Category: MIL-OSI

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Call to rally behind Bafana Bafana

Source: Government of South Africa

Call to rally behind Bafana Bafana

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South Africans to unite behind Bafana Bafana as the national men’s football team prepares to make its long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup.

In his weekly newsletter to the nation, the President said the team carries the hopes and aspirations of millions of South Africans as it heads to the global tournament, where it will face Mexico in the opening match in just under two weeks.

“They carry with them the best wishes of more than 62 million South Africans who will be cheering them on at every stage of the tournament. Bafana Bafana are taking part in the World Cup for the first time since we hosted the event in 2010,” the President said on Monday.

The soccer tournament will be held in Mexico, the United States of America, and Canada.

He urged the entire nation to get behind the team and celebrate the achievement of qualifying for football’s biggest tournament.

“I call on all South Africans to rally behind our team and show their support. Let us wear the team colours and fly the flag.”

The President also acknowledged the efforts that have gone into rebuilding South African football over the years, crediting government, football administrators, clubs, leagues and sponsors for their contribution to the sport’s development.

“It has been a long and difficult journey to transform the fortunes of Bafana Bafana. Credit must go to the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the South African Football Association, the leagues, clubs and sponsors for their commitment to developing local football over many years. The coach and the players deserve our collective recognition.”

He said work continues to professionalise football, nurture emerging talent and encourage participation in the sport among young people across the country.

President Ramaphosa described the national team as ambassadors for South Africa, saying the composition of the squad reflects the country’s diversity and commitment to unity.

“Bafana Bafana will be ambassadors for our country and what we stand for. The diversity of the squad and technical team is a reminder to the world that we are a united nation of many races, languages and cultures,” he said. 

The President said the transformation of sport demonstrates South Africa’s commitment to the constitutional values of respect, fairness, tolerance and inclusivity.

Drawing parallels with the unifying power of sport throughout the country’s democratic history, President Ramaphosa reflected on the iconic moment during the 1995 Rugby World Cup final when former President Nelson Mandela wore a Springbok jersey to congratulate the national rugby team.

He said that while South Africans hope Bafana Bafana will lift the World Cup trophy, the team’s participation itself holds significant meaning for the nation.

“As I told the Bafana Bafana squad last week, the people of South Africa expect them to bring the trophy home. Yet regardless of how Bafana Bafana fare in the tournament, their participation is as rich with meaning as the 1995 Rugby World Cup,” he said. 

READ | Bafana Bafana have “the nation behind them”

President Ramaphosa said the country’s journey mirrors that of the national football team, noting that South Africa has emerged from a challenging period and is looking ahead with renewed optimism.

“Much like the national squad, the country has emerged from a prolonged period of difficulty and now looks to the future with hope,” he said. 

He pointed to the country’s democratic progress, the strength of its Constitution, the launch of the National Dialogue process and signs of economic recovery as reasons for growing confidence in the future.

The President urged citizens to celebrate not only the team’s achievements but also the progress South Africa has made in building a united, non-racial, non-sexist and democratic society.

“So, as we cheer our team on from the stands, at fan zones and in our homes, we should also cheer ourselves on as a country. We should celebrate how far we have come in building a united, non-racial, non-sexist and democratic South Africa,” the President said. 

He concluded by calling for unity as South Africans support the national team on the world stage. 

“For 90 minutes, as they play for our country, we will not be divided by language, race, province, club or circumstance. For 90 minutes, as they play, we will simply be South Africans standing together behind our national team and behind our flag.

“One Team. One Nation. Behind Bafana. Behind South Africa. United by our Flag, inspired by our Team. 62 million cheering voices. One Dream,” the President said.

Bafana Bafana will face Mexico in the tournament opener on 11 June 2026. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM

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SIU to provide update on FS bursary scheme investigation

Source: Government of South Africa

SIU to provide update on FS bursary scheme investigation

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) will provide an update on its investigation into the Free State Provincial Government Bursary Scheme at a media briefing on Tuesday.

The bursary scheme is aimed at unemployed young people interested in pursuing higher education in scarce skills fields, including agriculture, accounting and engineering in the province.

“The SIU’s investigation, under Proclamation 123 of 2023, examines the Office of the Premier’s 2017/2018 report on bursaries, including payments for travel, accommodation, and stipends that were improperly given or in violation of bursary policy.

“The SIU’s investigation looks at payments for student accommodation, causes of maladministration, and related unauthorised or wasteful expenditure. The probe also looks into any unlawful conduct by officials or others related to these matters.

“Additionally, the SIU examined suspense account funds at higher education institutions and arranged repayment where credit balances to the Premier’s Office were found,” the SIU said.

The briefing will be led by Acting SIU Head Leonard Lekgetho and will be joined by Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, and the Director-General of the Free State Provincial Government, Dr Molefinyana Phera.

“The release of the report is a key milestone in the investigation, highlighting the SIU’s commitment to transparency and keeping the public informed,” the SIU stated. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

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Une grand-mère malgache, la première patiente de la nouvelle mission de Mercy Ships à Madagascar, retrouve la vue

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Alors que l’Africa Mercy® (https://MercyShips.Africa) entame sa troisième mission consécutive à Madagascar, Delphine, 69 ans, est devenue la première patiente à monter à bord du navire-hôpital pour y subir une opération. Cette étape marque le début d’un nouveau chapitre pour des centaines de patients qui attendent de retrouver leur santé, leur indépendance et leur dignité.

Depuis l’apparition de sa cataracte au début de l’année dernière, la vue de Delphine s’est progressivement détériorée jusqu’à la plonger dans l’obscurité en décembre. Ce passage d’une vision floue à une cécité complète a non seulement bouleversé son quotidien, mais aussi celui de sa famille.  Les gestes les plus simples sont devenus pour elle un véritable défi, voire une épreuve insurmontable.

« Quand vient l’heure de manger, quelqu’un place soigneusement l’assiette devant moi », explique-t-elle. « Si c’est du poisson, ma fille enlève les arêtes pour moi. Parfois, quand elle est trop occupée, je lui demande de ne pas me donner de poisson. »

Avant de perdre la vue, Delphine travaillait aux champs aux côtés de sa fille Noronette. Ensemble, elles subvenaient aux besoins de la famille. Si sa fille travaillait, elle restait alors à la maison pour s’occuper de ses trois petits-enfants. La cécité a mis un terme à ce rythme de vie, qui dépendait fortement du soutien de Delphine. A ce moment-là, c’est Delphine qui a eu besoin d’aide, car sa cataracte l’avait coupée du reste du monde. 

« Je ne faisais plus que rester assise chez moi, submergée par la solitude et la tristesse. Quand les autres sortaient, j’étais la seule à rester enfermée, comme exclue du monde. »

Pour Delphine et sa famille, le retour de Mercy Ships signifiait aussi le renouveau de l’espoir. Il s’agit de la troisième mission consécutive de l’ONG dans le pays et de sa sixième visite sur l’île depuis son arrivée en 1996, témoin d’un partenariat de longue date visant à renforcer l’accès aux soins chirurgicaux pour des personnes comme Delphine.

Accompagnée de sa fille, Delphine a été la première patiente à monter à bord de l’Africa Mercy alors que le navire entamait officiellement sa mission 2026 à Madagascar. À l’intérieur des espaces hospitaliers dédiés à bord, les espoirs de Delphine ont été comblés après une opération de la cataracte réussie !

« La voir recouvrer la vue après des mois d’obscurité, et revoir le visage de sa fille après si longtemps, c’est cela qui donne un sens à notre mission. Nous suivons le modèle d’amour de Jésus en rendant la vue aux aveugles, et quelle joie que notre toute première opération de cette mission ait justement permis cela », témoigne Ashleigh Wong, responsable de l’équipe ophtalmologique chez Mercy Ships.

Cette transformation a touché Delphine au plus profond d’elle-même. Elle avait déjà dressé une liste de choses qu’elle souhaitait faire une fois sa vue retrouvée, et elle sait désormais qu’elle pourra cocher chaque case de sa propre main. Le plus important, bien sûr, sera de s’occuper à nouveau de ses petits-enfants alors qu’elle rejoint sa famille avec son indépendance retrouvée. Ses premiers mots après l’opération ont parfaitement capturé cette joie et cette impatience.

« Cela fait longtemps que je n’ai pas vu mes petits-enfants, mais maintenant je suis heureuse de les retrouver et de les voir à nouveau. », a-t-elle déclaré.

Distribué par APO Group pour Mercy Ships.

À Propos de Mercy Ships :
Mercy Ships exploite des navires-hôpitaux qui offrent gratuitement des interventions chirurgicales et d’autres services de santé aux populations ayant un accès limité à des soins médicaux sûrs. Organisation internationale d’inspiration chrétienne, Mercy Ships se consacre exclusivement depuis plus de trente ans à des partenariats avec des pays africains. En collaboration avec des partenaires locaux, Mercy Ships propose également des formations aux professionnels de santé et soutient la construction d’infrastructures médicales durables.

Chaque année, plus de 2 500 professionnels bénévoles originaires de plus de 70 pays servent à bord des deux plus grands navires-hôpitaux non gouvernementaux au monde, l’Africa Mercy® et le Global Mercy™. Chirurgiens, dentistes, infirmiers, formateurs en santé, cuisiniers et ingénieurs mettent leurs compétences au service de l’accès à des soins chirurgicaux et anesthésiques sûrs. Mercy Ships a été fondée en 1978 et dispose de bureaux dans 16 pays ainsi que d’un Centre de services africain à Dakar, au Sénégal.

Pour plus d’informations, rendez-vous sur mercyships.org et suivez @MercyShips sur les réseaux sociaux.

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From Commitment to Classrooms: Advancing Refugee Education through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)–TECNO’s Global Partnership

Source: APO

One year into their expanded global partnership, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and TECNO (www.TECNO-Mobile.com) are translating shared commitments into tangible education outcomes for refugee children and young people across Africa. Through sustained investment in primary and higher education, the partnership is supporting access to safer learning environments, helping children remain in school, and contributing to longer‑term pathways toward self‑reliance.

Under the three‑year partnership launched in 2025, UNHCR and TECNO committed to supporting more than 54,000 refugee children through improved access to primary education, alongside 15 refugee scholars through the DAFI (Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative) scholarship programme. During the first year, efforts focused on turning these commitments into practical support in refugee‑hosting contexts.

In 2025, the partnership delivered measurable improvements on the ground, particularly in Ethiopia and Tanzania. Support contributed to the construction and rehabilitation of classrooms and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities, helping create safer and more conducive learning environments for refugee children. More than 18,000 learners received essential learning materials, including textbooks and school kits, while targeted financial assistance enabled vulnerable students to enrol in school and continue their education.

For many students, these changes translate into a daily difference in how learning takes place — and whether it does at all. “When it rains, everything gets wet, and sometimes we have to stop classes,” says Irahoze, a refugee student who attended primary school in Tanzania where lessons were once held outdoors. “When the classes can continue, it makes it easier to concentrate and keep going.”

Investments under the partnership have also supported teacher training, school operations and parent–teacher engagement. These efforts are strengthening education delivery in under‑resourced settings and improving both access to learning and education quality.

Across the education continuum, the UNHCR–TECNO partnership supports both foundational learning and higher‑education pathways. High‑impact primary education initiatives focus on improving learning environments, supporting teachers and strengthening student retention. In parallel, continued support to the DAFI scholarship programme enables refugee youth to access tertiary education and work toward employment and self‑reliance.

For refugee students transitioning to further education, schooling represents more than academic progress. “I am excited and scared at the same time,” says Bisharo Mohamed, a refugee student from Kenya preparing to attend secondary school outside the Dadaab refugee camp for the first time. “I want to do well and make my family proud.”

More broadly, refugee education systems across East Africa — including in Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania — continue to face structural pressures linked to displacement, limited infrastructure and resource constraints. Within this regional context, the partnership contributes to efforts to strengthen foundational learning and create pathways for the three countries, allowing refugee children and young people to continue and progress in their education.

At the tertiary level, the partnership contributes to UNHCR’s global 15by30 target (http://apo-opa.co/437SIjJ), which aims to increase refugee enrolment in higher education to 15 per cent by 2030. Since its inception, the DAFI programme has supported more than 27,200 refugee students across 59 countries, with growing graduation and employment outcomes.

As the partnership progresses, UNHCR and TECNO remain focused on adapting support to evolving needs on the ground across Africa — strengthening teaching capacity, improving school infrastructure, and reinforcing links between education and longer‑term self‑reliance for refugee youth.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of TECNO Mobile.

For more information, please contact:
TRANSSION Holdings
Chris Huang, Corporate PR
chris.huang@transsion.com

UNHCR Asia-Pacific
Jemma Galvin, Private Sector Communication Officer
galvin@unhcr.org

About TECNO:
TECNO is an innovative, AI-driven technology brand with a presence in over 70 markets across five continents. Committed to transforming the digital experience in global emerging markets, TECNO relentlessly pursues the perfect integration of contemporary aesthetic design with the latest technologies and artificial intelligence. Today, TECNO offers a comprehensive ecosystem of AI-powered products, including smartphones, smart wearables, laptops, tablets, smart gaming devices, the HiOS operating system, and smart home products. Guided by its brand essence of “Stop At Nothing”, TECNO continues to pioneer the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and AI-driven experiences for forward-looking individuals, inspiring them to never stop pursuing their best selves and brightest futures. For more information, please visit TECNO’s official site: www.TECNO-Mobile.com

About UNHCR:
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, leads international action to protect people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. The organisation delivers life-saving assistance including shelter, food and water, helps safeguard fundamental human rights, and develops solutions that ensure people have a safe place to call home where they can build a better future. UNHCR also works to ensure that stateless people are granted nationality.

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Sight Restored in Madagascar for the First Patient of the Next Mercy Ships Field Service

Source: APO

As the Africa Mercy® (https://MercyShips.Africa) begins its third consecutive field service in Madagascar, 69-year-old Delphine became the first patient to board the hospital ship for surgery. This marks the start of a new chapter for hundreds of patients waiting to regain their health, independence, and dignity.

Since developing cataracts earlier last year, Delphine’s vision gradually deteriorated until she completely lost her sight in December. What began as blurred vision had become total blindness, severely affecting, not only her own life, but the lives of her family. Even the most basic daily tasks were difficult for Delphine to begin, almost impossible to finish.

“When it is time for me to eat, someone places the plate carefully in front of me,” she explained. “If we eat fish, my daughter removes the bones for me. Sometimes, when she is too busy, I ask her not to give me fish at all.”

Before losing her sight, Delphine worked alongside her daughter Noronette in the fields. Together, they helped provide for the family. If her daughter worked, then she was at home caring for her three grandchildren. Blindness brought that lifestyle to a halt; a lifestyle that relied greatly on Delphine’s support. Now Delphine was the one who needed support as her cataracts isolated her from the rest of her world.

“I can’t interact with the community anymore,” said Delphine. “Now all I do is sit at home. I feel lonely and unhappy. When everyone goes out, I’m the only one left behind.”

For Delphine and her family, Mercy Ships’ return also marked the return of hope. This was the organisation’s third consecutive field service in the country and its sixth visit to the island since first arriving in 1996, reflecting a long-standing partnership to strengthen access to surgical care for people like Delphine.

Accompanied by her daughter, Delphine became the first patient to climb the gangway of the Africa Mercy as the ship officially launched her 2026 field service in Madagascar. Inside the dedicated hospital wings on board, Delphine’s hopes were fulfilled after a successful cataract surgery!

“Witnessing her being able to see for the first time in many months, and see her daughter’s face again after so long, is the reason why we do what we do. We are following the footsteps of Jesus in restoring sight to the blind, and what a joy that our very first surgery for this field service did just that,” said Ashleigh Wong, Ophthalmic Team Manager at Mercy Ships.

The transformation was deeply personal for Delphine. She already had a list of things she wanted to do once her sight returned, and now she knows she can check off every single item with her own hand. The most important thing, of course, would be to care for her grandchildren once again as she rejoins her family with reclaimed independence Her first words after surgery captured that joy and anticipation perfectly.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen my grandchildren, but now I’ll see them again,” she said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships.

About Mercy Ships:
Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact.

Each year, 2,500+ volunteer professionals from more than 70 countries serve on board the world’s two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy® and the Global Mercy™. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical and anesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal. For more information, visit mercyships.org and follow @MercyShips on social media.

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Suspects to appear in court for impersonating law enforcement officers

Source: Government of South Africa

Suspects to appear in court for impersonating law enforcement officers

Two suspects, aged 73 and 46, are expected to appear before the Alice Magistrate’s Court today on allegations of fraud, unlawful impersonation of a senior law enforcement officer, abuse of State resources, and the deliberate misrepresentation of official authority.

The arrests follow an extensive investigation conducted by the KuGompo Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team.

The matter stems from information reported to Alice Police Station in July 2024 after an individual identifying himself as “Colonel Zweni” of the Hawks presented himself at the station and requested to meet the Station Commander. 

He introduced himself as a senior Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) official tasked with investigating corruption within the Department of Public Works and Human Settlements.

“Reports further revealed that the same individual visited offices of the Department of Public Works and Human Settlements while dressed in police attire and portraying himself as a senior Hawks officer,” the police said. 

Through these alleged misrepresentations, he reportedly created the impression that he possessed legitimate law enforcement authority and official investigative powers.

“Accompanying him during some of these interactions was a former SAPS Warrant Officer, who allegedly reinforced and authenticated the false representations made by the impersonator. As a result, the Hawks opened an inquiry and launched an investigation.

“As the investigation progressed, search-and-seizure warrants were executed at premises linked to the former officer. 

“The operation yielded various exhibits of evidential significance, including police rank insignia associated with the rank of Colonel and documents bearing the identity of “Colonel Zweni”. These discoveries strengthened suspicions that the fraudulent identity had been deliberately created and used to deceive government officials and members of the public,” the police said.

Further investigations established that official SAPS communication platforms were allegedly exploited in furtherance of the scheme. 

Evidence gathered revealed that the former warrant officer purportedly used her official SAPS email account, without the knowledge or authorisation of her commanding officers, to communicate with officials from the Department of Public Works and Human Settlements. 

These communications allegedly carried the signature and credentials of the fictitious “Colonel Zweni”, creating an appearance of legitimacy and official sanction.

A comprehensive verification process subsequently exposed the true identity of the individual operating under the assumed name. The suspect was positively identified, and official records confirmed that he had served in the former South African Police Force from July 1977 until his resignation in November 1981.

Upon careful consideration of the evidence, warrants of arrest were authorised for both suspects. They were arrested on 30 May 2026 and are scheduled to appear before the Alice Magistrate’s Court on 1 June 2026. Investigations remain ongoing. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Receives Copy of Credentials of UAE Ambassador

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | May 31, 2026

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi received on Sunday a copy of the credentials of HE Ambassador of the sisterly United Arab Emirates to the State of Qatar Saeed Abdullah Al Qamzi.

HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs wished HE the Ambassador success in his duties, assuring him of all support to enhance bilateral relations and foster closer cooperation in various fields. 

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Qatar Condemns Continued Israeli Assaults on Lebanon, Expansion of Ground Invasion into South

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | May 31, 2026

The State of Qatar condemns the persistent Israeli assaults on Lebanon and the expansion of the scope of ground incursion of the occupation army into the country and the targeting of civilians.

It deems these actions a dangerous escalation and an egregious violation of the sovereignty of the brotherly Republic of Lebanon and an open breach of international humanitarian rules-based order.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on the international community to uphold its responsibilities in obliging the Israeli occupation authorities to halt its repeated attacks on Lebanon, respect the international charters and laws, as well as enforce Security Council Resolution 1701 with its full provisions.

It underscores the State of Qatar’s enduring position toward the Republic of Lebanon, its unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing that Qatar fully backs all efforts that strengthen Lebanon’s stability and prosperity.

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Assemblées annuelles 2026 de la Banque africaine de développement : les gouverneurs entérinent les Quatre points cardinaux et appellent à accélérer la réforme de l’architecture financière africaine

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Les Assemblées annuelles de cinq jours du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (www.AfDB.org), ouvertes le 25 mai à Brazzaville, se sont achevées ce vendredi 29 mai 2026 avec une déclaration forte : les Conseils des gouverneurs de l’institution ont fermement appuyé le président Sidi Ould Tah pour la mise en œuvre de la vision stratégique de la Banque portée par les Quatre points cardinaux. 

Les gouverneurs ont également demandé au Dr Ould Tah d’accélérer la réforme de l’architecture financière africaine afin de mobiliser à grande échelle des ressources pour le développement de l’Afrique dans le cadre de la Nouvelle architecture financière africaine pour le développement (NAFAD). Ils ont aussi apporté leur soutien aux réformes institutionnelles entreprises par Dr Ould Tah pour rendre la Banque plus agile, plus flexible et plus près des bénéficiaires sur le terrain, partout en Afrique.  

 « Le Conseil des gouverneurs a approuvé et encouragé le président du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement, Dr Sidi Ould Tah, à mettre en œuvre sa vision « les Quatre points cardinaux » pour renforcer la capacité d’action et d’influence de l’Afrique dans un monde plus en plus fragmenté », a déclaré lors de la cérémonie de clôture, le ministre de l’Économie, du Plan, de la Statistique et de la Prospective de la République du Congo, Ludovic Ngatsé, président des Conseils  des gouverneurs du Groupe de la Banque. 

« Je tiens à saluer très chaleureusement l’expression du soutien clair, franc et massif que nous avons reçu » lors de ces Assemblées, a déclaré Dr Ould Tah.  

Dans un discours engagé, il a rappelé que ce sont « les décisions politiques courageuses qui feront la différence sur le terrain ». « Je veux le dire, a-t-il indiqué, avec la plus grande clarté : je vous ai écoutés, et je vous ai entendus ». Le président Ould Tah a assuré que ce qui a été bâti à Brazzaville, « au-delà des chiffres », était « plus profond ». « Nous avons enclenché une dynamique d’action, une dynamique de transformation, une dynamique d’intégration », a-t-il martelé. 

Plus de 4 000 participants venus de plus de 81 pays ont pris part aux Assemblées annuelles du Groupe de la Banque organisées sous le thème : « Mobiliser les ressources à grande échelle pour le financement du développement de l’Afrique dans un monde fragmenté ». 

Ces assises, les premières organisées sous la présidence du Dr Ould Tah depuis son entrée en fonction le 1er septembre 2025, ont été marquées par un panel président qui a regroupé le président congolais, Denis Sassou N’Guesso, ses pairs centrafricains Faustin Archange Touadéra et gabonais Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, ainsi que le président de la Banque Sidi Ould Tah. 

Ces Assemblées annuelles, principales rencontres statutaires du Groupe de la Banque, ont également été marquées par plusieurs annonces majeures. L’Angola a ainsi annoncé une contribution de 6,5 millions d’euros en faveur de la 17e reconstitution des ressources du Fonds africain de développement (FAD). Cela porte désormais à 25 le nombre de pays africains engagés dans le financement du FAD-17, pour un montant dépassant les 190 millions de dollars. L’engagement sans précédent des pays africains dans le financement du FAD-17 marque un tournant vers une responsabilité partagée et renforce le principe de l’appropriation africaine au sein de l’architecture du financement du développement et l’avenir économique du continent.  

Ces Assemblées ont aussi été marquées par plus de trois milliards de dollars d’engagements en faveur du Fonds bleu pour le Bassin du Congo (https://apo-opa.co/3RHOVam), destiné à soutenir 17 pays africains dans les domaines de la préservation environnementale et du développement durable. De nombreux accords ont été signés dans le cadre de l’opérationnalisation des Quatre points cardinaux du Groupe de la Banque et lorss d’une rencontre de haut niveau sur le Programme intégré de transformation de l’aviation en Afrique (IATP) et la Facilité africaine pour les médicaments et équipements médicaux (AMEF). 

Le Japon a annoncé un financement de dix millions de dollars dans le cadre de la mise en œuvre de l’AMEF. 

Lors de la Journée de l’Afrique marquant le début des Assemblées annuelles le 25 mai, le président de la République du Congo, Denis Sassou N’Guesso, avait annoncé la suppression des visas pour tous les citoyens africains à compter du 1er janvier 2027. « À compter du premier janvier 2027, les ressortissants de tous les pays africains bénéficieront d’un accès sans visa et n’auront plus besoin de visa pour venir au Congo », avait-il déclaré, exhortant les pays à approfondir l’intégration régionale. 

Le président Sidi Ould Tah a salué cette décision la qualifiant de « décision courageuse et profondément panafricaine ». 

Le Premier ministre congolais, Anatole Collinet Makosso, s’est félicité que ces Assemblées annuelles aient pu se tenir en présentiel, en dépit de l’épidémie d’Ebola qui s’est déclenchée en République démocratique du Congo et en Ouganda le 17 mai. 

En effet, la mobilisation conjointe du gouvernement congolais, du bureau régional de l’Organisation mondiale de la Santé (OMS), dont le siège se trouve à Brazzaville, et des Centres africains de contrôle et de prévention des maladies (CDC Afrique) et du Groupe de la Banque et de leurs partenaires, a permis de mettre en place des mesures de sécurité détaillées afin de faire face à la menace de l’épidémie. À ce jour, aucun cas d’Ebola n’a été signalé ni détecté en République du Congo depuis que l’épidémie a été déclarée par l’OMS le 17 mai. 

« Pour la République du Congo, l’accueil de ces assises aura été une vitrine internationale exceptionnelle, mais surtout une opportunité unique d’inscrire ses priorités nationales dans les dynamiques continentales », s’est félicité M. Ngatsé. Il a souhaité que « l’esprit de solidarité, d’audace et de responsabilité qui a soufflé sur Brazzaville continue d’éclairer les actions de la Banque ». 

Plaçant son action sous le signe de l’innovation et des résultats, Dr Ould Tah a réaffirmé son ambition de faire de la Banque africaine de développement une « banque de solutions », plus agile, plus proche des populations et pleinement engagée dans la transformation économique du continent.  

Lors de la conférence de presse qui a suivi la cérémonie de clôture des assemblées, le Dr Ould Tah a assuré que la Banque africaine de développement ne sera jamais gagnée par la bureaucratie et sera plus que jamais connectée au terrain. « Il n’y a aucun risque de déconnexion avec le terrain », soulignant que la Banque travaillera avec les banques nationales, avec les banques régionales pour fournir l’appui aux PME, aux jeunes et aux femmes. Il a insisté sur le fait que l’Afrique devrait mobiliser davantage ses ressources domestiques, se prémunir de la fragmentation et transformer ses matières premières pour créer de la valeur, de la croissance et surtout des emplois pour les jeunes et les femmes africains.  

Le président Ould Tah a aussi salué lors de ces assemblées les forces vives de la société civile, les philanthropes, et la diaspora africaine. « Votre rôle est irremplaçable », a-t-il reconnu. « La Banque sera votre partenaire de premier plan », a-t-il assuré. 

Distribué par APO Group pour African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact :
Romaric Ollo Hien
Département de la communication et des relations extérieures
media@afdb.org  

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African Development Bank 2026 Annual Meetings: Governors Endorse the Four Cardinal Points and Call for Accelerated Reform of Africa’s Financial Architecture  

Source: APO

The African Development Bank Group’s (www.AfDB.org) five-day Annual Meetings in Brazzaville, concluded on Friday 29 May 2026 with the Board of Governors strongly endorsing President Dr Sidi Ould Tah’s mandate to implement the Bank’s Four Cardinal Points strategic vision. 

The governors called on Dr Ould Tah to accelerate the reform of Africa’s financial architecture in order to mobilize large-scale resources for Africa’s development within the framework of the New African Financial Architecture for Development (NAFAD). They also expressed their support for institutional reforms undertaken by Ould Tah to make the Bank more agile, more flexible, and closer to beneficiaries across Africa. 

“The Board of Governors approved and encouraged the President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, to implement his vision, ‘the Four Cardinal Points,’ to strengthen Africa’s capacity for action and influence in an increasingly fragmented world,” said the Minister of Economy, Planning, Statistics and Forecasting of the Republic of the Congo, Ludovic Ngatsé, Chair of the Bank Group’s Boards of Governors, during the closing ceremony. 

“I would like to warmly welcome the clear, frank and overwhelming support we received,” said Dr. Ould Tah during these Meetings. 

In a compelling address, he recalled that it is “bold political decisions that will make the difference on the ground.” “I want to say this,” he added with the utmost clarity, “I have listened to you, and I have heard you.” The President emphasized that what was built in Brazzaville “beyond the figures” was “deeper.” “We have set in motion a dynamic of action, a dynamic of transformation, a dynamic of integration,” Ould Tah stressed. 

More than 4,000 participants from over 81 countries took part in the Bank Group’s Annual Meetings, held under the theme: “Mobilizing large-scale resources for financing Africa’s development in a fragmented world.” 

The Annual Meetings, the first organized under Dr. Ould Tah’s presidency since he took office on 1st  September 2025, featured a presidential panel bringing together the President of the Republic of the Congo, Denis Sassou-N’Guesso, his Central African counterpart Faustin-Archange Touadéra and Gabon’s Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, together with Bank President Sidi Ould Tah. 

The Annual Meetings, the Bank Group’s main statutory gatherings, were also marked by several major announcements. Angola announced a contribution of €6.5 million to the 17th replenishment of the African Development Fund (ADF). This brings to 25 the number of African countries financing ADF-17, with a total exceeding USD 190 million. The unprecedented commitment of African countries to financing ADF-17 marks a turning point toward shared responsibility and reinforces African ownership within the development finance architecture and the economic future of the continent. 

The Meetings were also marked by more than USD 3 billion in commitments to the Congo Basin Blue Fund (https://apo-opa.co/4nYSbKB), aimed at supporting 17 African countries in environmental conservation and sustainable development.  

Numerous agreements were signed as part of the operationalization of the Bank’s new Four Cardinal Points strategic vision, as well as during a high-level meeting on the Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme in Africa (IATP) and the African Facility for Medicines and Medical Equipment (AMEF). 

Japan announced USD 10 million in funding for the implementation of AMEF. 

As the Annual Meetings kicked off with the Africa Day celebrations on Monday 25 May, the President of the Republic of the Congo, Denis Sassou N’Guesso announced the abolition of visas for all African citizens.  

“As from the first of January 2027, nationals of all African countries will have visa-free access and will no longer need a visa to come to Congo,” the Congolese leader said and urged countries to deepen regional integration  

Welcoming the landmark decision, Bank President Ould Tah described it as “a courageous and deeply pan-African decision.” 

Congolese Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso hailed the fact that the Annual Meetings were held in person despite the Ebola outbreak in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a few days before the event. 

A joint mobilization of the Congolese government, the World Health Organisation’s regional office which has its headquarters in Brazzaville, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the African Development Bank, put in place detailed safety measures to address the threat of the outbreak. To date, no Ebola case has been reported or detected in the Republic of the Congo since the outbreak was declared by the WHO on 17 May.  During his closing remarks, Minister Ngatsé, the Chairman of the Bank Group’s Boards of Governors, stated: 

“For the Republic of the Congo, hosting these Meetings has been an exceptional international showcase, but above all a unique opportunity to align its national priorities with continental dynamics”.  

Bank Group President Ould Tah reaffirmed his ambition to make the African Development Bank a “solutions bank,” more agile, closer to people, and fully engaged in the continent’s economic transformation. 

At the press conference following the closing ceremony, Ould Tah said the African Development Bank will never be burdened by bureaucracy and will remain firmly connected to the field. “There is no risk of disconnect from the field,” stressing that the Bank will work with national banks and regional banks to provide support to Small and Medium Enterprises, youth, and women.  

The Bank Group president emphasized that Africa must mobilize more domestic resources, guard against fragmentation, and transform its raw materials in order to create value, growth, and above all jobs for African youth and women. 

President Ould Tah also paid tribute to civil society organisation, philanthropists, and the African diaspora. “Your role is irreplaceable,” he acknowledged, “The Bank will be your leading partner,” Ould Tah assured. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact: 
Romaric Ollo Hien
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

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