Category: English

Source: APO

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The Republic of Congo has officially reaffirmed its desire to accede to the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes, better known as the ‘United Nations Water Convention’. The announcement was made during a national workshop held on 26–27 November 2025 in Brazzaville, coupled with the inaugural session of the Water Advisory Council. The event was co-hosted by the Ministry of Energy and Hydraulics, the Secretariat of the UN Water Convention and the UN System in Congo. 

Strengthening water governance in Congo 

The inaugural session of the Water Advisory Council was marked by the adoption of the Brazzaville Declaration, in which the Council committed to supporting Congo’s accession to the Water Convention. The Council is a multisectoral body responsible for guiding, coordinating and supporting actions in the field of water in Congo. By supporting this inaugural session, the Convention Secretariat is contributing to strengthening the country’s institutional capacities, enabling Congo to benefit from concrete support as of now. 

The Republic of Congo has significant water potential, notably thanks to the Congo River, its tributaries and its groundwater resources. The Congo Basin is the second largest freshwater reservoir in the world. Despite these assets, inequalities in access to water persist, while urbanisation, population growth and the effects of climate change are increasing pressure on the resource. Integrated and sustainable management is therefore more necessary than ever. 

Cross-border cooperation: an essential lever 

In this context, cooperation between riparian states appears to be an indispensable tool for addressing common challenges. The Congo is already involved in regional water cooperation frameworks, such as the International Congo-Oubangui-Sangha Commission. 

Accession to the Water Convention will enable the Congo to consolidate existing cooperation, in particular by facilitating the establishment of more robust and harmonised regional legal frameworks. 

Speaking at the national workshop, the Minister of Energy and Hydraulics, Mr Émile Ouosso, said: “By acceding to the Convention, the Republic of Congo reaffirms its commitment to cooperate at the international level and to anticipate the risks associated with conflicts of use and the effects of climate change on water resources. ” 

Involved in the work of the Convention since 2020, Congo will, by becoming a Party, continue to benefit from technical support from the community of Parties and the Secretariat. This cooperation will promote, in particular, the adaptation of shared basins to climate change, the fight against pollution and better use of the practical tools developed under the Convention. 

Furthermore, the Convention provides a solid basis – recognised by international financial institutions – for mobilising funding and reducing the risks associated with investments in water infrastructure. 

The Secretary of the Convention, Ms Sonja Koeppel, said ”Accession to the Convention can provide support from the community of Parties, enable the sharing of experiences with basins and countries around the world, facilitate access to financing and raise the country’s profile internationally.” 

The high-level opening session was also attended by the Ambassadors of the European Union and France, as well as the UN Resident Coordinator in Congo. All partners reiterated their support for Congo’s accession to and implementation of the Convention. 

Growing global commitment 

The Congo’s forthcoming accession is part of a growing international political interest in transboundary water cooperation. The 2026 United Nations Water Conference, co-chaired by Senegal and the United Arab Emirates, will be a major opportunity to advance these issues, particularly in the context of the interactive dialogue dedicated to “water for cooperation .” 

Since the Convention was opened for global accession, 16 States have acceded to it, including 13 African countries. Among the States bordering the Congo River, Cameroon is already a Party, while the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic are in the process of acceding.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

Source: APO

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On the eve of the West African Arts and Culture Festival (ECOFEST), the Commissions of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) convened a meeting of ministers responsible for culture from both organizations’ Member States on Sunday, November 30, 2025.

In her opening remarks, Prof. Fatou Sow SARR, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, underscored that West Africa’s cultural heritage is not only a living testament to its history but also a fundamental pillar of regional identity and a vital source of pride.

“It is therefore essential that, wherever cultural property belonging to our States may be found, we undertake coordinated, sustained, and consistent efforts to secure its return and reinforce the regional heritage that binds us,” she stated.

Mr. Mamadù Serifo JAQUITE, UEMOA Commissioner for Human Development, called on the ministers to embrace their historic responsibility by adopting an ambitious and pragmatic action plan. Such a plan, he emphasized, would enable countries of the region to present a united front in international fora and accelerate the restitution of heritage to their peoples.

In his welcome address, Senegal’s Minister responsible for Culture, the Crafts sector, and Tourism, Mr. Amadou Ba, expressed appreciation for the presence in Dakar of ministers and senior officials from West African countries attending the meeting and ECOFEST. “You are welcome in Senegal, the land of Teranga—not only as political leaders, but above all as members of the same large family, that of West Africa, united by deep historical, linguistic, and cultural ties,” he declared.

He further affirmed that reclaiming the cultural and historical heritage of West African peoples is part of a broader struggle to recover their collective soul and sovereignty—a just cause that requires a coherent action plan and a comprehensive, collective, and coordinated strategy.

During the meeting, ministers examined and endorsed the recommendations put forward by experts who had convened earlier to discuss key issues, including the implementation of the ECOWAS Action Plan (2027-2031); the progress and challenges faced by member states in securing restitution and return of cultural property; and the status of national cultural policies and institutions responsible for heritage protection and the cultural and creative industries.

The ministers also emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation with international organizations, development partners, civil society, and cultural networks to advance the region’s cultural agenda.

As a reminder, the ECOWAS Regional Action Plan follows the Political Declaration adopted by Heads of State and Government at the 54th Ordinary Summit held in December 2018 in Abuja, Nigeria, on the return of African cultural property to their countries of origin. The ECOWAS Cultural Policy serves as a key instrument to promote cultural diversity and foster sustainable socio-economic development and regional integration through support for cultural and creative industries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO

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Women and girls in Unity State are urging the Government to pass long-pending legislation to prevent and respond to gender-based violence, stressing the need to shield them from harmful practices such as early and forced marriage.

The call was made during a three-day women’s forum in Bentiu, organized by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan and State Ministry of Gender as part of the global 16 Days of Activism campaign, which brought together 80 participants, including women leaders, traditional chiefs, youth, and senior government officials.

“Among the challenges facing girls in South Sudan are many cases of early and forced marriages,” said women’s representative, Nyataba Gatluak Dor. “A strong law would help prevent these harmful practices and convince communities that gender-based violence must stop.”

Unity State’s Gender Advisor, Stephen Liah Kuach, stressed the government’s commitment to tackling the concerns raised at the forum.

“The Anti-Gender-Based-Violence Bill must be passed into law,” he said. “Women and girls in this country need to have equal rights, and this law will ensure that no one breaches these rights.”

Among the many topics debated at the forum was the importance of protecting women’s property rights.

“Some families still seize a husband’s belongings after his death, leaving their widow vulnerable. Both State and national governments need to work together urgently to enact legislation to protect their rights,” said women’s union representative, Mary Nyakun Diu.

“We need a law to stop the humiliation of women in this country. You cannot protect vulnerable women without regulations and rules.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Source: APO

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President Isaias Afwerki returned home yesterday afternoon, concluding a two-day working visit to Sudan on the invitation of General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, Chairman of Sudan’s Sovereign Council.

During his visit, President Isaias held extensive meetings with General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, Prime Minister Dr. Kamal Idris, the Governor of the Darfur Region, Mr. Minni Arko Minnawi, and other senior officials. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, the overall situation in Sudan and possible pathways for resolving the current crisis, as well as regional and global issues of interest to the two countries.

President Isaias Afwerki reiterated that the objective of the visit was to reaffirm Eritrea’s firm and principled stance on, and support for, the unity and sovereignty of Sudan, and to stand alongside the Sudanese people and Sudan’s Sovereign Council who are shouldering the responsibility of ensuring the unity and territorial integrity of the country.

General Al-Burhan, for his part, paid tribute to Eritrea’s position, which is anchored in the historic ties between the two peoples, and affirmed that he will exert vigorous efforts to consolidate these ties for the benefit of both nations.

Upon arriving in Port Sudan by road travel, President Isaias was accorded a warm official and public welcome.

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

Source: APO

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President Dr. Patrick Herminie, in line with his administration’s commitment to effective governance, strengthened leadership, and improved service delivery for the Seychellois people, has announced a series of high-level appointments at the levels of Special Advisors, Secretaries of State, and Principal Secretaries.

These appointments are critical to ensuring that Government is positioned to deliver on its national priorities with greater coordination, accountability, and measurable results for citizens. All new appointments will take effect on 1st December 2025.

Appointments of new Chief Executive Officers will be made during the month of December 2025.

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

• Ms. Jennifer Vel – Chief of Staff, Presidential Affairs and Economic Advisor
• Mr. Nirmal Shah – Special Advisor
• Ms. Doreen Zelia – Principal Secretary Administration
• Mr. Terry Jones – Principal Secretary Government Implementation and Delivery
• Ms. Melissa Simeon – Principal Secretary Public Affairs
• Ms. Shelda Commettant – Chief Press Secretary
• Mr. Aubrey Payet – Chief Presidential Protocol Affairs
• Mrs. Anna Gutierez – Chief Public Relations and Communications Advisor

CABINET AFFAIRS AND CIVIL SERVICE

• Ms. Margaret Moumou Secretary of State, Cabinet Affairs and Civil Service
• Ms. Shella Mohideen Chief Secretary
• Ms Florry Payet Deputy Cabinet Secretary

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

• Major General Michael Rosette Chief of Defence Force

DEPARTMENT OF LEGAL AFFAIRS

• Mr. Vinsent Perera Attorney General
• Ms Wendy Zialor Registrar General

VICE PRESIDENT’S OFFICE

• Mr. Alvin Laurence Secretary of State Poverty Alleviation
• Mr. Xavier Estico Secretary of State Science, Technology and Innovation
• Mr. Benjamin Choppy Principal Secretary Department of Information Communication Technology and Digital Transformation
• Ms. Ginnie Lucas Principal Secretary Department of Information
• Mr. Daniel Cetoupe Principal Secretary Department of Risk and Disaster Management
• Mr. Joseph Francois Secretary of State Lands, Housing and Infrastructure
• Mr. Denis Barbe Principal Secretary Department of Lands
• Mr. Jude Florentine Principal Secretary Department of Housing

MINISTRY OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC PLANNING, TRADE AND INVESTMENT

• Mr. Patrick Payet Secretary of State Finance, Economic Planning, Trade & Investment
• Ms. Astride Tamatave Principal Secretary Finance Department
• Mrs. Elizabeth Agathine Principal Secretary Economic Planning Department
• Mrs. Natalie Edmond Principal Secretary Trade and Investment Department

MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, AGRICULTURE AND BLUE ECONOMY

• Mr. Alain Decommarmond Secretary of State Fisheries and Blue Economy
• Mrs. Phillianne Ernesta Principal Secretary Blue Economy
• Mr. Keven Nancy Principal Secretary Agriculture
• Mr. Roy Clarisse Principal Secretary Fisheries

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND THE DIASPORA

• Ambassador Ian Madeleine Principal Secretary Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora

MINISTRY OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND CIVIL AFFAIRS

• Ms. Sheryl Vengadasamy Principal Secretary Homeland Security
• Mr. Alain Volcere Principal Secretary Civil Affairs
• Mr. Ted Barbe Commissioner of Police
• Mr. Antoine Denousse Acting Commissioner of Prison
• Ms. Tally Domingue Chief Fire Officer Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services

MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT, PORTS AND CIVIL AVIATION

• Mr. Patrick Andre Principal Secretary Land Transport
•  Mr. David Bianchi Principal Secretary Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine

MINISTRY OF HEALTH

• Dr. Jude Padayachy Secretary of State for Health
• Dr. Bernard Valentin Special Advisor
• Dr. Sandra Crewe Principal Secretary Health Services
• Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Pugazhendi Principal Secretary Policy, Planning, Strategy and Accountability

MINISTRY OF YOUTH AND SPORTS

• Ms. Begitta Jeannevol Special Advisor Youth Affairs
• Mr. Jean Larue Special Advisor Sports
• Ms. Fatime Kante Principal Secretary for Youth and Sport

MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY AND ENTERPRISE

• Mr. Michael Nalletamby Principal Secretary Industry and Enterprise

MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND INNER ISLANDS

• Mr. Dan Frichot Special Advisor
• Mrs. Vicky Van Der Westhuizen Principal Secretary Local Government and Community Services
• Mr. Denis Antat Principal Secretary Inner Islands Affairs and Community Delivery

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE, ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES

• Mr. Denis Matatiken Special Advisor
• Mr. Tony Imaduwa Principal Secretary Energy and Climate Affairs
• Ms. Nanette Laure Principal Secretary Environment and Natural Resources

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

• Mr. John Lesperance Special Advisor
• Dr. Justin Zelime Principal Secretary General Education and Curriculum
• Mr. Bernard Arnephy Principal Secretary Educational Support and Projects
• Mr. Jean Alcindor Principal Secretary Human Resource Development

MINISTRY OF EMPLOYMENT AND HUMAN RESOURCE PLANNING

• Ms. Veronique Bresson Special Advisor
• Ms. Susan Morel Principal Secretary Employment and Human Resource Planning
• Mr. Steve Monnaie Principal Secretary Labour Relations and Regulations

MINISTRY OF SOCIAL AFFAIRS, FAMILY AND EQUALITY

• Mrs. Linda William-Melanie Secretary of State Social Affairs, Family and Equality
• Mrs. Beryl Payet Principal Secretary Social Affairs
• Mr. Mike Morel Principal Secretary Family Affairs and Equality

MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND CULTURE

• Mrs. Bernadette Willemin Special Advisor Tourism
• Mrs. Sherin Francis Principal Secretary Tourism
• Mrs. Cecile Kalebi Principal Secretary Culture, Arts and National Heritage

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi witnessed the opening of the fourth Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX 2025), at Al-Manara International Conference Center and the Egypt International Exhibition Center in New Cairo. The President was received by Prime Minister Dr. Moustafa Madbouly, Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Armed Forces and Minister of Defense and military Production General Abdel Mageed Saqr and Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Lieutenant General Ahmed Khalifa.

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said a commemorative photo was taken of the President with the senior guests before the exhibition activities commenced with the performance of the song, “We are always together”, in Arabic, English and French. This was followed by a presentation of the joint manufacturing project for the howitzer (K9A1 EGY) and a documentary about the project, in addition to a documentary about the Egypt Defence Expo.

The spokesman for the presidency said Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Minister of Defense and Military Production, General Abdel Mageed Saqr, delivered an address on this occasion, welcoming the participants in the exhibition’s activities. He confirmed that the exhibition has become a global platform for countries and companies producing armament systems and defense platforms from all parts of the world to showcase the latest advancements in sophisticated technologies.

General Saqr pointed out that this year’s edition of the exhibition takes place amidst rapid transformations and complex conflicts in our region and the world, which renders permanent readiness to confront dangers and threats a duty that allows no room for complacency.

The Defense Minister added that the world now realizes that Egypt’s persistent warnings, repeatedly voiced by the President, about the region sliding into a comprehensive war that would drag the world toward an unknown fate, reflected a profound vision and a voice of wisdom, and were a sincere and conscious caution against the repercussions of following the logic and arrogance of power, instead of the logic of just and comprehensive peace. Egypt has practically affirmed this commitment during the Sharm El Sheikh Peace Summit, where it gathered on its soil nations that believe in peace to unify efforts to end the war in Gaza and stop the bloodshed after two years that defied human logic.

General Saqr emphasized stated that Egypt’s possession of various elements of capability is an investment in true peace, as strong nations have their will respected and their borders protected. He further affirmed that the Egyptian Armed Forces has been, and will always remain, a wise and rational force that protects and does not threaten, builds and reconstructs.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Minister of Defense and Military Production noted that the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum serves as a testament to the greatness of Egypt and a bridge connecting its glorious past with its vibrant present and promising future.

He said Egypt is today presenting an image of its modern strength through the fourth edition of the Egypt International Defense Exhibition (EDEX), which demonstrates its commitment to keeping pace with global developments in the field of armament and enhancing its military capabilities to reinforce its national security. The Defense Minister also underscored Egypt’s keenness to foster partnership frameworks and strategic relations with sisterly and friendly nations.

The Defense Minister extended gratitude and appreciation to President El-Sisi for his ongoing support and unwavering commitment to enhancing the capabilities of the Armed Forces to complete the modernization process and raise combat efficiency. He also thanked the President for fostering cooperation with friendly nations to protect regional and international peace and security, and for building bridges of cooperation through joint training and exchange of expertise with numerous countries worldwide.

The President then headed to the Egypt International Exhibition Center to inspect the pavilion of the Arab Republic of Egypt. The President was given a brief about the pavilions of vehicle administration (Engineering Industries Complex), the pavilion of the Ministry of Military Production, the pavilion of the Arab International Optronics, and the pavilion of the Arab Organization for Industrialization. The President also inspected the pavilions of the United Arab Emirates and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

At the conclusion of the event, a commemorative photo was taken of the President and representatives of major global defense industry companies.

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