Category: Africa

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South Sudan: New approach to solving cattle migration conflict brings hope to Central Equatorian communities

Source: APO – Report:

“Our home is the world, our bedroom is the soft grass underneath the night sky.”

Born in Darfur as member of the Fallata tribe, widely known as a sub-branch of the greater Ambororo cattle keeper community from West and Central Africa, Adam Garbar’s stories embody the spirit that motivates cattle keepers across the continent to continue following the path of their ancestors.

Despite insecurity plaguing parts of South Sudan, they spend their lives between roads and trees, never spending more than two weeks at the same location.

However, that two weeks can feel like a lifetime for local farming communities.

On the move with hundreds of family members and thousands of cattle, the arrival of nomadic tribes looking to feed their livestock during dry season is widely associated with danger.

Until earlier this year, one of their main migration stops in Lainya County was known as a conflict hotspot constantly rattled by violent clashes between local farmers and cattle herders from various tribes and origins.

Without proper agreements and lines of communication, cattle would feed on and destroy vital crops of local farming communities, causing conflict and, too often, loss of lives due to clashes or revenge killings that could have been prevented.

However, a change of government leadership in Lainya County has inspired a new approach.

“We used to react rather than prevent these issues from happening. These days, they inform us about their tentative migration plans so the first thing we do when they arrive is to call them and establish an open line of communication,” explains Lainya County Security Coordinator, Robert Sebit Tobia during a recent visit by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.

As part of a multiple day patrol that navigated muddy terrain and almost impassable roads due to flooding, UNMISS peacekeepers came to engage with local authorities and communities while assessing the humanitarian and security situation.

“The situation has improved through the interventions of locally established peace and governance structures, local authority and security agencies. Following our engagement with multiple stakeholders on the complexity of cultural and habitual practices of all involved parties, the overall security situation in the county is fragile but now relatively calm,” says UNMISS Civil Affairs Division Officer, James Muriithi.

In places like Wonduruba, which became a safe haven for civilians across the county following violent cattle raid clashes in 2021, memories of conflict and accompanying grief are still very much alive.

However, these memories are gradually being overwritten by the efforts of Ambororo cattlekeepers and farmers working together to pave a path towards peace.

“For the first time, I am actually looking forward to the Ambororo passing through our town. Instead of expecting danger, I now think of the milk and interesting conversations they bring with them,” shares 23-year-old mother of four, Mary Gaba.

Her sentiments echo those of the cattle keepers who also found relief in the new coordination mechanisms.

“We are all trying to protect what we love. What better way is there to ask for what you need instead of simply taking it?,” says Adam Garbar.

Accordingly, they try their best to avoid confrontations by leaving their cattle to feed on grass outside the town when they come to trade. Should there be an incident where crop eating is unavoidable, they choose communication over conflict.

Looking back at the newfound peace, Lainya County Security Coordinator, Robert Tobia, concludes what may be widely known but too rarely employed:

“We are all people. If we approach others in a peaceful way, war can be prevented.”

– on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

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President Boakai Appoints Retired General Daniel Dee Ziankahn, Junior to Lead Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency(LDEA), Vows to Escalate Liberia’s War Against Drugs

Source: APO – Report:

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A distinguished military officer with decades of experience in national security, Major General (Retired) Ziankahn previously served as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia, where he led the transformation and professionalization of the country’s military following years of conflict.

Major General Ziankahn previously served as Minister of National Defense and, more recently, as Military Advisor to President Boakai, providing strategic counsel on national security matters. 

His appointment reflects the President’s confidence in his leadership, integrity, and operational experience, and signals the Administration’s determination to elevate Liberia’s fight against drugs to a new level. In his new role, he will report directly to the President, in close consultation with the Minister of Justice.

The President has also appointed Ms. Precious Rue as Deputy Director General for Operations and Mr. Prince Mulbah as Deputy Director General for Administration of the LDEA, also pending Senate confirmation.

All three appointees have been directed to assume their duties with immediate effect in an acting capacity, pending legislative confirmation upon the Senate’s return later this year. Mr. Ernest Tarpeh, who served as Deputy LDEA Director General, returns to this previous assignment at the National Security Agency.

The appointments follow the submission of the Ministry of Justice’s investigative report to the President and form part of a broader strategy to strengthen Liberia’s institutional response to the growing threat posed by narcotics trafficking and related criminal activities.

President Boakai has repeatedly declared that narcotics trafficking represents one of the gravest threats to Liberia’s national security, public health, and future development. Under his leadership, the Government has adopted a zero tolerance policy toward drug trafficking, corruption, and organized crime. This policy has been accompanied by stronger enforcement actions, institutional reforms, and enhanced interagency cooperation.

In a related development, President Boakai has indefinitely suspended former LDEA Officer in Charge Fitzgerald Biago from the Liberia National Police for ethical transgressions and has ordered that he be subjected to a more detailed investigation.

The President’s decision follows a review of the Ministry of Justice’s report, which did not establish any involvement by Mr. Biago in illegal narcotics trafficking. However, the report identified ethical concerns that warrant further scrutiny to determine whether additional administrative or other appropriate actions may be necessary.

Following a marathon National Security Council meeting this evening, President Boakai reaffirmed that his Administration remains committed to ensuring that all allegations of misconduct are addressed fairly, professionally, and in accordance with due process. He emphasized that while no individual will be condemned without evidence, no public official will be exempt from accountability where questions of integrity arise.

The President called on the newly appointed leadership of the LDEA to work closely with the Joint Security, the Ministry of Justice, and international partners to dismantle drug trafficking networks, strengthen border security, enhance intelligence and enforcement capabilities, and protect Liberia’s youth and communities from the devastating effects of illicit drugs.

“Our fight against drugs is a fight for the future of Liberia,” the President declared, stressing, “We will continue to strengthen our institutions, hold public officials to the highest ethical standards, and pursue those who seek to poison our communities. There will be no safe haven for drug traffickers or those who aid and abet them.”

– on behalf of Republic of Liberia: Executive Mansion.

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Finance Ministry Sets Up Unit to Tackle Poor Loan Absorption

Source: APO

The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development has established a Project Execution Unit to strengthen implementation of loan-funded projects and ensure that borrowed funds deliver the intended results.

This was revealed before the Committee on National Economy on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, where the Minister, Hon. Henry Musasizi, led a team of technical officers to present the ministry’s report on public debt, grants, guarantees and other financial liabilities.

The move comes amid persistent concerns from members over low utilisation and absorption of borrowed funds, which they say undermines the intended benefits of loans while increasing the country’s debt burden.

The Ag. Commissioner for Development Assistance and Regional Cooperation Department, Juvenal Muhumuza, said the Project Execution Unit will closely monitor implementation of projects and ensure that challenges affecting their performance are addressed.
“The unit will follow up issues affecting project performance on a regular basis and flag them to management for action,” said Muhumuza, who represented the Permanent Secretary.

Muhumuza also revealed that the ministry has tightened management of counterpart funding following cases of misuse by government entities. He said monitoring, approval and utilisation of counterpart funding has now been centralised under the Office of the Accountant General.
“This reform is aimed at addressing diversion of funds from intended purpose under, under budgeting, inadequate accountability and oversight of counterpart funding,” said Muhumuza.

He observed that poor performance of some loan-funded projects arises from delays in procurement, clearance of environmental reports and payment of contractors, among other implementation challenges. These bottlenecks have been addressed under new Standard Operating Procedures approved by Cabinet in March 2025, Muhumuza said.

He supported Musasizi’s position that Uganda can sustain its public debt if challenges affecting the performance of borrowed funds are addressed. In this he cited a facility established at the National Planning Authority to support timely preparation of feasibility studies and project designs.

Hon. Patrick Wakida (NRM, Kabweri County) expressed concern that government was not investing borrowed funds wisely, warning that the country could be heading towards a debt trap.
“If you look at how much of the debt we actually have, you realize it eats in the national budget, we are paying more to clear debts than investment,” he said.
Hon. Hassan Kirumira (NUP, Katikamu South) criticised government’s increasing reliance on borrowing from commercial banks, saying it was crowding out private sector borrowers.
Hon. Boniface Okot (NRM, Kole South) asked the ministry to address duplication of projects, where government entities operating within the same sector acquire loans to implement similar projects.
“The commercial banks prefer lending to government, as it is less risky. This makes access to credit for the private sector expensive. We need to minimize domestic borrowing in order to boost the private sector,” Kirumira said. 
The committee asked the ministry to assess government entities with a history of poor loan utilisation and prioritise borrowing for institutions with demonstrated capacity to implement projects within agreed timelines.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

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Acting High Commissioner of Sri Lanka opens African Universities and Communities Climate Week 2026 at Kenyatta University

Source: APO

The Acting High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Kenya, Ruvini De Silva, attended the opening ceremony of the Second African Universities and Communities Climate Week 2026 as the Chief Guest at Kenyatta University.

The event was co-organized by the Department of Environmental Science and Education of Kenyatta University and the Africa Community of Planetary Partners for Health and Environment (ACOPPHE), bringing together researchers, academics, policymakers, development partners, community leaders, indigenous knowledge holders, students, and young leaders to advance collaborative approaches to climate action.

The programme commenced with a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor of Kenyatta University, Prof. John Okumu, during which discussions focused on strengthening collaboration among universities, communities, and other stakeholders in addressing climate and environmental challenges. The Acting High Commissioner subsequently joined the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and other guests in a tree-planting initiative, symbolizing a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and climate action.

Delivering the keynote address, the Acting High Commissioner highlighted that climate change in Africa is no longer a distant projection but a lived reality, manifested through droughts, floods, threats to food security, biodiversity loss, and growing health risks. She emphasized that climate change is not merely an environmental concern, but also a developmental, public health, economic, and human dignity issue.

Referring to the theme of the conference, “One Health for One Planet: Leveraging Local and Indigenous Innovations to Unite Urban and Rural Communities for Sustainable Development and Climate Action,” the Acting High Commissioner underscored the inseparable relationship between human and planetary health and the need for integrated solutions combining scientific knowledge, indigenous knowledge, and community experience.

She also highlighted the role of universities in translating research into policies, technologies, and practical solutions for communities, while emphasizing the contribution of indigenous communities and local knowledge holders as custodians of generations of ecological knowledge. She called for greater dialogue between scientific and indigenous knowledge systems to develop locally relevant and sustainable climate solutions. 

The Acting High Commissioner further stressed that meaningful climate action requires inclusive and intergenerational partnerships, with Indigenous Peoples and youth at the centre of decision-making. She encouraged participants to forge partnerships that translate research and ideas into concrete action.

Concluding her keynote address, the Acting High Commissioner declared the African Universities and Communities Climate Week 2026 officially open and expressed hope that the gathering would strengthen partnerships between universities and communities, science and society, and local innovation and global action.

The participation of the Acting High Commissioner reflected Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation on climate change, environmental sustainability, knowledge sharing, and community-driven solutions. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism – Sri Lanka.

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South Africans urged to have their say on new pieces of legislation

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africans urged to have their say on new pieces of legislation

South Africans are urged to have their voices heard on approved pieces of legislation related to illegal mining, the legal fraternity, the administration of trusts and incitement to commit offences.

At a media briefing on Tuesday, Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi briefed South Africans on the General (Mining) Laws Amendment Bill 2026, the Legal Practice Amendment Bill 2026 and the Regulation of Trusts Bill and the Conspiracy, Instigation and Incitement to Commit Offence Bill 2026.

The first three have been released for public comment while the Conspiracy, Instigation and Incitement to Commit Offence Bill 2026 will now go to Parliament for processing and adoption.

Regarding the General (Mining) Laws Amendment Bill, Kubayi emphasised that the bill is not aimed at penalising artisanal miners who have permits but is aimed at cracking down on those who mine illegally, known as Zama Zamas.

“This Bill seeks to address the challenges that South Africa is experiencing in relation to illicit mining in that, while illicit mining is prohibited, illicit mining and the activities related to illicit mining, are not criminal offences.

“Illicit mining has negative effects on communities in and around mining towns, damages the infrastructure of affected areas such as underground water pipes which then affects water security and poses a serious threat to the safety and security of the affected communities, in many instances where we saw Sink holes,” she said.

The Minister noted that illicit mining has been linked to cases of “kidnapping, human trafficking, child labour and forced labour” with illegal mining gangs involved in “violent crimes associated with illegal firearms, rape, murder, intimidation, house breaking, theft, assault and corruption in nearby communities”.

“The Bill seeks to amend various pieces of legislation, with the view to amend provisions dealing with offences and penalties and to provide for matters connected therewith.

“These pieces of legislation are the Criminal Procedure Act, of 1977, the Diamonds Act, of 1986, the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act, of 2002 and the Precious Metals Act, of 2005,” Kubayi added.

Amendments include:

Clause 1 of the Bill amends Schedule 1 to the CPA, by proposing the insertion of the offences of illegal prospecting and mining activities and prohibition of assistance in committing illegal prospecting and mining activities.

Clause 2 of the Bill amends section 87 of the Diamonds Act, to increase the penalty for the contravention of the provisions of section 82(a) or (b) from a fine of R250 000 to a fine of R100 million and imprisonment of 30years (previously was 10 years). This clause further increases the penalties for the contravention of the provisions of section 82(c), 83(a) or 84(a) from a fine of not exceeding R100 000 to a fine of not exceeding R100 million and the period of imprisonment to 30 years (previously was 4 years).

Clause 7 of the Bill seeks to insert a new provision (section 91A) into the MPRDA in order to empower members of the South African Police Service to carry out compliance functions as contemplated in section 91 of the MPRDA, excluding the powers to conduct routine inspections in terms of section 92 of the Act, and to issue compliance notices in terms of section 93 of the Act.

The amendments to the Legal Practice Amendment Bill 2026 seek to, primarily, amend the Legal Practice Act of 2014.

“The Bill seeks to amend the various provisions in the Act in order to develop and enhance the skills of legal practitioners, to ensure access to the legal profession, to ensure access to justice broadly and to address certain practical challenges in the application of the Act.

“This has been called for by various practitioners in the sector,” Kubayi said.

The amendments include:

Clause 1 of the Bill seeks to amend section 6 of the Act which provides for the powers and functions of the South African Legal Practice Council (“the Council”). The Bill proposes the addition of two new subsections to section 6. The newly inserted subsection (6) adds a function of the Council to enable it to assess the reasonableness of fees and disbursements for non-litigious work, which cannot be determined by the taxing masters of courts of law or tribunals. In the previous dispensation, the provincial law societies had this power. The newly inserted subsection (7) exempts persons employed by the Council or its substructures from liability for damages for actions done in good faith.

Clause 2 of the Bill amends section 17(1) of the Act in order to allow for a decision of the Council to be passed in situations where there are less than 12 members of the Council present at the meeting.

Clause 3 of the Bill provides for the removal in section 22 of the limitation that only an annual appropriation can be made by the Legal Practitioners’ Fidelity Fund (“LPFF”), to allow for more than one appropriation.

A full list of proposed amendments to the bill are available at the department’s website.

Regulation of Trusts Bill

Minister Kubayi noted that the Trust Property Control Act of 1988 has not been amended in 38 years and the new bill seeks to “address specific areas of the law of trusts that were problematic and required legislative intervention at that time”.

“In the 38 years since its enactment, the Act has not been reviewed comprehensively. The socio-economic, legal and practical environment in which the South African trust operates has, on the other hand, changed significantly.

“The Bill seeks to, amongst others, address shortcomings in the current legislation that enable trustees to evade accountability, constrain the Master of the High Court in exercising effective oversight over trusts, do not provide adequate protection for beneficiaries; address the lack of transparency in the management and control of trust property, which increases the risk of trust structures being misused for money laundering and other criminal activities; and align the regulation of trusts with the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force [FATF] without imposing unnecessary regulatory burdens,” Kubayi said.

The amendments deal with, among others:

•    Protection of vulnerable persons: Accountability by trustees and transparency in the management and control of trust property

•    Strengthening oversight by the Master’s Office: Ensuring that compliance obligations imposed on trustees are proportionate to the objectives of the Bill

•    Offences and penalties: More on information on these can be found on the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development website.

The Conspiracy, Instigation and Incitement to Commit Offence Bill 2026 seeks to repeal the 70-year-old Riotous Assemblies Act of 1956 originally designed by the apartheid government to “combat riotous gatherings, publications and conduct engendering hostility between one population group and another”.

“The Act has been identified by the department as a piece of apartheid and colonial era legislation to be repealed or repealed and replaced.

“The Act also reminds the people of South Africa of the atrocities of the past which stand in the way of reconciliation in the country. Many provisions of the Act have been repealed, apart from the preamble and sections 16, 17 and 18 of the Act,” Kubayi highlighted.

The bill deals with the following:

Clause 1 defines a serious offence as those offences identified in the Schedule to the Bill in respect of which a period of imprisonment exceeding six months may be imposed. The clause further makes provision for the offence of conspiring with another person to commit an offence and for the offence of instigating and inciting another person to commit a serious offence.

Clause 2 repeals the Act based on the reasons provided in the discussion above.

Clause 3 of the Bill provides for the short title and commencement.

Stakeholders, including civil society, business, labour, and members of the public are urged to participate in the commentary process and provide inputs to “strengthen these important pieces of legislation”.

“Regularly reviewing and changing legislation ensures that laws remain fair, useful, and ensures equality before the law. It allows governments to fix outdated rules, adapt to new technology, and respond to changing social and political values.

“Without updates, laws can become inefficient, fail to protect citizens, or create legal confusion,” Kubayi concluded.

The full documents of the Bills are available at the department’s website at https://justice.gov.za/index.html and the closing date for submissions is 11 September 2026. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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GABON–ONU : Mobilisation de ressources en faveur du développement durable

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Dans le cadre du renforcement de la coopération entre la République Gabonaise et le Système des Nations Unies, d’importantes ressources ont été mobilisées en 2025 en appui aux priorités nationales de développement durable. Le partenariat entre le Gabon et le système des Nations unies s’est traduit, en 2025, par la mobilisation de 18,5 millions de dollars, soit environ 10,5 milliards de FCFA, destinés au financement de plusieurs programmes de développement durable. Selon les données rapportées par L’Union, ce montant représente une progression d’environ 4 % par rapport à l’année précédente.

Ces financements ont principalement été orientés vers les secteurs sociaux et environnementaux dont la santé, l’éducation et la lutte contre le changement climatique, le reste a été consacré notamment à des initiatives liées à la gouvernance et à la jeunesse.

La coopération accorde également une place importante à la transition écologique et à la finance durable. Plus de 500 jeunes participent à des initiatives liées à la gestion forestière et à la préservation des ressources naturelles. En 2023, quelque 3,5 milliards de FCFA avaient déjà été mobilisés en faveur de l’économie verte et bleue.

Sous la coordination de la Représentante résidente des Nations Unies au Gabon, Madame Fatou Aminata LO, plusieurs mécanismes de financement innovants, notamment les échanges dette-nature et la finance bleue, sont également mis en avant. Ces dispositifs visent à soutenir les investissements liés au développement durable tout en contribuant à préserver les équilibres financiers du pays.

Au-delà des montants engagés, ces données illustrent la volonté du Gabon et de ses partenaires internationaux de renforcer les investissements dans les secteurs sociaux, le développement local et la transition écologique.

Distribué par APO Group pour Republique Gabonaise : Ministère des Affaires Étrangères et de la Cooperation.

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République démocratique du Congo : À Nizi, les capacités de prise en charge se renforcent, mais les besoins restent immenses

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

À quelques kilomètres de Mongbwalu, épicentre de l’épidémie au début de la réponse en République démocratique du Congo, le Centre de traitement Ebola (CTE) de Nizi accueille chaque jour des patients suspects dans une zone où la pression reste élevée. La présence de plus de 80 000 personnes déplacées internes réparties dans 22 sites, combinée à une forte mobilité liée aux activités minières, continue d’accroître le risque de propagation de la maladie.

Le renforcement des capacités de prise en charge s’est imposé très tôt comme une priorité afin de permettre aux équipes de santé de répondre rapidement aux besoins des patients et de limiter la transmission du virus.

« Nizi a été identifiée comme une priorité en raison de sa proximité avec l’épicentre de l’épidémie, de la présence de nombreux sites de déplacés et d’une forte concentration de populations dans les zones minières. Ces facteurs augmentent le risque de transmission et nécessitent des capacités de prise en charge adaptées », explique le Dr Léon Malengela, coordonnateur de terrain pour l’Organisation mondiale de la Santé (OMS).

Avec l’appui de l’OMS et de ses partenaires, le ministère de la Santé publique, Hygiène et Prévoyance sociale a progressivement renforcé les capacités du CTE. La capacité d’accueil atteint désormais 80 lits, grâce aux livraisons successives de lits et de matelas fournis par l’Organisation. Des médicaments essentiels, des équipements de protection individuelle, du matériel de laboratoire ainsi qu’un appui logistique ont également été mis à disposition. En parallèle, 36 investigateurs locaux ont été formés pour renforcer la détection précoce des alertes et le suivi des contacts dans les différentes aires de santé. L’OMS a aussi appuyé, en collaboration avec l’Organisation internationale pour les migrations (OIM), l’identification et la formation de 216 relais communautaires sur les sites de personnes déplacées internes afin de renforcer la surveillance communautaire et la détection précoce des alertes.

Au-delà des infrastructures, des équipements et des ressources humaines, la sécurité des soins dépend aussi de l’organisation du centre de traitement et du strict respect des mesures de prévention et de contrôle des infections (PCI).

« La PCI permet de protéger les patients, les agents de santé et les visiteurs. Le centre a été conçu avec des circuits distincts, des chambres individuelles pour les cas suspects, des équipements de protection et des procédures strictes de désinfection afin de limiter tout risque de transmission », souligne le Dr Landry Kabego, responsable du pilier PCI à l’OMS.

Au fil des semaines, ces investissements ont permis d’améliorer les conditions de prise en charge et de soutenir le travail quotidien des équipes médicales. Ils restent toutefois insuffisants face à une épidémie qui continue d’évoluer.

« L’appui de l’OMS est considérable. Il ne se limite pas aux lits et aux équipements. Il couvre également la surveillance, le laboratoire, la communication des risques, la coordination et bien d’autres aspects de la réponse. Cet appui nous permet progressivement de combler plusieurs insuffisances, même si des défis importants subsistent encore », témoigne le Dr Jean-Claude Lonzama Dher, Médecin chef de zone de Nizi.

L’approvisionnement en eau du CTE, la gestion sécurisée des déchets biomédicaux, la mise en place de centres de transit dans les zones les plus exposées ainsi que le renforcement des moyens logistiques, notamment les ambulances et les motos, demeurent essentiels pour assurer une prise en charge encore plus rapide des patients.

Avec les nouvelles capacités, le CTE de Nizi offre des soins de qualité aux patients. Fwalin Nzale a été déclarée guérie et a retrouvé sa famille après avoir passé 14 jours dans le CTE. En tant que survivante, elle sensibilise sa communauté en encourageant les personnes présentant des symptômes de la maladie à virus Ebola à se rendre le plus tôt possible dans un centre de santé.

« Je suis vivante grâce aux soins que j’ai reçus. Dès les premiers signes de la maladie, il faut venir rapidement au centre de traitement. Il ne faut pas attendre qu’il soit trop tard », conseille Fwalin.

À Nizi, les efforts se poursuivent pour renforcer les capacités de prise en charge. Mais alors que les équipes restent mobilisées jour et nuit, davantage de lits, d’équipements, de personnel qualifié et de moyens logistiques seront encore nécessaires pour garantir à chaque patient un accès rapide à des soins sûrs, dignes et de qualité.

Distribué par APO Group pour World Health Organization (WHO) – Democratic Republic of Congo.

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Le Président Ndayishimiye ouvre la 5ᵉ édition du Dialogue continental sur la Jeunesse, Paix et Sécurité

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Président de la République du Burundi, Son Excellence Évariste Ndayishimiye, également Président en exercice de l’Union africaine et Champion de l’UA pour l’Agenda Jeunesse, Paix et Sécurité, a procédé, ce lundi 10 août 2026, au Palais de Kiriri, à l’ouverture officielle de la 5ᵉ édition du Dialogue continental sur l’Agenda Jeunesse, Paix et Sécurité, élargi cette année à l’Agenda Femmes, Paix et Sécurité autour du thème : « Eau, Paix et Leadership inclusif en Afrique : institutionnalisation du rôle stratégique des jeunes et des femmes dans la prévention des conflits, la gestion des crises et la consolidation durable de la paix grâce à une gouvernance responsable des ressources ».

Dans son discours, le Chef de l’État a d’abord souhaité la bienvenue aux jeunes et aux différents participants avant de rappeler que la capitale burundaise a été consacrée Capitale africaine de la Jeunesse par la Décision 868 de la 37ᵉ Conférence des Chefs d’État et de Gouvernement de l’Union africaine, qui a également institutionnalisé le Dialogue continental comme un rendez-vous annuel devant se tenir à Bujumbura.

Le Président Ndayishimiye a souligné que cette rencontre constitue une occasion de renforcer le dialogue, l’innovation et la mobilisation de la jeunesse africaine en faveur de la paix, de la sécurité et du développement durable.

Abordant la question de l’eau, le Président de la République a rappelé que l’Union africaine a placé l’année 2026 sous le thème : « Assurer une disponibilité durable de l’eau et des systèmes d’assainissement sûrs pour atteindre les objectifs de l’Agenda 2063 ».
Il a ainsi souligné que l’accès à l’eau potable reste un défi pour des millions d’Africains, avec des conséquences particulièrement lourdes pour les femmes, les jeunes filles et les enfants qui parcourent parfois de longues distances pour s’approvisionner.

Selon le Chef de l’État, garantir un accès équitable à l’eau contribue à améliorer la santé publique, à favoriser l’éducation des jeunes filles, à renforcer l’autonomisation économique des femmes et à accroître la production agricole.

Cependant, la rareté et la mauvaise gestion de cette ressource peuvent également devenir des facteurs de tensions entre États et entre communautés. Le Président Ndayishimiye a notamment évoqué les tensions liées au partage des ressources du bassin du Nil, ainsi que les conflits entre agriculteurs et éleveurs autour de l’accès à l’eau et aux pâturages.

Il a appelé à une gestion durable et inclusive des ressources hydriques, au renforcement de la coopération entre les États et à la mobilisation des investissements et de l’innovation afin de faire de l’eau un facteur de développement, de paix et de prospérité.

Le deuxième axe du discours présidentiel a porté sur la consolidation de la paix et de la sécurité, présentée comme une condition indispensable au développement durable et à l’intégration du continent.

Le Chef de l’État a rappelé que l’objectif de l’Union africaine de faire taire les armes demeure essentiel pour permettre la libre circulation des personnes, des biens et des services et favoriser la pleine réalisation de la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine.

Pour lui, les conflits en Afrique trouvent leurs origines dans facteurs, notamment la faiblesse des institutions et la mauvaise gouvernance, les facteurs économiques et la compétition autour des ressources, ainsi que certains effets de l’héritage colonial et des dynamiques géopolitiques.

Le Président Ndayishimiye a également attiré l’attention sur le chômage des jeunes, qui peut les rendre vulnérables au recrutement par des groupes armés. Il a encouragé les jeunes à privilégier l’entrepreneuriat et la création d’activités économiques, estimant que l’Afrique dispose encore d’importantes ressources et opportunités à valoriser.

Il a, dans ce contexte, lancé un appel aux jeunes à se désengager de la violence et à devenir des acteurs de paix, de développement et de transformation du continent.

L’extension du Dialogue continental à l’Agenda Femmes, Paix et Sécurité traduit, selon le Président, la volonté de renforcer la participation des femmes dans les processus de prévention et de résolution des conflits. Il a rappelé que les femmes sont souvent parmi les premières victimes des conflits, mais qu’elles jouent également un rôle important dans la prévention des violences et la consolidation de la paix, notamment au sein des familles et des communautés. Il a ainsi appelé à renforcer leur participation dans la vie politique et dans les processus de prise de décision.

S’agissant de la jeunesse, il a insisté sur la nécessité de la considérer non plus comme une simple bénéficiaire des politiques publiques, mais comme un acteur stratégique de la transformation de l’Afrique.

« Quand les jeunes et les femmes avancent, l’Afrique progresse », a-t-il souligné, appelant les dirigeants à écouter, soutenir et accompagner cette nouvelle génération.

Le Président Ndayishimiye a également plaidé pour un leadership inclusif, fondé sur la participation de toutes les composantes de la société. Il a insisté sur la nécessité d’associer davantage les jeunes, les femmes aux processus de prise de décision.

Pour lui, le leadership doit être orienté vers le bien-être collectif et s’appuyer sur des valeurs africaines telles que l’unité, la solidarité et l’Ubuntu.

La gouvernance responsable des ressources constitue également, selon le Chef de l’État, un élément essentiel de la stabilité du continent. Les ressources naturelles de l’Afrique doivent être gérées de manière transparente, équitable et durable afin de lutter contre la « malédiction des ressources » et de les transformer en véritables moteurs du développement économique.

Le Président de la République a enfin appelé à renforcer les investissements dans l’éducation, les nouvelles technologies, la recherche, l’innovation et l’entrepreneuriat.

L’Afrique, a-t-il estimé, dispose des compétences et des ressources nécessaires pour produire ses propres solutions et accélérer son développement. Il a encouragé les jeunes à croire davantage en leurs capacités et à mettre leur créativité au service de la transformation du continent

Il a également cité plusieurs initiatives mises en œuvre au Burundi en faveur de l’autonomisation économique des jeunes et des femmes, notamment le Programme d’autonomisation économique et de création d’emplois pour les jeunes (PAEEJ), ainsi que les Banques d’investissement pour les jeunes et pour les femmes.

À l’échelle continentale, il a appelé à davantage de synergie entre les différentes initiatives en faveur de la jeunesse et des femmes, afin de parvenir à des résultats concrets et durables.

En clôturant son intervention, le Président Ndayishimiye a souhaité que les travaux de cette 5ᵉ édition aboutissent à une feuille de route ambitieuse et réaliste, permettant de renforcer la contribution des jeunes et des femmes à la paix, à la sécurité et au développement de l’Afrique.

Il a appelé les participants à œuvrer pour une Afrique qui privilégie l’intégration, le dialogue, l’innovation et la paix, et où les jeunes et les femmes disposent pleinement des moyens de contribuer à la construction d’un continent prospère, intégré et pacifique.

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

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SARB to transfer national payment management functions

Source: Government of South Africa

SARB to transfer national payment management functions

As part of ongoing reforms to modernise South Africa’s national payment system, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) is in the process of withdrawing its recognition of the Payments Association of South Africa (PASA) as a payment system management body.

“The change is aimed at ensuring that South Africa’s payment system remains safe, efficient, innovative and responsive to the needs of all users. The transition will not affect the ability of consumers and businesses to make or receive payments,” the SARB said on Tuesday.

Everyday payment services, including card payments, electronic transfers, debit orders and automated teller machine (ATM) withdrawals, will continue to operate as normal.

From 11 August 2026, some of PASA’s functions, affected employees and intellectual property will be transferred to the SARB.

The transfer of the remaining functions and employees, including those moving to PayInc, will be concluded on 2 September 2026.

PASA will continue to fulfil its current duties during the transition period and will work with the SARB, PayInc and other affected stakeholders to support an orderly and effective transfer.

Stakeholders will continue to have opportunities to engage with the SARB on payment system matters through established consultation and engagement processes. – SAnews.gov.za

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Seychelles: President Herminie Backs Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) Modernisation and Stronger Regional Cooperation

Source: APO


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Seychelles’ support for the modernisation of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) and its transition towards a more sustainable and regional organisation was underscored by President Dr Patrick Herminie during a courtesy call by the Commission’s Secretary General, Dr Ibrahim Norbert Richard, at State House this Tuesday.

President Herminie expressed Seychelles’ support for efforts to modernise the IOC and strengthen its institutional capacity, emphasising the importance of ensuring that the organisation continues to evolve in response to the shared aspirations, priorities and emerging challenges of its member states.

Dr Richard, who was elected in April as the 11th Secretary General of the IOC, outlined his priorities for the organisation, including institutional modernisation and the effective implementation of existing regional agreements featuring prominently in his agenda.

Central to his vision is the diversification of the IOC’s partnerships, with Dr Richard highlighting the need to look beyond its traditional donor partners and forge new partnerships around the world. He said this would contribute towards greater independence, sustainability and capacity for the organisation to turn regional commitments into concrete action.

His priorities also encompass food security, climate resilience, maritime security, promotion of the blue economy, fisheries protection and waste management, with an emphasis on initiatives that deliver tangible benefits to the populations of IOC member states.

The meeting further addressed the modernisation of the IOC’s institutional framework, including the Accord de Victoria Revise. More than four decades after the establishment of the organisation, Dr Richard stressed the importance of ensuring that its institutional structures evolve to reflect the present-day aspirations of its member states.

President Herminie welcomed the modernisation drive and reiterated Seychelles’ readiness to support efforts aimed at strengthening the organisation and enhancing cooperation among the island states of the region.

Seychelles’ contribution to regional maritime security was also highlighted, including its hosting of the Regional Centre for Operational Coordination under the Regional Maritime Security Architecture.

Discussions also touched on Seychelles’ interest in hosting the Regional Fisheries Monitoring, Control, Surveillance and Observation Coordination Centre under the Regional Fisheries Surveillance Plan, further strengthening the country’s contribution to the protection and sustainable management of fisheries resources in the region.

Regional connectivity and the high cost of imports for island economies were also raised. Seychelles is taking the lead on the Regional Pooled Importation Project, aimed at addressing the challenges associated with the high cost of imports, alongside the Regional Shipping Line Project, which seeks to improve maritime connectivity and facilitate the movement of goods between countries in the region.

Dr Richard also spoke of the need to strengthen the IOC’s visibility and voice within Africa and enhance its role as an actor in regional and continental governance. He underscored that cooperation among island states must increasingly translate into action and projects that have a meaningful impact on their populations.

Waste management was among the areas identified for further regional action, including efforts to mobilise financing for projects capable of delivering practical results across member states. President Herminie assured Dr Richard of Seychelles’ support during his mandate and expressed the country’s readiness to work with the IOC in advancing its modernisation and strengthening practical cooperation among its member states.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.