Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO

For a group of young Seychellois, a visit to State House became a moment to be remembered, as the Twinkle Little Stars 2026 participants met President Dr Patrick Herminie during a courtesy call at State House on Tuesday.

The young participants, accompanied by Mr Bennet Accouche and members of the Twinkle Team, brought their youthful energy and enthusiasm to the Salon des Gouverneurs, where they had the opportunity to interact with the President and share a special moment with him.

President Herminie welcomed the children warmly and commended those behind the Twinkle Little Stars initiative for providing a platform that allows young people to build their confidence, discover their abilities and express their talents from an early age.

The President encouraged the participants to believe in themselves, remain focused on their education and continue developing their talents. He reminded them that every child has potential, and that the confidence and values they develop today can help shape the adults they become tomorrow.

The encounter also gave the children the chance to experience State House beyond what they may normally see or hear about, meeting the Head of State and engaging with him in an informal and welcoming setting.

A special moment during the courtesy call came when the young participants performed a song for President Herminie, filling the room with their voices and adding a personal touch to the visit.

Mr Bennet Accouche and the Twinkle Team expressed their appreciation for the opportunity afforded to the participants, with the engagement highlighting the importance of creating experiences that encourage children to grow in confidence and pursue their dreams.

For the Twinkle Little Stars 2026 participants, it was more than a courtesy call. It was a moment for little stars with big dreams to step into State House, share their talents and leave with a memory of their own.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

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Today, at Cairo International Airport, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and the First Lady Mrs. Entissar El-Sisi, received the President of the People’s Republic of China, President Xi Jinping, and his spouse, at the beginning of the Chinese President’s official visit to Egypt.

Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy stated that the reception ceremony was marked by warmth and hospitality in honor of Egypt’s distinguished guest. A group of children and youth participated in the reception, holding the flags of Egypt and China to greet the visiting President. Additionally, a crowd of Egyptian and Chinese citizens gathered to express feelings of friendship and welcome for President Xi Jinping, reflecting the depth of the historical ties between the two friendly peoples.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Source: APO

Assab, 1 September 2026 – The 65th anniversary of the beginning of the armed struggle for Eritrean independence was colorfully celebrated in the port city of Assab today.

The celebratory event, in which Ambassador Mohammed-Seid Mantai, Governor of the Southern Red Sea Region, and other dignitaries in the region took part, featured cultural and artistic performances depicting the significance of the day to the Eritrean people, as well as the immense sacrifices they made.

At the event, speeches were delivered highlighting how the armed struggle was launched in 1961 by a small number of courageous nationals who believed that it was based on a just cause, will eventually gain the full support of the Eritrean people, and will inspire many Eritrean youths to join it.

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

Source: APO

From 5 to 10 September 2026, UN Women Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Dr. Maxime Houinato, will be in Ziguinchor alongside Ms. Arlette Mvondo, UN Women Representative in Senegal. At a time when women’s and girls’ rights face growing setbacks across the region, this mission carries a clear ambition: to amplify women’s voices, strengthen their agency, and advance equality for the next generation.

Amplifying Women’s Voices in Peacebuilding

In Casamance, women have contributed for decades to dialogue, mediation, and social cohesion. But contributing to peace is not enough. Women must also have a meaningful influence on the decisions that sustain and consolidate it.

Dr. Maxime Houinato will meet women mediators and members of the Platform of Women for Peace in Casamance (PFPC). Discussions will focus on progress in the peace process, ongoing challenges, and women’s participation in local governance.

Strengthening Women’s Agency

The power to live free from violence. The power to make one’s own choices. The power to access resources, technologies, and markets. These freedoms are inseparable.

Dr. Houinato will take part in the launch of the Southern Network of Religious and Traditional Leaders, bringing together traditional, religious, and community leaders to promote the protection, empowerment, and participation of women and girls in economic, political, and social development.

At the Kuulimaaro Centre, he will participate in the handover of equipment provided through the KAARANGUÉ Project, funded by Global Affairs Canada. This initiative supports efforts to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls through an empowerment-focused approach. By strengthening services for women and girls affected by violence and harmful practices, the project contributes to improving access to essential support. The assistance provided to this shelter and care center for adolescent girls will help reduce barriers to first-response services, ensuring that survivors of violence and their children have access to a safe space offering health, justice, and socio-economic reintegration services.

In Nyassia, women’s agency is also built through economic empowerment. The Regional Director will meet women farmers supported through the PAF/AgriFeD Project (Support Programme for Women in Agriculture and Sustainable Development), funded by the Government of the Balearic Islands and implemented with the support of the NGO Dimbaya. The initiative helps women improve access to technology, digital tools, and markets.

“Equality is measured by women’s real power: the power to make their voices heard, to live free from violence, and to decide their own future. This is the ambition we are advancing in Casamance and across our region.”

Dr. Maxime Houinato, UN Women Regional Director for West and Central Africa

Defending Rights Today, Advancing Equality Tomorrow

West and Central Africa is one of the youngest regions in the world, with 64 per cent of its population under the age of 24. In Senegal, 75 per cent of the population is under 35. At a time when hard-won gains for women and girls are under threat, the next generation must be able to go further in achieving equality.

Ahead of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, Dr. Houinato will engage with young people in Ziguinchor and key stakeholders in the sports sector. During a para-sports event, he will highlight the inclusion of persons with disabilities while also promoting opportunities for girls and young women in sports.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women – Africa.

Source: APO

President Dr Patrick Herminie received the Letters of Credence of H.E. Mr. Saad Abdullah Alnofaia, Ambassador-designate of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of Seychelles, during an accreditation ceremony held this morning at State House.

Following the ceremony, President Herminie and Ambassador Alnofaia held discussions on the bilateral relations between Seychelles and Saudi Arabia, reaffirming the long-standing friendship between the two countries and their shared interest in further strengthening co-operation.

The discussions covered a wide range of areas of mutual interest, with particular emphasis on tourism, investment, trade, energy and development co-operation. President Herminie highlighted the opportunities for increased Saudi investment in Seychelles and encouraged greater engagement between investors and businesses from both countries.

Tourism was identified as an important area for further co-operation, with discussions focusing on opportunities to increase the number of Saudi visitors to Seychelles and strengthen tourism exchanges between the two countries. The President also highlighted the potential for enhanced connectivity to support tourism, business and people-to-people exchanges.

President Herminie expressed appreciation for the continued support provided by the Saudi Fund for Development towards Seychelles’ development priorities. The two sides also discussed ongoing bilateral agreements and the importance of advancing these instruments to create greater opportunities for co-operation.

Ambassador Alnofaia reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to strengthening relations with Seychelles and expressed his readiness to work closely with the Seychellois authorities during his tenure to advance areas of mutual interest.

Ambassador Alnofaia will be based at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Nairobi, Kenya, which will serve as his office, from where he will also be accredited to the Republic of Seychelles.

President Herminie wished Ambassador Alnofaia success in his diplomatic mission and expressed confidence that his tenure would contribute to further deepening the friendship and co-operation between Seychelles and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

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• IMF staff and the Senegalese authorities have reached a staff-level agreement on the key economic policies that could underpin a new Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement to support the authorities’ comprehensive economic reform program. The agreement is subject to IMF Executive Board approval.
• The authorities’ reform program aims to restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability, reduce fiscal and external vulnerabilities, increase social spending, and support sustainable, private sector-led growth.
• The authorities will implement measures to further strengthen public finances and enhance fiscal transparency, while improving the business environment and promoting financial inclusion.

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team led by Ms. Mercedes Vera Martin held discussions with the Senegalese authorities in Dakar between August 19 and September 1, 2026.

At the end of the mission, Ms. Vera Martin issued the following statement:

“The Senegalese authorities and IMF staff have reached a staff-level agreement on key economic policies that could underpin a 36-month arrangement under The Extended Credit Facility (ECF) of about US$2.2 billion (SDR 1,537.1 million, or 475 percent of quota) to support the authorities’ economic and financial reform program for 2026–29. The agreement remains subject to IMF Management and Executive Board approval, and it requires decisive corrective actions to support the authorities’ request for a waiver in the misreporting case prior to Executive Board approval. It also requires the receipt of the necessary financing assurances from Senegal’s partners. The IMF-supported program is expected to help catalyze financing from the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and other development partners.

“Senegal’s economy remained resilient, growing by 6.7 percent in 2025 as oil production entered its first full year, although non-hydrocarbon GDP growth eased to 2.2 percent. Inflation remained within the target range at 1.4 percent. In the first quarter of 2026, non-hydrocarbon GDP growth rebounded to 4.7 percent year-on-year, supported by strong private consumption.

“Key reforms under the IMF-supported program aim to restore the sustainability of public finances while protecting vulnerable households. The fiscal strategy focuses on strengthening domestic resource mobilization and streamline expenditure, while reinforcing social safety nets, particularly through targeted cash transfers.

“Structural reforms will underpin the fiscal strategy for sustainable consolidation. The authorities plan to adopt a medium-term revenue strategy in 2027 that will strengthen domestic revenue mobilization and help create space for priority spending. The authorities are also committed to enhancing fiscal governance, including through improved public debt management, stronger monitoring of domestic arrears, and improved oversight of state-owned enterprises. Reforms to improve the business environment and promote financial inclusion will help support private sector-led growth. In addition, the authorities have further announced their intention to seek a debt treatment to restore debt sustainability.

“Staff welcomes the authorities’ continued engagement and commitment to addressing the vulnerabilities revealed by the past misreporting. Further decisive action will be critical to resolving the misreporting issues and strengthening safeguards to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

During the visit, the IMF team met with His Excellency President of the Republic Mr. Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye; Prime Minister Mr. Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo; First President of the Cour des Comptes Mr. Abdoul Madjib Guèye; Minister of Economy, Finance and Planning Mr. Cheikh Diba; Minister-Delegate to the Minister of Economy, Finance and Plan in charge of the Budget Mr. Bassirou Sarr; Vice-Governor of the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) Mr. Mamadou Diop; and National Director of the BCEAO Mr. François Sène, as well as several senior officials. The team also held fruitful discussions with development partners, private sector and civil society representatives, and other stakeholder.

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

Source: APO – Report:

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The accreditation of Angola’s new non-resident Ambassador to Seychelles on Tuesday is opening a fresh chapter in nearly four decades of diplomatic relations, with President Dr Patrick Herminie calling for the longstanding friendship between the two countries to translate into stronger and more concrete cooperation.

Ambassador Domingos de Almeida da Silva Coelho formally presented his credentials to President Herminie at State House, marking the start of his tenure as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Angola to Seychelles.

With Seychelles and Angola approaching the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations, established on 7 November 1986, President Herminie said the accreditation presents an important opportunity to deepen the partnership and move from shared aspirations towards practical, high-level cooperation that delivers tangible benefits for the peoples of both countries.

Discussions following the accreditation focused on strengthening cooperation in trade and investment, tourism, agriculture, aviation, sports, fisheries, ocean governance, energy and information and communications technology.

President Herminie highlighted the General Cooperation Agreement and the Agreement on the Creation of a Bilateral Commission, signed in Seychelles in June 2021, as important mechanisms for advancing relations between the two countries.

He expressed Seychelles’ desire to revitalise the General Cooperation Agreement, particularly in trade, tourism and agriculture, while also calling for the Bilateral Commission to become operational. The President expressed hope that during Ambassador Coelho’s tenure, Seychelles and Angola can convene the inaugural session of the Commission and use it as a platform to advance high-level consultations and practical cooperation.

Air connectivity also featured prominently in the discussions.

President Herminie reiterated Seychelles’ interest in concluding a Bilateral Air Service Agreement with Angola, noting that reliable connectivity could strengthen commercial exchanges, tourism and people-to-people ties. The upcoming International Civil Aviation Organization conference in Montreal in November was identified as an opportunity to advance the agreement.

On tourism, President Herminie welcomed the existing partnership between Seychelles and Angola within the UN Tourism framework and recognised Angola’s ‘green oil’ strategy and progress in aviation. He called for both countries to build on this momentum through greater exchanges of expertise between their tourism sectors.

While acknowledging that bilateral trade remains modest, the President highlighted the significant untapped potential between the two markets. He called for greater use of regional and continental frameworks, including the African Continental Free Trade Area and the Southern African Development Community, to expand trade and investment opportunities and strengthen links between the Seychellois and Angolan business communities.

Sports was also identified as an area with potential for closer cooperation.

Recognising Angola’s experience as a sporting nation, President Herminie proposed formalising cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding in Sport and Youth. Such an arrangement could provide Seychellois athletes with opportunities for training exchanges.

Ambassador Coelho welcomed the opportunity to represent Angola in Seychelles and expressed his commitment to strengthening the relationship between the two countries during his tenure.

He highlighted the importance of giving greater momentum to existing areas of cooperation and exploring new opportunities that can bring the two countries and their peoples closer together. Ambassador Coelho also expressed Angola’s readiness to work with Seychelles to translate the existing bilateral frameworks into practical cooperation and deepen economic and technical exchanges.

Ambassador Coelho is a seasoned Angolan diplomat with more than three decades of experience in international relations, treaty negotiations and multilateral diplomacy. His career has included extensive experience in legal affairs, political negotiations and consular management across Africa, Europe and international organisations. He is also a former senior officer of the Angolan Armed Forces.

Ambassador Coelho, who is based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, was accompanied at State House by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mr Barry Faure, and officials from the m

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO – Report:

Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth has praised the outgoing Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Rt Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu  for what he described as a fearless and consistent voice on integrity and accountability.

Oboth who was speaking at a farewell service held in honour of Kaziimba Mugalu at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Tororo said that said that Archbishop’s willingness to speak on matters of character and accountability had gone beyond the pulpit to shape public leadership.

“For those entrusted with public responsibility, your firm moral voice has given us confidence to do what is right, even when it is difficult. You have reminded us that leadership is not simply about holding office but holding a trust on behalf of the people and ultimately before God,” Oboth said.

Tracing Kaziimba’s rise from a Sunday school teacher through the different leadership levels in the church, Oboth said the trajectory illustrated that humble beginnings do not limit what can be achieved through service.

The Speaker added that Kaziimba used his tenure to push the Church’s mission beyond the pulpit into education, health, livelihoods, social development and peacebuilding, while consistently anchoring his message in personal and public integrity.

“Do not stop holding our hands; keep speaking to our conscience, keep reminding us of the higher standard, keep encouraging leaders when the road becomes difficult, keep the message coming,” he said , adding that, ‘leadership is temporary but the consequences of how we use that responsibility can last for generations’.  

Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu called on the Christians to abandon divided and hypocritical hearts in favour of renewed togetherness. 

He said the nation cannot move past cycles of violence, including attacks on school children and internal conspiracies, without a collective conversion of the head, heart and hands.

The Archbishop used a football analogy from his playing days to caution against internal conflict within the church and political circles, recalling an incident in which a defender scored an own goal, which he likened to leaders who undermine their own communities.

“We don’t need to fight each other; the person you are hurting may help you someday and therefore, you should all know that we need each other,” he said.

The Archbishop also made a call for what he termed divine transplanting, in which God removes hearts of stone and replaces them with hearts of forgiveness.

“When God creates a new heart, it will change people who are in church and automatically everything will change,” he added.

– on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

Source: APO – Report:

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The 26th Meeting of the Sectoral Council on Legal and Judicial Affairs took place from 24th to 29th August, 2026 at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania, where EAC Partner States considered amendments to various Community legal instruments and provided legal input on matters relating to the Community.

The meeting was chaired by Hon. Dr. Sam Mayanja, Attorney General of the Republic of Uganda and attended by Attorneys General; Ministers of Justice; Deputy Attorneys General; Solicitors General; Permanent Secretaries; Undersecretaries; Senior Officials from the Partner States and staff of the Organs and Institutions of the Community.

The Attorneys General considered and provided legal input on various legal instruments prepared by the Community, including amendments to the EAC Elimination of Non-Tariff Barriers Act, the EAC Metrology Bill, Notification Procedures under the Common Market Protocol and various amendments to the EAC Customs Management Act, a flagship legislation of the Community.

The Attorneys General also considered amendments arising from the decisions of the 25th Summit of Heads of State on quorum for meetings of the Summit and the Organs and Institutions of the Community and other matters.

The Attorneys General agreed to meet again in November 2026 to finalise pending matters relating to the impact of the decision of the Summit on quorum and the decision-making frameworks of the Community.

– on behalf of East African Community (EAC).

Source: APO – Report:

A cultural show in connection with the 65th anniversary of the beginning of the armed struggle for independence was organized yesterday evening, 31 August, at Cinema Roma.

The program, organized in collaboration with the Commission of Culture and Sports and the National Holidays Coordinating Committee, featured cultural and artistic performances reflecting the profound significance of the day to the Eritrean people, the immense sacrifices paid for independence, and the victory achieved. It also featured songs, poems, and dramas depicting the unity and harmony of the Eritrean people.

The program was broadcast live on Eritrean Television.

In the same vein, nationals residing in Chicago and its environs in the United States celebrated the 65th anniversary of the beginning of the armed struggle for independence with patriotic zeal on 29 August.

The celebratory event was attended by a number of nationals of different ages and featured various programs reflecting Eritrean culture and values.

The participants said that the fact that the program was led by young people born outside their country added color to the event. They also said that national holidays are significantly contributing to the transmission of national history and identity to the younger generation, as well as giving impetus to national resilience.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.