries have been performed on over 10,000 patients across the region.

Mr. Qaleab Tesfaselasie, Director General of Social Services in the region, underscored the significance of promotional and awareness-raising activities in controlling the prevalence of diseases and expressed the readiness of the regional administration to strengthen community-based efforts to address the needs of health facilities.

Addressing the meeting, Ms. Amina Nurhusein, Minister of Health, urged all health facilities to work earnestly in collaboration with the public and administrations to preserve the achievements registered so far, control the prevalence of diseases, and ensure the health of mothers and infants.

Minister Amina also observed the ongoing efforts to ensure reliable electricity and oxygen supply at the Southern Region Referral Hospital in Mendefera.

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