Seychelles: Courtesy Call by Ambassador Jardine and Rear Admiral Mattis on Minister Radegonde


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On Friday, 27 June 2025, H.E. Henry Jardine, United States Ambassador to Seychelles, and Rear Admiral Michael Mattis, Director of Strategic Effects at U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF), paid a courtesy call on Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, at Maison Quéau de Quinssy.

The meeting focused primarily on enhancing maritime and defence cooperation, particularly through the ongoing initiatives of NAVEUR–NAVAF. Discussions covered the challenges faced in patrolling Seychelles’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the potential for leveraging drone technology to assist in maritime surveillance efforts.

Minister Radegonde commended NAVEUR–NAVAF for its leadership in promoting maritime security in the region and for its continued support in building the capacity of the Seychelles Defence Forces through joint exercises. Notably, he highlighted the successful 2025 edition of Cutlass Express, which was conducted earlier this year under the leadership of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM).

Minister Radegonde also expressed his appreciation for the United States’ participation in this year’s National Day Parade, underlining the strength of the bilateral relationship.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Republic of Seychelles.

Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Ukraine on the Peace Agreement Between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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We welcome the signing of the peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda.

This important achievement for Africa and international security has been made possible thanks to the decisive role of the United States and personally President Donald Trump, as well as a number of countries and international organizations.

In particular, we commend the constructive efforts of the Presidents of Angola and Kenya, the African Union, the East African Community, the Southern African Development Community, and the United Nations.

The State of Qatar has made a significant contribution to advancing the peace settlement, especially by ensuring complementarity and coherence among various mediation initiatives.

Ukraine highly values the effective mediation by the United States. We congratulate U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and American diplomacy on this achievement. The active involvement of the American side in the negotiation process played a decisive role in reaching and signing the peace agreement.

We hope for the responsible efforts of both parties in implementing the peace agreement and in ensuring lasting peace and security in the Great Lakes region. This will create favourable conditions for strengthening the economic potential and social stability of the states in the region, improving their investment attractiveness, and deepening economic ties with other countries.

Ukraine reaffirms its commitment to comprehensively intensify mutually beneficial cooperation with the countries of the region, including a readiness to contribute meaningfully to achieving their socio-economic development goals.

We are confident that the United States can play a similarly decisive role in achieving a just peace and ending Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. This peace agreement demonstrates that it is possible to stop the killing and restore peace even under challenging circumstances, when the international community acts resolutely and the parties participate in the peace process in good faith.

We emphasize that the foundation of the peaceful settlement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda is based on the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, including the mutual obligation of states to respect each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty within internationally recognized borders, to refrain from the threat or use of force, to avoid interference in internal affairs, and to facilitate the return of refugees and internally displaced persons.

It is precisely these universally recognized principles of international law that underpin Ukraine’s proposals for ending the war in Europe and restoring a comprehensive, just, and sustainable peace for Ukraine.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

Ambassador Yin Chengwu met with Liberian Minister of Agriculture Nuetah


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On June 26th , Yin Chengwu, Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, met with Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, Minister of Agriculture of Liberia.

Yin briefed on the relevant information of the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, and expressed that China is willing to strengthen agricultural cooperation between the two countries, deepening the bilateral relations.

Dr. Nuetah said that the Liberian side thanks China for its strong support for Liberia’s development and looks forward to continuing to strengthen cooperation with China on agricultural mechanization and modernization.

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

Morocco: His Majesty the King Congratulates Djibouti’s President on Independence Day

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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His Majesty King Mohammed VI sent a message of congratulations to the President of the Republic of Djibouti, Ismaël Omar Guelleh, on his country’s Independence Day.

In this message, the Sovereign expresses, in His name and on behalf of the Moroccan people, His warmest congratulations and best wishes for health and happiness to Guelleh, and for continued progress and prosperity to the brotherly people of Djibouti.

His Majesty the King seizes this opportunity to reaffirm His pride in the close fraternal ties between the two countries, which both Heads of State constantly strive to strengthen and elevate to the highest level.

– on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.

Benin Vice President Meets Qatari Charge d’Affaires

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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HE Vice President of the Republic of Benin Mariam Chabi Talata met with Acting Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of the State of Qatar to Benin Safar bin Mohammed Al Hajri.

The meeting dealt with discussing bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.

Eritrea Cycling Championship 2025 Commences

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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The Eritrea Road Cycling Championship 2025 commenced today, 27 June, in the Mai-Diminet area with an individual time trial. The time trial race covered 36 km, with participation from both Elite and U-23 categories.

Professional Cyclist Amanuel Gebrezgiabhier, member of the “Lidl-Trek” Club, won the race, finishing in 43 minutes, 14 seconds, and 2 microseconds, becoming the fastest Eritrean rider for the second time.

Henok Mulubrhan, member of the Astana Club, secured second place, while Mewael Girmay, member of the Belgian Intermarché Cycling Club, finished in third.

In the U-23 category, Mewael Girmay won the race, followed by Hebron Berhane from Sembel Club and Yafet Mulugeta, member of UCI, who finished in second and third place, respectively.

In the female Elite and U-23 categories, which covered 18 km, Monaliza Araya won the race, followed by Berikti Fesehaye and Suzana Fesehaye, who finished second and third, respectively. In the U-23 category, Monaliza Araya also claimed first place, with Suzana Fesehaye and Rahel Zerisenay securing second and third place, respectively.

In the men’s junior category, Yohannes Aklilu, Natan Tesfa’alem, and Nahom Efrem took first, second, and third place, respectively.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Eritrea: Voluntary blood donation in Central Region

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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Government workers from various institutions in the Central Region voluntarily donated 70 units of blood on 25 and 26 June in support of the National Blood Transfusion Service.

The program was carried out with the participation of members from the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare Central Office, Hidri Distribution Company, and the Electricity Corporation of Eritrea.

The participants expressed satisfaction in contributing to the life-saving cause, noting the importance of donating renewable blood.

Nurse Sara Michael, a member of the center, emphasized that voluntary blood donation is a key factor in enriching the blood supply of the National Blood Transfusion Service. She urged the public to raise awareness about the importance of voluntary blood donation in saving lives.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Statement on recent demonstrations, incendiary rhetoric and rumors against United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL)

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) affirms its uncompromising respect for the right of all citizens to demonstrate peacefully and to express their views freely. Direct engagement with the Libyan people is a cornerstone of our work, and we are always prepared to meet, engage in discussions and listen to the views of the Libyan people which includes listening to the concerns of peaceful protesters. 

We have had protests outside our premises on a number of occasions and we receive their petitions as has been the practice with all previous demonstrations and will continue to do so. Recently on Tuesday UNSMIL met with a group of protestors at its premises to listen to their demands and concerns, and we were able to have a mutually respectful discussion. 

However, UNSMIL is dismayed by statements purportedly from some Libyan political figures that appear to encourage not just demonstrations but going further to actively encourage unlawful actions against UN personnel and property.

UNSMIL has always welcomed constructive criticism; however, incitement campaigns and rumors being waged against the Mission could also be an indication of an effort to undermine the advancement of any progress toward the development of a political process, which is aimed at the holding of national elections and unified institutions to achieve lasting peace and stability in Libya.

We remind all parties of their obligation to maintain the peaceful character of any demonstration, and refrain from actions, and to commit to resolving differences through constructive dialogue.

UNSMIL also recalls the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations and the relevant agreement concluded between the United Nations and the Libyan authorities, which guarantee the inviolability of United Nations premises. All parties are urged to respect the inviolability of United Nations premises, its personnel, and its property and assets in accordance with international law.

UNSMIL remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting a Libyan-led political process for the benefit of all Libyan people and will continue to monitor all developments closely.

– on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

United Arab Emirates (UAE) Strongly Condemns Attack on United Nations (UN) Mission in Central African Republic

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned the attack targeting the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), near the town of Birao, which resulted in the death of a Zambian peacekeeper and the injury of another.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) underscored the UAE’s strong condemnation of these criminal and terrorist acts, and its permanent rejection of all forms of violence, extremism and terrorism aimed at undermining security and stability.

The Ministry reaffirmed that targeting UN and humanitarian missions constitutes a blatant violation of the principles of international law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701, stressing the UAE’s full support for the vital role of MINUSCA in promoting security and stability in the Central African Republic.

The Ministry expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the family of the victim, and to the government and people of Zambia, as well as its wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured peacekeeper.

The Ministry further expressed its solidarity with the United Nations and its humanitarian missions, and the countries contributing to international efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability in the region and worldwide.

– on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

President Presides Over Official Handover of Landmark St. Louis Hill Stabilisation Project

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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President Wavel Ramkalawan presided over the official handover of the completed St. Louis Hill Stabilisation Project during an occasion held at the St. Louis Community Centre on Friday morning. This major infrastructure initiative represents a significant milestone in the nation’s disaster risk reduction and community resilience efforts.

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by President Ramkalawan and the Minister for Internal Affairs, Mr. Errol Fonseka, recognising the collaborative leadership that brought this transformative project to fruition.The plaque will be temporarily displayed at the St. Louis Community Centre before being permanently relocated to the project site as an enduring testament to this achievement.

Minister Fonseka emphasised the national significance of the project, highlighting its pivotal contribution to disaster risk reduction and community resilience. “The St. Louis Hill Stabilisation Project represents the first technically advanced, climate-resilient slope protection initiative in our country,” stated the Minister. “It was meticulously designed to safeguard lives and protect homes from the increasing threat of landslides and rockfall hazards, which are becoming more frequent due to our changing climate. This is not merely a construction project, it is a symbol of national resilience, innovation, and forward-thinking governance.”

Project Leader Mr. Mikael Evenor delivered a comprehensive presentation outlining the initiative’s key objectives, milestones achieved, challenges overcome, and the substantial benefits delivered to the local community. During his address, he explained that five critical areas were identified for intervention: Waterloo, Belombre, Le Niole, and St. Louis upper and lower hills. These locations were selected to address “not only immediate threats but also to serve as practical training grounds for local teams and contractors.” He attributed the project’s success to the exceptional transparency and collaboration between the government, local teams, Swiss partners, and the community.

Echoing these sentiments, Swiss Expert Mr. Ruedi Degelo characterised the project as “a remarkable success story.” He urged the government and relevant stakeholders to give careful consideration to implementing preventive measures in other areas that could pose risks to life and safety.

The ceremony also featured the presentation of completion certificates to project contractors and the ground team by President Ramkalawan and Mr. Degelo, in recognition of their unwavering dedication and expertise in delivering this critical infrastructure improvement.

The successful completion of the St. Louis Hill Stabilisation Project reflects the government’s steadfast commitment to investing in vital infrastructure that protects communities and supports sustainable development throughout the nation.

The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests including Minister for Local Government and Community Affairs Mrs. Rose-Marie Hoareau, Minister for Land and Housing Mr. Billy Rangasamy, Member of the National Assembly for St. Louis Mr. Satya Naidoo, Director General for Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD) Mr. Robert Ernesta, Chief Risk Management Officer DRMD Mr. Daniel Cetoupe, the Swiss technical team, members of the local implementation team, contractors, and invited dignitaries.

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.