Africa – Page 950 – MIL Africa Engine

August 20, 2025

African migration: 5 trends and what’s driving them

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Kevin J.A. Thomas, Distinguished Professor of Sociology, Rice University, Rice University

The Donald Trump administration issued an executive order in June 2025 banning nationals from 12 countries from travelling to the United States. It also imposed entry restrictions on nationals from seven others.

About half of the countries affected by these measures are in Africa. This raises concerns about the future of African migration to the US.

The restrictions are among several new threats and opportunities that affect the dynamics of African migration.

I am a social demographer and in a recent study my co-author and I identified trends that will shape the future of African migration flows and are different from migration patterns of the past. There are at least five emerging trends:

Migration between African countries is not following colonial labour migration patterns.
Africans are migrating to new destinations (for example in South America and Asia).
There’s more diversity in the types of African migrants, based on who they are, why they are migrating and how they are doing it.
There is significant migration to Africa from non-African countries (like China).
Institutions (such as municipal and traditional authorities) have an expanding role in migration.

I argue that these trends are likely to be accelerated by changes in Africa’s demography. For example, the continent is expected to have the world’s largest population of youth by 2050.

The tendency to migrate is typically concentrated in younger age groups. So Africa’s large youth population is likely to shape the course of future international migration flows more than migrant populations elsewhere.

Shaping the trends

One factor shaping the trends is the expansion of efforts to regulate African international migration. Trump’s executive order is only one example of these strategies.

Many western countries have developed new policies that directly or indirectly restrict the opportunities available for migration from Africa.

For example, there is Canada’s Strong Borders Act, tabled as a bill in June 2025. There are fears it will restrict refugee protections and cause refugee applicants in Canada without legal status to live in hiding. These consequences could negatively affect the resettlement of African refugees in the country.

As part of the tighter controls, countries in the west are restricting Africans’ access to visas. Africans applying for visas to travel to Europe experience disproportionately high rates of visa rejections.

Such restrictions are not accounted for in major theories of migration, most of which focus on the influence of economic, social and political factors. It’s possible that these restrictions by themselves will negatively affect overall African migration flows.

The second driver of trends in African migration is the changing patterns within the continent.

The number of Africans migrating to other African countries has always been higher than the number migrating to the west. In the past, these intra-continental migrations revolved around the movement of labour migrants to facilitate the colonial extraction of resources in countries such as Côte d’Ivoire and South Africa.

In recent years, however, the dynamics of these movements have been changing. For example, the fastest growing destinations for Africans on the continent are now in Central Africa. The United Nations’ estimates of international migrants living in African countries indicates that between 1990 and 2020, the number of migrants increased from 2,740 to 230,618 in Equatorial Guinea; from 33,517 to 656,434 in Angola; and from 74,342 to 547,494 in Chad.

Other new destinations are also emerging on the continent. According to the International Organisation for Migration, these include Egypt, Morocco, Burkina Faso and Ethiopia.

These changes suggest that factors like better economic opportunities and the search for safe havens from conflict are causing many Africans to migrate to destinations that are different from those that were most attractive to African migrants during the colonial period.

A third important driver of trends has been a change in the global destinations to which Africans now migrate. As opportunities for migration to the west decline, African migrants are increasingly exploring opportunities for migration to Asia, South America and Australia.

Africans have been arriving in Asian countries such as China and Japan in significant numbers over the past three decades to study or pursue business opportunities.

For example, it’s estimated there are now around 500,000 Africans living in China.

Many are entrepreneurs in business hubs such as Guangzhou. But they also include Africans who have settled in large numbers in places such as Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing.

The African-born populations living in Australia, Israel, Japan and Russia are also increasing. For example, although there were very few African immigrants in Japan before 1980, by 2015 there were about 12,000.

African migrants are also increasingly travelling to Central and South American countries, either as transit destinations in their efforts to migrate to the US or as countries of permanent settlement.

Migrants from Africa are also increasingly willing to take risks while migrating to high-income countries. This has resulted in the loss of thousands of lives among migrants attempting to travel to Europe by crossing the Saharan desert and the Mediterranean Sea.

There is no doubt that policy restrictions that affect African migration to western countries will have many negative consequences. However, migration flows always adapt to support the welfare of communities around the world.

– African migration: 5 trends and what’s driving them
– https://theconversation.com/african-migration-5-trends-and-whats-driving-them-261511

August 20, 2025

Elite schools in South Africa: how quiet gatekeeping keeps racial patterns in place

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Samantha Kriger, Lecturer, Cape Peninsula University of Technology

In South Africa, children’s admission to a particular public school is decided by province. Each provincial education department manages its own digital admissions system. The Western Cape province introduced an online admissions portal in 2018 which became fully operational in 2024. The aim was to make school placement more transparent. This is important because historically, under apartheid, South African education was racially segregated and unequally funded. White schools received the best resources.

Education researcher Samantha Kriger took a closer look at what actually happens in admissions to schools in the Western Cape that used to be exclusively white (known as Model C schools). She set out her findings in a book coauthored with education academic Jonathan Jansen. Though Who Gets In and Why was published in 2020, she says the circumstances remain the same in most of these schools. Here she answers some questions about what she found.

How is the admissions portal supposed to work?

Parents apply online to a minimum of three and maximum of ten schools, via the Western Cape education department admissions portal. The schools receive the applications via the portal and assess them based on provincial guidelines. That implies schools can discriminate between applications.

Schools submit a list of accepted, declined and waiting-list learners to the province via the portal.

Why and how did you research school admissions?

We wanted to know why formerly white schools still looked much as they had under apartheid (with high enrolment of white pupils).

The initial research included school data from the Centralised Education Management Information System, the official data management system used by the Western Cape Education Department. This digital database records and tracks all key information about learners, teachers and schools in the province. The data revealed that many former “Model C” schools continued to preserve their historically exclusive enrolment criteria.

Under apartheid Model C schools were whites-only public schools. In 1990 they were semi-privatised, giving their governing bodies greater control over finances, admissions and staffing.

We used a qualitative case study approach, focusing on 30 historically white primary schools in the wealthier southern suburbs of Cape Town. All the schools allowed us to visit and shared information about their admissions processes.

As researchers we visited sites and interviewed principals, admissions officers, staff and stakeholders (such as estate agents and provincial education officials). We also analysed school documents and enrolment data. The study used pseudonyms to protect participant anonymity.

We then analysed admissions practices in relation to broader political, policy and socio-economic contexts.

Some of the schools were wealthy institutions, as measured by the school location and facilities, tuition fees and the range of extramural activities that they offered. Others were not wealthy.

What did you find?

The majority of the schools maintained their white enrolment. This was not simply the result of lingering residential segregation, but was often tied to school-level practices and socio-economic gatekeeping.

These schools frequently employ subtle, yet effective, admissions strategies that indirectly exclude lower-income, predominantly Black families. For example they choose applicants from specific feeder areas with high property prices, emphasise English or Afrikaans proficiency tests, or charge high school fees. Strong alumni networks and parent bodies, historically dominated by white families, also play a role in sustaining existing demographics by influencing school governance and admissions decisions.

South Africa’s public education policy promotes equal access. Yet we found that, in practice, these schools filter who gets in.

In South Africa, prior to 1994, the racially segregated education system privileged white learners while systematically underfunding schools for Black African, Coloured and Indian communities. More than 30 years later, deep inequalities persist because race and class remain closely linked.

High-fee former white schools often exclude, in practice, many Black, Indian and Coloured families who cannot afford the costs or meet other socio-economic entry barriers.

Admissions criteria such as language preference, application deadlines, early registration practices and school proximity can function as indirect mechanisms of exclusion.

For example, many parents are unaware that certain schools “lock in” preferred candidates years before formal Grade R or Grade 1 enrolment. This often occurs through unofficial feeder systems, where pre-primary schools enrol children as young as two years old, typically at a substantial financial cost. By the time applications open to the general public, most places have already been informally allocated.

This dynamic is evident in high school admissions too. Preference is frequently given to learners from designated primary schools. Candidates without prior affiliation may stand a chance only if they bring added value, such as athletic excellence, or musical or artistic abilities that align with the school’s interests.

These practices can unintentionally disadvantage families from lower socio-economic backgrounds who engage the system later or lack access to early-stage enrolment opportunities.

Language requirements are often framed as necessary for ensuring that learners can cope with the school’s curriculum. But they may indirectly exclude applicants from homes that mostly use African languages. For many black African families, especially those from lower-income or rural backgrounds, limited exposure to English or Afrikaans before school entry can disadvantage their children in admissions assessments or interviews.

The emphasis on early “lock in” and complex documentation also benefits families who are digitally literate, well-resourced and socially networked.

Another troubling finding was the role of parental profiling in admissions. Some schools assess the social standing of families, including their income, occupation, and perceived “fit” with the school’s culture.

Why does it matter that school admissions work this way?

The implications are serious. While the constitution and education policy mandate non-discrimination and the right to basic education, the reality is that access to elite public schools remains stratified. This is not only by geography or academic ability but by social capital. The effect is to reinforce existing race and class divides.

If transformation in education is to be more than cosmetic, policies must be matched with oversight, transparency, and a commitment to dismantling the quiet mechanisms of exclusion.

– Elite schools in South Africa: how quiet gatekeeping keeps racial patterns in place
– https://theconversation.com/elite-schools-in-south-africa-how-quiet-gatekeeping-keeps-racial-patterns-in-place-258720

August 20, 2025

2 in 3 Africans will live in cities by 2050: how planners can put this to good use

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Astrid R.N. Haas, Research associate at African Centre for Cities, University of Cape Town

Africa’s population is projected to nearly double by 2050, with 80% of that growth being concentrated in urban areas, leaving two out of three Africans living in cities. This expansion of cities at an unprecedented rate will bring both challenges and opportunities for African countries. In this edited extract from a discussion with the OECD’s Women Leading Change podcast series, feminist urban economist Astrid R.N. Haas explores three pillars for inclusive and sustainable growth: governance, planning and financing.

What can policymakers do to plan effectively for this rapid growth?

Policymakers must be more proactive. They need to anticipate future needs for infrastructure, services and housing. And they need to plan and invest in those spaces.

To do this, national policymakers must treat urbanisation not just as a city issue, but as a national priority. If they work properly, cities are engines of growth for the whole country. National strategies must support cities with appropriate policies, financing mechanisms and investments.

So African institutions must fit the purpose and context. Institutions must have clear responsibilities to avoid fragmented decision making. Administrative structures must underpin this, not only from a sectoral but also from a geographic perspective.

One challenge is that local governments are often positioned under the authority of national governments, and in many contexts, working at the local level may not carry the same level of recognition or prestige as national roles, despite the critical responsibilities they shoulder.

The one place that is working to overcome this is South Africa, where the municipal government is a separate sphere of government but equal to the other levels. Here the national treasury is working towards developing a single remuneration framework so that employees performing the same tasks in different spheres of government are compensated equitably.

More thought needs to go into how to support other cities across the continent in a similar way, ensuring they are adequately staffed in terms of numbers and skills. It is about making local government a more attractive place for talent to work and grow.

Most importantly, effort needs to go into making sure governance structures are both legitimate and responsive to citizens. Local government, as the level of government closest to the people, plays a critical role in this. Local authorities must be equipped to engage with residents and incorporate their priorities into decision-making.

What steps can governments take to create long term financing strategies?

African governments must plan beyond the typical two-, three- or five-year horizons. Long-term planning is often challenging because it doesn’t align with shorter political cycles. But infrastructure and service delivery require sustained, long-term investment and commitment.

We also need to think carefully about which services and investments should be the responsibility of government, and which can be delivered by the private sector. Policymakers play a crucial role in prioritising interventions that offer the greatest public benefit, whether by boosting productivity, advancing key social goals like livability through expanded social housing and services, or, ideally, both. Once priorities are set, investments must be appropriately balanced between public and private actors to ensure impact and equity.

How can policymakers guide sustainable and economically productive urban growth?

By making investments in the places people are moving to. This can be done through projections and then urban expansion planning. And here the OECD is at the forefront of some innovative work on data production for African cities.

Together with the United Cities and Local Governments, an association of local and regional governments, they’ve also produced what is probably the most comparable data on subnational financing: the World Observatory on Subnational Government Finance and Investment.

Used well, data like this can help more equitable decisions to be made. These tools can show us where populations are expanding, where services are lagging, and how people move and work across urban areas. Policymakers can then respond with targeted investments that improve livelihoods and expand opportunity. Therefore, for people like me who work with cities, data is an invaluable resource.

A note of caution is also in order. It’s not just about what the data shows, it’s also about what it leaves out. Who’s missing from the numbers? Who isn’t represented? What don’t we see? And why?

If people are underrepresented in official data sets, they risk being forgotten in policymaking too. That is why it is so important that institutions like the OECD not only produce data, but also help identify and fill these gaps. Governments also need to find ways to complement official statistics to “see the unseen” and build a fuller picture of urban life.

An example is the role of women in the informal food economy, urban agriculture, and service sectors. Their contributions are immense, yet often invisible in the data. That invisibility poses a major challenge for urban planning.

Can municipal financing be reimagined to prioritise gender equity and inclusivity?

Most cities around the world have been designed predominantly by men, and, more specifically, by white men from privileged backgrounds. As a result, even today, in cities across Europe and the US, urban spaces continue to reflect patriarchal notions of livability. They often fail to account for the different ways that women and other marginalised groups experience life in cities.

In Africa most urban spaces are yet to be built as most countries have yet to fully urbanise. So there is this unique opportunity to design cities from the outset that are truly inclusive. And here, municipal financing is key. Where we get the money from, and how we spend it, will ultimately shape the urban outcomes that define our cities for generations.

On the revenue side, African countries must carefully examine how both formal taxes and informal fees affect different groups, men, women, and other marginalised communities, and consider who is bearing the greatest burden.

The expenditure side is, in some ways, deemed to be more straightforward. However, it involves trade-offs as African countries need to invest in infrastructure and services that expand not only economic but also social opportunity, such as accessible public transport, affordable childcare, and adequate public spaces.

Borrowing is another critical component of the municipal finance equation. If you look at the OECD-UCLG data, you’ll see that very few African cities currently have access to capital markets. This severely limits their ability to finance the infrastructure they need.

Even where borrowing becomes possible, it carries long-term responsibilities. Borrowing is not just a short-term financial tool; it’s an intergenerational contract. The funds borrowed today will be repaid not only by current taxpayers but by future generations as well.

The full discussion is available via this link.

– 2 in 3 Africans will live in cities by 2050: how planners can put this to good use
– https://theconversation.com/2-in-3-africans-will-live-in-cities-by-2050-how-planners-can-put-this-to-good-use-251414

August 20, 2025

Egypt: President El-Sisi Speaks with French President

Source: APO

Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received a phone call from French President Emmanuel Macron.

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said the call reviewed progress in the distinguished relations between Egypt and France. Both sides stressed the importance of continuing joint action to enhance all aspects of cooperation and activate the strategic partnership agreement between the two countries, particularly in the fields of economy, trade, and investment.

During the call, the two presidents exchanged views on regional developments. President El-Sisi reviewed Egypt’s intensive efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, release hostages and captives, and facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid, light of the exacerbating humanitarian crisis in the Strip. In this context, the President affirmed Egypt’s firm position, rejecting any attempts to displace the Palestinian people from their land or infringe upon their legitimate rights, mainly the establishment of an independent state along the June 4, 1967, borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

French President Macron expressed his great appreciation for Egypt’s efforts to stop the war, stressing the importance of reaching a just and comprehensive settlement to the Palestinian issue based on the two-state solution and international legitimacy resolutions. This is in addition to the need to accelerate the reconstruction process in the Gaza Strip. For his part, President El-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s welcome of France’s decision to recognize the Palestinian state in September 2025, considering this step significant progress toward achieving justice for the Palestinian people and enabling them to obtain their full rights.

The two presidents affirmed their determination to further strengthen joint coordination between Egypt and France, in light of the rapid developments in the Middle East, also given the alignment in views on most issues of common interest, reflecting the deep strategic relations between the two countries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

August 20, 2025

Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) Signs Amended Memorandum of Understanding with Japan’s Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI) to Deepen Strategic Cooperation

Source: APO

The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) (https://ICIEC.IsDB.org), a Shariah-based multilateral insurer and member of the Islamic Development Bank Group, is pleased to announce the signing of an amended Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI), Japan’s official Export Credit Agency. The signing ceremony was held in Tokyo on August 18, 2025, during a bilateral meeting between Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, Chief Executive Officer of ICIEC, and Mr. Atsuo Kuroda, Chairman and CEO of NEXI.

The amended MoU aims to broaden the scope of cooperation between ICIEC and NEXI, with a particular focus on innovative financing mechanisms such as blended finance. The agreement also seeks to enhance coordination in project development and risk mitigation, leveraging ICIEC’s deep regional expertise and mandate to support investment flows into member countries.

The partnership between ICIEC and NEXI was first formalized in 2019 during TICAD 7, where both parties recognized the urgent need for infrastructure development across the African continent and the potential for Japanese companies to play a catalytic role in that effort. Since then, the collaboration has evolved through several key initiatives, including the establishment of a reinsurance framework, the launch of a dedicated Japan Desk within ICIEC to facilitate engagement with Japanese enterprises, and joint support for strategic projects such as the Gas Power Plant Construction Project in Turkmenistan.

This renewed MoU coincides with the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama and reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to advancing sustainable development and investment in Africa and other ICIEC member countries.

Commenting on the occasion, Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, CEO of ICIEC, stated: “This renewed MoU with NEXI marks a significant milestone in our enduring partnership. By expanding our collaborative framework, we are better positioned to support transformative projects in our 50 Member Countries. We look forward to working closely with NEXI to mobilize financing, de-risk infrastructure initiatives, and foster inclusive growth across our member states”.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC).

Contact:
Email: ICIEC-Communication@isdb.org

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About The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC):
As a member of the “AAA” rated Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), ICIEC commenced operations in 1994 to strengthen economic relations between OIC Member States and promote intra-OIC trade and investments by providing risk mitigation tools and financial solutions. The Corporation is the only Islamic multilateral insurer in the world. It has led from the front to deliver a comprehensive suite of solutions to companies and parties in its 50 Member States. ICIEC, for the 17^th consecutive year, maintained an “Aa3” insurance financial strength credit rating from Moody’s, ranking the Corporation among the top of the Credit and Political Risk Insurance (CPRI) industry. Additionally, S&P has reaffirmed ICIEC’s “AA-“ long-term Issuer Credit and Financial Strength Rating for the second year with a stable outlook. ICIEC’s resilience is underpinned by its sound underwriting, global reinsurance network, and strong risk management policies. Cumulatively, ICIEC has insured more than USD 121 billion in trade and investment. ICIEC activities are directed to several sectors—energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture.

For more information, Visit https://ICIEC.IsDB.org

August 20, 2025

Seychelles: First Cohort of In-Service Police Officers Receives Certification in Policing

Source: APO

President Wavel Ramkalawan presided over the graduation ceremony at the Seychelles Police Academy Wednesday morning, celebrating the achievements of the first cohort of in-service police officers to complete a certificate program in policing.

The milestone ceremony recognized the successful completion of an intensive 18-month part-time training program, comprising 17 comprehensive modules accredited by the Seychelles Qualifications Authority (SQA). This inaugural cohort represents a diverse group of dedicated officers, ranging in age from 20 to 59 years, drawn from various units across the Seychelles Police Force.

The ceremony’s highlight was the presentation of awards to graduates who demonstrated exceptional performance in both practical applications and academic pursuits. President Ramkalawan had the distinguished honour of presenting the President’s Cup to Police Constable Shannon Accouche, who emerged as the overall best performer through her exemplary conduct, unwavering engagement, physical fitness, and academic excellence throughout the program.

PC Accouche’s exceptional dedication was further recognized with the Outstanding Academic Award for her distinguished performance across all training modules. Meanwhile, PC Benjamin Sedgwick received the Outdoor Programs Award in acknowledgment of his excellent physical standards and field performance.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Hendrica Marie, Commandant of the Seychelles Police Academy, congratulated all graduates for their unwavering willingness and determination to complete the demanding training program despite various challenges encountered along the way.

“This training was previously offered exclusively to secondary school leavers, excluding in-service officers,” explained ASP Marie. “With our new accredited training framework, we created opportunities for serving staff through an open application process, enabling them to elevate their qualifications from basic police training to certified trainee officer status. “ASP Marie urged the graduates to “be the change they want to see,” emphasizing their role as catalysts for positive transformation within the force.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ted Barbe expressed his profound honour in witnessing this historic graduation, encouraging the new graduates to cherish this significant milestone in their careers. He challenged them to uphold three fundamental guiding principles: Integrity, Service, and Courage, values essential for success and strengthening the vital bond between law enforcement and the community they serve.

This groundbreaking program represents a significant advancement in professional development opportunities within the Seychelles Police Force, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in law enforcement training.

The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Internal Affairs Mr. Errol Fonseka, Deputy Commissioner of Police Francis Songoire, Assistant Commissioner Antoine Denousse, members of the Police Executive, senior and junior officers of the Police Force, family members, and invited guests.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

August 20, 2025

Seychelles: President Ramkalawan to Hold Audience with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican

Source: APO

The Office of the President announces that the President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan, is scheduled to meet with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Friday, 22 August 2025.

In his capacity as Head of State, President Ramkalawan will convey the greetings and message of goodwill from the people and Government of Seychelles during this official audience.

The President will be accompanied by the First Lady, Linda Ramkalawan, the Principal Minister, Mr. Jean-François Ferrari, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde.

The papal audience underscores the longstanding cordial relations between the Republic of Seychelles and the Holy See. It presents an important opportunity for the exchange of views on areas of mutual interest, including social cohesion, youth empowerment and education, community welfare, as well as the shared commitment to environmental stewardship and the protection of the world’s oceans.

During President Ramkalawan’s absence from the country, his duties and responsibilities will be discharged by Vice-President Ahmed Afif.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

August 20, 2025

South African Government Sets Record straight on Farm Crime

Source: APO

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) committed to updating its initial statement on the 2024 US Human Rights Report, specifically its commentary on the safety situation in South Africa’s rural and farming communities. The South African Government wishes to set the record straight on this matter and to clarify what we believe is an inaccurate and distorted account of the facts.

Our nation’s foreign policy is guided by a commitment to a rules-based international system based on international law and a respect for human rights, as enshrined in our Constitution. It is within this framework that we address all forms of crime, which remain a significant challenge for all of our citizens, regardless of race or location. The suggestion that these crimes represent a concerted practice of racially motivated attacks, as insinuated by the US report, is not borne out by the facts.

The South African Police Service’s official statistics on rural safety for the fourth quarter of the 2024/2025 Financial Year (1 January 2025 to 31 March 2025) demonstrate this reality. A total of 6 murder cases were reported in farming communities. A breakdown of the victims reveals that these crimes are not targeted against a single racial group:

3 victims were employees
1 victim was a farm dweller
2 victims were farmers.

These figures underscore that violent crime in rural areas affects everyone who lives and works on farms and related rural areas. While the loss of any life is a tragedy, these statistics do not reveal a pattern of action driven by inflammatory racial rhetoric against a specific community.

The government continues to implement a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach to rural safety. Our National Rural Safety Strategy is a priority and is implemented in police station areas that serve rural and farming communities. At the end of the fourth quarter of 2024/2025, a total of 893 out of 900 identified rural police stations (99%) had fully implemented the strategy. This initiative focuses on enhancing police capacity and fostering community involvement with key stakeholders, including:

Traditional leaders
Commercial farmers associations including the African Farmers Association of South Africa and the National African Farmers’ Union, Agri-SA and its provincial structures and the Transvaal Agricultural Union (TAUSA)
Labour unions like the Food and Allied Workers Union and organisations advocating for the rights of farm workers
Interest groups like AfriForum, South African Agricultural Research Institute and Stop Attacks and Farm Murders.

Furthermore, we are actively strengthening public-private partnerships through initiatives like the Eyes and Ears (E2) program, coordinated with Business Against Crime South Africa (BACSA). This initiative leverages the private security industry’s technological and logistical capabilities to enhance the situational awareness of the South African Police Service and improve our response to rural crime.

South Africa remains committed to a transparent and collaborative approach to addressing crime. We stand ready to engage with any nation on matters of mutual interest through established diplomatic channels, and we will continue to provide accurate, data-driven information to counter any misrepresentations of our domestic situation. There is a focus on the safety and security of all South Africans.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

August 20, 2025

Seychelles: Minister Radegonde holds Bilateral Meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister

Source: APO

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde, held bilateral talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, H.E Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, on the sidelines of the TICAD 9 Summit taking place in Yokohama, Japan from 20th to 22nd August.

Minister IWAYA welcomed Minister Radegonde to Japan and reiterated the Japanese Government’s unwavering commitment to maintain a solid bilateral partnership with Seychelles. Minister Radegonde took the opportunity to reflect on the excellent and long-standing bilateral relationship between Seychelles and Japan. He extended the gratitude of the Seychelles Government for the support provided by the Japanese Government over the years.

Maritime Security and people to people exchanges were some of the main topics covered by the two diplomats during their meeting. Minister IWAYA highlighted the continued commitment of Japan in supporting Maritime Law Enforcement in recent years, facilitated by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and counter-piracy efforts in the Western Indian Ocean region. Minister Radegonde reiterated the importance of having such bilateral partners to tackle illicit drug trafficking in the region, which is a major issue for Seychelles and extended the gratitude of the Government of the Republic of Seychelles for the construction of the Marine Police Headquarters financed by the Japanese Government.

The two diplomats also discussed the on-going World Expo taking place in Osaka. Minister Radegonde congratulated Japan on the successful organisation of the Expo and looked forward to represent Seychelles at the Expo national day celebrations of Seychelles in September. The two sides also mentioned the reciprocal visits conducted between High school students of the two countries as part of the activities for the Expo and anticipate similar exchanges in the future.

In the field of Tourism, Minister Radegonde expressed his willingness to increase Tourism arrivals from Japan. To facilitate people to people exchanges between the two Countries, Minister Radegonde conveyed Seychelles’ commitment to conclude the outstanding Visa Waiver Agreement for Diplomatic and Official Passport holders, with the aim of eventually negotiating a Visa Waiver for normal passport holders in the future between Seychelles and Japan. The two Ministers agreed to continue to support each other and the TICAD framework for a successful TICAD 9 Summit.

Minister Radegonde is accompanied at the TICAD Summit by Ambassador Anne Lafortune, Ambassador of Seychelles to Japan, Mr. Jonathan Pool, Second Secretary at the Foreign Affairs Department and Mr. Danio Vidot, Protocol Officer at the Foreign Affairs Department.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Republic of Seychelles.

August 20, 2025

Cholera Response in Congo: Mbamou Island Breathes Again

Source: APO

When Angèle, a young mother living on Mbamou Island, began experiencing abdominal pain a few weeks after giving birth, she thought it was just a minor discomfort. But the symptoms worsened, revealing a cholera infection. “I didn’t understand what was happening to me. The pain started mildly, then became unbearable. I had stomach aches, fever, and felt very weak. I thought it was normal after childbirth. I didn’t think it was an illness.”

Since July 26, 2025, the Republic of Congo has been facing a cholera outbreak that has affected over 430 people and caused 34 deaths. The most affected age group is between 15 to 24 years old, and the hardest-hit areas are Mbamou Island, Talangaï in Brazzaville Department, and Mossaka-Loukolela in Congo-Oubangui Department.

Upon the official declaration of the outbreak, the World Health Organization (WHO), working with the government and partners quickly activated its Incident Management System (IMST) and supported the deployment of three multidisciplinary teams to priority areas. These teams helped structure the response, confirm cases, and strengthen national capacities in close collaboration with field actors.

WHO’s support included the delivery of 7 tons of cholera medicines and kits, the establishment of treatment centers in Mbamou, Mossaka, and Talangaï, training of 172 health workers in case management and infection prevention, and the education of 250 community relays on preventive measures. WHO also provided a speedboat to facilitate transport between Mbamou Island and Brazzaville, enhanced surveillance at entry points, and supported the disinfection of 61 wells and several health facilities.

On the ground, health professionals witnessed improvements, thanks to this support. Dr Nelson Bokale, the chief medical officer of Mbamou Island’s health district, recalls the difficult beginning. “For nearly five years, I’ve faced many challenges, but the cholera outbreak response was particularly significant. Before the support arrived, we did what we could with available resources. The arrival of the Surge support team was a turning point. It strengthened our efforts and allowed us to organize a more structured response,” he emphasized.

WHO also supported epidemiological surveillance, active case finding, and the setup of water circuits for treatment units. Experts in infectious diseases, logistics, hygiene, water and sanitation, and risk communication were also mobilized. Thanks to these joint efforts, the outbreak’s dynamics have shifted, and indicators are improving. On Mbamou Island in particular, the fatality rate was halved, dropping from 11.7% to 4.8% within two weeks. As of August 15, 2025, of the 12 active cases on the island, 5 are hospitalized while the other 7 are receiving outpatient care.

During a field visit, Dr Vincent Dossou Sodjinou, WHO Representative in Congo, described the progress with optimism. “The trend of the outbreak is declining. Health workers are active, treatment centers are operational, and communities are better informed. We commend the collaboration between the government and WHO, which enabled a rapid and effective response,” he stated.

Partner complemented WHO’s efforts by repairing boreholes, distributing water purification tablets to more than 1,300 households, and installing handwashing stations in affected area. Awareness campaigns have since reached thousands of families to strengthen adherence to preventive measures.

Now recovered, Angèle is an advocate and actively involved in community awareness. “I tell everyone in the community that if they have symptoms, they shouldn’t stay home. They should go to the health center for treatment,” she says with conviction.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Republic of the Congo.