Category: MIL-OSI

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Call to protect the power system

Source: Government of South Africa

Sunday, July 20, 2025

Eskom has encouraged all South Africans to use electricity efficiently throughout the rest of the winter season and avoid illegal connections as well as meter bypassing.

“With load shedding suspended and electricity demand rising during the winter period, Eskom has urged all customers to act responsibly and help safeguard the power system,” Eskom said on Friday.

Illegal connections and meter bypassing not only constitute theft but also place immense strain on the network, often leading to transformer overloads, equipment damage, and in severe cases, explosions and extended outages.

“To protect critical infrastructure, Eskom is compelled to implement load reduction by switching off power during peak hours in high-risk, isolated areas to prevent potential damage. 

“To help maintain a stable and uninterrupted electricity supply, customers are strongly urged to avoid bypassing meters and refrain from illegal connections,” the power utility said in a statement on Friday.

READ | Power system remains stable

Electricity should be purchased only through Eskom-accredited vendors, and users are encouraged to regularise their electricity usage. 

“These steps are essential to ensuring safe, reliable, and fair access to electricity for all. Eligible households are encouraged to register for free basic electricity with their local municipalities,” Eskom said.

The public has been urged to report any illegal activity impacting Eskom’s infrastructure by contacting the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 112 722 or via WhatsApp on 081 333 3323.

To help manage household electricity consumption, Eskom customers are encouraged to use the Eskom Residential Calculator, a convenient tool for tracking and optimising energy usage: https://www.eskom.co.za/distribution/residential-calculator/

–SAnews.gov.za
 

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Condolences for family of Sowetan editor Pearl Sebolao

Source: Government of South Africa

Sunday, July 20, 2025

Government has extended its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the late Executive Editor of the Sowetan, Pearl Sebolao.

The renowned journalist and editor passed away on Saturday after a short illness at the Johannesburg Surgical Hospital in Northcliff in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg.

“We mourn the passing of a dedicated journalist and committed media professional who helped shape the narrative of our time.

“May her loved ones find comfort and strength during this difficult period, and may her memory continue to inspire all who work towards a better South Africa. May her soul rest in peace,” Government Communication and Information System Acting Director-General Nomonde Mnukwa said. –SAnews.gov.za

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Le secrétaire général de International Energy Forum (IEF) participe à African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 dans un contexte de prévisions de croissance énergétique mondiale

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Jassim Alshirawi, secrétaire général de l’organisation intergouvernementale International Energy Forum (IEF), participera en tant qu’intervenant à la conférence African Energy Week (AEW) : Invest in African Energies. En tant que plus grand rassemblement mondial de ministres de l’énergie, l’IEF représente plus de 90 % de l’approvisionnement mondial en pétrole et en gaz. M. Alshirawi est donc bien placé pour mener les discussions sur le marché pétrolier africain, notamment sur les tendances, les opportunités et les défis.

Représentant le forum mondial du dialogue sur l’énergie, l’IEF se concentre sur la sécurité énergétique, la transparence des données et la transition énergétique, réunissant les ministres de l’énergie et les parties prenantes du monde entier afin de faire progresser les chaînes d’approvisionnement mondiales. Fondée il y a plus de 30 ans, l’organisation facilite les discussions entre les pays producteurs et consommateurs, offrant une plateforme neutre et inclusive pour relever les défis de la chaîne d’approvisionnement. La participation de M. Alshirawi à AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025, le plus grand événement énergétique d’Afrique, devrait renforcer ces discussions alors que le rôle de l’Afrique sur les marchés mondiaux de l’énergie ne cesse de croître.

AEW : Invest in African Energies est la plateforme de choix pour les opérateurs de projets, les financiers, les fournisseurs de technologies et les gouvernements, et s’est imposée comme le lieu officiel pour la signature d’accords dans le domaine de l’énergie en Afrique. Visitez le site www.AECWeek.com pour plus d’informations sur cet événement passionnant.

La participation d’Alshirawi intervient alors que l’Afrique s’efforce de promouvoir des politiques énergétiques centrées sur le continent, qui mettent l’accent sur la nécessité d’augmenter la capacité énergétique tout en favorisant une transition énergétique juste.

Étant donné que plus de 600 millions de personnes n’ont actuellement pas accès à l’électricité sur le continent et que 900 millions de personnes n’ont pas accès à des solutions de cuisson propres, de nombreux pays plaident en faveur d’une approche différenciée de la transition énergétique en Afrique, qui donne la priorité au développement du pétrole et du gaz à faible teneur en carbone. Des organisations telles que l’IEF sont particulièrement bien placées pour faciliter le dialogue sur l’énergie, améliorant ainsi la compréhension de la dynamique énergétique de l’Afrique.

Au-delà du dialogue sur l’énergie, l’IEF fournit une série de rapports et d’analyses de données, ainsi que des informations utiles pour les investissements et la prise de décision des principaux opérateurs et financiers. Dans sa dernière analyse comparative des rapports mensuels sur le marché pétrolier, l’IEF compare les prévisions des principales organisations telles que l’OPEP et l’Agence internationale de l’énergie (AIE). Dans sa comparaison, l’IEF souligne que les prévisions de l’OPEP indiquent une augmentation de la demande mondiale de pétrole de 1,3 million de barils par jour (bpj) en 2025, principalement due à l’augmentation de la consommation de carburants pour le transport. Les prévisions pour 2026 tablent sur une nouvelle hausse de la demande de 1,3 million de bpj, soutenue par la demande croissante en matière de mobilité et de matières premières pour la pétrochimie. Dans le même temps, l’AIE prévoit une augmentation de la demande mondiale de pétrole de 0,7 million de b/j en 2025 et de 720 000 b/j en 2026. Ces divergences soulignent la nécessité de se regrouper au sein d’une plateforme unique, AEW : Invest in African Energies 2025 s’imposant comme un forum stratégique à cet égard.

AEW : Invest in African Energies réunit les acteurs mondiaux et africains du secteur de l’énergie afin de discuter des stratégies visant à accélérer les investissements et le développement dans le but d’améliorer la sécurité énergétique. Continent riche en ressources naturelles diverses et offrant d’importantes opportunités inexploitées, l’Afrique est bien placée pour jouer un rôle plus central dans les chaînes d’approvisionnement mondiales. Des marchés établis tels que l’Angola, le Nigeria, la République du Congo et la Libye augmentent rapidement leur production de pétrole et de gaz, en ciblant de nouvelles frontières d’exploration et des projets de production supplémentaires. Parallèlement, des marchés émergents tels que la Namibie, l’Ouganda, la Côte d’Ivoire, l’Afrique du Sud et le Zimbabwe sont tous engagés dans l’exploration de nouvelles frontières, dans le but de s’imposer comme futurs producteurs. Grâce aux progrès réalisés dans le domaine des énergies propres, de l’hydrogène vert à grande échelle à l’intégration de l’énergie solaire et éolienne, l’Afrique offre des opportunités considérables dans l’ensemble de son secteur énergétique et de sa chaîne de valeur.

Dans ce contexte, la participation d’Alshirawi à AEW : Invest in African Energies 2025 renforcera le dialogue entre l’Afrique et le monde. Sa participation visera non seulement à relever les défis et à saisir les opportunités du marché mondial de l’énergie, mais aussi à favoriser les discussions sur la stratégie unique de l’Afrique pour développer son énergie et faire progresser sa transition.

« Alors que le secteur énergétique africain connaît une croissance rapide, une opportunité unique s’offre aux opérateurs, aux financiers et aux fournisseurs de technologies pour tirer parti de la demande mondiale et positionner le continent comme un fournisseur majeur. Les connaissances partagées par l’IEF jouent depuis longtemps un rôle important dans la réduction des risques liés aux investissements en Afrique et continueront à soutenir les développements à mesure que les entreprises libèrent tout le potentiel des ressources énergétiques du continent », déclare NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de la Chambre africaine de l’énergie.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

Media files

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International Energy Forum (IEF) Secretary General Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 Amid Forecasts Global Energy Growth

Source: APO – Report:

Jassim Alshirawi, Secretary General of intergovernmental organization the International Energy Forum (IEF), has joined the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference as a speaker. As the world’s largest gathering of energy ministers, the IEF accounts for more than 90% of global oil and gas supply, and as such, Alshirawi is well-positioned to lead discussions around Africa’s oil market, including trends, opportunities and challenges.

Representing the global home of energy dialogue, the IEF focuses on energy security, data transparency and energy transition, uniting global energy ministers and stakeholders to advance global supply chains. Founded more than 30 years ago, the organization facilitates discussions between producing and consuming countries, offering a neutral and inclusive platform to address supply chain challenges. Alshirawi’s participation at AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 – Africa’s largest energy event – is expected to further strengthen these discussions as Africa’s role in global energy markets increasingly grows.

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

Alshirawi’s participation comes as Africa moves to promote Africa-centric energy policies, ones that center around the continent’s need to scale-up energy capacity while advancing a just energy transition. Given that over 600 million people currently lack access to electricity across the continent while 900 million people lack access to clean cooking solutions, many countries are advocating for a differentiated approach to the energy transition in Africa, one that prioritizes the development of low-carbon oil and gas. Organizations such as the IEF are uniquely positioned to facilitate energy dialogue, thereby enhancing a better understanding of Africa’s energy dynamics.

Beyond energy dialogue, the IEF provides a series of reports and data analysis, with insights supporting investments and decision-making by leading operators and financiers. In the IEF’s latest Comparative Analysis of Monthly Reports on the Oil Market, the organization offers a comparison of forecasted market trends by major organizations such as OPEC and the International Energy Agency (IEA). In its comparison, the IEF outlines that OPEC predictions show global oil demand rising 1.3 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2025, driven predominantly by increased consumption of transportation fuels. The 2026 forecast will see demand rise by a further 1.3 million bpd, sustained by rising demand for mobility and petrochemicals feedstocks. At the same time, the IEA projects global oil demand to rise by 0.7 million bpd in 2025 and 720,000 bpd in 2026. These discrepancies underscore the need to connect under one platform, with AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 emerging as a strategic forum in this regard.

AEW: Invest in African Energies unites stakeholders from the global and African energy landscapes to discuss strategies for accelerating investment and development in pursuit of enhanced energy security. As a continent rich with a variety of natural resources and offering significant untapped opportunities, Africa is well-positioned to play a more central role in global supply chains. Established markets such as Angola, Nigeria, the Republic of Congo and Libya are rapidly increasing oil and gas production, targeting new exploration frontiers and incremental production projects. Concurrently, emerging markets such as Namibia, Uganda, Ivory Coast, South Africa and Zimbabwe are all driving frontier exploration, with the aim of establishing themselves as future producers. In tandem with advancements in clean energy developments – from large-scale green hydrogen to integrated solar and wind – Africa offers significant opportunities across its entire energy sector and value chain.

Stepping into this picture, Alshirawi’s participation at AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 will strengthen Africa-global dialogue. His participation will not only seek to address challenges and opportunities across the global energy market but foster discussions around Africa’s unique strategy to scale-up energy and advance its transition.

“As Africa’s energy sector experiences rapid growth, a unique opportunity has emerged for operators, financiers and technology providers to capitalize on global demand and position the continent as a major supplier. Insights shared by the IEF have long-played an important part in de-risking investments in Africa and will continue supporting developments as companies unlock the full potential of the continent’s energy resources,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Media files

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South African university programmes to support black students aren’t working. What needs to be done

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Anthea Adams, Lecturer: Academic Staff Development, Rhodes University

Most universities and colleges have formal and informal programmes and initiatives to support student and staff development. Their goal is to create learning experiences that help students succeed academically. Typically, academic development practitioners design and run these programmes. They are usually academics themselves. To help students, they use tools like data analytics to design tutoring and mentoring programmes. For staff, development might include formal courses, webinars, workshops and seminars. Education researchers Anthea Adams, Sandra Williams, Patricia Muhuro and Charlene Van Wyk-Geduld reflect on their recent paper on academic development in South African higher education.

What is the role of academic development in South African higher education?

It started in the early 1980s when black students were first allowed to register at universities that had previously been reserved for white students.

After 1994 when South Africa became a democracy, the main aim of academic development was to help transform society by giving black students better opportunities to succeed at university.

Research on whether these efforts were making a difference in improving student learning, and our reflections, show a mismatch between what academic development is supposed to achieve and how it is being carried out in practice.

What is the mismatch between goals and practices?

Academic development has come a long way, mainly thanks to government support and funding. There is evidence of this in research and annual progress reports submitted to the Department of Higher Education and Training. This evidence clearly shows the positive impact of academic development efforts over the years.

But even with these strides, we can’t ignore a major concern: many black students drop out of university or do not progress with their studies as expected. This tells us that there’s a serious disconnect between what academic development aims to achieve and its actual practices.

One of the biggest red flags is the ongoing gap in graduation rates across different population groups. For example, the Council on Higher Education’s 2022 review of higher education highlighted that in 2018, white students were six percentage points more likely to complete their studies than black students.

Read more: Why South Africa’s universities are in the grip of a class struggle

What’s also worrying is that South African curricula and learning approaches are not yet relevant to diverse learning contexts. Students, academic staff and professional organisations like the Higher Education Learning and Teaching Association of Southern Africa have all said that academic development practices may not sufficiently address the academic realities of the majority of students.

What lessons can we learn?

We propose that academic development work should be based on research that can genuinely support all students’ success.

A number of scholars have argued that the quality of current research on academic development work contributes to the mismatch between its goals and actual practices. The research is not yet as theoretical, scholarly and critical as it needs to be to help us fully understand and improve academic development work.

This critique helps us understand why academic development research often feels limited to one specific context. This is particularly true of research that looks into why some students are dropping out or struggling to complete their studies.
This kind of research doesn’t offer insights that help practitioners and academics think more broadly about how to apply the findings in different learning contexts.

Valuable work is being done by both veteran and less experienced academic development practitioners. Their efforts have influenced academic development work as we know it today. But we should respond to the observation that most academic development work is still, in practice, limited to one context.

What is the way forward?

Less experienced academic development practitioners and scholars may find it daunting to produce research rich in theory. Therefore, we propose working together in communities of practice to build networks and benefit from reciprocal mentorship opportunities.

Mentors can be peers or seasoned academic development practitioners and researchers. They can help each other unpack what it means to produce rigorous research based on real-life teaching and learning contexts.

Working alongside each other and sharing knowledge and expertise can be fulfilling. It can also be the catalyst for building theory that will advance an understanding of academic development work. Opportunities to form peer networks help academics develop confidence and competence as teachers and scholars.

This kind of work can happen naturally as long as the context is supportive. However, we recognise opportunities for both formal and informal reciprocal mentoring relationships. This is based on our reflections on our teaching experiences and engagements in postgraduate diplomas in higher education.

Several scholars support the proposal for national directives to develop academics as university teachers and scholars. Professional development initiatives, such as postgraduate diplomas, can be conducive learning spaces where academics can engage in the scholarship of teaching and learning.

In other words, supported by experienced facilitators, academics can use research and evidence to interrogate how they teach and how students learn.

Professional development initiatives are not a panacea for the mismatch between academic development goals and actual practices. However, they can be a place where academics help each other to build theory in academic development. Only then, by working together, can academics respond to challenges casting a shadow on academic development work.

– South African university programmes to support black students aren’t working. What needs to be done
– https://theconversation.com/south-african-university-programmes-to-support-black-students-arent-working-what-needs-to-be-done-251954

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Qatar Hosts Signing of Declaration of Principles Between DRC, March 23 Movement

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, July 19, 2025

The State of Qatar hosted Saturday in Doha the signing ceremony of a Declaration of Principles between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement, in a step considered a significant development in efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability in the eastern region of Congo.

The signing of this declaration is the result of the diplomatic efforts made by the State of Qatar over the past months, during which it worked to create a favorable environment for constructive dialogue between both sides, in preparation for reaching a peaceful solution to the long-standing conflict in the region.

The signing ceremony was attended by official representatives of both parties, along with a high-level Qatari delegation.

The Declaration of Principles included mutual commitments between the two sides, in addition to a general framework paving the way for constructive negotiations aimed at reaching a comprehensive peace agreement.

In his speech on this occasion, HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi affirmed that this development reflects the State of Qatar’s belief in the importance of dialogue as a means for conflict resolution, and its keenness to support peaceful efforts aimed at ending the conflict in eastern Congo.

His Excellency also pointed to the State of Qatar’s commitment to supporting political solution tracks in coordination with the African Union, in complement to the progress achieved through the signing of the peace agreement between the governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda in Washington on June 27.

Negotiations are set to continue in the coming phase, with active participation from regional and international parties, in order to reach a final and comprehensive agreement that reinforces security and stability in the region.

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Reforestation : le gouvernement engage une stratégie de restauration du patrimoine forestier ivoirien

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


L’akpi, le teck, le tiama, l’assémela — une espèce protégée — et plusieurs autres plantes font partie des 50 000 plants cultivés dans l’une des deux pépinières de la direction régionale des Eaux et Forêts de l’Indénié-Djuablin. Une fois arrivés à maturité, ces plants seront distribués aux populations et mis en terre lors d’opérations de reboisement. « Dans l’année, nous produisons 200 000 plants dans nos pépinières. Nous voulons reboiser massivement la région », nous dit Tiegbé Diomandé, chef de service de reboisement à la direction régionale des Eaux et Forêts de l’Indénié-Djuablin.

Ces pépinières sont essentielles à la mise en œuvre de la stratégie de restauration du couvert forestier élaborée par le gouvernement.

La politique de restructuration du patrimoine forestier, adoptée en 2018, implique la préservation, la réhabilitation et l’extension des forêts existantes, avec un accent particulier sur le reboisement et la lutte contre la dégradation des forêts.

« Nous faisons de la sensibilisation et nous initions des missions de protection de nos forêts à travers des patrouilles inopinées dans la région », nous explique Colonel Charbel Gnago, directeur régional.

L’objectif principal est de faire passer la couverture forestière de 9,3 % en 2020 à 20 % d’ici à 2030, ce qui représente près de 3 millions d’hectares supplémentaires. Pour y parvenir, le gouvernement prévoit la plantation de 300 millions d’arbres sur l’ensemble du territoire.

En plus des actions de plantation d’arbres, la direction participe entre autres à la restauration des zones dégradées, à la promotion de l’agroforesterie, à la préservation des forêts sacrées, à la sensibilisation des communautés et à la répression des infractions liées à la forêt, à la faune et aux ressources en eau dans la région de l’Indénié-Djuablin.  

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

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La ville de Porto-Novo est prête à accueillir la 2ème édition du Festival des Masques les 2 et 3 août 2025

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le vendredi 18 juillet 2025, une conférence de presse organisée à Porto-Novo a permis de présenter la 2ème édition du Festival des Masques, qui se déroulera les 2 et 3 août 2025. Ce moment a été l’occasion de dévoiler la programmation et les ambitions de cette nouvelle édition en présence de Monsieur Babalola Jean-Michel H. ABIMBOLA, Ministre du Tourisme, de la Culture et des Arts, Monsieur Charlemagne YANKOTY, Maire de la ville de Porto-Novo, et Monsieur Sindé CHEKETE, Directeur Général de Bénin Tourisme.

Une célébration mémorable du patrimoine

Le Festival des Masques 2025 est bien plus qu’un simple événement festif. Il s’inscrit dans une démarche de valorisation de l’identité culturelle du Bénin, en intégrant des éléments de modernité tout en préservant les traditions. Cette nouvelle édition promet de célébrer avec force les masques sacrés et profanes provenant du Bénin, du Nigéria et de la Côte d’Ivoire. Le cœur de Porto-Novo se transformera en un lieu de fête, de transmission de savoirs et d’expression artistique. La programmation s’articule autour de moments forts tels que :

• La Grande procession des masques, prévue le 3 août à 16h, qui parcourra le Boulevard lagunaire et offrira une immersion spectaculaire dans l’univers des masques.

• Des animations sur cinq places de la ville : Lokossa, Migan, Abessan, Dangbé Klunon Honto et Houngbo.

• Deux concerts géants les 2 et 3 août, mettant en scène des artistes de renom tels que Sessimè, Fanicko, Zeynab, Queen Fumi, Don Metok, GG Lapino, Connex & Don, Aimée Hovinou, Fanny Sènan, Tgang, Ahovi Houessou, Pépé Oleka, Manzor, Nikanor et Gopal Das.

• Un colloque scientifique à l’École du Patrimoine Africain, sur le thème : « Ifá Ọ̀rúnmìlà : introduction à une épistémologie ».

• Un village du festival sur l’esplanade de l’Assemblée nationale, où seront proposées des animations interactives pour enfants, des ateliers de création (coloriage, maquillage, fabrication de masques), ainsi que des performances live.

Le Bénin, une destination culturelle en pleine transformation

Le Bénin est aujourd’hui une destination en pleine transformation, où les arts, la culture et le tourisme occupent une place centrale dans la stratégie de développement du pays. Le 11 juin 2025, le gouvernement béninois a adopté un Plan stratégique de développement 2025–2029, doté d’un budget ambitieux de 797,17 milliards FCFA (environ 1,4 milliard d’euros). Ce plan vise à faire du Bénin une destination touristique et culturelle de référence d’ici 2029. À travers le Festival des Masques, le Bénin continue de promouvoir sa marque pays, “Le Bénin, un Monde de Splendeurs”, en mettant en avant la diversité de son patrimoine culturel et artistique.

Le Bénin, le cœur battant du Vodun

Le Festival des Masques fait partie intégrante de la stratégie de valorisation du patrimoine Vodun du Bénin. En 2025, les Vodun Days ont réuni plus de 435 000 participants, soulignant l’engouement pour cette culture riche et vivante. Ces événements s’inscrivent dans la même dynamique que la Route des Couvents Vodun, un projet visant à recenser, valoriser et relier les principaux couvents Vodun à travers un itinéraire touristique immersif. De plus, le Bénin prépare l’ouverture à Porto-Novo du futur Musée international du Vodun, un projet majeur qui vise à promouvoir cet héritage spirituel à l’échelle mondiale.

Monsieur Babalola Jean-Michel H. ABIMBOLA, Ministre du Tourisme, de la Culture et des Arts, déclare : « Le succès de la 1ère édition du Festival des Masques a démontré l’intérêt profond du public pour notre patrimoine vivant et pour la richesse des traditions qui façonnent l’identité du Bénin. En 2025, cette 2ème édition marque une étape supplémentaire dans notre engagement à faire du Festival un rendez-vous incontournable de valorisation de nos arts et de nos cultures ».

Monsieur Charlemagne YANKOTY, Maire de la ville de Porto-Novo, indique : « Le Festival des Masques s’inscrit désormais pleinement dans le paysage culturel et identitaire de notre pays et singulièrement celui de Porto-Novo. Après une première édition réussie, cette nouvelle édition marque une étape importante dans notre engagement à faire de la ville un haut lieu de valorisation des traditions béninoises et du monde ».

Monsieur Sindé CHEKETE, Directeur Général de Bénin Tourisme, ajoute : « Le Festival des Masques est une vitrine exceptionnelle pour notre patrimoine vivant et une occasion unique de promouvoir le Bénin comme destination culturelle de premier plan. Cet événement, qui réunit des dizaines de milliers de festivaliers chaque année, participe activement à notre stratégie de développement touristique et à la valorisation de l’image de notre pays sur la scène internationale ».

À propos du Festival des Masques à Porto-Novo

Le Festival des Masques à Porto-Novo, remplaçant le Festival International de Porto-Novo, est un événement culturel annuel célébrant la richesse des traditions de masques du Bénin et d’autres cultures internationales. Se déroulant du 2 au 3 août 2025 dans la capitale du Bénin, ce festival propose une programmation variée incluant une Grande procession de masques, des animations de places, des concerts d’artistes renommés et un village du festival avec des stands d’artisanat et de gastronomie. L’événement abritera un colloque scientifique, en présence d’éminents professeurs béninois et internationaux. Le festival vise à promouvoir Porto-Novo comme une destination touristique de premier plan.

Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.

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Qatar Hosts Signing of Declaration of Principles Between Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), March 23 Movement

Source: APO


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The State of Qatar hosted Saturday in Doha the signing ceremony of a Declaration of Principles between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement, in a step considered a significant development in efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability in the eastern region of Congo.

The signing of this declaration is the result of the diplomatic efforts made by the State of Qatar over the past months, during which it worked to create a favorable environment for constructive dialogue between both sides, in preparation for reaching a peaceful solution to the long-standing conflict in the region.

The signing ceremony was attended by official representatives of both parties, along with a high-level Qatari delegation.

The Declaration of Principles included mutual commitments between the two sides, in addition to a general framework paving the way for constructive negotiations aimed at reaching a comprehensive peace agreement.

In his speech on this occasion, HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi affirmed that this development reflects the State of Qatar’s belief in the importance of dialogue as a means for conflict resolution, and its keenness to support peaceful efforts aimed at ending the conflict in eastern Congo.

His Excellency also pointed to the State of Qatar’s commitment to supporting political solution tracks in coordination with the African Union, in complement to the progress achieved through the signing of the peace agreement between the governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda in Washington on June 27.

Negotiations are set to continue in the coming phase, with active participation from regional and international parties, in order to reach a final and comprehensive agreement that reinforces security and stability in the region.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.

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State Minister Calls for Rigor and Responsibility in Economic Discourse at Ethiopian Economics Association (EEA) Conference

Source: APO


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State Minister of Finance, Dr. Eyob Tekalign, opened the 22nd International Conference on the Ethiopian Economy, organized by the Ethiopian Economics Association (EEA).

In his keynote address, Dr. Eyob praised the EEA for its consistent contribution to policy-relevant research over more than two decades, highlighting the Association’s role as a vital platform for evidence-based economic dialogue.

In his opening speech the state minister conveyed a strong message on the importance of professionalism, analytical rigor, and responsible communication in shaping the nation’s economic future.

The State Minister also outlined the progress Ethiopia has made under its ongoing macroeconomic reform program, noting significant gains in inflation control, export performance, debt sustainability, and tax revenue mobilization.

Beyond the macroeconomic achievements, Dr. Eyob shed light on a growing challenge in the public policy space: the need for clarity, integrity, and responsibility in economic analysis and communication.

“In recent months, we have witnessed how unclear communication or imprecise use of statistics, particularly around sensitive issues such as debt sustainability, can sow confusion and erode public confidence,” Dr. Eyob remarked. “In today’s fast-moving information environment, rigor and clarity are not optional—they are essential.”

He emphasized the EEA’s unique responsibility as a trusted and independent economic institution to uphold the highest standards of analysis and avoid sensationalism or politicized interpretations.

Dr. Eyob underscored the Ministry of Finance’s readiness to deepen collaboration with the EEA and other institutions that share a commitment to informed, evidence-based policymaking.

The annual international Conference on the Ethiopian Economy brings together leading economists, academics, policymakers, and practitioners to deliberate on key economic developments and policy directions.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Finance, Ethiopia.