Category: Africa

Source: APO – Report:

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The Select Committee on Education, Sciences and the Creative Industries has called on the Eastern Cape Department of Education to respond to the shocking news of half-a-billion-rands infrastructure grant being withheld by the National Treasury.

The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Makhi Feni, said the news was a setback for the province, and the timing is bad because it happens when the Eastern Cape delegation of the permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces is to be troubled by this news.

“The Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Education needs to explain this challenge as it is the most affected by infrastructure needs. This is the time for honesty and reflection. The Eastern Cape is the last province to lose this amount of money sadly for the reasons that the National Treasury has alluded to,” said Mr Feni.

The committee visited schools in the Amathole West District and in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, in Gqeberha last month where serious infrastructure challenges were identified. The sad situation of the infrastructure needs was no better pronounced than at Greenville Primary in Bethelsdorp, in Gqeberha.

Mr Feni said what the National Treasury is saying has revealed the reasons behind a situation where 100% of the infrastructure budget would be spent in the second quarter, when in fact a mere 10% of performance had been achieved.

“The department should motivate to Treasury for the money to be released and not hide their heads into the sand. If help is required, they should indicate as such so that the national Department of Basic Education takes care of the provincial affairs. The province did not need this news, and the timing is bad.”

The committee will demand accountability and will hold the Eastern Cape Department of Education to the highest standard of accountability particularly around the issues of infrastructure.

The Eastern Cape’s permanent delegates to the NCOP will from tomorrow be in the OR Tambo District on the Provincial Week Programme to, among other things, assess service delivery in the municipalities in the district.

– on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO – Report:

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President Dr. Patrick Herminie has announced the appointment of Mrs. Roma Edmond as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Agency for Social Protection (ASP).

Mrs Edmond holds a BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business Studies from the University of Bolton, UK and a Master’s degree in Strategic Management and Leadership from the National University of Ireland.

Mrs Edmond has had a 24 year career within notable sectors like auditing, marketing, National Assembly and administration.  From November 2016 to April 2021 she was the Deputy CEO of the Agency for Social Protection during which time she also undertook the responsibilities of acting CEO from 15th September to 30th November 2020.

Prior to her appointment, Mrs Edmond was employed as the Director for Administration at the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning, Trade and Investment.

Mrs Edmond’s appointment follows the simultaneous resignation of Ms Brenda Morin and Ms Tracy Tirant; former CEO and Deputy CEO respectively.

Her appointment as Chief Executive Officer of the Agency for Social Protection takes effect from 17th November, 2025.

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

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The annual festival of the Eritrean Community in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was conducted with patriotic zeal from 9 to 15 November.

The festival, which was officially opened by Mr. Abdurahman Osman, Eritrea’s Consul General in Jeddah, featured photo and video presentations, traditional and cultural displays of Eritrea’s ethnic groups, bazaars showcasing products of Eritrean families and artifacts, as well as cultural and artistic performances and sports competitions in which youth of various ages took part.

At the event, Mr. Estifanos Habtemariam, Director General of the Desks Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, gave an extensive briefing on the objective situation in the homeland, regional and global developments, as well as the role of nationals in national affairs.

Commending the contribution of Diaspora nationals to national development programs, Mr. Estifanos urged nationals to strengthen their organizational capacity, awareness, and unity.

The participants, for their part, noting that their thoughts are always with their people, Government, and Defense Forces, expressed conviction to strengthen their participation and contribution to national affairs.

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

Source: APO

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The ECOWAS Commission, through its Department of Economic Affairs and Agriculture, has finalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Islamic Republic of Mauritania in Nouakchott on 14 November 2025. The agreement aims to support the harmonisation and enhancement of statistical systems across West and Central Africa.

As part of the World Bank–funded Project for the Harmonization and Improvement of Statistics in West and Central Africa (HISWACA), the agreement will support Mauritania’s participation in statistical harmonisation activities undertaken by ECOWAS. It will also provide technical assistance and opportunities for knowledge and experience sharing.

The technical experts from the ECOWAS Commission and Mauritania’s Agence Nationale de la Statistique et de l’Analyse Démographique et Économique (ANSADE) reviewed key areas of cooperation and Mauritania’s participation in the regional activities of the HISWACA project, aiming to deepen mutual understanding and identify concrete avenues for collaboration. All articles of the MoU have been agreed upon by both ECOWAS and ANSADE, with the signing ceremony scheduled to take place at a later date to be announced.

Dr. Kalilou Sylla, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture at the ECOWAS Commission, held a series of meetings with government authorities and development partners in Nouakchott to advance cooperation on the implementation of the MoU. He met with Mr. Mohamed El Moctar Ahmed Sidi, Director General of ANSADE; Mr. Yeslem Hamdane, Chargé de Mission at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Development; Mr. Jean Senahoun, FAO Representative in Mauritania; and H.E. Joaquin Tasso Villalonga, Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Mauritania. Earlier, the ECOWAS delegation also met with Mr. Ibou Diouf, Resident Representative of the World Bank in Mauritania.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO

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The Energy & Mines Directorate is holding a National Experts Meeting to finalize the review of the Draft Revised ECOWAS Mineral Development Policy and its Implementation Matrix (Revised EMDP, 2024), in Lagos, Nigeria from the 10th to 15th of November 2025. The meeting brings together senior officers from ECOWAS Members States’ Ministries in-charge of Mineral Resources Development, ECOWAS Federation of Chamber of Mines (EFEDCOM), and staff of the Commission.

This is the 3rd National Experts Review Meeting is organized on the Draft Revised EMDP, 2024. It is recalled that the Authority of Heads of State and Government in February 2012, adopted the “ECOWAS Mineral Development Policy and its Implementation Plan” (EMDP, by Supplementary Act A/SP.16/02/12). The adoption of the EMDP of 2012 was to give effect to Article 31.1 of the Revised ECOWAS Treaty of 1993, which is on Natural Resources. It enjoins Member States to harmonize and co-ordinate their policies and programmes in the field of natural resources. The Revised ECOWAS Treaty further states in Article 31.2d that, Member States shall “coordinate their programmes for development and utilization of mineral and water resources”.

Given the sector’s dynamic operating factors, and the Policy having subsisted for over twelve (12) years after its adoption, ECOWAS Commission decided that it is essential to bring Member States together to review and/or update their consensus position on the key policy issues of currency, in the mineral sector. The main objective as stated in the Draft Revised EMDP, 2024 is to promote the development of an efficient Mineral Resources Sector in the region.

The meeting provides a unique opportunity for the national experts and policymakers to engage in in-depth discussions, exchange expertise, and refine the Draft Revised EMDP, 2024. The collective goal being to ensure that the revised policy framework aligns with ECOWAS Vision 2050, African Mining Vision, and global best practices, while also addressing the unique challenges and opportunities in the sector within the Community.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO

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Applause, dust, and relief filled the air as the Abyei people gathered at Banton Bridge on River Kiir’s edge.  The bridge that linked families, markets, and UNISFA patrols had largely been broken and was in a state of disrepair for months, endangering the lives of commuters and hindering free movement. That danger that loomed over each crossing was removed in October.  The newly rebuild bridge, which once again connects Abyei’s center and southern villages, is the result of the tireless efforts of the Vietnamese Level-2 Engineering Company (VMECC-4), giving the area that has long been known for its resilience new hope and opportunities.

“With this bridge, we are honored to contribute to peace in Abyei in a lasting way,” said VMECC-4 Commander Lieutenant Colonel Trinh Van Cuong.  “Vietnamese peacekeepers worked to create peace, brick by brick, in addition to defending it.”

Considering the technical and environmental difficulties, the team accomplished the project in a remarkable seven days.  The engineers made sure the bridge was strong, secure, and ready to support the weight of trucks, traders, and dreams alike by rebuilding it piece by piece despite the rainy season and restricted access to resources.

Villagers gathered as the final bolts were tightened.  There was singing and dancing when the bridge was formally reopened.  The blue-helmet engineers stood proudly next to their work, and men, women, and children crossed, smiling and waving. Acting Chief Administration Justice Charles Abyei stated, “This bridge is more than infrastructure.”  “It represents cooperation and a common resolve.”

The day’s joy revealed a technical feat as well as a deeply human accomplishment. Before the newly rebuild bridge, the local community and UNISFA peacekeepers had to make the risky crossings or long detours to get to markets, health facilities, schools, and for family visits.

UNISFA’s Force Chief of Staff, Colonel Alexander De Lima, commended the Vietnamese engineers’ diligence and promptness: “Their dedication shows how engineering can directly strengthen security and stability. It’s about connection, between people, between communities, and between nations working together for peace.”

However, the engineers did more than just rebuild the bridge. VMECC-4 provided food and basic supplies to the local population in addition to their construction work; these small acts had profound significance in a place where empathy is just as important as concrete. The restoration of the Banton Bridge is a component of UNISFA’s overarching goal to promote peace through action.  In Abyei, where connectivity and mobility are vital to day-to-day existence, the Mission has sought to safeguard civilians, advance peace, and facilitate humanitarian access since its founding in 2011.

On the day of the reopening, the new bridge, a strong steel and stone ribbon that spans the bridge, shone in the last of the light as dusk approached.  On its surface, UNISFA peacekeepers stood guard, grinning, while children ran and elderly people walked cautiously.

All in all, the spirit of collaboration that shapes Abyei’s future is now carried by the bridge in addition to people and cars. One rebuilt connection at a time.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).