Category: English

Source: APO – Report:

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Ethiopian lawmakers should reject proposed amendments to the civil society law that would grant the government sweeping powers to restrict nongovernmental organizations, Human Rights Watch said today. Ethiopia’s partners should denounce the draft law, which is yet to be introduced to parliament, and make clear that any legal revisions should adhere to international human rights standards.

The draft amendments would enable federal authorities to prohibit foreign funding to groups engaged in governance and election-related work and deny registration to, suspend, or dissolve organizations on vague “national security” grounds without judicial oversight and the right to appeal. The proposal has been put forward ahead of elections scheduled for June 2026.

“The proposed amendments to Ethiopia’s civil society law would dismantle the very reforms Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government had enacted,” said Laetitia Bader, deputy Africa director at Human Rights Watch. “Adopting these amendments would be a deadly blow to the country’s civil society and civic space.”

The amendments were put forward when Ethiopian authorities were already cracking down on civic space and independent rights groups. In the past year, Ethiopian security and intelligence forces increased their intimidation, harassment, and threats against Ethiopian human rights advocates and organizations.

The current civil society law, the Civil Societies Organizations Proclamation No. 1113/2019, was passed in 2019 and regulates all domestic and international civil society organizations carrying out activities in the country.

In June 2025, the Ministry of Justice and the Authority for Civil Society Organizations, a governmental body that oversees the work of civil society groups, consulted with individuals representing government institutions and a selected group of nongovernmental organizations to gather input for the draft amendments. Human Rights Watch reviewed a copy of the presentation given to participants.

If adopted, the draft amendments would reverse gains reflected in the 2019 law, introduced after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took office. The amendments resemble the country’s draconian 2009 civil society law, which imposed a broad range of restrictions on civil society groups, onerous bureaucratic hurdles, harsh criminal penalties, and intrusive surveillance. The 2009 law forced most independent human rights groups to close or severely reduce their activities.

The draft law opens the door to significant government interference by shrinking the size of the Civil Society Authority’s board and giving five out of seven seats to government officials appointed by the Justice Ministry, leaving only two for civil society representatives. The changes would do away with the more inclusive representation in the current law, which reserved seven seats for civil society groups, including two representing women’s rights organizations and two from disability rights groups.

With upcoming national elections, the bill would provide significant obstacles to organizations working on governance issues, Human Rights Watch said.

It also explicitly bars international and domestic organizations funded by foreign nationals, including Ethiopian residents, from political advocacy, voter education, election monitoring, or any election-related work. Domestic organizations are also prohibited from receiving foreign assistance, both technical and financial, for election-related work. The draft does not define the meaning of “political advocacy,” leaving the term open to overbroad and arbitrary interpretation by the government.

The bill also subjects organizations to onerous registration and reporting requirements that would require the Civil Society Authority’s approval. Groups would be required to file reports within 15 days before receiving property of any kind. They would also need to obtain prior permission to open bank accounts or borrow money. The draft also reintroduces a requirement for groups to renew their licenses every four years. The Authority would have unfettered discretion to deny registration based on mere belief that an organization poses “a threat to national security.”

The draft outlines new procedures that the Authority could use to suspend organizations. The current law only permits suspension after having a legitimate basis to carry out an investigation, and suspending an organization after an investigation confirms a group committed a grave violation of law. The existing law limits the suspension to three months and allows an appeal in federal court.

The bill, however, allows the suspension to be extended for an additional three months. During the suspension period, the Authority would be able to freeze an organization’s assets and bank accounts, effectively requiring a group to close down. The group could submit a complaint to the Authority’s board within 30 days but with no right to appeal the decision in court.

Since December 2024, Ethiopian authorities have suspended five prominent human rights groups, including the Ethiopian Human Rights Council, Ethiopia’s oldest independent human rights organization, on vague and politicized grounds. Between January and June 2024, federal authorities also closed 1,504 civil society organizations for allegedly failing to submit annual reports.

Government authorities and agencies have also pressured, harassed, and arbitrarily arrested independent or critical voices, including journalists and political opposition members, leading several to flee the country. The Committee to Protect Journalists reported that at least 54 journalists and media workers had gone into exile since 2020.

Parliament also passed problematic amendments to the country’s 2021 media law in April over the concerns of journalists, civil society groups, and rights advocates. The law increases government control by shifting the power to suspend or revoke media licenses from the board of the country’s media regulatory body to its head, whom the prime minister now appoints. The law further stifles the country’s limited media freedom by holding news organizations directly responsible for the content of their live broadcasts.

Independent public scrutiny and documentation of Ethiopia’s rights situation remains critical as the country grapples with numerous crises, including ongoing conflicts in the Amhara and Oromia regions, rising tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, and a deepening economic crisis.

The 2026 national elections make monitoring the rights situation by civil society groups and independent media, free from government interference absolutely critical, Human Rights Watch said. Ethiopia’s regional and international partners should be more outspoken in condemning the government’s latest assault on independent groups and the media and press the authorities to urgently withdraw the draft amendments to the civil society law.

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights special mechanisms and United Nations special rapporteurs should urgently assess the draft law’s compliance with international human rights law and condemn the wider crackdown on civil society.

“Ethiopia’s partners need to make clear that the government’s 2019 reforms offered a lifeline to human rights defenders and independent journalists,” Bader said. “Rolling them back demonstrates that the Ethiopian government has returned to a repressive past that many hoped it had left behind.”

– on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).

Source: APO – Report:

On July 29, 2025 the Chargé d’Affaires of the Republic of Belarus in the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Vladislav Zhur, met with met with the State Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Diaspora of Equatorial Guinea, Simeon Oyono Esono Angue.

The parties discussed the state of bilateral relations and concrete steps to promote them, as well as plans to open an Equatoguinean diplomatic mission in Minsk in 2026.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus.

Source: APO – Report:

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved a loan of $144.27 million to Niger for the first phase of a program that will reform energy sector laws and address the country’s critical power shortage.

Niger’s Energy Sector Governance and Competitiveness Support Program is expected to address governance challenges by strengthening public financial management systems, particularly tax revenue mobilization and tax revenue control system. It will also support the clearance of domestic arrears, public-private dialogue, and the adoption of an industrial and commercial policy to bolster support for Nigerien businesses.

“This program represents our commitment to supporting Niger’s economic recovery and energy independence,” said African Development Bank Director General for West Africa Lamin Barrow. “By improving access to energy and strengthening governance frameworks, we are helping to lay the foundations for sustainable growth that will benefit all Nigeriens, particularly the most vulnerable populations.”

The Bank’s support will underpin ambitious energy objectives, including increasing national electricity access from 22.5% to 30% by 2026 while boosting manufacturing’s contribution to GDP from 2.5% to 3.8%. A key component focuses on the renewable energy capacity development framework and includes plans to generate 240 MW of solar energy by 2030, with 50 MW coming onstream before December 2026.

The program particularly emphasizes social inclusion, with specific measures to support internally displaced persons, women, and youth. With more than 507,000 internally displaced persons nationwide due to security challenges in the Sahel region, targeted interventions will ensure that vulnerable populations benefit from improved economic opportunities.

The Nigerien economy has shown remarkable resilience despite challenges, with GDP growth climbing to 8.8% in 2024, and oil production expected to increase from 20,000 to 90,000 barrels per day by 2026.  Still, only 22.5% of the population enjoy access to electricity, one of the lowest rates in West Africa. In rural areas, where 80% of Nigeriens live, only 4.5% have access to electricity, forcing families to rely on biomass for 94% for their energy needs.

Niger’s strategic energy compact, formally adopted by decree, provides the framework to attract $527 million in private sector investment by 2030. The project will establish high-level coordination mechanisms and update national energy policies to create an enabling environment for private participation in mini-grid developments crucial for rural electrification.

The program positions Niger to capitalize on its vast renewable energy potential while building governance systems that support inclusive and sustainable development.

– on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media Contact:
Natalie Nkembuh
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

Source: APO

The Youth Charter (www.YouthCharter.org), a pioneering international charity dedicated to social justice through sport, art, culture and digital engagement, has issued a powerful new call to action through its Founder and Chair, Geoff Thompson. In his latest leadership essay, “Sport for Development and Peace: A Live Aid of Hope and Opportunity,” Thompson challenges the global community to move beyond symbolic gestures and invest meaningfully in the lives of young people facing disadvantage, disaffection, and despair.

Reflecting on the legacy of Live Aid, and drawing from over three decades of experience in sport for development, the essay urges a coordinated global effort to turn sporting success into sustainable impact—through leadership, funding, and authentic community engagement.

“We must go from taking a knee to taking a stand,” Thompson writes. “There has never been a greater time for the Sport for Development and Peace movement to declare itself as champions of hope and opportunity.”

The essay is accompanied by a grassroots-focused “Word From The Streets” feature published on the Youth Charter website, where young voices from Manchester, Johannesburg, London and beyond share their testimonies of how sport and art have changed their lives. These stories highlight both the power of local community action and the urgent need for global alignment around the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key Messages:

• The Youth Charter is calling for a Global Sport for Development and Peace Fund, transparently managed and impact-led, to deliver meaningful social, cultural and economic change.
• The movement must be led by authentic leaders and institutions who work on the ground—not just at summits.
• Young people must be empowered as leaders, not just beneficiaries, in resetting systems of inequality.

“We are facing a humanitarian emergency—not just in Gaza and Sudan—but in the streets of our own cities. This is a defining moment for sport. Will we use it to inspire, or will we remain part of the performance? Now is the time for action, not optics.” Geoff Thompson, Youth Charter Founder & Chair

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Youth Charter.

Youth Charter @ Social Media:
LinkedIn: @ YouthCharter
Facebook: @ YouthCharter
Instagram: @ youthchartersdp
YouTube: @ YouthCharter
X: @ YOUTHCHARTER

Youth Charter #Hashtags:
#International Olympic Committee 
#Olympism
#Fight4theStreets
#YoungLivesLost
#Call2Action
#LegacyOpportunity4All
#SportDevelopmentPeace
#Empowerthenextgeneration
#CommonwealthSecretariat 
#UNSustainableDevelopmentGoals

About Youth Charter:
The Youth Charter is a UK registered charity and UN accredited non-governmental organisation. Launched in 1993 as part of the Manchester 2000 Olympic Bid and the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the Youth Charter has Campaigned and Promoted the role and value of sport, art, culture and digital technology in the lives of disaffected young people from disadvantaged communities nationally and internationally. The Youth Charter has a proven track record in the creation and delivery of social and human development programmes with the overall aim of providing young people with an opportunity to develop in life.

Specifically, The Youth Charter Tackles educational non-attainment, health inequality, anti-social behaviour and the negative effects of crime, drugs, gang related activity and racism by applying the ethics of sporting and artistic excellence. These can then be translated to provide social and economic benefits of citizenship, rights responsibilities, with improved education, health, social order, environment and college, university, employment and enterprise.

Source: APO

Every week, hundreds of victims and survivors of sexual violence seek care at health centres supported by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In 2024 alone, nearly 40,000 women were treated by MSF teams in North Kivu province — a record high. In January 2025, M23/Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) forces – backed by Rwanda – took control of Goma, the provincial capital and home to over a million people, after years of fighting against the Congolese army and allied armed groups. Since then, the prevalence of sexual violence has shown no signs of decreasing.

During the first week of the offensive, hospitals rapidly became overwhelmed by a surge in casualties, both military and civilian. Morgues filled quickly as the Congolese army and its allies retreated, allowing M23/AFC to take over as the new authorities in the city. Heightened insecurity, increased crime and rampant violence became the new normal.

MSF teams continue to record alarming levels of sexual violence cases. Between January and April, more than 7,400 victims and survivors of sexual violence received treatment at Ministry of Health facilities supported by MSF in Goma. West of the city, in Saké, an additional 2,400 victims and survivors were treated during the same period. 

Sexual violence remains prevalent under the new order

Throughout the week, female victims and survivors of sexual violence, of all ages, can be found gathering from early in the morning at health centres where MSF works in Goma. They need healing, support, and to be heard. Nasha* was among many patients to visit in May. Like many of the women, her life has been turned upside down by persistent conflict in North Kivu. 

Originally from Masisi, a territory to the west of Goma, she fled ahead of clashes in the province between 2021-2024. They moved to a displaced persons camp alongside some 650,000 others on the edge of Goma. But in February 2025, the M23/AFC armed group ordered the dismantling of camps, effectively forcing their residents to leave.  

Large numbers are unable to return to their area of origin because they lack the resources to do so, or because their lands have been seized. This has led many to seek refuge with host families or in low-cost housing in Goma and the surrounding suburbs.  

“I lived in the Rusayo displaced persons camp,” says Nasha. “After it was destroyed, we moved to the courtyard of a school where we built a shelter.”  

“Armed men broke in one evening at 10:30 pm,” she continues. “They attacked me. When my husband tried to protect me, they shot him dead.” 

Nasha’s story is far from unique in Goma and its outskirts. Every day, before nightfall, women travel to the city from the neighbouring territory of Nyiragongo in a bid to stay safe – too often in vain. Attacks on shelters, whether on small plots of land, rooms rented out by Goma residents, or public places, are frequent.

“In recent years, most rapes happened during daily activities – particularly when women left the displaced persons’ camps to search for firewood or to engage in small-scale trading activities,” explains Armelle Gbagbo, who runs women’s health activities for MSF.  

“Today, many attacks happen at sites where women are living – whether in a house or in a refuge – and particularly during the night when insecurity increases,” says Gbagbo. “They are attacked wherever: in their homes, with their families, alone, in the streets of Goma, or during outings on the edge of town.”  

Nowhere is safe. Denisa*, a minor, is originally from Rutshuru. She fled with her family to Goma amid the M23/AFC advance deeper into North Kivu a few months ago. In April, armed men broke into their home.

“They were wearing military uniforms and came to steal from us,” says Denisa. “I was with my dad, my brothers and my little sisters. The men ordered my family to leave and raped me.” 

Not all sexual violence is committed by armed men, in military uniform or otherwise. Many assaults are also committed by those closest to the victims themselves.

“We shouldn’t discount the very significant proportion of sexual violence committed by family members, other members of the survivors’ entourage, or within host families,” says Gbagbo.

Exploiting vulnerabilities

“The people of Goma have been gripped by fear since the city was taken,” says Frédéric Germain, MSF’s project coordinator. “There is significant insecurity in the city.”  

“Many criminals commit attacks, rapes and murders by night. A high availability of weapons mean that bandits and armed groups pose a constant threat,” says Germain. “The economy is slowing down, and the population is facing a system of violent predation.” 

Sarah* also recently visited one of the health centres in Goma. Her husband was recently kidnapped by men armed with rifles and machetes, who stormed into the small house where she and her family were staying after the camps were dismantled.

“It was a few weeks ago and I haven’t had news since,” says Sarah.

Others around her recounted stories of killings, looting, kidnapping, and similar forced disappearances of fathers and brothers.

A recent study by Epicentre, MSF’s epidemiological research centre, highlights a surge in violence in Goma, with the number of violent incidents reported in the first six months of this year being more than five times higher than in 2024. [1]

“The proportion of violent deaths recorded in this study is very high, representing one in four deaths,” says explained Dr Brahima Touré, an epidemiologist working with Epicentre. “Incidents of physical violence and verbal threats are also occurring in large numbers, as testified by the number of people witnessing such events.”

“The results show high levels of sexual violence, which are likely to be significantly underestimated given that in this kind of study on violence, survivors find it difficult to speak out,” says Dr Touré.

Targeted support, immense needs

The offensive on Goma led many civil society figures to flee, with several humanitarian organisations working to support sexual violence survivors and victims also leaving, in part due to the impact of American budget cuts.

“In Goma, we are practically the only association providing health services to these women,” says Germain. “But the needs are immense.”  

After being attacked in May, Angélica*, didn’t confide in friends or family.

“I was ashamed,” says Angélica. “I didn’t know where to find help, so I stayed at home. After five days, I went to look for medicinal leaves to heal myself.”

“I felt very bad and had pain in my stomach,” she continues. “I met a community health officer who directed me to the CCLK health centre where MSF offers free care.” 

Among the victims and survivors seen by MSF, close to 20 per cent are unable to seek medical attention within 72 hours of being attacked. This is a critical window during which the administration of post-exposure prophylaxis medication can significantly reduce the likelihood of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

“There is a high percentage of women suffering from STDs,” says Gbagbo. “This is also linked to the phenomenon of gang rapes or the practice of trading sex to survive.”

“Many women say they are sexually exploited by the people housing them in exchange for food or a roof over their head,” she says.

Congolese women are also suffering the consequences of the dismantling of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) under the administration of Donald Trump. An order of 100,000 post-rape kits – which include medication for preventing infection from HIV and other STDs – that were set to be distributed to multiple organisations treating sexual violence victims and survivors in eastern DRC was cancelled this year, with catastrophic consequences. 

“In May, the United Nations Population Fund in North Kivu, which helped sexual violence survivors with support from USAID, only had 2,500 emergency kits for the entire province, while thousands of women are attacked every month,” says Gbagbo.

Sexual violence is not limited to Goma or its suburbs. Victims and survivors travel dozens of kilometres to seek treatment in the city.

“It is essential that other international partners step up to support these women,” says Germain. “Thousands are in need of urgent medical assistance.” 

*Names have been changed to protect the identity of patients. 

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Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).

Source: APO

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The United Republic of Tanzania has been awarded a significant grant of US$25 million from the Pandemic Fund to enhance its national health security and pandemic preparedness capacities. In addition to this core funding, the initiative has successfully mobilized US$7 million in co-investment and US$6.7 million in co-financing, bringing together strong technical and financial partnerships.

The project is being implemented through the collaborative efforts of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO), which serve as the three designated Implementing Entities. Together, they will provide coordinated support across human, animal, and environmental health systems in alignment with the One Health approach.

Tanzania, which comprises both Mainland and Zanzibar, continues to enjoy steady economic growth, driven in part by its abundant natural resources and vibrant tourism sector. However, this growth is accompanied by increased risks, particularly zoonotic and cross-border disease transmission due to high population movement and porous borders. Despite a strong commitment by the government to the International Health Regulations (IHR), the country still faces critical challenges in disease detection, specimen referral systems, laboratory capacity, biosafety, and early warning functions.

In response, the new project aligns closely with Tanzania’s National Action Plan for Health Security. It aims to reduce the impact of future epidemics and pandemics by addressing system-level gaps while ensuring that the needs of vulnerable and marginalized populations, including the elderly and persons with disabilities, are fully integrated into planning and implementation.

The Ministry of Health is spearheading the project in close coordination with the President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries. Implementation will also involve a broad coalition of national and international partners.

Each implementing entity contributes distinct technical strengths. FAO supports animal health planning and implementation, UNICEF leads on risk communication and community engagement, and WHO supports the strengthening of human health systems and emergency readiness.

By 2027, Tanzania aims to have an integrated, functional disease surveillance and response system capable of effectively monitoring, confirming, and responding to epidemic and pandemic threats. With this investment, the country is not only reinforcing its ability to protect the health of its citizens but also contributing meaningfully to regional and global health security.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization – United Republic of Tanzania.

Source: APO

Chad, a Sahelian nation often associated with climate and humanitarian emergencies, is now joining Africa’s circular economy movement. Backed by the African Development Bank’s Circular Economy Facility (ACEF) (www.AfDB.org), the country has just adopted a national roadmap for the circular economy.  

Through this plan, which is rooted in the “Vision 2030” national development plan, Chad is not just recycling; it is rethinking growth. For years, informal collectors in N’Djamena have asked a familiar question: “Do you have any bottles?” The collectors gather and resell reusable waste at low prices, unwittingly perpetuating a circular economy model driven by necessity. Today, this popular practice is being scaled up, structured, and integrated into national policy, with the official publication, on 9 July 2025, of the Roadmap for the Circular Economy 2025–2035. The document promotes practices that have been largely overlooked and places them within a structured framework with governance, financing, and quantified targets. 

“This initiative is not a luxury, but rather a vital necessity for the future of Chad,” said Hassan Bakhit Djamous, Chad’s Minister for the Environment. “It’s about conserving our natural resources, fighting pollution, creating sustainable jobs, and supporting local innovation. It also offers us a path to diversify an economy still heavily reliant on oil.” 

In a country where more than 3.7 million people face food insecurity, post-harvest losses exceed 200,000 tons per year, and fewer than 12 per cent of citizens have access to electricity, the roadmap offers tangible solutions: turning agricultural losses into compost, producing biogas from animal waste, and reusing wastewater for irrigation.  

Chad’s strategy is part of a broader regional push supported by the ACEF, in partnership with the African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA). Supported by three pillars – strengthening policy frameworks, supporting circular entrepreneurship, and consolidating continental cooperation – ACEF’s actions enable countries to anchor the circular economy as a structural lever for green and inclusive growth. Alongside Chad, countries like Benin, Cameroon, and Ethiopia are implementing their own circular economy roadmaps under the National Circular Economy Roadmaps (NCER) initiative, adapted to national priorities. 

The Chadian plan outlines bold targets: reducing non-recycled waste by 40 per cent by 2035, creating more than 25,000 green jobs, and raising access to electricity to meet the African median through biomass and organic waste recovery, among other circular solutions. 

Six priority sectors anchor the plan: agri-food, waste, plastics, construction, water, and energy. These are further broken down into 30 targeted initiatives, including the development of “circular farms” modeled on Benin’s Songhai Center, the integration of sustainable materials into construction standards, and the establishment of youth-led plastic recycling ventures. 

In N’Djamena, one such venture – Karo, founded by Ghislain Bindah Dingaotabet, is already bringing the roadmap to life. The company collects more than seven tons of plastic waste annually and has recycled 15 tons into eco-friendly bricks. Karo is also piloting biogas production from plant and animal waste in rural areas.  

“We are a team of innovative and committed young people, ready to put our energy at the disposal of the country,” said Dingaotabet. “We just need to be given the means to turn our ideas into reality.” 

Driven by a new generation of entrepreneurs, NGOs, and public institutions, this circular transition is now supported by strong governance. Two national workshops have helped structure the process, and a specialised technical committee is steering implementation alongside technical and financial partners. 

Through its roadmap, Chad is transforming its vulnerabilities into levers for action. It is leveraging circularity as a tool for sovereignty and a path towards a future grounded in African realities.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Source: APO

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The Conference in an initiative of the People’s Republic of China and brings together regional countries in the Horn of Africa—Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda. Also participating are delegations from the United Nations, International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the East African Community (EAC).

The Conference was officially opened by Hon. John Mulimba, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Regional Affairs). He thanked the Government of the People’s Republic of China for the strong cooperation with Africa to promote peace and sustainable development, through the Global Security Initiative which has contributed meaningfully to the international discourse on collective security. He appreciated China’s approach to regional peace and development which focuses on dialogue, respect for national sovereignty and comprehensive approaches to conflict.

H.E. Mr. Xue Bing, China’s Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Affairs, represented the Government of the People’s Republic of China and thanked the Government of Uganda for hosting the Conference. He reiterated China’s commitment to actively engage with regional countries in various initiatives that promote peace and development. He said
China will continue to strengthen cooperation with Africa in areas such as military assistance and trade, counter-terrorism, landmines eradication and military personnel training to jointly maintain security and stability in the region.

Mr. Xue Bing said China’s engagement with the region on peace and development will be anchored on three pillars: first, the need to uphold dialogue for peace and safeguard universal security; secondly, the need to explore the potential for cooperation and realize common prosperity; and third, the need to deepen exchange of experience in governance and safeguard international justice and fairness.

Recognizing the role of economic cooperation in promoting peace and development, China is ready to negotiate and sign the Agreement on China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development. China will also expand the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines to 53 African countries. China will also encourage more Chinese Enterprises to invest in the region, increase the added value of their products and localization to boost economies and create jobs.

During the Conference, delegates will review the achievements of FOCAC and discuss related issues such as connectivity and infrastructure; development cooperation and industrial development; climate resilience and food security’ as well as multilateralism and global governance.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Republic of Uganda – Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Source: APO

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A formal swearing-in ceremony took place this morning at State House for four newly appointed members of the Electoral Commission of Seychelles. Their appointment follows the conclusion of the term of office for four outgoing members on 27th July 2025.

In light of 2025 being an election year – and in a bid to ensure uninterrupted operations of the Commission – the Constitutional Appointments Authority initiated the recruitment process as early as March 2025, publicly advertising the vacant positions to facilitate a smooth transition.

Four members – two of whom have been re-appointed and two newly appointed – were officially sworn in before the President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan, in accordance with Article 115 of the Constitution. Their appointments were made following recommendations put forward by the Constitutional Appointments Authority (CAA).

The  four Electoral Commissioners sworn in this morning included;

• · Mrs. Jenny Adrienne (being re-appointed)

• · Mr. Patrick Hoareau (being re-appointed)

• · Mr. Steve Pointe  (new member)

· Dr. Bernard Monnaie (new member)

The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan, presided over the ceremony and formally addressed the newly sworn-in members following the administration of the oath of allegiance and oath of office. In his remarks, President Ramkalawan extended his congratulations to the Commissioners and underscored the pivotal role of the Electoral Commission in safeguarding the democratic foundations of the nation. He urged the appointees to uphold the highest standards of impartiality, transparency, and professionalism in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

The Electoral Commission plays a central role in ensuring the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections in Seychelles – an essential pillar in maintaining public confidence in the democratic process.

As Head of State, President Ramkalawan further underscored the importance of the Commission’s independence, noting that its members are not appointed by the President. Instead, the selection process is managed by the Constitutional Appointments Authority which issues public calls for applications, conducts interviews, and submits a comprehensive report with recommendations unanimously endorsed by all members of the Authority.

Also in attendance for the ceremony at State House were the First Lady, Mrs. Linda Ramkalawan; Vice President, Mr. Ahmed Afif; Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Roger Mancienne; Attorney General, Mr Vincent Perera, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ted Barbe; Chief of Defence Forces, Major General Michael Rosette, the Directory General SIS, Mr Benediste Hoareau, Members of the Constitutional Appointments Authority, Members of the Electoral Commission and other distinguished guests.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

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The outgoing Non-Resident Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the Republic of Seychelles H.E. Mr. Wael M. Nasr Eldin M. Attiya, paid a farewell courtesy call on the President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan, this morning at State House.

President Ramkalawan extended his appreciation to Ambassador Khalil for his dedication and efforts in strengthening the longstanding relations between Seychelles and Egypt during his tenure. He commended the Ambassador for his active role in promoting bilateral cooperation in key areas of mutual interest, including education, health, and capacity building.

“I would like to thank you for your commendable efforts in strengthening the Bilateral relationship between Seychelles and the Arab Republic of Egypt. During your tenure, you have worked closely with various Seychelles Ministries to deepen our bonds of friendship, understanding, and cooperation in key areas of shared interest. I am confident that your successor will continue in your footsteps to ensure continuity and conclusion of the various avenues of cooperation,” said President Ramkalawan.  

The Head of State also expressed Seychelles’ commitment to further deepening the strong ties between the two countries and conveyed his best wishes to Ambassador Khalil in his future endeavours.

Ambassador Attiya, for his part, thanked the Government and people of Seychelles for the warm hospitality and cooperation extended to him throughout his mission. He reaffirmed Egypt’s continued support for Seychelles and expressed confidence in the continued growth of the Seychelles-Egypt partnership.

The meeting concluded with the exchange of tokens of appreciation and a commitment to continued collaboration between the two nations.

Ambassador, Attiya also paid a visit the Vice- President, Mr Ahmed Afif before departing State House.

Also present for the meeting were the Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Vivianne Fock-Tave and Second Secretary Bilateral Affairs Division, Mr Davis Mathiot as well as the Political Officer, Mr Mohamed Eletreby.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.