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The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, extends his warmest congratulations to the Government and people of the Republic of Madagascar on the occasion of their Independence Day.

This historic day marks the resilience, unity, and determination of the Malagasy people in their pursuit of freedom and self-determination. As you celebrate this milestone, we honor the sacrifices of your forebearers and reaffirm our shared commitment to peace, prosperity, and continental integration under Agenda 2063.

Madagascar’s rich cultural heritage, biodiversity, and vibrant spirit continue to inspire Africa and the world. The African Union remains steadfast in supporting your nation’s development aspirations and fostering deeper collaboration for a brighter future.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

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December’s local, legislative and presidential elections “represent a crucial opportunity” to strengthen democratic governance, promote reconciliation and consolidate stability, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations told ambassadors in the Security Council.

The timely holding of presidential and legislative elections is a constitutional requirement, and the Government has consistently demonstrated its commitment to holding local elections, he added.

Although the final electoral roll is currently delayed due to technical difficulties, national authorities, supported by the UN peacekeeping mission, MINUSCA, have made significant efforts to advance the revision of the electoral register through nationwide registration.

“This process took place without major security incidents, reflecting effective collaboration between the Central African national defence forces and MINUSCA, as well as public interest in engaging with the political process,” said Mr. Lacroix.

Challenges remain

Although the 19 April agreement between the government and leaders of various opposition armed groups aimed to end hostilities in the country, violence – primarily perpetrated by armed groups and militias – continues to undermine stability.

“The security situation remains fragile in border regions,” said Mr. Lacroix, noting the spillover effects of the conflict in neighbouring Sudan.

Last week, a Zambian peacekeeper was killed when suspected Sudanese armed elements opened fire on a MINUSCA patrol responding to reports of an attack against civilians in the north-east of the country.

Mr. Lacroix also informed the Security Council of human rights and humanitarian concerns.

Though progress has been made in advancing judicial accountability, notably by the Special Criminal Court, a lack of funding is expected to jeopardise the Court’s operations by September.

In addition, as urgent needs continue to outpace available resources, “the humanitarian situation remains dire,” said Mr. Lacroix, calling for strong support for lifesaving humanitarian assistance.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

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In response to a recent polio outbreak in Benguela province, Angola has launched a polio vaccination campaign. The campaign aims to protect over half a million children and reaffirm the country’s commitment to eradicating disease.

During the launch ceremony, Dr Fekadu Lemma, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) coordinator in Angola, said, “This campaign is an act of protection, solidarity, and hope for Angola’s future. Polio is not only an invisible threat, but it can also cause permanent physical damage, such as paralysis.”

Despite significant progress since the interruption of the wild poliovirus in 2011 and Angola being certified polio-free in 2015, the country now faces a new challenge. The outbreak has resulted in 13 confirmed poliovirus cases in Benguela, Cubal, Dombe Grande, and Bocoio municipalities.

In response, the Ministry of Health, supported by the WHO and GPEI partners, is conducting an intensive door-to-door vaccination campaign from 27 to 29 June. The campaign aims to vaccinate over 554,000 children under the age of five.

Dr Cátia Katchiuko, the deputy governor for economic and social affairs of Benguela province, reinforced the government’s commitment: “This campaign is a clear demonstration of our dedication to the health and well-being of our children. With the support of our partners, we have made great progress, but we know that the mission is not yet complete. Eradicating polio is a collective struggle — and we are all in this together.”

In accordance with the GPEI, the World Health Organization (WHO) has defined five strategic steps to ensure the successful eradication of polio in the country. These steps include: a) Strengthening routine immunization, with a focus on children who have not received any doses; b) Conducting high-quality campaigns with independent monitoring and rapid corrections; (c) Strengthening polio surveillance, including surveillance of acute flaccid paralysis and environmental surveillance; (d) Increasing community involvement by engaging local, religious and traditional leaders; and (e) Ensuring the sustainability of actions by integrating lessons learned from polio into other public health programmes.

The vaccination campaign in Benguela province is part of this approach, given the province’s importance in the context of the polio outbreak, which poses the highest risk of spreading at national and international levels. This is especially pertinent given the province’s population density, history of poliovirus circulation, and its role as a logistics hub for other provinces.

Around 5,000 people, including health professionals and community volunteers, have been mobilized for the current polio vaccination campaign, with an investment of approximately $3.6 million, mainly funded by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative through WHO and UNICEF.

The WHO Representative in Angola, Dr Indrajit Hazarika, concluded: “As a father, I know that vaccinating a child is an act of love. It guarantees them a fundamental right and opens the door to a healthier and more promising future.”

“Polio does not respect borders, but neither should our determination. Every child vaccinated brings us closer to a polio-free future. Eradicating polio is possible, but only if all levels of government, partners, and communities work together. We cannot stop now. Our generation will be remembered for having the courage to complete this mission.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Angola.

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Fifty African Union Member States have endorsed a ground-breaking digital micro-planning portal co-created by Africa CDC to accelerate the elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases — a diverse group of infectious diseases that primarily affect impoverished communities in tropical and subtropical areas.

This innovative platform developed with inputs from Member States, World Health Organization (WHO), END Fund, and other technical partners will track resource utilisation, advocate for sustainable financing and domestic resource mobilisation, and drive Africa-owned solutions to end these diseases of poverty by 2030.

Each Member State shared a country-specific micro-plan for the top six high-burden NTDs guided by existing national Masterplans. This continental NTD microplanning workshop, held from 17 to 20 June occurred in the context of the recent reduction in funding from key global partners, which has disrupted essential NTD programmes and exposed the vulnerabilities in current financing models.

“Public health efforts across Africa are under threat, funding is among the challenges, noting that this makes the continued engagement and energy around NTD elimination even more commendable,” said Dr Raji Tajudeen, Africa CDC Acting Deputy Director General and Head, Division of Public Health Institutes and Research.

Dr Dereje Duguma Gemeda, Ethiopian State Minister for Health said the workshop will help countries have a practical and data driven NTDs plan that will improve efforts to accelerate elimination efforts.

Currently, “The African Region is endemic for 20 of the 21-priority neglected tropical diseases; affecting over 565 million people and comprising 35 per cent of the global disease burden,” said Dr Ibrahima Soce Fall – Global NTD Director at the WHO. These diseases lead to significant morbidity, including physical and visual impairments, severe malnutrition, chronic pain, disfigurement, stigma and mental health issues, and death,” he said.

Common NTDs include Intestinal worms, lymphatic filariasis, river blindness, Schistosomiasis, trachoma, and Visceral leishmaniasis. This new approach of micro-planning is designed to drive integrated country and regional planning, streamline resource mobilisation, and enhance budget efficiency—minimising duplication and maximising impact—to accelerate the elimination of NTDs.

“This situation underscores the urgent need for sustainable, country-owned solutions that leverage existing national capacities, optimize domestic resources, and identify key areas requiring targeted external investment,” said Dr Tajudeen.Member states and partners over the 4 days immersed opportunity for cross country experience sharing and planning are keen to find a financial solution for integrated multi-sectoral NTD elimination.

“We stand at a critical juncture, not just for NTD elimination, but for rethinking health financing in Africa. Traditional reliance on foreign aid has demonstrated its limits. It’s time for collaborative, country-led financing strategies that harness catalytic opportunities from residual foreign assistance while boosting efficiency in programming and domestic resource mobilization,” said Dr Solomon Zewdu, CEO, The END fund.

“This approach will drive the needed long-term sustainability and resilience. The END Fund is committed to being a trusted partner in this transformation, supporting governments and partners in developing co-financing models that deliver results and leave no community behind,” said Dr Zewdu.

The meeting ensured countries have a comprehensive and costed country, and regional specific microplan for NTDs, identified country-specific technical assistance needs and detailed existing resources and partners within each member state to enhance collaboration and resource sharing.

“The elimination of NTDs is more than a public health objective: it is a lever for development and a decisive step towards achieving the African Union’s Agenda 2063,” said Professor Julio Rakotonirina, Director for Health and Humanitarian Affairs, African Union Commission. “The development of the micro-plan is only the first step. Success will lie in national ownership, resource mobilization, and, above all, operationalization on the ground.”Africa CDC, The END Fund and partners solidified their partnership with the micro-planning platform to accelerate ending NTD’s by 2030.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

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President Wavel Ramkalawan presided over the official opening ceremony of the new Praslin Vehicle Testing Station at Île Eve, Baie Ste Anne, Praslin, marking a significant milestone in the decentralization of transport services and the enhancement of road safety standards across Seychelles. 

The modern facility, construction of which commenced in 2023, was built at a cost of SCR 15.5 million and represents a major advancement from the previous manual testing system conducted at the SPTC depot in Amitié. The new station introduces cutting-edge automated testing technology, with 90% of vehicle inspections now conducted using state-of-the-art equipment, ensuring greater accuracy, fairness, and transparency in the testing process. The comprehensive facility also houses amenities for novice drivers to undertake theory driving tests and provides accommodation for visiting staff. 

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Minister for Transport Antony Derjacques emphasized the facility’s broader significance: “Today, we open more than just a building – we open a new chapter in public service delivery, one that brings precision, professionalism, and parity in transport services to Praslin.”

The facility will serve Praslin’s approximately 1,200 vehicles, which form part of the national fleet of 28,000. Beyond vehicle testing, the station will provide comprehensive services including spare parts importation assessments, vehicle condition evaluations for maintenance purposes, and technical assistance to police for accident investigations and spot checks. 

The Principal Secretary for Aviation, Ports and Marine, Mr. David Bianchi, highlighted the journey to completion, stating: “Despite challenges including COVID-19, material shortages, adverse weather conditions, and logistical issues, we have successfully delivered this world-class facility after 18 months of dedicated work.” He expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders for their unwavering commitment and valuable contributions in realizing the project. 

In his keynote address, President Ramkalawan expressed pride and commitment of Government in advancing critical infrastructure at the disposal on the community. 

“It is an honour for me to officially inaugurate the new Praslin Vehicle Testing Station—an essential step forward in modernising the services we offer to our people. This facility is a symbol of progress and a reflection of our continued commitment to improving infrastructure that directly benefits our communities. Together, we continue to move Praslin and our country forward.” 

The new Praslin Vehicle Testing Station exemplifies the government’s steadfast commitment to building a smarter, safer, and more inclusive transport network that serves the needs of every Seychellois across all islands.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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On June 25th , Yin Chengwu, Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, met with Hon. Nehker Gaye, Chairman of House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Hon. Gizzie Kollince, Chairman of House Committee on National Security, and Hon. Samson Wiah, Co-Chairman of House Committee on Maritime Affairs. The two sides exchanged views on China-Liberia relations and legislative cooperation between the two countries.

Yin briefed on the relevant situation 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 work with Liberia to strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the two countries’ legislative bodies and promote the continuous development of the strategic partnership between the two countries.

The Representatives said that Liberian House of Representatives regards China as an important international partner and will firmly adhere to the one-China principle, actively promote exchanges and cooperation between the Legislature of Liberia and the National People’s Congress of China on legislation and governance, and promote the continued development of bilateral relations.

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