Category: MIL-OSI

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La Banque Ouest Africaine de Développement (BOAD) et la Société Financière Internationale (SFI) annoncent la mise en place de prêts croisés Euros et en francs CFA d’Afrique de l’Ouest (EUR-XOF) pour renforcer le financement en devise locale en Afrique de l’Ouest

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Afin de renforcer le financement en devise locale, soutenir la croissance du secteur privé et favoriser la création d’emplois au sein de l’Union Économique et Monétaire Ouest-Africaine (UEMOA), la Banque Ouest Africaine de Développement (www.BOAD.org) et la Société Financière Internationale, membre du Groupe de la Banque mondiale, annoncent ce jour la signature de deux accords de prêts croisés pour un montant total pouvant atteindre 600 millions d’euros (EUR) libellé en euros et en francs CFA d’Afrique de l’Ouest (XOF).

Dans le cadre de ce partenariat, conclu en marge de l’Africa CEO Forum à Kigali, la SFI mettra à la disposition de la BOAD des ressources à long terme en euros afin de lui permettre d’accroître sa capacité d’intervention dans les secteurs de l’énergie, de l’agro-industrie, des transports, du développement urbain et des MPME dans la zone UEMOA, conformément à son Plan stratégique 2026–2030 « Djoliba… La Suite ». En contrepartie, la BOAD mettra à la disposition de la SFI un concours flexible en XOF destiné à soutenir des financements à long terme en devise locale, à coût compétitif, pour des projets à fort impact et créateurs d’emplois dans la région.

Cette opération d’envergure, structurée avec l’appui de GALITE, conseil en structuration de la BOAD, vise à institutionnaliser le financement en devise locale comme un pilier du développement régional en Afrique de l’Ouest.

« Cette transaction historique avec la BOAD représente la toute première ligne de financement croisée entre l’IFC et une institution de financement du développement et soutiendra l’expansion des prêts de la BOAD au secteur privé dans l’ensemble de l’UEMOA. Elle diversifiera également les sources de financement à long terme en monnaie locale de l’IFC à un coût compétitif, au bénéfice des projets tout en favorisant la croissance régionale et la création d’emplois. Elle souligne avant tout la force de notre partenariat et notre capacité commune à proposer des solutions financières efficaces et à grande échelle, en soutien aux ambitions de l’IFC pour 2030 », a déclaré Makhtar Diop, Directeur Général de l’IFC.

« Le renforcement de l’accès à des financements à long terme en devise locale constitue une priorité centrale du plan stratégique 2026-2030 « Djoliba… La Suite ». Notre collaboration avec la SFI renforce notre capacité à accompagner le secteur privé dans les huit pays membres de l’Union. Cette opération illustre notre ambition commune de renforcer la coopération entre institutions de financement du développement au service d’une croissance durable et inclusive en Afrique de l’Ouest », a déclaré Serge Ekué, Président de la BOAD.

Dans l’espace UEMOA, les financements bancaires restent majoritairement à court terme, ce qui limite la disponibilité de ressources de long terme nécessaires au financement des infrastructures et d’autres investissements structurants dans des secteurs clés. Dans la mesure où la plupart des emprunteurs du secteur privé génèrent leurs revenus en XOF, le financement en devise locale est essentiel pour atténuer le risque de change.

En optimisant la mobilisation des ressources, ce mécanisme croisé aligne les objectifs de long terme des deux institutions avec les besoins de financement de l’UEMOA. Il contribuera à approfondir les marchés locaux en renforçant le marché du XOF et en élargissant les sources de financement diversifiées et résilientes pour les entreprises ouest-africaines, tout en soutenant la résilience macroéconomique grâce à la préservation de la stabilité des réserves de change dans la région.

La SFI et la BOAD disposent d’un solide historique de collaboration dans l’espace UEMOA, notamment à travers des cofinancements dans des secteurs clés de croissance tels que le logement, le financement des MPME, le digital et les infrastructures.

Distribué par APO Group pour Banque Ouest Africaine de Développement (BOAD).

Contacts presse :
Pour la SFI
Abdoul Maiga
Responsable de la Communication Senior pour l’Afrique de l’Ouest
amaiga7@ifc.org
+1 202 967 8969

Pour la BOAD
Ndèye Bineta Delphine NDIAYE
Directrice de la Communication et des Relations Publiques
dndiaye@boad.org
+228 99 86 41 44

Suivez BOAD :
LinkedIn : @BOAD (https://apo-opa.co/4eQvohx)

A propos de la SFI : 
La SFI, membre du Groupe de la Banque mondiale, est la principale institution mondiale d’aide au développement dédiée exclusivement au secteur privé sur les marchés émergents. Elle intervient dans plus de 100 pays où elle met à contribution ses ressources financières, son savoir-faire technique et son influence pour développer des marchés porteurs et créer des opportunités dans les pays en développement. Au cours de l’exercice 2025, la SFI a affiché un montant record de 71,7 milliards $ d’engagements en faveur des entreprises privées et institutions financières dans les pays en développement, tirant parti des solutions du secteur privé et mobilisant les capitaux privés pour créer un monde sans pauvreté sur une planète où il fait bon vivre. Pour plus d’informations, rendez-vous sur le site www.IFC.org.

A propos de la BOAD :
La Banque Ouest Africaine de Développement (BOAD) est l’institution financière de développement commune aux pays membres de l’Union Economique et Monétaire Ouest Africaine (UEMOA). C’est un établissement public à caractère international qui a pour objet, conformément à l’article 2 de ses statuts, de promouvoir le développement équilibré de ses Etats membres et de favoriser l’intégration économique de l’Afrique de l’Ouest par le financement de projets prioritaires de développement. Elle est accréditée auprès des trois fonds de financement du climat (FEM, AF, GCF). Depuis 2009, la BOAD siège en tant qu’observateur à la CCNUCC et participe activement aux discussions sur l’élaboration d’un système international de financement du climat. Depuis janvier 2013, elle abrite le premier Centre Régional de Collaboration (CRC) sur le Mécanisme de Développement Propre (MDP), dont l’objectif est d’apporter un soutien direct aux gouvernements, aux ONG et au secteur privé dans l’identification et le développement de projets MDP. La Banque assure seule, depuis le 27 février 2025, la Présidence de l’International Development Finance Club (IDFC), qu’elle coprésidait depuis le 15 octobre 2023. Ce Club réunit 27 banques nationales, régionales et bilatérales de Développement du monde entier.

Pour plus d’informations, rendez-vous sur le site www.BOAD.org

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Eritrea: Seminar for female members of the Defense Forces

Source: APO


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Ms. Tekea Tesfamicael, President of the National Union of Eritrean Women, conducted a seminar for female members of the Eritrean Defense Forces focusing on the “Role of Eritrean Women in Resilience and Development.”

At the seminar, conducted today, 15 May, at Denden Camp, Ms. Tekea noted that the EPLF exerted strong efforts to realize equality through practice and carried out extensive awareness and organizational activities. As a result, the National Union of Eritrean Women was established in November 1979 during the armed struggle for Independence.

Ms. Tekea went on to say that, as a result of the opportunities created for women during the armed struggle for Independence, Eritrean women were able to receive political and vocational training and effectively participate in all sectors of the struggle, including as army commanders.

Noting that after Independence the Eritrean Government abolished and amended laws that harmed and discriminated against women and issued new equitable laws, Ms. Tekea said that these measures, combined with the values nurtured during the armed struggle, have created new opportunities for women.

Ms. Tekea also said that the union is exerting strong efforts to strengthen its organization inside the country and abroad, and called for reinforced efforts and greater participation of women.

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

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Guinea-Bissau takes another step toward a polio-free future

Source: APO


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Independent assessment recommends closure of the 2021 variant poliovirus type 2 outbreak, while calling for sustained immunization and surveillance. 

Guinea-Bissau has reached an important milestone in its continued commitment to a future free from polio. After being certified free of wild poliovirus in 2019 by the Africa Regional Commission for the Certification of poliomyelitis eradication (ARCC), the country has now received a recommendation for the formal closure of the variant poliovirus type 2 outbreak detected in 2021. 

The recommendation follows an independent assessment conducted by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative Outbreak Response Assessment team. After reviewing the country’s response, including population immunity, supplementary vaccination campaigns and surveillance, the team concluded that there is no evidence of continued transmission of the virus.

This is a significant public health achievement for Guinea-Bissau and an important step in protecting children from a preventable disease. It also reflects the commitment of health workers, communities, parents, caregivers, national health authorities and partners who contributed to the response.

Understanding the 2021 outbreak

On 14 October 2021, Guinea-Bissau was informed by the Institut Pasteur de Dakar, through WHO, of the isolation of variant poliovirus type 2 in four samples. These included three children affected by Acute Flaccid Paralysis and one contact of an AFP case. The cases were identified in the Autonomous Sector of Bissau and in Biombo region.

The Ministry of Public Health declared the outbreak a public health emergency event on 21 March 2022. In response, Guinea-Bissau organized two rounds of supplementary immunization activities from 27 to 30 April 2022 and from 22 to 25 June 2022, with technical and financial support from partners of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.

More than 600,000 children aged 0 to 59 months were vaccinated using the novel oral polio vaccine type 2. The response also included activities to strengthen population immunity, reinforce Acute Flaccid Paralysis surveillance, and expand environmental surveillance.

A collective response to protect every child

The response was carried out under the leadership of the Ministry of Public Health and with the engagement of a wide range of stakeholders, including health professionals, political, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, media, communities, parents and caregivers.

Reaching children across the country required not only vaccines, but also trust, communication and community engagement. These efforts were essential to ensure that families had access to reliable information and that children, including those in hard-to-reach and border areas, were not left behind.

Sustaining a polio-free future is also an equity commitment. Every child has the right to be protected from vaccine-preventable diseases, regardless of where they live, their family’s income, disability status, ethnicity, gender or access to health services.

Sustaining the gains

Although the recommended closure of the outbreak is a major achievement, continued vigilance remains essential. The Outbreak Response Assessment team will provide detailed technical recommendations to support Guinea-Bissau in sustaining population immunity, closing surveillance gaps and reducing the risk of future importations, including through strong cross-border initiatives.

WHO recognizes the leadership of the Ministry of Public Health, the dedication of health professionals, the trust of communities and the continued support of partners in achieving this important milestone. WHO reaffirms its commitment to supporting Guinea-Bissau in maintaining strong immunization systems, sensitive surveillance and a future free from polio.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Guinea-Bissau.

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International Monetary Fund (IMF) Staff Completes the 2026 Article IV Consultation and Reaches Staff-Level Agreement with Ghana on the Sixth Review under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement and on a 36-month Policy Coordination Instrument Request

Source: APO


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  • Ghana’s ECF-supported economic program has delivered substantial stabilization gains driven by strong reform efforts and significant progress in public debt restructuring, leading to sharply lower inflation, higher external buffers, improved confidence in the cedi, and marked debt sustainability gains.
  • As stability takes hold, IMF engagement is shifting beyond the ECF toward reform-focused PCI. Discussions combined the 2026 Article IV consultation, final ECF review, and negotiations on a 36-month non-financing Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI), focusing on a credible fiscal path, resilience building, and structural reforms.
  • Improvements in the debt trajectory created fiscal space to advance development objectives while preserving hard-won stabilization gains. This space is contingent on strong implementation of ambitious public financial management and structural reforms to mitigate risks associated with contingent liabilities.
  • Amid external uncertainty and elevated fiscal risks –notably from SOEs and ongoing quasi-fiscal activities, the PCI reform agenda will prioritize stronger safeguards, transparency, and accountability to entrench policy credibility, rebuild buffers, and create space for priority investment and development spending.

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team, led by Mr. Ruben Atoyan, visited Accra during April 29 – May 15, to discuss the 2026 Article IV consultation, the sixth and final review of the Extended Credit Facility (ECF), and the authorities’ request for a non-financing Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI). The team met with senior officials and a broad range of stakeholders.

At the end of the mission, Mr. Atoyan issued the following statement: 

“Ghana’s ECF-supported program has delivered substantial stabilization gains. Inflation has declined rapidly, international reserves have been rebuilt, and confidence in the cedi has improved. Fiscal performance has strengthened markedly, with the primary surplus overperforming the program target in 2025, while the public debt ratio declined sharply. Growth exceeded expectations in 2025, supported by broad-based activity, and the external position strengthened on the back of historically high gold export receipts. Program performance has remained broadly satisfactory, with quantitative targets mostly met, while structural reforms were implemented with delays. Going forward, sustaining the reform momentum is critical.”

“The global environment remains uncertain. While direct spillovers from the war in the Middle East have so far been limited, the impact of the war is expected to be transmitted through higher energy, food, and fertilizer prices. The volatile external environment underscores the importance of preserving prudent policies and strengthening resilience.

“The authorities have made significant progress in advancing domestic and external debt restructuring, contributing to an improved debt trajectory. Bilateral debt relief agreements have been reached with about half of official creditors under the G20 Common Framework, with steady progress continuing toward agreements with the remaining official and commercial creditors. The successful resumption of domestic T-bond issuance earlier this year signals a return of investor confidence. Maintaining prudent borrowing, implementing the IMF‑supported debt rollover strategy for 2027–28, and strengthening debt management and transparency would help secure durable market access.

“As macroeconomic stability takes hold, IMF engagement is pivoting from crisis stabilization to consolidation, with a focus to help sustain reform momentum and build resilience beyond the current ECF program. It is in this regard that the authorities and the IMF have also reached staff-level agreement on policies that will be supported by a non-financing 36-month PCI aimed at: (i) sustaining growth-friendly fiscal adjustment; (ii) safeguarding debt sustainability; (iii) strengthening fiscal transparency and governance, particularly for state-owned enterprises; (iv) enhancing the monetary and exchange-rate policy framework; (v) reinforcing financial sector stability; and (vi) supporting economic diversification and inclusive growth.

“Recent improvements in the debt trajectory have created carefully calibrated fiscal space under the PCI. This space will help Ghana address pressing development needs, promote youth employment, and strengthen social spending, while preserving the achievement of the legislated 45 percent of GDP debt anchor by 2034. Staff assess that lowering the primary surplus to 0.5 percent of GDP from 2027 would remain consistent with safeguarding debt sustainability, provided that further progress is made in strengthening public financial management, including in the areas of fiscal risk management, state-owned enterprise governance, and quasi-fiscal activities. 

“Maintaining a forward-looking, prudent monetary policy is instrumental to firmly anchoring inflation expectations. Efforts to ensure effective monetary policy transmission and confidence should focus on strengthening the central bank’s balance sheet. The losses associated with the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP) underscore the importance of increasing transparency and limiting quasi-fiscal activities that weaken the central bank’s balance sheet. Efforts to protect the Bank of Ghana’s balance sheet from DGPP-related quasi-fiscal risks and budget recognition of future costs would help enhance accountability and oversight. 

“Reinforcing financial sector stability remains a priority. Staff welcomed recent progress in strengthening banks’ recapitalization, unwinding temporary regulatory forbearance introduced during the debt exchange, and intensifying supervision and corrective actions for weaker institutions. Going forward, continued vigilance is essential to address the remaining vulnerabilities, including through effectively implementing reform and restructuring strategies for state-owned banks and specialized deposit-taking institutions, reducing high non-performing loans (NPLs), and supporting sustainable credit growth.

“Protecting public resources requires continued reform efforts in the energy and cocoa sectors. In the energy sector, priority should be given to tackling distribution and collection losses at the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), including by finalizing the private sector participation in distribution sector, enhancing payment discipline, clearing legacy arrears, and reducing generation costs. In the cocoa sector, recent interventions have provided some relief, but deeper reforms are needed to address longstanding vulnerabilities. Priority should be given to strengthening the legislative framework to streamline costs, including through more frequent farmgate price adjustments, improve efficiency, and ensure Cocobod’s long-term financial sustainability.

“Eliminating gaps in the anti‑corruption framework would strengthen Ghana’s governance record and support investor confidence. A meaningful public disclosure of standardized asset declarations, subject to appropriate privacy safeguards, would be a key step in this direction.  

“The IMF staff team commends the resilience and determination of the Ghanaian people and thanks the authorities for their constructive engagement and candid policy discussions. Avoiding past policy slippages—including recurring cycles of fiscal imbalances, rising debt, weak buffers, and reform reversals—will be critical to safeguarding the hard-earned success. Sustaining a prudent policy mix and accelerating structural reforms remain essential to strengthen resilience, build confidence, and support inclusive, private-sector-led growth. To entrench stability and support stronger, more inclusive growth and job creation, post-ECF policies should be anchored in a robust institutional framework and sustained reform implementation.”

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

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Deputy President Mashatile to attend the funeral of former President of Botswana

Source: President of South Africa –

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Saturday, 16 May 2026, on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Government and the people of South Africa,  attend the State Funeral of the late former President of the Republic of Botswana, His Excellency Festus Gontebanye Mogae.

Former President Mogae passed away last week at the age of 86. 

President Ramaphosa has conveyed his condolences on behalf of South Africa to former First Lady Her Excellency Mrs Barbara Gemma Mogae,  the bereaved family, President Duma Gideon Boko and the people of Botswana.

Details of the funeral are as follows:
Date: Saturday, 16 May 2026
Time: 05h00
Venue: University of Botswana, Gaborone.

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 8840

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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Deputy Minister in The Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli to Address Seventh-day Adventist Community Day at Maragon Mooikloof

Source: President of South Africa –

The Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli will on Saturday, 16 May 2026, deliver an address at the Seventh-day Adventist Community Day to be held at Maragon Mooikloof in Pretoria.

The Community Day will bring together learners, parents, educators, faith leaders and members of the broader community to reflect on the role of young people in shaping South Africa.

The details of the event are as follows:

Date: Saturday, 16 May 2026
Time: 09:00
Venue: Maragon Mooikloof, Pretoria East

Media enquiries: Mandisa Mbele, MandisaM@Presidency.gov.za  082 580 2213

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Goma : la Mission de l’Organisation des Nations Unies pour la stabilisation en République Démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO) et la Protection civile maîtrisent un incendie à Mabanga Sud

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Une dizaine de maisons sont parties en fumée ce jeudi 14 mai 2026 au quartier Mabanga Sud, situé dans la commune de Karisimbi à Goma, à la suite d’un incendie dont l’origine reste encore inconnue.

Grâce à l’intervention rapide et coordonnée des équipes de la section anti-incendie de la MONUSCO et de la Protection civile de la ville de Goma, le feu a pu être maîtrisé avant qu’il ne se propage davantage dans d’autres maisons d’habitation.

Aucun mort n’a été enregistré mais des dégâts matériels ont été signalés.

Nzadi Vikailwira, chef du quartier Mabanga Sud, salue la rapidité d’intervention des équipes de la MONUSCO et de la Protection civile, qui sont venues à temps maîtriser le feu, évitant ainsi une grande propagation.

« C’était vers 12h30 que nous avons reçu l’appel qu’il y avait un cas d’incendie. Heureusement, la section anti-incendie de la MONUSCO et la Protection civile de la ville sont venues intervenir à temps, sinon il y aurait eu une grande propagation vue l’ampleur du feu. Nous ne connaissons jusque-là pas le motif de cet incendie. Grâce à l’appui de la MONUSCO et de la Protection civile, gloire à Dieu, il n’y a pas eu de dégâts humains », déclare-t-il.

Le chef du quartier Mabanga-Sud s’est toutefois réjoui qu’aucune perte humaine n’ait été enregistrée grâce aux efforts conjoints des équipes de secours.

Ce dernier lance également un appel à la jeunesse de Goma afin de faciliter le travail des services de secours lors des interventions d’urgence. Il a regretté que certaines équipes soient parfois exposées à des jets de pierres au cours de leurs opérations.

« Lorsque le feu commence à se propager et que les services de secours ne sont pas informés immédiatement, cela peut prendre du temps avant qu’ils n’arrivent sur les lieux. La population, en particulier les jeunes, doit comprendre cela et éviter d’attaquer ces services qui viennent sauver des vies et limiter les dégâts », a-t-il insisté.

La ville de Goma enregistre souvent des cas d’incendies, notamment parce que plusieurs habitations sont construites en planches et dans des zones très rapprochées, favorisant ainsi une propagation rapide du feu en cas de sinistre.

La ville de Goma est régulièrement confrontée à des cas d’incendies, en raison notamment de la forte concentration des habitations et la construction des maisons en planches, favorisant une propagation rapide du feu.

A travers cette intervention, la MONUSCO réaffirme son engagement à accompagner les autorités locales et à soutenir les populations civiles dans les situations d’urgence. Grâce à ses capacités de réponse rapide et à la mobilisation de ses équipes spécialisées, la Mission continue d’apporter une assistance aux communautés affectées, contribuant ainsi à la protection des civils et à la réduction des risques humanitaires dans la ville de Goma, régulièrement confrontée à des cas d’incendies.

Distribué par APO Group pour Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).

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Centre africain de contrôle et de prévention des maladies (Africa CDC) convoque une réunion régionale d’urgence de coordination suite à l’épidémie de maladie à virus Ebola dans la province de l’Ituri, République Démocratique du Congo (RDC)

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Centre africain de contrôle et de prévention des maladies (Africa CDC) (https://AfricaCDC.org) suit de près l’épidémie confirmée de maladie à virus Ebola dans la province de l’Ituri, en République Démocratique du Congo, et travaille avec les autorités nationales et les partenaires afin de soutenir une réponse rapide et coordonnée.

À la suite des consultations avec le Ministère de la Santé et l’Institut National de Santé Publique de la République Démocratique du Congo, les résultats préliminaires des analyses de laboratoire réalisées par l’Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB) ont détecté le virus Ebola dans 13 des 20 échantillons testés. Les résultats suggèrent un ebolavirus non-Zaïre, tandis que le séquençage est en cours afin de mieux caractériser la souche. Les résultats sont attendus dans les prochaines 24 heures avec l’appui d’Africa CDC.

Selon les dernières informations disponibles, environ 246 cas suspects et 65 décès ont été rapportés, principalement dans les zones de santé de Mongwalu et Rwampara. Quatre décès ont été signalés parmi les cas confirmés en laboratoire. Des cas suspects ont également été signalés à Bunia, en attente de confirmation.

Africa CDC est préoccupé par le risque élevé de propagation supplémentaire en raison du contexte urbain de Bunia et Rwampara, des mouvements intenses de populations, de la mobilité liée aux activités minières à Mongwalu, de l’insécurité dans les zones affectées, des lacunes dans l’identification des contacts, des défis liés à la prévention et au contrôle des infections, ainsi que de la proximité des zones affectées avec l’Ouganda et le Sud Soudan.

En réponse, Africa CDC convoque une réunion urgente de haut niveau de coordination dans l’après-midi du 15 mai 2026 avec les autorités sanitaires de la République Démocratique du Congo, de l’Ouganda et du Soudan du Sud, ainsi qu’avec des partenaires clés, notamment l’Organisation mondiale de la Santé, l’UNICEF, le PAM, le US CDC, le European CDC, le China CDC, l’Agence de santé publique du Canada, Gilead Sciences, Merck & Co., Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Roche, Abbott Laboratories, Cepheid, BioNTech, Moderna, Evotec Biologics, CEPI, Gavi, Médecins Sans Frontières, laFédération internationale des sociétés de la Croix-Rouge et du CroissantRouge (IFRC), la Banque mondiale, la Banque africaine de développement, Afreximbank, la Fondation Gates, le Wellcome Trust, ainsi que d’autres partenaires de la réponse.

La réunion se concentrera sur les priorités immédiates de la réponse, notamment la coordination transfrontalière, la surveillance, l’appui aux laboratoires, la prévention et le contrôle des infections, la communication sur les risques, les enterrements dignes et sécurisés, ainsi que la mobilisation des ressources. « Africa CDC se tient aux côtés du Gouvernement et du peuple de la République Démocratique du Congo dans leur réponse à cette épidémie »,a déclaré S.E. Dr Jean Kaseya, Directeur général d’Africa CDC. « Compte tenu des mouvements importants de populations entre les zones affectées et les pays voisins, une coordination régionale rapide est essentielle. Nous travaillons avec la RDC, l’Ouganda, le Sud Soudan et les partenaires afin de renforcer la surveillance, la préparation et la réponse, et de contribuer à contenir l’épidémie le plus rapidement possible. »

Africa CDC prépare un appui à travers plusieurs piliers clés de la réponse, notamment la coordination via les mécanismes des centres d’opérations d’urgence, la surveillance digitale et la gestion des données, la collaboration transfrontalière, la coordination des laboratoires, la prévention et le contrôle des infections, la communication des risques et l’engagement communautaire. Africa CDC travaillera également avec les partenaires afin d’évaluer la disponibilité et l’adéquation des contremesures médicales une fois que les résultats du séquençage auront  confirmé l’espèce exacte d’ebolavirus.

La maladie à virus Ebola est une maladie grave et souvent mortelle. Elle se transmet par contact direct avec les fluides corporels des personnes  infectées, les matériaux contaminés ou les personnes décédées de la maladie. La détection précoce, l’isolement rapide et la prise en charge des cas, la recherche des contacts, la prévention et le contrôle des infections, l’engagement communautaire ainsi que les enterrements dignes et sécurisés sont essentiels pour interrompre la transmission. L’OMS décrit Ebola comme une maladie se transmettant par contact direct avec les fluides corporels et les surfaces ou matériaux contaminés.

Africa CDC appelle les communautés des zones affectées et à risque àsuivre les recommandations des autorités sanitaires nationales, signaler  rapidement tout symptôme, éviter tout contact direct avec les cas suspects et soutenir les équipes de réponse qui travaillent à protéger les communautés. Africa CDC continuera de fournir des mises à jour au fur et à mesure que de nouvelles informations seront disponibles et que les résultats du séquençage seront finalisés.

Distribué par APO Group pour Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

À propos de la maladie à virus Ebola :
La maladie à virus Ebola est une affection grave et souvent mortelle. Elle se transmet par contact direct avec les liquides biologiques des personnes infectées, des objets ou matériaux contaminés, ou des personnes décédées de la maladie. La détection précoce, l’isolement rapide et la prise en charge des cas, le traçage des contacts, la prévention et le contrôle des infections, l’engagement Communautaire ainsi que les enterrements sûrs et dignes sont essentiels pour interrompre la transmission. L’OMS décrit Ebola comme une maladie se propageant par contact direct avec les liquides biologiques ainsi que les surfaces ou matériaux contaminés

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Call for Urgent Regional Coordination Meeting Following Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak in Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Source: APO

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) (https://AfricaCDC.org) is closely monitoring the confirmed Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in Ituri province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and is working with national authorities and partners to support a rapid, coordinated response.

Following consultations with the DRC’s Ministry of Health and National Public Health Institute, preliminary laboratory results from the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB) have detected Ebola virusin 13 of 20 samples tested. The results suggest a non-Zaire ebolavirus, with sequencing ongoing to further characterise the strain. Results are expected within the next 24 hours with support from Africa CDC.

As of the latest update, about 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths have been reported, mainly in Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones. Four deaths have been reported among laboratory-confirmed cases. Suspected cases have also been reported in Bunia, pending confirmation.

Africa CDC is concerned about the risk of further spread due to the urban context of Bunia and Rwampara, intense population movement, mining-related mobility in Mongwalu, insecurity in affected areas, gaps in contact listing, infection prevention and control challenges, and the proximity of affected areas to Uganda and South Sudan.

In response, Africa CDC is convening an urgent high-level coordination meeting today, 15 May 2026, with health authorities from the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, together with key partners including the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the United States CDC, the European CDC, China CDC, the Public Health Agency of Canada, Gilead Sciences, Merck & Co., Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Roche, Abbott Laboratories, Cepheid, BioNTech, Moderna, Evotec Biologics, CEPI, Gavi, Médecins Sans Frontières, IFRC, the World Bank, the African Development Bank, Afreximbank, the Gates Foundation, the Wellcome Trust, and other partners.

The meeting will focus on immediate response priorities, cross-border coordination, surveillance, laboratory support, infection prevention and control, risk communication, safe and dignified burials, and resource mobilisation.

“Africa CDC stands in solidarity with the Government and people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as they respond to this outbreak,” said H.E. Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC. “Given the high population movement between affected areas and neighbouring countries, rapid regional coordination is essential. We are working with DRC, Uganda, South Sudan and partners to strengthen surveillance, preparedness and response, and to help contain the outbreak as quickly as possible.”

Africa CDC is preparing support across key response pillars, including coordination through emergency operations mechanisms, digital surveillance and data management, cross-border preparedness, laboratory coordination, infection prevention and control, risk communication and community engagement. In addition, Africa CDC will work with partners to assess the availability and appropriateness of medical countermeasures once sequencing results confirm the exact ebolavirus species.

Africa CDC is urging communities in affected and at-risk areas to follow guidance from national health authorities, report symptoms promptly, avoid direct contact with suspected cases, and support response teams working to protect communities. Additional information will be provided as they become available and as sequencing results are finalised.

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

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About Ebola Virus Disease: 
Ebola Virus Disease is a severe and often fatal illness. It spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected persons, contaminated materials, or persons who have died from the disease. Early detection, prompt isolation and care, contact tracing, infection prevention and control, community engagement, and safe and dignified burials are critical to stopping transmission. WHO describes Ebola as spreading through direct contact with bodily fluids and contaminated surfaces or materials.

About Africa CDC: 
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is the public health agency of the African Union. As an autonomous institution, Africa CDC supports AU Member States to strengthen health systems, improve disease surveillance, and enhance emergency preparedness and response. For more information, visit: http://www.AfricaCDC.org

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Gauteng Finance MEC outlines way forward for development

Source: Government of South Africa

Gauteng Finance MEC outlines way forward for development

Gauteng Finance MEC Nkululeko Dunga has unveiled a comprehensive roadmap to stabilise the province’s R179.2 billion budget for the 2026/27 financial year.

The MEC held a media briefing this week on the state of the province’s finances and a programme of action in this regard.

Dunga warned that the provincial fiscus “does not exist in isolation” and must navigate a global landscape marked by geopolitical instability and rising costs.

“These global developments have direct implications for the people of Gauteng. Rising fuel prices increase the cost of public transport, food, logistics, construction materials and electricity generation, placing further pressure on working-class households and the provincial fiscus itself.

“At the domestic level, South Africa’s economy remains under severe strain. The South African Reserve Bank estimates that the economy grew by only 1.1% in 2025, which remains far below the levels required to fundamentally transform the economy, absorb unemployment and expand the tax base of the State.

“At the same time, unemployment continues to deepen,” he noted.

On the back of this, the MEC emphasised a shift toward radical transparency and accountability in managing public funds.

“It is important that, from the onset, we state clearly that we will not mislead the people of Gauteng about the state of provincial finances and the challenges before us. As Amílcar Cabral once reminded revolutionaries, we must ‘tell no lies and claim no easy victories’. That principle must guide public finance management in Gauteng,” he said.

Setting priorities

A major priority for the Provincial Treasury is the eradication of “accruals”, unpaid invoices that stifle small businesses.

As of March 2026, provincial accruals stood at R9.3 billion, with nearly half exceeding the 30-day payment legislated timeframe.

“The direct consequence of this situation is collapsing businesses, job losses, weakening local economic activity and declining confidence in the state’s ability to honour its obligations on time.

“The reality is that some departments have effectively normalised operating beyond their financial capacity through over-commitments, delayed invoice processing, poor contract management and weak expenditure controls.

“We are therefore undertaking an urgent province-wide assessment of accruals, unpaid invoices, rollover requests and expenditure commitments, together with strengthened intervention measures aimed at restoring payment discipline, improving financial controls and ensuring that service providers are paid within legislated timeframes,” he said.

Turning to the state of municipalities in the province, Dunga warned that this remains one of the most “serious risks” to the province’s finances and its developmental trajectory.

He noted that as at the end of the last financial year, the province’s municipalities collectively reported outstanding debtors amounting to approximately R173.3 billion.

“Municipalities continue to confront declining revenue collection, escalating creditor obligations, collapsing infrastructure maintenance, weak governance systems and persistent failures in financial reporting and compliance.

“At the same time, municipalities reported outstanding creditors of approximately R34.3 billion, although the actual figure is likely far higher due to the under-reporting of debt owed to Eskom and Rand Water. Municipalities collectively under-reported debt owed to Eskom by approximately R12.7 billion and debt owed to Rand Water by approximately R2.7 billion. Several municipalities continue operating with unfunded or structurally weak budgets whilst infrastructure deteriorates and service delivery declines,” he said.

In response to these mounting pressures, Dunga presented a programme of action to strengthen State capacity. This includes:

  • Stabilisation of provincial finances, including urgent intervention on accruals, unpaid invoices, rollover requests, conditional grants, expenditure pressures and recurring audit findings across departments and entities;
  • Intensified intervention measures through MFMA Sections 138 and 140 financial health assessments, which are aimed at identifying municipalities experiencing financial problems;
  • Expanding the provincial artisanal training programme as part of rebuilding internal technical capacity within government;
  • Intensify interventions aimed at addressing deteriorating provincial infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, clinics, roads, government buildings and public facilities, together with all other departments;
  • Engage on the strengthening and possible full-time integration of the traffic wardens, affectionately known as Amapanyapanya, as part of broader interventions aimed at combating crime

“The programme of action… will not be implemented in isolation by Gauteng Provincial Treasury alone. Its implementation will take place through continuous consultation, coordination and engagement with provincial departments, municipalities, entities and stakeholders under the leadership of the Premier of Gauteng. We are not going to work in silos.

“[Despite] these pressures, we remain committed to strengthening governance, rebuilding institutional capacity, improving oversight, eliminating leakages and ensuring that every available public resource is utilised more effectively, transparently and in a manner that delivers visible developmental outcomes. 

“The success of public finance management will ultimately not be measured by accounting processes alone, but by whether communities experience improvements in schools, clinics, roads, housing, transport, municipal services, public safety and broader living conditions across Gauteng,” Dunga concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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