Category: MIL-OSI

Posted on

Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the G20 Leaders’ Reception on the occasion of the G20 Leaders’ Summit

Source: President of South Africa –

Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government, 
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is an honour and privilege to welcome you all.

As South Africa’s G20 Presidency nears its close, we reflect on the journey we have travelled together to give meaning to the principles of solidarity, equality and sustainability.

We have worked together to reaffirm the role of the G20 as a forum of constructive dialogue and meaningful international cooperation. 

In South Africa we speak of the spirit of Ubuntu.

It teaches us that progress is not a solitary pursuit but a shared endeavour. 

That our strength lies in our shared humanity.

This spirit has guided our Presidency.

It has been reinforced by your support, your collaboration and your shared commitment to a more just, inclusive and sustainable world.

For this, I extend my deepest appreciation to each of you and your countries.

Across the year, we have worked to advance areas that are central to global well-being.

We have deliberated on measures to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, to reduce inequality and to advance debt sustainability.

We have discussed how we can make the world a place where the aspirations of all people to a decent life, lived in peace and with dignity, may be realised.

Today, we have adopted the Leaders’ Declaration of the G20 South Africa Summit, in which we outline the far-reaching actions on which we have agreed to build a better, more equal and sustainable world.

The Leaders’ Declaration is a profound affirmation of the value of multilateralism and the importance of dialogue.

We extend our appreciation for the constructive contribution that all countries have made towards this common vision.

As South Africa, we have sought to place Africa’s development firmly on the agenda of the G20.

We have done so not only because this is the first time the G20 is being held in Africa, but because Africa’s success is so important to progress and prosperity across the globe. 

While our challenges are many, our capacity to confront them is great.

As we share this meal, let us remember why the G20 exists – to bring nations together, to bridge divides, and to forge solutions that none of us could achieve alone.

Allow me to thank all the sponsors who have partnered so willingly with the South African government to ensure the successful hosting of the G20 Leaders’ Summit. We express a special appreciation to Naspers for provision of the luncheon and the dinner we are enjoying.

As the leaders of the G20 and Guest Countries, let us continue to walk this path together, guided by empathy, strengthened by cooperation and united by the responsibility we have towards this generation and the many to follow.

As South Africa hands over the Presidency of the G20, we do so with confidence that the partnerships forged this year will continue to guide the work ahead.

I thank you once again for your friendship, your dedication and your continued support.

May this evening deepen the fellowship that has sustained us and inspire renewed purpose as we look to the future. 

I thank you.

Posted on

Remarks by His Excellency, Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Paul Mashatile at the Compact with Africa G20 Leaders’ Summit

Source: President of South Africa –

Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government, 
Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany,
President of the World Bank, Ajay Banga,
Distinguished Ministers and Central Bank Governors,
Heads of International Organisations,
Distinguished Guests,

It is my honour to welcome you to this G20 Compact with Africa event on economic growth and jobs.

This event allows us to reflect on the progress that has beenachieved through the Compact with Africa, and to discuss the promise of its next phase, known as Compact with Africa 2.0.

The Compact aims to deepen investment, create jobs and build sustainable prosperity through stronger partnerships with the private sector. 

Since its establishment during Germany’s G20 Presidency in 2017, the Compact with Africa has made steady progress.

It has supported participating countries in implementing ambitious reforms and mobilising investment.

It has strengthened dialogue between governments, private investors and international partners.

We welcome the increased interest by African countries in joining the initiative. This underscores its relevance and value. 

This year, we have made revitalising the Compact with Africa a central priority, with a focus on expanding membership through enhanced visibility within the G20 and across theAfrican continent.

Over the course of 2025, and in close collaboration with the German Federal Government, we convened a series of high-level events to showcase and profile the Compact.

These included a Ministerial Dialogue held on the margins of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting in July.

This was followed by a Ministerial Outreach on the margins of the 8th African Union Specialised Committee on Finance in October.

The Ministerial Outreach was an important platform to inform AU Member States about the benefits and achievements of the Compact. 

The last high-level event was convened on the margins of the 2025 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund.

Supported by the World Bank, this event marked the official launch of the new Multi-Donor Trust Fund, designed to support the next phase of reforms and investment within the Compact with Africa framework.

We welcome Germany’s commitment to provide the initial contribution of 10 million Euros towards this new instrument. 

Today’s dialogue reaffirms the importance of strong cooperation between the G20 and Africa, underscoring the vital role of the private sector in driving growth, creating jobs and promoting shared prosperity.

I trust that through this engagement, we will strengthen the Compact as a key channel for partnership, reform support and increased private sector involvement. 

We are confident that it will continue to unlock investment and help build resilient, inclusive economies across the continent.

In closing, I would like to thank the German Federal Government for its steadfast leadership of this initiative since its inception.

I acknowledge our valued partners – the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank Group, the African Development Bank, the African Center for Economic Transformation and the African Union – for their continued support. 

Lastly, we recognise the Compact countries for their efforts in reforming their economies and ensuring that investment flows into Africa.

Let us move forward with renewed partnerships and newinvestments.

Let us work together to secure growth, jobs and shared prosperity for all Africans.

I now invite Chancellor Merz to deliver his remarks.

I thank you.

Posted on

Statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the G20 Leaders Summit Session: A Resilient World

Source: President of South Africa –

Your Excellencies,    
Heads of States and Government of the G20 Members and Invited Countries,
Heads of International Organisations, 
Foreign Ministers in attendance,
Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Welcome to Session Two of today’s programme, which focuses on the role of the G20 in building a more resilient world 

As a global community, we are faced by several formidable and related issues: poverty, unemployment, food insecurity, inequality, environmental degradation and climate change. 

The complexity of these challenges calls for enhanced reforms and collective action.

Resilience is not merely about recovery after a disaster or crisis. 

It is about foresight and shared responsibility for sustainable development. 

A resilient world can only be achieved through inclusive economic growth, strengthening global partnerships and reforming international institutions.

It means we must prepared.

We must, as a matter of urgency, integrate disaster risk reduction into macroeconomic policies, climate financing and sustainable infrastructure development. 

We must ensure that vulnerable countries and communities have equitable access to technologies, finance and the capacity to anticipate and withstand future shocks.

As we look ahead, South Africa believes our collective efforts should focus on three imperatives:

First, we must strengthen global early warning systems. 

For many countries, this means scaling up investment in data, technology and capacity to reach the most vulnerable communities.

Second, we must mobilise innovative financing for resilience. 

The G20 should champion accessible, predictable and equitable disaster risk financing instruments. We need to pool risk, mobilise anticipatory funding and forge public-private partnerships.

Third, we must mainstream disaster risk reduction into all sectors of economic planning, from energy and infrastructure to agriculture and urban development.

Sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth requires that we take measures to address the severe imbalance in vulnerability to the increasing effects of climate change.

Those countries most affected by severe weather events are often those that bear the least responsibility for climate change.

This threatens to further deepen inequality between and within countries.

Developing economies need resources and technical partnerships for effective adaptation and resilience. 

We need to make good on our commitments to fund loss and damage caused by climate change.

As 2025 marks the tenth anniversary of the Paris Agreement, we recognise its historic contribution to fostering universal climate action.

And yet global temperatures continue to climb.

We have no choice but to fully and effectively implement the Paris Agreement and its temperature goal.

In doing so, we must hold fast to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. 

Just transition pathways are key enablers for climate action. 

These should encompass a whole of economy and whole of society approach.

Just transitions must support efforts to eradicate poverty and promote human rights, workers’ rights and gender equality. They must foster meaningful social and economic opportunities.

In the face of persistent hunger and escalating climate pressures, we face a sobering reality: according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation, as many as 720 million people are experiencing hunger worldwide. 

Excessive food price volatility continues to undermine purchasing power, especially for low-income communities.

We applaud the G20 for continuously keeping food security at the centre of its developmental agenda. 

South Africa made food security one of the priorities of our G20 Presidency, building on the excellent work of previous presidencies, including the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty established under the Brazilian Presidency.

Platforms such as the Agriculture Working Group, Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists and the Food Security Task Force have delivered outcomes that underscore the importance of building inclusive, diverse, resilient and sustainable food systems.

Since it was formed, at a time of crisis, the G20 and the world has had to confront several crises.

Unless we act now to build resilience and sustainability, the crises we face tomorrow will be more devastating, more damaging and more lasting.

I thank you. 
 

Posted on

Eritrea: Effort to strengthen women’s organization

Source: APO


.

At an activity assessment meeting conducted in Barentu from 17 to 19 November, it was reported that encouraging efforts have been exerted to strengthen women’s organizations in the Gash Barka Region.

According to reports presented by heads of the National Union of Eritrean Women branches in the sub-zones, commendable activities have been carried out to ensure maternity and child health, promote the use of maternity waiting rooms, enhance the participation of females in education and health, as well as strengthen their contribution in development programs.

Indicating that the vocational trainings being organized are significantly contributing to empowering women, the reports further called for reinforced participation on the part of partners in the effort to eradicate harmful practices, including female genital mutilation and underage marriages.

Ms. Yihdega Yohannes, head of the union branch in the region, said that encouraging activities have been carried out in collaboration with partners, noting that the use of educational and health facilities by women is growing from time to time. She also stated that more efforts are expected to enhance the economic capacity of women.

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

Posted on

Eritrea: Seminar focusing on enhancing documentation activities

Source: APO


.

The Research and Documentation Center of the PFDJ conducted a seminar for employees of various government institutions engaged in documentation activities, with a view to reviewing strengths and challenges they face in their daily documentation work.

Mr. Tesfay Keleta, head of research at the PFDJ central office, said that the objective of the seminar was to conduct a preliminary study on documents recorded in the form of photographs, audio, and written materials, and to remind those engaged in documentation to be diligent and serious in their daily activities.

At the event, research papers were presented focusing on the administration and conservation of documents and other issues related to the documentation process.

Ms. Azieb Tewolde, head of the Research and Documentation Center, on her part, gave a briefing on the efforts the center is exerting to safeguard documents from damage and the challenges they have been facing.

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

Posted on

Nigeria: Schools should be ‘sanctuaries not targets’ says deputy United Nations (UN) chief following latest mass abduction

Source: APO


.

The UN Deputy Secretary-General voiced deep alarm on Saturday over the latest mass abduction from a school in Nigeria, calling for the immediate release of those taken.

It was originally reported that 215 pupils had been kidnapped from St.  Mary’s School in Papiri, Niger state, early on Friday morning – but the figure was revised upwards to 303 students and 12 teachers, according to The Christian Association of Nigeria.

The association’s chair who reportedly visited the school on Friday said that more than 80 students had been captured after trying to escape during the abduction by armed assailants. The students were both male and female, aged 10 to 18.

Second mass abduction this week

The number snatched from the Catholic school in the centre of the country exceeds the 276 girls abducted during the infamous Chibok incident of 2014 and is the latest in a series of mass abductions – including earlier this week when 25 pupils were taken from a school in Kebbi state.

No group has yet claimed responsibility and authorities have deployed security forces to try and locate the students and their captors. Niger state has reportedly closed all schools until further notice.

Perpetrators must be held accountable

UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed – a former environment minister in Nigeria – said in a social media post that schools should be “sanctuaries for education, not targets…We must protect schools and hold perpetrators accountable.”

The UN’s top official in the country, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mohamed Fall, posted that news of yet another mass abduction was heartbreaking, coming just days after the kidnappings in Kebbi.

He passed on his sympathies to the families of those taken and their communities, adding that all efforts must be made to ensure their safe return of students and staff.

“It’s time to fully implement the Safe School Principle,” he said, which was launched at the First International Conference on Safe Schools in Oslo, Norway, in 2015. Nigeria was among the nations who endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration that year.

Stand with the victims

UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, said this week it is continuing to work closely with government partners, civil society and communities, to strengthen child protection systems in line with the declaration that no child should be put at risk while pursuing an education.

The UN culture, education and science agency’s (UNESCO) office in Nigeria also condemned Friday’s latest mass abduction, saying that schools must never be targets.

“We stand with the victims, their families and the Government of Nigeria and call for the immediate release of all abducted children,” the agency said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

Posted on

Gabon : L’arrivée du Président de la République française à Libreville

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le Président de la République, Chef de l’État, Chef du Gouvernement, Son Excellence Brice Clotaire OLIGUI NGUEMA, accueille ce 23 novembre Son Excellence Emmanuel MACRON, Président de la République française, dans le cadre d’une visite d’État en République gabonaise.

Cette venue, la première du Chef de l’État français depuis l’avènement de la Ve République gabonaise, s’inscrit dans une dynamique diplomatique profondément renouvelée. Elle intervient dans un contexte où le Président de la République consolide la stabilité institutionnelle du pays et redéfinit les relations extérieures du Gabon autour des principes de souveraineté, de respect mutuel et de coopération équilibrée.

Ce déplacement fait suite à la visite officielle effectuée à Paris en mai dernier par Son Excellence Brice Clotaire OLIGUI NGUEMA, rencontre qui avait permis de relancer un dialogue politique direct, franc et constructif entre Libreville et Paris, désormais fondé sur des échanges d’égal à égal.

À travers cette nouvelle rencontre de haut niveau, le Chef de l’État réaffirme la volonté du Gabon d’inscrire sa diplomatie dans un cadre modernisé, conforme aux ambitions de la Ve République : un cadre où les partenariats extérieurs sont orientés vers les résultats, la création de valeur et la préservation des intérêts stratégiques de la Nation.

Les échanges entre les deux Présidents porteront sur la consolidation du partenariat bilatéral et l’examen des dossiers stratégiques d’intérêt commun, incluant notamment la coopération diplomatique, les enjeux économiques et énergétiques, les questions de sécurité, ainsi que les priorités environnementales.

Ce déplacement d’État traduit la considération de la communauté internationale pour un Gabon en renouveau, souverain, stable et ouvert sur le monde, dont le rôle s’affirme avec clarté et détermination sous l’impulsion du Président de la République, Chef de l’État, Chef du Gouvernement, Son Excellence Brice Clotaire OLIGUI NGUEMA.

Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République Gabonaise.

Posted on

Côte d’Ivoire – Accès universel a l’eau et a l’électricité : Des progrès significatifs sur tout le territoire

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Pour améliorer durablement les conditions de vie des populations, le gouvernement ivoirien a, ces dernières années, intensifié ses investissements dans les infrastructures sociales de base.

Dans les secteurs de l’eau potable et de l’électricité, les résultats sont perceptibles dans toutes les régions du pays. De nombreux villages qui accédaient difficilement à l’eau potable sont désormais approvisionnés de manière permanente. « Après les travaux champêtres, nous venons nous approvisionner en eau tranquillement. Nous sommes soulagées et les femmes d’ici sont très heureuses », nous dit Gisèle Touré, habitante de Souleymanekaha, dans la région du Hambol.

Concernant l’électrification, même les contrées les plus reculées du pays ont été raccordées au réseau électrique. Les habitants bénéficient aujourd’hui d’un accès continu à l’énergie, favorisant le développement des activités économiques et l’amélioration du confort domestique. « J’ai une machine moderne qui me permet d’aller plus rapidement et de mieux faire fonctionner mon activité », nous dit Ali Koné, couturier à Sokouraba, village du département de Minignan dans la région du Folon.

Selon le bilan gouvernemental 2011–2025, le taux d’accès à l’eau potable est passé de 50 % en 2011 à 80 % en 2024. Sur le plan de l’électricité, 95,67 % des localités étaient électrifiées en juin 2025, contre 33,1 % en 2011. Le nombre de ménages disposant d’un abonnement électrique est passé de 1 111 533 en 2011 à 4 587 952 en 2025.

Par ailleurs, 2 millions de ménages ont bénéficié d’un abonnement à 1 000 FCFA grâce au Programme Électricité pour Tous (PEPT), contre un tarif normal de 150 000 FCFA. Par ces avancées majeures, le gouvernement, à travers d’importants investissements, réaffirme son engagement à garantir un accès équitable et durable aux services sociaux de base sur l’ensemble du territoire national.

Distribué par APO Group pour Portail Officiel du Gouvernement de Côte d’Ivoire.

Posted on

Switzerland: Francophonie and prospects for peace at heart of Ignazio Cassis’ meetings in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda

Source: APO


.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, has just spent two days in East and Central Africa. Peace efforts to resolve the crisis in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) formed the focal point of his visit to Kinshasa on Friday 21 November. On Thursday 20 November, Mr Cassis inaugurated the new Swiss embassy in Rwanda, a symbol of the growing bilateral ties between the two countries, and took part in the 46th Francophonie Ministerial Conference.

The peace processes in the Great Lakes region were at the forefront of Mr Cassis’ discussions in the DRC and Rwanda. On Friday in Kinshasa, he met DRC Minister of Foreign Affairs Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner. In addition, he met with civil society and Catholic church representatives to discuss the situation in the DRC’s east and the ongoing efforts to promote peace. The visit was also an opportunity for Mr Cassis to highlight Switzerland’s expertise in mediation and its willingness to contribute to these efforts.

Switzerland has been active in the east of the DRC since the 1990s under its international cooperation remit. It prioritises humanitarian aid for civilians affected by the ongoing conflicts in the region and strengthening their capacity to tackle the challenging situation. Switzerland has committed CHF 550 million to the Great Lakes region since 2009. Earlier this year, following the military offensive by the M23 militia, Switzerland was the only bilateral actor to have maintained its presence in the east of the DRC with its cooperation office in Bukavu. The DRC is the second largest country in Africa by surface area and one of the world’s richest in terms of natural resources.

Strengthening ties with Rwanda

On Thursday 20 November, Mr Cassis was in Rwanda to take part in the Francophonie Ministerial Conference and to inaugurate Switzerland’s new representation in Kigali, which has been upgraded to an embassy. He met with his Rwandan counterpart, Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe, and paid a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva. In addition to discussing the issue of regional peace, the visit was an opportunity to mark the deepening of relations between the two countries. (see press release dated 20 November link)

Switzerland’s activities in the region are based on the Africa Strategy 2025–28, which focuses on managing armed conflicts and protecting particularly vulnerable population groups in Central and East Africa. In addition to reinforcing democracy and the rule of law, Switzerland’s priorities in the region include the continuing diversification of relations in fields such as business, science and digitalisation.

La Francophonie must remain effective and useful

This year’s 46th Francophonie Ministerial Conference, entitled Thirty years on from the Beijing Conference: the contribution of women in the French-speaking world, was an opportunity to take stock of the advances made and the progress still to be achieved in the field of gender equality. Federal Councillor Cassis highlighted the challenges facing the International Organisation of La Francophonie (IOF), which brings together 90 countries. In a polarised world marked by mistrust, La Francophonie must become a space of trust and cooperation that encourages linguistic diversity and solidarity. To achieve this, the organisation must remain effective and useful.

The ministerial meeting also provided an opportunity to meet with the foreign ministers of Cambodia, whose country is taking over the presidency of La Francophonie, and Senegal, as well as France’s Minister Delegate and Representative for La Francophonie.

Mr Cassis was accompanied on his trip to Rwanda and the DRC by a parliamentary delegation comprising two members of the foreign affairs committees: member of the Council of States Petra Gössi (FDP/Schwyz) and member of the National Council Piero Marchesi (SVP/Ticino).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Switzerland.

Posted on

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Staff Completes 2025 Article IV Mission to Mozambique

Source: APO


.

  • Economic activity is gradually recovering from an abrupt contraction during the last quarter of 2024, and inflation pressures are muted.
  • Growth is expected to remain moderate, as challenges including a constrained funding environment, policy uncertainty, and foreign exchange shortages are holding back faster growth. At the same time, government financing challenges have become acute.
  • Decisive and coordinated policy action is critical to restore macroeconomic stability and tackle external imbalances. Such action is also needed to improve growth prospects, facilitate job creation, and reduce poverty.

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team, led by Pablo Lopez-Murphy, IMF mission chief for Mozambique, visited Maputo from November 12–21 to hold discussions for the 2025 Article IV Consultation with Mozambique. The team met with Finance Minister Carla Loveira and Governor Rogério Zandamela of the Bank of Mozambique. The team also met with other senior government and central bank officials, members of the Parliamentary Budget Commission, the private sector, civil society organizations, and development partners.

At the conclusion of the mission, Mr. Lopez-Murphy issued the following statement:

“Mozambique is navigating a complex macroeconomic environment. While inflation remains contained and economic activity is gradually recovering from the social unrest following the October 2024 elections, growth remains subdued.

“The outlook is marked by significant uncertainty. On the positive side, the recent announcement by TotalEnergies to resume its major LNG project offers a potential boost to medium-term growth. Mozambique’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list further reflects progress in strengthening its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing frameworks. These developments could help catalyze investment and support external financing.

“However, significant challenges remain. Elevated fiscal and debt vulnerabilities, including government arrears, continue to weigh on the country’s near-term growth prospects. FX pressures add to the challenges. Without decisive policy action, vulnerabilities could deepen, undermining macroeconomic stability and the wellbeing of the population.

“Discussions focused on policies to restore macroeconomic stability and anchor debt sustainability. A coordinated policy package that includes urgent fiscal consolidation while protecting the vulnerable and poor, greater exchange rate flexibility, and structural reforms to improve governance and foster private sector-led growth would help Mozambique address its challenges.

“The team wishes to thank the Mozambican authorities, civil society, and development partners for their frank and constructive engagement and support during the mission.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Monetary Fund (IMF).