Category: English

Source: APO

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In support of implementation of the Peace Agreement Between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda (Rwanda) signed in Washington, D.C. on June 27, 2025, the United States hosted two sets of meetings on July 30 through August 1, 2025, focused on implementation of the security aspects of the agreement and building a framework for regional economic growth opportunities, which together are critical to achieving long-term stability and durable peace in the Great Lakes region. This bilateral initiative is designed to unlock the immense economic potential of the Great Lakes region made possible only through the implementation of the Peace Agreement.

On August 1, representatives from the DRC and Rwanda, facilitated by the United States, initialed the text of the Regional Economic Integration Framework Tenets, a requirement outlined in the Peace Agreement. Through joint coordination in areas including energy, infrastructure, mining, national park management and tourism, and public health, the DRC and Rwanda will drive economic progress and improve the lives of people and the communities where they live across the Great Lakes region.

Also on July 31, DRC and Rwandan delegations held the first meeting of the Joint Oversight Committee to support implementation of the Peace Agreement Between the DRC and Rwanda, observed by the United States, the State of Qatar, the Republic of Togo (as the African Union facilitator) and the African Union Commission. The Committee serves as a platform for implementing the Peace Agreement and resolving disputes. At its first meeting, participants appointed Chairpersons to the Commission, agreed to governing terms, and prepared for the launch of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism.

This week’s meetings represent a significant step forward in implementing the Peace Agreement, with the DRC and Rwanda taking meaningful actions to advance security and economic cooperation. The United States reaffirms its commitment to supporting these efforts and, as the parties make progress implementing the Peace Agreement, looks forward to hosting the Summit of the Heads of State in Washington, D.C., to drive peace, stability, and economic prosperity.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of State, United States of America.

Source: APO

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At its session on 1 August, the Government promoted Counsellor Katja Kalamäki to the public office of Counsellor for Foreign Affairs, starting on 1 September 2025. The President of the Republic appointed Counsellor for Foreign Affairs Kalamäki to serve as Head of Mission at Finland’s Embassy in Windhoek from 1 September 2025.

Kalamäki will transfer to Windhoek from the Unit for Northern Europe and Regional Cooperation, where she has served as Director since 2021. Before that, she worked as Diplomatic Adviser to the Foreign Minister in the Office of the Minister for Foreign Affairs in 2013–2021.

Kalamäki has prior experience on Finnish missions abroad from Islamabad, where she served as Deputy Head of Mission in 2010–2011, and from the Permanent Mission of Finland to the UN in New York, where she worked in 2011–2013 specialising in human rights and equality issues.

Kalamäki joined the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in 2005. She holds two Master’s degrees of Master of Social Sciences.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland.

Source: APO

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On July 31, Ambassador Gao Wenqi attended the working meeting betweenYang Dongning, Vice Governor of Export-Import Bank of China and Hon. Yusuf MURANGWA, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning of Rwanda. Both sides exchanged views on promoting the trade, economic and financial cooperation between China and Rwanda.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Rwanda.

Source: APO

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President Wavel Ramkalawan, accompanied by First Lady Mrs. Linda Ramkalawan and Vice President Ahmed Afif, attended the foundation stone laying ceremony for the second and third phases of the Orchid Village affordable housing development at Grand Anse Mahé on Friday morning.

The comprehensive housing initiative encompasses 80 affordable residential units, comprising 32 two-bedroom and 48 three-bedroom accommodations. Ascent Project Limited will execute the construction over a 24-month timeline,with the project generously funded by the United Arab Emirates government at an investment of approximately USD 7.3 million.

President Ramkalawan, alongside His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Saeed Alneyadi, Chargé d’Affaires of the UAE Embassy, and Minister for Land and Housing Billy Rangasamy, unveiled the commemorative plaque and laid the foundation stone, marking the project’s commencement. The delegation also participated in a symbolic tree-planting ceremony.

In his address, Minister Rangasamy expressed profound gratitude to the UAE government for their substantial investment in Seychelles’ housing sector. The Minister announced the concurrent development of regional sewage treatment plants to service multiple housing estates, including this project, aligning with the nation’s comprehensive infrastructure agenda for sustainable development.

His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Saeed Alneyadi emphasized that the project “represents a significant milestone in the United Arab Emirates’ commitment to providing quality housing for Seychellois citizens and fostering community growth. This grant transcends mere financial investment, it exemplifies the enduring friendship and solidarity between Seychelles and the UAE.”

President Ramkalawan conveyed his appreciation and satisfaction with the project’s progress, noting it as one of three generous initiatives from the UAE government, alongside the English River rehabilitation project and the Anse Royale Sports Complex. “Let this village become a source of pride and cultivate a sense of community that enables our people to flourish,” the President declared.

National Assembly Member for Grand Anse Mahé District, Mr. Waven William, urged prospective beneficiaries to maintain consistent payment schedules to secure housing allocation. He encouraged current residents to preserve their properties through proper maintenance and foster harmonious neighborhood relations. William advocated for revised housing agreements reflecting contemporary realities, permitting homeowners to undertake repairs while preserving structural integrity, and called for proactive enforcement measures to maintain community standards.

The ceremony was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde, Minister of Health Mrs. Peggy Vidot, Principal Secretaries, Chief Executive Officers, National Assembly members, Grand Anse Mahé District Administrator Mrs. Retania Leon, Ministry of Land and Housing personnel, district residents, and distinguished guests.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

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On July 31, Ambassador Gao Wenqi paid a courtesy call on Hon. Yusuf MURANGWA, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning of Rwanda.

Amb. Gao pledged to join hands with the Rwandan side to implement the important consensus reached by the two Heads of State and the outcomes of FOCAC Beijing Summit. He looked forward to deepening China-Rwanda practical cooperation in various fields and advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership.

Minister MURANGWA appreciated the long-term support of China to the economic and social development of Rwanda. He expressed his readiness to work with Chinese side to further practical cooperation and enrich the connotation of bilateral relations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Rwanda.

Source: APO

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President Wavel Ramkalawan, accompanied by First Lady Mrs. Linda Ramkalawan, served as guests of honour, at the graduation ceremony  Seychelles Institute of Teacher Education (SITE) 2021-2025 cohort, held at the International Conference Centre Seychelles (ICCS), Friday afternoon.

The ceremony celebrated a pivotal achievement in the nation’s educational advancement as 158 graduates received their qualifications across diverse educational disciplines. The graduating cohort represents a significant investment in the nation’s educational infrastructure, with qualifications spanning early childhood through secondary education. Recipients earned credentials including the Certificate in Child Care and Development through both traditional full-time study and Recognition of Prior Learning pathways, ensuring accessibility for diverse learner backgrounds.

The ceremony highlighted the Institute’s commitment to flexible learning approaches, with 79 early childhood education graduates completing their studies through Blended Learning Mode, specifically designed to accommodate working professionals seeking career advancement without interrupting their service to the community.

The evening’s pinnacle featured the presentation of prestigious awards recognizing exceptional academic and professional achievement. Ibraham Adrienne received the coveted President’s Cup and the Male Award for his exemplary conduct, outstanding academic performance, excellence in professional practices, and active institutional participation.

Additional honours included the Seychelles Institute of Teacher Education Award, presented to Ms. Shanah Jouaneau, Ms. Bertline Freminot was recognized with the Most Improved Award, celebrating remarkable academic progress and dedication.

SITE Director Mrs. Mavis Lespoir addressed the graduates with emphasis on their transformative role in shaping Seychelles’ educational landscape. “Eachof you represents what SITE stands for: growth, perseverance, and service to the nation. You are the living proof of what our ‘Future Builders: Teaching the Nation Forward’ campaign represents. You have chosen to shape lives and inspire futures,” she declared, urging graduates to embrace their roles as nation builders.

The diverse qualification portfolio reflects SITE’s holistic approach to educational excellence, encompassing Diploma programs in Early Childhood Education, Primary Education, and specialized secondary education disciplines including Mathematics and History & Geography. Advanced qualifications were also conferred in The Arts, Technology and Enterprise, and Health and Physical Education, alongside Advanced Diploma in Education recipients.

The ceremony drew distinguished attendance including Minister of Education Dr. Justin Valentin, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Hon. Sebastien Pillay, Principal Secretaries, Members of the National Assembly, SITE Governing Board members, graduates’ families, and SITE management and staff.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

On August 1, 2025 the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Maxim Ryzhenkov, met with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Sudan, Omer Elamin Abdalla Fadlalla.

During the meeting, the interlocutors discussed the situation in Sudan, topical issues on the international agenda, as well as the state and prospects of Belarusian-Sudanese cooperation.

The parties emphasised their support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sudan, as well as the desire to resume active cooperation between the two countries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus.

Source: APO

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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Xola Nqola, has expressed his deepest shock and outrage at the cold-blooded murder of public prosecutor Ms Tracy Brown in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, yesterday.

“This is indeed a tragedy where the protectors of our criminal justice system are not safe anymore. This is unacceptable and no stone should be left unturned to bring the culprits to book,” he said.

According to reports, Ms Brown was ambushed and shot multiple times by four armed assailants while sitting in her car, in full view of her partner and child. “The brutal nature of this assassination-style killing is deeply disturbing and represents a direct attack on the justice system and those who serve it with dedication and courage,” emphasised the Chairperson.

This incident follows the tragic murder of Ms Elona Sombulula, a court official at the Engcobo Magistrates Court, in April this year. The committee is gravely concerned by what appears to be a pattern of targeted violence against officials within the justice sector.

Mr Nqola stated: “The murder of Ms Brown is not only a devastating loss to her family and colleagues, but an attack on the rule of law in South Africa. Prosecutors serve at the forefront of our fight against crime and corruption. When they are targeted, it threatens the foundations of our constitutional democracy.

“The committee sends its heartfelt condolences to Ms Brown’s loved ones and colleagues during this painful time. The committee also calls on law enforcement agencies to prioritise the investigation and ensure that those responsible are swiftly apprehended and face the full might of the law.”

He said the portfolio committee will engage with the Department of Justice and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) on urgent measures to enhance the safety and security of prosecutors and court officials across the country.

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

Source: APO

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The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Cooperative Governance and Public Administration (Traditional Affairs, Human Settlements and Water & Sanitation), Mr Mxolisi Kaunda, is concerned by reports of the closure of the Emfuleni Local Municipality client service centre due to unpaid rent.

“The closure of the client service centre negatively impacts the ability of the municipality to collect rates and taxes, a key driver of municipal revenue. The inability to collect revenue will have an unintended negative impact on the ability to deliver quality services to the people,” Mr Kaunda said.

The 6th Parliament select committee visited the municipality and criticised the lack of progress in resolving material risks of governance and financial control within the municipality, which exacerbate the already dire state of poor service delivery. Furthermore, the continued attachment of the municipality’s bank accounts by service providers, such as Eskom and Rand Water, due to non-payment for services requires a focused and deadline-driven approach.

“While it is not sustainable that the accounts of the municipality are attached, it is also unsustainable that the municipality does not pay for services. The residents of the municipality deserve better basic services in line with the objects of municipalities as envisioned in Section 152 of the Constitution,” Mr Kaunda suggested.

The Chairperson also highlighted the importance of government departments paying the municipality for services to improve cash flow management and enable the municipality to provide services.

The Chairperson called on the municipality and the provincial executive to find a workable solution to ensure that the client service centre is reopened and that service providers are paid on time.

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

Source: APO

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President Donald Trump has sent a letter to President Isaias Afwerki, on 30 July this week, underlining that he is “reversing the negative, harmful damage of the Biden Administration around the globe”.

In his message that also expressed appreciation for President Isaias’ letter of congratulations of November last year for his election as the 47th President of the United States.

President Trump referred to his Administration’s readiness to re-establish a respectful and productive national relationship between the US and Eritrea “based on honesty, respect, and opportunities to improve peace and prosperity across the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea”.

As it will be recalled, President Isaias Afwerki had sent a warm message of congratulations to President Donal Trump in November last year on his “historic comeback and election as the 47th President of the United States at very crucial time when global peace is of paramount importance more than ever before”.

President Isaias had at the time expressed his hopes that President Trump’s “election will open a new chapter of fruitful and constructive ties of cooperation between Eritrea and the United States”.

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