Category: English

Source: APO

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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi spoke by phone with President of the Republic of Uganda Yoweri Museveni.

Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy stated that President El-Sisi extended his congratulations to President Museveni, on the occasion of his re-election for a new presidential term. The President reaffirmed that this victory reflects the confidence of the Ugandan people in President Museveni’s wise leadership.

President El-Sisi also highlighted the depth of the historical relations between Egypt and Uganda. The President reiterated Egypt’s keenness to further develop these relations and to build on the momentum witnessed in recent years, as well as on the outcomes of President Museveni’s visit to Egypt in August 2025.

The Ugandan President expressed his profound appreciation for President El-Sisi’s congratulations. He also agreed on strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. President Museveni added that he looked forward to welcoming President El-Sisi to Uganda in the near future.

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

Source: APO

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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Ms Joy Maimela, has noted with grave sadness the devastating road accident involving a private scholar transport vehicle, in which the lives of 13 school learners from the Vereeniging and Vanderbijlpark areas, south of Johannesburg, were tragically lost.

Ms Maimela said the tragedy is particularly painful given that schools have only been open for three days in the 2026 academic year.

“With only three school days so far in 2026, we are already confronted with this immense loss. It is deeply heartbreaking that parents who entrusted their children to be safely transported to school will now no longer hear their voices or see their smiling faces. We extend our sincere condolences to the parents, families and affected school communities during this unimaginably difficult time,” said Ms Maimela.

Preliminary reports from authorities indicate that the minibus taxi transporting the learners was involved in a collision with a side-tipper truck. The impact reportedly forced the minibus off the road, resulting in the catastrophic loss of life.

Ms Maimela also expressed concern for the five other learners who sustained critical injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals for emergency medical treatment. “We wish the injured learners a speedy and full recovery and hold them and their families in our thoughts,” she said.

The Chairperson further emphasised the importance of psychosocial support for affected learners, families, educators and school communities. She called on the Department of Basic Education, in collaboration with provincial education departments and relevant stakeholders, to ensure that counselling and trauma-support services are urgently made available to help those affected cope with the emotional and psychological impact of the tragedy.

The Chairperson has called for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. She said the incident once again highlights persistent concerns regarding the safety and regulation of scholar transport vehicles.

“This tragic loss of young lives underscores the urgent need for stricter oversight, enforcement of road safety regulations and accountability within the scholar transport sector. Authorities are expected to intensify scrutiny in the wake of this incident to prevent similar tragedies in the future,” Ms Maimela said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO – Report:

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The President of the Republic, Dr. Patrick Herminie, has outlined three major outcomes of his official mission to Abu Dhabi, following his participation in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026. Addressing members of the media at a post-mission press conference, the President identified strengthened pathways for water security, accelerated energy transformation, and enhanced digital connectivity as the principal deliverables of the visit.

President Herminie explained that engagements held at the ADSW 2026 were deliberately focused on translating international cooperation into practical, results-oriented solutions to address some of Seychelles’ most pressing national challenges. He noted that water and energy, are among the most critical sectors requiring urgent and sustained intervention, and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to delivering durable, long-term solutions through improved access to water and more affordable electricity.

First regarding water security, the President highlighted that recent years have exposed vulnerabilities in the country’s water supply, leading to periods of water stress that the Government is determined not to allow to persist. While reiterating that water conservation remains a national priority, he emphasised that desalination represents the most immediate and effective solution to meet growing demand. In this regard, the President has secured four desalination plants for the southern region of Mahé, an intervention expected to significantly reduce water stress and improve water availability over the next five to ten years.

In addressing energy transformation, President Herminie stressed that reducing the cost of electricity is central to the Government’s broader socio-economic development agenda. He acknowledged that Seychelles’ continued reliance on fuel oil for electricity generation is both costly and environmentally unsustainable, underscoring the urgency of transitioning to alternative energy production models. While renewable sources such as solar and wind energy remain key components of the national strategy, he noted that Seychelles’ limited land mass presents constraints for large-scale photovoltaic deployment.

To overcome these limitations, the President outlined an integrated approach that combines solar energy generation with battery storage systems, a model made increasingly viable by rapid advancements in technology. He announced that pilot initiatives will commence on La Digue Island, serving as an initial testing ground, before progressing to Praslin and, subsequently, Mahé. These efforts form part of a broader strategy to lower electricity costs, enhance energy reliability, and support the Government’s plans to introduce green infrastructure initiatives such as electric public transportation

Within this context, President Herminie further revealed that he has sought support from private individuals as well as the Government of Abu Dhabi to advance projects aimed at installing solar panel on government housing. He acknowledged that the high upfront cost of installation remains a significant barrier for many households. To address this challenge, the President said that the Government will move decisively by introducing a requirement for all new housing developments to be equipped with solar panel systems. He emphasised that this policy shift will not only advance national energy objectives but also create new business opportunities for local entrepreneurs and service providers within the renewable energy sector.

The President also addressed developments in telecommunications and internet connectivity, identifying digital infrastructure as a critical pillar of national transformation. He informed the media that discussions are currently underway with Starlink to explore the provision of more affordable and reliable internet services for Seychelles. President Herminie noted that progress in areas such as artificial intelligence, e-government, and broader digitalisation will depend heavily on improving both the cost and efficiency of telecommunications services.

He further noted that the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is actively advancing these discussions and is expected to present concrete proposals to the Cabinet of Ministers by April this year.

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026 was held from 13 to 15 January, during which President Herminie delivered the keynote address at the Blue Forum, engaged with participants of the Youth for Sustainability initiative, and undertook a series of high-level engagements. The forum proved to be highly successful, offering invaluable opportunities to engage directly with emerging technologies and innovative solutions in energy production and water conservation.

The outcomes of the Abu Dhabi mission reflect the Government’s firm resolve to leverage international partnerships to deliver tangible benefits for the Seychellois people, while positioning Seychelles decisively on a path of sustainable, inclusive, and resilient development.

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO – Report:

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Epiphany (Timket) was celebrated nationwide with vibrant and joyous festivities today, 19 January.

In the capital, Asmara, the religious observance was attended by archbishops, bishops, members of the Holy Synod, heads of dioceses, representatives of monasteries, senior Government officials, members of the diplomatic community, and a large number of the faithful.

A prayer service, led by His Holiness Abune Basilios, the 6th Patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church, was conducted at the Epiphany Holy Water spot at Bahti Meskerem Square.

During the occasion, Merigeta Simon Beyene provided a briefing on the historical significance of the Timket Holiday. Indicating that national holidays are a source of pride and embody national values, Merigeta Simon honored the Eritrean martyrs who made it possible to celebrate national holidays in peace and happiness, and extended his wishes for a joyous Epiphany to the Eritrean people at home and abroad, as well as members of the Eritrean Defense Forces. He also called on the faithful to extend support to disadvantaged citizens.

The event was broadcast live on Eritrean Television and Dimtsi Hafash Radio.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO – Report:

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his sadness at the loss of life in violence on the Cape Flats at the weekend and in a collision involving a scholar transport vehicle this morning, Monday, 19 January 2026.

At least 26 people died in violence on the Cape Flats during a 24-hour period over the weekend while 11 learners died when the vehicle in which they were travelling collided with a truck near Vanderbijlpark today.

President Ramaphosa offers his deepest sympathies to all families and communities concerned and says Government will work with citizens and community-based organisations to protect people’s lives in these different circumstances.

With reference to the Western Cape tragedies, President Ramaphosa said communities could expect stronger law enforcement and increased police visibility to stabilise affected communities and reduce the potential for further violence.

President Ramaphosa recognises the fear to which criminals subject residents and therefore calls on communities to strengthen their partnership with law enforcement agencies in community policing forums.

The President also urges residents to provide information – even on neighbours and family members – to police on an ongoing basis so that communities will instead become unsafe for criminals. With the assistance of community members, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has been able to arrest 100 gang leaders and 106 runners in the past three months.

President Ramaphosa assures residents that Government is balancing short-term actions to prevent and respond to violence and stabilise communities, with long-term socio-economic interventions to improve social conditions and living standards.

On today’s learner transport tragedy, President Ramaphosa says it is particularly distressing that this incident has taken place on the day the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has published a report on scholar transport in the North West.

The President’s thoughts are with the families, teachers, classmates and friends of the young victims.

“Our children are the nation’s most precious assets and we must do all we can – from observing the rules of the road to the quality of service providers appointed to transport scholars – to protect learners.”

President Ramaphosa says national and provincial authorities will provide families and schools with the necessary psychosocial support.

– on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.