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UN Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed the peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda signed on Friday in the United States capital, Washington, DC.

The accord is “a significant step towards de-escalation, peace and stability in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Great Lakes region,” he said in a statement that evening.

A breakthrough amid crisis

Since the 1990s, eastern DRC has been plagued by dozens of armed groups who have terrorized the population.

The Government has long accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group which Rwanda has denied.

Earlier this year, the M23 launched an offensive in North and South Kivu provinces, capturing cities and villages, including provincial capitals Goma and Bukavu.

Thousands of civilians were killed, hundreds of thousands more were displaced, and serious human rights violations were committed.

UN commitment remains

The Secretary-General commended the US for its leadership in facilitating the mediation process, in coordination with Qatar and the African Union Mediator, President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo.

He also acknowledged the contributions of the five co-facilitators designated by the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

He urged the parties to fully honour their commitments under the peace agreement and in line with UN Security Council resolution 2773 (2025), including the cessation of hostilities and all other agreed measures.

The resolution, unanimously adopted in February, condemned the M23 offensive and called for the DRC and Rwanda to return to diplomatic talks.

The Secretary-General concluded his statement by saying the UN, including through its peacekeeping mission in the DRC, MONUSCO, “remains fully committed to supporting the implementation of the agreement, in close coordination with the African Union, regional and international partners.”

Coincidentally, the Security Council met on Friday to discuss developments in the DRC.

The Secretary-General’s Special Representative for the country and Head of MONUSCO, Bintou Keita, welcomed the peace agreement as a significant step towards ending the conflict.

‘A chance to turn the page’

The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, echoed this message in a statement on Saturday, saying the agreement “offers a chance to stop the cycle of violence and displacement and focus on solutions that restore dignity, stability, and opportunity.”

Furthermore, it “can bring renewed hope to those who have endured far too much for far too long,” added the agency’s chief, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi.

“This is a chance to turn the page – ensuring the protection of civilians, including refugees and internally displaced people, and advancing durable solutions that allow them to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity,” he said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

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Vocational training programs lasting from three to five months have been provided to 146 students, including 90 female students, at the College of Medicine and Science.

Mr. AbrhaleyAsefaw, Head of the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students at the college, stated that the training, offered alongside the students’ regular academic curriculum, covered topics such as graphic design, sign language, Arabic language, electronics, and music.

Mr. Elias Teages, Director of Student Affairs at the college, emphasized that the knowledge gained from the training would significantly benefit the students in their daily lives. He urged them to apply their new skills for both personal advancement and community service.

Ms. Mensura Ismail, Head of the Union branch in Sawa and Higher Education Institutions, encouraged the trainees to further develop their skills through practice and to share their knowledge with their peers.

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

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The annual Eritrean community festival in Italy was officially opened by Mr. Fesehatsion Petros in Milano under the theme “Our Cohesion – Our Armour.” The opening event was attended by a large number of nationals and friends of Eritrea.

The festival, taking place on 28 and 29 June, features a photo exhibition, cultural and artistic programs, a fashion show of traditional Eritrean clothing, and seminars, among other activities.

A seminar focusing on educational progress in Eritrea, as well as the expansion of educational facilities, will be organized during the event.

Cultural and artistic performances by a cultural troupe from Eritrea will also be presented, adding vibrant color to the festivities.

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

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The Foreign Ministry expresses the Sultanate of Oman’s welcome of the peace agreement signed between the Republic of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Sultanate values the active role played by all parties in prioritising dialogue and diplomacy as a means to resolve disputes and conflicts.

Oman also commends the constructive efforts undertaken by the sisterly State of Qatar and the United States of America to reach an agreement that leads to lasting peace between the two friendly countries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Foreign Ministry of Oman.

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The United Arab Emirates has welcomed the signing of the peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda in Washington, commending it as a significant step towards reinforcing peace, security, and stability across the African continent.

His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, commended the extensive efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump, and His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, in facilitating this positive and constructive achievement, which comes in support of the African Union’s mediation efforts and the outcomes of the joint summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC). His Excellency considers the agreement a reflection of the strong determination and unwavering commitment of both parties to peaceful solutions and dialogue. 

His Excellency underscored that the international cooperation, which led to the signing of this agreement, reflects the significance of collective action in addressing regional issues, and the importance of resolving disputes through diplomatic means to achieve the aspirations of the peoples of the region for stability and prosperity.

H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan emphasized the deep-rooted historic ties between the UAE and the countries of the African continent, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda, reiterating the country’s steadfast approach in consolidating bridges of partnership and dialogue and its support for any efforts that contribute to enhancing security, peace, and sustainable development on the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The shareholders of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) have appointed Dr. George Elombi as the next President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the continental financial institution. He becomes the fourth President to lead the Bank since its establishment in 1993.

His appointment was one of the key decisions of the 32^nd Afreximbank group annual meetings and associated events held in Abuja, Nigeria, from 25 to 28 June, with the formal annual general meeting of shareholders taking place on Saturday, 28 June 2025.

He succeeds Professor Benedict Oramah, who has served as President and Chairman of the Board of Directors since 2015, and who will be stepping down in September 2025.

A Cameroonian national, George Elombi has been with Afreximbank since 1996, joining as a Legal Officer. He rose through the ranks to become Executive Vice President, Governance, Legal and Corporate Services. Over his nearly three decades at the Bank, he has served as Director and Executive Secretary (2010–2015); Deputy Director, Legal Services / Executive Secretary (2008–2010); Chief Legal Officer (2003–2008); and Senior Legal Officer (2001–2003). 

Prior to joining Afreximbank, he taught law at the University of Hull, United Kingdom.

Dr. Elombi played a pivotal role in establishing Afreximbank group’s structure, including the formation of key subsidiaries that have expanded the Bank’s capacity to deliver on its mandate. As Chair of the Emergency Response Committee, he led the Bank’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, mobilising over $2 billion for vaccine acquisition and deployment across African and Caribbean nations. Under his supervision of the Equity Mobilisation and Investor Relations department, the Bank’s total ordinary equity mobilised amounted to USD 3.6 billion as at April 2025. 

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Elombi expressed a deep commitment to the Bank’s mission and future, stating:

“I have worked alongside remarkable colleagues and extraordinary leaders to help shape this institution’s vision, its mandate as well as its growth. As we look to the future, I see Afreximbank as a force for industrialising Africa and for re-gaining the dignity of Africans wherever they are. I will work to preserve this important asset.”

He accepted the shareholders’ desire as expressed by his predecessor to make the institution a US$250 billion bank in ten years.

Dr. George Elombi holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the London School of Economics, University of London, and a Ph.D. in commercial arbitration from the same university. He obtained a ‘Maitrise-en-Droit’ from the University of Yaoundé in 1989.

His appointment followed a rigorous selection process initiated in January 2025, which included a global call for applications published in international media and on the Afreximbank website. Shortlisted candidates were interviewed by an international human resource executive search firm. The top candidates were presented to the Board of Directors, which recommended Dr. Elombi to the General Meeting of Shareholders for final approval.

Under the Afreximbank Charter, a president is appointed by the general meeting of shareholders upon the recommendation of the Board of Directors for a term of five years, renewable once.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Media Contact:
Vincent Musumba
Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations)
Email: press@afreximbank.com

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About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa1), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB-). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

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The National Awards Ceremony 2025 was held on Friday 27th June, in a distinguished event hosted at State House under the patronage of the President of the Republic, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan.

The ceremony began with a heartfelt rendition of the National Anthem performed by three talented Seychellois youths — Farhine Ally, Allessandro Evenor, and Danielle Morel — setting a patriotic tone for the proceedings.

In his opening remarks, the Chairperson of the National Awards Committee, Mr. Robert Grandcourt, commended the resilience, dedication, and accomplishments of the awardees whose service has contributed immensely to the development and unity of the Seychelles nation.

President Wavel Ramkalawan delivered the keynote address, paying tribute to the honourees for their outstanding service and unwavering commitment to the country. He reaffirmed the importance of recognising Seychellois citizens who embody national pride, integrity, and perseverance.

The President then led the Presentation of Awards, honouring a total of 13 exemplary citizens and two Seychelles National Sports teams:

MEDAL OF HONOUR

1. The late Dr René Guy Ah Moye 
2. The late Mr Thomas Vaune Alexis 
3. Mrs Milcah Emilien
4. Mr Antonio Gopal
5. Mrs Syldovia Rachel Larue
6. Shinan Philippe Moustache
7. Dr. Nirmal Kantilal Jivan Shah

MEDAL OF MERIT 

1. Ms Beatrice Aglae 
2. Mr Lienal Joey Thierry Bibi 
3. Mr Jerris Cesar
4. Ms Marie-Thérèse Hossen 
5. Mrs Daniella Johnstone
6. Mr Gerry Legras

PRIDE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SEYCHELLES

National Women’s Volleyball Team

National Beach Soccer Team (Paradise Boys)

Each award symbolised the nation’s deepest appreciation and respect for the remarkable contributions made by the recipients across various fields of national life.

The ceremony culminated in a moving musical tribute to the late Seychellois music legend, Mr. Thomas Alexis, with stirring performances of two of his most cherished songs, “Manman mon manman” and “Sesel mon pei”, lovingly interpreted by his son and daughter, Mr. Amos Alexis and Ms. Josepha Lepere. Their tribute not only honoured their father’s legacy but also stirred a deep sense of cultural pride among those present.

The National Awards Ceremony 2025 stands as a powerful reminder of the value of service, patriotism, and the vibrant spirit of the Seychellois people.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.