Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO – Report:

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Dr. Patrick Herminie, President of Republic of Seychelles, delivered his maiden address before the National Assembly on Friday evening, presenting a focused agenda aimed at strengthening governance, supporting social development, and ensuring more inclusive economic growth. The event was attended by the First Lady Mrs. Veronique Herminie, Vice-President Sebastien Pillay, Cabinet of Ministers, the judiciary, members of the Diplomatic corps, and other high-level officials.

In his remarks, President Herminie reaffirmed his government’s commitment to reinforcing democratic institutions and ensuring the National Assembly has the independence and resources necessary to carry out its oversight role effectively. He also announced that several constitutional amendments will soon be tabled to enhance impartiality, accountability, and fair representation across state institutions.

President Herminie outlined measures to ease the cost of living and improve welfare, including the reintroduction of the Long Service Allowance and an unconditional 13th month salary for public sector employees and support for small businesses will be strengthened.

Gratuity benefits will be increased based on years of service. Students from Praslin and La Digue enrolled in professional programmes on Mahé will receive a one-off allowance from 2026, and the Unemployment Relief Scheme will be reinstated to offer guidance, training opportunities, and financial support for jobseekers, particularly young people. The Department of Poverty Alleviation will be revived, the national housing repair budget doubled, and a living wage introduced in 2026.

Key economic and social security reforms include the removal of the Environmental Sustainability Levy for visitors staying in small establishments, the reduction of the retirement age from sixty-five to sixty-three, and an increase in monthly Social Security retirement benefits from January 2026. The government has also secured a significant share in Nouvobanq, with the proceeds directed toward strengthening the Seychelles Pension Fund.

The President also announced that a stop notice has been issued to halt the hotel construction project on Assumption Island, effective Thursday, 13th November 2025. To promote accountability and transparency, the President further announced the establishment of a new commissions of inquiry, including one led by former Chief Justice Mathilda Twomey to examine the Assumption Island development. Other inquiries will address past incidents and institutional concerns.

The Seychelles News Agency will be re-established to support access to information, while new legislation will require all politicians and their immediate families to declare their assets. A Fair Administrative Act will further ensure equality and eliminate favouritism in public administration.

Recognising national challenges in mental health and drug abuse, the government will establish a Mental Health Authority and reinstate the Agency for the Prevention of Drug Abuse and Rehabilitation (APDAR), with intensified anti-drug operations targeting maritime trafficking.

President Herminie concluded by calling for unity and collective responsibility, emphasizing his vision of a Seychelles that serves the interests of all its people and commits to governing with humility, courage, and integrity.

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO – Report:

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of educator, diplomat and business leader Dr Franklin Sonn who contributed significantly to different sectors of society and the economy.

Dr Sonn, an Esteemed Member of the National Order of the Baobab and recipient of numerous international honours, has passed away at the age of 86.

President Ramaphosa offers his condolences to Mrs Joan Sonn and children Crispin and Heather, as well the extended families and Dr Sonn’s associates nationally and internationally.

Dr Sonn, who served as the democratic South Africa’s first Ambassador to the United States, distinguished himself in leadership roles in education, politics, and business. 

He began his career as a teacher and became principal of Spes Bona High School in Athlone, Cape Town.

He was President of the Cape Teachers’ Professional Association before his appointment as Rector of the then Peninsula Technikon in Cape Town, a post he held until his diplomatic posting.

Dr Sonn was an anti-apartheid campaigner and pioneering champion of broad-based economic empowerment, who exercised his vision for a just South Africa as a board member in significant corporate businesses and as a co-founder of large black-owned enterprises.

President Ramaphosa said: “I join the Sonns and Franklin’s diverse friends and associates in mourning the loss of a leader whose life exemplified the essence of the Order of the Baobab.

Franklin Sonn inspired the young lives entrusted to him in his early career as a teacher. He provided similar inspiration to the teachers he mobilised in the Cape Teachers’ Professional Association at a time when all sectors were mobilised against apartheid.

We remember him as an advocate and activist for the accelerated transformation of our country after the end of apartheid and the upliftment of historically marginalised communities.

He fought for equality and development in all his endeavours, which included philanthropic work alongside Joan Sonn. Together, they endowed Crispin and Heather with leadership abilities that have created an intergenerational legacy.

Franklin Sonn played a great part in our history that lives on in our present and we owe him our commitment to keep building the society he envisioned.

May his soul rest in peace.”

– on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Source: APO – Report:

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His Majesty King Mohammed VI has sent a message of congratulations to the President of the State of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas, on his country’s national day.

In this message, the Sovereign expresses to President Mahmoud Abbas His warmest congratulations and His best wishes of health and well-being, wishing for the brotherly Palestinian people to achieve their aspirations of peace, security and prosperity.

On this occasion, His Majesty the King expresses His great pride in the brotherly, deep and historic ties between the two brotherly countries and peoples, founded on mutual esteem, fruitful cooperation and acting solidarity, reiterating the Kingdom of Morocco’s continuous support for the legitimate rights of the brotherly Palestinian people, foremost among which is their right to establish an independent state on the 1967 borders with Al-Quds East as capital, on the basis of the internationally agreed two-state solution.

– on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.

Source: APO – Report:

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International Diabetes Day was commemorated at national level in the city of Mendefera on 14 November, under the theme “Diabetes and Well-being at Work.”

Speaking at the event that featured public and student participation as well as awareness-raising and artistic programs, Dr. Goitom Mebrahtu, Chairman of the National Association of Diabetes Patients, said that adopting a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity are crucial in preventing non-communicable diseases, particularly diabetes.

Noting that over half a billion people worldwide are currently living with diabetes, including about 100,000 in Eritrea, Dr. Goitom indicated that unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity remain the primary causes for the increasing prevalence of the disease.

Dr. Amanuel Mihreteab, Head of the Ministry of Health branch in the Southern Region, stated that 72% of deaths in the region are caused by non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. He further noted that diabetes is a dangerous condition that gradually damages vital organs and called for strengthened awareness and preventive efforts.

Mr. Welday Gebre, Chairman of the Southern Region Council, and Ms. Amete Negusse, Secretary of the PFDJ, underlined the significant role of continuous public education in preventing the disease and its complications. They called for reinforced and organized campaigns to enhance public awareness.

Finally, Mr. Kalab Tesfaselassie, Director General of the Social Services Department, said that diabetes is not only a health concern but also a factor that negatively affects citizens’ productivity. He affirmed that the regional administration will contribute to efforts aimed at behavioral change and the elimination of harmful habits that expose individuals to the disease.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.