Category: Africa

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South Africa: Defence clarifies status of Oryx helicopters

Source: APO – Report:

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The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) wishes to clarify that none of its Oryx helicopters are abandoned in the  Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as alleged by some media sources. Such allegations are misleading and do not reflect the actual condition or status of SANDF aircrafts.

Out of the three helicopters reported, only one sustained damage during the United Nations peacekeeping military operations last year, and it will undergo repairs. The other helicopters are operational and remain under the strict control of the SANDF.

The SANDF reaffirms that all its Oryx helicopters are being maintained in accordance with technical and safety requirements.

– on behalf of South African Government.

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Cabo Verde: Ministro Fernando Elísio Freire visita centros de acolhimento em São Vicente e reafirma compromisso do Governo com famílias afetadas pelas chuvas

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Ministro de Estado, da Família, Inclusão e Desenvolvimento Social, Fernando Elísio Freire, visitou esta quinta-feira, 21 de agosto, os três centros de acolhimento criados na ilha de São Vicente, reafirmando o compromisso do Governo em apoiar todas as famílias cujas habitações foram afetadas pelas recentes chuvas intensas.

O Ministro esteve nos centros instalados no Liceu José Augusto Pinto, na Escola de Monte Sossego e no Centro de Estágio da Federação Cabo-verdiana de Futebol, onde estão alojadas cerca de 255 pessoas. A visita teve como objetivo acompanhar de perto as condições de acolhimento e o trabalho das equipas multidisciplinares que prestam assistência no terreno.

O Ministro que se fez acompanhar da Secretária de Estado da Inclusão Social, Lídia Lima, destacou que, após a resposta de emergência dada nos primeiros dias, com a mobilização do Governo, da sociedade civil e de várias associações, o foco agora passa a ser o realojamento das famílias que perderam as suas casas.

“Neste momento, estamos a iniciar a fase de resposta habitacional. Temos identificadas 12 famílias em situação de emergência, que perderam tudo. O nosso objetivo é garantir-lhes acesso imediato a habitação social. E temos unidades habitacionais disponíveis para isso”, assegurou o Ministro.

Segundo o levantamento já efetuado, cerca de 62 famílias não poderão regressar às suas casas devido à falta de condições de segurança. O Governo garantiu que todas serão realojadas em habitações seguras e dignas.

Outras famílias estão temporariamente alojadas em casas de familiares. Para estes casos, o Governo, em articulação com a Câmara Municipal, irá avançar com um abrangente programa de reabilitação habitacional, tendo em conta os diversos níveis de danos sofridos.

“O nosso foco está nas pessoas, nas famílias e na recuperação das infraestruturas da ilha de São Vicente. O Governo aprovou uma Resolução especial para garantir financiamento a todas as ações necessárias face aos prejuízos causados pelas chuvas”, afirmou.

Dados atualizados da resposta habitacional:

  • 66 habitações localizadas na zona de Ribeira de Julião:
    • 36 já prontas para habitar
    • 30 em fase final de acabamento, com previsão de conclusão em dois meses;
  • 256 habitações em fase de conclusão, destinadas ao processo de realojamento;
  • Cerca de 300 famílias identificadas como necessitando de apoio para reabilitação das suas casas;

“O momento é difícil para todos os que foram atingidos, mas quero assegurar que o Governo está do lado das famílias. Estamos a trabalhar com celeridade e determinação para que a situação seja resolvida o mais rápido possível”, concluiu o Ministro.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

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Governo de Cabo Verde e UNESCO acolhem Conferência Regional sobre Integridade da Informação na África Ocidental e Sahel, de 3 a 5 de setembro, na Cidade da Praia

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Governo de Cabo Verde, em parceria com a UNESCO, irá acolher a Conferência Regional sobre a Integridade da Informação na África Ocidental e Sahel, a ter lugar na Cidade da Praia, de 3 a 5 de setembro de 2025.

A apresentação das linhas gerais e do programa da conferência foi feita pelo Secretário de Estado Adjunto ao Primeiro Ministro e pela Secretária de Estado dos Negócios Estrangeiros e da Cooperação, quem preside a Comissão Organizadora do referido evento.

A Conferência Regional sobre Integridade da Informação procurará especificamente definir um quadro estratégico e plano de ação para a integridade da informação, alinhado com as normas e estratégias internacionais e continentais adaptado ao contexto da África Ocidental e do Sahel e com base em diretrizes e recomendações da UNESCO.

Desenvolver um Plano de Ação de Praia para a integridade da informação, que visa melhorar o acesso à informação, fortalecer a resiliência e as competências entre as populações para melhor se envolverem com o ecossistema de informação, e melhorar as sinergias e parcerias com várias partes interessadas para salvaguardar e promover a integridade das informações.

A conferência decorrerá em três dias e será estruturada em dois momentos principais como sejam debates entre técnicos e especialistas e o Segmento Ministerial.

O público alvo da conferência são os ministérios responsáveis pela comunicação, educação, pelas tecnologias de informação, académicos e especialistas, organismos de regulação e autorregulação dos meios de comunicação social, responsáveis políticos, órgãos de comunicação social, verificadores de fatos/dados e organizações da sociedade civil.

A conferência conta com a participação de ministros dos diferentes países e altas representantes da ONU, altos funcionários da UNESCO e de países parceiros desta conferência.

Serão realizadas diferentes sessões plenárias e eventos paralelos onde as seguintes temáticas serão discutidas: a definição de um quadro estratégico para integridade da informação, os riscos e ameaças à integridade da informação, governança das plataformas digitais e o uso das novas tecnologias, acesso à informação; desenvolvimento de competências e literacia mediática e informacional e o reforço de sinergias para a integridade da informação.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

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Ministro da Administração Interna reúne-se com Sistema das Nações Unidas em Cabo Verde

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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No âmbito do Estado de Calamidade declarado pelo Governo nas ilhas do Norte, o Ministro da Administração Interna, Paulo Rocha, realizou esta quinta-feira, no Mindelo, um encontro de trabalho com o Sistema das Nações Unidas em Cabo Verde.

Durante a reunião, o Ministro recebeu a garantia de que o Sistema das Nações Unidas e todas as suas Agências continuarão a apoiar Cabo Verde, com especial foco após às fortes chuvas do passado dia 11, de modo a enfrentar a crise daí adveniente.

A Embaixadora das Nações Unidas em Cabo Verde, Patrícia Portela de Souza, informou que diversas Agências da ONU, como a OMS, OIM e UNICEF, estão já a colaborar com o Governo cabo-verdiano, no sentido de superar os constrangimentos resultantes dos danos causados pelas chuvas.

A visita da Embaixadora a São Vicente teve ainda como objetivo expressar solidariedade às autoridades governamentais, municipais e às famílias afetadas, reafirmando o compromisso do Sistema das Nações Unidas com a resposta humanitária e a recuperação nas zonas impactadas pelo mau tempo ocorrido no passado dia 11 de agosto.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

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Coiffeurs, pâtissiers, mécaniciens : 200 jeunes affectés par les conflits réinsérés grâce à la MONUSCO à Munigi

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


« Grâce à cette formation, j’ai pu ouvrir un salon de coiffure avec d’autres jeunes. Nous travaillons ensemble et nous partageons les revenus. Aujourd’hui, je peux contribuer aux besoins de ma famille ». Patrick* est un ex-enfant soldat qui travaille actuellement comme coiffeur à Munigi. Il fait partie des deux cents jeunes affectés par le conflit armé qui ont bénéficié du projet initié par la MONUSCO, en partenariat avec l’ONG Programme d’appui à la lutte contre la misère (PAMI) pour prévenir les violences communautaires par la réinsertion des jeunes dans le territoire de Nyiragongo, au Nord-Kivu.

Lancé officiellement en juillet 2024 pour une durée initiale de six mois (prolongée en raison de défis sécuritaires), le projet a été financé à hauteur de 96 443 dollars américains par la MONUSCO. Une participation locale d’environ 15 000 dollars a également été mobilisée. Le projet a permis de former ces jeunes en coiffure, mécanique, pâtisserie et art culinaire, tressage, tissage de paniers, pendant trois mois. C’est grâce à ces formations que Patrick et ses camarades peuvent aujourd’hui accueillir des clients dans leur salon de coiffure.

Après leur formation, les jeunes ont reçu de quoi lancer immédiatement des activités génératrices de revenus. Ils ont été regroupés en unités de production ou en associations économiques villageoises (AVEC) pour faciliter leur autonomisation et l’entraide. Le projet comprend également un accompagnement psycho-social et une sensibilisation communautaire.

«Qui premier vient au moulin…»

Le 19 août 2025, un des volets les plus visibles du projet a été inauguré à Buhima, un village du groupement de Munigi : le premier moulin à grain communautaire. Il fonctionne à l’électricité et permet désormais à la population locale de moudre du maïs ou du manioc sans devoir parcourir de longues distances, comme c’était le cas auparavant. « Je suis ravie car avant je devais marcher plus de 4 kilomètres pour aller moudre mes grains. Aujourd’hui, le moulin est situé dans mon voisinage immédiat et cela me soulage physiquement », explique Florida Soki, habitante du village. Outre son utilité alimentaire immédiate, ce moulin a également favorisé l’accès à l’électricité dans le quartier environnant. Ce qui a encouragé plusieurs familles à commencer à construire ou à améliorer leurs habitations.

Moins de tensions communautaires

Au-delà de l’impact économique, le projet a produit des effets positifs sur la cohésion sociale dans cette zone jadis en proie à des tensions communautaires. Avant le lancement du projet, les tensions entre communautés, notamment entre les localités de Buvira et de Munigi, étaient fréquentes. Aujourd’hui, grâce aux activités agricoles menées en commun, des ponts se sont créés entre les populations. « Ce projet a permis un rapprochement entre les communautés. Désormais, des parents de différentes origines communautaires cultivent ensemble. C’est une vraie avancée vers la paix », affirme Clément Bavukahe Ntaboba, coordonnateur national de l’ONG PAMI.

Des séances de sensibilisation menées par la MONUSCO et l’UNICEF ont également favorisé la démobilisation de plusieurs enfants associés aux groupes armés. Ces derniers, après avoir été réunifiés avec leurs familles grâce au programme DDR-S de la MONUSCO, ont pu bénéficier d’un accompagnement spécifique : scolarisation, suivi psycho-social et intégration dans des filières de formation.

Dimension éducative

Le projet ne s’est pas limité aux activités génératrices de revenus. Il a également permis la scolarisation de 50 enfants réinsérés dans cinq écoles du territoire de Nyiragongo. En parallèle, 50 parents ont été formés à la gestion d’activités génératrices de revenu et ont reçu un soutien pour lancer leurs propres activités économiques. Ce mécanisme assure la continuité de la prise en charge scolaire des enfants. « Grâce au soutien de PAMI, j’ai pu relancer mon activité de tissage. Aujourd’hui, je n’éprouve pas de difficultés pour acheter les fournitures scolaires dont mon enfant a besoin », explique une mère bénéficiaire du projet.

Le projet a aussi permis de redonner espoir à de nombreuses filles victimes de violences sexuelles ou issues de groupes armés. En participant aux formations, elles ont gagné en autonomie et en estime de soi. « Avant, je passais mes journées dans l’oisiveté. Aujourd’hui, grâce à la formation en pâtisserie, je gagne de l’argent et je suis respectée dans ma communauté », témoigne Divine*, une jeune bénéficiaire. Dans la filière pâtisserie, par exemple, plus de 40 jeunes filles ont appris à préparer beignets, crêpes, gâteaux et autres produits. Grâce au kit fourni par le projet, elles vendent aujourd’hui leurs produits sur les marchés locaux.

Une réinsertion durable

Pour assurer la continuité du projet au-delà de son financement, PAMI a mis en place des comités de gestion locale. Chaque unité de production dispose d’une structure organisée (président, trésorier, conseiller) et des mécanismes de maintenance ont été instaurés, notamment pour le moulin. La communauté participe financièrement à son entretien, assurant ainsi sa durabilité. « Les bénéficiaires s’autogèrent déjà. Nous avons voulu leur apprendre à voler de leurs propres ailes. Ils sont désormais capables de poursuivre leurs activités sans dépendre d’une aide extérieure », explique Clément Bavukahe.

Face à l’enthousiasme général et à l’impact positif déjà observé dans les zones ciblées, les responsables de l’ONG PAMI appellent à l’élargissement du projet à d’autres localités du territoire de Nyiragongo. « Nous avons limité notre intervention à 200 bénéficiaires, faute de moyens. Cependant, les besoins sont immenses. Des centaines d’autres jeunes attendent une opportunité. C’est pourquoi nous appelons la MONUSCO et d’autres partenaires à renforcer leur appui », conclut M. Bavukahe.

Depuis plus d’une décennie, le territoire de Nyiragongo fait face à une instabilité chronique due à la présence de groupes armés. Des milliers de familles ont été déplacées et de nombreux enfants enrôlés de force dans des groupes armés. Entre 2024 et 2025, la recrudescence des combats liée à la résurgence du mouvement rebelle M23 a accentué la vulnérabilité de la population locale, en particulier celle des enfants et des jeunes.

*Patrick et Divine sont des prénoms d’emprunt.

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

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Burundi : Le Président Ndayishimiye renforce la coopération avec l’Organisation Internationale de la Jeunesse

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


En marge de la 9ème Conférence Internationale de Tokyo sur le Développement de l’Afrique (TICAD), le Président de la République du Burundi, Son Excellence Évariste Ndayishimiye, reconnu comme « l’ami des jeunes du monde », a accordé une audience, ce 20 août 2025 à Yokohama, au Dr Révérend Ock Soo Park, fondateur de l’Organisation Internationale de la Jeunesse (IYF), originaire de la République de Corée.

Cette rencontre s’inscrit dans la volonté commune de renforcer la coopération en faveur de la jeunesse burundaise. Présente à travers le monde depuis plusieurs années, l’organisation Internationale de la jeunesse a déjà initié divers projets en direction des jeunes du Burundi. Au cours des échanges, le Dr Park a rappelé les actions menées, notamment la formation visant un changement positif de mentalité chez les jeunes, l’octroi de bourses d’études, ainsi que la perspective de création d’une académie au Burundi.

Le Chef de l’État a salué ces initiatives, soulignant leur rôle dans l’épanouissement et l’autonomisation de la jeunesse burundaise. Il a par ailleurs invité l’IYF à collaborer étroitement avec le Programme d’Autonomisation Économique et d’Emploi des Jeunes (PAEEJ), afin de consolider les synergies et amplifier l’impact des actions déjà engagées.

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

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SANDF clarifies position on Oryx helicopters

Source: Government of South Africa

SANDF clarifies position on Oryx helicopters

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has moved to clarify the status of its Oryx helicopters in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

This as media reported that the Oryx helicopters are likely to remain permanently stranded in the DRC, as there is no money to replace two of the five engines of the helicopter.

“The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) wishes to clarify that none if its Oryx helicopters are abandoned in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as alleged by some media sources,” it said.

In a statement on Thursday, the SANDF said such allegations are misleading and do not reflect the actual condition or status of SANDF aircraft. 

“Out of the three helicopters reported, only one sustained damage during the United Nations peacekeeping military operations last year, and it will undergo repairs. The other helicopters are operational and remain under the strict control of the SANDF.

“The SANDF reaffirms that all its Oryx helicopters are being maintained in accordance with technical and safety requirements,” the statement read. 

In June of this year, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, welcomed the return of 249 South African troops who had been deployed to the eastern DRC as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC).

The first group of the SANDF heroes and heroines arrived at the Air Force Base Waterkloof in Pretoria from Tanzania, following South Africa’s phased withdrawal from the regional peacekeeping mission.

Earlier this year, 14 troop members lost their lives and others sustained injuries during clashes with the M23 rebel group, as fighting in the Goma region escalated. 

The rebel group fought intensely against the Congolese armed forces, resulting in the deaths of soldiers from 23 to 27 January 2025 during M23’s advance on Sake and Goma. 

The South African soldiers were part of the SAMIDRC, which aims to help restore peace, security, and stability in Africa’s second-largest country. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile

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School principal charged with sexual assualt granted R3 000 bail

Source: Government of South Africa

School principal charged with sexual assualt granted R3 000 bail

A 51-year-old school principal, Cornelius Sebothoma, who stands accused of sexually assaulting a learner appeared before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Thursday where he was granted R3 000 bail. 

The case has been postponed to 20 October 2025 for further proceedings.

The incident allegedly occurred at approximately 11:00 on Saturday at a local school in the Lebowakgomo policing area.

According to reports, a 17-year-old female learner went to the principal’s office to retrieve her cellphone that had been confiscated by her teacher during class time.

It is alleged that the victim made several attempts to collect her cellphone from the principal’s office but was unsuccessful as the principal was not available. 

On Saturday, when she returned to collect her cellphone, the principal allegedly instructed her to come alone to his office. The victim informed her friend to wait outside before returning to the office, where the suspect allegedly touched her inappropriately and sexually assaulted her.

The victim reported the incident to her family, and the matter was subsequently reported to the Lebowakgomo Police Station on Wednesday. 

The case was referred to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit.

The suspect was immediately arrested and charged with sexual assault.

Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe said: “It is deeply disturbing when those entrusted with the care and education of our children allegedly abuse their positions of authority. 

“Schools should be safe havens for learning, not places where children fear for their safety. We commend the victim for her courage in reporting this incident and assure the community that we will ensure a thorough investigation and that justice takes its course.” – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Call to plant one million trees

Source: Government of South Africa

Call to plant one million trees

The Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Bernice Swarts, has called on South Africans to plant trees to help reduce the impact of carbon emissions and restore natural ecosystems.

“I learnt that we are not doing enough to meet the tree planting targets. This is due to limited resources within the fiscus. There is a realisation now that we can do better through collaboration,” Swarts said on Thursday in Durban.

Addressing the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) National Urban Forum in KwaZulu-Natal, the Deputy Minister explained that tree planting is a valuable tool in the fight against climate change as it acts as a natural carbon sink by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. 

“While not a complete solution, reforestation and afforestation initiatives play a crucial role in mitigating climate change and helping communities adapt to its impacts,” she said.

Trees provide a range of benefits beyond carbon sequestration, including habitat for biodiversity, soil stabilisation, and water purification.

South Africa’s Constitution recognises that everyone has a right to an environment that is not harmful to human health and well-being, and to have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and future generations.

“Tree planting has been happening in South Africa for a number of years, this then led to the President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, directing that the tree planting programme be escalated to Ten Million Trees over a period of five years starting from 2020/21.”

READ | Campaign to plant trees and help mitigate effects of climate change

The Deputy Minister challenged the nation to plant one million trees on 24 September 2025 as part of celebrations for Arbor Month. 

“The target that is set is not only for the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), but it is a call for action to other role–players to assist in achieving the target. I am calling on all South Africans to plant one million trees.
“This initiative has been consulted with a number of stakeholders who have shown interest in planting the trees. It is also important to note that once the trees are planted, they need to be taken care of, hence we have identified safe space to do the planting,” Swarts said.

The safe spaces include human settlements, clinics, schools, and police stations. 

“The idea is that these trees must be available when we come back to audit them. Furthermore, this initiative is structured such that citizens of the country start to appreciate the role that trees play in our daily lives. In terms of municipalities, the department is also assisting with [the] drafting of greening plans to ensure that all areas are greened appropriately,” she said.
The DFFE has noted with concern the increased pressures on natural forests, especially coastal forests due to urban development.

“Forests also play a crucial role in mitigating various natural disasters, acting as natural buffers against events like floods, landslides, and droughts. Deforestation, however, significantly weakens these protective functions, increasing disaster risks and impacts. 

“Deforestation, the clearing of forests, also significantly undermines disaster risk management efforts. It is therefore important that urban planners, particularly in cities like Durban / eThekwini, [to] take into account the need to safeguard the integrity of the environment,” the Deputy Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle

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Seychelles: President Ramkalawan Arrives in Rome Ahead of Audience with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV

Source: APO


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The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr Wavel Ramkalawan, arrived in Rome on Thursday evening ahead of his audience with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Apostolic Palace, Vatican City, on Friday, 22 August 2025.

On arrival, President Ramkalawan and the First Lady, Mrs Linda Ramkalawan, were warmly welcomed by the Vatican Head of Protocol. Apostolic Nuntius emeritus, Mgr. Javier D. Fernandez, at the airport.

The President is accompanied on this official mission by the Principal Minister, Mr Jean-François Ferrari, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr Sylvestre Radegonde and the Ambassador of the Republic of Seychelles to the Holy See, Ms Beryl Samson.

The upcoming audience will provide an opportunity to strengthen relations between Seychelles and the Holy See and to exchange views on global and national issues of shared concern.

Also present was Ms. Paola Adelmann, representing the Honorary Consul General of Seychelles in Rome, Italy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.