Category: English

Source: APO

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A vibrant showcase of Seychellois innovation, entrepreneurship and creativity officially opened this evening with President Dr Patrick Herminie attending the launch of the Jubilee Expo, one of the flagship events marking Seychelles’ 50th anniversary of Independence.

Held under the theme “Invest | Innovate | Inspire”, the Jubilee Expo brings together businesses, organisations, innovators, entrepreneurs and exhibitors from across the country to showcase local products, services, technology, agriculture, creative industries and business development initiatives.

Also in attendance were First Lady Mrs Veronique Herminie, Daughter Ms Vanessa Herminie, Vice President Sebastien Pillay and his wife, Mrs Lina Pillay, Cabinet Ministers, Members of the National Assembly, members of the diplomatic corps, exhibitors and invited guests.

The opening ceremony featured a rich cultural programme, beginning with a saxophone performance by Mr Marcus Labrosse, followed by the recital of the poem Senk Deseni by Ms Stephanie Joubert. President Herminie also presented Recognition Awards to Mr John Writz and Mr Keven Rath in acknowledgement of their valuable contributions.

A symbolic cake-cutting ceremony was held with Seychellois citizens celebrating their 50th birthday in 2026, marking a shared milestone with the nation’s Golden Jubilee. Musical performances by Ziggy Adam with Nou La and Danielle Morel with Avan Tou added to the celebratory atmosphere.

Delivering the keynote address, Principal Minister and Chairman of the National Day Celebrations Committee, Wallace Cosgrow, highlighted the vital role of innovation, technology and entrepreneurship in shaping Seychelles’ future. He stressed that innovation is no longer confined to laboratories and research institutions, but is increasingly reflected in businesses, agriculture and the creativity of young entrepreneurs.

Minister Cosgrow described knowledge, technology and ambition as key drivers of economic growth and national competitiveness. He also underscored the importance of the Horticulture Show, noting that modern agriculture must embrace science, technology, sustainability and climate resilience to strengthen food security and national resilience.

Encouraging young people to embrace innovation and think beyond conventional boundaries, Minister Cosgrow said the next chapter of Seychelles’ development would be shaped by the ideas, creativity and determination of its people. He described the Jubilee Expo as a platform for businesses, innovators, investors, students and the wider public to exchange ideas, build partnerships and create new opportunities for sustainable national development.

Following the official opening ceremony, President Herminie toured the exhibition, visiting a wide range of stands and engaging with exhibitors. He learned more about their products, services and innovations, and commended their contribution to national development as Seychelles celebrates 50 years of Independence.

The Jubilee Expo forms part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations commemorating the 50th anniversary of Seychelles’ Independence under the national theme “Nou Pep, Nou Lidantite, Nou Desten”, celebrating the nation’s achievements while inspiring continued innovation, investment and collaboration for the future.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

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James Swan delivered his first briefing to the Security Council nearly a year after the DRC and Rwanda signed a peace agreement in Washington, DC.

Together with the Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed in Qatar and mediation efforts led by the African Union (AU), these processes have created “an agreed pathway” to address the protracted conflict in eastern DRC.

“It is now imperative that momentum be maintained, and that the commitments agreed to by the signatories be fully implemented,” he said.

Fighting continues in key areas

Mr. Swan who was appointed in March to head the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the DRC, known by the French acronym MONUSCO.

He warned that the security situation in the east remains highly unstable and civilians continue to pay a heavy toll amid ongoing clashes in North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri provinces.

Heavy fighting has continued between the Alliance Fleuve Congo/23rd of March Movement (AFC/M23), supported by Rwandan forces, and the Congolese Army (FARDC) allied with the Wazalendo armed group. 

In some areas, the Congolese troops are backed by the Democratic Forces for the Freedom of Rwanda (FDLR), a largely ethnic Hutu armed group founded by former perpetrators of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

Clashes are mainly occurring in two locations in North Kivu, namely Rubaya, an important mining centre, and in the area around Rutshuru, but also in the high plains of South Kivu.

He said the use of offensive drones, artillery and heavy weapons has sharply increased risks to civilians and infrastructure.

Although the AFC/M23 has partially withdrawn from some areas, the group continues to consolidate parallel administrative structures in territory under its control.

Mr. Swan called for the swift deployment of the mechanism for monitoring and verifying ceasefire commitments under the Doha process.

MONUSCO has provided the mechanism with office space in the city of Goma, along with equipment and furniture, and is preparing logistical and security support for ceasefire monitoring missions.

Civilians under fire

The envoy also highlighted the continuing threat posed by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). Since the Council last met on the DRC, the armed group has killed 287 civilians in Ituri, including 44 women.

In North Kivu, ADF violence eased temporarily earlier this year but resumed recently in Beni territory, where 66 civilians have been killed, including 17 women and three children.

Since 19 March, MONUSCO has documented 632 civilian deaths linked to armed conflict in North Kivu and Ituri.

During the same period, the UN also documented 1,221 human rights violations, including conflict-related sexual violence committed by armed groups and members of the defence and security forces.  A total of 2,968 victims, including 392 women and 378 children, were affected.

MONUSCO has intensified patrols and increased mobile operating bases in areas affected by ADF attacks and around sites for internally displaced persons. Since 19 March, peacekeepers and the Congolese Army have conducted more than 2,000 joint patrols.

The mission has also supported local and provincial peace mechanisms, particularly in Ituri, where progress has been made on implementing a roadmap for dialogue among armed groups in Aru.

Support for both security sector reform as well as disarmament, demobilization and reintegration efforts continue. Between March and June, MONUSCO facilitated the repatriation of 156 former Rwandan combatants and 163 dependents associated with FDLR and other foreign armed groups.

Ebola outbreak amid humanitarian crisis

Mr. Swan underscored MONUSCO’s commitment to implement its mandate despite the liquidity crisis hitting UN peace operations at a time when needs are surging in the DRC.

The humanitarian situation remains grave, with nearly 27 million people — more than a quarter of the population — experiencing food insecurity. A $1.4 billion humanitarian plan to assist 7.3 million people this year is just over 53 per cent funded.

The situation is further compounded by the Ebola outbreak declared on 15 May which is unfolding in an area affected by active conflict and in urban settings with overstretched health services, thus posing significant risks of further spread.

UN support unwavering

Mr. Swan concluded his briefing by urging all parties to the Washington and Doha agreements “to stay the course toward a durable peace.”

He also reiterated calls made by the UN Secretary-General for all parties to fully comply with two Security Council resolutions which reaffirm respect for the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of the DRC.

“MONUSCO’s support for the aspirations of the Congolese people for sustainable peace, security and development remains unwavering,” he said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

Source: APO

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A high-level ECOWAS delegation led by the Commissioner for Internal Services is undertaking a benchmarking and study visit to the United Nations Global Service Centre (UNGSC) in Brindisi, Italy from the 23rd to the 25th of June, 2025.

The visit forms part of the Commission’s efforts to strengthen its institutional support systems and enhance the operational development of the ECOWAS Logistics Depot (ELD) in Lungi, Sierra Leone. Through technical briefings, facility tours, and interactive engagements with UNGSC officials, the delegation is examining international best practices in logistics support, supply chain management, infrastructure development, digital transformation, sustainability, asset management, and mission support operations.

The engagement also provides an opportunity to explore future areas of cooperation between ECOWAS and the United Nations in support of regional peace, security, humanitarian response, and institutional resilience.

The visit underscores ECOWAS’ commitment to building modern, efficient, and sustainable support systems capable of meeting the evolving needs of the Community and its Member States.

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

Source: APO

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The ECOWAS Commission organized the 7th Meeting of the ECOWAS Regional Trade Facilitation Committee (RTFC) in Banjul, The Gambia from 15th to 17th June 2026. The objective of the meeting was to strengthen regional coordination and advance the implementation of trade facilitation reforms in ECOWAS by enhancing border management, addressing non-tariff barriers, and promoting digitalization of cross-border trade.

In his remarks on behalf of the Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment of the Gambia, Mr Lamin CAMARA, Permanent Secretary, welcomed delegates to the 7th Meeting of the RTFC in Banjul and expressed appreciation to the ECOWAS Commission for selecting The Gambia to host the Meeting. He underscored that trade facilitation remains central to the ECOWAS integration agenda and highlighted the importance of reducing the cost and time associated with cross-border trade. While acknowledging the progress made by ECOWAS, he noted that persistent challenges, including non-tariff barriers (NTBs), fragmented border procedures, multiple checkpoints, duplicative inspections, and opaque regulations, continue to hinder regional trade and disproportionately affect Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and small-scale cross-border traders. He further outlined national achievements in trade facilitation, including the modernization of customs systems through digital upgrades, the implementation of electronic cargo tracking systems, and investments in port infrastructure through public-private partnerships.

In his goodwill remarks, Mr Moussa TROARE, Trade Promotion Officer at the UEMOA Commission, reaffirmed UEMOA’s commitment to regional trade facilitation and economic integration efforts within West Africa. He welcomed the convening of the 7th ECOWAS RTFC Meeting and commended ECOWAS for sustaining an important platform for dialogue and coordination on trade facilitation reforms. He highlighted that the region continues to face numerous old and emerging challenges affecting trade and cross-border commerce. In this context, he emphasized the importance of maintaining and strengthening dialogue platforms that enable stakeholders to identify root causes of trade barriers and develop effective and sustainable solutions. He concluded by underscoring the need to begin discussions on the long-term sustainability of NTFCs and their financing, particularly in light of evolving global funding constraints.

On behalf of the Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Dr Kalilou SYLLA, Mr. Kolawole SOFOLA, Director of Trade, welcomed participants and expressed appreciation to the Government of The Gambia for hosting the meeting. He recalled the key directives adopted by Ministers during the 5th Joint Meeting of ECOWAS Ministers of Trade and Industry held in Accra on 11 – 12 June 2026, including the selection of regional champions to spearhead the elimination of non-tariff barriers as well as digitalization of trade procedures in the region. He also highlighted the important participation of a wide range of stakeholders, ensuring that trade facilitation reforms respond to the realities faced by traders and border communities. He recalled that the RTFC was established by the ECOWAS Council of Ministers in 2021 as the principal platform for dialogue, coordination, monitoring and peer review of trade facilitation reforms in the region. He noted that the Committee is a critical mechanism for ensuring implementation of commitments under: the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA); the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA); and ECOWAS regional trade instruments.

During three days, Experts from Member States representing ministries responsible for trade, customs administration, national private sector, as well as civil society organizations and development partners, discussed and made recommendations including the improved regional coordination on border management, enhanced regional approach to addressing non-tariff barriers (NTBs), accelerated digitalization of cross-border trade processes and the deployment and interoperability of single window systems, trade information portals, and digital customs instruments, including SIGMAT, electronic certificates of origin, and e-phyto systems.

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

Source: APO

President John Dramani Mahama has announced a major turnaround in Ghana’s energy sector, revealing $3.5 billion in new commitments from global energy giants to reverse a six-year production slump.

At a ground-breaking ceremony for Phase 2 of the Sentuo Oil Refinery Project in Tema, he outlined a roadmap to revitalise the industry. The investment includes $2 billion from Jubilee partners to drill up to 20 new wells and $1.5 billion from OCTP partners for field development and exploration.

“We have committed upstream players to invest more money to drill new wells to raise the volumes of oil and gas we are producing,” President Mahama stated.

The President said these interventions are already yielding results. Ghana is set to record a net increase in crude oil production for the first time in several years. Output at the Jubilee field has risen from 60,000 to 85,000 barrels per day, with measurable gains also recorded at the TEN and Sankofa fields.

Building on this growth strategy, the government has initiated the commercialisation of the Afina Discovery and ratified a new petroleum agreement in the offshore Tano West basin.

“This expansion is not merely an investment in infrastructure,” the President emphasised. “It is an investment in Ghana’s future, our energy security, and our economic resilience.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

Source: APO – Report:

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President Dr Patrick Herminie will later this afternoon welcome the Prime Minister of India, His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, on a State Visit to Seychelles, where he will serve as the Guest of Honour for the nation’s 50th anniversary of Independence celebrations.

Prime Minister Modi’s visit reflects the longstanding friendship and enduring partnership between Seychelles and India, which have enjoyed diplomatic relations since Seychelles attained Independence in 1976. 

During the visit, President Herminie and Prime Minister Modi are expected to hold bilateral discussions aimed at further strengthening cooperation between the two countries. The Indian Prime Minister will also participate in official engagements commemorating Seychelles’ Golden Jubilee Independence celebrations.

Over the past five decades, the two countries have continued to strengthen cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including maritime security, defence, healthcare, education, capacity building, climate resilience, sustainable development and the blue economy.

India remains one of Seychelles’ closest and most valued development partners, supporting numerous infrastructure, healthcare, education and community development initiatives while working closely with Seychelles to promote peace, security and stability in the Indian Ocean region.

The visit reaffirms the close and enduring ties between Seychelles and India and reflects the shared commitment of both nations to deepening their partnership for the mutual benefit of their peoples.

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.